Today we’d like to introduce you to Toni Dupree.
Toni, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started Etiquette & Style by Dupree in 2006 while working for the City of Houston as an Administrative Assistant. I encountered many challenging people and situations during my time of employment. After consulting with my mother about my discontent with unprofessional interactions and such, she reminded me, “If I saw something that wasn’t right, my job was to make it right.” taking her advice under advisement, I got busy searching for a mentor, writing my ideas down and planning. By 2007, I was getting the word out about my upcoming Back to School Etiquette camps. Between 2006 – 2007, I offered my etiquette workshops for free due to needing to discover my niche and figuring out who my clients were. I met my mentor, Lew Bayer, President of Civility Experts in 2007. She coached, me and helped me bring my vision to life.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey has not been smooth at all! But, I can say very proudly, I have truly learned the depth of my dedication, commitment and resilience for this business that was created by God’s purpose. In 2010, ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE! My mother had been diagnosed with kidney failure; I went through a divorce; I foreclosed on my home; I was laid off from my job; I met financial famine and, in 2011 my mother passed away. I lost everything one person could lose except my mind and my resilience to succeed. As I started rebuilding my business in 2015, I was hit by the Memorial Day Flood and lost the rest of everything else— such as memories and tangibles, of course.
Please tell us about Etiquette & Style By Dupree.
Etiquette & Style by Dupree is an Etiquette and Corporate Civility Training Business. I am also a published author of two books: “Whose Fork Is It Anyway?” a best-selling dining etiquette guide and “Straight Up From the Teacup” a best-selling book about social interaction and communication which can be purchased at Barnes and Noble. Both books are also sold on Amazon. I am known for establishing and influencing best practice in communication, social and professional engagement and personal development. I am passionate about how we treat and communicate with one another. I am most proud of my work with children. What sets me apart from others is my consistency and an outstanding ability to connect on any level.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My mother was a Professional Cosmetologist—hair sent me to college. I basically grew up in the hair salon, lol, listening to adults communicate about life. My mom, whom I affectionately called “JT” would debrief me. This was where I got to ask questions about the things I heard the woman talking about and JT would say very firmly, “Leave it all here because it’s not yours to carry.” She seriously didn’t want me to process any of what I overheard. My mom wore many hats such as… hairstylist/psychologist, confidant and mediator, lol. I would have to say watching my mom do her thing and mothering me all at the same time and just being in her company made my whole life. I miss her so much!
Pricing:
- Whose Fork Is It Anyway? Is $15.00 on Amazon
- Straight Up From The Teacup is $14.95 at Amazon and Barnes and Noble
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dupreeacademy.com
- Phone: (832)407-3117
- Email: chytonya.dupree@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @Etiquetteandstyle
- Facebook: Cdupree1471
- Twitter: @Iam_etiquette
Image Credit:
Mario Parks, MP Productionz
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