We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lady Trenette Wilson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lady Trenette, thanks for joining us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
In 2009, I had the vision to build an association of etiquette professionals who would help teach etiquette in urban communities. After researching and getting certified, I realized other agencies were not catering to urban communities. As a result, many were not getting the professional, social, and personal development they needed to be successful. My mission was clear, so, I began by writing a curriculum and building a website. I had been the Director of Youth Services for the YWCA and had won awards for writing curricula for schools, churches, and community organizations, so I thought, “Why not for our kids?” After developing the curriculum, I built the website and sent out a press release.
From there, I scheduled my first etiquette certification. When Queen Latifah’s beautician, an actor from Living Single, and Miss Black America walked in, I knew I was in the right place. To date, we have conducted over 10,000 etiquette worksh0ps in urban communities nationwide and I have authored History of Etiquette in Black America, Royal, Black, and Elite, and my soon-to-be-released book, Everything Black: Milestone, Events, and Movements that Shaped Black America, all designed to remind African Americans of our deep roots in etiquette excellence.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I am the founder and CEO of the National Association of Urban Etiquette Professionals, www.nauep.com, and a social historian, ghostwriter, and author who has written over 65 books on etiquette and Black History. I am most proud of our work in the field of etiquette and the lectures and exhibit called, Royal, Black, and Elite, which works to teach youth another side of Black History, the Royal Side.
We equip audiences with critical skills to thrive professionally, personally, and socially.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
When I first began my business, I didn’t want to begin as a nonprofit because I was doing it for profit. It was difficult to get funding because etiquette classes weren’t really a “thing.” I took my own money and savings and financed the initial launch, which included a small staff, some marketing, and equipment. Since my beginning, I have since opened a tearoom and taken space in a small book boutique.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
The pandemic caused many businesses to shift. When it first hit, the structure of our business, which was to do etiquette presentations, exhibits, and lectures was extremely hindered because groups stop meeting in person. We were looking at a membership nervous about how to pivot and still survive. We provided lessons on using technology to thrive, and how to present online that led to many of our members being able to maintain even during Covid by offering their classes virtually. An added bonus also included many of them expanding to one-on-one instruction.
Contact Info:
- Website: nauep.com
- Instagram: lady_trenette
- Facebook: National Association of Urban Etiquette Professionals
- Linkedin: National Association of Urban Etiquette Professionals