24 Hours With DBM Founder Mahsa Gholizadeh
What’s it like to be the founder of a Dubai-based interiors studio? We follow the designer and artist around the clock…
5:30AM: I like to start my day early, giving myself a few hours to focus on my mental and physical wellbeing. Before getting out of bed, I take a moment to practice gratitude, thinking about three things I’ll be thankful for throughout the day.
6:00AM: My day begins in the Zen room I designed in my apartment. I spend 20 minutes doing breathing exercises, followed by one of Dr. Joe Dispenza’s meditations. I truly believe that having a calm mind and a balanced connection between the heart and brain is the foundation for a great life.
6:45AM: I always make my first cup of coffee at home. There’s something comforting about the smell of freshly brewed Brazilian coffee filling the house. I usually take my coffee with me on a short walk around the lake in my neighbourhood, just to connect with nature. After that, I head to Zabeel House Gym for a session with my trainer, Marc. Staying physically active and healthy is really important to me.
8:00AM: After a refreshing shower, it’s time to pick out my outfit for the day. This is a part of the morning I really enjoy because of my passion for fashion. My closet is filled with pieces from Persian designers, featuring geometric cuts and forms that reflect architecture in fashion. I love adding traditional Persian details to my outfits, whether in the clothing itself or in the accessories I choose.
9:00AM: I head to the studio to meet with my team and go over the daily agenda. I’m passionate about concept design, and for many projects, I still create the initial concepts myself before passing them on to the team for further development. When we’re starting a new project, I review the research my team has done and write a short story to capture the project’s essence. From there, I hand-sketch some ideas inspired by that story. I believe that working with traditional methods, like sketching, brings character and identity to our projects.
1:00PM: At lunchtime, I make it a habit to go for a walk, get some fresh air and reach my daily step goal. I aim for 10,000 steps a day, so I try to walk whenever I can. After my walk, I grab lunch at my favorite café in the hotel where our office is located. I usually eat with like-minded people who run businesses or work in the same building. It’s a great way to unwind, exchange ideas and maybe even learn something new.
2:30PM: In the afternoon, I usually meet with clients. They come to our studio to discuss project progress, and then I visit the site with my designers to check the quality of work. Meeting clients and brainstorming with them is one of my favorite parts of the job – it’s inspiring and really boosts my creativity.
4:00PM: I head back to the office to meet with the team, especially the marketing team, to plan events, photoshoots and our social-media calendar.
6:30PM: Depending on my schedule, I sometimes head straight to business dinners or events after work. It’s a great way to build relationships with clients and suppliers. If there isn’t an event, I get groceries at the organic food shop on my way home. I believe that we are what we eat, so sourcing high-quality food is a priority for me. Once home, I try to disconnect from work and focus on my personal life. If I have an unfinished painting, I’ll spend some time working on it. As a surrealist painter, my work often tells stories from my life, especially the ones that are left untold.
8:00PM: I always prioritise spending quality time with my loved ones. Whether it’s a quiet dinner with my partner or a lively meal with family, these moments are the highlight of my evening. Sharing stories, laughing together and simply being in each other’s company helps me unwind from the hustle and bustle of work. These dinners aren’t just about eating – they’re about connecting, nurturing relationships and finding balance. It’s a time to relax, reflect and recharge, surrounded by the people who matter most.
10:00PM: To wind down, I usually read books. My passion for learning about the universe is something I can’t deny.
10:30PM: I create a peaceful environment, light candles and do a ten-minute evening meditation. After reflecting on my day, I close my eyes and drift off to sleep, ready for whatever tomorrow brings.
Images courtesy of DBM
From Haprer’s Bazaar Arabia’s Interiors’ Autumn 2024 issue