In celebration of International Women’s Day, we are shining a light on the fearless females of Melbourne Hospitality People! We interviewed a handful of the amazing women that help our St Kilda and Essendon Fields businesses thrive, to gain an understanding of their experience in the hospitality industry.

Angela – Part Owner & Director
Working at MHP for 17 years

Q. What do you like about your work?  

 

“I love creating fun and memorable occasions for people that visit our venues. I enjoy the challenges and variety of my role. I love problem-solving and finding new ways to make our product and service the best in the market. Every day is a great day because of the people I work with and the loyal customers that make it all worth while.”

 

Q. Any advice for future generations of women looking to get into your industry? 

 

“Women bring so many wonderful attributes to the hospitality industry. A woman’s eye and touch can change a visit into an experience. A woman’s attention to detail is essential when building and delivering events. Events are emotional occasions and therefore so important for people, their families and their teams. Tapping into the heart and soul of the event ensures that it meets the client’s expectations and aspirations.”

 

Amara – Part Owner & HR Manager
Working at MHP for 17 years

 

 

 

 

 

Q. What do you like about your work?  

 

“I love the challenge of making the business work, creating a team, watching people grow and develop professionally.”

 

 

 

Terina – Group Marketing & Administrative Manager
Working at MHP for 18 months

Q. What’s your advice for young women beginning a career in hospitality?

“Females disproportionately suffer from imposter-syndrome. After working in the industry for 26 years, across the globe, from 3 Michelin stars restaurants to boutique bottle-o’s to Chinese takeaway shops to luxury hotels, I still suffer from it. The one thing that will always bring me confidence is education. So my advice is to educate yourself, take on board (good) advice and be open to every new opportunity.

For me, I was sick of being spoken down to about wine – such a divisive topic. So, I went out, got qualified, made wine, worked as a sommelier and exposed to myself to as much of the wine world as possible. I will never be an expert but I no longer have to accept a condescending conversation about the differences between a left-bank or right-bank Bordeaux. In fact, I’ll order the wine, thank you!”

Leticia – Senior Sales & Events Coordinator
Working at MHP for 10 years

Q. What do you like about your work?

“Working with and for good people. Strong foundations and a supportive and nurturing team from the ground, all the way to the top, is what Melbourne Hospitality People is all about, and that feeds back into how we do business here. We have always been for the people, and at the end of the day if our customers and clients walk away feeling like they’ve had the time of our lives – our work here is done. We’re a family business, and when we open our doors – everyone is just that – family.”

 

 

Ruby – Senior Sales & Events Coordinator
Working at MHP for 6 years

 

Q. What do you like about your work?

“I love the fast pace and diversity of the role. No two days are the same and there are always new challenges to face and solve. I love the social aspect and the daily interaction I get to have with every department in the business and our customers. There is a great balance of work and play in the office too which is so much fun!”

 

 

Becky – MHP MVP
Working at MHP for 7 years

Q. What do you like about your work?

“There are so many things I love about working in this industry. I love a new challenge and expanding my knowledge. I love making peoples special occasions truly special for them. However, the thing I love most is imparting my knowledge and enthusiasm for this industry to the new generations of hospo professionals and watching them flourish and grow.”

 

 

Jenny – Encore Operations Manager
Working at MHP for 6 months

Q. What does a typical day look like to you?

“Clock in with a coffee already in hand, check the venue is spotless, check with event coordinators with all the scheduled events for the week, create the list of to dos for the day/week. Be positive and let the day roll.”

 

 

 

Jody – Encore Events Coordinator
Working at MHP for 2 weeks

Q. What does every successful woman in hospitality know?

“You MUST love people… working in the hospitality game involves being a people person. Be organised, stay calm in stressful situations, and enjoy what you do.”