Episode Overview:In this lively and insightful episode, Liz sits down with Heather Wiese, the visionary founder behind luxury design brand Bell’INVITO. Celebrating 20 years in business, Heather shares the ups, downs, and unexpected twists that led to the creation of her company specializing in exquisite letterpress invitations and etiquette coaching. The conversation ranges from artisan printing to the evolving role of etiquette in our digital and professional lives—shattering stereotypes about what etiquette is (and isn’t) along the way.
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Key Topics Discussed:
- Founding Bell’INVITO:Heather’s journey from graphic designer to building a luxury paper and printing business—starting with some heartfelt trial and error and a bit of unexpected family support.
- The Art of Letterpress:What makes letterpress invitations so special, how artisan craftsmanship comes into play, and why Heather’s print studio is filled with 100-year-old presses.
- Etiquette vs. Politeness:Heather untangles the difference between good manners and formal etiquette, emphasizing etiquette as a set of learned protocols, not just being “stuck up.”
- Etiquette Coaching:From personalized 1:1 coaching to group classes (like teaching teens how to get out of a car gracefully!), Heather explains how etiquette is really about empowerment, confidence, and knowing the “social code”—not just forks and formalities.
- Modern Manners:How etiquette supports inclusion and connection, and why it remains relevant in a world of nonconformists and changing social norms.
- Digital & Workplace Etiquette:The importance of email and social media manners, the impact of AI-generated communication, and Heather’s “Ten Commandments of Email Etiquette.”
- Emotional Intelligence:Why real etiquette is deeply tied to emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and understanding the impact of your actions—online and off.
- Social Insecurity Column:Heather’s ongoing etiquette column in PaperCity magazine, what topics she covers, and why the world of manners is broader and more timely than ever.
Notable Quotes:
- “Etiquette is really about choice and consequence. It’s about what you want to accomplish and understanding what your choices are communicating to others.”
- “Etiquette today is really emotional intelligence with a layer of protocol.”
Resources & Links:
- Bell’INVITO: bellinvito.com
- Heather’s Etiquette Column (“Social Insecurity”) in PaperCity Magazine
- Heather’s Instagram: @bellinvito
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