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    How I got my job as… Director of Private Lifestyle at this Lifestyle Management Platform

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    4 hours ago

    This week, we speak to Daisy Merchant, Director of Private Lifestyle at Quintessentially Middle East. It’s a premier luxury lifestyle management service renowned for its personalised approach and extensive global network.
    Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome
    With nearly two decades of experience, Merchant has been instrumental in delivering bespoke experiences and exceptional service to the -high-net-worth and Ultra High Net-worth Community.
    As the Director of Private Lifestyle, Daisy oversees a team of over 30 lifestyle managers and travel specialists. Her role involves initial engagement with prospective members, identifying their unique lifestyle needs, and recommending the most suitable membership tiers
    Known for her meticulous approach, Emirates Woman sat down to speak with her on how it all began.

    What was your favourite subject at school?
    I always gravitated towards literature. Reading allowed me to explore different perspectives, inspiring my passion for experiences that transport and enrich, which is core to what I do today.
    What was your first job?
    My first role was with Silverjet, a British business-class airline. Moving up to the role of Ambassador there gave me early exposure to luxury service and networking, which shaped my career path and commitment to excellence.”
    What brought you to Dubai?
    Dubai’s energy is unlike anywhere else. It’s a place where luxury and innovation flourish, making it ideal for the kind of work I do. I was excited to bring my expertise to this vibrant market and expand our lifestyle offerings in the region.

    What inspired you to enter the travel industry and work as Director of Private Lifestyle?
    I’ve always felt drawn to experiences that add depth and joy to daily life. Working here, I can bring that vision to life every day by offering women in the region a uniquely tailored approach to luxury lifestyle management.
    Talk us through the concept.
    Our company focuses on offering a truly bespoke service that’s both discreet and enriching. From exclusive travel arrangements to wellness and educational consultancy, we aim to craft life-enhancing experiences that meet each member’s unique needs.
    What are the key elements of your role as the Director of Private Lifestyle ?
    As Director of Private Lifestyle, I oversee a team of 30+ lifestyle managers who work tirelessly to provide exceptional service, whether arranging private events, managing travel plans, or assisting with real estate. We’re committed to ensuring every interaction feels effortless yet impactful. I oversee the onboarding of new members. Having to understand their requirements and ensure they join on the right tier and are matched with the perfect Lifestyle Manager for them. Networking is a big part of my role which involves a lot of client meetings and and introductions
    Talk us through your daily routine.
    My day revolves around member “and prospective member” engagement and coordinating with our lifestyle managers, “marketing and benefit team”.Whether it’s a high-stakes last-minute request or a finely curated travel itinerary, each day is different but always focused on exceeding expectations.
    What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
    Have a true passion for helping others and be highly attuned to people’s needs. Building relationships and a trusted network are essential for succeeding in a luxury lifestyle career.
    Tell us more about the services offered.
    We provide a full spectrum of services, from personal concierge support and event management to arranging private, bespoke travel experiences. Our team prides itself on anticipating needs, simplifying the complexities of daily life, and delivering transformative moments.
    What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
    Put your client’s needs first, always. It may sound straightforward, but that focus builds lasting relationships and ensures each member’s experience is consistently exceptional.
    And what is the worst?
    That luxury service should be predictable. Real luxury is about personalisation, so for us, there’s no ‘formula.’ Every member deserves a distinct experience.
    What’s the biggest challenge you have had to overcome Director of Private Lifestyle?
    During the pandemic, it was a challenge to adapt our services to new limitations while maintaining our standards. However, it led to creative solutions that strengthened our resilience and innovation.

