Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Edita Talat-Kelpsiene, Founder of Spotlight Online Hospitality Training. A recognized rising star in hospitality, Edita takes her experience and skills and puts everything into her business. With over 15 years in the industry, Edita has an excellent reputation for her outstanding work and contribution.
Hi, Great to have you with us today! Please tell us about what it is that you do.
Hello, my name is Edita Talat-Kelpsiene. I own several businesses, including my new training course, Housekeeping Essentials for Hospitality. The course aims to educate people who work within hospitality in the skills and techniques that will show them how to clean a guest room without making any mistakes.
Please tell us more about your journey.
Twenty years ago, I arrived in the UK speaking very little English. I had no friends and no family around me. I started working in the hotel industry. Through a change of events, I quickly climbed the ladder to management, which opened up many opportunities to work in 5* hotels in London, Bahrain, and Qatar. I went from having little knowledge to managing large laundry and housekeeping operations in the hotels, which had over 450 bedrooms – all within three years!
When I returned to the UK, I soon founded my Serviced Accommodation Business, Edka Room. I now have several properties, used for business and holiday-makers to Southampton. I take pride in the cleanliness of my properties, and this is often mentioned in my guest reviews! My properties turned over £100,000 in the first year and are 5 Star Google Rated!
In 2019 I opened my commercial laundry business, Edka Laundry, which works closely with hospitality providers in the New Forest area and personal customers too. I regularly use my hospitality knowledge in the day-to-day running of the laundry and with inquiries from accommodation providers in the area.
In 2021, I launched my hospitality training course Housekeeping Essentials for Hospitality, as a method to help cleaners or small hotel owners to know the techniques and methods used within a hotel environment.
The skills I learned from the hotel industry have helped build my career as a businesswoman and entrepreneur. Cleanliness will always be the focus if you are looking for positive guest reviews and a maintained reputation, whether through cleaning a room or providing clean bedding!
Please tell us more about your hospitality training course, Housekeeping Essentials for Hospitality.
I have always dreamt of ‘paying it forward.’ Helping others achieve their dreams as I did. During Lockdown, I decided that the time is now!
Spotlight Online Hospitality Training launched in April 2021 with our first course, Housekeeping Essentials for Hospitality.
The CPD accredited course consists of step-by-step modules that come together to show you how to efficiently clean a guest room, receive improved appraisals, and further your career as I did! It is also great for small accommodation providers, Airbnb hosts, serviced accommodation, guest homes – showing how a five-star hotel room is cleaned, and giving an opportunity to improve your cleanliness standards – and guest reviews.
As an accommodation provider myself, I know the importance of guest reviews. Their first impression and review impact everything – from future bookings, reviews, and return guests. I am on a personal mission to help accommodation providers and housekeeping staff deliver that top-class cleanliness to guest rooms.
My course is available through a few different methods. It can be done individually in your own time via our online course, or in person, by appointment.
In May, June, and September, I will also be offering a two-day training opportunity in Southampton. I’ll provide specialized sessions for ten delegates, including hands-on practice, feedback sessions, and free access to our online group and training.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
Hard work and timely opportunities! I feel that had it not been for the specialist training and shadowing, my journey would be different. I set my dreams at working abroad and fulfilled that dream, allowing me to return to the UK to become an accommodation provider myself.
In 2020, most of my businesses were closed due to the pandemic, and I felt that this would be the time to create a course that could help other accommodation providers and housekeeping staff reach their dreams through my specialized training!
Any message for our readers.
Never give up on a dream. There is a route and a way to make them happen.
Fantastic, so tell us, how can people find out more about you?
We have three routes to studying the Housekeeping Essentials for Hospitality training course:
- Online: You can get started straight away on the course. Also, throughout April, you can use code esshosp50april for a 50% discount!
- Onsite: You can schedule an appointment, subject to location. (Contact us via our website or social media channels to discuss more!)
- Exclusive Team Training: We’ll host online training in Southampton and include accommodation and breakfast. This is for up to 10 people providing hands-on practice and feedback sessions, free access to our online groups, and online training.
Please visit my website, it has all you need to know. Also, we’re on social media with essential information and cleaning tips!
You can visit my Facebook page and Instagram @spotlight_hospitality_training.
Thank you so much, Edita, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!