etiquette pros quarterly
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May 2014 Inaugural Edition
National Association of Urban Etiquette Professionals
impacting the urban community through etiquette
RE-BRANDING URBAN YOUTH Etiquette‌Changing the Narrative about Black Youth SELFIES AND OTHER
BRAND KILLERS taking photos that brand you an expert
HONORING AN ETIQUETTE PIONEER Madame Ophelia Devore National etiquette week 2014
CONTENTS MAY 2014/VOLUME 1/ISSUE 1/www.urbangirlz.org
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Online Trenette Wilson - Publisher Miriam Glover - Managing Editor Honoring an etiquette pioneer Madame Ophelia Devore
SHIFTING VIEWPOINTS Is Etiquette Relevant to the Urban Community?
SELFIES AND OTHER BRAND KILLERS Taking Photos that Brand you an Expert
HEALTH AND THE ETIQUETTE PRO My health begins with my choice
BEFORE YOUR WORKSHOP Prepping for an Excellent Workshop
THE POWER OF CONNECTION Joining a Sisterhood of Etiquette/Debutante Pros
LADIES BY DESIGN Lady Rasheeda Jones Making a Difference
RE-BRANDING URBAN YOUTH Is the “Thug Brand” Destroying our Youth?
From the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief I am so excited to present this all new platform for urban etiquette and debutante professionals. We want you to shine and feel empowered as we address the issues facing the youth services industry. Through much prayer and relentless commitment, I introduce Etiquette Pros Quarterly, NAUEP’s new magazine to reach even more people with the message of hope, etiquette and change. Etiquette Pros Quarterly is designed as a resource for etiquette professionals and individuals who work with youth. Our e-zine features the latest trends in behavior, etiquette tips and empowerment through contemporary etiquette issues impacting their lives. We welcome your feedback and most of all need your prayer and support. Etiquette is not simply an act of behavior, it is a lifestyle to be embraced by all. Keep it urban classy,
Lady T national association of urban etiquette professionals NAUEP CEO & FOUNDER
etiquette pros quarterly
Shifting Viewpoints Does Etiquette Have a Place in Urban Culture? Since the beginning of time, the next generation has always rebelled against the “rules of society.” After all, it’s great to be eccentric, different, dare I say…a “rebel.” But in truth, though our differences are what sets us apart as individuals, our similarities is what allows society to live together harmoniously. Etiquette is the common thread that holds society together. Etiquette is an unspoken set of rules such as, “please,” and “thank you.” It acknowledges others feelings, presence and value. Despite the unspoken rules of etiquette being played out daily, many in the urban culture are unaware of the nuisances surrounding the use of etiquette. Because it has long been seen as something rich people have, some in the urban community have rejected the benefits of knowing which fork to use. In a recent Pew Study, more than a quarter of Fortune 500 companies admitted to considering social graces when hiring a potential job candidate. So, the unfounded rationale that etiquette is something that passed in the 50’s is a misconception. Etiquette is the secret weapon “successful people,” use to dominate the game and unless urban America begins to invest in educating themselves and embracing its importance, the pitiful unemployment numbers will continue. It’s time for the urban community to support the need for etiquette and embrace its advantages. If you believe the old adage, “fake it to you make it,” then etiquette should be the perfect vehicle to help you arrive at your desired destination. For more information on how you can get involved, log on to www.urbangirlz.org and find out how you can learn more about etiquette TODAY! national association of urban etiquette professionals
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etiquette pros quarterly
MadameOphelia Devore
The Mother of Urban Etiquette
With the recent passing of one of America’s premier etiquette pioneers, NAUEP would like to honor Madame Ophelia Devore. Despite the perception that Emily Post is the mother of etiquette in America, the public has rarely been introduced to the first woman of urban etiquette. Madame Ophelia DeVore's impact on the field of African American etiquette is noteworthy because she is the first African American woman in the United States to own a modeling agency. Throughout the 1950's and 60's, Madame DeVore opened a modeling agency for African American women to learn the grace and elegance needed to be booked by prestigious fashion houses. Her efforts led to many young women who would have normally been passed over for a modeling opportunity a chance to model not only in America but throughout Europe. If you’ve ever admired the effortless class and style in which actresses like Diane Carroll and Cicely Tyson displayed in the 1950’s and 60’s, you would have to look to Ophelia Devore. Madame Devore opened the first modeling agency for African American women in 1946 in New York where she groomed African American actresses and models for the national stage. A pioneer in the field of image etiquette, Ms. Devore was a master of social graces and often consulted with presidents and great men and women of power. Lady Devore speaks passionately about her desire to empower Black women in her personal interview on her website, www.opheliadevore.com. Log on to Madame DeVore's website to learn about her background and impact on young African American women and the legacy she has left for us all. national association of urban etiquette professionals
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Taking Photos that Brand you an EXPERT SELFIES and OTHER BRAND KILLERS Selfies can seem like such a good idea…you remember the picture you posted of you and your girls outside that trendy restaurant after partying a bit too much? Or how about the picture of you in that oh-so-cute hi/lo skirt that’s a little too high? Hold on - before you post another picture on Instagram or Snapshot or even Facebook, I would like you to think about this: Though this may be the way of most people, individuals who work in the field of empowering young women should always present themselves intentionally in photos. You are a business owner of an etiquette company that is poised on the brink of greatness. Does that selfie you just posted add or diminish from your professional reputation?
