Salome Danjuma: Leading with Passion in Hospitality

As the hospitality industry evolves and adapts to the ever-changing landscape, leaders like Salome Danjuma have emerged as pioneers in navigating challenges and driving innovation. However, behind the facade of success and achievement lies a story of resilience and perseverance—a journey marked by trials, setbacks, and moments of doubt. As a seasoned leader, she embodies a passion for creating unique experiences that captivate the essence of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. Through her unwavering dedication and creative collaborations with local partners, Salome has redefined the boundaries of hospitality,

Let us delve into her story and uncover the untold struggles that have shaped her path to prominence.

A Journey of Hospitality Excellence

Salome Danjuma embarked on her journey in the hospitality industry as a manager in training, immersing herself in all aspects of operations, from rooms to food and beverage procurement. Throughout her career, she transitioned through various segments of the industry, including Sales, ultimately reaching the milestone of Business Development Manager. This role laid the foundation for her subsequent recognition as one of Africa’s Travel under 40, Africa Travel 100 Women, and most recently, as one of the Top 100 Tourism Personalities in Nigeria.

Overcoming Adversity

Salome has faced various challenges throughout her career, including the unprecedented impact of Covid-19, which led to the closure of her hotel for seven months. During this challenging period, she found herself questioning her career choice. However, she navigated these obstacles by prioritizing continuous learning and adaptation. Despite acknowledging the element of luck in her journey, she credits her perseverance and hard work for sustaining her success.

Commitment to Personalized Service

In her department, Salome places a strong emphasis on delivering personalized service, meticulous attention to detail, comprehensive staff training, and ongoing initiatives for continuous improvement and connection. She firmly believes that authenticity is key in customer interactions, as genuine sincerity cannot be taught or feigned. Additionally, she utilizes regular feedback mechanisms, including guest reviews, to pinpoint areas for enhancement and ensure a consistently high level of customer satisfaction.

Leading Hospitality Innovation and Cultural Preservation

In her role, Salome emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a culture of continuous learning among her team members. She expresses gratitude for her hardworking and dynamic team, finding joy in leading them every day.

Salome takes pride in innovating with local partners to create unique experiences for guests at The Wheatbaker. One standout project involves collaborating with Mai Shayi to develop a homegrown coffee blend that captures the essence of Nigeria, celebrating the country’s rich coffee culture and offering guests an authentic taste of the city’s soul. Another notable initiative is the creation of a bespoke Nigerian “Ogogoro,” a traditional distilled spirit deeply rooted in Lagosian culture. Teaming up with local distillers Pedro’s, she oversees the crafting of a premium-quality Ogogoro that embodies the spirit of the Palm tree, paying homage to heritage and tradition while providing guests with a one-of-a-kind experience.

These projects exemplify Salome’s commitment to showcasing the flavors and memories of Lagos to guests, enriching their experiences with genuine, immersive encounters. By partnering with local artisans and producers, she not only supports the community but also invites guests to connect with the soul of the city on a deeper level. These initiatives reflect The Wheatbaker’s dedication to innovation, authenticity, and cultural preservation as they redefine the boundaries of hospitality in Lagos and beyond.

Pioneering Strategic Communications and Hospitality Leadership

Salome extensive experience and proactive leadership have played a pivotal role in driving the success of her hotel and positioning it as a leader in the hospitality industry. Her strategic communication skills, stakeholder engagement efforts, and commitment to excellence make her a valuable asset to any organization seeking to thrive in the competitive hospitality landscape.