Other Women's Jobs // A Day In The Life & Career Of Diana Taha

NAME: Diana Taha

AGE: 36

INSTAGRAM HANDLE: @nouta.dxb

JOB TITLE: Marketing Manager by Day / Soap Maker by Night

MOVED TO THE UAE IN: 2019

Diana is a Crafts Woman of Nouta. A marketing manager by profession and a soap maker by passion. After moving to the UAE in 2019, she found longing for something grounding and personal, something she could create with her own hands. That led her to learn, experiment, and create for herself what she actually needed, then for family and friends, and eventually led her to launch Nouta — a homegrown skincare brand inspired by Ancient Egyptian beauty rituals.

Every product is handcrafted from natural, holistic ingredients, focusing on simplicity, sustainability, and authenticity. Diana's background in marketing has helped her shape the brand’s vision, while her personal journey of resilience and self-reinvention gave her the courage to build something meaningful from the ground up.

Today Diana shares with us a typical day in her life and career:

5:30 AM – Waking Up with Intention

My mornings begin before sunrise. I like to start the day slowly, with a moment of quiet before the world fully wakes. This time of day feels grounding to me — I’ll drink a glass of water, stretch a little, and set the tone for what’s ahead. Waking up early gives me a sense of control over my day, almost like I’ve carved out a little piece of peace that belongs only to me.

6:00 AM – Movement and Energy

By six, I’m already moving. Exercise is my non-negotiable ritual — it’s my way of reconnecting with my body, building strength, and releasing the mental clutter that accumulates. Depending on the day, I might be doing calisthenics, strength training, or mobility work. For me, fitness isn’t just about how I look; it’s about how I feel and how capable I want my body to be as I grow older.

7:00 AM – Breakfast and Connection

After training, I share breakfast with my husband. This is one of my favorite times of the day because it’s simple and grounding. We catch up, laugh about small things, and set the rhythm for the day. My breakfast is usually balanced and nourishing. I like the feeling of fueling myself in a way that’s both practical and healthy.

9:00 AM – Work Mode: Corporate work

By nine, I’m at my desk and in full work mode. My professional role as a Marketing Manager allows me to flex the other side of my brain — the one that loves structure, creativity, and strategy. My days are filled with campaign planning, managing projects, and making sure the details align with the bigger picture. It’s demanding, but I thrive on the challenge. I think part of the reason I can balance two careers is because I genuinely love both — marketing gives me sharpness, while soap-making gives me soul.

1:00 PM – Lunch Break

Lunchtime is my reset point. I make sure my meals are balanced, homemade with as many natural ingredients as possible — it keeps my energy steady and my focus sharp for the rest of the day. I also use this time to step away from the screen, clear my mind, and sometimes even jot down an idea for Nouta.

4:00 PM – Wrapping Up and Refocusing

As the afternoon moves on, I’m usually finishing up meetings or diving into the last stretch of work tasks. I often find myself thinking about the transition ahead — from Marketing Manager to Soap Maker. Switching roles at the end of the day can be tiring, but it’s also deeply rewarding. There’s something energizing about knowing that once my corporate work ends, I get to create something with my own two hands.

6:00 PM – Closing the Laptop

By six, I log off from my day job. I try to create a clear boundary between my professional work and my personal passion. That short pause between jobs — whether it’s a short walk, a quick tidy-up at home, or a moment to reset — helps me shift my mindset into the creative flow I need for Nouta.

7:00 PM – Nouta Time

Evenings are for Nouta. This is when I’m in my element — measuring oils, mixing batches, carefully pouring soaps into molds, or working on labels and packaging. Soap-making is both science and art, and that’s what I love about it. Some nights I’m literally making products, other nights I’m brainstorming content ideas, drafting product descriptions, or photographing soaps. It’s a full operation, but because it’s mine, I never mind the effort. Each product feels like an extension of my values: simplicity, sustainability, and authenticity.

9:00 PM – Wind Down

By nine, I pause. I’ve learned the importance of slowing down; otherwise, the day runs me instead of the other way around. I might read, journal, or simply sit with my husband and enjoy the quiet. This hour is about letting go of the day’s intensity and preparing myself for rest.

10:00 PM – Bedtime

I’m usually in bed by ten. Sleep has become sacred to me — not just because I wake up early, but because it’s a vital part of my well-being. The way I see it, if I want to keep giving my best to both my career and my passion, I need to recharge fully. A good night’s sleep is what allows me to start again the next morning with intention.

Final Note

My day is a blend of discipline and creativity, structure and freedom. Balancing a full-time job with building Nouta isn’t always easy, but it’s a choice I make every day because I believe in it. I believe in creating something honest, sustainable, and lasting. And when I picture someone holding one of my soaps, trusting it on their skin, it feels worth every early morning and every late evening.