Vervemagazine.in January 2015. Photograph by Rohan Shrestha

DAY “I am the earliest riser in the family. I wake up at 6:30 am. I like my swim in the morning – it gives me time to think. I enjoy breakfast after a massage (3-4 times a week), following which is a full day at work.

NIGHT “I sleep the earliest too! I’m not a night person. I like to party once in a while, but I like my early morning sun.”

CHILDREN “My boys are in the US. One is in college and the other in prep school; my daughter is here in school. My children grew up while I worked. They are used to me travelling.”

MOTHERHOOD “I’ve never had too much quantity time with them. But spent a lot of quality time. I cuddle them a lot, I kiss them a lot, but I find it hard to spend too much time with them. I feel guilty about that.”

WORK “I go in everyday to my store, Simone; Monday is off, but I plan to go in at least four times a week in the future. I’m passionate about my work, I can sleep in my workplace.”

SIBLING LOVE “Farah and I grew up together but we were poles apart. She became by best friend after I got married.”

GROWING UP “We were all raised to be strong as people. There is too much to be thankful about. With the opportunity and platform that we have, we can’t complain. We’ve always taken responsibility for our decisions and to not play the blame game.”

ENTERTAINING “I like smaller gatherings of 10-15 people. I like to meet over dinner, at friends’ homes, or with family. Basically, laughing and joking, with good food and music.”

D’DECOR “We attended five international home furnishings fairs annually for 15 years. I travelled nearly once a month.”

DESIGN “Simone’s strong forte is colour and combinations. How to mix the solids with the patterns. Her style is also universal and subtle. It has a character that appeals to everyone.” – Sussanne