Dear readers,
Do you know those stories when kids tell who they wish to become when they grow up?
My answer was straight-forward ever since I could speak. And no, it wasn't an ‘etiquette instructor’. As a kid, I didn’t even know such a profession existed. Instead, I’ve always dreamed of becoming an actress. The proof of that is hidden on many VCR recordings (yes, I am not that young) in my parents’ house where I am either singing, dancing or both combined.
It is safe to say that one can be interested in a hobby and not be great at it at the same time. Despite my interest in acting, I am practically tone-deaf which wasn’t welcomed with any applause when I expressed an interest in enrolling to the Academy of Performing Arts.
Unfortunately (or thankfully), I come from the millennial generation where careers in creative fields were frowned upon and categorised as non-prospective. Bear in mind that during most of my childhood, there were no social media, so the idea of making it on your own and showing your talent independently didn’t pretty much exist.
As a child, I was always a bit different. I chose different, elegant clothes and my role models were Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn, rather than contemporary pop singers. I was never a party girl (up to this day I am not one), and some people would describe me as uptight or oldschool.
During adolescence, I was shifting between being proud of being different and trying to change my interests to fit in more. It is safe to say that I chose the latter (and thank God for that).
But despite all these interests, I couldn’t quite understand how it could be turned into a full-time career. So my academic choice fell for the more widely accepted creative field - marketing. And believe it or not, I am thankful for my choice as the education gave me the tools to turn any business (including my current one) into a successful project. 
But it wasn’t until my late 20s when I finally decided to accept who I am without trying to change myself. I came to the conclusion that in order to be happy and content, I cannot change, and if I won’t change, I might as well build a career from it. The pandemic was the first time in my life when I wasn’t (and couldn’t) be fully invested in studying or working, which gave me the opportunity to reflect on my career choices so far. And whether it was the age or the unprecedented corona times, one evening I sat down and enrolled for an extensive course in Western etiquette. To me, it ticked all the boxes - elegance, refined manners, creative self-expression.
Four years have passed fast, but since then I have extended my education in etiquette and established a wonderful online community of you - my dear etiquette enthusiasts. It is safe to say that I wouldn’t be where I am without all of you. So thank you.
I was equally blessed to become an author of the Katarina's Guide to Western Dining Etiquette, which has helped many of you overcome the fear of proper manners at various social gatherings.
If any of you are standing on a life cross road and are deciding whether choosing a career in what truly fulfils you is worth it. I say go for it. I cannot guarantee it will work out or it won’t be without bumps and hurdles, but at least you won’t spend your lifetime questioning how it could have been.
I wish you all a beautiful Tuesday!
Yours sincerely,
Katarina
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