Valentina Gherghe Butler

What inspired you to explore this career path? What obstacles did you face and how did you overcome them in your journey to becoming a butler?

Oddly enough, I dreamed about becoming a doctor my whole childhood, but I couldn’t bear to see so much sadness and pain every day, so I chose tourism instead. I started in restaurants, even though I hated cooking. After a couple years, an agent from an ocean cruise line was impressed with my service and offered me a job as a bartender, which I stuck with for 7 years before applying to work with Uniworld. I worked at the bar my first year but had ambitions to become a butler, so I started filling in for them during their vacations. The next year I was chosen to become a butler too. I felt like such a pioneer! I wanted to get inside this world, even though I knew it wasn’t common for women.

What sort of training have you done to become successful in your current role?

I regularly attend training sessions performed by individuals who have remarkable achievements in the butler field. For instance, I participated at training sessions with Zia Langestein, the first woman to graduate from the Ivor Spencer Butler School in London and so successful in her field that she is always requested to work important events at the British Royal House.

What are some words of wisdom that help motivate you in your life/career?

Be the best you can possibly be. You will only be successful when you love what you are doing!