Other Women's Jobs // A Day in The Life & Career of Mihaela Ungureanu

NAME: Mihaela Ungureanu

AGE: 39

INSTAGRAM HANDLE: https://www.instagram.com/mihaflor/ https://www.instagram.com/edosswimwear_/

JOB TITLE: Founder of EDOS SWIMWEAR

MOVED TO THE UAE IN: 2017

Mihaela is the founder of EDOS Swimwear, an eco-conscious brand inspired by the Endless Days of Sun. Mihaela's journey into sustainability began during her Masters in Luxury Brand Management in London and deepened as she worked with fashion brands within the luxury sector including a well-established brand focusing on elegance and ultra feminine lingerie.

Mihaela witnessed firsthand the negative environmental impact of the fashion industry and wanted to combine her passion for art, travel and to create a brand which celebrates places and honour woman body- all whilst being sustainable. Mihaela's aim was to create feminine, timeless, and versatile swimwear, designed to transition effortlessly from day to night. Her vision is simple: to empower women to feel confident while wearing swimwear that is both beautiful and planet friendly.

Swimwear is an intimate, therefore technical category to create. Form must meet functional and attention to detail is what will make or break a design. Understanding that every woman’s body is different, EDOS offers the mix-and-match option which allows clients to choose separate sizes and styles for tops and bottoms, ensuring a perfect fit. In terms of design all items are packed in recycled cotton pouches. EDOS is a trademarked brand available in sizes XS to L, with some styles now available in XL (with plans to expand further). The colours are chosen carefully so they can mix and match effortlessly

Mihaela describes running a small business as both rewarding and demanding. She juggles multiple roles— CEO, marketer, customer service representative, sales advisor, and logistics manager, often all at one. Of course, no two days are the same—some days are more structured, while others require quick problem-solving and flexibility.

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

7:00 AM

I usually wake up at 7:00 AM, taking time to mentally prepare for the day ahead. My morning starts with coffee (my best companion!) while I check emails and notifications to prioritize urgent matters. I prepare my to-do list, review key business performance metrics, and make note of pressing issues.

Exercise is part of my routine as it helps boost my energy and focus for the day. I usually train in the morning, but sometimes in the evening depending on my day. I set aside time for one activity such as a jog or Pilates to clear my mind. It not only helps me recharge but also allows me to make better decisions.

9:00 AM or 9:30 AM

By mid-morning, my focus shifts to operations and product development. I start by coordinating with manufacturer, sending emails first thing in the morning to ensure they receive my requests at the start of their workday. l work closely on retail relationships in UAE, where I have my items in places such as Chado Wellness Centre, and in Romania. I am keeping an eye on POS materials and stock updates.

This is the time I immerse myself in sample development. I source premium materials from Italy, ECONYL®️, a fabric made from discarded fishing nets, giving new life to materials that would otherwise harm the ocean. The fabric which is flatter than a normal swimsuit fabric. It also has UV protection and holds its softness and shape over time. Manufacturing takes place in Portugal, ensuring high-quality and ethical production practices. Since we go through several rounds of samples, each round is a lesson in perfection, where both negative and positive feedback are used constructively to create the ideal product

Being an entrepreneur means I can adjust my schedule. If I don’t have urgent tasks, I attend events either business related or to socialise. I’m part of a fantastic community, Coffee with an Expat, where I volunteer and participate in events with inspiring women. Being involved in this group allows me to connect, learn about new cultures, share experiences, and support others, which is incredibly fulfilling. I’m grateful for what I have and believe in importance of give back. Even a kind word or a moment of encouragement can make a meaningful difference.

1:00 PM

Lunch isn’t always just a break, and it’s not always at the same time. Some days, it’s a chance to disconnect, enjoy good food, and recharge. Other times, it turns into a networking opportunity where I meet with potential partners or other entrepreneurs to exchange ideas. I love discussing business concepts in a supportive way—after all, I’m not in competition with other women; I’m in competition with myself. And when I have lunch alone, I take the time to catch up on emails or schedule calls with the factory, making sure everything is running smoothly—from initial samples to the final product.

2:30 PM

As the afternoon unfolds, I shift my focus on creativity and logistics. I work on mood boards and plan photoshoots for upcoming product drops. Finalizing production details with suppliers, every step towards ensuring that the brand vision is realised. Expanding the brands reach is another priority, so I spend time sending emails to potential retailers and reaching out for potential photoshoot collaborations to elevate the marketing.

Unexpected challenges, like fabric shortages or lack of accessories, can arise, which can impact production timelines—so those moments require quick thinking and adaptability. A bit of a hocus pocus situation and inhale exhale moment and its done.

5:00 PM

As the day winds down, I transition into to marketing and sales. I spend time engaging with our clients or our community on social media.

Monitoring revenue, costs, and profitability is crucial. I remain proactive about budgeting and planning for growth. I work on admin tasks, such as inventory management, packaging logistics, orders and payments.

7:00 PM

Evenings sometimes are a mix of reflection and creative rejuvenation- I take time to read contracts and other documents. Entrepreneurship is a constant learning process so when I have time, I like to read business books or industry reports, listen to podcasts on entrepreneurship, and stay up to date with fashion and sustainability trends.

8:00 PM

Having a business means that in some cases you need to work late due to time zone differences, but you want the job to be done. In some cases I drafts email and schedule them to be sent the next day.

8:30 PM

While work often blends into my personal time, I try to set boundaries. When I’m at home, I enjoy cooking, which helps me relax after a busy day. In the evenings, I make time to unwind—whether that’s spending quality time with my husband, going out with friends, having a walk or simply enjoying a quiet night at home.

11:30 PM – It’s time to disconnect.

This balanced blend of structure and spontaneity is what makes each day unique and rewarding. Building EDOS Swimwear is a journey filled with many challenges and small triumphs, and every moment is a constant reminder that you cannot give up no matter what. It’s the passion and dedication behind creating a brand that celebrates style, sustainability, and the beauty of every woman.