Toni Dupree

Training Director

Author, public speaker, and entrepreneur Toni Dupree is well known for her long history of community and business leadership.  Toni started on the path that would lead to her very successful career at a young age.  Fortuitously, she was introduced to the social graces as a child when she attended Mildred Johnson’s Charm and Etiquette Academy in Houston. There, she learned how important etiquette, self-esteem, and presentation can be leveraged for success. After excelling in academics at Jack Yates High School and Interior Arts School of Design, it became her lifelong mission to help others come to the same understanding.  She earned certification from the Center for Organizational Cultural Competence in Winnipeg, Canada and completed coursework in psychology and behavioral analysis from Kaplan University.

Putting what she had learned into practice in the field, before launching the business she became known for, Toni volunteered as a youth mentor at Houston’ area churches, volunteered at women’s and seniors centres, and worked with teens at risk of dropping out of high school.  Her constant was always community service and helping others to be their best selves.  Dupree learned she could give people the tools to change their lives – and she developed various self-esteem workshops, fashion show preparation sessions, and etiquette classes for young people and business etiquette workshops and life skills classes for adults –  laying the foundation for the creation of Etiquette Style by Dupree in 2006.  Etiquette And Style By Dupree is a Houston based company that inspires, trains and guides young people and business professionals alike on best practice.  The company is well known for its work offering customized etiquette workshops, business environment training and life skills coaching sessions to young adults and business professionals looking to advance in their careers across a myriad of industries. These workshops, style seminars,  self-esteem and behavior classes have taught hundreds of individuals—from youth groups to business gatherings—how to present best practice and cultivate meaningful, productive relationships in all aspects of their lives.  Under Toni’s leadership, the company was honored with the 2019 and 2020 Award for Excellence in Business by the Houston Better Business Bureau.

Dupree was making such a difference in Houston, she was often encouraged to bring her message to an international audience.  She penned a regular etiquette column for MVMNT magazine (An Etiquette Perspective) and then in 2015 published her first bestselling book, the well-received “Whose Fork Is It Anyway,” an entertaining and easy-to-read dining guide for young people.  In 2019 her second book – also a bestseller – was published, this one aimed at adults.  Called “Straight up from the Teacup,” it covers self-understanding and actualization as well as etiquette – bringing her readers a unique roadmap to success.  Both books are best-sellers and have been extremely well received.

Today, Dupree, a compelling public speaker, is increasingly in demand as a public speaker and is regularly called upon by media to speak on issues related to etiquette, relationships, and how we treat each other.  Toni has appeared on TickerTV, Australia’s biggest 24 hour streaming news network, and has been quoted in Readers Digest regularly. She has also been quoted in the Houston Chronicle, The Chicago Tribune and in newspapers across America. She recently became a columnist for Australia’s biggest parenting resource, Kiddipedia.

The training offered at Dupree Academy Etiquette & Finishing School helps build character, confidence and courtesy. We don’t just teach the correct behavior, we explain “why” good behavior is necessary—and the consequences of bad manners. Etiquette classes offer learning strategies for coping with change and ensure your child’s social success.

Etiquette courses help develop social skills such as:

• Proper behaviour at home, at school or in public
• Showing respect for parents, elders or others
• Communication and coping skills to avoid tantrums and overcome shyness
• Sharing, empathy and helping others
• Finding worth and building self-esteem
• Choosing good role models and navigating difficult situations
• Establishing good habits: health, diet, exercise, hygiene
• Setting realistic goals and devising plans to achieve them
• Practical life skills such as: managing money, caring for their things; basic cooking

Your body language can instantly display self-assuredness, or insecurity. Present yourself in a way that shows strength and assertiveness.

Dressing appropriately for any situation gives you that extra boost of confidence to own any room.

Your conversation is definitely the icing on your social cake! Make certain to steer clear of the  of the ugly “ums” or ahs” of common speech. A great communicator’s speech is fluent and consistent with the topic.

Possessing positive energy leads to a positive approach, which fosters a positive outcome in life. Thereby causes you to be more confident which will show in your attitude, your behavior and your mind-set.

Be What You Say You Are…

Yes, you have to look the part, talk the part and lastly, you have to actually be the It too! There is no more “fake it till you make it.” Remember this preparedness prevents poor execution.

This success style training is geared to help small business tackle issues such as dress code, time and attendance and workplace dysfunction.

This workshop is created to help young people develop themselves as a up and coming young professional.

These workshops are age appropriate culturally relevant training and presentations on communication skills, decision-making skills, anger management techniques, conflict resolution, personal development and empowerment, character enhancement and job readiness skills.

Who doesn’t love a tea party!

And imagine the fun if the tea party includes good friends, dress-up, a mini-etiquette lesson, beautiful cake and candy bar treats to take home. Book your all inclusive etiquette party today.

We can even come to a location of your choosing. Contact us for more information.