The Little White Lie Movement is all about embracing your authentic self and how to follow your dreams, no matter how many messages you hear that you CAN’T — because of your age, looks, gender, background, etc. I love to highlight women who are doing just that, to showcase them and to inspire all of us to embrace our awesomeness and dream big!
As many of you know, I was on Bravo’s popular reality TV show Below Deck Mediterranean. I’ve been keeping up with some of the crew which you can read about HERE, and I’m thrilled to invite back Hannah Ferrier, Chief Stewardess on the mega yacht “Sirocco” for another conversation.
Hannah Ferrier is a great example of a young woman who knows herself, is comfortable in her skin, and goes after her dreams!
“Listen in” to our conversation…
LWL: You’re described as a hard worker…”relentlessly striving for perfection both on charter and on land.” And I know you to be a strong woman — a gutsy Aussie! Where do you think these qualities from from?
Hannah: I think my drive in life comes down to my early teen years. I grew up on a very small island, and my family was struck by tragedy when I was 5 years old [her brother died of an illness at 10]. This led to a hard few years for us, and I ended up leaving school at the age of 13. I immediately started working full time, and spent the next 7 years working my way towards success in IT and Telecommunications in Sydney [Australia]. I was told by many people I wouldn’t amount to anything because of the age I left school. and I was determined to prove them wrong.
This has continued into my yachting career.
LWL: Sounds like someone who goes after what she wants, no matter what! What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to face along the way to now?
Hannah: I think my biggest challenge to date would be the early days of my working life. I used to leave home at 6am, waitress all day and get home at 8pm — 6 days a week. It certainly makes you tough!!
I also found the decision to leave my career, boyfriend, family, friends and gorgeous BMW at home to go and explore the world at age 23. It was a hard one!
LWL: So travel and exploring the world was obviously really important to you. What would you like to say to people about how travel has influenced your life?
Hannah: I really believe the best thing young people can do with their lives is travel. It teaches you so much about the world, humankind, culture but most importantly — yourself. I have always believed the only way to truly know and love someone else is to truly know and love yourself.
Travel is an amazing way to learn to love yourself.
LWL: How did the Below Deck Med reality show opportunity come about?
Hannah: After doing 5 seasons of Mediterranean sea tours as chief stew, I went to work in the States. But I missed the culture of Europe so much that I came back 6 weeks later. One of my best friends and I had left boats at the same time so went traveling for the rest of summer. Then I was approached by Bravo about the show and thought, “Why the hell not???!” You only live once and I recognised this for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that it is!!
LWL: What is it like working on a luxury yacht in exotic places, being asked to meet whatever client demands pop up?
Any funny stories that stand out?
Hannah: Wow!! Far too many stories to tell!! I remember being in the middle of nowhere down the South Coast of Italy, and having to bribe a small pub to open at 4am so we could watch the final of the World Cup. Then we drew straws to see who could sneak off the boat to watch it!! Once my boss demanded I get the candy-coated nuts he loved while in the middle of the Greek Islands. I had to have someone fly down with them that day from South of France and then helicopter them to the yacht — for sweets!!
LWL: You’re clearly a popular “reality star.” You have so many fans who LOVE you. I saw a Tweet that said, “In times of crisis I just like to think what would Hannah do?”
Do you see yourself as a role model? And if so, how?
Hannah: I certainly don’t see myself as a role model!! I spoke in depth with my parents before doing this show as they know me to my inner core. I told them the only way I would do this is if I was 100% myself — warts and all. No one is perfect; we all make mistakes but I think that’s why the viewers seem to relate to me.
If I was going to be a role model in any way it would be to say [and show how to]: Be comfortable within your own skin and don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself. It can be hard to be head of a department on a yacht which is primarily male-dominated, but I always stand up for what I believe is right. Whether for myself or my girls.
LWL: What’s it like being famous? I see that it’s really important to you to keep true to yourself and weather the storms that celebrity can cause. How’s that going?
Hannah: It’s going very well!!! I think it might be a bit easier for me as the majority of my time is split between South of France and Australia, although the show is taking off in Australia and I do get recognized here now… But don’t stress — my girlfriends keep me very grounded and I have no intention of forgetting where I came from!!
The most important thing in this day and age is to not allow the social media to get to you in a negative way or in a way that your ego gets out of control.
LWL: Is it tough being away for weeks at a time and then re-establishing relationships and routines — or does that keep everything fresh and exciting?
Hannah: Honestly, I am a very big believer in living in the moment. If I’m in France – I’m in France, and same goes for Australia. Luckily I have the most amazing, beautiful friends in the world, and they accept and understand me for me. I feel like I spend most of my time in airports these days but I love traveling and new experiences so it suits me…for now!!
LWL: So…what’s in your future — dreams and goals?
Hannah: I would absolutely love to continue my career in television. I think sometimes women think that they can either have a career or a family and not both, but I’m so happy to see that’s changing rapidly these days!
My dream job would have to be hosting a travel show. I did a segment in Split, Croatia and absolutely loved it!
Husband and kids may have to wait a few years (don’t tell mum!!)
LWL: What final thing would you like to share with our Little White Liars?
Hannah: The biggest thing I say to fans is that no matter what appears on social media, everyone is still human!! I read a lot of comments about how ‘perfect’ my life is etc, but just remember — I don’t put on social media when my heart is broken, when I’m lonely, when I’m homesick, when I can’t be with my family and friends when they need me. Life is always going to be glossy on Instagram but the reality is a bit different…
