This Women’s Day, we’re sitting down with Michelle Muscat, a powerhouse in Malta’s HORECA scene. From running her own ‘Ristorante La Vela’ to championing SMEs as president of ACE, the Association of Catering Establishments, Michelle has carved out her own path — one that’s equal parts bold, inspiring, and unapologetically female. We asked her to share the lessons, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped her journey, and the advice she has for the next generation of women ready to take the lead.
- When you look back on your career was there a moment when you realised, “I’m a woman making waves in business,” and how did it feel?
As you can well imagine, being a female in my line of work is not the easiest of careers. Looking back, I am thankful that in the very early stages of my career I was resilient and set on my ideas. I thankfully overcame obstacles and never looked back. I recall going to fairs, and attending workshops in relation to the catering industry and the wine industry and being the only female. I never gave up, on the contrary I believe this made me stronger.
There were times when I realized that my work was creating impact—when people, especially other females approached me for guidance and support. This made me realise that I wasn’t just growing in my career, I was helping others grow too. That recognition felt empowering and reminded me that women don’t just participate in change—we lead it.
Although I don’t think of myself as “making waves,”, there have been moments where I understood that through my work, old patterns were being challenged. Those moments made me pause and feel grateful—because the progress wasn’t just mine. It belonged to every person who believed in me, trusted me and worked alongside me.
- Women often juggle a lot — leadership, work, life. How do you stay confident and keep your energy high?
When I first started my career, my son was still in his early teens, so life was not easy. I definitely had to find a balance between my everyday work, my growing career, bringing up my son and still trying to live a normal life with family and friends. It is imperative to allow yourself to be human. Juggling work, life, and leadership is not about doing everything perfectly—it’s about setting priorities, creating boundaries, and knowing when to pause and allow yourself a deserved break to recharge . I believe a woman with a career must invest in her well-being to stay focused and balanced. Confidence comes from clarity: being clear about what matters most and letting go of what doesn’t. High energy comes from taking care of yourself the same way you take care of your responsibilities. It is also important to ask for support when you think you need it.
- Who are the women who’ve inspired you most along the way, and what lessons did they teach you?
The women who inspired me most are my mother and a close friend of mine, even though they come from completely different worlds. My mother never had a formal career, she was never employed but was the typical housewife. However, she taught me the foundations of strength, resilience, and integrity. From her, I learned that leadership begins at home — in how you carry yourself, how you treat people, and how you stay grounded through every challenge. She showed me that success isn’t only measured by titles, but by character.
My friend, on the other hand, is an exceptional businesswoman in the fashion industry. Watching her navigate the professional world with confidence and clarity has taught me the importance of ambition, strategic thinking, and believing in your own potential. She has shown me what it looks like to own your space, make bold decisions, and grow through every experience.
Together, they shaped both sides of who I am — the values that guide me and the drive that pushes me forward. Their influence reminds me that women lead in different ways, yet each form of leadership is powerful and meaningful.
- What’s one myth about women in leadership that you’d love to bust once and for all?
“Women are too emotional to take tough strategic decisions and they lack authority to lead” – This myth about women in leadership is completely untrue. In reality, emotional intelligence is a strength, not a weakness. Women lead with clarity, empathy, and confidence — and they make difficult decisions every day, both professionally and personally. Their ability to combine strategic thinking with human understanding is one of the reasons they excel as leaders.
- If you could give a young woman in Malta one fearless piece of advice today, what would it be?
To a young woman in Malta ready to start her career, my advice is to be bold about your ambitions and honest about your strengths. Don’t underestimate yourself. Don’t let anyone put you down. Don’t wait to feel “perfectly ready” — take the opportunities that come your way and grow through them. Build relationships, ask questions, and seek mentors who challenge and support you. Although Malta is small, your dreams may be big! Malta offers many paths, so don’t limit yourself to what’s familiar or expected. Trust your abilities, invest in continuous learning, and remember that your perspective and voice have value from day one
- For Women’s Day, what does being a strong, successful woman in business mean to you personally?
Personally, as a businesswoman, Women’s Day is a reminder of my responsibility and privilege of using my journey to empower other women. It means lifting others as I grow and creating space for more women to shine. On Women’s Day, I celebrate not only what I’ve accomplished, but the journey, the lessons, and the courage it takes to keep moving forward. I concur fully with Serena William’s quote which rightfully says ‘Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.’ My hope is that every woman feels seen, supported, and inspired to pursue her own path with confidence. If my story can contribute even a little to that, then that is my true measure of success.
