The graduate …

When I graduated from school, our principal gave a speech.
I was too excited to celebrate but 1 line I will always remember:

‘Now that you’ve studied 4 years of hospitality and culinary art, keep in mind you don’t know anything. We taught you how to read a recipe. Now go out and learn how to make the recipe, use it daily to refine it so that one day, you can create your own recipe.’

There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about that speech. You can learn something new every day. Be humble, be curious, start as the student to become the master. But even then, there is always something that I didn’t know before.
Ask to listen, listen to learn, not to respond.

I have learned so much during my school time.
Not only the basics of the industry but also the art of learning.
The goal to become the master is a never ending journey.
The knowledge I gathered, I share with my team every day to make them better, to help them see the beauty of the industry.

In reverse, I learned about their culture, their language, their dreams, struggles and personal goals.
I can honestly say that my team shaped me into the person I am today and the way how I managed my restaurant.

And for that, I am eternally grateful!

Xo – Ann

The People :: Mom and Dad …

If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be alive today.

And I feel so blessed with them!
When I said: Mom, one day, I want to have my own restaurant, my mom said: That’s fine Ann. Let’s find you the best school to learn about that!

One of the things I learned from my mom and dad was: You buy bread at the bakery, meat is coming from the butcher. If you jump on your bike and take a ride around the farms, you will see how wheat grows, how apples grow on trees and that fruit and vegetables come with the seasons.

Quality over quantity.
My mom raised 4 kids – practically by herself while my dad was working in his own company. The time spend together was invaluable for us. Quality over Quantity.

They really shaped me into the person I am today.
I guess you can say I inherited my mom’s nomad soul.
Always wandering, always on for a new adventure.
She took us to the Zoo, to the beach, on the train, to gym classes and recital.

My dad taught me, and made me understand, how working hard pays the bills.
Yet, they made it a priority to share a meal at the dinner table – sometimes 3 times a day, together as a family.

Mom, dad, Thank you for all you’ve done for us.

Xo – Ann

Photo credit – Pinterest

Start with the beginning …

Today, I made the decision to start my own business.
I feel like I’m ready for it.
It scares the hell out of me, because are we ever just ready?
I’m starting my own Hospitality Costumer Service Consultancy.

How did I get to this? That has been quite a ride.
A ride that I will be sharing with you, here online.

Start with the beginning …
Because the Hosted By Ann blog will be the beginning of something new and exciting!

So hop on board, join the movement,
Start the change, be the change!

And let’s start creating possibilities together!

Xo – Ann