Meet Our People: Pick Award Hotel Winner, Melvia Hawkins

Melvia Hawkins

Holiday Inn University of Memphis

Melvia received so many nominations for the Welcome to Memphis Pick Awards, recognizing her for greeting guests with a smile, handling complaints with grace, and giving great recommendations for Memphis restaurants. 

“When Melvia connects with people it is always positive and effective,” one Memphian says. “She will take care of everything with a loving smile and keep others smiling!” A newcomer to the city agrees: “When I arrived at the Holiday Inn I was nervous and not sure of how this week would go. Mrs. Melvia was working the front desk when I arrived and immediately offered a warm welcome and provided me with a friend that I felt as though I needed. Throughout the week I spoke with her multiple times letting her know how my day went. On the final day Mrs. Melvia even went to a restaurant and picked me up some banana pudding which I told her was my favorite. I’ll always remember Mrs. Melvia and be forever thankful for the friendship we now share.”

How did you get into the hospitality industry? 

I have been working in hospitality all my life. My family owned multiple businesses. My dad was a people person, and he raised us to be hospitable. He would always put us at the front of the store, and made us work with people. So I've been doing this all my life. 

What is your favorite part about working in hospitality? 

Talking to guests, helping people, and making them smile. You never know when somebody's having a bad day, until they start talking. When you get to be my age, then you can kind of relate. And then you can have a real conversation with them to make sure they feel at ease.

 What are your top three places to visit in Memphis?

Graceland, the National Civil Rights Museum, and Beale Street.  

What is something you've learned in your work that has changed your life for the better

To always be kind to people. You never know what a person is going through. 

What advice would you give to somebody who's new to the industry?

To listen. 

Melvia’s commitment to going the extra mile made her a perfect candidate for the Welcome to Memphis Pick Awards. In addition to winning this year’s Annual Pick Award in the hotel category, she was also a Quarterly Pick Honoree! Congratulations, Melvia, and thank you for your exceptional service!