Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Hauldren.
Hi Anna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up in Prague, I was enveloped by cultural richness. Arts, design, scholarship, history–it all fascinated me. After graduating with a master’s degree in media and communication, I worked in the documentary film industry creating social and historical documentaries. The stories of people and the complex history of human behavior sparked my curiosity about why we act the way we do and what this says about who we are, where we come from, where we’re going, and what we value.
As an avid reader, one of my greatest values is shared knowledge. I understand the nuances of considerate interactions that build trusted connections. I am also keenly aware of how difficult such interactions may be, due to our own insecurities.
What I offer people are the tools to overcome this—to become confident about who they are and how they interact with others in their daily lives. My biggest goal is to give people the courage to live life the way they want to, to apply for a new job, go on a date, and take a public speaking engagement. Etiquette after all is a way of life.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road at all. I was very blessed to be able to earn my Master’s degree in Media and Communication and start working at Czech Public Television in the documentary division. I had an amazing boss and really enjoyed meeting fascinating new people and learning more about their journeys and human nature—topics that have always fascinated me.
The challenge came when I moved to the United States. The biggest challenge was small talk. In the Czech Republic, we don’t practice small talk, we avoid talking to strangers altogether. And on the rare occasion when we do, we get straight to the point. This approach allows us to know where we stand with each other, but it can make us come across as rude or arrogant.
I had two options: either avoid talking to people or step out of my comfort zone and learn how to engage in small talk. I chose the latter and discovered something amazing—I started loving it. I came to understand that small talk is a bridge that makes it easier for two strangers to connect without the fear of offending one another or making each other uncomfortable. The small talk became a gateway to etiquette.
I realized that everything I have done throughout the years has led me to become someone who teaches people how to create meaningful relationships with others as well as themselves. That is why I founded Etiquette, Inc. My goal is to bring back civility, cultivate real connections, and promote humility.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Etiquette, Inc.?
Etiquette, Inc. is a leading Miami etiquette school that I have created to bring back kindness, respect, and civility to the world. I believe that most people are essentially good at heart and try to do the right thing not only for themselves but also for others. We grew up differently, in different cultures and all kinds of families; the ways we learn how to cope with each other differ as well.
Etiquette is a wonderful tool that brings us back together, showing us ways to live next to each other with respect and consideration. In some families, it is very normal to hug each other and be open about feelings, which is indeed beautiful but can become a nightmare when met with someone who avoids human touch unless they know the person intimately.
Some people might enjoy talking about having kids or their plans for marriage, while for some, it is a painful topic and something a stranger should never ask about. That is why etiquette training is so important; it gives us a leveled ground and shows us that what is ‘normal’ for us might be experienced very differently by others. It gives us the tools to make others comfortable and at ease while communicating.
Some people might think etiquette is about wearing tweed and learning how to eat a banana in public, but as much fun as those things are, the meaning is much deeper. It gives us the blueprint for our connections, how to create them, and how to nourish them.
The most popular course I offer at the moment is called ‘The Power of First Impressions.’ It is built on knowledge from a Harvard study that shows we only have 7 seconds to make a first impression on another human being. In those seconds, they will decide if we are trustworthy, friendly, and competent.
If we fail to demonstrate these qualities, we can miss opportunities to cultivate deeper connections with potential clients or friends. I have created this transformational program to help people take control of their first impressions and teach them to present themselves in a way that helps them achieve success in building their professional and social reputations.
I also host monthly events for everyone in our beautiful community. The upcoming event is at the beginning of May, and I will be teaching Dining Etiquette in the beautiful new restaurant La Màrtola in Miami Design District. The next event will focus on learning about wine while networking and empowering women in the business community.
Lastly, I teach etiquette in corporate settings and train companies on how to create a good company culture, uplift employees, and ensure they have the confidence and drive to perform at a phenomenal level.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Do not be afraid! I have struggled throughout my life with a fear of failure. I think we all have, to a degree, a fear of that, but to me, the fear was paralyzing. I would work very hard on preparations, diving into deep research, and spending hours putting together courses, only to never release them as I felt they weren’t perfect.
Nothing will ever be perfect. Your circumstances, your knowledge, your surroundings—there is never a perfect time to start. Do it anyway. Hire an editor for that book you have in your drawer, publish the paintings you have worked on for years, contact that gallery, go to that interview, and book the public speaking engagement!
Don’t hesitate to live your life today; don’t wait for tomorrow because you might have better knowledge or the perfect script. Tomorrow becomes a week from now, becomes a year from now, and nothing will get done. I am not saying not to prepare; preparation is essential and necessary. I teach that to my clients every day, but sometimes a part of preparation is what we learn by trying and failing. Go out there and make your mark! Do what you are afraid of!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.etiquetteinc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annahauldrenetiquette/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-hauldren-485a8b65/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_kePTnPxzpsKiRZuvSLzAA
