Luxurious hotels, glamorous destinations, exciting cultures and VIP contacts…we all want a taste of the high life but imagine if it was all just part of a day’s work!
For some, a career in the culinary and hospitality industry has been a gateway to a glamorous, fun and exciting lifestyle that sees them learning epic skills in the process.
Many young people have kickstarted their dream careers by studying at the globally recognized International Hotel School (IHS) and gone on to become some of the most sought-after chefs, event coordinators, hotel managers, restaurant managers, baristas, sommeliers, pastry chefs and entrepreneurs in the industry. IHS is Africa’s Leading Hotel and Culinary School, boasting an incredible 93% student employment rate following graduation. Yes! IHS students are immediately earning money using practical skills and industry experience gained from their training and quickly moving up the ladder to become the best!
Just consider some of these International Hotel School Game Changers, who have gone on to live their best lives and become highly successful industry experts and thought leaders.
Before we introduce you, are you a parent looking for a school to place your child in? Are school fees a concern for you? Then, compare your expectations with this look at the most expensive schools in South Africa.
But let’s continue.
Chef Nti @chef_nti – Celebrity Chef & Food Entrepreneur
After completing her programme at IHS, Chef Nti went on to create a big splash in the food industry, first sharing her magnificent dishes and recipes on Instagram and now publishing them in her own book “My African Kitchen”! Today she is a chef to the stars and entrepreneur who has her own restaurant named The Taste Kitchen in Maboneng.
Chef Shongwe @chef_s.shongwe – Food Specialist
After completing his IHS programme, Chef Shongwe went on to work in Florida and New York before returning to South Africa and founding his own company, The Food Pulse. He is a regular chef on Etv’s The Morning Show giving the audience delicious recipes.
Chef Mo @MoNgakane – Entrepreneur
Chef Mo completed a 3-year Professional Cookery & Kitchen Managent Programme at IHS, completing her training at the Balalaika Hotel in Sandton City. She then went on to serve local and global elite clients at Franz Catering before moving to The Bay Hotel
in Cape Town and then returning to work at the Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel. Currently, Chef Mo is the owner of Mo’s Food & Pastries and has worked with major clients such as Standard Bank, Johnson & Johnson, Absa and P&G through the company she owns.
Shael Mead @sugar_spoons_and_spatulas – Chef and Entrepreneur
Shael Mead took London by storm after she completed her programme at IHS. She has worked in London’s top kitchens as a pastry chef including Le Caprice and Dean Street Townhouse. She became head pastry chef at the Ham Yard Hotel in London where she and her team delivered some of the most creative pastry menus in London. Currently, her well-loved pastry dishes can be found in Durban as she is the co-owner and creator of the popular Durban eatery, Taylor’s Kitchen.
Verona Oliver @verona_oliver- Director of Talent & Culture at Fairmont in Zimbali
Working in one of KZN’s most beautiful and luxurious locations, Verona has the honour of taking care of guests and ensuring they get the most out of the hotel’s many facilities. She regularly rubs shoulders with VIP clientele and gets to take part in glamorous and exciting events.
Follow these IHS Game Changers on Instagram using #IHSGameChanger as they share insights into their exciting lives in the hospitality and culinary industry!
If you think you could be destined to be an IHS Game Changer, visit https://www.hotelschool.co.za/programmes/ today to see which course could change your life!
Imka Webb is a freelance digital marketing expert and the digital editor of Food & Home Entertaining magazine. www.imkawebb.com
