From Kurdistan to the Camera: The Story of Alex Darbrule
I’m Alex Darbrule — a content creator, marketing specialist, and entrepreneur — but above all, I’m someone who’s been figuring things out step by step, just like you.
🇹🇯 Born in Slemani, Raised in Survival
I was born in the city of Slemani, South Kurdistan, in a time of crisis. Just six months into my life, we were forced to flee Saddam Hussein’s regime, escaping into Iran. From there, we made our way to London, seeking asylum and a fresh start.
Growing up in London as a Kurdish refugee was tough. There weren’t many of us here to show the way, and my parents didn’t speak English. We had very little money and lived in some of the tougher parts of the city. But despite everything, our parents always pushed us to take education seriously — they believed that if we worked hard, we could break through.
🎓 The Rebel Who Turned Things Around
In school, I was... let’s just say energetic. I got into a fair bit of trouble growing up. But as I got older, something clicked. I found focus and earned a Business Studies and Marketing degree, finishing with a 2.1. That degree opened doors — but instead of staying in the UK, I went back to the place that never left my heart: Kurdistan.
🧠 Building an Empire of Ideas
Back in Slemani, I founded Indigo — an advertising agency that changed the game. We handled TV media, then expanded into billboard advertising, becoming the first agency to place ads in city bus stops. We even secured government tenders for the most sought-after billboard locations in the city.
For ten years, Indigo thrived. But after a decade of hustle, I was craving something new — something with purpose.
🌱 A Vision for Kurdistan’s Soil
I turned my focus to agriculture, driven by a dream of helping Kurdistan become more self-sufficient. I built a composting facility to recycle organic waste and turn it into natural fertilizer. It was almost ready to launch when my personal life shifted again.
With a growing family and two young kids, I made the tough decision to move back to the UK so they could benefit from the British education system.
📸 Rebuilding from Scratch in the UK
Thanks to what I’d earned in Kurdistan, I was able to take time to reset and explore. I opened a film and photography studio, where I got my first taste of social media content creation.
Though the studio later closed — and yes, I lost a good chunk of money — that period ignited something new in me.
🧲 Magnet Fishing, Mystery & Making Things by Hand
I now create content that’s rooted in hobbies, curiosity, and hands-on creativity. I go magnet fishing, metal detecting, and make jewelry. The content is unpredictable, fun, and a little bit mysterious — you never know what I’ll find next.
It’s not just about chasing money. I want to remind people that joy, learning, and trying something new matter just as much.
💭 What’s Next?
Right now, I’m in an open chapter — searching for what truly makes me happy and pays the bills. I’m more intentional than ever. I don’t want to waste time chasing the wrong things.
I’ve built a strong and loyal community online. And looking ahead, I dream of returning to Kurdistan to help others build their own presence online — maybe turning that into my next business.
For now, I’m still learning, still growing, and still showing up — one reel, one video, and one adventure at a time.