We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Susan Ellis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Susan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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

How Good Manners Consulting Began as A Story of Purpose, Passion, and Polished Introductions
The idea for becoming an etiquette coach came to me unexpectedly, over casual conversations with my husband’s daughter and her school friends. As we chatted, I found myself asking about their school subjects. “Do you learn anything about social skills or etiquette?” I asked. Their response: a collective and resounding “No.”
That surprised me. Growing up in Australia, etiquette was part of our curriculum under the banner of Social Science. We were taught everything from polite conversation and formal dancing to business etiquette, cultural awareness, and even how to open a bank account or buy a car. These were essential life lessons, practical, empowering, and designed to prepare us for the real world.
Curious, I started asking around at local schools in Tulsa, both public and private, and found that etiquette was largely absent from the curriculum. That was my lightbulb moment. I realized this wasn’t just a missing subject, it was a missing foundation. And I knew I could help fill that gap.

Once the idea was planted, I got to work. I began by researching American customs, communication styles, and social traditions to complement my own upbringing. I brainstormed endlessly, writing down everything I remembered from my Australian training and how it could be tailored to suit American culture.
To build credibility, I enrolled in an international etiquette certification course, completed it, and found a mentor. I also purchased a business module, which provided a helpful, though slightly outdated, framework. I took what worked and restructured the rest, simplifying the language and incorporating more real-life, modern scenarios.
Then, I made a bold move: I reached out to Tulsa People magazine and inquired about placing an ad. Instead, they offered to write a feature article on me. That article changed everything. Once it hit the stands, the phone started ringing.

With clients reaching out, I suddenly needed a proper space, somewhere I could host workshops and private sessions. I secured an office where I could work with children in groups: ages 5–8, 9–12, and 13–17. While my initial focus was on teenagers and small business professionals, I quickly discovered that my heart belonged to the younger age group. Their curiosity, eagerness, and openness were a joy to work with.

Interestingly, adults sometimes proved more stubborn than 13-year-olds! While I still work with corporate clients, especially for dining etiquette and professional presence,it’s the transformation in children that fuels me the most.
Over the years, I’ve worked with children on the autism spectrum, teens struggling with confidence, and young adults preparing for college or their first job. After just a few weeks, I see them change, standing taller, speaking more clearly, and stepping into their own. That’s when I know I’m doing exactly what I was meant to do.

Within the first year, I realized that the pre-packaged business model I had purchased needed updating. I refined my offerings to focus on modern manners, conflict resolution, and authentic communication. I built my own curriculum around what kids and teens truly needed, not just old-fashioned rules, but the tools to navigate today’s world with confidence and kindness.
Now, nearly five years in, Good Manners Consulting offers specialized workshops on:
• First Impressions & Communication
• The Basics of Etiquette
• Respectable Friendships & Dating Etiquette
• Table Manners & Dining
• Interviewing Skills & Résumé Writing
• Social Media Etiquette
• Customized Private Coaching
Not all clients need the same thing, so I tailor my sessions to fit the individual. That flexibility and personal touch is what makes this work so rewarding.

Adapting from the Australian way to the American one has been part of the journey. Americans are generally more conservative in their social dynamics, so I’ve had to become a cultural chameleon, preserving what’s timeless while adjusting to what’s local.
At its core, Good Manners is about helping people lead more confident, considerate, and connected lives. I believe everyone has the potential to lead, and I’m proud to be their biggest cheerleader.

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

About Good Manners Consulting and My Journey into Etiquette Coaching
My name is Susan Ellis, and I’m the founder of Good Manners Consulting, an etiquette training business based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Originally from Australia. My career was Interior Design specializing in making the inside and outside of residential and commercial properties beautiful. I’ve always valued the power of social grace, good communication, and confidence, and I’ve made it my mission to pass those values on to the next generation.
What I Offer
Good Manners Consulting offers etiquette workshops, private coaching, and custom programs for children, teens, and professionals. While I began with a focus on teenagers and business etiquette, I soon discovered my true passion lies in working with children ages 5 to 17. Their energy, honesty, and eagerness to learn are incredibly rewarding. That said, I still work with corporate clients, particularly around dining etiquette and professional presentation, and travel the country delivering these trainings.

