We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Juliet Mitchell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Juliet below.

Juliet, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today The first dollar your firm earns is always special. We’d love to hear about how you got your first client that wasn’t a friend or family.

My Response:
My very first client outside of friends and family came through a personal referral. I was connected with a colleague who was approached about providing etiquette training for men housed in a local jail. She didn’t have that skillset or interest, but she said, “I don’t do this — but I know someone who does.”
That introduction opened the door for me. I prepared a thoughtful presentation, tailored to the unique environment and needs of the men in that program. To my delight, I was awarded the contract — and what began as a single opportunity grew into an ongoing partnership that lasted eight years.
I still remember the excitement of that first “yes.” It wasn’t just about earning my first dollar of revenue; it was the validation that my expertise had real value in the world, and that I could make a meaningful impact in places where dignity and confidence were most needed.

Juliet, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I often say that etiquette isn’t just my work — it’s how I live my life. Once I became clear on how I define etiquette, I also became clear about my *what* and *why*. For me, etiquette is about dignity, respect, and confidence — tools that empower people to show up fully in every space they enter.

My journey into this field began after more than 15 years in corporate leadership and training roles with Northwest Airlines. I saw firsthand how professionalism, civility, and presence could open doors and transform careers. That experience inspired me to launch the **Life Etiquette Institute**, where I’ve now served clients for over 25 years as a consultant, trainer, and speaker.

Through my work, I provide:
– **Workshops and seminars** on business and social etiquette, career development, and workplace civility.
– **Coaching and consulting** for professionals, entrepreneurs, and organizations seeking to strengthen customer service, leadership presence, and career readiness.
– **Signature programs** like the *Social Education and Life Etiquette™ (SELE™) Series*, which equip participants to navigate any situation with grace and confidence.
– **Keynotes and media engagements** that bring etiquette and career development to diverse audiences, from students to executives.

The problems I solve are often about confidence and clarity. Many of my clients know they have the skills, but they struggle with how to present themselves, how to connect with others, or how to feel comfortable in professional and social settings. My role is to give them practical strategies and frameworks that make those interactions easier, more authentic, and more impactful.

What sets me apart is the way I blend **professional expertise with personal philosophy**. I’m a licensed etiquette trainer, a certified Global Career Development Facilitator, and a restorative justice circle keeper — but I’m also someone who believes that manners are memorable, and that every person deserves to feel seen and respected.

I’m most proud of my **newly launched online Work Prep course**, which makes my training accessible to more people, especially those balancing family, work, and personal growth. It’s a way to extend my reach beyond the classroom or workshop and provide ongoing support for job seekers and professionals.

At the end of the day, I want potential clients and audiences to know that my work is about more than rules or formality. It’s about empowerment. When you leave one of my sessions, you don’t just know which fork to use — you leave with confidence, presence, and the ability to make a lasting impression that opens doors.

Here’s my elevator pitch:

“I’m Juliet Mitchell, also known as Ms. J, The Life Etiquette Expert. I help professionals, students, and organizations build confidence and presence through business and social etiquette training, career development coaching, and my signature Social Education and Life Etiquette™ Series. Etiquette isn’t just my work — it’s how I live my life. With over 25 years of experience and a newly launched online Work Prep course, I empower people to show up with polish, poise, and professionalism so they can make lasting impressions and achieve their goals.”

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Actually, I am in a story of resilience now. I am rounding the last corner in fully launching my online course.
During the year of COVID, my business advisor suggested I turn my curriculum into an online course. We were sitting on a park bench when she said, “This could be a great next step for you.” At the time, I was a solopreneur, and it sounded like something I could complete in a few months — maybe a year. In reality, the work was intermittent at first, and what I thought would be quick ended up taking five years.
I was naïve about the technical, behind‑the‑scenes operations required to build and launch an online course, and I was also balancing the need to make a living. Many times I wanted to give up. In fact, during the final month before launch, I was ready to throw in the towel.
What kept me going was a mix of faith, encouragement, and community. I prayed more, listened to motivational tapes, leaned on my mentors, and talked with friends. Even then, I would still say, “I can’t do this.” And then, almost like clockwork, I’d receive a call, letter, text, or email from a former student, mentee, or coaching client telling me how much my work had impacted their life. Those reminders gave me the resolve to wipe my tears, take a deep breath, and get back in the game.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

My initial focus was on Work Readiness — helping women move “from welfare to work” by preparing them for the workplace through job readiness and workforce development. Over time, the vision expanded and the focus narrowed. The epiphany for me was realizing that many people already had the knowledge, skills, and even experience to work — but what often held them back was the lack of professionalism and behaviors that employers expect.

What began as a small part of my workforce development curriculum, a module I called Social Niceties, gradually took center stage. About 15 years ago, I recognized that etiquette — the way we show up, communicate, and carry ourselves — was not just an add‑on, but the missing piece that could truly empower people to succeed.

That realization led me to pivot my business. I rebranded, refined my curriculum, and developed a new approach to reaching clients. Today, while I still offer job preparation and career readiness, all of my work is undergirded by etiquette. It has become the foundation of my brand and the lens through which I help people build confidence, presence, and professionalism.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.instagram.com/mannersarememorable/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mannersarememorable/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MsJulietMitchell/
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/juliet-mitchell
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thelifeetiquetteexpert

Image Credits

Liam James Photography