Professional photos offer many benefits, including giving you the freedom to “design” the image that you want of yourself.
You see, you are the spokes model, salesman, creative genius and the face of your brand. You reflect all those core principles that you teach today’s youth.
Do you want to be seen as savvy and conservative? Trendy yet professional? A professional photo allows you to show who you are in the best possible light.
Professional, dynamic and knowledgeable are some of your key selling points when you address students, parents and prospects. In light of this, does that selfies represent the best first impression to your audience? Trust me, everyone from clients to school admissions officers to hiring managers are now searching social media to find out more about potential candidates, including you.
As you start to see yourself as the person behind your brand, then your professional image takes on more importance. You are the “face and image” of your etiquette business and photos can add spark and interest to your brand without saying a word.
What will anyone searching for you find? I always encourage my clients to take professional photos for business and even for general postings. By Miriam Glover of Miriam Glover Marketing
A word of caution: If you must post personal pictures, make sure you have filters, such as friend acceptance, so you will know who wants to access to your page. Remember, once you post a picture, it can go viral and there’s no way to undo what’s been released. Control and manage your image and you will be one stepper closer to success.
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Staying Fit
See the Results…
When starting a new business, you must be at your best. Integrating a healthy exercise routine and diet will help you accomplish the goals you have set, deal with the stress and allow you to look the part of an expert.
Stretch Daily
My Health Begins With My Choices
Stretching daily is a great way to remain flexible and feeling young. When you don’t stretch your muscles begin to shrink and tighten making it easier for you to get an injury doing the simplest of tasks.
Eat Healthy As a business owner, you stay quite busy, and how you feed your body is crucial to your health. Eat foods high in fiber, enjoy fruits and vegetables and add more chicken and fish in your diet. Eat healthy and enjoy a long career.
Make Exercise a part of your Daily Routine Beyond daily stretching, getting your heart rate up at least three times weekly will help you have a healthier heart. Running, riding a bicycle, playing basketball, dancing and jump roping all lead to a healthier and stronger heart.
Emotionally Speaking Being stressed out; overworked and getting little rest can all lead to poor health. Make sure you are making decisions that won’t lead to drama in your life, and work hard at surrounding yourself with positive people, places and things.
Add variety in your exercise routine and SEE results! national association of urban etiquette professionals
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etiquette pros quarterly
Before your Workshop Are you prepared to maximize your OPPORTUNITY?
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Check your GO BAG!
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Make it Memorable
Stay organized with your pre-packed GO BAG. Check it weekly to stay ready!
Review the Workshop Details
Profile your hostess and setting. Take note of the number of participants, the venue, and time.
Master your Craft
Practice your workshop and its delivery. Get rid of note cards or anything that could distract your audience.
Pack your GO BAG with your business card and post cards to distribute at your upcoming classes. Give out door prizes or host a contest so you can capture as many emails as possible.
After the Workshop
Thank your host and add him/her to your email list. Stay in touch throughout the year with etiquette tips and class schedules.
Your clients deserve the best experience possible. Your clients’ experience depends upon your readiness. Take some time to
PREPARE to make a lasting IMPRESSION!
