“Etiquette is not about judging others or being judged, but rather, it’s about showing the people around you respect, including yourself,” said Valarie Roberts, known locally as The Etiquette Lady.
Modeling her image on the ever-popular, ever-prim character Mary Poppins, Roberts draws in her clients, inviting them at the end to become a certified member of the Good Manners Club, much like the Mickey Mouse Club.
“I am the character in class, complete with the charm of Mary Poppins, the gloves, the flower and hat,” Roberts said. “And the kids love it.”
In her 16th year of teaching etiquette to children and teens, Roberts is expanding her opportunities to Louisville as well as working to franchise her business, Good Manners Club and her title, The Etiquette Lady, to provide the opportunity to other communities and countries to franchise her etiquette techniques.
Roberts will host two Etiquetteketter summer camps in Owensboro and one in Louisville. Each four-day camp works on skills necessary for good manners.
The first day covers getting-to-know-you social skills and includes conversational and handshaking skills followed by a milk and cookies reception.
The second day, etiquetteketters are served a pre-selected four-course formal meal where they learn how to cut their food and two styles of eating, American and Continental.
Claudia Ramisch joins Roberts the third day to teach calligraphy to the campers and after the calligraphy lesson, etiquetteketters learn the proper way to write a thank you note and receive their own calligraphy pens and stationery to take home.
The final day is a tea party where campers learn the history and culture of afternoon tea and then celebrate with an afternoon tea party. Parents are invited to attend the final celebration as their children become members of the Good Manners Club.
Roberts said she often has plenty of repeat customers because one course out of the year is not enough to teach the necessary manners and views these as refreshers.
“These students are also great examples for new students,” Roberts said.
The first Etiquetteketter Summer Camp is offered at The Miller House from noon – 2 p.m. June 11-14 and the second will be held at Owensboro Country Club June 18-21. Both are for ages 6 through 12 and are $135 per child.
To sign up or for more information contact Roberts at 270-570-1776.
