Spotlight on Andreea Ștefănescu

 

Meet our Contributor in the Spotlight for August, Andreea Ștefănescu, of “The School of Manners.” An internationally accredited etiquette, communication, and cross-cultural management consultant, Andreea holds an MBA in International Hospitality and Customer Service Management from GIHE, Switzerland, ranked as the top worldwide hospitality institution. With over 15 years of global experience, Andreea has lived and studied in eight countries, speaks four languages (RO, EN, FR, SP), and has traveled to 89 countries. She is the founder of The School of Manners, offering unparalleled expertise in international etiquette, intercultural communication, and human behavior.

Below are links to some of Andreea’s contributions to Etiquipedia:

• 7 Tips for Meeting Across Time Zones
• Etiquette and Global Time
• Bedouin Dining and Customs

The following is a Q. & A. with Andreea:

What was the impetus for starting your Etiquette business?

During my years in aviation and private aviation, I was surrounded by people from all walks of life. I witnessed loneliness in fame and insecurity in power. This, combined with my personal background and experiences during my MBA, made me seek a solution to decoding the real code of human connection. I learned to seek what is not said in a text, in knowledge, and in people.

Etiquette is communication, and it was the element I most needed in my life as I often struggled to communicate my feelings and thoughts clearly. As an introvert, I feared doing the wrong thing, and etiquette became my lifeline—it saved me and empowered me. I wanted to create a platform where people could learn these essential skills and build stronger, more respectful relationships in their personal and professional lives. Everyone deserves to meet their potential, to live their best life without compromise. By providing access to communication tools often reserved for those in the spotlight, I aim to empower others just as etiquette empowered me.


2. Why did you start when you did?
It was a decision that I planned towards for five years. I knew exactly the accreditations I wanted to acquire to specialize in the field. I wanted to gain enough experience working with the Royal Family, and contrary to most people’s beliefs of my bravery to launch a business on my own abroad, I needed to save enough money to sustain myself for two years prior to resigning from private aviation. I feel there is this almost toxic push towards selling a dream of entrepreneurship that one should blindly follow, that people should look at another person who did it and they should take a leap of faith. I am fully supporting people pursue their passion and taking that leap of faith but know this, for me, this leap of faith took years of educational and finanacial preparation. There was never a Plan B. I knew this was part of me, my journey, and who I am. It came naturally, and I prepared for the moment I started in 2018.

3. What do you enjoy teaching the most regarding Etiquette?
I particularly enjoy teaching the aspects of etiquette that focus on communication skills, table manners and personal presentation. Helping individuals understand how to express themselves confidently and respectfully, both verbally and non-verbally, is incredibly rewarding. Whether it is teaching the art of a firm handshake, the nuances of body language, or the power of active listening, I love seeing my students transform and become more self-assured and considerate in their interactions.

4. What do you find rewarding about teaching Etiquette?
The most rewarding aspect of teaching etiquette is witnessing the positive impact it has on people's lives. When students tell me how their newfound skills have helped them navigate challenging social situations, build better relationships, or advance in their careers, it reinforces the importance of what I do. Knowing that I can contribute to creating a more respectful and empathetic society for our children is truly fulfilling.

Andreea offers a variety of classes designed and customized for a more enhanced individual etiquette instruction, even if one is in a group setting.

5. What types of classes do you offer?

I offer a wide range of classes tailored to different needs and age groups. These include:

•  Personal Presentation and Image Consultancy: Focusing on dress, grooming, and body language makeup based on facial structure and scientific guidelines, color psychology.
•  Business Etiquette: Covering professional conduct, communication, and networking skills across various cultures and within multicultural environments.
•  Social Etiquette: Encompassing dining etiquette, social interactions, and cultural awareness.
•  Specialized Workshops: For flight attendants, hospitality professionals, and youth mentorship programs, femininity coaching programs.

I find particular joy in working with young adults aged 16-25. This is a pivotal stage in life where individuals are forming their identities and learning to navigate the adult world.

6. What age group do you enjoy working with most? And why?
I enjoy working with all age groups, but I find particular joy in working with young adults aged 16-25. This is a pivotal stage in life where individuals are forming their identities and learning to navigate the adult world. Teaching them the principles of etiquette and communication gives them a solid foundation to build their personal and professional lives. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them gain confidence and develop into respectful, considerate adults.

7. Who are some of the older etiquette authors or authorities you enjoy reading most?
Some of the classic etiquette authors and authorities I enjoy include Emily Post, Letitia Baldrige, Amy Vanderbilt, and Lilian Eichler Watson. I am a huge fan of vintage books on etiquette and recently delved into many books on femininity and charm school manuals, as well as table setting, hostessing, and table manners. As a millennial, I do not believe in teaching etiquette as rigid rules. I have always been a detective in understanding the origins, history, and meaning behind them, discovering our pursuit of human connection on the way, which is what etiquette represents. My biggest goal is to share that message with the world. Perhaps that is what connected me on a deeper level with Maura J. Graber, as we share these values and passion for the deeper meaning and history of this field.

If you’d like to reach Andreea, visit The School of Manners or contact Andreea at andreea@theschoolofmanners.com.

         

🍽Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia