#LifeLessons - Maria Dowling

Name: Maria Dowling

Instagram handle: @mariadowlingdubai

Job title: Founder and Creative Director – mariadowling Salon

#LIFELESSON - Always be prepared

Whether it’s a meeting, presentation or the start of my day being as fully prepared as I can be is a must. My confidence level is higher and the feeling that ‘I’ve got this’ is empowering so even if I get an unexpected question or query, I find I can handle the situation, a lot better, calmer & with confidence.

At the start of my day, I meet with my assistant and run through the appointments, looking at what each client has had done on previous visits, so I can start thinking of the plan for the day. On my way to work I’m already thinking of my clients and what I can suggest to make a change or what we can do to make sure her visit to the salon is as enjoyable as it can be.

Being prepared means I also enjoy the experience, rather than feeling out of control of my day. It’s a principle I carry through in every area of my life and has worked out well so far!

#LIFELESSON - Make every moment count

These four words are so simple yet so powerful. It’s my mantra at the start of each day. I commit to being the best version of myself in all situations. This can mean something simple like smile in the moment. It costs nothing to smile and usually a smile is infectious, so others tend to mirror it.

I was speaking with a lovely lady who said how important it isto listen to the person you’re speaking to, rather than thinking about what you’re going to have for dinner or jobs that you need to do. By really enjoying the moment and listening to what a person is saying for example, you are right in the moment. This is something I have learned over many years of working with, and chatting to, my wonderful clients.

If there is anything the last few years have taught us is not totake anything for granted because in an instant everything can change: your finances, health, your career, and your relationships. So it’s important to go out in nature and take time to enjoy the moment. The saying, ‘stop and smell the roses..’, has never been so true!

#LIFELESSON - Be mindful of the words you speak

When I arrived in Dubai 26 years ago a friend gave me the best advice. She said, “Maria, I’m going to tell you what I was told when I arrived…don’t talk badly about anyone because Dubai is such a small place.”

I thought Dubai wasn’t small, but of course it really was at that time, and in a lot of ways it still is small. I’m constantly surprised when I hear about different clients being best friends with other clients of mine, perhaps as I consider them with totally different personalities and yet they are the best of friends.

This is a life lesson of mine now that I live by and I also share it with others. If you don’t have something positive to say about someone or something, don’t say anything at all. I believe this also makes my listening skills a lot better.

Of course, the exception to the rule is discussing the characters in Dubai Bling….surely we have to talk about that!!