I also specialize in helping young people who struggle with social confidence, including those on the autism spectrum. Over a six-week period, I’ve seen incredible transformations, children who once felt unsure or shy begin to find their voice, carry themselves with pride, and navigate their world with grace.
What Sets Good Manners Consulting Apart
What makes Good Manners Consulting unique is my deeply personalized approach. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all programs. Every child, teen, or adult has different needs, and I tailor my sessions to meet them where they are. My training blends traditional etiquette with real-world relevance, focused not just on rules, but on connection, confidence, and character.

As an Australian living in the U.S., I bring a fresh perspective and cultural insight that allows me to bridge differences in communication styles and social expectations. I’m adaptable, warm, and genuinely invested in helping people shine from the inside out.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m proud of every young person I’ve coached into their first job, helped gain confidence for college interviews, or simply taught how to walk into a room and make a great impression. Seeing their pride and growth is what fuels me every day.
I’m also proud to be a cheerleader for children who often feel overlooked, those who need a little extra support, a boost in self-esteem, or someone to believe in them. I believe etiquette is not about perfection, it’s about showing up as your best self, treating others with respect, and opening the right doors through poise, kindness, and presence.

What I Want You to Know
If you’re a parent, educator, or organization wondering whether etiquette training is still relevant today, my answer is a passionate yes. In fact, it’s more important than ever. At Good Manners Consulting, I help children and teens gain the life skills, confidence, and presence they need to thrive in school, relationships, and future careers. This is more than manners, it’s about creating the leaders of tomorrow. I love what I do, and I feel incredibly lucky to call this my work.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

One book that has had a profound impact on my journey as an etiquette coach and business owner is Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson. Erikson, a Swedish behavioral expert, explores human behavior through the DISC personality model, using a color-coded system, Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue, to explain how different personality types think, communicate, and respond.

This book was a game-changer for me. It gave me a deeper understanding of the people I work with and helped me recognize that etiquette is never one-size-fits-all. By learning to identify personality types and behavioral cues, I’ve become far more adaptable in my approach, able to tailor my tone, teaching style, and strategies to truly connect with each individual client, whether they’re a shy 9-year-old or a corporate executive.

In the world of etiquette, where so much of what we teach involves social awareness, emotional intelligence, and communication, Surrounded by Idiots has helped me become not just a better coach, but a more empathetic listener, a sharper observer, and a more effective leader. It’s a book I recommend to anyone who works closely with people, especially in education, leadership, or client-based services.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Before launching my etiquette business, I worked in Australia as a self-employed Interior Designer. I spent years creating design solutions that brought beauty, balance, and function to people’s homes and workspaces. My goal was always to transform a space into something that supported creativity, productivity, relaxation, and wellbeing.

When I moved into etiquette coaching, it may seem like a dramatic pivot, but in truth, it was a natural evolution. As an Interior Designer, I helped people improve their external environments. Now, as an etiquette coach, I help people improve their internal environments, the way they carry themselves, communicate, and connect with others. I still design transformations, only now they’re personal rather than structural.

Both careers are rooted in the same philosophy. Create harmony, inspire confidence, and enhance quality of life. Just as a well-designed room can lift your mood and improve your focus, so can a strong sense of self and social awareness elevate your relationships and open doors.

My background in design taught me the value of thoughtful detail, balance, and beauty. Etiquette, in many ways, is the human version of that, refining the way we engage with the world to reflect respect, self-awareness, and quality. I used my creative process of transformation, from interiors to individuals, and that’s what makes my approach to coaching so unique. This pivot not only reshaped my career, but it also gave me the opportunity to make meaningful, lasting change in people’s lives. And that’s been the most rewarding design project of all.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://goodmannersconsulting.com
• Instagram: good_manners_consulting
• Facebook: Good Manners Consulting

Image Credits

Mini Stars graduation 5 to 8 year old
Girls Home group dining etiquette