Today we’d like to introduce you to Kari Doody.
Kari, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
After having my three children and spending lots of time with other busy moms, I realized that the challenges we have today are very different from the slower paced lives of our childhood. In our busy schedules, and our drive to ‘get it all done’ life has us moving so fast, and that doesn’t leave much time for teaching our children the basics – and who has time? Between school, homework, extracurricular activities, and our social lives, it’s amazing we get anything done.
Being courteous, respectful of others and maintaining manners is just as important on the playing field as it is at the dinner table. These skills are key to being a successfully prepared child and adult throughout life. Unfortunately, we are not born with manners, and we all need to be taught proper social skills.
All parents want to prepare their children with the necessary knowledge for them to thrive as adults, but sometimes there aren’t enough hours in the day – or enough energy to turn the dinner table into a classroom. I wanted to help kids improve their skills and confidence – and show them that they can have FUN while doing it.
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?
Yes, fortunately, what I do resonates with almost every parent. Sometimes it just takes a “non-parental” figure to convince the kids that what their parents have been trying to tell them has been true all along. I have had a steady increase in business since I started.
After focussing the first three years on my youth programs, I started offering my services to adults and businesses who were looking to improve their social and business etiquette. Business etiquette training provides individuals and businesses with the knowledge of basic rules of etiquette that can help an organization grow and experience success.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Courteous and Cool etiquette school story. Tell us more about the business.
C & C etiquette school offers group classes and private classes to kids, tweens, teens, and adults. I think what sets C & C etiquette school apart from other trainers is that my programs are interactive and fun. Long gone are the days of stuffy etiquette training.
It’s not about the proper way to drink tea, its about learning skills such as communicating with people in a way that makes people want to be around you. Have you ever been in an uncomfortable situation socially and didn’t know what to do? Have you ever been out to eat with clients or friends and hesitated because you didn’t know if you were using the right utensil? Have you ever wondered what you could have done better during your interview to get a job? What you say, how you act and how you hold yourself can affect how people think of you.
Whether you are looking to improve your skills in your personal life or at work, it never hurts to make sure you are representing yourself in the most positive light possible at all times. None of us are perfect, but sometimes life is just easier when you are comfortable knowing that what you are doing is correct.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
My success has not been made on luck. When you are passionate about something it shows in your work, and your work then becomes fun. I was fortunate to have bee raised by two amazing parents who instilled good manners in our family starting at a very early age.
Growing up in Beverly Hills provided many opportunities to meet people from all over the world and attend some incredible social gatherings. “My father was a very successful businessman in the advertising business who had a magic way of working with people.
I always admired the way he was able to connect with people and create lifelong business relationships with them. I knew he was on to something and that was having great social skills.”
Pricing:
- Classes start at $95-$350
Contact Info:
- Website: courteousandcool.com
- Phone: 310-261-7235
- Instagram: courteous_and_cool
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/courteousandcool/
- Other: https://www.courteousandcool.com
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
