The daily grind: Nabila Maqsood

Nabilahe shares insights of her busy life that is often shaped around major events in the fashion world

Hairstylist, entrepreneur, and all-around diva, Nabila is someone who has made a brand out of sheer talent, business skill and hard work. She shares insights of her busy life that is often shaped around major events in the fashion world in Karachi and Lahore. Nabila says, “organisation is key and timing is the most important thing! A new running joke in my office is that if anyone wastes one minute of my time, he or she owes me Rs1,000!”

4:30 am:

I start really early in the morning between 4:30 or 5am. Waking up anytime after 5am is considered late in my books! The first thing I do is I make my own doodh patti kadak chai, Pakistani style. I play this online game called ‘Draw Something’ while drinking my tea. This is complete me time, and really the only ‘me-time’ I allow myself on
a workday.



5:30 am:

Time for an hour and a half of yoga. I start all mornings with yoga.

7 am:

I take out an hour to plan my day, reply to emails, and organise my wardrobe for the day, which is very technical. I usually wear an all-black uniform-like outfit to work, because I work with chemicals — and my shoes have to be very comfy, as I am on my feet all day. If I have to go an event after work, a red carpet or to meet someone, I plan my wardrobe in the morning, so that everything is ready and I don’t have to think about it after work.

8am:

I shower for half an hour. A steaming hot shower with my favourite music blasting away feels really therapeutic! I carry portable speakers with me everywhere. I listen to golden oldies; some of my favourites are Billy Holiday and Louis Armstrong.



9 am:

I leave for work and usually try to reach a little before 10am for meetings with my staff, before the salon officially opens at 10am. The salon is open from 10am-9pm, seven days a week.

10 am:

On a hair-cutting day (which is not every day), I have haircuts back to back in half an hour slots, and one-hour slots for colour. This goes on the whole day and there are never any lunch breaks or tea breaks in my schedule.

7 pm:

By now, I’m done with my haircuts and begin to cater to management issues, if there are any.



8 pm:

I try to be home before 8:30pm or 9pm at the latest.

9:30 pm:

I generally don’t have the energy to speak to anyone or meet anyone by this time. The first thing I do is get into my pajamas, have a meal, and watch mindless TV while I try to doze off.

11pm:

By now, I’m gone!