Hilton Garden Inn Umhlanga Arch celebrates women

Nikita Richards

Nikita Richards, marketing coordinator, has been with the hotel for two and a half years. Her career with Hilton began in 2012 at the Hilton Durban as a front desk guest service agent. In 2020 she joined HGI Umhlanga Arch as the group’s conferencing and events supervisor, before becoming the marketing coordinator in 2023.

What is your favourite area at Hilton Garden Inn Umhlanga Arch?

The pool area: It is calming, relaxing and has the best views of the ocean.

What makes Hilton Garden Inn Umhlanga Arch unique from other hotels?

Hilton Garden Inn Umhlanga Arch offers upscale accommodations, glowing service and unexpected amenities designed to bring out the best in you.

As a woman, how do you maintain a work/life balance?

Setting clear boundaries between work and personal time, prioritising self-care and setting realistic goals. Having a work-life balance is an ongoing process that requires effort and adjustments. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and support when you need it.

What advice would you give to women who want to be part of the industry?

• Network with other women in the industry and seek out mentors who can offer guidance and support.

• Be willing to start at the bottom and work your way up.

• Gain experience in different roles and departments to develop a wellrounded skill set.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career to date?

The value of continuous learning and growth. In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in your field. Seek out new learning experiences and push yourself out of your comfort zone.

Which other female leaders do you admire and why?

Christine Lungie Ndlovu, general manager at Hilton Garden Inn Eswatini and Thabani Ndlovu, general manager at Hilton Garden Inn Gaborone. They are both strong and bold women in the hospitality industry that have worked their way up to become general managers in a male dominant role.

Dimakatso Makhene

Dimakatso Makhene, front office guest service agent, has been with the hotel for two years.

She started in 2019, as an intern at the Hilton Sandton in Johannesburg. She was then appointed in a permanent position, as a switchboard operator. She joined Hilton Garden Inn Umhlanga Arch in 2021 in her current position.

What is your favourite area at Hilton Garden Inn Umhlanga Arch?

The reception and lobby area: It’s a beautiful space in which you get to meet and interact with different types of people, daily.

What makes Hilton Garden Inn Umhlanga Arch unique from other hotels?

Our customer service and brighthearted hospitality.

As a woman, how do you maintain a work/life balance?

Time management is very important. Always allocate time for yourself, daily.

What advice would you give to women who want to be part of the industry?

Love what you do, always show up with a smile and stay positive. The industry has opportunities to grow internationally. Don’t take the opportunity for granted.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career, to date?

Always stay consistent and confident with your work ethic and learn new skills in order to grow.

Which other female leaders do you admire and why?

Katlego Teffo, was my mentor when I started my career at Hilton Sandton. The first thing she taught me was: “Love Mondays and you will never hate your job!” She has shaped me into the women I am becoming.

Nikita Richards, is a very elegant and sophisticated women that will groom you to be confident. She always says: “Wear your lipstick and smile!”

Virasha Ramdutt

Virasha Ramdutt, is the junior sous chef at the hotel.

“I fell in love with baking and started to experiment with different recipes from a young age. I graduated with a Catering Management Diploma and my first job was at the Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom.” Virasha then moved to the Hilton Durban and worked there for 13 years until the hotel was closed due to Covid. Virasha joined Hilton Garden Inn Umhlanga Arch in 2020.

What is your favourite area at Hilton Garden Inn Umhlanga Arch?

Together & Co Restaurant, as the restaurant allows us to bring families and people together. The atmosphere and the food bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

What makes Hilton Garden Inn Umhlanga Arch unique from other hotels?

The family programme that we run ensures that we make the children feel as welcome as the parents. Allowing the children to have their own passport shows that we are creating heartfelt experiences for all.

As a woman, how do you maintain a work/life balance?

Ensuring that I do a daily checklist, so that I can meet my work deadlines. This enables me to leave work on time, so I can spend time with my family.

What advice would you give to women who want to be part of the industry?

You need to be passionate about the hospitality industry and begin at school with any available culinary courses. There are no limits.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career, to date?

To grow yourself as an individual you need to go the extra mile and step out of your comfort zone. Be willing to have an open mindset to learn, we are all able to learn something new every day.

Which other female leaders do you admire and why?

Christine Ndlovu from the Hilton Garden Inn Mbabane. She has a gravitas that just draws people to her. She is an inspiring leader in the hospitality industry. Christine works hard and is goal-driven. She has proven that women can hold positions that men do. Christine always makes her team feel welcome and appreciated.