Growth with skincare.
Overcoming Struggles with Daily Rituals: Zahra Lachgar’s Journey to Balance and Growth
On this week’s Brave New Girls podcast, Zahra Lachgar, founder of Moroccan beauty brand Maison Zee, shared the struggles she faces as an entrepreneur and the daily strategies she uses to stay grounded. Building a brand from the ground up is never easy, and Zahra has faced numerous challenges, from the pressures of running a business to navigating cultural expectations and maintaining her personal well-being. Her journey is one of resilience, self-care, and purpose, showing us that balance is something we create through intentional habits rather than something we stumble upon.
When Zahra first started Maison Zee, she was still working full-time in architecture, an industry that demanded long hours and relentless dedication. The stress was immense, and she quickly realized that if she didn’t carve out time for herself, she would burn out. She had grown up watching her mother and aunts embrace the Moroccan hammam ritual—a tradition that allowed them to slow down, care for their bodies, and connect with each other. But in the fast-paced world of modern business, she found herself drifting away from these practices. It wasn’t until she began integrating them back into her life that she started to feel centered again.
For Zahra, self-care is more than just skincare; it is a deeply rooted act of self-respect. She believes that caring for the body also nurtures the mind and soul. Taking the time to cleanse, exfoliate, nourish, and hydrate isn’t just about beauty—it’s about reconnecting with oneself, slowing down enough to listen to what the body and mind need. She makes this a non-negotiable part of her routine, using her own products to remind herself of the traditions she grew up with and the purpose behind her work.
Beyond self-care, Zahra emphasizes the importance of surrounding herself with people who uplift her. In both life and business, she has encountered environments that drained her energy and moments where she felt like she had to prove herself. She has learned to be intentional about who she allows into her space, choosing to build relationships with those who inspire, encourage, and challenge her in meaningful ways. This shift has been transformative, helping her move forward with confidence rather than self-doubt.
One of the biggest lessons Zahra has learned is the power of setting boundaries. In her early career, she felt pressure to say yes to everything—more work, more commitments, more responsibilities. Over time, she realized that constantly giving without reserving space for herself was unsustainable. Now, she is mindful of what she takes on, ensuring that she prioritises both her business and her well-being. She has learned that saying no is not a rejection of opportunities, but an act of self-preservation.
She also grounds herself in gratitude, especially during difficult times. When faced with setbacks, she reminds herself of how far she has come and what she has built. She chooses to focus on what is working rather than what isn’t, shifting her perspective so that challenges become lessons rather than failures. This mindset has been key in helping her navigate the uncertainties of entrepreneurship.
Finding time to unwind is another essential part of Zahra’s daily life. Whether it’s drinking Moroccan tea after a long day, listening to music, or simply taking a few deep breaths, she makes space for small moments of relaxation. These acts might seem simple, but they help her reset, ensuring that she doesn’t carry the weight of stress into the next day. She also believes in nourishing the body from the inside out. Just as she avoids chemicals in skincare, she makes mindful choices in her diet, knowing that what she consumes impacts her overall well-being.
Despite the inevitable challenges of building a brand, Zahra remains resilient by holding onto her deeper purpose. For her, Maison Zee is more than a business—it’s a way to share Moroccan beauty rituals with the world while promoting sustainability and ethical sourcing. This mission keeps her motivated even when the road feels difficult. She believes that connecting with something greater than oneself is essential in sustaining long-term growth and fulfilment.
Zahra’s journey offers a powerful lesson: struggles will always exist, but how we respond to them determines our path forward. By creating intentional habits—whether through self-care, setting boundaries, practicing gratitude, or surrounding ourselves with the right people—we can cultivate balance and resilience. The key is not to wait for life to slow down but to actively build moments of stillness, reflection, and connection into our daily routines.
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Ten Actionable Steps for Building Wellbeing
Prioritize self-care as an essential part of your day.
Set boundaries that protect your time and energy.
Surround yourself with supportive, uplifting people.
Practice gratitude to shift your perspective.
Find daily rituals that ground and center you.
Take small moments to unwind and recharge.
Be mindful of what you consume—both in diet and skincare.
Embrace setbacks as learning opportunities.
Stay connected to a deeper purpose or passion.
Make conscious choices that align with your values.
Zahra Lachgar’s journey reminds us that resilience is built through daily habits. By prioritising self-care with skin-care, gratitude, and mindful living, she has created a life and business that align with her values. Her strategies offer a roadmap for anyone seeking balance, growth, and long-term fulfilment.
If you have worries around life’s juggles & health challenges, and want to grow a healthier, happier life, work with your Wellbeing Coach Lou Hamilton who will guide you through the steps you need to take, to get to where you want to be- living well on a well planet.
See which bespoke coaching programme works for you & we can tailor them further to your growth needs.
