A passion for tourism and hospitality

Julia Kantika is a member of the San community from the small Uutsathima village in the Omusati Region. “I was lucky to be taken in by a caring guardian who gave me a chance to go to Windhoek schools. I attended Namibia Primary School, Hochland High School and Hage Geingob High School, where I matriculated.” She then pursued music and sound engineering at the Ndilimani School of Music, later going on to work for the Ndilimani Cultural Troupe under the all-girls band The Puppies. Here, she was a dancer and lead guitar player.In early 2012, she left for greener pastures and was employed by Maerua Mall's Checkers as a cashier. She resigned mid-year to work as a waitress at La Bonne Table, where she stayed for five years until they closed down at the end of 2017. She applied to Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) in December 2017 and was hired as a waitress and bartender at Popa Falls Resort. She was later taken along by her manager when she got restationed to Gross Barmen Resort. “I guess I was too hardworking and dedicated for her to leave me behind," she said with a smile.At Gross Barmen, she worked herself up to where she is today - a sales consultant in the meetings, incentives, conferences and events department.Love for tourismKantika’s passion for tourism and hospitality sparked when she experienced the industry first-hand at her waitressing job. She is a friendly and outspoken individual who loves meeting new people. Helping them book holidays and planning weddings is nothing short of a thrill to her. It has allowed clients to keep sending referrals to her because of her good service, which helps to boost her portfolio.She advises tourists on beautiful sites to see, ensuring they have the best experience, meanwhile selling and advertising more for her company. “My biggest motivation is seeing my fellow women in managerial posts, working hard to achieve their goals. It gives me hope and makes me believe that if they have done it, then so can I! Especially seeing that I come from a marginalised community.”Beacon of hopeKantika is currently in charge of a project - she is responsible for a tour plan to Victoria Falls for over 100 tourists. Despite having been mind-boggling, she said all the plans and preparations are going well. “I am very optimistic it is going to be a successful project!” Additionally, she plans to work herself up to a better position than her current one and hopefully get to implement her myriad ideas and make them materialise, both for herself and her family.She advised young professionals to not give an ear to naysayers, but to pay heed to silver linings instead. She wants them to work to be the best they can be and remember that working with people creates opportunities and opens doors they never knew existed. “No matter where you are from, you are a beacon of hope to someone out there. Always smile as a little kindness goes a long way, and remember, a customer is always right!”

A passion for tourism and hospitality

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Republikein 2025-04-04

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A passion for tourism and hospitality

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Republikein 2025-04-04

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