ABOUT ME

I’m Cat Hawkes, and I’m 37 years old from Surrey in the UK. I’ve worked in salons since I was 12 and studied at London College of Fashion. I met my hubby when I was 14 and we were married at 20. I owned salons in the UK before moving to Dubai that I later sold. We have a 17 year old and a 12 year old and hubby works at the same school as the kids, running holiday camps where my daughter is also a coach. I came out to Dubai originally to open and run a chain of hair salons for a company, but I now own my own, Salon 971. Pre Covid I regularly travelled to Europe with Schwarzkopf but have enjoyed spending lots of time at home with the family.

WHERE IS HOME?

Well, home is Dubai as that’s where we’ve raised our children and have my business but Surrey in the UK is where all our family live.

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER? 

A hairdresser since I can remember. My dream came true!

WHAT DO YOU DO?

I’m a hairstylist and own Salon 971. I am also the colour ambassador for Schwarzkopf Professional in the GCC.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ACTIVITY TO DO WITH YOUR CHILDREN?

As a family with teens, two activities we all love to do together is snorkelling and the cinema.

HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR WEEKENDS?

Well, on a Saturday you’ll find me in the salon and that’s been the case ever since I started as a hairdresser, so Friday is a family day! The morning is spent with a little girly time with my daughter maybe a swim at the polo club whilst hubby and son are playing rugby. The afternoon we usually go for lunch, take a trip to the cinema or watch a movie at home (we’re big movie lovers) or if we have the time love to drive to Fujairah to do a bit of snorkelling.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE?

Ok, my all-time favourite 🙈 Pretty Woman!

IF YOU COULD EAT ONE MEAL FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Any Italian pasta dish but I could also go for Mexican tacos.

WHO’S YOUR CELEBRITY CRUSH?

Gerard Butler.

WHICH DESTINATION IS ON YOUR BUCKET LIST TO VISIT?

Tokyo is a place I’ve never been but would love to go, and Brazil!

WHAT’S YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE?

Ooh I love listening to audible books and Philippa Gregory in particular. .

IF YOU COULD HAVE A SUPER POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I would have a magic wand so I could transform anyone with a touch of the wand.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT LIVING IN DUBAI?

I absolutely love the diversity of cultures but also the close nit communities everyone lives in. I feel like it’s such a celebratory place where any occasion is call for a celebration. I love the friendships you can build here (lifelong friends) in such a short space of time. I love the fact it’s bright skies all year round and when you want that cosy homely feel you can just whack up the ac and snuggle up with a blanket!