Hospitality is seeing someone for what's important to them
I am known for how I have redefined hospitality and how I share it with others - whether that be colleagues, family, friends, strangers, guests, clients, students - any being for that matter.
I take a lot of pride in how I see others and create the container for them to have a memorable experience. I don’t get it right every time and that’s ok! I am not for everyone and thank goodness! But I am grateful that hospitality is embedded into the human that I am - and that I get to teach my process to others - and that I get to share my hospitality with others. It’s a gift.
Like many of our generous humans - sometimes we forget to allow others to show and gift us hospitality. This has been a part of my journey or active listening. Allowing my collective to show up for me - and receiving it with a full heart. It’s delivered so many surprises and beautiful moments. It’s also changed my perspective in how I view others and that I am grateful for. And it took me a lot of work on my own end to be able to fully receive AND accept hospitality from others. I am constantly reminded that of course my collective is a reflection of me and that they too are generous humans who take a lot of pride in sharing their hospitality with others. This doesn’t only involve the hospitality industry - I’m talking about EVERYONE in my world.
I recently sat an exam for the SHRM - CP certification. One of the most intense processes of studying, taming my testing anxiety and feeling proud. More to come on that after I rest and develop my case study on what I discovered and how I can support others in learning. After 3h15min - I clicked “finish” on the exam and found out I passed. I was brain fried, my eyeballs felt like they were going to burst - I was in complete adrenaline. I was in awe of myself! But what I wanted was to celebrate this achievement with the people that were my cheerleaders and support system in reminding me I’d pass by sharing their techniques in what they did to feel confident. I also was beyond craving human interaction - I isolated myself in my apt for nearly two weeks to study.
How to celebrate - I’m so exhausted!
I called my mom and immediately knew that the only person I wanted to celebrate with was her at Lola’s - my favorite restaurant that happens to be owned by one of my best friends and colleagues. I quickly hung up - went on Resy to see if there were any open slots and someone secured the only two kitchen counter spots left at a reasonable time. I quickly texted Suzanne to let her know I was coming in to celebrate passing the exam and I also included it in my reservation notes. This piece is important here because I was ready to be smothered and share my achievement with the entire team. Suzanne and Nick know me and how I like to celebrate and be celebrated - not in a loud way but in a potent way. And they did just that - beyond what I had even hoped for. Since Lola’s opened in April 2024, it’s my first and only choice to celebrate moments or to go when I need a sense of home and be nourished. This time was no different except it really was! I was completely blown away by the care, hospitality and attentiveness to this achievement.
The team greeted me with celebratory smiles and congratulated me and asked me what certification I had received. I love a great conversation started while walking to the seats :)
Nick, the GM and dear friend, came up to my mom and I with two wine glasses and 3 bottles. I am sober and my mother will always enjoy some bubbles to celebrate. I was so touched that Nick wanted to sparkle us - give us a moment to “chin chin” - as we do in France - to savor the moment.
It has been almost 5 years since someone has placed a wine glass in front of me (knowing that they weren’t going to assume I consume alcohol - I knew Nick has something up his sleeve - well in his arms) and it meant SO MUCH to have that experience again.
This time, Nick sparkled me with Unified Fermented Soba. He was so excited for me to try it. Nick is one of the most observant and intentional humans I know. We were working together when I decided to give up alcohol and I’ll never forget the NYE in service where he felt so badly he forgot to order N/A cider for me to toast with the team. He cares to make everyone feel included, seen and cared for.
For the first time in 5 years - Nick gifted my mother and I a ritual we used to share regularly - bubbles to celebrate life.
Suzanne knows me so well and never sends extras unless she knows it’s my favorite, or there’s a new dish she wants my feedback on, or it’s a special moment. For dessert, she came out from around the kitchen counter with the cookie I ordered as well as a small bowl with chocolate mousse, whipped cream, sprinkles, a pretzel and a candle. She said something like “I know it’s not your birthday but this is something to celebrate.” I was unbelievably touched because when I was on my way to dinner - I thought to myself - I wish I could blow out a candle tonight because that feels right. She just knows. And it also meant a lot to her.
This is what hospitality is. It is seeing someone for what’s important to THEM and then sharing and caring for them in the way that also lights you up. Hospitality is a two-way lane bridge - where if you have the time to pause and look out the window - surprises meet you.
Hospitality is also rooted in deep active listening. It’s about the process of discovery through curiosity and then allowing your creativity to run wild to design an experience, a sentiment, a feeling for someone.
Hospitality is not only for those in the hospitality industry. It is for everyone to learn how to integrate into their own well being, their own connections, and within their work places. Which you leave that person reflecting on the experience through a feeling of warmth and excitement for the opportunity to get a taste of it again in the near future!
For more information and guidance on how to integrate hospitality into your own life or your corporate culture - schedule a consult call with me at: https://www.onlyummyalways.com/contact