That Mama: Dana Hourani

Other than being one of Dubai’s most stylish girls-about-town (her name was featured in the Harper’s Bazaar Best Dressed List and we have serious wardrobe envy), Dana Hourani is a digital influencer in the fields of fashion and music and also a new mama to super cute daughter Zoe. Dana gives us a snapshot into her life, her beautiful home and her fave mama moments.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your career?
I am a 29-year-old Lebanese new mum, and a digital influencer working across the fields of fashion and music.

Can you talk us through your career pre- and post-baby?  How did you get back into the swing of things after having your little one?
After giving birth to my daughter, I am slowly branching out into the realm of kids fashion as well. Music has always been the constant in my life.

How do you balance work and motherhood?
I choose what projects to take on depending on the time I have available and depending on my family commitments.

How do you save time? What are your organisational tips and tricks?
I have an spreadsheet for everything! That helps me manage my time between work, house duties and family duties.

Do you have any tips for aspiring “mamapreneurs” and other working mamas in Dubai?
Family must always come first, then most importantly is to have a system in place that works best for everybody involved. That’s the only way I find it manageable to balance all tasks and get everything done.

Favourite kid-friendly restaurants in Dubai?
I love the The Beach JBR. I often take Zoe there and stroll around for some outdoorsy time. There are so many great restaurants to choose from and many activities for kids there.

Do you have any tips for keeping the romance alive in your relationship?
It takes a conscious effort. Dedicate some time in the day even if it’s just for 30 minutes to your partner to connect in the way you always did before the baby. Also, date nights should be a constant.

Favourite date-night restaurants?
We love The Maine, Loca, and La Petite Maison.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as a parent?
The first couple of weeks are the most challenging but getting through them is more rewarding than anything you’ll ever experience.

Give us your essential new mama advice that might never occur to other women.
Properly managing your sleep is the most important factor to be able to enjoy every moment in the day with your family. Exhaustion is the enemy!

As a mama I wish I were better at…
Sticking to a schedule! Zoe still hasn’t been able to conform to a routine that I’m trying to set during the day.

My most humbling mama moment was…
The first time she laughed.

One thing I won’t sacrifice as a mama is …
Spending quality time with her every morning.

I wake up in the middle of the night thinking about…
Whether that was a bird or my baby crying! Haha!

Even when my children have families of their own, I’ll…
Still worry about everything a mother worries about.

My favourite moment of the day is…
The morning when Zoe is full of laughs and giggles.

I always feel saner after…
A long hot shower!

I wish I had more time for…
Travelling.

Bedtime is always smoother when…
She’s taken proper naps in the day or else she gets quite cranky.

All the stunning photos of Dana and her beautiful daughter
are thanks to Monica Chindalia Photography.