Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jackie Vernon-Thompson, Founder of From the Inside-Out School of Etiquette, LLC, located in Sunrise, FL, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

My business is an etiquette school. We educate children and adults, male and female, on proper deportment, civility, and social skills. We conduct our very effective workshops virtually and in-person. Our students are international. We take pride in reaching across the globe while teaching our students how to become the best version of themselves and become an asset to society.

Tell us about yourself

When interacting with others, on the job, or in a social setting, etiquette sets true ladies and gentlemen apart in significant ways. Through my work as a Certified Etiquette Expert/Consultant, author, and community leader, I have dedicated my life to preparing others for success. In addition to becoming certified, I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication and feel my schooling has certainly assisted in effectively conveying the information of etiquette to my students. I am the founder of From the Inside-Out School of Etiquette, where I develop original instructional content for children and adults promoting essential life skills, including effective communication/greetings, moving with grace and purpose, personal hygiene, business etiquette, body positivity, table etiquette & protocol (both American and European), traditional etiquette for men/boys and much more.

As a teacher and mentor, I regularly present virtually and in person for families, schools, churches, community events, and businesses. My knowledgeable approach connects with both children and adults looking to make great impressions in any situation. In addition, I actively train and certifies aspiring Etiquette Consultants through my 5-week Certification Master Class. To date, I have certified Etiquette Consultants in the U.S. and internationally throughout Bangladesh, Zambia, Uganda, Jamaica, the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Lucia, Bahamas, Canada, Trinidad, and more.

I am passionate about changing lives through etiquette. My school currently serves as a trusted resource for the Broward and Miami/Dade County public school systems. In 2017, I also founded Youth Empowerment Village, Inc., a 501c3 that offers summer programming for children 10-17 focused on public speaking, professionalism, entrepreneurship, and etiquette. The program is free for students thanks to sponsorships from the City of Lauderhill, Walmart, ROSS, Publix, several municipalities, and various other businesses. Through both of my companies, I recently adopted the City of Lauderhill Wally Elfers Park and donates time and resources to maintaining this beautiful local park. I serve as an executive board member for the city of Lauderhill's Chamber of Commerce. I was personally honored by Mayor Ken Thurston, Vice Mayor Denise D. Grant, Former Commissioner Howard Berger, and City Commissioners for my work with the Lauderhill youth and the community at large. I was also named a Woman of Distinction by the Lauderhill Kiwanis Club and an honoree for Lauderhill's Women's History Month. Grateful to God for allowing me to fulfill my true purpose, I continue to welcome new opportunities to teach self-improvement through etiquette. When I am not working to positively impact others, I enjoy networking, traveling, and spending time with family.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is to be positioned in a place to create a space and platform that provides resources and information to transform a person's life for the better.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of the most challenging aspects of being a business owner is knowing when it is time to pivot and make an adjustment.  Also, understanding that everyone will not embrace my services and products, and that's ok. I must continue to press forward!

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Keep your business idea to yourself.  Don't share with anyone, except with those who offer the resources to help make it a reality.
  2. Take my thorough Self-paced Build Your Business Master Class that will walk you through step by step how to establish, launch, and market my business - www.buildyourbusinessacademy.com.
  3. Write your to do list daily and commit to follow through.
  4. Make God first, pray every step of the way as you establish and run your business, take time to give back to the less fortunate, and write a daily list of gratitude.
  5. Access resources available!
  6. Be CONSISTENT!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://fromtheinsideoutsoe.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fromtheinsideoutsoe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromtheinsideoutsoe/
Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/insideoutsoe
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3S9JATW

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.