We recently connected with Jackie Pilarte-ramos and have shared our conversation below.

Jackie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I have worked in Healthcare Leadership for the last 23 years, so I was content with just having my 9-5 job at the hospital and leading my teams, until I went through a very traumatic divorce at the age of 42. I found myself having to start from scratch in my early forties, with two young girls while struggling emotionally and financially.

I had the choice to play victim and live in a pity party or start trying to figure out how I was going to provide for my family now as a divorced mom of two with no financial assistance. Getting a second job outside of the home wasn’t an option at the time because I couldn’t leave the kids alone for long periods of time, so I started brainstorming, and brain dumping ideas of possible businesses and or services I could provide to make an extra income.

I wanted to do something that would be of service to others, provide a good additional income and more importantly, something that I was great at and would enjoy doing. So I made a list of things that I am excellent at and that people praise me for constantly and hosting and having great manners was one of them, the other was having great leadership skills and being a great communicator, so Instantly had an idea, that would change the course of my life.

I saw there was a great need for children and adults to improve their social skills, their manners, communication styles, etiquette in general. I also saw a great opportunity in teaching/coaching teams and leaders in how to implement emotional intelligence in corporations as well as how to improve assertive communication, leadership skills, and conflict resolution.

I immediately started looking for an Etiquette Certification school in my area, and immediately noticed, there was only one. I reached out the coach and asked about pricing for their next certification course and realized I couldn’t afford to pay the entire fee up front.. so I took a chance and swallowed my pride and explained my circumstances to the owner and she was super empathetic and gracious and created a payment plan so that I could pay in four payments, and that is how it all got started… I got certified as an etiquette coach, and immediately knew I wanted to do something wonderful with all my great knowledge, expertise and now a certification.

I wanted to go all in, so I came up with the name of the company, created an LLC, built my website on my own, what a challenge that was, because I am not techie at all! but I worked long hours on creating my brand and had great satisfaction when I started to see results. It was really slow progress at the beginning because I still had my full time job and had two kids, so I spent countless hours building my brand and learning how to monetize my business. I started to talk about my brand on social media and got my first client.

Little by little I started to see more and more movement in the website, inquiries, and bookings. I started teaching children and teenagers, mostly social graces and dining etiquette, this became really popular as parents realized the need for kids to build self confidence. I was invited to a couple of very popular TV programs which helped me become better known.

It’s been five years since I created my business and I have expanded my services to corporations, colleges and private schools. I have combined my love for business leadership, my 23 years of experience and my love for Etiquette to create amazing Business Etiquette and Leadership classes and workshops and have had the honor to coach and teach amazing teams and leaders in the industry.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Jackie Pilarte-Ramos, I am an accomplished entrepreneur, life and business coach, speaker, and mother of two. With a career spanning over 23 years in healthcare leadership and a foundation in Business Administration, I have honed my skills as a dynamic leader and mentor, driven by a passion for helping others reach their fullest potential.

I am the owner and CEO of the Tampa Bay Academy of Etiquette, where I serve as a modern manners and business etiquette coach. My mission is to empower individuals to build self-confidence, improve their social skills, and enhance their personal branding. I also specializes in guiding college students and corporate teams toward achieving excellence in leadership, conflict resolution, and effective communication—both nationally and internationally.

My journey into this field began with a deep interest in the art of interpersonal connections and the belief that etiquette and professionalism are pivotal to personal and professional success. Leveraging my extensive background in leadership, I recognized an opportunity to bridge the gap between traditional etiquette and the evolving demands of the modern workplace and global business landscape. This inspired me to establish the academy, which has become a trusted resource for individuals and organizations seeking transformative guidance.

My services include workshops, one-on-one coaching, and tailored corporate training programs. I addresses common challenges such as overcoming social anxiety, mastering public speaking, handling networking events successfully, closing deals over dinner, navigating cultural nuances in international business, and fostering collaborative team environments. My approach is both practical and empowering, ensuring that my clients leave with actionable tools and renewed confidence.

What sets me apart is my ability to blend expertise with empathy. I bring a modern perspective to etiquette, making it relatable and accessible while maintaining its timeless principles. My clients appreciate my ability to meet them where they are and guide them toward meaningful growth—whether it’s acing a job interview, leading a high-stakes meeting, or navigating difficult conversations with poise and professionalism.

One of my proudest achievements is witnessing the transformation of my clients as they embrace their potential and step into their roles as confident leaders and effective communicators. I truly believe that success stems from self-assurance, and I am deeply committed to helping others cultivate that within themselves.

When I am not coaching or speaking, I am spending time with my girls and family members, traveling, taking a dance class or reading a good book. I am a personal development nerd.

My brand is rooted in authenticity, empowerment, and excellence. My work is a testament to the idea that investing in oneself—whether through mastering etiquette, refining leadership skills, or fostering meaningful relationships—can lead to profound, life-changing results.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My resilience shines through in my personal journey. At the age of 42, I faced the challenges of ending a 22-year marriage, moving out of my home into a small apartment with my two young daughters, and starting life over from scratch. Despite the emotional distress of navigating my children’s trauma from the divorce, not receiving financial support, and experiencing financial hardship—including the repossession of my car—I prioritized creating stability for my family. I was determined to provide for my children and secure a better future, I launched my business out of necessity while holding down a demanding 9-to-5 job. Balancing long hours, seven-day work weeks, and solo parenting, I ensured that my family received therapy to preserve our mental health. Five years later, my efforts have paid off: I have purchased a new home for my children, and my thriving business is creating meaningful impact in the lives of others.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe that building my reputation within my market stems from a foundation of trust, consistency, and genuine care for my clients’ needs and growth. By always delivering on my promises, investing in relationships, and staying true to my values, I have created a brand that people respect and rely on. My emphasis on listening deeply to my clients’ needs and tailoring my coaching to their unique challenges has not only set me apart but also fostered lasting connections. My reputation has grown through word-of-mouth referrals, fueled by the impactful transformations I have helped my clients achieve. My unwavering commitment to excellence and authenticity continues to resonate with those I serve, solidifying my standing as a trusted leader in my field. I love to share personal stories that are relatable to my clients, so I try to make my classes fun, entertaining an highly valuable.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tampabayacademyofetiquette.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackiebramos.coach/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ jackie-pilarte-ramos-514028222 Vanity URL name

Image Credits

BABYROCK PHOTOGRAPHY