Introducing Guest Relations Agent - Ryley Brown
Guest Relations Agent, Ryley Brown, believes everything happens for a reason. She applied for many jobs after graduating with a Bachelor of Hotel Management degree at Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School and after coming across the Stones of the Yarra Valley website by chance, she thought to herself “why not, let’s apply”! Four years later, aren’t we glad she did!
Riley came to the property for the first time with a passionate outlook and little knowledge on where this new path would take her. Although, with her background in Hotel Management, it wasn’t long before her talents and industry knowledge were recognised and she wound up as an integral part of our amazing team within The Farmhouse at Meletos. Ryley describes the hospitality industry as energetic and fun to be involved in and told us she loves the fact that every day is different.
We sat down in front of the warmth of The Farmhouse fireplace to chat to Ryley a little more about life at Stones.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
I’m motivated to get up and go to work every day to be part of a wonderful team environment, at such a stunning venue. After working here for nearly four years, I feel very confident in the knowledge I have and comfortable with the role I have in the workplace.
How would you describe your day job to a child?
My job is to welcome guests to The Farmhouse hotel, check them into their room here, describe information about our beautiful property and assist them with any needs they have during their stay.
What is your biggest achievement to date – personal or professional?
I am very proud of the three years I dedicated to studying as this has led me to the great job I have today. With this background in Hotel Management, it has allowed my career to progress and be recognised for my talents and knowledge within the industry.
What three words you use to describe your role?
Guest- focused, problem solving, attention to detail.
If you could switch jobs with someone, who would it be?
If I could switch jobs with someone, it would be Ellen DeGeneres, as I would love to sit down with all different and unique people from across the world and hear about their life stories. She also does great philanthropy work to many worthy causes and I would love to be as kind and generous as her.
What do you like most about your job?
There are many things I love about my job, including meeting so many people and welcoming them to The Farmhouse. I love when guests come to the property for the first time and they are in awe of how beautiful the buildings and scenery are. I also enjoy having wedding couples staying with us and seeing how happy and excited they are for the upcoming events they will share on the property. It’s always nice when a couple return years later for an anniversary stay and they tell us stories from their special wedding day.
What advice would you give to recent new entrants?
Give time to settle in, the fast-paced environment of this property can be overwhelming at first however once you find your place in the team you can really shine and enjoy coming to work everyday.
If you're thinking of a Spring escape to the Yarra Valley, look no further than The Farmhouse at Meletos. Surrounded by acres of vineyards, apple orchards and the blue-tinged Great Dividing Range, The Farmhouse is the perfect place to stay, dine, recharge and unwind this Spring.