    What’s your future aspiration for the brand?
    My goal is to expand our footprint across the Middle East and enhance our offerings by continually adapting to what women value most in luxury today: privacy, personalisation, and elevated experiences that go beyond the ordinary.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied  More

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    9 luxe UAE-based shops to order premium cakes from

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    29 mins ago

    We’re all tired of the same old off-the-rack cakes and want to make each celebration even more memorable. So why not order from the UAE’s premium shops offering the finest cakes.
    Finding a trusted baker who can make your dream cake a reality, might sometimes be too much to ask for. Be it a specific baby-shower-themed cake or multi-layered decadent sponges decorated with edible flowers, there are endless options of cake ateliers in the UAE that can seamlessly execute the job.
    Be it birthdays, weddings or personal milestones, no cake is too hard to create for these well-established patisseries and talented bakers. From design and flavour to tasting, each customer is taken through the journey to be certain of the outcome and celebrate their big day without an inch of doubt.
    To help you narrow down the process, Emirates Woman has curated the ultimate premium cake guide for bespoke offerings in the UAE.

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Unsplash @heather-barnes & Pexels @marta-dzedyshko More

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    9 UAE-based shops to order premium cakes from

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    We’re all tired of the same old off-the-rack cakes and want to make each celebration even more memorable.
    Finding a trusted baker who can make your dream cake a reality, might sometimes be too much to ask for. Be it a specific baby-shower-themed cake or multi-layered decadent sponges decorated with edible flowers, there are endless options of cake ateliers in the UAE that can seamlessly execute the job.
    Be it birthdays, weddings or personal milestones, no cake is too hard to create for these well-established patisseries and talented bakers. From design and flavour to tasting, each customer is taken through the journey to be certain of the outcome and celebrate their big day without an inch of doubt.
    To help you narrow down the process, Emirates Woman has curated the ultimate premium cake guide for bespoke offerings in the UAE.

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Unsplash @heather-barnes More

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    9 UAE-based places to order premium cakes from

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    13 mins ago

    We’re all tired of the same old off-the-rack cakes and want to make each celebration even more memorable.
    Finding a trusted baker who can make your dream cake a reality, might sometimes be too much to ask for. Be it a specific baby-shower-themed cake or multi-layered decadent sponges decorated with edible flowers, there are endless options of cake ateliers in the UAE that can seamlessly execute the job.
    Be it birthdays, weddings or personal milestones, no cake is too hard to create for these well-established patisseries and talented bakers. From design and flavour to tasting, each customer is taken through the journey to be certain of the outcome and celebrate their big day without an inch of doubt.
    To help you narrow down the process, Emirates Woman has curated the ultimate premium cake guide for bespoke offerings in the UAE.

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Pexels @avonnestalling More

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    Delve into the world of artisanal chocolate making at Dubai’s Ganache Chocolatier

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    With a first-of-its-kind chocolate factory right in the centre of Ganache Chocolatier in Alserkal Avenue, guests can now observe and experience first-hand the craft of artisan chocolate-making.
    Founded by Mouza Alabbar, this home-grown artisanal chocolatier celebrates the craftsmanship and wonder of hand-crafted chocolates made with the finest ingredients sourced from Switzerland, Belgium and France.
    To walk through the process of chocolate making, Emirates Woman spoke to Alabbar Enterprises’ Chef Joseph El Hajj on how Ganache Chocolatier focuses on artisanal chocolates crafted to perfection.
    How have your cocoa travels and experience in the industry contributed to your chocolate-making skills?
    Traveling far and wide, exploring cultures, and delving deep into the industry has been a game-changer for my expertise. Those journeys opened my eyes to the intricate world. I learned that each region has unique flavors, and this knowledge guides our meticulous selection process for Ganache chocolates. Moreover, my experience in the industry keeps us at the forefront of innovation and quality.
    The boutique features over 100 different flavors – which are most popular?
    Our boutique is a treasure trove of flavours, with something to suit every taste bud. Some favorites that customers can’t get enough of are the Almond Praline, Hazelnut Praline, and Pecan Praline. These chocolates strike a perfect balance of flavors and textures, and our customers adore them. Also, don’t miss our Za’atar Praline; it’s a fusion masterpiece that beautifully blends tradition and innovation, and it’s become a must-try.

