For International Women’s Day 2025, we’re spotlighting the inspiring journeys of Panchali Mahendra, CEO of Atelier House Hospitality; Natasha Sideris, CEO & Founder of Tashas Group; and Célia Stoecklin, Head Chef of Fi’lia
The hospitality industry has long been a dynamic and demanding field, requiring resilience, creativity, and leadership. While historically male-dominated, the landscape is shifting as more women step into key roles, shaping the sector with their expertise and innovation.
Yet, challenges remain. Balancing career progression with societal expectations, navigating leadership in a traditionally hierarchical space, and ensuring greater inclusivity continue to be focal points. As the industry evolves, so too does the conversation around gender equity, mentorship, and opportunities for growth. Through insights from inspiring female professionals, we explore the impact of women in hospitality today and what the future holds for the next generation of leaders. In this exclusive interview, they share their experiences, the challenges they’ve navigated, and their advice for those looking to build a career in F&B.
Natasha Sideris
CEO & Founder of Tashas Group
Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that shaped your journey as a leader in the F&B industry?
One of the most pivotal moments in my career was when I made the decision to expand tashas beyond South Africa and bring the brand to the UAE. It was a bold move, and many questioned whether the essence of what made tashas special could translate to a different market. But I believed in our concept and knew that if we stayed true to our values—quality, beautiful spaces, and heartfelt hospitality—we could succeed anywhere. That leap forced me to grow as a leader, learning how to scale a business internationally while maintaining the magic that made us unique. It reinforced my belief that passion, attention to detail, and an obsession with excellence are what set truly great brands apart.
What inspired you to pursue a career in hospitality/culinary arts, and how has the industry evolved for women in the region?
My love for hospitality started at a young age, growing up in a family that was deeply involved in the industry. My father owned restaurants, and I spent countless hours immersed in that world, learning the nuances of great service, beautiful food, and the magic of creating unforgettable experiences. While I went to university to study psychology, I have always had a deep love for hospitality. It got under my skin and I realised that I wanted to build something of my own—something that reflected my vision, where every detail matters and every space tells a story.
As for women in the industry, I’ve seen a significant shift over the years. There’s a growing recognition of the value women bring, from creativity and operational excellence to leadership and innovation. More women are stepping into executive roles, running kitchens, and owning their own concepts. While challenges still exist, the industry is evolving, and I’m proud to be part of that change—mentoring and empowering women to take their place at the table.
Have you witnessed a shift in opportunities and recognition for women in hospitality in recent years?
Absolutely, I’ve seen a significant shift in the recognition and opportunities for women in hospitality. When I first started, leadership roles—especially in kitchens and executive management—were largely dominated by men.
Today, there’s a growing awareness of the value women bring, not just in creativity and service but in leadership, operations, and innovation. More women are running their own restaurants, leading kitchens, and stepping into executive roles. There’s also a stronger support system—whether through mentorship programs, industry awards, or simply a shift in mindset that acknowledges talent over gender.
That being said, challenges still exist. Balancing the intensity of this industry with personal commitments remains a struggle for many women. But the progress is undeniable, and I’m excited to see more women breaking barriers, redefining hospitality, and shaping the future of the industry.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the culinary or hospitality world?
For young women aspiring to enter hospitality as leaders or entrepreneurs, my biggest advice is to be bold, be relentless, and be obsessed with excellence. Hospitality isn’t just about food and service—it’s about vision, execution, and the ability to create something that truly resonates with people.
If you want to lead, you need to understand every aspect of the business. Work in the kitchen, manage the floor, study operations—nothing is beneath you if you’re building something of your own. The strongest leaders are the ones who know their business inside and out.
As an entrepreneur, don’t be afraid to take risks, but take calculated ones. Stay true to your concept, but also be adaptable. Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you in different areas and learn from them.
And finally, never compromise on quality or your core values. Building a brand—especially as a woman in a still-evolving industry—takes resilience, confidence, and a deep belief in what you’re creating. If you have that, success will follow.
