Hi, I’m Toni - The Etiquette Empress
I teach diverse young professionals how to increase their confidence and accelerate their career through powerful presence and authentic relationships.
During college, I interned in NY for two summers at Goldman Sachs, and started my full-time career there after graduation.
I was the first person in my family and circle of friends to have a corporate job, so my resources for advice were limited to none. I was doing the best I could, and figuring it out by myself as I went. I was a triple minority ---
I was young, black, female . . . and clueless.
I was initially unaware of all of the social and cultural ingredients of a well-rounded career - how relationships, politics, image, brand, and presence were all components of success.
Empowered through Etiquette
Once I found the power of social intelligence and understanding how to navigate professional environments, everything started to change for me.
Driven by my love for psychology and sociology which I studied in undergrad, I became committed to - ok obsessed with - studying etiquette and what to do in certain social situations.
I no longer felt ill-equipped and out of place. Instead, I felt empowered, and able to drive success in my career.
Since then, I’ve landed roles and opportunities I never thought I could
I’ve worked with major Fortune Companies and prestigious universities in consulting, diversity and inclusion, coaching, program management and career development. All of this only solidified my genuine passion for helping people succeed.
I learned the tricks of the trade, and now want to share them with you.
And now, everyday, I live to help young professionals like you learn etiquette, the power of personal branding and executive presence, how to build genuine relationships, and all the things I wish I’d known then, so that you can be authentically you and accelerate your career.
The Many Hats of
Toni
Career Coach
etiquette instructor
Workshop Facilitator
Business Owner
speaker
Podcast Host
Vintage Junkie
Wine Lover
Etiquette Empress
They say, “It’s not what they call you, it is what you answer to.”
Well, I answer to several names - here are just a few.
Allow me to reintroduce myself…
Jack of all trades, master of fun.
my grown up bio
From Wall Street to Full-Time
Entrepreneur
To learn about how I went from Wall Street to full-time entrepreneur, with PLENTY student loans in between, read my professional and educational bio.
Where are you originally from?
Guess the answer to these questions, and get to know the founder of Disruptive Etiquette a bit better.
Pop Quiz!
#2 pencils out!
ask me a question...
who's your favorite ninja turtle?
Specifically, I grew up in a city right outside of Houston called Humble (the “H” is silent, thank you kindly).
1. where are you from?
H-Town baby!
WHAT WOULD YOUR LAST MEAL BE?
Leo (he and I are on a nickname basis) was a leader and had swag. Michelangelo partied too much, Raphael was too sarcastic, and Donatello was a nerd. And . . now I feel bad for judging imaginary animated anthropomorphic turtles.
2. FAVORITE NINJA TURTLE?
Leonardo
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE?
I would definitely opt for soul food - smothered fried chicken or turkey + dressing, collard greens, mac-and-cheese, candied yams, black-eyed peas and rice, cornbread, with sweet tea for my drink and german chocolate cake for dessert. :: salivating ::
Soul Food
3.WHAT WOULD YOUR LAST MEAL BE?
WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO DRINK?
If you dare ask if I mean the more recent “re-make” in 2005 of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory starring Johnny Depp, you will be promptly excommunicated from the empire, no due process.
4. FAVORITE MOVIE?
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE CHILDHOOD TOY?
A glass of white wine, preferably Sauvignon Blanc. I also like sparkling wines because there is always a reason to celebrate everyday.
5. GO-TO DRINK?
Sauvignon Blanc
WHAT IS YOUR WEIRDEST HABIT?
I received a Cabbage Patch doll when I was a toddler in the 80s when there was a nationwide craze for them. I named my doll “Cabby” (I know, creativity at its finest). Actually, I still have her! I’m an oversized kid who loves stuffed animals, even as an adult.
6. FAVORITE CHILDHOOD TOY?
My Cabbage Patch Doll
WALMART OR TARGET?
I hate dust, so I wash my dishes twice before I use them. It’s a whole...thing. This is why I also don’t do potluck dinners.
7. WEIRDIST HABIT?
I wash dishes twice
WHO IS YOUR INSPIRATION?
Walmart makes my blood pressure rise and my spleen itch. Although they have amazing prices, I value my health and life, so Target all the way.
8. WALMART OR TARGET?
Target, hands down
WELL THAT WAS FUN! BACK TO THE BEGINNING
She is the epitome of style, grace, elegance, eloquence, intelligence, and executive presence. She is etiquette walking. I will meet her one day - I’m determined!
9. INSPIRATION?
Michelle Obama
