It is my great pleasure to welcome you to my first edition of Letters from a Lady.
Each letter is penned with care to share insights, reflections, and gentle guidance on the art of etiquette, gracious living, and those small but meaningful touches that elevate daily life. I hope you find these musings both thoughtful and quietly inspiring.
You are most welcome to write to me with any questions you may have about the world of exquisite etiquette and request topics of interest that you would like me to discuss.
I grew up in the gentle green countryside near Cheltenham, a peaceful part of England that still holds my heart. My father, a diplomat from Africa, and my mother, a British fashion designer, raised my two sisters and me in a quiet village where community truly meant something.
Looking back, it was the perfect blend. My father’s belief in ubuntu — the idea that “I am because you are” — taught me the importance of humanity, kindness and connection. My mother passed on her deep love of beauty and creativity. She had once travelled widely through Europe and Africa, designing bold, elegant pieces, always inspired by nature. I carry both of them with me every day.
My school years were spent at a venerable ladies’ college, where I immersed myself in art and theatre. I also began my first venture — stringing together vibrant beads my father brought back from his travels and selling the jewellery to family and friends. That little business grew, quite unexpectedly, thanks to my sisters and their encouragement. They had an eye for style and a knack for social media, and before long, what began as a hobby turned into something much bigger.
Wanting to expand thoughtfully, I took business courses to ground myself in management and ethics. I’d always felt at ease navigating different cultures — it came naturally with my background — but something still felt missing. I realised it wasn’t only about strategy or vision. It was about presence. How to carry myself with confidence. How to communicate clearly, yet graciously. How to make others feel at ease, wherever I was in the world — whether in Lagos, London or Kyoto.
That search brought me to The British School of Excellence. The Polished Professional course opened a new world to me — a world of intention, elegance and emotional intelligence. I later trained to become a certified etiquette consultant, and those skills now guide everything I do — from my work in fashion to the training sessions I lead for others.
What truly fulfils me now is helping individuals, families and institutions step into their own elegance — not for appearance, but for confidence, clarity and joy. Social ease is often underestimated, but I’ve seen the difference it makes.
Through these letters, I hope to share a little of what I’ve learnt along the way — insights, stories, reflections and practical tips — to bring a touch of thoughtfulness and grace to everyday life.
Until next time,
With warmest wishes,
Lady Arabella
Leading Patron for The British School of Excellence
