When it comes to etiquette and image there’s nothing like enhancing your character and empowering your presence. Meet Leeyan Jeffers an Etiquette Consultant and founder of L.J ETIQUETTE, an agency based in Trinidad that offers etiquette training throughout the Caribbean region.

Her love for etiquette originates from her childhood desire to be refined and elegant. Leeyan went on to become a Caribbean Airlines employee with a decade-long career but always had that feel for etiquette. COVID hit and with airlines grounded Leeyan decided to channel her energy into formalising etiquette training through multiple certifications from accredited institutions and created a financially viable career.

Leeyan discusses her journey to creating L.J. ETIQUETTE where she creates her own courses. The most popular course is “Poised.” A 4-week course geared towards females ages 13-17 & 18 and over.

As her business continues to flourish, Leeyan has gone on to participate as a facilitator and program coordinator in various girl empowerment-themed events. Her goals and focus are to inspire positive change in others and to create a relatable, enjoyable, and educational environment.

Can you start by briefly introducing yourself and clarifying what is an etiquette consultant?

I am the founder of L.J ETIQUETTE, an agency that specializes in etiquette training services in Trinidad and Tobago. I help clients enhance their manners, social skills, and image. My passion for fashion and beauty also adds a unique touch to my expertise as an etiquette consultant.

An Etiquette Consultant is a professional who provides guidance on social skills, manners, and proper behavior in various settings. Etiquette consultants help individuals and organizations navigate social interactions with grace and professionalism.

 

What inspired you to become an etiquette consultant?

Reflecting on my younger years and life experiences, I believe that I’ve always been drawn to etiquette. I strongly believed that there was a specific way to do things and I had to figure out what that looked like. If I could only get those magic answers, I’d be this “refined and elegant” young lady. I would always see these graceful women on television or in magazines and I wanted to be just like them. I remember, trying to find books, courses, or any information about the subject that could assist me on my journey. Resources were limited then and there was not a lot of information readily available.

My interest in etiquette wasn’t sparked by a singular event but rather fueled over the years through my experiences in modeling, travel, and a decade-long career within the airline industry. These diverse experiences have kindled a passionate flame within me, one that continues to burn brightly.

There are moments when we lack a guide, a mentor, or a confidant to turn to for guidance and support. I aspire to fill that role for others. In my classes, I strive to create a relatable, enjoyable, and educational environment, where individuals can learn and grow while having fun along the way.

I want to share my knowledge and expertise with others. Create opportunities and spaces for others to feel comfortable and confident in who they are and who they are becoming.

Have you had any formal training?

I possess multiple certifications from accredited institutions.

When did you start your business ‘L.J. Etiquette’?

My business was officially birthed during COVID-19. For a few years, I had been contemplating the idea but hesitated to begin as I was uncertain about how to start. I also work with another self-development organization, and we quickly had to pivot and create online courses. I was one of the lead facilitators at the time for our “Teens Course”. It was an amazing and enlightening experience. When the course ended, I felt this deep sadness within me and a longing for more. I was still unsure of what could be done. Christmas was a month away,  everyone and everything was uncertain. At that moment, I decided to offer a free, four-week etiquette course as a way to give back to others. My goal was to uplift those around me, despite the challenging times we were all facing. Over 200 girls signed up and attended!! I was blown away by the response and that solidified my internal desire to create my business.

As a female entrepreneur do you have any words of advice for starting your own business?

My three tips/reminders are:

• Be authentic- I’m still learning this, but no one is you and that really is your superpower!
• Believe in yourself- I know you’ve seen this a million times but if you don’t believe in it, then no one else is going to either. It starts with you.
• Don’t let perfectionism stop you from achieving your goals and desires. Another thing I’m still learning, that sometimes you just have to believe that you’ve done your best and put yourself or your product out there.

Tell us a bit about your most popular etiquette and image course.

My most popular course is “Poised”, it’s open to females ages 13-17 & 18 and over.

It’s a 4-week course geared towards helping others become the most refined and confident versions of themselves. I wanted to create an etiquette course that was impactful and empowering. Some of the topics covered are personal branding, style, and communication skills. Etiquette to me, is more than just knowing which knife and fork to use. It’s about that total package called YOU. This is one of my main reasons for incorporating various topics in my courses.

You have geared a course towards teenagers. What excites you most about teaching etiquette to this age bracket?

What excites me the most is knowing that I’ve helped them on their journey in this lifetime. They say it takes a village to raise a child, if I can be a tiny part of that village I’m satisfied. My teen sessions also keep me grounded and remind me of my values and my why.

You participated in the Girls First Festival where you assisted girls to become the best version of themselves. How was this experience for you?

My participation in the Girls First Festival was absolutely fantastic!

I was honoured to be a facilitator for such an amazing event. It was indeed a touching experience to see an event totally geared towards girls. They were able to showcase their various talents, interact with like-minded individuals, and be exposed to new activities and experiences all while having fun. It’s a blessing to see organizations creating a space for the younger generation.

You are associated with Red Runway Kids in what capacity?

I wear many hats at Red Runway Kids but in a nutshell, I am the lead program co-ordinator.

You often cite quotes on your social media platform. Do you have a favourite one to share?

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be?”

As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence actually liberates others.
~ by Marianne Williamson

What do you ultimately hope to achieve with your work?

I hope to inspire positive change in others.

What does the future hold for L.J. Etiquette?

I am a lifelong learner and as I continue my personal growth journey, I ultimately want to expand my services and enhance my course offerings. I also plan to offer my etiquette training services regionally to individuals and organizations.

Is there anything else you want our readers to know?

I would like to encourage others to have an open mind when it comes to etiquette. People often think that etiquette is for a certain class of people or that it’s outdated. Etiquette is for everyone.