After a stint as a switchboard operator, Pearl joined the Spier Hotel’s front desk team, standing in for a colleague on maternity leave. At the start of 2018, her dedication, reliability and friendliness saw her being appointed as a permanent employee.
Pearl Leqela joined Spier in 2015 as a 19-year-old trainee through Harambee, an initiative which recruits, trains and places unemployed young people into their first jobs.
What do you love most about your job?
Interacting with people every day from all over the world. I love sharing all there is to know about our farm and our country – and getting to know more about their home countries too.
What’s your favourite thing about Spier?
Spier isn’t fun just for guests, the staff have a great time too! For example, we’re currently doing an eight-week wellness challenge to encourage us to live healthier lives. As we don’t always get a chance to do these things at home, it’s nice to gather around as colleagues and forget that you are even at work for a moment.
What is your greatest strength?
Waking up every day knowing that I am making a difference in someone’s life – both at home and at work. At home I know that my work enables me to provide for my family. At work I know that I am contributing to someone’s memorable holiday.
How do you make a positive difference to the environment?
Ever since joining the Spier family, I have become conscious not to pass by any litter lying around, I always pick it up and dispose of it in the correct bin. I have become very conscientious about re-using and recycling – for example, I always make notepads from recycled paper and reuse the paper for printing our daily reports at reception.
How do you make a positive difference to your community?
I re-use my shopping carrier bags to keep waste separate from the recyclable goods. Together with my neighbours, we go the extra mile to make sure that our street is always kept clean – we have bins outside as well which passersby can use to dispose of their rubbish.
What’s the most valuable advice you’ve ever received?
Perseverance is the mother of success!
Who inspires you?
I get my inspiration from different sources for different situations, but my all-time biggest inspiration is my mother.
What do you get up to when you’re not at work?
You will always find me at home with my family watching movies or listening to music. I also prioritise church, so if I am not home then I’m at church dancing my butt off.
What makes you laugh?
Watching comedy movies and being around positive people who have a good sense of humour.
Where is your favorite part of the farm, and why is it your favourite?
I love food, so the Werf right at the heart of the farm is a great place to enjoy a picnic – you can relax, surrounded by beautiful views, while you fill up your tummy with delicious food.
What’s the key to being happy in life?
Don’t entertain negative thoughts – stay positive because everything happens for a reason.
What are you proudest of having achieved?
Having my first job and doing so well at it.