Meet Teresia Mutio Musyimi, Demi Chef de Partie at Avalon Europe.

Her journey, – from the communal heart of Kenya to the galley of a European river ship, – is one of bold dreams, honest challenges and the deep-rooted belief that when we pull together, anything is possible.

Cheers to Teresia’s story, – in her own words.

Harambee: My Kenyan Compass

Being from Kenya, a place where community is everything, one value I carry daily is harambee, which means “pulling together.” Back home, we believe in collective effort, – whether it’s farming, celebrations, or solving problems. That spirit guides me in the galley: no task is too small when we work as one.

Dreaming Big, Even When the Road Is Not Clear

Being where I am now required courage, faith and a willingness to embrace the unknown. By cultivating an open mind, setting smaller goals, building a supportive network and taking consistent action, I was able to navigate uncertainty and turn my dreams into reality.

Remember, the journey toward your aspirations is just as important as reaching the destination itself. So dream boldly and keep moving forward, one step at a time.

Culinary Inspiration & Path to Avalon

Food is my first language of love – and I love how meals bring people together. With passion and zeal for this industry, I decided to challenge my abilities and chase the goal. Avalon took a chance on me, shaped and enhanced my skills.

Surprising Cultural Differences

Joining Avalon in 2024, the most challenging adjustment was adapting to the unique dynamics of working in a compact, fast-paced galley environment, – a male-dominated space with open communication.

The space constraints, combined with the need for precise timing and coordination across different departments, were new to me.

But in a multicultural environment, I learned how to respect, accept and build relationships through inclusivity and empathy. This helped me integrate smoothly, creating a positive and collaborative atmosphere.

The Kenyan Approach to Leadership

Leadership, for me, is about leading by example – with warmth and understanding. I try to do the same on board: showing respect, sharing knowledge and listening.

In the galley, I remind myself that even under pressure, we’re a family. We eat together, celebrate small wins and lift each other up. My Kenyan background has instilled in me a strong sense of community and resilience – something I bring into every shift.

Despite the challenges of being a woman in a professional kitchen, my motivation stems from passion, perseverance and the desire to break barriers.

What Keeps Me Going on Hard Days

Achieving the goal after a rough day is actually fuel and enough motivation. Seeing guests enjoy the meals, – putting a smile on their face and creating memories – reminds me why I’m here. It brings me the warmth of belonging.

My Support System

My family back at home and the Avalon community at large. The galley team has been my greatest support system. We’ve built it through open and honest communication – it’s the bedrock of emotional support.

That means creating an environment where everyone feels safe to express their thoughts, ideas and concerns without fear of judgment or reprisal. This fosters a positive work culture, enhances teamwork and ensures the well-being of all staff members.

My Proudest Moment Onboard

When I received recognition for my culinary skills. It reaffirmed that I belong in this space.

To Young Women in Kenya: A Message from Me

Start where you are. Be fearless, but patient. Mbele iko sawa – “The future is bright.”

Learn a skill and be the best at it. Network fiercely. And most importantly – believe it’s possible.

Walk boldly. Pack your courage. The rest will follow. Rather than succumbing to fear, we can choose to embrace the unknown as an opportunity to learn and adapt.

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At Avalon, We Rise Together. Teresia’s journey is one of quiet courage and bright determination. It is a reminder that no matter where you come from, your values can become your strength and your passion can open the door to new worlds.

We are honoured to share her story and even more honoured to have her in our Team.