When I was a little girl, weekends meant watching my parents come alive in the pub with their friends. It wasn’t just about the beer or the skittles alley—it was about connection. The pub was where people gathered to laugh, debate, support each other, and celebrate life’s highs and lows. Even then, I could feel the magic of it. That was my first glimpse of hospitality’s power—and I knew I wanted to be part of it.

On the Kith & Kin Podcast, I always ask guests: “What made you fall in love with hospitality?” Most answers fall into two camps. Some, like me, were inspired by early experiences as customers—feeling joy, warmth, and care in welcoming spaces. Others found it when they entered the industry themselves—often in their first job as a pot wash—finally feeling seen, useful, and valued.

What unites us is that deep sense of belonging. Whether it’s the thrill of creating special moments or the quiet pride in being part of a team that works like clockwork, hospitality draws in people who care deeply.

This is an industry where you can start with nothing but willingness and grow into a leader. The skills you learn—from emotional intelligence to crisis management—are lifelong. But more than that, you find your people. You find purpose.

And really, that’s what it’s all about. Hospitality gives us more than a career. It gives us a home.