If you could describe the impact of women in the industry in one sentence, what would it be?
Women in hospitality bring innovation, resilience, and a deep sense of creativity, shaping the industry with their leadership, passion, and ability to create unforgettable experiences.
Panchali Mahendra
CEO of Atelier House Hospitality
Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that shaped your journey as a leader in the F&B industry?
A pivotal moment in my career was receiving the Restaurateur of the Year award. This recognition was not just a personal achievement but a confirmation that our approach at Atelier House Hospitality, which blends innovation with tradition, was making a significant impact on the industry.
What inspired you to pursue a career in hospitality/culinary arts, and how has the industry evolved for women in the region?
I was inspired by the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the hospitality industry. The thrill of creating memorable experiences for people through food and service drew me in. Over the years, the industry in our region has evolved to become more inclusive, with increasing opportunities for women to lead and innovate.
Have you witnessed a shift in opportunities and recognition for women in hospitality in recent years?
Absolutely. The shift has been tangible. There’s been a significant increase in the visibility of women in all sectors of hospitality, not just in entry-level positions but importantly in leadership roles. Organizations are now more deliberate in fostering diversity and recognizing the contributions of women.”
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the culinary or hospitality world?
Stay curious and committed. The hospitality world is demanding, but it rewards creativity, hard work, and passion. Seek out mentors, be willing to learn continuously, and take every opportunity to challenge yourself. Most importantly, believe in your unique perspective—it will set you apart.
If you could describe the impact of women in the industry in one sentence, what would it be?
Women are at the heart of hospitality; their strategic insights and empathetic leadership styles are driving the industry towards a more innovative and balanced future.
Célia Stoecklin
Head Chef of Fi’lia
Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that shaped your journey as a leader in the F&B industry?
I believe that every experience throughout my career has played a direct role in shaping who I am today. I’ve been fortunate to work with diverse cuisines and various styles of gastronomy alongside incredible chefs. I’ve been mentored and constantly challenged to reach the highest standards. My time in Michelin-starred establishments taught me invaluable lessons in technique, rigor, consistency, and the fine dining experience. On the other hand, my experiences in Dubai taught me how to run a business, lead a team, and connect with guests on a deeper level. Each step along the way has been beneficial in its own right, and I’m incredibly grateful for how they’ve all led me to where I am today.
What inspired you to pursue a career in hospitality/culinary arts, and how has the industry evolved for women in the region?
I have always been fascinated by cooking – my grandma was my biggest inspiration, though there have been many others along the way. Food connects us all, and as someone who’s both creative and passionate about food, pursuing a culinary career just made sense.
When I started, the industry was very male-dominated, especially in leadership roles – I never even had a female Head Chef. But over the years, I have seen a significant shift. More women are stepping into leadership positions, proving there are no limits to what they can achieve. With growing mentorship programs, equal opportunities, and a real appreciation for diversity, this change is empowering not just for women in the kitchen but throughout the entire hospitality industry
Have you witnessed a shift in opportunities and recognition for women in hospitality in recent years?
Absolutely, the industry is recognizing the value women bring, not just in skills but in leadership and perspective. There’s been a bigger push for support through networking, conversations, and gender equality initiatives. With growing awareness of diversity and inclusion, opportunities are becoming more balanced, creating a stronger and more dynamic industry. Women aren’t just part of the workforce anymore – they are driving real change. It’s inspiring to see this evolution, and I hope it continues.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the culinary or hospitality world?
My advice would be to follow your passion and never let anyone tell you what you can or can’t do. The hospitality and culinary world can be tough at times, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Work hard, stay curious, and always be open to learning something new. Find mentors who inspire you and follow what you think is right. You’ve got this; just believe in yourself!
If you could describe the impact of women in the industry in one sentence, what would it be?
Women have redefined the industry with their leadership, creativity, and resilience, proving that true excellence knows no gender.