OUR CUSTOMERS ALWAYS COME FIRST
Being fully dedicated to her restaurant Aquarius in Struga, but always there for her family, Valentina Mustafai a real example of how a woman should make a balance between her private life and working obligations. Also, she is a kind of person from whom one can learn a lot about running a successful catering facility. It is successful because it is a host of numerous regular guests who know how to repay her attention either through the service, the food or the permanent smile on her face.
You are the owner of one of the best known restaurants on the coast in Struga. How did Aquarius became such popular place in this town?
Our restaurant Aquarius was not built overnight. It took us many years to gain experience and throughout the work we felt the needs and desires of our regular, potential and future guests. We kept the philosophy of our work from the very beginning until nowadays. We insist on creating a place for guests aged from 7-77, where all would feel comfortable. That means that we practically paid attention to everything, starting with the interior up to the catering offers that always include things that will impress someone. Another big advantage is that we have staff who have been with us for many years and can easily recognize what our regular guests want. This is a very important detail about the overall hospitality of the restaurant Aquarius.
What is the rate of visitors to Struga in recent years and how can the tourism further develop here?
Struga has a high tourism potential, and every year the number of visitors is on the increase, but for certain these figures can be even higher. This can be assisted by the support from state and municipal authorities through infrastructure improvements, advertising our town as one authentic Macedonian destination, and indeed our contribution is also important. That is, we as caterers need to respond to the challenge and always be of service to the customers. It means that a guest is always in the first place, and in any case a customer should not leave the restaurant dissatisfied because our customers’ satisfaction is a guarantee that they will come to Struga again. In fact, this is the goal that every worker in the catering industry should have as basic philosophy.
Why high quality of catering services is so important for the tourism development?
We must be persistent that the visitor or tourist in any town or tourist destination keeps the experienced feelings in oneself. The offering of quality service and creative menu does not necessarily mean satisfying the basic needs of the guest, but also offering a chance to experience the authenticity of the town.
The biggest anti-advertising aspect of any tourist destination is when the guest leaves with a feeling of having been overcharged practically for nothing. In this case, dissatisfaction will be reflected on several levels, not only on the concrete restaurant but the tourism destination as a whole. That is why the town of Struga should be prudent and strive to become better and better.
Which are the innovations that you introduce in your work?
Maybe that is not an innovation for many of our guests from Macedonia, because we consider it as an obligation. At any moment and any situation, one member of the management team must be present during the whole working day.
We do not deal with catering in order to survive, but quite the opposite – we live for the catering. Each guest who enters our restaurant must have a feeling of hospitality and safety and that all of us working there have the pleasure to do that. We are also open for criticism about any failures that may occur during the work, so that we accept it as obligation to make bigger progress. The worst caterer is the one who believes to know everything and works best. There are no limits in the catering industry, there is always a way to be more successful and ensure better quality, and we at the restaurant Aquarius are willing to respond to all challenges.
Which are the advantages and disadvantages of being a business woman in Macedonia?
There is practically no advantage of being a business woman in Macedonia. It is quite simple, there is no gender difference when it comes to work. However, women face one real problem, and that would be the time. I dedicate most of the day to my work and little time is left for my family, friends and relatives. But, I believe that being well organized will ensure finding a solution. I no longer feel the disadvantage, this has already become a normal thing, a simple work routine.
How do you balance your professional and family obligations? Do you have time for yourself and how do you use your free time?
Both professional and family obligations are quite big. I make efforts to balance the responsibilities as owner, wife and mother. And, I do it well thanks to good time management. One can always find time for the family and closest persons. The time spent on a family trip, visiting friends, time spent for oneself, little rest is invaluable. Few months ago I became a grandmother, so I always try to spend my free time with my granddaughter. Walking is another excellent way for relaxation, so whenever I have free time I go for a walk.
What would you recommend to other women who want to start their own business?
The recommendation would be same for both man and women because there are no differences when it comes to obligations. I can tell for certain about the catering industry, but I believe that the engagement is the same in all other areas of business. So, if a woman decides that catering would be her life choice, she must have real intentions, understating and be prepared for both positive and negative consequences. The decision to become a caterer primarily means to be a good host every day, and to be tolerant and innovative person. Catering requires good mood, smile on the face and positive thoughts regardless of the current situation, either private, family or business situation. A caterer should be smiling and be joyful every day, on the opposite, the guest would soon realize and wonder if that was the right choice. This is the key for the success of each catering offer. If one is uncertain about accepting this challenge, it’s better not to start. However, if one undertakes the obligations and this lifestyle, the wish will come true and the guest will be satisfied and loyal.
