Nathalee Ramsay, like many other mothers of two young children, grappled with the essential question: How do I find work that is fulfilling and near to home so that I can still be able to take adequate care of my babies?

That was 14 years ago and the answer was the food and beverage department of Beaches Ocho Rios, the Sandals family resort nestled in the charming township of Oracabessa, St Mary, on the north-east coast.

“I decided that I would need to find career opportunities close to home and somewhere that would allow me to grow within the industry while being able to provide the most hospitable service,” Ramsay recounted.

“I started my career as a hostess within the food and beverage department of Beaches Ocho Rios which allowed me to do something that I enjoyed. My work ethics and experience positioned me for further training, and certification.”

Growth came quickly. Within two years, Ramsay had attained promotion to supervisor, saying that “fuelled my determination to continue my growth within the organisation and to be the best version of myself”, by grasping all the opportunities the resort had to offer.

She set her eyes on working in the top-branded Red Lane®Spa providing revitalising services, and once having attained her goal, has only looked forward on a journey of spectacular growth.

Ramsay is thankful for her blessings, especially that she has been able to provide for her two girls, one a vulnerable toddler. She was determined to make the most of the company’s emphasis on education and training for all levels of staff.

By managing her time well, she has been able complete several of the online certificate courses offered by the Sandals Corporate University (SCU). Within her first three years of employment, she completed courses in customer service; train the trainer; leadership and influence; communication strategies; time management, and supervising others. “While completing the SCU courses, the opportunity arose for me to pursue the massage therapist certification being offered in person once per week. This was the moment of change for me as I quickly applied and was one of the 27 team members accepted for the course,” she related.

Said Ramsay: “Beaches’ investment in its employees has shown that the sky is truly the limit for every team member. With the mentorship and training that the organisation provides, each team member is empowered to grow and fulfill their potential.

“Certification is big for the company, hence I have earned qualifications as a certified supervisor, massage therapist and in early childhood education. Being able to manage my full-time supervising duties, coupled with the challenges of being a single mother of two girls meant that I had to build a structure to achieve career success.

“Within the period of study, my goal was to ensure that amidst the challenges with learning new material, I would practise my new-found skills on my daughters whenever I’m home. I can still recall the many sleepless nights that I had but I knew that once I committed myself to the journey, I was going to accomplish this feat,” Ramsay said with obvious satisfaction.

She credits the support of her former food and beverage manager, Alberga Foreman, for her foundational development and leadership opportunities, and committed to helping to groom others along the path.

She is quick to share her early experiences at the Red Lane® Spa where she has been since October 2016, recalling the camaraderie from her new colleagues and the support received from her latest mentor Melissa Migliavacca, all of which served to fuel her drive.

She was quite vocal in her gratitude to the Sandals Group for her progress.

“Entering a new working environment wasn’t easy, but with the support from colleagues and leaders, I was able to navigate my path while providing exceptional services to the guests. I continue to grow within this organisation and it is my intention to give of my best wherever I’m asked to serve,” Ramsay vowed.

“The tourism industry for many may seem like a one directional thrust, but with the Beaches Ocho Rios resort, as with all resorts within the Sandals Group, your career and personal growth is dependent on the work that each person will put forth.

“I didn’t know that I had this much in me until I had the chance to grow with the Beaches Ocho Rios brand. I’m happy that I challenged myself and I feel good that I set an example to my children,” said Ramsay.