Most girls and women didn’t get etiquette training. Believe it or not, poor etiquette and manners can kill opportunities and self esteem. Meet Natasha Tupper. As a child growing up in a low income neighborhood in Detroit, Natasha didn’t have access to basic etiquette training. It showed big time! Not knowing which fork to use, which goblet to sip from or what to do with her napkin thoroughly embarrassed her. Not being equipped is a definite self esteem crusher! Because of her experiences as a child and young adult, Natasha has dedicated her life to empowering girls and women with the life changing power of Polish and etiquette.
Natasha is the founder of The Polished Institute and has written two books on the subject matter, The Polished Woman and The Polished Girls Club. The Polished Institute offers a virtual intro to basic etiquette crash course that’s super fun and exciting.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in business and how have you overcome them?
My major challenge is my superwoman syndrome. I’m always “on” and working. That’s hard to maintain while being totally entrenched in my first work…my family. One thing’s for sure, the polished woman must be disciplined and set boundaries!
What can the public do to support equality in business leadership?
The public can be keenly aware of inequalities and demand equity and equality in business leadership. The first step is to care…a lot.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life that has inspired you to see that women DO belong in leadership positions?
Honestly, my 10 year old inspires me. She’s made history in our family by becoming the youngest entrepreneur. She’s a published author (by age 8) and has an e-commerce website! She’s an all around super bad chic and I can’t wait to see how many glass ceilings she shatters.
What sets you and your business apart?
The trend in America is declining manners and etiquette. I’ve heard it said that the hardest job for a child is to display manners and etiquette that they’ve never seen. We’re bringing polish back! They’ll thank us later.
What is one piece of advice you would like to share with other female entrepreneurs?
Don’t budge! Stand your ground and share your story. Someone has been waiting for you to come along and change their entire life!
What projects are you working on right now?
We’re having a blast with our VIBE Sessions (Virtual Intro to Basic Etiquette). They’re held online. More information can be found on our website.
Where do you see your business in 5 years?
I see us being the redefining moment in American history that brought back decorum, etiquette and all things polished.
Follow @thepolishedinsitute on Instagram to stay in the loop with Natasha and her business!
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