    Ganache Chocolatier has a unique gift-wrapping station that customises boxes – how does this add to the bean-to-bar journey?
    Our gift-wrapping station is like the cherry on top of the Ganache chocolate journey. It’s where we add that personalised touch to each box, making it an experience, not just a purchase. By offering customised boxes with a variety of bespoke options, we are able to cater to all different occasions and needs. It reflects the care and precision from selecting the finest ingredients to crafting each piece with love. This station gives the final magical touch, turning a simple purchase into a memorable and heartwarming gift.
    Chocolate lovers can experience first-hand the craft of artisan chocolate-making – tell us more.
    At Ganache Chocolatier, we’re all about sharing the art of artisan chocolate-making with chocolate enthusiasts. Our on-site factory is where the magic happens, and we invite guests to come and see it firsthand. It’s an immersive experience that takes you behind the scenes, creating praline, ganache, and exquisite fillings in every chocolate piece. It’s educational and interactive, giving you a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into chocolate-making.
    The creations are all homegrown – can you expand on the creative and production process?
    The heart of Ganache Chocolatier lies in our commitment to homegrown creativity. We begin from scratch, managing every aspect of chocolate creation in our Alserkal Avenue factory. Our team lives and breathes the craft to preserve its authenticity, and our hands-on approach ensures unwavering quality and consistency.
    The boutique sources the finest ingredients from Switzerland, Belgium, and France – was this the plan from the outset?
    Sourcing the finest ingredients from Switzerland, Belgium, and France has been a fundamental part of our vision for Ganache Chocolatier from the very beginning. Our unwavering focus is on maintaining exceptional quality and product excellence. These exquisite ingredients form the basis for our distinctive chocolate, which includes Dulcey Valrhona, Caramelia Valrhona, Jivara milk Valrhona, Caraibe dark Valrhona, and Abinao 85 dark Valrhona. Our dedication to quality and taste has been our driving force since day one and continues to define our brand.

    With a fast-paced production – how do you ensure the quality remains consistent?
    Maintaining the highest quality amidst our fast-paced production is our top priority at Ganache Chocolatier. We do this through unwavering attention to detail at every stage of the chocolate-making process. Our dedicated team upholds the highest production standards. We follow strict quality control protocols and steadfastly adhere to our original vision of quality and excellence. Continuous monitoring, frequent quality checks, and a commitment to never compromise on the integrity of our chocolates allow us to deliver the consistent quality our customers know and love. We seek to elevate our craft, exploring new techniques, flavours, and innovations. We invest in research and development, learning from tradition and contemporary trends to refine our production methods. Our team is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of chocolate-making, ensuring that every piece we create reflects the utmost refinement and excellence that Ganache Chocolatier stands for.

    The minimal interiors contribute to the refined experience, designed to resemble the colors, curves, and textures of the chocolate it creates – how does this add to the occasion?
    The minimalist interiors at Ganache Chocolatier are a deliberate choice to enhance the refined experience we offer. Inspired by our chocolate creations’ colors, curves, and textures, the space creates a sensory connection to chocolate. Our collaboration with Dubai-based architect and interior designer Ghida Chehab has added a layer of sophistication to Alserkal Avenue while preserving its industrial feel. As soon as guests enter, they embark on a chocolate journey that leads them into the world of Ganache Chocolatier. It deepens the overall experience, offering a visual and sensory delight that mirrors the essence of our chocolates.
    December – The Winter Escape Issue with Rolls Royce  – Download Now
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    8 UAE-based places to order premium cakes from

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    24 hours ago

    We’re all tired of the same old off-the-rack cakes and want to make each celebration even more memorable.
    Finding a trusted baker who can make your dream cake a reality, might sometimes be too much to ask for. Be it a specific baby-shower-themed cake or multi-layered decadent sponges decorated with edible flowers, there are endless options of cake ateliers in the UAE that can seamlessly execute the job.
    Be it birthdays, weddings or personal milestones, no cake is too hard to create for these well-established patisseries and talented bakers. From design and flavour to tasting, each customer is taken through the journey to be certain of the outcome and celebrate their big day without an inch of doubt.
    To help you narrow down the process, Emirates Woman has curated the ultimate premium cake guide for bespoke offerings in the UAE.

