From Dentist to Dubai Wellness Coach: How Monika Singh Earns Up to Dh45,000 Monthly

Monika Singh, originally a dentist with a degree from India, arrived in Dubai 12 years ago with the intention of obtaining her Dubai Health Authority license to practice dentistry in the UAE. During her studies, she began attending group workout classes, where she discovered a passion for dance fitness and never looked back. Today, she is the proprietor of Monika Sphere, a wellness coaching business specifically catering to women in midlife. This niche emerged from her personal experience with perimenopause following the birth of her son, who is now seven years old. Currently, Ms. Singh operates exclusively within Arabian Ranches 1 and 2, coaching 23 clients and generating a monthly income ranging from Dh42,000 to Dh45,000.

Before establishing her own venture, Ms. Singh led group exercise classes at Fitness First and various other studios across Dubai, marking her initial entry into the fitness industry. She admits she wasn't initially drawn to fitness but found herself captivated by dance fitness classes. Encouraged by her supportive husband, she pursued her passion, obtaining certifications in Zumba, group exercise leadership, yoga, Les Mills Body Balance, personal training, and sound healing.

Her current business, Monika Sphere, focuses on a holistic approach to wellness. "My training is not just about typical strength training," Ms. Singh explains. "Of course, strength training is important for women, but other factors come into play, like mobility, recovery, your sleep, your meditation, and your breathwork. Everything comes together to give you a balanced and sustainable fitness regime." Her specialization in midlife women stems from her own journey through perimenopause after childbirth. "I realised that my energy was not the same, my sleep was getting affected, and my responsibilities were different," she shared. "And I realised the same complaint was coming from the women that I coach." Leveraging her medical background, she possesses a deeper understanding of human anatomy and physiology, which she applies to her specialized coaching.

Regarding her finances, Ms. Singh confirms she saves diligently. While not yet investing, she manages her household expenses, including her seven-year-old son's school fees and her car loan, setting aside Dh3,000 to Dh4,000 monthly for these needs. Her husband covers the remaining household expenses. Her financial discipline was instilled early on, as her parents provided a limited weekly allowance during her university years in India, teaching her to manage expenses carefully.

Looking ahead, Ms. Singh aims to launch an online portal, for which she has been saving. This venture is followed by a long-term goal of purchasing a larger home once the online portal proves successful and generates increased income. In the next decade, she aspires to be a recognized and successful businesswoman within the UAE, known for her contributions.