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etiquette pros quarterly
Ask Lady T? Tips to growing your etiquette business Question: How do I deal with clients who don’t want to pay for my services? Answer: Dealing with those who don’t appreciate the value of compensating you for your services doesn’t have to be a challenge. Building your brand is the key to unlocking the safe. Take some time to build your brand by building media relationships, conducting community programs and creating workshops with KEY COMMUNITY PARTNERS. After you build your portfolio and fee schedule, others will respect you and approach you as they should…with budget in hand. If you want your question answered in EPQ, send your question to ladyt@urbangirlz.org.
SPOTLIGHT ON NAUEP PROS… WELCOME TO THE
FAMILY Lady Farida Mays Celicia Smith Prudence Howard Melissa Thurmond Briena Johnson Yolundra Jackson Lady Kim Teamer Sharlonda McKenzie Wyvetta Granger Ogechukwu Nwamu Re-Affiliates Shelley Stanton Renee Weathersby Celebrating their Anniversary Lynne Peterson Kasha Crannon Letty Quiroz Sarina Fields Elmer Davis Rhodie Kimberly Sullivan Stayce Wagner
Tonja Prudhomme
Lady Karissa Johnson
Ms. Tonja Prudhomme is an etiquette expert who brings class and elegance with Creole flair. A resident of Shreveport, La. Tonja impacts the lives of young men and women by conducting workshops at local schools, churches and organizations. As she preps for the opening of her charm school on the bayou, NAUEP wanted to recognize this very dear sister and congratulate her on the next step to her success.
Lady Karissa is a world traveler who is taking the message of etiquette all around the world. In 2012, Karissa left our beautiful shores for China where she taught English to children. Through her work, she was granted an opportunity to teach etiquette, and just this past year Karissa was invited to Saudi Arabia to teach 200 young women etiquette. We want to salute Karissa for her hard work and congratulate her for taking the message of etiquette WORLWIDE!
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etiquette pros quarterly
etiquette pros quarterly
The Power of CONNECTION Though becoming an etiquette consultant is exciting, the truth is...you've only just begun. Business owners have a great deal of responsibility and as an etiquette/debutante professional, you want to make sure you have all the tools you need to be successful. Recently, one of the NAUEP Junior Debutante affiliates contacted the national office. She needed help putting together a sponsorship letter in order to receive funding for her non-profit efforts. By the end of the day, NAUEP team members crafted a concise and compelling letter that she is now using to solicit her supporters for funding.
Your affiliation includes: - License to use the NAUEP logo and affiliation - Discounts on products and events - Ongoing support and training opportunities - Name listed on the NAUEP roster online - Eligibility for prizes and leadership
If you haven't logged on to re-affiliate, make sure to do so TODAY! For more information, email us at info@urbangirlz.org.
An opportunity to connect and assist people is what the national association is all about and we are honored to assist our affiliates in any way we can. As an association, it is our goal and mission to provide you with the best tools possible to impact your community through etiquette, leadership and debutante training. Affiliate members enjoy ongoing training and connection to their fellow etiquette experts. Continue to fan the flames of your etiquette passion and maintain your credentials by re-affiliating each year. national association of urban etiquette professionals
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NAUEP AFFILIATE SPOTLIGHT Denell Parker
Peta-Gay Henry
NAUEP National Certification Director
Forging innovative partnerships for etiquette
Peta-Gay Henry, CEO and Founder of the Le'Charme Etiquette School in Tamerac, Florida has taken her etiquette business in new directions through innovative partnerships and events. Certified in 2012 through NAUEP, Peta-Gay began her etiquette journey providing workshops through partnerships with local art galleries and schools. As she worked to help teach young women and men who attended art classes, the word began to spread about the great work she was doing with children. In 2013, through her great vision and hard work, Peta opened the doors of her first Le’Charme School location where she provides Etiquette instruction, on-on-one coaching and specialty birthday parties. Most notable are the partnerships she has formed with department stores to impact the lives of little girls. Peta partners with a local department store to provide a special tea party for girls as parents enjoy a few hours of shopping. For a reasonable price, girls are treated to dainty pastries and treated like a princess. In addition to her growing department store partnerships, Peta is also known for throwing the best “Princess Parties,” in the state of Florida. Her menu of special parties include princess, rock and roll, spa day and much more. Through her innovation and some well-placed partnerships, Peta has been able to make her etiquette passion become a reality for her business. national association of urban etiquette professionals
Denell Parker is a certified etiquette professional and event planner who has a passion for seeing young women reach their full potential. As a part of the NAUEP National Training Team, Denell is responsible for training new and returning NAUEP Etiquette Professionals from across the country. As a leader on her job, in her home and community, Denell has made an immediate impact on the women of NAUEP through her warm and welcoming training style. Professionally, Denell serves as Principal Proposal Analyst for General Dynamic Information Technology of Virginia. She is a wife and committed member of various women’s groups and associations. NAUEP is proud that Denell has chosen to partner with us as she lends her amazing background and expertise to the training process. To learn more about certifications, please contact Denell at ladies@urbangirlz.org or give us a call at 1.800.291.6492.