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Pexels @avonnestalling More

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    8 UAE-based places to order bespoke premium cakes from

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    3 hours ago

    We’re all tired of the same old off-the-rack cakes and want to make each celebration even more memorable.
    Finding a trusted baker who can make your dream cake a reality, might sometimes be too much to ask for. Be it a specific baby-shower-themed cake or multi-layered decadent sponges decorated with edible flowers, there are endless options of cake ateliers in the UAE that can seamlessly execute the job.
    Be it birthdays, weddings or personal milestones, no cake is too hard to create for these well-established patisseries and talented bakers. From design and flavour to tasting, each customer is taken through the journey to be certain of the outcome and celebrate their big day without an inch of doubt.
    To help you narrow down the process, Emirates Woman has curated the ultimate premium cake guide for bespoke offerings in the UAE.

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Pexels @avonnestalling More

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    How I got my job as… marketing manager at this UAE-based luxe floral boutique

    Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs, businesswomen and experts based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
    This week we chat with Dina Almalik, the marketing manager at Flowers.ae, to understand how the floral boutique produces unique content that reflects the brand’s vision and values.
    From wedding flowers to corporate events, Flowers.ae has a complete range of luxurious bespoke collections to cater to every client’s needs. As the UAE’s leading floral boutique, they offer delivery throughout Dubai and the UAE with flowers imported from Holland and Ecuador with impeccable customer service. With blooms available for any occasion, each arrangement is hand-tied and beautifully wrapped with the finest florals ranging from tulips to hydrangeas.
    Emirates Woman sat down with the brand’s marketing manager to learn about her career path and how she translated her passion for content creation into this role.
    What was your favorite subject at school?
    Growing up, I was always fascinated by the Sciences, specifically Physics and Chemistry, which I excelled at in High School. On the other hand, I have always had a talent for painting, and have pursued that subject in depth throughout college. Colorful, abstract paintings sparked my interest the most. Coincidentally, I now know that my current role requires me to be a logical creative thinker, which explains my passion for both subjects.
    What was your first job?
    After obtaining my Architecture degree in 2015, my first job was at Art Dubai as a Project Manager in the first edition of Dubai Design Week (DXBDW15). My career has then taken a different route as I have discovered my passion for Business and Marketing and moved on to pursue that through acquiring a Master of Science in Marketing from King’s College London.

    What brought you to Dubai?
    My parents moved to Dubai in 1994 to start their own business. As a result, I have been living in Dubai since I was three years old and I am extremely fortunate to have been raised in such a modern and fastest-growing city. Dubai offers a lot of exciting career and business opportunities, drawing diverse talents from across the world, and becoming ‘the city of opportunity’. I consider Dubai to be my home and I can’t see myself living anywhere else.
    What inspired you to enter the flower space and join flowers.ae?
    I have always been in love with flowers and the meaning they carry. I am inspired by the memorable experiences we are able to create for the customer. It is extremely rewarding to be a part of someone’s special moments in life even if it’s in the smallest and least apparent way. It brings me joy to witness people’s reactions when they receive our floral arrangements. Imagine being able to make someone’s day by just delivering a couple of flowers. To have the power to turn someone’s day around and make someone happy! Moreover, I get great joy being a part of a team that spreads the language of love in many forms, from the birth of a child to a wedding proposal. Over the years, Flowers.ae has been trusted by thousands of people to deliver messages of love. With this trust, there is a great responsibility that we take very seriously and is enshrined in our brand and the driving philosophy of the company.
    Talk us through the inspiration of your marketing campaigns.
    The inspiration behind all of our marketing campaigns lies in the opportunity to deliver emotions through our brand and its products. WOW is the number one objective in all of our marketing campaigns. We invest heavily in high-quality content that is a true reflection of our flower arrangements and the special moments they celebrate. In my opinion, the UAE is very diverse and is a nation of different languages with a common love and appreciation of flowers which has been a great contributor to our success. Whatever language you speak, receiving flowers from a friend loved one, admirer, or business partner always invokes a sense of happiness. All of this is reflected in our content and marketing campaigns that aim to evoke the uniqueness of these occasions.
    What are the key elements of your role?
    I am responsible for developing, implementing and executing strategic marketing campaigns for Flowers.ae with a high emphasis on robust brand awareness campaigns that focus on acquiring potential customers and retaining existing ones. Key aspects of my role include leading and managing a creative team, performing market research, and designing creative campaigns which demonstrate products that consumers will love. Our marketing strategies focus on digital and content marketing with story-telling at its core; crafting narratives that elevate the brand. Additionally, I spend some time evaluating emerging market trends and upcoming occasions. I also ensure that our florists act as your go-to gifting consultant. Upset your wife? Send her our 365 rose arrangement, a rose for each day of the year. Did your friend get promoted? How about some sunflowers, representing the joy of the occasion?

