Jyoti Karmali

What: Director, JK Eventz JLT
How do you typically start your day? 
I wake up and thank God for giving me another day to live, to enjoy, to smile, to work and to breathe. This is followed by a glass of cinnamon water with a slice of lemon. I then check for messages and emails that need my immediate attention.
 Describe your work in a sentence. 
I love what I do... even if there's never a dull moment and my phone's always buzzing (just ask my family)!
 What is your #1 personal principle at work?  
Being honest and sincere with my work allows me to keep things simple. I give my 100 per cent to whatever I take on and work with total passion and dedication. The rest just falls into place!
 In your workday, what is the one thing you cannot do without? 
I love to doodle whilst talking on the phone, especially when I  need my creative juices to flow. So I cannot do without some good paper and tons of pens and pencils to doodle with. I am a stationery freak and have collected it from all over the world, especially from Japan. I went on quite the shopping spree there!
 Your favourite indulgence when you need a break from work? 
Music, music, and more music!  I have the best music system in my office and often play my favourite tunes to feel rejuvenated - it works every time! It takes me to a really nice place and then gives me the strength needed to handle all the stress that comes with events and my line of work.
 What is your favourite place to go to for a business lunch? 
I Love Le Petite Maison in DIFC and look for any excuse to go and dig into their Burrata with Tomato and Basil. 
 What is your greatest dream, professionally? 
I am a big dreamer and have lots of dreams. but for now I own two pet projects along with my partners in Dubai.  Raaga Factory, which is all about music, is a passion-driven cultural project. The other is En Vogue by AAJK, which is all about fashion, and is a commercial project. The 'Winter Fiesta' edition is actually coming up on the  December 12, and will be a real haven for shoppers and fashionistas who want to spend a good day out. I would love to see them both go places and reach the pinnacle of success in every way possible!
 What is the last thing you (usually) do before you go to sleep?
As I lead a hectic and stressful life due to the nature of my work, I really have to unwind before I can sleep. I believe the best way to do that is to write it all down so it is off your chest. I've been keeping a diary every night for as far back as I can remember. Good, bad, rubbish - it is all in there! It is also great to read diary entries from past years - it makes me smile and has me in tears as well. I love reading all the stories and episodes and then laughing at myself. It makes me realise how I am changing with every passing year and that the things that really hurt me and bothered me then are meaningless today. It's a great way to read the story of your own life. Besides that, music is always my favourite companion and lulls me far away into lala land!
wknd@khaleejtimes.com