Talent Talk | Featuring: Valerie M.

Say hello to Valerie, our newest Talent Spotlight! Valerie is a working mom who loves the versatility of venues, the flexible schedule and the diverse array of people she meets at Jitjatjo. She is an award winning singer, songwriter and musician who loves spending time with her son and two pugs. The weirdest thing she’s ever eaten is dragon fruit because it tastes like a confused kiwi potato!

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Name: Valerie M.

Joined Flex: Summer ‘19

Profession: Butler, Bartender, Catering Server, Catering Captain, Server, Captain, Cashier, F&B Attendant, Cocktail Server

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What interested you about working with Jitjatjo?

I enjoy the versatility of venues, flexibility (schedule wise) and diverse array of people I meet. There are many creative and hard working family oriented folks who share a common passion to provide top notch service.

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What’s your favorite gig you have worked so far and why? Tell us about it.

There are sooo many - it is difficult to choose only one! Bartending on the trading floor of the NY Stock Exchange was very cool and also, captaining at Sony and Google was exciting.

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What's the best part about making your own schedule?

I am raising my son as a single mom. I’m also still working as a musician and recently founded a non profit organization. My mom is 94 and I also have responsibilities as her caregiver. The flexibility Jitjatjo offers is allowing me to maintain equilibrium!

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What’s a typical work day look like for you?

I wake my son up early for school, make him breakfast, feed and walk our two pugs, check the Flex app, check my gig schedule, factor in a trip to the gym, organize groceries and meals for home and basically keep on running!

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What scared you the most when you took your first gig?

I wasn’t scared - I’ve been in hospitality my whole adult life and enjoy seeing people happy at the events I’m assigned to.

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What’s the one piece of advice you’d give a new Jitjatjo teammate?

A clean, pressed work uniform always matters because you represent the company.

Keep a positive attitude and you will be graciously received. 

Work as a team member, no matter what position you’ve been assigned. What you invest professionally will come back to you and lead to better job assignments.

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What is your proudest accomplishment? 

Being a mom, professional musician, event coordinator and balancing all of these variables. I truly care about people and love to inspire unity in the community.

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With a flexible schedule, how do you like to spend your time when you're not working?

Music, recording, writing, performing, cooking and spending time with my son and two pugs!
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