Today we’d like to introduce you to Kalindra Ashleigh.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kalindra. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
After college, when it was time to get a “real” job, I found myself contemplating what to do next and the only thing that sounded even mildly interesting was to become a hotel concierge. It wasn’t until my first day on the job that I realized I had no idea what a hotel concierge actually did, but proceeded to fall in love with the profession and the daily challenge of never knowing what will come next. Fifteen years later I have since moved hotels from Seattle to Dallas and now Beverly Hills.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Running a professional association entirely with volunteers who also are balancing their time with full-time jobs of their own presents many challenges and there have been a couple of occasions where I just wasn’t sure of the right way to handle a situation and needed an outside perspective. I highly recommend actively seeking out and cultivating a relationship with a mentor (or two or three…) who can provide guidance and help you with the unexpected hurdles that are bound to come your way. Find your tribe, and check in regularly for motivation and advice.
What should we know about Los Angeles Concierge Association? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Your hotel concierge is your greatest resource! Whenever you travel, be sure to stop by and visit the concierge. Even if you have your entire trip planned out, a great concierge will help you figure out the most efficient logistics while adding a few fun stops to make along the way. Our members work at hotels throughout the city and share a genuine passion for the profession, spending our free time at networking, volunteer, and educational events creating a strong camaraderie stretching from the coast to downtown. We even have an internal concierge “batline” to help each other when guests present a more difficult request and you need to phone a friend. We are a community of talented individuals who regularly make the impossible possible and are always eager to lend a hand.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
Be flexible and look for the lessons you can learn from everyone around you. If you find the lessons or advice received from an individual repeatedly resonate with you, consider exploring a mentorship relationship with them. Surround yourself with people that challenge you and constantly encourage you to grow. Networking is a huge aspect of being a concierge. One of the best things I would recommend is following up with the person you just met with a quick email, text, or handwritten card. Never underestimate the value spending a few minutes on genuinely connecting with someone can have on cultivating a great relationship!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thelaca.com
- Email: president@thelaca.com
- Instagram: @thelaca
- Facebook: @thelaca
- Twitter: @thelaca
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