In 2017, Senegalese entrepreneur Souadou Niang opened Palms Luxury Boutique Hotel in Dakar, Senegal – her own five-star boutique hotel with 60 employees. Her backstory is inspiring: behind this amazing accomplishment lies a story of an African woman who started out as a hotel service person in the US.
From Cleaner to Hotelier: The Inspiring Journey of Souadou Niang
Born and raised in Dakar, Senegal, Souadou Niang moved to New York at 18, juggling studies and work. Later, in Washington, DC, she started as a cleaning lady at the Ritz Carlton, inspired by its elegance. Despite her entry-level role, Niang envisioned herself in management, driven by her belief in her potential and the diversity around her.
After a decade of hard work, she earned her Bachelor’s degree and joined the management team of the same hotel where she started as a cleaner. Her experience fueled her dream to bring world-class luxury hospitality to Senegal.
Returning to Dakar, Niang founded Palms Luxury Boutique Hotel, staffed predominantly by women. “Women are born managers,” she emphasised, determined to showcase African women’s capabilities in high-end hospitality.
Her journey wasn’t easy—initially dismissed by banks and skeptics. A turning point came when a bank official recognised her determination and approved her loan. Today, Niang is a trailblazer in luxury hospitality, aiming to expand her Afro-chic hotel model across Africa and beyond, proving that African women can set global standards in luxury hospitality.
