Nonceba Wimbley

Nonceba Wimbley’s hospitality journey began in Cape Town, South Africa, in late 2008, when she was 18 and straight out of high school. With no restaurant experience, she walked into Ocean Basket, sold herself on the opportunity and was hired on the spot.

That opportunity became the beginning of a career in customer service and hospitality that has included work as a waiter, bartender, hostess, assistant manager and Front of House Manager, as well as experience in restaurants and a game-reserve lodge. Along the way, Nonceba trained and supervised employees, managed front-of-house operations and handled the moments that shape how guests remember an experience.

Growing up and working in South Africa exposed her to different cultures, personalities, accents, beliefs, expectations and ways of communicating. It taught her that exceptional hospitality cannot be reduced to a script. A professional must know the standard—and also know how to see the individual guest in front of them.

Prestige grew from something Nonceba kept noticing: employees were often expected to deliver exceptional service without ever being fully taught what exceptional service looks, sounds and feels like. Poor greetings. Incorrect glassware. Improper plate handling. Dirty tables left unattended. Staff talking or eating around guests. A lack of presence and awareness.

The Prestige Signature Standard Academy was created to change that—to give hospitality professionals the training, tools, practice and confidence to become polished professionals who understand that service is not simply a transaction. It is an experience.