GET TO KNOW ALESSANDRA FERNANDEZ

Where do you call home?

I am fortunate enough to have two homes: Dubai and Marbella! It’s hard to choose between the two, as they both have very special places in my heart.

Are you an early bird or night owl?

Early bird.

Go-to lunch order?

Pasta! Preferably Spaghetti Bolognese.

Coffee or tea?

Coffee.

What’s your secret skill?

I have this quirky talent where I can shape my tongue into a flower! Apparently, only one in a million people can do it.

How do you like to start your day?

With a bottle of water and electrolytes and a cup of coffee, before I take my little French bulldog for a morning stroll.

And how do you like to end it?

It’s all about unwinding with a good show on Netflix.

What was your first job?

I was a part-time tennis ball girl when I was 15.

What’s something that always makes you smile?

Easy – dogs! They honestly just make my heart do a little salsa.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t take yourself too seriously, we’re all just human beings dancing through life.

What’s your go-to productivity hack?

Working in a clutter free space.

What’s your most-used emoji?

🥰

What work achievement are you most proud of?

Being one of MAIA’s inaugural team members, and seeing the organisation evolve and flourish into what it is today has been an incredible journey.

What are you most excited about at the moment?

My husband and I recently took the plunge and just bought a house. The excitement of making it uniquely ours is real and I can’t wait to see the transformation unfold.

How do you get ready for the week ahead?

Sunday evenings are for mapping out the week ahead and enjoying some quality time with my family.

What are you known for in the MAIA office?

At MAIA, I’m the resident ‘speedster’. From lightning-fast typing and finishing my meals in record time (yes, I am a huge foodie), I always bring a dash of efficiency!

Where are you travelling to next?

Marbella to see my wonderful mother (we are extremely close), and Max, my amazing 16-year-old wired hair sausage dog.

What’s your work mantra?

It’s PR not ER.

And your life mantra?

What will be, will be.

You can only add one song to the MAIA playlist. What is it?

Man! I Feel Like a Woman! –  Shania Twain

What’s one book / TV show that changed your life?

Friends; it’s a comfort blanket of laughter and wholesome moments! No matter how many times I watch it, it never gets old, as it’s just a timeless source of joy.

What matters most?

Family.

Any advice for your younger self?

To be more protective of boundaries.

Happiness is…

For me happiness is eating delicious food on the beach with friends and family (dogs included), accompanied with the soothing sounds of the waves (and maybe a spicy margarita or two)!