Meet Sarah Berto of Confidence with Etiquette in Glenview

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Berto.

Sarah, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was inspired by my British mother who reminded me on a daily basis: “Always try your best… hold your head high, walk up straight and smile. You are unique, so be proud of who you are.” This is how I brought my own children up, and as a teacher I encouraged my students to do the same. It was in 2001, that I decided I had to begin something FUN which would teach the children in my class how to respect others through taking time to listen and taking care in what they said or did. In return they would learn self-respect. This was when technology was beginning to boom and I worried about the children’s lack of concentration and care.

So… I began my tea parties using pretty china tea pots, plates, tea cups and saucers and cloth napkins. A “Throw-away Society” is not one I wanted to encourage. We baked our own cookies and cakes and made our own tea sandwiches (as I believe, there are too many unhealthy additives in store bought food.) This taught the children to “own” what they were going to eat and to treasure what they were doing by slowing down and taking care, both in preparation for and at the ParTea. The children learned to set the table for tea, how to behave at the table during tea time, and how to clean up afterwards.

My passion to keep alive the importance of etiquette and social interaction, inspired me to start my own business in 2014 so that, I could reach others beyond my classroom and ignite the fire of confidence and etiquette that we all have in us. “Confidence with Etiquette” inspires this from ages 3 and beyond.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My strength and passion is with people. My struggle has been learning how to navigate and make good use of social media. Since, this is a great way of “putting my name out there” I have had to learn (which of course takes up a lot of my time).

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Confidence with Etiquette – what should we know?
“Confidence with Etiquette” teaches in a fun, memorable and caring way, how to believe in ourselves and respect each other for our uniqueness. We encourage our participants to be proud of who they are. Through their knowledge of excellent dining and social skills, they feel confident in themselves by setting a good example and welcoming others to feel relaxed in their presence.

Groups of six ParTeas are progressive: the participants learn new skills each time as they practice what was learned in previous lessons. We learn greeting and hosting skills, walking, moving and sitting skills, how to set the table for tea or dinner, and how to use the napkins, crockery and cutlery appropriately. We focus on how to behave and socialize politely in an informal and formal setting away from or at the table.

We are so proud to provide something as precious and timeless as manners. Something that is lacking in this day and age. In the energetic and hurried world, we are proud to offer the skills that enable us to reflect on how we present ourselves and treat others. We are so proud to offer this at children’s birthday parties too!

Our motto is: Believe… Be proud… Be the example!

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My mother! She always encouraged me to do my best. She expected me to pay attention, to hold myself well, to dress and walk with grace and to be respectful of others. Thanks Mom 🙂 I love you dearly.

My girl friends as they would often say, “I want to be with you because you make me feel so welcome and comfortable in your calm presence.” Thank you everyone… I always try my best.

All my friends who commented on how well mannered our children were (even as teenagers.) My reaction would be: “Children are what you, as parents, expect them to be.”

Pricing:

• $20 for a seat at the tea table “Tea with Mr. and Mrs. C” (C is for Courtesy) (ages 3 through 9)
• $25 for a seat at the dinner table with “White Gloves, Black Tie” (ages 9 through 17)
• $20 per guest at a birthday party (Teddies/fairies/princes and princesses/garden creatures(ages 3 though 13)
• $100 for individual/personal social and dining guidance. $50 per head if shared with family/friends. (adults)

Contact Info:

• Address: 44 Park Drive
  Glenview, IL
  60025
• Website: www.confidencewithetiquette.com
• Phone: 224-456-2722
• Email: sarahberto7@gmail.com
• Instagram: @sarahberto7
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/confidencewithetiquette/

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