In the world of hospitality and tourism, few names shine as brightly as Gladiola Dona. Originally from Tirana, Albania she is not only a founder and educator, but also a producer, consultant, and author. Her life is proof that passion and hard work can open doors where none seem to exist. Today, Gladiola is admired as a role model for young people and professionals who dream of building careers in hospitality, food, and tourism. But her journey was not simple. It was filled with struggles, lessons, and relentless dedication.
Early Life and the Spark of Passion
From a young age, Gladiola showed curiosity for people, service, and culture. She was fascinated by hotels, restaurants, and the way hospitality connects people from different backgrounds. Instead of just dreaming, she worked hard to gain education and experience in this field.
Her studies abroad gave her international exposure and discipline. Living away from home was not easy, but it helped her build independence and resilience. These years shaped her vision to bring international standards of hospitality training back home and give young people a chance to succeed.
Challenges and Struggles Along the Way
Success never comes without challenges. For Gladiola, the early years of her career were full of hurdles. Hospitality in her home country lacked proper training platforms. Many young people were talented but did not have access to quality education or mentorship. Hotels and restaurants needed skilled staff, but the gap between industry needs and available training was wide.
There were moments when resources were limited, and her ideas were questioned. Some doubted whether a private academy for hospitality could survive. Others wondered if young people would invest time in structured training instead of jumping directly into jobs. These doubts only pushed Gladiola harder. She believed deeply that knowledge and practice together could transform careers.
Founding of HAT Academy
In 2015, Gladiola took the bold step of founding the Hospitality and Tourism Academy. It was the first private institution dedicated to this field in her country. The academy started with a simple but powerful mission to train students in real-world hospitality skills that match international standards.
Her focus was not on theory alone, but on practice. Students learned how to handle real hotel settings, manage food and beverage services, and create experiences that meet global expectations. Within a short time, the results spoke for themselves. Graduates of the academy were quickly employed, and employers praised their professionalism.
For Gladiola, this was not just a business success. It was proof that her belief in structured training and hard work was right.
Wearing Many Hats: Trainer, Author, Producer
Gladiola’s story goes far beyond one academy. She is a woman of many talents, and she knows how to use them to inspire and uplift others.
As a hospitality consultant and trainer, she works with hotels, restaurants, and food and beverage outlets to improve their service quality.
As a producer at VivFilms, she shapes stories and content that highlight hospitality and human experiences.
As an author, she created HOTELisht, a show that brings hospitality stories into the media space, showing people what really happens behind the scenes in hotels.
Through study and career guidance projects, she helps young people discover their path in education and work.
Her ability to combine creativity, leadership, and business is what makes her unique.
Lifestyle: Discipline Behind the Success
When people see Gladiola’s success today, they often imagine a glamorous lifestyle. But the truth is, her days are full of discipline and planning.
Her mornings often start with academy meetings, reviewing course updates, and guiding her team. Afternoons may include visits to hotels, training sessions, or filming content. Evenings are spent on reflection, writing, or brainstorming new projects.
She openly shares that success is not about shortcuts, but about consistency. Sacrifices are part of her story, including late nights, endless learning, and balancing multiple roles. But she believes these sacrifices are worth it because they allow her to build something lasting.
Achievements and Impact
Over the years, Gladiola has achieved milestones that inspire many.
She created a space where hundreds of students have trained and found jobs in hospitality and tourism.
She has raised industry standards by connecting education with real market needs.
She has shown young people, especially women, that leadership in hospitality is possible.
Her media projects and public talks spread knowledge and motivation to a wider audience.
But perhaps the biggest achievement is the impact she has had on people’s lives. Many of her students say that her training gave them confidence, direction, and opportunities they never imagined.
Current Projects and What’s Next
Today, Gladiola is busier than ever. She continues to expand the academy with new courses and international collaborations. She is producing more content through her show and film projects, reaching a wider audience both locally and globally.
She is also investing more energy into career guidance, helping young people not just to find jobs, but to build meaningful careers. Her message is clear: hospitality is not just about serving food or cleaning rooms. It is about creating experiences, managing details, and leading with empathy.
Looking ahead, she plans to scale her academy, explore more partnerships abroad, and launch initiatives that combine education with entrepreneurship.
Lessons from Gladiola Dona’s Journey
What makes Gladiola’s story so inspiring is not just her success, but the lessons she leaves behind for others.
Have a clear vision: Success begins with knowing what you want to achieve.
Stay consistent: Hard work every single day is more powerful than rare big efforts.
Turn struggles into fuel: Challenges are part of the journey, not the end of it.
Invest in others: True leadership is about lifting others up, not just climbing alone.
Keep learning: Even as a trainer, Gladiola continues to study and improve herself.
An Inspiration for the Next Generation
Gladiola Dona’s journey is proof that dreams can become reality with vision, dedication, and courage. From her early struggles to becoming a leading figure in hospitality, her path shows that industries can be changed by individuals who care deeply.
Her life today is a mix of leadership, creativity, and service. She inspires not only her students, but also business leaders, women professionals, and young dreamers everywhere.
At its heart, her story is about more than hospitality. It is about believing in yourself, building opportunities where none exist, and making sure your success also becomes a bridge for others.
Do follow her on Instagram
Read Next: Penn Medicine AUD Medical School UAE: A New Chapter in Healthcare Education
