Check Out Hayden Wilson’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hayden Wilson

Hi Hayden, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey began with a passion for helping others navigate social situations with confidence and grace. As a licensed etiquette coach in Nashville, TN, I’ve dedicated my career to teaching people of all ages the importance of etiquette in both personal and professional settings. After becoming a parent and navigating the challenges of the pandemic, I realized that being the sole source of social interaction and etiquette instruction for my children was difficult, especially when trying to prioritize quality family time at meals. Through research and personal experience, I discovered that constantly correcting a child’s mistakes in the moment isn’t an effective strategy on its own. While my intentions were good, these frequent corrections were causing my children to shut down, making mealtimes stressful for everyone. Moreover, I realized I was modeling a behavior I would never want them to mimic—calling someone out for an etiquette mistake is, ironically, poor etiquette itself (imagine them saying, “Get your elbows off the table!” to a teacher or another adult). This approach also hinders their problem-solving skills and can negatively impact their self-esteem. While parents have relied on this method for centuries, I’ve learned to approach corrections differently. Now, I believe that parents will see better results by reinforcing manners at home after their children have attended a fun etiquette class with their peers, where they can practice and learn in a supportive environment. As the only licensed Emily Post Children’s Etiquette trainer in Tennessee, I’ve had the privilege of working with students of all ages, including a recent opportunity to train the University of Tennessee football team in the art of etiquette. What sets me apart is my modern, engaging approach that makes etiquette relevant and accessible to everyone. My mission is to empower individuals to connect more meaningfully with others, enhancing their lives through the power of good manners.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting something new is always going to come with a few challenges, but the Nashville community has been extremely supportive of Pretty Polished since the very beginning and for that I am forever grateful. My biggest struggle is that my children would still rather take etiquette lessons from someone who is not their mom!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Like most people, I learned etiquette at home and through daily interactions with parents, grandparents or teachers. My grandmother was actually an etiquette and home economics teacher for a high school in south Alabama. I’m so thankful for my experiences and everything they taught me, and now I’d like to build on that experience for my own children. My relationship with etiquette has evolved over the years. I want people to view etiquette as the most important life skill for their own longterm happiness. Thinking about others more than yourself leads to feeling good about yourself, lowering anxiety and boosting self-esteem. Whatever we can do to combat the rise of anxiety in young people is well worth the time and effort.

What sets me apart is my engaging and contemporary approach to etiquette. I believe that etiquette goes beyond simply following rules—it’s about enhancing our connections with others and navigating social situations with confidence and grace. I focus on making the topic relevant and accessible to today’s diverse audiences, ensuring that each session is not only informative but also engaging and practical. Whether I’m working with children, professionals, or school groups, my goal is to equip my clients with the skills they need to thrive in any social environment.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memories involve spending summer evenings with my family and friends, gathered around the backyard grill or venturing out on our family’s sailboat in the Gulf of Mexico. We would play games, share stories, fish and enjoy simple, delicious meals together, all without the burden of smart phones and other devices to distract us. My dad would sometimes hoist me up the sail boat mast in the bosun’s chair, which was always a thrill. I loved being perched at the top of the mast and having a bird’s eye view! Those moments were filled with laughter and a sense of togetherness that I cherish to this day. It was during those times that I truly learned the value of connection and how the best memories are often made when you’re surrounded by the people you care about most.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://prettypolishedwithhayden.square.site/
• Instagram: @prettypolishednashville

Image Credits
The Vanderbilt football team’s social media contact took the photos with UT Coach and players, his instagram handle for crediting purposes is @vol_football. Photo from children’s etiquette class was taken by @baileygosdin Bailey Gosdin; logo image created by Tabatha Tune from A La Mode Media.