Academy of Etiquette & Decorum

My heart 🥹🙏🏽

Sometimes when I’m brainstorming ideas, I find inspiration in the accomplishments of my family members to remind me that I’m not just creating for today, but building upon a legacy of excellence. Today’s inspiration was this picture of my great-grandmother’s cosmetology license that she earned in 1946. She called me as I was working, overflowing with pride from having just received the news that published my first book. She requested a personally signed, hand-delivered copy. 😭

I’m a ball of tears right now, humbled by her love and support. This is what it’s all about…advancing the baton.

I am so profoundly grateful to everyone who has purchased my book, 📚 Etiquette A-Z: The Essential Book of Manners for Adolescents 📚 and shared such kind and thoughtful reviews. Your support and feedback are invaluable, affirming my mission to inspire grace and poise in the next generations.

It is the ultimate privilege to have you as part of this journey and I am honored 🙏🏽🥹 that my work resonates with you. Thank you for being champions of etiquette and refinement. Your encouragement and following continue to fuel my passion for this timeless craft. ♥️

💫 💫💫

🛎️ Exciting News! 🛎️

I am thrilled to announce the release of my first book, “Etiquette A-Z: The Essential Book of Manners for Adolescents” 📚 📚

It’s now available on Amazon and Kindle! 💫

This elegantly crafted guide is designed to empower young minds with the art of gracious living, providing essential etiquette skills that will serve them throughout their lives. From formal dining manners to confident self-presentation, this book offers a sophisticated approach to mastering the social nuances of today's world.

✨ Parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, etc., elevate your pre-teen’s understanding of manners and social grace with this comprehensive resource. Perfect for middle school students, it’s a refined yet accessible guide that encourages poise and confidence.

📚 Purchase on Amazon | Download on Kindle

Extending to you the most gracious of morning salutations ☀️

As you step into your gait and commence your day's journey, may it unfold with the elegance of a perfectly choreographed waltz. May you find joy in the simplest of tasks, and may every interaction be adorned with the finest threads of courtesy and grace. It is in the subtleties of our conduct that the true essence of refinement is revealed.

Wishing you a splendid Saturday filled with a harmonious blend of charm, dignity, and the timeless beauty of good manners.

💫 🪄🧚🏽

🛎️ Topics to Avoid in Social Settings 🛎️

In the spirit of maintaining harmonious and pleasant environments, let's remember to steer clear of certain sensitive topics during our conversations, especially at work and at the dinner table. Instead, focus on subjects that foster connection, joy, understanding, and warmth.

Always avoid:

1. Politics ⬅️
2.Religion
3. Personal finances
4. Sexual matters
5. Controversial or offensive jokes

We are far too refined to stoop to such gauche topics. In etiquette, we trust 🧚🏽

Be the star 💫

🛎️ Just as wise investments yield long-term financial gains, mastering etiquette pays dividends in relationships and career growth. Both require foresight, commitment, and a keen understanding of strategy. Be sure to invest in your social capital in conjunction with your financial.

The way you carry yourself can be just as influential as the wealth you accumulate. 💫

🛎️ Things I’ll never do in front of my male suitor 🛎️

Last night, I was on FaceTime with my gentleman caller ♥️ while he was enjoying some chicken wings. I let him know that he would never…EVER in this life witness me eating chicken wings because there’s simply no elegant way to do so. I’ll only ever enjoy them while I’m alone 🤭. He assured me that he wouldn’t ever mind me enjoying finger foods in his presence, but it lead me compile this list of things that I would never engage in before my male suitor as a lady of refinement.

1. 🚫 Indulge in Crass Culinary Excess: A lady never attacks her meal with the voracity of a starving predator! Delicately nibble on delicacies with the finesse of a ballerina, sparing the spectacle of chicken wings being devoured like a wild beast.

2. 🚫 Release Bodily Emissions: THE HORROR‼️ The art of retaining composure is absolutely paramount! No gentleman should be subjected to the auditory assault of bodily functions. A lady discreetly excuses herself for such affairs, ensuring the realm of romance remains unsullied by such earthy realities.

3. 🚫 Engage in Undignified Discourse: The company of a suitor demands discourse elevated to lofty heights of intellect and refinement. Frivolous chatter and gossip are beneath a lady of substanc. We converse in realms of cultural sophistication and philosophical musings. CUSSING⁉️ 😷 Heavens in the hood 🤦🏽‍♀️

4. 🚫 Sport Anything Less Than Flawless Attire: Every occasion (emphasis on OCCASION) demands attire that sings of elegance. A lady’s wardrobe is a carefully curated masterpiece, a visual symphony of impeccable taste that leaves suitors dazzled.

5. 🚫 Display Unseemly Emotions: The social misdemeanor of raw emotion unleashed‼️ A lady maintains a serene disposition, even if it’s a momentary facade, shielding delicate sentiments behind a veil of grace and composure. Restraint is the hallmark of refinement. I’ll confess that this is the area that’s required the most diligent effort on my part. I was quite a shrew in my former life. 🙏🏽🧘🏽‍♀️🧚🏽

Remember, classy ladies, cultivating an aura of sophistication is not just a privilege but a responsibility.

