This local is bringing modern day etiquette to Baton Rouge
You know I love finding people who are doing truly unique things in our city and sharing them with you. Today, I’m sharing another local lady you need to know - April Palombo Setliff of Red Stick Refinement.
April covers topics like first impressions, eye contact, proper introductions, posture, handshakes, conversation skills, online manners and, of course, table manners.
As we ease back into being around all the humans again, I thought this would be the perfect time for you to discover April and her modern day etiquette tips. Plus, she’s got advice for us in the current virtual world too.
Red Stick Refinement takes it further than just good manners. It’s really about understanding the meaning of being respectful and gracious to others.
IT STARTED WITH A BOOK AND FANCY RESTAURANT
Etiquette was never a big deal to April growing up. She attended St. Joseph’s and decided to buy her first etiquette book in high school after being invited to dinner with a friend’s family. She just wanted to know what to do. She was intrigued, but she didn’t know then that the book would be the inspiration of her future business.
She graduated from LSU in business and went to New York City in 2018 where she was trained and certified by the American Academy of Etiquette.
It evolved into teaching etiquette.
She did her market research and created a niche with a type of instruction that’s totally unique to the Baton Rouge area.
“I pitched it and put it out there,” she said. “I got so much positive feedback. People were saying they couldn’t wait to sign up for my class.”
LEARN BY DOING
April typically hosts her etiquette classes for children in her home at her dining room table. She sets the table with her silver, china and crystal to create the full experience of a formal meal.
“We learn by doing,” she said. “I serve food, and while they’re eating, I go through my talking points and we practice.”
April’s classes are broken down into dining etiquette and social skills. She covers everything from how to enter your seat and fold your napkin to how to how to maintain eye contact and do a proper firm handshake. Her students learn both American and Continental style of eating.
She even closes her classes with writing thank you notes.
APRIL’S UN-STUFFY APPROACH
While a lot of people can be intimidated by proper etiquette or even turned off when it’s pushed on people, April approaches etiquette as a new tool in your toolbox.
“It’s just learning a new skill,” she said. “Some people get so nervous when they don’t know what to do in certain situations, and it’s not a big deal.”
April teaches her students that proper etiquette is not about being judgmental or stuffy. It’s not about saying “that person isn’t doing it right.”
She said it’s about being open-minded. Learning etiquette is all about bettering yourself and your own self-confidence, plus making your guests and others feel comfortable.
“I’m really trying to break the stereotype of being ‘stuffy’ or judgey,'” April said.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ETIQUETTE IN A MODERN WORLD
At Red Stick Refinement, April has definitely had to adapt her timeless teachings to the digital world — especially during 2020.
“We have to learn how to post with a purpose and manage our online presence,” she said. “That’s where modern etiquette comes in. Knowing what to comment on or what not to comment on, and knowing this follows you forever.”
During the pandemic, April brought her classes virtual — and even had up to 120 kids on Zoom at once!
She said a big part of Zoom etiquette is looking at the camera when you speak (guilty) and overall being engaged in the call.
“I think the biggest thing on Zoom is multi-tasking,” she said. “I find it can be taken the wrong way if someone is part of a Zoom call, but they turn their camera off. They’re obviously doing something else. So it’s those little things to think about.”
Overall, April wants to help people with their interpersonal skills and their ability to have a conversation online and feel comfortable.
“Etiquette is a skill that will bring you confidence in any social situation,” she said. “Whether it’s on Zoom, a job interview or just walking into the school cafeteria.
BOOKING YOUR CLASS
April offers both private and group classes for adults and children.
She’s worked with St. Joseph’s Academy, The Girl Scouts, Baton Rouge Country Club, The Country Club of Louisiana, Elan Cotillion and the Baton Rouge Cotillion.
I’m also excited to announce that she’s hosting an etiquette class for our Happy Hour Club on May 20!
To work with April, you can book through her website or even send her a direct message on Instagram or Facebook.
Photos by Angelle James Creative
