Amy Morley, Restaurant Manager at The Sands Social, began her hospitality journey early—by the age of 14, she was already working in bustling Sunshine Coast cafés, mastering espresso and the fast-paced rhythm of quality service.
“I came from a place where we were weighing coffee shots, scaling everything – it was very professional,” she says.
That early attention to detail laid the foundation for what would become a promising hospitality career.
“After a short stint away from the industry, I tried something else for a bit, and honestly, I don’t know what I was thinking,” she laughs.
Amy knew hospitality was where she truly belonged.
She missed the energy, the people, and the creativity that came with the job.
When she started at The Sands Social in 2022, Amy quickly identified opportunities to increase the restaurants offering.
“In our first team meeting, I suggested we expand our coffee menu—and the idea was well received.”
That proactive spirit led to the creation of monthly coffee specials – a hit with patrons and a creative outlet for Amy.
From there, she stepped into cocktails, introducing new ideas and flavours, all while climbing the ranks: team leader, then supervisor, and now Restaurant Manager.
“It’s been fast,” she shares.
“But I’ve grown so much. I used to second guess everything – even sending an email. Now, I back myself. I know what I’m doing is good.”
Amy’s passion is clear: for coffee, for food, and especially for people.
“That’s why I love hospitality – because it’s all about people.
“I love food, I love service. And I love showing the team that they can be creative too.”
Mentorship has become a cornerstone of Amy’s leadership style.
“Some of our staff come in with completely different career goals, but they still find passion in what we do here. I love helping them see what they’re capable of.”
Now the youngest member of the leadership team, Amy is driven by the trust and belief placed in her by senior management – and by the respect she’s earned from her peers.
“Having people believe in me, and push me, that’s been everything.”
