Nairobi — It’s uncommon to fulfill a feminine butler and extra so, one who manages an enormous lodge chain which handles quite a lot of guests.
However Sheila Tonui has defied these odds and is among the many pioneers within the subject of butler service, an space she prides in as a result of her immense ardour about meals and beverage and visitor service.
Having gained large expertise from a number of motels throughout the nation together with Sarova Whitesands, Safaripark amongst others, the 29-year previous is now the pinnacle butler at Hemmingways Nairobi.
In at present’s sequence of Ladies in Enterprise, Sheila Tonui shared her story with Capital Enterprise highlighting her profession path, challenges and the way she manages the work-life stability in her job which entails offering and sustaining a excessive stage of administration and supervision.
How did you begin off your profession?
I pursued a course in Lodge administration from Kenya Utalii School. I had a possibility to coach and work with Safari Park Lodge, Sarova Whitesands, Nairobi Serena and at the moment Hemingways Nairobi. I had the possibility to undertake a butler coaching from NovusLuxus R. Hospitality Restricted based mostly within the UK which uncovered me to my present place.
Did you at all times envision being a butler?
Under no circumstances. Butler service is a brand new idea within the Kenyan hospitality. When Hemingways Nairobi opened its doorways in 2013, I utilized for the place, taking all the chance because it was the primary time to be taught of this distinctive position. I’m enthusiastic about Meals and Beverage in addition to Visitor service and the butler place was the proper mix of my ardour.
How do you at all times handle work-life stability?
By accepting there in no ‘good’ work-life stability, some days you focus extra on work and sure days you might need time for household and pals and stability will probably be achieved over time. It requires flexibility and being open minded to redirecting and assessing my wants on any day and that is key find stability.
How does a typical day appear like for you?
Once I get up within the morning, I put together breakfast for my household getting my youngsters prepared for varsity. I take pleasure in grooming and guarantee my wardrobe administration expertise (key side in my profession) are prolonged for my household earlier than seeing them off to highschool. Once I get to work, I attend the Managers briefing which particulars the arrival itemizing of the day, anticipated VIPs and another occasion that will require my consideration. I then temporary the butlers and assign them duties. The mornings are often busy with departures, packing and unpacking, baggage dealing with, valet service, laundry request, organising excursions, restaurant and spa reservation and proposals, in addition to getting ready the visitors suites. I at all times attempt to see visitors off to get their suggestions, since this allows me to know the areas during which we’re doing properly and those who want enchancment. Within the afternoons, we get to obtain visitors arriving and people who might need stepped out for the times’ excursions. Relying on my visitors’ requests, I usually go away work between 5pm and 6pm. I get house to spend time with household and bond with my youngsters whereas helping them with their faculty work.
What’s the most fascinating factor about your job?
My job entails assembly and interacting with completely different visitors from various cultures. By treating every visitor as a person, their wants are various therefore not repetitive. Working intently with different departments to make sure visitors keep are seamless and going out of my option to exceeding their expectations of Hemingways is what I take pleasure in. Our companies are private and honest providing a luxurious expertise for discretion and comfort.
What are among the challenges you face as a feminine butler?
A part of my responsibility is dealing with visitors’baggage and this at time pose a problem particularly with male visitors. Some will not settle for my help. By realizing my visitor background and about their tradition performs a task in anticipating my visitor wants and with this data, am higher positioned to hunt the help of my male colleagues.
What do you suppose ought to be achieved to handle them?
Teamwork performs a task in addressing such a state of affairs and remaining skilled with respect to visitor want.
How would you encourage different ladies within the hospitality sector who eye a place like yours?
I’d encourage different ladies within the hospitality business to take up the position of feminine butlers. We women, are higher positioned as our skill to multi-task which is significant on this position, consideration to element and anticipation of wants earlier than a visitor ask for service comes out naturally. With the suitable perspective and dedication, we will excel in any alternative we set ourselves to undertake.