I wake up at... different times between 7am and 9am. Being a creative and a lover of the stillness and peace of the night, I sometimes stay up and do some of my best creative work and writing when everyone is asleep. I like to call that time “my intimate meeting with my creator.”
My morning routine normally starts with... a short 10 to 15 minute meditation session to ground my body and check in with my heart. I then grab my black coffee and meet my trainer for an hour of weightlifting. Finally, I sit down and get to work!
I’m responsible for... the business development and creative direction of MAKAW. Another crucial responsibility of mine is maintaining and expanding the spirit and heartbeat of the company.
My typical day consists of... checking in with the outlets in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, supporting with VIP orders and connecting with the different teams. After that I touch base on the tasks for the day in relation to my coaching and mentoring practice, be it meeting clients, facilitating workshops or speaking engagements.
We are celebrating the festive season at MAKAW by... introducing seasonal flavours, festive packaging and going all-out on our decorations and atmosphere.
We love the busy season at MAKAW because... there is a magical vibe in the air and a childlike twinkle in everyone’s eye. This is the heartfelt season of shared joy.
My favourite festive gifts from MAKAW are… the wonderful discovery box with 40 different flavours of chocolate. I also send our hazelnut and popcorn truffles to all my friends — it’s become a tradition of mine.
My go-to working wardrobe consists of... dresses, and I think there is nothing that drops women into our feminine energy like a beautifully flowing dress. I also love light layers and kimonos.
My go-to beauty look for the 9-5 looks like… effortless elegance. For me an almost-natural look is all about expressing who I am in my truest self. Oh, and face sunscreen is my new best friend and part of my daily beauty routine.
For lunch I eat... as many colours as I can. I love Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food, so I usually have grilled chicken and vegetables. The slogan at our Kream by MAKAW cafe is: simplicity, truth and love. That’s how I like to nourish my body.
What I love most about my job is... that I get to experience so much diversity. There is a freedom that I cannot do without and a creative aspect that allows me to play. I also love the human interactions and exchange of stories and energy that come with my job. And well, of course, there is chocolate. Need I say more?
And what I enjoy the least is... that I genuinely and realistically cannot be at the café or the outlets as much as I’d like to. I love being there so much — my team is wonderful and I wish I could spend more time in person with them and with customers.
When I get home I... slow down, put on a kaftan and go for a walk on the beach. I stop and play with the neighbourhood cats and enjoy reconnecting to nature, and after that I have dinner and catch up with friends, do some writing or read.
2025 is an exciting year for MAKAW because… we are bringing in some amazing new chocolate products and designs. We are also planning on hosting community events around wellness and mental health. I am super excited about that.
If I wasn’t in my current position, I would be... in one way or another making steps towards my current set-up; I do genuinely love what I do and I’m very grateful for it. The only other thing that comes to mind is running a boutique hotel and hosting people in a retreat-like space with the aim of supporting them in bringing out their fullest selves.
Originally published in the December/January 2024 issue of MOJEH Magazine. Subscribe here
