Have you ever wondered what some of your favourite female figures get up to each day? MOJEH’s A Day In The Life series follows some of the region’s most influential female movers and shakers, from business owners and entrepreneurs to fashion designers and art gallery owners. This week we’re talking to Zein Arbeed, who founded The Grooming Lab - the region’s only dedicated men’s grooming retailer for niche and exclusive men’s grooming brands - in 2017.
I’ve always been a major morning person – I truly believe that if you’ve got a more time on your hands then you’ll make the most out of it. I’m usually up at 7am everyday and the first thing I do is to take my dalmatian, Khai, out in the garden. It’s quiet and it’s our ‘bonding’ time then. I like to walk him around the garden and savour the fresh morning air before I kick off with the day’s daily activities.
Apart from my quiet time with Khai in the garden, I start my day with coffee before diving into the business checking and responding to emails and go over my schedule for the day. I also spend a bit of time with my husband and then hit the gym for a good hour to destress as I stock up on the energy needed for the day ahead.
As the founder of The Grooming Lab I ensure a smooth distribution of our four brands: Captain Fawcett, The Groomed Man Co, Jaxon Lane, and Dapper Dan to our partner barbershops, men’s salons and luxury retailers in the UAE. The business side includes the business development, new brand acquisitions, sales training, and the overall business financials.
It’s safe to say that the business side of things does not stop, however my typical day normally consists of driving to meetings either for a presentation to new clients, trainings, or checking in on our partner barbershops to see if there’s anything we can support them with. I am also very hands on and try to do some of the deliveries of the products myself which actually allows me to catch up for coffee on the side. And the emails don’t stop at any point during the day either.
Being on the go for most of the day, I’ve always leaned on the more casual side. You’ll find me in barbershops chatting with our clients in denims and a pair of sneakers as I am constantly on the move. Of course, when I have more formal business meetings I bring out the power suits and blazers from the other corner of my wardrobe.
I do my best to eat a balanced diet with a good mix of carbs, protein, and vegetables for every meal. My lunch would always include a portion of rice, grilled chicken or salmon with a mixed green salad on the side – and it always have to be capped with a piece of chocolate! I am also a big fan of Greek yoghurt which I snack on during the day as I move from one place to another.
For me, the time for female entrepreneurs is now and I love that a woman like me is out there bringing in men’s grooming products to our dapper UAE boys in the region. There are daily challenges that come with it, like with any other business, but this path has been very fulfilling and has taught me so much beyond just learning about men’s grooming.
I kick start the day with my go-to Erborian facewash and Caudalie Vinoperfect Serum alongside a toner, moisturiser and SPF. I typically apply minimal make-up consisting the of Erborian CC Cream and some Tarte Concealer for some added radiance. I then finish the look with mascara to make my eyes brighter and bigger.
Go over my emails one last time for the day before having dinner with my husband. We talk about our days and eventually take Khai for a walk. We make sure to spend this time with each other every day. I love walking too as it allows me to switch off from work completely as I cap off the day.
Take time for myself by going on long walks or hitting the gym. Sometimes I take a drive at night while listening to some good music and enjoy the bright city lights of this beautiful city too.
Well I wouldn’t be answering these questions right now! I just can’t imagine myself doing anything else at this point and I really love what I do.
