Other Women's Jobs // A Day In The Life & Career Of Lourds Adalia-Evertse

NAME: Lourds Adalia-Evertse

AGE: 39 years old

INSTAGRAM HANDLE: @lourds_trimumpreneur

JOB TITLE: Managing Partner

MOVED TO THE UAE IN: 2007

From hotel receptionist to COO to F&B entrepreneur, Lourds Adalia-Evertse embodies resilience, courage, and the power of reinvention. A triathlete and proud Filipina, she moved to Dubai at just nineteen with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management and an unshakable determination to succeed.

When the recession cost her first job, she refused to give up and became a founding member of the start-up Creative Zone, helping grow it into one of the UAE’s leading business setup firms. After a decade as COO, Lourds decided to return to her first love, food, and co-founded Spice Grill, growing it from a single restaurant into a thriving three-location brand across Sharjah and Dubai.

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

430AM – The Early Bird Starts

I wake up early, long before the city stirs, as a triathlete and entrepreneur. These early hours are sacred — my time to train, reflect, and prepare mentally for the day ahead. Swimming, running, or cycling before dawn isn’t just about physical fitness; it’s about cultivating discipline, mental clarity, and focus. In these quiet moments, I set my intentions for the day, visualize my goals, and tackle the challenges ahead with a calm and clear mindset. This early start allows me to align my body, mind, and spirit before the demands of business and family take over.

8AM – Breakfast and Emails

After training, I refuel with a healthy breakfast. While enjoying my meal, I check emails and respond to urgent matters. This is my window to catch up on communications, prioritize tasks, and ensure that my team and business operations are running smoothly. It’s also the moment I plan my schedule, setting realistic goals and adjusting priorities where necessary. These hours are productive yet reflective, giving me a head start before the day’s full momentum begins.

10AM – Visiting Spice Grill

By mid-morning, I often visit one of the Spice Grill locations. Being present on the ground is essential to understanding the heartbeat of the business — interacting with staff, observing operations, and ensuring our customers receive the exceptional experience we promise. These visits also allow me to identify areas for improvement, provide guidance to my team, and celebrate achievements with our staff. Hands-on leadership keeps me connected to the day-to-day realities of the business while ensuring I stay grounded in my vision for growth.

2PM – Zoom Meetings and Networking

The afternoon is dedicated to virtual meetings and networking events. Most of my Zoom calls are strategic discussions, project updates, or collaborations that help expand the business and build relationships. Networking is an essential part of my journey — meeting like-minded professionals, sharing experiences, and learning from others in the industry. These interactions inspire new ideas, uncover opportunities, and provide fresh perspectives that influence decision-making. Balancing multiple priorities during this time requires focus, organization, and clear communication.

4PM – Kids’ Swim Activities and Work

Later in the afternoon, I dedicate time to my children’s swim activities. Being present for my kids is non-negotiable — it’s my way of supporting their dreams while also teaching them the importance of discipline, commitment, and resilience. Even while at the pool, I multitask by reviewing business updates, responding to emails, or planning upcoming projects on my laptop. This blend of family involvement and professional responsibility exemplifies my approach to balancing work and personal life: fully engaged in both spheres without compromise.

6PM - Dinner with Family

Dinner is sacred family time. It’s a chance to connect, share stories from the day, and strengthen our bonds. These evenings are filled with laughter, conversation, and gratitude, reminding me that success isn’t only measured by achievements but also by the quality of relationships we nurture. Family meals are also a space to instill values, celebrate milestones, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

 8PM - Kids’ Bedtime and Rest

Once the kids are in bed, I start winding down for the night. I make a conscious choice to leave my phone in the kitchen to charge, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with rest. Sleep is critical to maintain the energy, focus, and discipline my life demands, especially given my early mornings. By disconnecting from technology and creating a calm bedtime routine, I allow my body and mind to recharge fully for the next day. I typically fall asleep early, knowing that the morning will come again with new challenges, training, and opportunities to grow.

Reflection

Each day is carefully structured yet dynamic, balancing the demands of entrepreneurship, athletic training, and family life. My routine reflects my belief that discipline, consistency, and intentionality are the keys to achieving personal and professional goals. While early mornings, long workdays, and multitasking may seem challenging, they provide the structure and clarity needed to pursue dreams without compromise. This schedule not only ensures productivity but also allows me to nurture relationships, prioritize health, and live intentionally.