“Being a blonde – it was important for me to find a hairdresser who I trusted!” – Jade, Limitless Training
What made you want to move to Dubai and how long have you lived here?
It was a big decision for me to leave everything I’d built in the UK and move to Dubai but a decision I’m so glad I took. I wasn’t actually looking to move away from home at the time but I was offered a job that I knew I’d regret if I didn’t take the opportunity. My business at home was thriving and it was a scary step to leave it all behind and start again, but I have no regrets moving here, in fact Dubai has probably been the making of me and my career to date! I’ve been here coming up to 4 years in September, which has totally flown by! Who knows how long i’ll stay, but for now Dubai is home!
What was you first job ?
I moved here with a personal training company after being offered a salary and commision based job as a freelance trainer. At the time the hours they were asking to hit the salary target seemed doable but that was before I realised how much driving I’d be doing between clients 6 days a week. My days would start at 5am and I’d get home around 9pm with rarely any time to myself which soon became apparent that I couldn’t continue like this. All these hours would’ve been worth it if I was able to save some money but the company I worked for were taking two thirds of my earnings and it wasn’t leaving me with enough to get by, let alone save! I lasted only 4 months with this company before moving to another which was a retainer based agreement. Meaning i’d pay a set amount per month to the company and then anything I made was mine. I won’t go into what happened with this company but let’s just say my first year in Dubai was very testing!
What’s your job role now?
FAST forward to April 2020 and I’m still a freelance trainer, however I’m able to dictate more of my schedule. I have a set amount of hours to train my clients per week and i’m also now an instructor at the famous BARRY’S, which is known worldwide as THE BEST WORKOUT IN THE WORLD! This was an absolute dream come true! On top of that I’m now an OPTIMUM NUTRITION arabia athlete, the newest Vitamin well UAE runner and my biggest accomplishment to date, a part of the UnderArmour middle east family!
One very big personal achievement for me is the launch of my very own Ebook this month – LIMITLESS TRAINING! Never did I think I’d be the proud owner of an EBOOK! It’s definitely not been an easy ride to get to this point but very much worth it! I actually still feel like this is just the beginning of very much more to come in Dubai. Next stop is the launch of LIMITLESS TRAINING APP later this year 🙂
Any tips for girls wanting to find work?
I often get messages on instagram asking how to get a job as a personal trainer in Dubai or as an instructor at Barry’s. My answer is always to make sure you research the company or companies you’re thinking of joining, contact current trainers working for them and ask their advice, make sure you have enough savings before moving, be sure this is your passion and be ready to work. Many people see Dubai as the dream but what they don’t see is the endless hours of work individuals put in to live the life they have here. I’m extremely passionate about my work and I honestly put everything into my job! This drive I believe has got me to where I am today! I’d also advise anyone looking to find work to come here for a vacation first and research the areas they would like to live, visit the companies offering jobs, set up meetings if you can and don’t be afraid to ask all the questions you have. Dubai is the safest place i’ve ever been/lived and rapidly growing so aim high and believe that anything is possible with the right knowledge and mindset.
How did you find accommodation and do you have any recommendations for first time movers ?
Before I accepted the job with the company I moved out with I came to visit Dubai to see if I could see myself living here. During this time I stayed in the marina, which is walking distance to the beach. I very quickly fell in love with the area and knew that I wanted to live here. There are many places 15-20 minutes away from the beach, which are cheaper but as someone who knew they wanted to get a place of their own, I knew that I’d feel happier in the marina with so much around me and the beach just a few minutes away from me. The fact that I could also run around the marina every morning was a bonus! So in my first two weeks living in Dubai, the company I worked for put me up in a hotel and I started my hunt for my Marina apartment. I soon knew exactly which building I’d make my home and started the process which was very easy for me due to the fact I was working for a company. They were able to provide me with the documents needed to set up my contract. You’ll need to have a bank set up in Dubai along with your residency visa and proof of income before you’ll be able to rent. Most of the rental agreements in Dubai are via cheques, which are paid either in 1,2,3 or 4 cheques total for the year. So again make sure you have some savings set aside before you move.
What’s your recommendations on best places to get your hair and make-up done ?
Being a blonde it was important for me to find a hairdresser who I trusted! Not long after moving here I was recommended to a girl called Lucy (insta hairbylucy) who has an incredible reputation as a hairdresser but even more so with blondes! Lucy is not only a great hairdresser but is now also a very good friend. That’s the other great thing about moving abroad, you’ll quickly make friends who are happy to show you around and help you with anything you might need. My go to hairdressers when I have a fitness event or night out is definitely The blow out bar on the Palm (insta blowoutbardxb). Makeup is not something I’ve had done in Dubai much but on a few occasions I’ve been to MAC in Dubai Marina Mall and Eloisa has been AMAZING! (insta eloika_kalala). Last but definitely not least I need to shout out my two very good friends who are freelance hair and makeup stylists, who are both extremely talented! You need these girls in your life!! (insta – @bettybeehair @taylorwilkinsonartistry)
Favorite clothing stores?
You’re asking the girl who lives in Underarmour clothes 24/7 haha! Of course being a recognized athlete in Dubai I highly recommend checking out the @underarmourme stores you’ll find all around Dubai. As for nights out i’m your typical girl that heads to Topshop, River Island or Zara where you can never go wrong!
Favorite ladies night brunch and ladies day
I’m not really one to brunch every weekend, mainly because of my personal goals and work but if I was to choose my favourite brunch i’ve been to so far, it would have to be Brasserie 2.0. If i’ve had family or friends visiting this is the perfect brunch for all ages, great entertainment, beautiful settings, all the cuisines and espresso martinis included 🙂
Ladies day….wow there are so many!! I’ve still got so many to try! I do love a pool day with the girls and a nice strawberry daiquiri. One of my favourites is Nikki beach. The service is fantastic, one of the best sunsets in Dubai and the music is always lit! Cove beach is also another stunning spot and you’ll find most girls relaxing here on a Wednesday ladies day!
What do you do when you’re not working and partying ?
I’m a bit of a workaholic and totally in love with my job!! But when i’m not working you’ll find me either running races and enjoying post run brekkie with friends or i’ll be in the gym doing one of my famous CAN YOU HIIT IT workouts (found in my EBOOK), followed by a day relaxing at the beach!
Any tips for ladies wanting to move to Dubai
DOs –
- Save enough for at least 4 months rent before moving
- Respect the country and culture
- Research the company/companies you’re interested
- Join the facebook groups , Expats in Dubai and ATB Dubai
- Join a class at Barrys 🙂
- Check out premier online for all the fitness events available
- Join a run club – I run with Dubai creek striders
- Check out my Ebook and start your LIMITLESS journey
DON’TS –
- Don’t let that Dubai stone get you – there are ways to brunch and avoid gaining weight
- Don’t worry if your first job isn’t what you thought
- Don’t disrespect the religion
- Don’t give up at the first hurdle, give it time! Dubai is incredible and dreams really can come true