Today we’d like to introduce you to Anita Heiskell.
Anita, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in Memphis, Tennessee and I was a pageant girl. I competed in the Miss America System and was very successful by winning the first pageant I entered. I was crowned Miss Memphis as well as Miss Memphis State University. I was the first African American woman to win those two titles. I went on to place among the top five finalist at the Miss Tennessee pageant later that year. While making public appearances and participating in speaking engagements, I realized the importance of conducting myself in an advanced stage of social and cultural development. I focused on that aspect of my life and sought to ingrain that into my two young sons as well. It took me several years after raising my sons to begin the development of a business plan to market my ideas in this area. I have been licensed now for five years and my business is expanding beyond my dreams. I know the importance of a positive presentation and how to convey a good grasp of proper social and business skills as well as etiquette. This is how Prim, Poised and Proper came to fruition.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s been pretty easy for me to start. I became certified. The hardest part for me was to get my social media and advertising going. That’s not my specialty so I needed assistance in that area. I also had to decide what I was going to offer in regard to particular classes and sessions. However, it’s been relatively smooth with not many struggles.
Please tell us about the company.
My company is Prim, Poised and Proper, LLC. I am a certified Social Graces, Etiquette and Image Consultant in the Dallas Fort Worth area. I have over 25 years of experience in the field of etiquette, as well as social and business graces. I specialize in instructing children, teens and adults in social graces, dining skills, business etiquette and communicating with impact. I also assist with creating brands for individuals and assisting with a person’s style and image needs. This also includes teaching one to learn to Dress for Success. I know that a good, first impression says it all!
Pageant Coach is also on my list and I train young women in stage presence to compete in pageants such as Miss America, Miss USA and Miss Universe. I am very proud of what Prim, Poised and Proper has to offer as I have a passion for etiquette and protocol and I love sharing my knowledge with others-adults and youth alike.
I am also available for speaking engagements and to participate in after school programs. I firmly believe that Prim, Poised and Proper=Positive Presentation.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over again, I may have started sooner. However, I waited until my children were older so that I could focus more on my passion in this area.
Contact Info:
- Website: primpoisedandproper.com
- Phone: 817-219-5557
- Email: primpoisedandproper@gmail.com
- Instagram: aheiskell56
- Facebook: Prim, Poised and Proper
Image Credit:
Patricia Teixeira
Emanuel Kirkwood
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
