Other Women's Jobs // Clarita de Quiroz

NAME: Clarita de Quiroz

INSTAGRAM HANDLE: @claritadequiroz

JOB TITLE: Musician / Singer / Pianist / Composer / Songwriter

MOVED TO THE UAE IN: 2008

Clarita de Quiroz is an internationally renowned pianist, vocalist, and multi-talented musician known for her versatile career that has spanned commercial music, fashion, and film. With a long-standing presence in the MENA region and global recognition, Clarita is now embarking on a deeply personal chapter in her career: her debut classical album. This marks a significant shift toward the genre that first inspired her musical journey, demonstrating her lifelong passion for classical music.

Let's discover a day in Clarita's world:

7:00 AM

The day begins quietly. I wake up early, usually before 7 AM, and make myself a coffee—a ritual I find grounding and comforting. Coffee in hand, I check on my cat, who has become an essential part of my daily routine and a source of calm. I spend a few minutes in quiet reflection, organizing my thoughts for the day ahead. This is my time to plan and prioritize what I need to accomplish, whether it’s music, work, or studies.

Starting my day this way allows me to ease into the busyness that follows, giving me a sense of control and purpose. I believe mornings set the tone for the rest of the day, so I avoid rushing or jumping straight into work.

10:00 AM

After my morning routine, I head to Balans Pilates Studio, which is conveniently close to my home. Reformer Pilates has been life-changing for me. It’s a low-impact yet highly effective workout that has helped me rebuild my strength and stay active despite previous injuries. I recommend it to anyone who wants to stay fit while minimizing the risk of further injuries.

The hour I spend here is sacred—it’s not just about physical health but also mental clarity. The studio environment is peaceful, and the movements are deliberate, allowing me to connect with my body and clear my mind. By the time I leave, I feel refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of my day.

12:00 NOON

Midday is when my creativity begins to flow. This is my favorite time to immerse myself in music. I usually start by playing the piano, exploring melodies and ideas that have been brewing in my mind. Inspiration often comes from unexpected places, whether it’s a memory, a story, or another piece of music I’ve been listening to.

Once I have a basic idea, I move to Logic Pro, where I record and experiment with sounds. This is where the magic happens—layering instruments, adjusting tones, and playing with rhythms until the piece feels right. Sometimes, I collaborate with my producer or co-producers to refine these ideas further. These sessions can be for a specific project, like my classical album, or simply an outlet for personal expression.

2:00 PM

Afternoons are dedicated to the more structured aspects of my life. As the co-manager of Villa Nirvana, I spend this time catching up on emails, handling bookings, and addressing any operational issues. Managing a boutique hotel has taught me so much about business, from procurement to marketing, and I take pride in the work we’ve done to elevate the property.

In addition to business tasks, I also focus on academics during this time. Whether it’s coursework for my Doctorate or studying a new language, this block of the day is about intellectual growth. Returning to education after years in the entertainment industry has been incredibly rewarding, giving me a renewed sense of purpose and discipline.

4:00 PM

As the afternoon progresses, I transition back to music. This time is usually reserved for production work—finalizing tracks, tweaking arrangements, or reviewing mixes. I also take this time to reflect on my progress, ensuring that each project aligns with my artistic vision.

If I’m not working on music, I might use this time to brainstorm ideas for upcoming ventures or collaborate with my team. Creativity isn’t just limited to music; it also fuels my business and academic pursuits. I believe that staying creative in all aspects of life is what keeps me motivated and inspired.

6:00 PM

Evenings are all about unwinding and reconnecting with myself. I often go for a walk to clear my head and enjoy the fresh air. Walking is a simple yet powerful way to reset, especially after a long day of work and creative output.

Cooking is another way I unwind. I’m an avid cook and love experimenting with new recipes. Preparing meals from scratch has become a passion, allowing me to control what goes into my food and avoid processed ingredients. It’s a mindful practice that takes me out of my head and into the present moment. Depending on the dish, cooking can take anywhere from one to three hours, but I enjoy every minute of it.

8:00 PM

As the day winds down, I focus on self-care. I have a detailed skincare routine that I follow religiously, which helps me relax and transition into the evening. This is also the time when I check my emails one last time to ensure nothing urgent has been overlooked.

Sometimes, I’ll watch a movie or a series to relax, but even then, I often find myself multitasking—working on my laptop or brainstorming ideas for upcoming projects. This is the quieter part of my day, where I can reflect on what I’ve accomplished and prepare for tomorrow.

10:00 PM

By 10 PM, I’m usually in bed, ready to sleep. Rest is a non-negotiable part of my routine. It’s what allows me to stay productive and focused across all the different areas of my life