A WORD FROM OUR CEO

 

Reframing Our Attitude Towards the Profession

Not so long ago, waiters were deeply respected. The reason was simple: they were smarter, more developed, well-trained, and organized. They went to school for this craft. Today, however, anyone can jump into the profession, and with that shift, much of the pride and dignity has been lost.

Many people now enter hospitality just to “bridge the gap” until they figure out what they really want to do. This mindset is dangerous—not only for them but for all of us who choose to work with pride, dignity, and respect. We give, and we want that respect back.

And yet, despite this, waiters often earn more than people in executive positions in other industries. Still, the comment persists: “He’s just a waiter.”

How can such a beautiful calling—one that is about taking good care of people, exceeding expectations, bringing new experiences, creating memories, and handling complex, often stressful operations—be reduced to “just a waiter” or “just a waitress”?

We need to restore our dignity. We need to restore our pride.

I’ll share something personal: one of my friends once told me, “You’ve been a waiter for too long.” Instead of discouraging me, that comment inspired me to start my company. I was done with people disrespecting our profession just because society says you need a fancy label to be valuable.

I love being a waiter. I’ve enjoyed every shift, and I’ve learned so much—about myself, about guests, about human psychology, and about handling pressure. This profession shaped me and sharpened me. It allowed me to earn well, travel, take vacations, buy cars, and live freely. More than that, I’ve shared unforgettable moments with guests that still inspire me to this day.

That’s why I want to empower this profession. To inspire people who are joining or who have joined but are already discouraged—often because managers don’t care. The truth is: as long as you work in this industry, you can learn, earn, and enjoy.

Of course, not every situation is perfect. Sometimes you find yourself in a toxic workplace where the environment is impossible to fight against. That’s understandable. But remember: you’re not a tree—you can move. Pick yourself up, find another job, and before you join, do your homework. Research the company. Ask the right questions in the interview. Trust what’s written on the contract, not vague promises.

Don’t let anyone tell you that you should “rot in one place for a year because it looks good on a CV.” That’s absolute nonsense. Don’t waste a single second in a place that drags you down or doesn’t appreciate you.

But here’s the other side: while moving on, work on yourself. Improve yourself. That’s the real key. When you’re positive, smart, hardworking, humble, stylish, and genuinely helpful, people will want to work with you. You won’t need to feel anxious or afraid. Just polish your CV, keep your energy high, and move forward.

And that’s exactly why I established HYPE Hospitality. Because we’re in this together—to understand, to work, to improve, to learn, to earn, and to enjoy all the incredible benefits this beautiful industry so generously offers.

Sincerely Yours,

Vuk Ziza

CEO and Founder