We recently connected with Shawn Lovings and have shared our conversation below.
Shawn, appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
It all started a few years ago when I was sitting in my classroom trying to think about a lesson for my students to do for a Thanksgiving assignment. We had well over 600 students in our school that I felt should be exposed to table manners – they chewed with their mouths open, used their fingers to eat, and kept elbows on the table. My grandmother would gently remind me that not everyone had someone to teach them about their table manners.
I worked as a teacher then, and I realized that manners and etiquette are life skills just like math or reading, but unfortunately, they are not taught in most schools anymore. I thought, why not start in my art class and as an after-school program to teach these lost arts to kids? Proper manners and etiquette can help kids from all walks of life make a good impression and feel confident in social settings.
I started researching the idea more – books, articles, and videos on etiquette training for children. I developed a curriculum covering topics like proper utensil usage, napkin placement, chewing with a closed mouth, appropriate dinner conversation, writing thank-you notes, and more. I found fun games, role-playing exercises, and creative ways to make it engaging for kids of all ages.
After testing some of the activities with my 3rd through 5th-grade classes and getting great feedback, I decided to turn it into a small business. I rented out space at a local community center, bought some basic supplies, and started advertising my new etiquette program for kids. Within a few weeks, I had a full roster of students signed up!
Now, a few years later, my etiquette classes are thriving, and I am so fulfilled teaching children these valuable skills. When I see my students implementing what they learned, like properly introducing themselves, using please and thank you, or writing a nice note, it makes all the challenging work worth it. I am glad I followed my passion and turned my idea into a business that helps children practice kindness, gain confidence, and appreciate the value of good manners.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Shawn Lovings is an etiquette exposer and author who teaches manners, dining etiquette, and social skills through his book, courses, and media appearances.
His first book “Mind Your Manners with Mr. Lovings” was published in 2021 and covers topics like the art of proper table manners by getting to know your utensils, and
children will be sure to turn on their charm and please everyone with confidence.
In 2019, he started his YouTube series “Mind Your Manners with Mr. Lovings” where he answers viewers’ questions about etiquette in short video lessons. The series covers everything from table settings to building confidence.
In addition to books and videos, Lovings offers in-person etiquette classes and corporate training. He frequently speaks at schools and events about the importance of etiquette in personal and professional settings.
His approach balances traditional etiquette guidelines with an understanding of how customs have evolved to fit modern, casual lifestyles. He aims to adapt manners in an inclusive, positive way.
Reviews often praise Lovings for making etiquette feel approachable and relevant. His friendly, humorous tone helps audiences engage with a topic many find stuffy or outdated.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Changing residences to pursue new work prospects or to live closer to family. I decided to return to my hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, from Atlanta, Georgia. Making national headlines and going viral with recordings of me and my fashionable students were just a few of my many achievements. After May 2022, I was done teaching in my brain. I intended to relocate to St. Louis to pursue a career as a private chef and caterer. Due to a foot injury that kept me off my feet for a year. I’m going to pivot and return to the classroom. “You want to make God laugh,” as the adage goes. Tell him about your plan.
We’re optimistic about the future of etiquette. We feel it is an essential component of a civilized society and are committed to promoting its practice. We believe that etiquette can make the world a better place to live and are aiming to make it more accessible to everyone.
The key is being open to change when needed, even if it’s difficult or scary. Having the courage to pivot can lead to growth, excitement, and new possibilities. Does this help explain the concept? Let me know if you need any clarification!
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
This lesson was straightforward. Let go and put your trust in God. It was difficult to become closer to him during one of the most trying times of my life. Praying and learning too fast made a world of difference. I am grateful for my journey. Trust in the process.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.artofetiquette.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/art_ofetiquette/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067669127551
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Art_ofEtiquette
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBArwYaVzgTCwhUmaKa9S4g
Image Credits
Photographer: Brian Christian