Today we’d like to introduce you to Zakiyyah Shakir.
Hi Zakiyyah, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I got my start in the wonderful world of etiquette, and protocol after getting fed up with the social minutiae that seemed to be some sort of secret I wasn’t privy to. I have always fancied myself a social butterfly, willing to talk to just about anyone about anything at any time. But there were some things I hadn’t learned about social etiquette yet.
Okay, let’s be honest there were a lot of things I didn’t know yet. This became clear to me when I noticed no matter how well-meaning and big-hearted I was, there were rules to socializing that never occurred to me. Because of my embarrassing start to mastering the punctilios of social intercourse; I am determined to teach anyone who wants to learn the right way to do all the things I use to do wrong, and save them the small fortune it costs me to learn; yes I went a little overboard and gathered not 1 but 23 certifications locally and internationally.
I am over-certified because I cross-referenced what I learned from other etiquette professionals…. just to make sure I was given the correct information… yes that’s how I am; investigative, thorough, and persnickety with exacting standards. Precisely the criteria needed to be an etiquette and protocol expert.
I’m sure everyone can relate to being placed in social situations that make you nervous, anxious, and unsure about what to do, and what to say. It’s unfair that we are often judged before we have the chance to learn and do better. People just expect you to know, and be confident at all times. As a recovering socially oblivious person, I understand that’s impossible when you don’t know what’s expected.
At Peerless Etiquette we have a different approach to teaching etiquette; we use humor, acting, creative expression with mindfulness, and emotional intelligence as the core of our program. We are a breath of fresh air in the sometimes stuffy etiquette industry; helping children, teens, adults, and corporations develop competence, confidence, and courtesy in social situations.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of my teaching etiquette struggles was keeping the lessons engaging and fun. This has been an opportunity for my creative side to flourish. I used to hide my artistic side in favor of being very serious and proper when I first began teaching etiquette. Over the years I’ve learned to bring all sides of me to my company; as all sides of me are useful.
The fact that I attended film school in New York, the fact that I love everything to do with fashion, and style, and the fact that I am a web designer, graphic designer, interior decorator, and brand developer all serve my etiquette company because they are intrinsically linked to who I am.
My clients and students love working with me because, after 14 years of experience, I have a laid-back, and natural approach to teaching etiquette that they find refreshing and comforting. I no longer instruct as I use to when I took myself so seriously, back when I thought etiquette was something to teach vehemently. Nowadays, classes are more like a conversation with a friend who helps you navigate the social scene personally, and professionally with peerless etiquette.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Peerless Etiquette?
Peerless Etiquette provides etiquette education to children, teenagers, adults, and corporations anywhere in the world. We help our clients and students improve; their appearance, their behavior, and their communication skills for personal and professional success.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Creativity and curriculum development is one of our core qualities. We enjoy planning around our clients with the strategic capabilities to expound on any etiquette dilemma they might be facing. We also partner with youth mentoring groups that want to give their mentees a peerless etiquette experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.peerlessetiquette.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/PeerlessEtiquette
- Facebook: Facebook.com/PeerlessEtiquette
