ETIQUETTE CONSULTANT OPPORTUNITIES. HISTORY. In 1982, Maria Everding started a children's etiquette course under the name Pretty As A Picutre. Mrs Everding felt there was a need for a program where young ladies would develop poise and confidence during their formative years. Using a book she wrote, "Pretty As A Picture", she began teaching classes at Saks Fifth Avenue in St. Louis in 1982. The response from parents was overwhelming. Immediately, women from all over the country called to see how they could provide a similar service to their town. It wasn't long before a network of consultants was established in many cities. The young ladies class was so successful that by parent demand, the course offerings were expanded to include a boys class, a girls Teen class, and a Teen co-ed class. In 2004, Ms. Everding retired from Pretty As A Picture. She sold her business to Barbara and David Buck, who have updated the course and renamed the program The Art of Etiquette. Having six children, ages 6 through 23, they had experienced first hand how today's busy lifestyle makes it hard for parents to give manners the everyday emphasis that is needed to make it a part of a child's everyday life. The Bucks believe practicing good manners and etiquette are the outward signs of a child's inner values. That is why the character traits of kindness, respect, and self control are strongly stressed in the classes. Their goal is to "Make the world a kinder place, one child at a time." OUR COURSE. What makes The Art of Etiquette classes unique are our consultants, who not only are knowledgeable about etiquette, but know how to make learning manners fun for students. Many students who may initially complain they "don't want to go", tell their parents they can't wait until the next class and are actually sad when the class ends! In addition to a fun learning environment, students receive a high quality book that they can use as a reference tool their entire life. Each week's lessons are reinforced by the use of small gifts or fun worksheets. After each class, parents are given ideas on how to reinforce that week's lesson at home. THE ART OF ETIQUETTE AND YOU. If you are self-motivated, love working with children, and are passionate about the importance of manners in our society, you may want to consider becoming an etiquette consultant. Our associates enjoy the autonomy and benefits of owning their own business. Because it is your business, the time commitment and rewards depends on your effort. Whether you make it a full-time or part-time career, you will have the support you need from the parent company and benefit from the experience of other consultants. TRAINING. Before starting classes, you will be trained and certified to teach The Art of Etiquette children's program by The Art of Etiquette Learning Institute in St. Louis, MO. The Institute will be invaluable throughout your career as we continually share new classroom and business-building techniques. At the training session, you will learn not only how to teach etiquette classes, but also how to sell, promote and manage your business. You will receive a training/business manual plus all the supplies you'll need to start teaching classes. If you are looking for a rewarding career and are interested in bringing our program to your area, please contact Barbara Buck by filling out the contact form.