Kansas City’s Etiquette Queen: Janis Kliethermes Talks Manners, Mayhem, and More!
If you’ve ever found yourself in a sticky social situation, where you didn’t know which fork to use or how to politely decline a third slice of cake, fear not! Kansas City’s very own Janis Kliethermes is on a mission to save the day, one awkward moment at a time. With over 15 years of experience as an etiquette expert, Janis has seen just about every social faux pas imaginable, and she’s ready to help you navigate them all.
More Than Just Manners
Running her business, Etiquette Kansas City, Janis specializes in helping everyone from shy kids to sharp-suited CEOs build confidence in social settings. “I’m on a mission to guide everyone in making great first impressions and navigating conversation with ease,” she says, enthusiasm sparkling in her voice. Her interactive classes cover everything under the sun—from body language and table manners to cell phone etiquette and effective conversation skills.
“Learning manners doesn’t have to be stuffy!” Janis insists. “I am known for my sense of humor and approachable style; I make sure we have fun while learning,” she adds with a chuckle. And on this particular day, Janis was gearing up to bring her insights to a group of sorority sisters at a local college, helping them prepare for the social whirlwind of an upcoming soirée. Let’s just say, everyone on campus should be on their best behavior!
Real-Life Inspiration
Where does Janis find the inspiration for her classes? “Honestly, my family and friends provide plenty of relatable scenarios!” she jokes, reminding us that even the pros stumble from time to time. And speaking of stumbling, we caution our readers: she’s got her eyes peeled for loud chewers. Yes, you heard that right—loud chewers, be warned!
Keeping It Light & Fun
During our conversation, Janis let slip some of her candid take on life’s quirks. For instance, when asked about a particular song that drives her up the wall, she did not hold back. “Oh, it has to be ‘Sweet Caroline!’ I know it’s controversial, but I’ve never liked it! It plays after every home game at my alma mater, Iowa State, and it just confuses me—what does it even have to do with Iowa?”
Spicy Surprises
When we queried her about the spiciest thing she’s ever eaten, Janis recalled an adventure in the kitchen involving her grandmother. “On one Easter, she mixed up the red paprika with red cayenne in her deviled eggs. It was spicy enough to make any Easter bash unforgettable!”
Don’t Forget the Pigs-In-A-Blanket!
And what if she were an hors d’oeuvre? “I’d definitely be pigs-in-a-blanket!” she claimed with a giggle. “They’re salty, can be saucy, and everyone loves them! Plus, it’s just fun to say pigs-in-a-blanket, don’t you think?”
Sequel Dreams and Pandemic Purchases
As we wrapped up, we had to know her movie preferences. “I think Forrest Gump is a classic that deserves a sequel. Let’s see what the future holds for Forrest or his son; that could be magical!” she mused. And just for laughter’s sake, we asked about her pandemic guilty pleasure. “Three-ply toilet paper!” she declared, “Because you know if you know.”
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! Janis Kliethermes is not only arming Kansas City with essential etiquette skills but also bringing humor and camaraderie into every lesson. It’s clear that with her charm and expertise, she’s the go-to gal for anyone looking to navigate this sometimes-chaotic world of social interactions. Remember, everyone, manners matter, and you might just learn a thing or two along the way!
