An Interview with a Fast-Rising Chief Stewardess
Who said you need years as a second stewardess before stepping up to chief? This ambitious young Australian knew exactly what she wanted and went straight after it. Proof that with hard work and dedication, you really can achieve your dreams.
Star sign? Aries.
Where are you from? Melbourne, Australia.
How long have you worked in the superyacht industry? Eight months.
What are your biggest accomplishments? Becoming Chief Stew in such a short space of time, without question. I joined my yacht last October as second stew and was recently promoted to Chief Stew. I know that usually takes years and a great deal of groundwork, so I am genuinely proud to have moved up so quickly. Being recognised for your talent and hard work is incredibly rewarding.
Can you work under pressure? I can. I prefer a little space to breathe, but if you are well prepared, pressure should not be an issue. Besides — as a stewardess, you do not really have a choice. Pressure is felt almost every day during charter!
What are your pet hates? Oh, I have plenty! My main one is a general lack of manners — both in the industry and in everyday life. It also frustrates me when people fail to appreciate or respect the work you do.
Tell me about the last time you felt anger at work. The last time was during a conversation where I felt the other person was making me out to be ungrateful for the position I am in. You give up a great deal to be a stewardess — there are real sacrifices and plenty you miss out on. Everyone in yachting understands that; it is simply part of the deal, and the lifestyle makes up for it in a million other ways. Being spoken to as though someone had sacrificed far more than I ever have or would really frustrated me.
What do you do in your spare time? I absolutely love eating out! Working in an industry where food and service are such a high priority means you are nearly always surrounded by delicious food, so getting out to experience a new restaurant always puts a smile on my face. I also try to exercise — fitting it in is proving harder than I imagined with this lifestyle, but even little bits here and there make me feel more confident and happy. And when I am home, I love the simple things: spending time with family and friends, walking my dog, and easing back into a normal routine.
What makes you laugh? My boyfriend — he is also lead deckhand on board — definitely tries to keep a smile on my face all day, every day. I am not sure he always succeeds, but he gives it a good go! Also my best friend back home. We are thousands of miles apart but message constantly, and she always knows how to make me laugh. We have the same silly sense of humour, so it works perfectly.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Five years from now I will be 28. I rather like the cliché idea of being married and starting a family. There is a million things I want to do and achieve before then, but at that age it would definitely be a priority. In the meantime, I want to travel more, do a Mediterranean season, go snowboarding, learn to surf, start my own business — and just be happy.
Favourite holiday destination, and why? I backpacked around Europe last year, which finally crossed the Greek Islands off my dream list. Next up is Central and South America with my boyfriend. He is an avid surfer and wants to get me involved, so Mexico, Brazil, Peru, and plenty more — I cannot wait. As long as I am by the beach, the sun is shining, and there is good food, I am happy.
Where do you like to shop? I am not a huge shopper, to be honest — I prefer finding little treasures in the markets. Although you really cannot go wrong with a new bikini!
Can you recommend a product or service for fellow stewardesses? Magic erasers, hands down. Several of our cabins have suede wall and ceiling panels, which can be an absolute nightmare to maintain. The white foam erasers are brilliant for removing marks and keeping everything looking clean and fresh.
What do you enjoy most about your job? The travel, definitely. My yacht has been based in Asia for the past eight months, which brings a completely different lifestyle. We are planning to spend some time in Vietnam and Cambodia soon, which will be amazing. Knowing that you might look out of the galley window any given day and see somewhere entirely new is pretty incredible.
What training was required for this role? I completed my STCW95 in Holland, and I have three years of hospitality experience plus a diploma in Hospitality Management.
What do you read daily? For work, mostly researching new products and guides online. In my spare time, I love a good novel — Jodi Picoult is my favourite author by far.
If you could change one thing about your education, what would it be? I am not entirely sure, to be honest — I am happy with how things have turned out, so there is nothing major I would change. Perhaps just focusing a little more on my studies in my final year of school, so I would have had more options and variety when it came to choosing courses.
Thank you — and congratulations on a well-earned promotion. Here’s to the Mediterranean, learning to surf, and that future business of your own.
