Name: Nicole Ban Berkel
Occupation: Steiner Spa Manager
How long have you worked with Steiner?
I started working for Steiner nearly six years ago as a hairstylist.
What first got you interested in working at sea?
After working as a stylist for nine years on land, I felt I wanted to expand my experience and try something new. I saw the advert in Australian Hair Journal every month and decided to send in my resume. I also wanted to make more money than I was currently earning on land.
How did you make working at sea into a career?
Being a hairstylist was a stepping stone for me. I had only planned on completing one contract, but as I soon found out ship life is very addictive. After completing a two-week Management training course in London I moved onto Management and completed five contracts as a Spa Manager with staff numbers ranging from 12–22. As a Spa Manager you are responsible for the hair salon and nail technicians, beauty and massage therapists and a state of the art gymnasium. As a Spa Manager I not only became a stronger more confident person but I gained endless business skills which will be a great asset to me when I open my own business.
While working as a hair trainer I had the opportunity to move into recruitment and visit the Philippines to recruit and train hairstylists and prepare them for life at sea. This was a success and I am currently preparing to return to Manila. Working for Steiner has been much more than a job for me; it was the start of a whole new career.
What was the day in the life of a spa manager on board a cruise ship like or entail?
Extremely busy! I would start with a 7.45am meeting with my staff to prepare them for the day ahead and set their goals and targets. Quite often I would have to attend meetings with Hotel Directors and Onboard Marketing. I would spend most of the day at the reception desk checking in guests and making appointments. I would also attend to answering emails, monthly budgets, staff wages, marketing plans for upcoming cruises and training to improve revenue and retail sales.
How did you move into the role as Hair Trainer in the London Academy?
After completing five contracts I decided I would like to try something different once again, and was offered a position as Hair Trainer at the Steiner Academy so I left ships and moved to London. Training has always been my passion and this was the perfect opportunity for me to gain experience before returning to Australia.
What do hairdressers and barbers learn in their time at the academy?
As a hairdresser or barber, you would have the opportunity to not only improve your hair skills but learn how to confidently speak in public, promote yourself at the Spa you will be working in and gain extensive retail experience. All Hairdressers and Barbers will also learn how to perform the new Teeth Whitening system which will enable them to improve their revenue.
What has been your career highlight?
The opportunity to live and work at the Steiner Academy in London was an amazing experience and has opened many more doors for me on my return to Australia. The overall experience I have gained in six years is invaluable.
What challenges would you expect to face working at sea as a hairdresser?
The long hours can be tough in the beginning and it takes a few weeks to get used to, but then it gets easier every day. Like every job, you can experience difficult and demanding guests but with experience, it’s something you learn to deal with better should the need arise.
What would be your recommendation for any hairdresser and barber thinking of joining the company?
I can honestly say that I wouldn’t change a single thing about my six years at sea. Not only have I gained experience, saved more money than I ever could have done working on land, I have travelled the world for free. Destinations I have visited on my travels include South America, Alaska, Bermuda, Russia, Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and much more.