This week, we speak to Daisy Marchant, Director of Private Lifestyle at Quintessentially Middle East. It’s a premier luxury lifestyle management service renowned for its personalised approach and extensive global network.
Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome
With nearly two decades of experience, Marchant has been instrumental in delivering bespoke experiences and exceptional service to the -high-net-worth and Ultra High Net-worth Community.
As the Director of Private Lifestyle, she oversees a team of over 30 lifestyle managers and travel specialists. Her role involves initial engagement with prospective members, identifying their unique lifestyle needs, and recommending the most suitable membership tiers
Known for her meticulous approach, Emirates Woman sat down to speak with her on how it all began.
View this post on Instagram
What was your favourite subject at school?
Literature has always captivated me. Reading has enabled me to explore different perspectives throughout my life and dream about the future. This taught me to see the world as my oyster, and to seek out enriching experiences (which is core to what I do today).
What was your first job?
My first role was with Silverjet, a British business-class airline. Moving up to the role of Ambassador there gave me early exposure to luxury service and networking, which shaped my career path and commitment to excellence.”
What brought you to Dubai?
Thanks to Quintessentially’s global network, travel and relocation opportunities are one of its advantages. My Founders offered me the chance to relocate to Dubai 14 years ago, which I eagerly accepted! It’s lovely to have Dubai as my base with the luxury of traveling overseas to host events and meet clients.
What inspired you to enter the lifestyle industry and work as Director of Private Lifestyle?
I’ve always felt drawn to experiences that add depth and joy to daily life. Working here, I can bring that vision to life every day by offering women in the region a uniquely tailored approach to luxury lifestyle management.
Talk us through the concept.
Our company focuses on offering a truly bespoke service that’s both discreet and enriching. From exclusive travel arrangements to wellness and educational consultancy, we aim to craft life-enhancing experiences that meet each member’s unique needs.
What are the key elements of your role as the Director of Private Lifestyle ?
In my role at Quintessentially, my day is centered on engagement with prospective members. It’s an honor to meet inspiring women and learn how we can close the gaps in their busy lifestyles. I attend and host lots of networking events too. The lifestyle managers on our team are fantastic and I regularly communicate with them to ensure the product is always evolving.
Talk us through your daily routine.
My day revolves around member engagement, attending events, coordinating with our lifestyle managers, and overseeing our membership benefits. Whether it’s a high-stakes last-minute request or a finely curated travel itinerary, each day is different but always focused on exceeding expectations. Due to our clients’ hectic travel schedules, I also have a lot of early morning and late night calls!
What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
Have a true passion for helping others and be highly attuned to people’s needs. Building relationships and a trusted network are essential for succeeding in a luxury lifestyle career.
Tell us more about the services offered.
We provide a full spectrum of services, from personal concierge support and event management to arranging private, bespoke travel experiences. Our team prides itself on anticipating needs, simplifying the complexities of daily life, and delivering transformative moments.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Put your client’s needs first, always. It may sound straightforward, but that focus builds lasting relationships and ensures each member’s experience is consistently exceptional.
And what is the worst?
That luxury service should be predictable. Real luxury is about personalisation, so for us, there’s no ‘formula.’ Every member deserves a distinct experience.
What’s the biggest challenge you have had to overcome Director of Private Lifestyle?
During the pandemic, it was a challenge to adapt our services to new limitations while maintaining our standards. However, it led to creative solutions that strengthened our resilience and innovation.
View this post on Instagram
What’s your future aspiration for the brand?
My goal is to expand our footprint across the Middle East and enhance our offerings by continually adapting to what women value most in luxury today: privacy, personalisation, and elevated experiences that go beyond the ordinary.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied
