Today we’d like to introduce you to Alejandra Gallo.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always loved all things food and beverage. I remember a family friend taught me how to make fondant cakes when I was in high school and I was instantly hooked. I was always outgoing, loved to enjoy life and make people happy so studying hospitality came very naturally to me. I was awarded a generous scholarship by Latina Studies at Cornell University which is one of the top hospitality programs in the world. I planned to complete a degree in hospitality and focus on becoming a pastry chef. I used to spend my free time in college selling pastries. I even had business cards with the company name “Gourmet Cakes by Alejandra.” It was short lived but I look back and can’t help but admire my entrepreneurial spirit!
My first internship ended up being in the catering department for a venue in Manhattan called Battery Gardens. I was introduced to the very complex world of event planning and production and just like that my focus shifted from culinary to learning how to execute the most incredible events.
Every internship and job thereafter was in catering and event planning. Weddings, conferences, bar/bat mitzvahs, galas, you name it. I can confidently say at this point in my life I have truly seen it all. My first job after graduation was working for the Trump International Beach Resort as a catering coordinator. Fast forward nine years later and I’m the head of the sales and catering department for Cipriani’s latest venture, Mr. C Hotel in Coconut Grove.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nothing worthy comes in easy in life. Hospitality is very much an industry where you have to work your way up. You have to have a proven track record if you really want to play hardball so you have to be very patient and determined. Anyone in this industry knows its blood, sweat, and tears. We work tirelessly through nights, weekends and holidays. I’ve missed out on family events, birthdays, Thanksgivings, New Year’s Eve countdowns. It’s not easy. You have to really love what you do if you want to be happy.
The most important word for my career has been “consistency.” I’ve certainly had ups and downs throughout my career but my consistency never changed. No matter what is going in your personal or work environment, you have to maintain consistency and deliver the same flawless outcome. I’ve executed dozens of weddings with a smile on my face and a fever of 102. I’ve stood for 17 hours straight executing some of my biggest galas. I’ve thrown on aprons and helped clean. I’ve ironed linen, I’ve polished silverware, I’ve held clients hands who get nervous, I’ve sewed wedding dresses and Ive given pep talk after pep talk. We wear many hats in this industry. You become a friend, a therapist, a wedding planner, a florist, an MC, you name it.
Being consistent and knowing your worth is important in any industry. The harder you work, the better you get which means you deserve recognition. Don’t be scared to demand greatness. It’s a man eat man world and the next best thing will take your spot if you don’t fight for what you deserve.
Please tell us about your work.
I’m the Director of Sales and Catering for Cipriani’s newest venture, Mr. C Hotels. We are located in Coconut Grove and will be opening March 2019. It’s a luxury boutique hotel with 100 guestrooms, a rustic Italian restaurant called Bellini, a beautiful ballroom with ocean views and a pool deck with private cabanas.
I handle all of the events for the property. Whether it’s a board meeting or a wedding, I am their point of contact and there to assist them throughout the planning process. My experience in the food and beverage industry combined with my desire to have a flawless outcome and a happy client help ensure a perfectly executed event.
The Cipriani brand is certainly one that needs to be experienced in order to properly understand it. In my honest opinion, Miami does not know service well. There are few outlets that will truly blow you away with their cuisine and service. Cipriani is known for this worldwide so to take that level of service and attention to detail and turn it into a hotel is something that is extremely unique. I’m very proud to be a part of the opening team for this hotel. We are extremely excited to welcome everyone to our property and treat them with the level of service that they so greatly deserve.
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
I was very fortunate enough to have an incredible mentor for many years. She saw me and took a chance on me by hiring me as a Catering Manager at The Rusty Pelican. I think she could sense that I was a sponge and capable of being great but I was just very young at the time. When I met her, I knew right away the kind of woman that she was. She was the epitome of “boss lady.” Everyone was scared of her which you eventually learn is actually a good thing. She taught me everything I know and molded me into the businesswoman I am today. It was tough love but I think she would be very pleased to see today’s outcome. I am probably half as knowledgeable as she is, so I still have some work to do!
If you come across someone in your career that you think could be a great tool or asset, you absolutely need to take advantage of the situation and learn from them as much as possible. Even if you meet someone at a networking event that you think is particularly interesting, ask them to grab a coffee and just have a conversation. You never know where moments like these will lead to. Sometimes, all it takes is one inspiring conversation with one person to get the wheels in motion.
Pricing:
- Weddings at Mr. C Hotel starting at $175 per person
Contact Info:
- Address: agallo@mrchotels.com
- Instagram: Alejandramiami
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
