We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hayden Wilson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hayden below.
Hayden, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?
As a modern etiquette coach in Nashville, the legacy I hope to build is one rooted in kindness, respect, and empowerment. I want to be remembered as someone who made etiquette accessible and relevant, not as a set of rigid rules but as tools that help people connect, show empathy, and navigate life with confidence and grace.
I hope people will say that I brought warmth and humor to the world of manners, breaking down barriers and showing that good etiquette is about making others feel seen, heard, and valued. Ultimately, I want to be remembered for creating a community where people feel supported, uplifted, and equipped to share their best selves with the world—not for the sake of appearances, but for genuine connection and kindness that lasts far beyond any formal event.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Hayden, a modern etiquette coach based in Nashville with a passion for bringing the timeless principles of good manners into the 21st century. My journey into this industry began with a deep fascination for the way people communicate and connect. While the formal etiquette traditions of the past intrigued me, I saw an opportunity to reframe them in a way that resonates with today’s world. I wanted to move beyond rigid and intimidating rules, focusing instead on the heart of etiquette: creating genuine, positive interactions.
My services include one-on-one coaching, group workshops, and special event consultations. I teach social skills for everything from casual gatherings and professional networking to milestone events and life transitions like college interviews. I also enjoy hosting lively sessions for young people, like my Monday Manners Club, which blends education with humor and creativity.
What sets me apart is my approachability and the way I tailor my teachings to modern life. I use real-life scenarios, relatable anecdotes, and a bit of humor to show that etiquette isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing respect, being considerate, and navigating situations with a touch of grace. This practical, down-to-earth perspective helps my clients feel empowered rather than intimidated.
I’m most proud of creating an environment where my clients, both young and old, feel encouraged to learn and grow. Watching someone take what they’ve learned and use it to enter a new phase of life more confidently is incredibly rewarding.
I want potential clients and followers to know that my work isn’t just about learning which fork to use; it’s about building self-assurance, creating positive impressions, and ultimately fostering relationships. Good manners are an expression of kindness and empathy, and my goal is to help people understand that small, thoughtful actions can have a big impact on the world around them.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that etiquette was purely about maintaining appearances and adhering strictly to a set of rules designed to showcase “proper behavior.” Growing up and observing how etiquette was often wielded, I noticed that it sometimes acted as a tool for exclusion, a way to distinguish between those who knew the rules and those who didn’t. This created an artificial divide that stifled individuality and made social interactions feel more like performances than genuine connections.
The backstory behind this realization came during an event I attended early in my career. It was formal, elegant, and filled with all the hallmarks of traditional etiquette. Yet, I noticed how some guests who were unfamiliar with these practices were uncomfortable, hesitant, and worried about making mistakes. The rigidity of it all seemed to put up walls rather than build bridges. This was a moment of clarity for me: I didn’t want to be part of a world where etiquette was used to make people feel “othered” or inferior.
It was then that I began to rethink my entire approach. I had to unlearn the belief that etiquette was primarily about following rules to fit a mold. I realized that when practiced with the wrong intent, etiquette could come off as fake, restrictive, and even stifling to individuality. This is not the etiquette I wanted to teach or represent.
Today, my approach is rooted in inclusivity, empathy, and authenticity. I focus on the idea that etiquette should be a tool for making others feel comfortable and respected, not a rigid set of rules to show off one’s knowledge. I teach my clients that real etiquette allows space for personality, culture, and individual expression to shine through. It’s about fostering connections and being kind, not perfect. Unlearning that old, exclusionary mindset reshaped how I teach and live, and it’s the foundation of what I hope to pass on to others.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
A pivotal moment in my life came when I transitioned from being a stay-at-home mom to starting my career as an etiquette coach. For years, I devoted myself to raising my children, managing the household, and nurturing their growth. It was a rewarding role, but as they grew older and more independent, I found myself at a crossroads, looking for a new way to contribute both to my own growth and to the community around me.
The idea for my business began to form during the pandemic. I noticed that many parents, myself included, wanted to teach our kids how to interact confidently in different social settings, but we struggled to find resources that were both modern and relatable. I also saw how young people—whether preparing for interviews, attending social events, or just making friends—often felt anxious and unsure about how to navigate these situations. The need for guidance in developing these soft skills was clear, and it struck me that there was a gap I could fill.
Recognizing this, I started exploring the world of etiquette with a fresh lens. I wanted to move beyond the traditional image of etiquette as rigid and outdated and instead make it practical and empowering. The more I learned and practiced, the more I discovered my passion for helping others build confidence through these skills. I knew that understanding etiquette was not just about knowing which fork to use; it was about helping people feel self-assured and capable of handling themselves with grace in any scenario.
The pivot wasn’t without challenges—transitioning from being known as “Mom” to being seen as a professional in my own right took effort and determination. I started small, hosting workshops for friends and their kids, which quickly grew into a network of parents and community groups who wanted more. As I developed my own style and teaching methods, I leaned into my experiences as a parent and community member, crafting lessons that felt approachable, fun, and relevant.
This pivot taught me that reinvention is possible at any stage of life and that passion often blooms when you see a need and decide to fill it. Today, I’m proud to empower individuals of all ages to embrace etiquette not as an obligation, but as a path to greater confidence and meaningful connections.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.prettypolishednashville.com
- Instagram: @prettypolishednashville
Image Credits
n/a