Guest Service Representative
I was born and raised in Tbilisi, Georgia, a country between the Black and Caspian seas, right in the middle of Europe and Asia. Growing up where hospitality is deeply rooted in the culture, I was immersed in rich traditions that shaped my life and the way I connect with others. In Georgia, we have a saying that translates as "every guest is a gift from God" - it's a philosophy many Georgians live by.
My mother, who began her career in hospitality when I was around 10, became my biggest inspiration. I remember accompanying her to various events she planned, volunteering to help with everything I could, and observing all the intricate details that go into creating unique guest experiences. I helped prepare for Supras (traditional Georgian feasts), assisted in citywide events, was listening in on strategic steps of planning and coordination and through these experiences, I witnessed firsthand how much dedication it takes to make guests feel valued. The work isn’t just about logistics, it’s about listening, understanding people and anticipating needs.
I moved to San Francisco at 17 to pursue my degree in SFSU. The transition was exciting but suddenly being 7000 miles away from my family and every familiar thing I knew was a bit terrifying, but I was ready to fully immerse myself in my studies and explore the opportunities in front of me. I got involved in the music department at the school, taking some classes when I could to fulfill the little Masho in me who dreams of being on stage. I started working at the Associated Students of SFSU, I held two different positions there, as an assistant to VP and later as an event supervisor. It was during my time there that a professor recommended that I apply for the CHLA Foundation Scholarship, which, looking back now, shaped the beginning of my career. My involvement with CHLA went beyond just receiving scholarships - I had the honor of speaking at Presidio Tournament Fundraiser in 2023, and later at the CHLA foundation gala, where I shared my story and met other students who shared their story, industry leaders who shared their experiences with the foundation and their career… Being involved with the foundation showed me that it brings significantly more than financial support for the students because these experiences ultimately led to my current role at the St. Regis San Francisco.