Teaparties aren't simply a pleasant way of putting on weight. Their social function is priceless. They allow for civilised conversation without the constant interruption that inevitably goes on during three course meals. Most food is put on the table and then... let the feast begin.

I met Muriel Grech at an elegant teaparty. Sitting next to me was a tall young lady I had never met before. Indeed, I wondered if she were a model. She had the looks, height and bearing of one. We got talking and she told me she had been reading my writings for a number of years. A bit of prodding and she told me that she worked in the construction industry. Smiling mischievously and looking out for my reaction she said, "I run my own construction company. I was always inclined to construction works: civil works, finishes and also interior layout to improve the looks of a house and turn it into a lovely home." I was more than a little surprised. Muriel simply doesn't look like someone who would be on a construction site with a hard hat and surrounded by men and dust. "But that is exactly what I do and love. I am also very interested in restoration. I used to look for places where I knew there were works going on and just admire the works in progress. I used to note and study the weekly progress of any ongoing construction site I happened to lay my eyes on and understand, with my limited knowledge, the process of work being carried out. This, to me, was the best way of spending my free time and weekends." Did she have any members of the family that work in this industry? The answer, a definite "No".

Muriel's parents naturally found it strange to watch their attractive daughter looking out for construction sites. "When it came to choosing a career it was very easy for me. I knew exactly what I wanted to do. My parents encouraged me to choose a more traditional career. Guided by them I chose a career in education but my heart and mind never stopped wondering about a future career in construction-related work." She liked what she was doing but did not love it. "There was no work satisfaction and I knew that I could have been doing a more fulfilling career. I had a passion burning inside of me and wanted to do beautiful things. Whenever my friend or colleagues used to buy a property, I used to 'sabotage' (in a friendly manner) their property, give them my unsolicited advice on how to design it and what works needs to be done and it came to me naturally to follow the works and guide the workers. Where I didn't know, I used to ask and search and learn how to do what was needed. I was always  asking 'but why' from my early years and this helped me learn more and improve my skills.  The results from this service I offered to my friends were greatly admired and appreciated."

Around 10 years ago Muriel felt an urge to do something bigger than merely advise friends. "But how was I going to start something in construction without any background, without knowing the right people and with no savings to fall back on if it all went wrong? "All of these questions used to haunt me every time I dreamt about this move," she tells me. However, nothing was going to hold her back. "I decided to take the plunge and start learning about everything related to construction. My biggest dilemma was not to disappoint my parents, so I decided to keep this tiny secret of mine to myself. I resigned from my full-time job with its indefinite contract, good pay, half days in summer to follow my fantasies."

Muriel moved out of the family home and into her own house so her parents would not notice her different routine. "I had a very small amount of money saved and I started budgeting, finding the cheapest meal -'packed noodles'. Yes, I spent two years eating packed noodles to save money, I never looked at clothes and bags and I micro-managed every little cent I had. But I was super happy that I had taken the plunge. "

There were no courses that interested her which would be useful in her new career "but I had something better: I met a leading architect with a heart of gold. He allowed me to follow him, to listen to him and observe every little detail. He became my mentor. I used to go on sites and check works and observe silently; attend all sorts of meetings and forums about the industry. Most important and satisfying was to see clients overwhelmed and happy with the results."

Muriel says of her mentor: "He gave me the opportunity to grow and learn to observe, to touch, to feel and I confirmed every day that this was my path. It came so naturally to me. I spent countless hours learning and observing, it didn't matter to me if it was raining or sunny, I was happy and grateful. In the meantime, I did random jobs for a few hours to earn just enough  to cover my fuel expenses, car license, and day-to-day living."

After two years, with the help of her mentor, Muriel got her very first, very own, 'project' and here she had to prove herself. "There I was doing what I love most. I woke up every morning with a smile on my face, happy to continue where I had left off the day before. I remember that my priority was to finish what I was entrusted to do, to create a group dynamic so everyone on board would be pulling in the same direction.

There I realized that the role of project management is not a job like others where you have a fixed monthly pay. I had to set my terms beforehand, but I still was very happy. When I got stuck, I asked for advice from my mentor and then got on with the job.  I never gave up even when I had to face obstacles. I was always open to learning and improving. You can never know enough in this sector; you have to embrace humility and always add to your knowledge." 

It wasn't easy for Muriel: "I was a young woman in safety shoes working on a construction site surrounded by men. They weren't used to having a girl giving them instructions. The first time I gathered everyone for an on-site meeting, one of the workers switched on a hand tool and started cutting stone instead of listening to me. It was pretty loud and of course dusty and the rest started giggling. I stayed calm and firm and switched off the power supply. I told everyone that I wasn't there to boss them but I was one of them, one of the team." It took her quite some time to be accepted but she stayed firm and always kept her dignity. She comments that unfortunately, yes, women have to work harder, know more and break boundaries to be accepted in a male-dominated industry.

After some 20 months, with the help of the team, Muriel's first project was ready.  "The client was super happy. I received a lump sum all at one go. I had not asked for payment at the beginning of the project as I was too embarrassed to do so. But then there it was... My first cheque for pursuing 'my passion' and for following my biggest dream. From then on, I continued signing bigger contracts. I met more people.  I formed my own team, my second family. I opened my own company." He was soon elected to two major boards within the industry where she had the opportunity to sound her voice." I won various awards personally and as a company. I am also furthering my studies and am currently following a Master's at the University of Malta.  I work hard every day. I challenge myself to improve. I try to make it a priority to always learn and study, but most of all, I never forget where I started.  In all of this the most rewarding is not the money I earn but the satisfaction lies in the pleasure and gratitude I see in my clients when handing them over their dream now a  reality."

Muriel wants to encourage and inspire the younger generation, especially women to stay focused on what matters; to work hard and follow their ambitions. "Don't let them remain just dreams: strive, learn, and stay focused. Live your dreams, make them your reality, and spread the love in what you do, cause when you do something out of passion, it shows and people notice and appreciate it." 

Today Muriel's parents are proud and "happy that my stubbornness has led to my having my own construction company." 

MG Projects Ltd today focuses on project management, construction, restoration, and finishes led by a woman. "Don't just go to 'work', but go and chase your dreams. Don't be afraid to take the plunge. Wake up earlier, make a plan, challenge yourself, set goals, establish deadlines and follow them. Strive to improve every day by learning something new. Moreover learn from past problems, keep growing, and keep evolving in the right direction. Only you know what's best for you. That little voice within all of us is always right and always has the best answer to our insecurities. The sky is the limit!"

Oh! Oh! Oh what a Gal!  In a world of mediocrity how refreshing. This enthusiasm and boundless energy.

Muriel will never eat noodles again... and I bet she will never take refuge in botox or that horror, bee-stung lips.