Be the star 💫 💅🏽

🌞 It’s finally summer 🌞

It’s the season when the sun graces us with its radiant presence and summer's beauty unfolds in full glory. Let’s relish in the uplifting warmth and let it inspire our manners and interactions. As we delight in these luminous days, remember that elegance in etiquette is just as radiant. Greet each soul with a gracious smile, exercise impeccable patience amidst the summer fervor, and express heartfelt gratitude for the enchanting joys this season bestows.

May the brilliance of the sun remind us to extend warmth, charm, and sophistication in all of our encounters.

Wishing you a season filled with exquisite manners and sunlit elegance! 💫 🌺

On this glorious Juneteenth, let’s gather in spirit and heart to commemorate a moment of profound significance in the tapestry of our history. Today is a day that signifies liberty, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of justice.

As we celebrate, may we reflect upon the elegance of freedom and the grace of unity. Let us bask in the radiance of this historic occasion, cherishing the strides made and the journey yet to unfold.

As always, use your manners & be the star 💫

Good morning, my esteemed companions! It is with the utmost elegance and a heart brimming with genteel enthusiasm that I wish you a day of unparalleled grace and refinement. May your morning tea be perfectly steeped, your attire flawlessly pressed, and your interactions sprinkled with the most exquisite pleasantries. As you embark upon this glorious Saturday, remember to uphold the highest standards of decorum and civility, for it is in these virtues that we find true sophistication.

Now, go forth and let your day be as radiant as well-polished silver 🪄✨🧚🏽

Be the star 💫

As an etiquette coach, there’s nothing more rewarding than hearing from parents about the positive impact that my classes have had on their children. These kind reviews and heartfelt feedback truly warm my heart and inspire me every day. 🥹♥️

Reading how your kids have become more confident, polite, and respectful reminds me why I love what I do. Your reviews and support drive me to constantly improve, innovate, and ensure that every child gets the best possible guidance in their journey towards impeccable manners and social grace.

Thank you for trusting me with your children’s etiquette education. Together, we’re shaping a future of well-mannered, considerate, and confident young individuals.

Be the star 💫💫💫

I always try to turn my house into The Four Seasons when I have company lol so these incredibly thoughtful gifts my houseguests (cousins) brought as a token of thanks for their stay warmed my heart! Their generosity and consideration made me feel appreciated, and it highlighted their impeccable manners and genuine spirits.

I just love the kindness that good etiquette inspires. 🥰

🛎️ Unpopular Opinion: Ruth’s Chris is the Applebee’s of Steakhouses 🛎️

As an etiquette coach dedicated to the finest dining experiences, I wanted to address a rising comparison that’s been on my radar. This may sound like an exaggeration, so here are my points.

Ruth’s Chris has definitely carved a niche in the upscale steakhouse market. However, the widespread accessibility leads me to believe that it’s a higher end Applebee’s compared to some of the boutique steakhouses that are not uniform, but localized and unique.

That said, comparing Ruth’s Chris to Applebee’s isn’t to downplay its quality, but to highlight how its widespread appeal can dilute the exclusivity that many people look for in a premier steakhouse experience.

💬 What are your thoughts? Do you find comfort in Ruth’s Chris’ consistency, or do you prefer the bespoke experiences of smaller, more exclusive steakhouses?

Share your dining stories & thoughts below ⬇️ then go to my story & vote. I’ll share the poll results tomorrow.

✨✨✨This post is intended for discussion and reflection on dining standards and experiences. Again, not to downplay Ruth’s Chris ✨✨✨

🛎️ Social In*******se 🛎️

Avoid finding yourself in a group setting and having conversations that are exclusive to you and one other person in the group. Always strive to create environments that foster harmonious interactions.
Take these tips:

🔑 Maintain Open Body Language: Position yourself to face the entire group, ensuring your body language invites everyone into the conversation.

🔑 Engage Everyone: Direct questions and comments to various group members, encouraging broader participation.

🔑 Be Mindful of Eye Contact: Distribute your gaze evenly among all participants to make everyone feel included.

🔑 Facilitate Turn-Taking: Politely steer the conversation to ensure everyone has the opportunity to contribute, preventing any single person from dominating the dialogue. Never be the talking head‼️‼️

🔑 Acknowledge Contributions: Recognize and build on points made by different individuals in the group showing that you value and consider all input. Always use tact and respect when disagreeing. ⬅️

Be the star 💫

🛎️ Sophisticated Sips 🛎️

When sipping from a glass while adorned in your favorite lipstick, always ensure to drink from the same spot each time. This simple act prevents your glass from resembling a painter’s palette and ensures your elegance remains intact. It’s a small step for you, but a giant leap for maintaining your sophisticated allure. ☕️🍸💄

Remember, elegance is in the details. A touch of discretion maintains the charm. ✨

Be the star 💫

🌹 Embracing the enchantment of rainy days with this stunning assortment. Freshly cut and fed. The colors and fragrance took this rainy day from blah to beauty 🌹