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Empowered for Excellence Empowered forExcellence 2014 NAUEP ETIQUETTE/DEBUTANTE Certification SCHEDULE
Certification and Workshops for the Emerging Professional
REGISTER TODAY! Etiquette/Protocol Certification Junior Debutante Certification Leadership Training Certification UrbanGentz Certification Choose a Certification Right for You! BASIC CERTIFICATION REGISTRATION BEGINS AT $350.00 Etiquette/Debutante Certification Track ยง ยง ยง ยง
Basic, Plus, and Elite Certifications available Live demonstrations and hands-on instruction 5 Key Etiquette Areas Marketing and Booking Guidance
Girl's Programming Professional Track ยง ยง ยง ยง
Etiquette for Professionals Booking Paid Engagements Branding and Marketing Your Girl's Program Public Speaking Techniques for Emerging Professionals
gain your credentials and begin your journey to service We cordially invite you to join us for this extensive training designed to empower individuals seeking to gain their credentials in etiquette or debutante instruction and for those seeking to enhance their existing girl's programming. NAUEP is a leader in girl and teen curriculum development and training and we are excited to equip you with the tools you need to make your program a success.
2014 Schedule ยง ยง ยง
June 27 - 28, 2014 - Tamarac, FL September 26 - 27, 2014 โ Las Vegas October 10 - 11, 2014- Atlanta, GA *** Dates Subject to Change***
THIS TRAINING IS FOR YOU! NAUEP is the largest and most well-respected association for individuals seeking to impact the urban community through girl's and teen programming. Earn your credentials with the largest association dedicated to improving the lives of urban children and youth. www.urbangirlz.org * 800.291.6492
etiquette pros quarterly
Ladies By Design Junior Debutante Course
Transforming Little Girls into Little Ladies
Lady Rasheeda Jones
Orlando, Florida Empowering Girls to be Successful in Every Area of their Lives!
historically reserved for the wealthy, becoming a Debutante for many young women residing in underserved communities has been out of reach. Despite this lack of access, NAUEP has been able to bring the Debutante tradition to countless little girls and young women because of astute leaders like, Rasheeda Jones of Orlando, Florida. Serving as a teacher at Kingsway Christian Academy, Rasheeda has worked closely with principal, Diane Copeland to bring this program to light. It would not have been possible without the leadership of Faith Creation Fellowship, Rev. Thomas Copeland, Pastor. Lady Jones is surrounded by little girls who have never been exposed to social graces training. For the past two years however, Lady Jones and her coinstructors, Lynette Ortiz and Diane Williams have changed this by impacting over 100 girls through weekly meetings. As a woman of action, Lady Jones felt taking the "tisk, tisk," approach was
unacceptable and began the Daughters of the King Etiquette Training Program. Daughters of the King is birthed out of Lady Jones' overall ministry goal which is to help young women be successful in every aspect of their lives.
She credits the Ladies By Design Course with providing a template for weekly meetings and feels the faithbased aspect of the program provides the spiritual foundation needed to truly make a difference in the lives of the young women. Lady Jones states she has seen the self-esteem and assurance of the little girls increase considerably since their participation in the program. In addition to the noticeable difference in the girls, she also states she can personally attest to the strengthening of the mother/daughter relationships among participants.
notes and monthly calendars all of which she feels is important for parent involvement. Her call to impact girls began in the 12th grade when she states God told her she was going to be working with young women. As she walks out the prophecy of God she received in the 12th grade, Lady Rasheeda is a living example of the difference women who care can make in the lives of little girls. Lady Jones feels her strength comes from the support she receives from her family, faith, and upbringing. When asked about the rewards of working with the little girls she simply said, "The feeling is indescribable." We commend Lady Rasheeda Jones and her team for planting the seeds of grace and elegance in little girls who would have never had a chance to become their very BEST!
