2025 in Review
Reflections on Growth, Gratitude, and Community
Looking back on 2025, I’m reminded of what a meaningful year it has been—one marked by both joy and challenge, by the necessary tension of growth and the humility that accompanies mistakes. It was a good year, though definitely not an easy one. A year of change, growth, and thankfully…joy. I learned a lot, formed new friendships, and wrote more thank-you notes than ever before.
As a mom of three and a small business owner, this year reinforced something I hold true: what’s meaningful is built slowly—through relationships, consistency, and care. The best is yet to come.
I end the year with heartfelt gratitude for our community. Thank you for being here, for following along, and for continuing to believe that manners (rooted in kindness and respect) still very much matter.
Highlights from the Year
Mannerly Milestones in 2025
We changed our name! Charlotte School of Etiquette is now Mannerly.
We launched our website.
We grew our team. A warm welcome to Esther, Felipe, Sara, Margot, Claire, Stephanie, and our incredible high-school assistants who help our classes run so smoothly.
Launched Mannerly Paper, with our fill-in-the-blank thank-you notes quickly becoming a favorite.
Launched Mannerly Cotillion—an honor to teach such a thoughtful group of middle-school students. You can join our waitlist for 2026-2027 here.
Introduced Portrait Commissions. Our family has cherished this process for all three of our children (and all eight cousins). You can explore the portrait inquiry process here.
Taught hundreds of group etiquette classes—from new learners to seasoned professionals.
Traveled for our first pop-up group etiquette class.
Set our classroom table for a mock three-course meal 84 times.
Shared our first list of gift guides for the holidays. And this one for hosting gifts.
Joined as a guest on two podcasts.
Podcast: Duologue (Dec 2025): Episode on Dinner Party Etiquette
Podcast: The Hamilton Review (July 2025): Episode on founding of Mannerly
Appeared in 11 news segments or magazine features (including my first national news segment and first international magazine):
Charlotte Parent (Nov 2024): Leading with Kindness
City Lifestyle Magazine (Nov 2024): Holiday Etiquette pg 58-59
QC Life - WBTV (Nov 2025): Thanksgiving Day Etiquette
WBTV News (Aug 2025): Back to School Etiquette for Kids
QC News Positively Charlotte (Aug 2025): Back to School Etiquette
QC Life - WBTV (Aug 2025): Dorm Life Etiquette for College Students
Fox & Friends NYC (July 2025): Etiquette Tips for Children
Women’s Magazine UK (July 2025): Manners Don’t Cost a Thing
QC Life - WBTV (May 2025): Decoding Wedding Guest Attire
Charlotte Magazine (April 2025): Named a Best of the Best (BOB) Winner
Tiny Money (Feb 2025) : Mentioned Entrepreneur
QC News Positively Charlotte (Feb 2025): Afternoon tea etiquette
Made countless new friends along the way.
Personal Milestones in 2025
I stepped away from a 17-year corporate career—something I never fully imagined, yet wasn’t entirely surprised by. I’m deeply grateful for the lessons learned and the best friendships formed during those years.
For the first time, I was able to pick up my children immediately after school each day. This time together has been a gift I will never take for granted.
Our family moved into a home we lovingly renovated over three years. My dear friend Crystal Moore of Garden & Grace kindly shared a home tour, which you can read here.
We hosted several dinner parties with dear friends, once again reminded how meaningful it is to gather around a table.
I discovered one of my all-time favorite books, Theo of Golden, and was surprised with a signed copy by my husband, whose thoughtfulness never ceases to amaze me. Drew has a heart of gold (and a high attention to detail).
Attended my 20-year high school reunion with classmates I’ve known since childhood. One friend in particular followed his dreams to Nashville and has found big time success in music. I couldn’t be more proud and will be cheering as he continues to soar.
Enjoyed a memorable concert with my husband and spent as much time as possible at the beach with family and friends.
Looking Ahead to 2026
I’m continuing to work on an etiquette book. This is something I quietly shared during the Hamilton Review podcast in July, and I hope to share more with you in the year ahead.
I’m also setting a strong daily reading goal beginning January 1. Making space for this feels essential.
What’s Next at Mannerly
Elementary Etiquette Classes begin this Sunday.
Very limited seats remain for our February classes, including an Adult Lunch & Learn Dining Etiquette Class at Napa on Providence.
Registration for Summer Camps, Mannerly Cotillion, and Fall Elementary Etiquette Classes opens Friday, January 16 at 10:00 a.m.
A Question for You
As we begin working on our 2026 Etiquette Guides to be shared here on Substack to our subscribers, I’d love to know: What would you like to see first?
This work continues to remind me that etiquette is ultimately about how we honor others — with kindness, care, and respect. Thank you for walking alongside us this year, and I look forward to what we’ll build together in the year ahead. Here’s to making the world a kinder, more respectful place—one etiquette class at a time.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Elizabeth Anne Russell
Etiquette Educator & Founder, Mannerly and The Mannerly School of Etiquette
Modern manners. Timeless etiquette backed by social science
Thank you for being a wonderful voice in our community! Inspiring and true.