    Talk us through your daily routine.
    My day begins at 7am when I first arrive at the shop and start by gathering my thoughts and ideas for the day before my team arrives. The marketing team arrives at 8am. We sit together as a team to go through the data we have gathered and analyse the consumer behavior to specifically tailor our marketing efforts based on our customer’s needs. We then discuss what type of content we would like to focus on for the day including the type of flower arrangements to promote, the occasion to focus on, and the style of content we would like to portray. Afterward, the fun part of our job begins, which is content creation.
    What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
    If there’s one thing I learned from spending my university years obtaining my architecture degree, it’s not to be afraid to change your career path. You may think that life is dictated by your educational degree and your years of experience in one field, however, don’t be afraid to experiment with new things, eventually, you will discover something that you are really passionate about and can excel in. On the other hand, my marketing advice would be to focus on digital and content marketing. Create content that is very relatable to the consumer, marketing is after all a game of relevance. It is equally important to focus on your leadership skills and invest in your team as they are considered to be the pillars of your success. Moreover, do your research and understand your audience. Use data analytics to understand your consumer’s behavior and tailor your marketing efforts accordingly. Be relatable, and relevant and strike an emotional response to build a base of loyal customers.
    What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
    The best piece of advice I have ever received was from the founder of Flowers.ae, Garreth Knowd, who told me to focus on generating marketing content that evokes emotion in the consumer which will make all the difference and help you stand out against competitors in this saturated and complex market. He added, to always be relevant and relatable to the consumer which will result in a long-term relationship built upon trust and loyalty.

    And what is the worst?
    The worst advice I have ever received was to stay away from partnerships and collaborations. I believe choosing the right partnership can serve as a key to the brand’s success and potentially accelerate its growth. Working in collaboration with other luxury brands can significantly impact the trajectory of the brand. The key lies in choosing the right brand to collaborate with, with a deep and meaningful purpose driving this collaboration.
    What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
    One thing is certain, we live in a dynamic and technological era, which means businesses need to be extremely adaptable. To thrive, brands will have to adopt new behaviors to stay relevant and take advantage of all the innovations in Artificial Intelligence by adopting a forward-thinking approach. You can’t run away from emerging technologies, you will have to embrace them and start looking at ways to incorporate them into your brand.
    What are the future plans for Flowers.ae?
    Flowers.ae has completely revolutionised the floral industry by adopting a customer-centric strategy that focuses on creating the best experience for the customer, through offering the finest service. We’re your consultants. We go above and beyond in creating flower arrangements that will make that special occasion extraordinary and unforgettable. As for the future, Flowers.ae will continue to grow, increase its market share and enhance its position in the floral market as the region’s go-to luxury florist. Moreover, we will continue to elevate the customer experience through the personalization of every touchpoint in the journey whilst offering a seamless e-commerce flower delivery service.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied  More