She keeps the lines of communication open with parents through emails,
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“The tragedy is not how the world defines you…it is how you define yourself.” Trenette Wilson
RE-BRANDING URBAN YOUTH Is the “thug brand,” destroying urban youth? www.urbangirlz.org Recently in two high profile cases, two young African American men were gunned down and the juries in both cases found the shooter innocent. As jurors spoke out, they repeatedly sympathized with the shooters even though the murdered young men had no weapons. One needs only to glance at both circumstances to realize that Americans, in general see all young minorities in a negative light. Most people have little to no interaction at all to determine how African Americans behave, but based on the “national narrative,” which states all minorities are criminals, thugs and sex-crazed maniacs, many people paint the entire race with one broad stroke, which has led to real life consequences. This shameful portrayal of African Americans as menaces to society has played to the steady beat of a drum through strategic campaigns carried out through music and media images. If the targeted overt racist images won’t suffice, youth provide enough selfies to fill in the blanks. Since the average child sees 80,000 commercials by the time they are in kindergarten, this according to Gabriela Baeza in her report, Girls Risk Factors, Trends, and Strategies 2011, there must be a well-thought out effort to RE-BRAND Urban Youth and how America sees minorities. national association of urban etiquette professionals
This sounds like a job for Scandal’s, Olivia Pope. If we had a moment with her, she could give Black America some great advice on how to re-take the narrative and shift the focus. Unfortunately, we don’t have a real Olivia to lead us to the land of public relations bliss, but all is not lost. There are a few simple steps that can turn the tide of bad press, and begin to paint black youth in a different light. Step 1: Decide the “Thug,” doesn’t represent Black America – though mom can be angry about what she sees on television, until you see the current picture being painted about urban youth as negative, you won’t see the need to alter it. Step 2: Decide what image/picture best describes you If the images that represent young urban America doesn’t represent you, then paint the picture that does. Once you define your generations’ brand, you can begin to formulate a campaign around raising awareness. Step 3: Use social media to “Re-brand” your message All youth have a following. Why not use your 10
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etiquette pros quarterly influence to share positive pictures, words of encouragement or raise awareness. You’ll be surprised how many people need to hear something positive. Step 4: Decide you will be a positive messenger You be the difference! Your decision to carry yourself with dignity and respect will cause others to respect you. Step 5: Unite around re-branding – young people have the rare chance to use social media to unite. Unify around positivity and show the world how loud one message can be.
National Etiquette Week Raises Awareness about Etiquette May 12 – 16, 2014
For more information about Re-branding urban Youth, log on to www.urbangirlz.org. By Trenette Wilson, CEO & Founder…on a mission to re-brand urban youth. Will you help us?
ALL NEW T-SHIRT Passive marketing is the act of marketing without saying a word. For etiquette instructors, passive marketing is critical to starting the conversation about etiquette without spending a dime on advertising.
Start your passive marketing today!
Only available to current NAUEP affiliate members Log on to affiliate today at www.urbangirlz.org national association of urban etiquette professionals
Demonstrate your manners during National Etiquette Week by purchasing your DYM t-shirt. Wear your t-shirt during the week to encourage conversation around the importance of etiquette. To get your DYM t-shirt, log on to www.urbangirlz.org and support etiquette. 11
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Clothes that brand you a Pro wherever you go‌ As soon as you tell others you are an etiquette professional, they immediately look at you from head to toe. Even if dressed casually, there is a certain expectation on the part of the public about how they think you should dress. Expand your wardrobe by creating clothes clusters so you can look like the pro you are no matter what the occasion.
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Lady t introduces princess mia
- A new resource to increase your income while building girls self esteem! -
ALL NEW LICENSING PROGRAM FOR AFFILIATES‌ Available for the first time, NAUEP presents an opportunity for you to increase your income by licensing you to sell the all new Princess Mia’s Etiquette Adventures.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS -
For a deeply discounted price, you can purchase a set and sale at your own price. Ideal for setting up a public reading with schools, churches and community organizations where you can make available to parents and administrators. Start earning additional income today by broadening your brand and introducing little girls to the new princess of etiquette.
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Discount on bulk prices for etiquette/debutante professionals Licensed to conduct readings at schools, churches and organizations Full color book Ideal for girls 7 to 9 years old Perfect to create income without all the hard work Expand your etiquette brand by connecting to the public in a unique way
If interested, contact ladyt@urbangirlz.org to download the information packet.
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