Meet Avery Johnson of The Southern Academy of Etiquette

Today we’d like to introduce you to Avery Johnson.

Avery, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The Southern Academy of Etiquette was founded in 2012 by Avery Johnson, owner/director in Memphis, TN. My experience working as a business teacher was the motivation behind me starting the business. Educators are amongst the top “superstars” in the world; they wear very many hats and the career goes beyond the classroom. However, due to the demands of the job, teachers do not have time to teach social skills to students.

I have experienced some of the top academic scholars graduating high school; they would come to visit and share their “life after high school” experiences with me, and the real world was getting the best of them due to their lack of social skills. I wanted to provide a solution to this problem by bridging the gap between academics and social skills. I did some research and discovered I could become a certified etiquette consultant, so that’s what I did. I went to The American School of Protocol in Atlanta, Georgia and received my children’s (2011) and corporate (2015) certifications. I have been very fortunate to work with several schools, colleges, businesses, and individuals; it has been absolutely amazing!

My mom also enrolled me in etiquette classes when I was 12 and it changed my life. This was the peak of me beginning to love all things etiquette! I remembered everything I learned and applied the skills throughout my adult life.

How I ended up in Dallas -I would visit very often, so I always knew I wanted to move. The opportunity presented itself in 2017, so Hunny, I hit it! I love the diversity, opportunities, and energy in the city! What better place to grow and expand my business!? As the saying goes “Everything in Bigger and Better in Texas!”

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Has the road been smooth? Absolutely, not! Is there a such thing? Some of the challenges I have faced are lack of support, not getting contracts, others negatively questioning the success of the business, and not following through as I should with some aspects of the business. These are often trending challenges amongst businesses, but the biggest challenge I faced was not being mentally prepared; meaning, completely making sure I was in a positive mindset throughout the challenges.

My mental did not match my physical. I would be working and looking productive, but yet, doubting myself, which created unnecessary chaos and stress. I had to learn that I could prepare, strategize, network, etc., but if my mind was not in a positive state, Geez! I was going to continue to get the same unwanted results. This is something I am still learning, but I can now take rejection with an “okay, next” attitude as opposed to taking it personally and that has helped me tremendously.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Southern Academy of Etiquette – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
The Southern Academy of etiquette offers professional etiquette programs for children, adults, and businesses. We have a very extensive curriculum. Our programs for schools/colleges cover topics such as:  Proper Introductions, Correct Handshake & Direct Eye Contact, Dining Etiquette, Interviewing, Professional Dress, Posture, Phone Etiquette, Communication Skills, Correspondence, and so much more!

Our corporate training can be used for general employee training, diversity & inclusion, intervention, team building, and professional development. Topics for corporate training include:  Mastering Business Etiquette, Self- Presentation, Communication Skills, Effective Networking, Dining Skills, Winning Over Lunch, Corporate Dress, Podium Readiness, and Handling Angry Customers. We also have private training for individuals. The great thing about our training is; It’s for Everyone! We start at the age of three! Our training is not for a particular business or industry, if you would like to become more polished professionally or socially, we can help!

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We plan to continue to expand and offer training internationally and virtually. I will be launching a nonprofit organization in 2020, The Lillie-Ray Foundation. This organization will target disadvantaged students offering them etiquette training, internships, and an overall top-notch experience. Stay tuned…

 

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.