Inside TechArtista: “Ever-Appropriate” Naretha Hopson

 
As simple as it sounds, manners do matter, especially in these complicated times. Naretha Hopson, above, became aware of the importance of "soft skills" (*see definition at end of post) and social graces while working as the first African-American female sales executive at Plaza Motors, and later selling luxury real estate. Observing others, she realized that some people are taught these skills while they are growing up or when exposed to new circumstances as their network and experiences expand. Based on her own experiences, Naretha recognized an opportunity to offer instruction in dining and business etiquette, providing her students with an edge getting into the workplace and succeeding once there. 

Acting on her instinct, Naretha became certified as an etiquette instructor and founded "Ever-Appropriate Etiquette Institute." Her business mushroomed and last spring she moved into the CWE's TechArtista Collaborative Working Environment, where she can network with other young entrepreneurs.

The following is a synopsis of what Ever-Appropriate Etiquette Institute offers, as found on the website: "EAEI educates youth and professionals in Leadership, Dining Etiquette, Business Etiquette, and Impression Management, the Art of Networking and Personal/Professional Branding (which includes social media etiquette, 'netiquette'). EAEI offers customized experiences for K-12 Schools, Colleges and Universities, Non-profit Organizations, church groups, scout troops, small businesses, large corporations, and one-on-one training too."

photo courtesy of Naretha Hopson

Naretha's programming is tailor-made for each client. Her classes, which teach traditional rules of conduct combined with cutting edge and modern practices of current society, provide a curriculum in business or dining etiquette in four, six, or eight hour-long sessions. Classes range in size from 10 to 200 students.

The photo above shows Naretha with a group from Inspire St. Louis. High school students are one of her favorite groups to teach because "they can effect the change we need to make up a diverse workforce for emerging professions." One of the many things she stresses with students is to be mindful of social media, because seemingly innocent postings can affect future job prospects.

My good friend Annie Schlafly has observed Naretha in action as she works with students who are part of the St. Louis Internship Program. Annie said that "working with Naretha is a pleasure. She inspires students to reach beyond what they know and helps them to network with others in a professional manner while they enhance their professional skills. Teaching them etiquette is making sure that they too know the rules of the game in the business world."

Photo courtesy of Naretha Hopson

Another group Naretha works with is the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's Latino Leadership Institute. Executive-level members are shown at a business and dining etiquette class above. In the classes participants gain self-esteem and self-confidence as they are taught how to navigate unfamiliar social settings (where to place your name tag, how to ask open-ended questions to keep conversations going, what not to order when dining with the boss, etc).

Naretha encourages students to let "their unique personality shine…she simply equips them with the polish!"

Naretha is especially proud of being a Leadership St. Louis 2010 graduate, and was also appointed to  Mayor Slay's Vanguard Cabinet. This young entrepreneur sits on numerous boards including the Advisory Committee to the Urban League Young Professionals – St. Louis, and Special Friends Mentoring, an advocacy program for underserved K-12 students. 

When we last spoke (this post has taken a few visits and numerous emails), Naretha had just returned from the University of Missouri Columbia (Mizzou) where she led a class on Business Etiquette for the International Studies Department. She's always searching for ways to expand her horizons, and in November this admittedly shy success story heads off to the Protocol School of Washington, D. C. to become certified as a Corporate Etiquette & International Protocol Consultant.

For more information, visit EAEI website or contact Naretha: [email protected], (314) 744-9383.

*Soft skills is a term often associated with a person's "EQ" (Emotional Intelligence Quotient), the cluster of personality traits, social graces, communication, language, personal habits, friendliness, and optimism that characterize relationships with other people.