Photo by Lewis Gregory
Jessika moved to Barcelona in 2001 to start a new life. Today she runs two businesses, Performance Barcelona, a destination management company, and the Muro Lab, an innovative decoration concept. She’s also a certified business coach, and works to empower women in the city as head of SWEA Professional Barcelona, a global network for Swedish-speaking women.
6AM My alarm is set for 7am, but I let my system decide when it’s time to get up, which, most mornings, is at 6am. I sneak out of bed and set up camp in front of the computer to sort through emails, proposals, contracts, etc. with a clear head.
7AM I jump into my training gear and take my two dogs, Samantha (Miniature Pinscher) and Priscilla (Greyhound), for a walk in the Eixample, where we live.
7.45AM By the time we get home, my wife, Laura, has already filled up the dogs’ breakfast bowls. While they eat, the two of us enjoy a freshly pressed green juice. Then we go down to the local bar for a strong coffee.
8.15AM After coffee, I say bye to Laura and head to the gym across the street.
9.30AM After a good workout, I have my daily portion of porridge, then I’m ready to kick some ass! My days never look exactly the same—I either have clients arriving for a corporate event or congress, a product launch, or I’m going on a site inspection or business trip. Right now, my main focus is on the expansion of Performance, with five new destinations in the works (Madrid, Mallorca, Ibiza, Malaga and Alicante). A lot of time and energy goes into finding the right venues—hotels, locations, etc.—to fulfil the high expectations of our clients. I either work from the office in the Eixample, together with my business partner and team, or I work at Soho House Barcelona, where I’m a founder member. The creative vibe of the Club Floor is an excellent environment for putting new proposals together or having inspirational meetings with my clients. Or, for a change of scenery, I can head out to the rooftop terrace, which has lovely views of the city.
2PM When I don’t have a lunch meeting booked, I go home and cook lunch for Laura and myself, and then take the dogs for a walk. We take turns walking them, depending on our work schedule; it’s all about organisation, but definitely worth the effort to have these lovely creatures around.
3.30PM I pick up where I left off with Performance-related tasks, but also check any requests for projects for The Muro Lab, contacting clients and artists.
6PM Depending on the day, this time is put aside for meetings with my business partner, business coaching, and networking events for SWEA Professional Barcelona or another networking event.
9PM We have a very busy social life, and go out for dinner and drinks with friends at least three times a week. On the days we stay home, Laura is the chef. The menu is always organic food and wine—we’re fortunate to have several eco stores around the corner and the Ninot Market a few blocks away.
12AM Bona nit!