An Interview with Chief Stewardess Joyce Joens

Oct 21, 2011 | Interior Crew Interviews | 0 comments

The Stewardess Bible Chats to Veteran Chief Stewardess Joyce Joens

The yachting lifestyle is many things, it is an exciting, adventurous, challenging and at times demanding. Chief Stewardess Joyce Joens tells us how it really is.

Tell us about yourself: 

I studied Ayurveda Spa Therapy in India and trained as a Makeup Artist in Munich, Germany. I love refits and new build projects (they are a great passion of mine).

What is your star sign:

Pisces

Where do you come from:

Kiel, Germany

How long have you worked on yachts:

I Have been in the yachting industry for 17yrs+

What did you like/dislike about your last job:

I loved being part of setting up the new interior.

How did you get into the industry:

Through my brother who was a Captain.

What would you like to be doing five years from now:

I would like to own a business with a stable life and a great, loving partner.

What are your biggest accomplishments:

Doing a whole interior refit in 3 weeks before Christmas.

Can you work under pressure:

Yes, but it depends if I create that pressure or someone else does.

What is the most difficult situation you have faced:

The owner purchased a new yacht in the middle of the Caribbean season, we moved artwork, piano, frozen food, the crew, guest luggage and mattresses over from the old to the new, much bigger yacht; with guests on board…and I was 2 Stewardesses down for 6 weeks.

What are some of the things that bother you:

Imperfection, unreliability, incompetence and people who don’t care about their job. Untidy cupboards.

What are your pet hates:

Dusting and cleaning something that is clean.

Tell us about the last time you felt anger on the job:

2 weeks ago.

What are your long-term career goals:

Having my own business doing what I am passionate about! 🙂

When and why did you establish these goals and how are you preparing yourself to achieve them:

Make a plan, stick to it, network and do what makes you truly happy. Then success will find you!

What are the most important rewards you expect in your career:

Great feedback and recommendations.

What do you do in your spare time:

Research and spending time with my family and friends.

What makes you laugh:

My last Captain and “Fruehstueck bei Stefanie”, a German radio comedy and Dickie Bannenberg.

What makes you cry:

When I am frustrated about disorganization.

What is your favourite colour:

Taupe

Do You know what the walk of same is and have you done it:

Yes, of course! Being a yachtsman-there is no way out…

What do you think of the term “Stupidess”:

Some really are, but they don’t tend to last long. Inexperience has nothing to do with this.

Have you heard the boys talk about “stewie bum’ and how did you feel:

No, and I think my bum looks great.

Have you ever met anyone famous:

Yes, Lenny Kravitz and Steven Spielberg.

What Is the most embarrassing thing that you have done:

I fell down the sun deck stairs with a tray of champagne glasses and landed on my bum-right in front of the guests sitting on the Bridge deck table…

What is the most embarrassing thing that you’ve seen someone else do:

Talking like you are still working on a fishing trawler when having dinner with the top people of the  Fead shipyard.

As an interior manager, how do you prepare for a busy season, and who is the best supplier that you have used:

Think ahead, always be ahead of schedule and prioritize! I don’t rely on people or companies you don’t know well!