Q&A w/ Top Notch Tabletop Designer Chief Stew CC ChildersYacht Tabletop Top Notch Tabletop Designer CC Childers

Also Co-Founder & Instructor at Savvy Maritime Academy

From the Sea to the Table: Irma Malabanan’s Journey

For over two decades, Irma Malabanan navigated the seas aboard some of the world’s most luxurious superyachts. Hailing from the Philippines with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a background in law, her path to becoming a Chief Stewardess might seem unconventional, but it was on yachts (50m to 115m) where Irma truly found her passion: creating unforgettable guest experiences.

Now, Irma has dropped anchor on land, channeling her creativity and expertise into two exciting ventures — Le Tablescape and Savvy Maritime Academy.

"We believe that linens and tableware are catalyst to conversation. The table is a place to come together, to laugh, to share and to talk. We've designed the best tablescapes, with every element that you need in one place to make those untold stories sparkle around it."

Irma’s love for tablescapes blossomed during her years at sea, where each table setting became an opportunity to transport guests to another place. Inspired by her travels to Tulum, Milan, and Santorini, she perfected the art of layering textures, incorporating natural elements, and adding a touch of drama with candlelight. Her top tip? "You can never have enough layers," she says, emphasizing the impact of runners, placemats, linens, and greenery to create a chic and inviting tablescape.

Irma's signature tablescapes are now available for rent through Le Tablescape, offering curated looks for parties of 8 to 28 guests, complete with fresh flowers, candles, linens, and even bespoke Spotify playlists. Whether it's a romantic dinner or a lavish celebration, she takes care of everything from setup to cleanup, ensuring every event is effortlessly elegant.

Training the Next Generation 🌱🔑🚢🎓🏅

In addition to crafting stunning tablescapes, Irma is shaping the future of yachting as Co-Founder and Instructor at Savvy Maritime Academy in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Recognizing a gap in the industry when it came to proper training and crew retention, she set out to provide hands-on, practical skills courses for aspiring yacht stewards and stewardesses. "The biggest gap I see is the high turnover rate in junior positions due to a lack of commitment, motivation, and proper training," she explains.

A Passion for Personalized Service ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What makes Irma's tablescapes and training sessions truly memorable is her attention to detail and personal touch. She believes that the magic lies in personalizing the experience: "Understanding my clients is key. I decorate my tables with personalized touches that reflect the event theme and embrace feedback to continuously improve."

From the Deck to the Desk The skills Irma honed at sea — punctuality, organization, and taking initiative — have become cornerstones of her land-based businesses. But her biggest lesson so far? "Don’t let fear or insecurity stop you from trying new things. Believe in yourself. The minute you decide to do what you love, you’ve made a life plan for yourself."

Get in Touch 👋🏽 Whether you're looking to elevate your next dinner party with a show-stopping tablescape or embark on a yachting career with the right skills, Irma is ready to help. Visit www.letablescape.com and www.savvymaritimeacademy.com, or connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.

Participating on Top Notch Tabletop 🍽️⚓🌸🏆

Irma’s talent has been showcased at the Top Notch Tabletop Challenge PBIBS 2014 aboard M/Y Lady Janet alongside Chief Steward Mel Malabanan and Amber Briant. Her skills shone brightly again when she won the Most Artistic Napkin Fold at the TNT Challenge @FLIBS 2016. Truly inspiring!

A final note, when asked what she loves most about Top Notch Tabletop, Irma's answer is simple, it's the chance yacht crew have, to showcase creativity and push the limits of imagination.

Beautiful table settings give honor to your yacht and, most importantly, to yourself as a crew member. Add it in your resume “Top Notch Tabletop Winner” And don’t shy away from attaching that beautiful photo of your table to your CV.

Irma Malabanan's journey from stewardess to entrepreneur is a testament to hard work, creativity, and the courage to chase one's dreams. She isn’t just setting tables — she’s setting standards.

A heartfelt thank you to Irma for sharing her remarkable journey. Her discipline, dedication, and creativity light the way for aspiring yacht crew members and beyond. If you’re seeking to elevate your onboard experience, don’t hesitate to reach out to her — the results speak for themselves.

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Thank you, Grazie mille, Merci, Muchas Gracias, Pura Vida!