Building a Legacy of Empowerment
How did I turn a passion for image into a professional development legacy? Determination! Entering a new industry without a clear roadmap meant forging my own path. But when you feel that inner pull—dive in, trust your instincts, and lead with purpose. That’s how my journey began—not just to build a business but to make a lasting impact. I’m sharing this story to inspire you to do the same.
Laying the Foundation
My business journey began with a sole proprietorship, You’re Unique Studio, where I offered fashion-focused workshops—from color analysis and accessorizing to dress-for-success seminars. I had a lovely storefront with an office and a classroom where I conducted these sessions or hosted them at client venues.
However, as I started networking and marketing my seminars, I recognized the need for more specialized credentials. I had a solid foundation with a background in municipal and international business and fashion design—but the emerging industry required formalized, credible training.
Finding the Right Training
A Wall Street Journal article introduced me to Susan Bixler’s The Professional Image Institute in Atlanta. Their “Professional Presence” course led me to earn my Image Consultant Certificate. Although I was familiar with much of the material, the exposure to business lunch etiquette and body language opened new doors.
Curious to learn more, I discovered another article about Dorothea Johnson’s Executive Etiquette training in Washington, D.C. I knew this was the next step. Over the course of three years, I earned certifications in:
- Corporate Etiquette Consulting (covering communication skills, etiquette, and business entertaining)
- International Protocol Consulting (focused on succeeding globally and diplomatic dining)
I kept returning to learning more and evolved along with the training itself. Eventually, Dorothea fondly referred to me as her “groupie.”
Creating the Complete Package
With all this in place, I launched Global Protocol, Inc., which evolved into Global Protocol Academy. My vision was clear: offer a complete package of professional development services as a Subject Matter Expert (SME).
As the workplace culture shifted—becoming more casual—topics like “Civility in the Workplace” and “Netiquette” rose in importance. I gathered client feedback, revisited my training, and refined my offerings into these focused modules:
- Professional Presence: Utilizing the Power of Perception | Image Development
- Business Etiquette: Understanding Modern vs. Traditional Expectations
- International Protocol: Adapting to Cultural Trends | Diplomacy Abroad
- Business Entertaining: Planning and Participating in Events
- Dining Decorum: Transitioning from Casual Meetings to Formal Events
These programs emphasize social intelligence and balance technical know-how with interpersonal finesse—key traits of true professionals.
Sharing My Legacy Through Books
To preserve and pass on this knowledge, I authored The Art of Professional Connections series:
- Seven Steps to Impressive Greetings and Confident Interactions
- Success Strategies for Networking In Person and Online
- Dining Strategies for Building and Sustaining Business Relationships
- Event Strategies for Successful Business Entertaining
The corresponding SME training modules are licensed and available to career centers and corporate trainers, helping to integrate these essential skills into professional development curriculums.
Available at your favorite bookstore in softcover and digital formats.
Expanding into Personal Development
The COVID pause offered a rare opportunity to reflect deeply—and I embraced it. I realized that inner growth is the key to sustaining outer success. Through personal reflection, I recognized how mindfulness and emotional resilience played a powerful role in overcoming my life’s challenges while maintaining a strong professional presence.
This inspired me to shift gears and create a new tool for personal development: a journal that nurtures inner strength and mindful habits. It became a natural extension of my legacy work in professional development.
My Personal Development Journals:
- Mindfulness and Health Watch: Your 2023 Weekly Journal (first edition)
- Mindfulness and Health Watch: Your Weekly INSPIRE ME Journal
(Available in English and Spanish | Adaptable for any year from 2024 to 2029)
These guided journals help you:
- Set clear intentions
- Practice gratitude
- Recite daily affirmations
- Use visualization to manifest goals
- Cultivate kindness and wisdom
- Embrace spirituality or faith
- Monitor your health and mindset
The goal? To build resilience, strengthen confidence, and foster clarity—so your personal foundation can support professional excellence. And there’s more to come! I’m currently working on a new personal development book focused on using grit power to overcome adversity and push through obstacles with strength and purpose.
Today, I intentionally integrate mindfulness practices into my seminars. Each session begins and ends with grounding exercises that promote mental clarity, emotional balance, and improved learning retention. It’s about showing up fully present—professionally and personally.
Learn more about my author series on the “Author Page.”
Available at your favorite bookstore in softcover and hardcover formats.
What’s Your Journey?
I invite you to reflect on your journey.
What inspired you? What did you overcome?
Every step shapes your legacy—just like it shaped mine.