Yellow - joy ✨
Orange - enthusiasm ✨
White - purity ✨
Lavender - royalty ✨

🌸✨ Spring 2024 fragrances for refinement, sophistication, and charm ✨🌸

Perfume - seek notes of floral bouquets, citrus, & greenery
✅ Carolina Herrera Good Girl Blush
✅ Bond No.9 Nolita
✅ Chanel Chance

Cologne - seek citrus, aromatic, & woody notes
✅ Tom Ford Oud Wood
✅ Clive Christian No.1
✅ Bleu de Chanel

🔔🌟✨ Attention all elegant ladies and refined gentlemen ✨🌟🔔

As a certified etiquette coach, I’ve spent years perfecting the arts of refinement and sophistication. As such, I've curated a list of the top ten virtues of the contemporary elegant lady and the contemporary refined gentleman. Tune in on Sunday 3/3 as I unveil these secrets to refined living and the coveted virtues that will transform the way you carry yourself in every aspect of life. 💋

Be the star 💫

Etiquette = A ticket that allows us to enter any space because we are privy to the rules. A world where wealth whispers and manners speak volumes.

Be the star 💫

✨ Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede ✨

🔔 Beckoning all the connoisseurs of refined fragrances! Come to the front nowww ⬇️

This perfume is so enchantingly sophisticated that it’s alluring…seductive even. Peony, red apple, and jasmine are at the top, then it dries down to rose at the end of the day with just a hint of suede. It unfolds so gracefully that it whispers opulence all day.

If etiquette was a fragrance 🌸

🔔🔔 RSVP is not optional 🔔🔔

It is not just a formality, but a crucial element fo planning. Always respond to invitations that ask you to do so. The host needs a headcount for seats and accoutrements, so not responding can be considered bad manners.

ALSO☝🏽, showing up with a plus one when you either did not respond, only responded for one, or were not granted a plus one is immensely disrespectful. Cherish the beauty of RSVP and plus one etiquette with social grace. 💖

Be the star 💫

🎁✨ Bestow a memorable gift upon your loved ones and elevate your presence this season with the Gift of Etiquette 🎁✨

Why choose etiquette class as a gift? 🎻

In a world that often rushes, the timeless art of etiquette is a beacon of grace. Etiquette class promises an immersive experience in cultivating sophistication, from dining etiquette to social grace.

✓ Polished Dining Etiquette
✓ Captivating Social Skills
✓ Confident Communication
✓ Timeless Elegance

Be the star in 2024 💫💫💫

[email protected]

R&B Singer Fantasia has announced she is now a certified sommelier and will be launching her own Wine Brand 💜🍷🔥

Congrats 🍾

🌹 To my incomparable clientele, whose choice of refinement and investment in etiquette training this year merits my deepest gratitude, I extend my heartfelt appreciation. Together, we’ve meticulously sculpted a polished image, refined communication skills, impeccable fine dining skills, and elevated your social influence. The rewards extend beyond the present, promising a lifetime adorned with grace, charm, and assured interactions.

Here’s to the enduring success of your journey in the art of ♥️ ETIQUETTE ♥️. May it unfold with the same captivating allure that you now effortlessly embody.
🥂 💫✨

~AAEDecorum

I am tickled PINK 💖 by alllll the messages I received where so many of you shared the grace in which you carried yourselves as guests and hosts over this holiday weekend. I love our commitment to embodying elegance and excellence ✨👏🏽✨

Class is always in season 🪄💫

🦃🍁 🦃🍁🦃🍁

🔔 How do you intend to gracefully navigate social gatherings this Thanksgiving? Are you hosting or will you be a guest? Share your scenarios and let’s explore some tips in refinement together 💫 ⬇️

🍁☀️ Happy elegant, graceful, refined, sophisticated Sunday ☀️🍁

If you or your child(ren) hold the esteemed certificate for completing etiquette classes at AAEDecorum, comment “💫💫💫”

✨Elegance must be the right combination of distinction, naturalness, care, and simplicity. ✨

-Christian Dior

🔔✨ The Power of Proper Etiquette:
A True Story ✨🔔

At an elegant soirée, women in dazzling gowns and men in sharp tuxedos mingled to the sound of classic r&b played on a saxophone. At the heart of the room, a woman navigated gracefully, armed with not just beauty, but impeccable etiquette. 🥂

As she engaged in conversations, her attentiveness and courtesy were magnetic. She listened more than she spoke, her words were thoughtful, and her laughter was infectious. Her charm and grace lit up the room. 🧚‍♂️

Intrigued, an executive from a prestigious company approached her. He was enchanted by her etiquette, and the conversation that followed wasn’t just small talk. It led to an opportunity—an offer that changed the course of her career. 💼💰

This story is a reminder that proper etiquette isn’t just a set of rules. It’s a superpower that opens doors, builds connections, and creates opportunities. It’s about radiating poise and charm, whether at a gala or a game. Leave a lasting impression ✨

Be the star 💫