Hello hand waving

I’m Tekella Foster, a certified etiquette and manners trainer and the founder of Crown of Beauty for Ashes, LLC.

My passion for teaching etiquette and manners stems from my upbringing in Mississippi intertwined with several teachable “Am I doing this correctly?” moments as a young professional arriving in New York City in 2001.

I am an Emmy award-winning journalist and media professional with nearly two decades of experience working with media companies including Al Roker Productions, CNN, NPR, ABC, and HGTV.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, my husband and I decided to leave New York City and head to our hometown in Mississippi until things got back to “normal”. While working as a journalist, I’d been reporting on how students were suffering academically, emotionally, and socially. I wanted to help the local community; so I eventually became a substitute teacher at the public schools I once attended.

Not long after, I started teaching etiquette and manners to young people at the local library. The positive feedback I received was astoundingly surprising, and it was the motivation I needed to continue.

In this fast-paced, ever-changing, pluralistic society, the principles of proper etiquette and good manners: kindness, consideration, and respect are constant—no matter the social setting and no matter where we are in the world; however, the code of conduct (etiquette rule) in a social setting may differ.

I am eager to share my teachable moments with young people and help them embrace life’s challenges and unfamiliar social settings to develop the skills needed to navigate through life as Confident, Considerate, Curious, and Compassionate human beings, in order to bring more beauty into their world.

I received my formal training in etiquette and manners from The British School of Excellence of London, United Kingdom. I earned a master’s degree in journalism from Regent University, a B.A. degree in broadcast journalism, and a minor in Spanish from The University of Southern Mississippi.

When I’m not teaching or coaching, I’m working in production. I’m also an avid tester for America’s Test Kitchen and enjoy fitness classes. I can sum up my life by saying I have a Mississippi heart with a New York state of mind, and no, I wasn’t named after the alcohol.

Purpose

I seek to educate and inspire others with the hope of bringing more beauty into the world.

Coaching/workshop topics

  • Making a positive first impression
  • Netiquette and internet safety (communicating appropriately and safely on the internet)
  • Cursive writing
  • Appropriate attire (dressing well for the occasion at hand)
  • Afternoon or high tea
  • Dining and table manners
  • Cell phone etiquette
  • Interview/networking protocol
  • Making small talk
  • Presentations and public speaking
  • ...and more

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do your services cost?
It depends on the format of the session, the topic(s) covered, the length of the session and the size of the group.

What size group can you accommodate?
I can coach in 1-on-1 and large group settings.

Is your training exclusively for girls?
No, that would be unkind.

Do you also coach online?
Yes, online sessions are available.

Are the sessions suitable for all ages?
Yes, my services are for 0 to 100-year-olds.

Why the name Crown of Beauty for Ashes?
A crown of beauty for ashes is a reference to a passage in Isaiah 61:3. The ashes represent grief, shame, and disgrace; beauty represents joy, assurance, and hope.

Praise

“My most memorable thing was the table setting and learning how to use the knife, because now I use it the way you taught me. Also, the thing I enjoyed the most though was writing ‘thank you’ cards!”
—Lillie, 12

“It was insightful. The kids loved it.”
—Director, Oprah Winfrey’s Boys & Girls Club, MS

“We think you are amazing and the programs you are doing are such an asset to all young women!”
—Amanda, mother

“This will certainly help these students when they are interviewed for college, scholarships, fellowships, and employment. They have a voice and she taught them how to use it.”
—Advisor, NAACP Youth Council, MS

“Ms Tekella helped me with scholarship essays, public speaking, and even networking. I appreciate her for all the help she gave me during my senior year.”
—Kristin, 17

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Workshop 3