Meet
Nicole
NICOLE ROSE
Etiquette Educator & Speaker
I’ve always known I was a little different. From the time I was a young girl, I loved being on stage, the center of attention, and engaging with the world around me. I wasn’t just drawn to the spotlight—I thrived in it. But what made me feel special wasn’t just performing; it was how I carried myself, how I connected with people, and how I made others feel.
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I owe so much of that to my Nani, my mom’s mom, who saw something in me early on. She was the one who put me in etiquette school, not because she wanted me to follow rigid rules, but because she understood something profound—confidence and grace can take you anywhere. She was the life of the party—witty, full of energy, and always cooking something delicious. She lived with us, and every night, she filled our home with laughter, warmth, and home-cooked meals. She had a deep love for food (and a good glass of red!), and I see so much of myself in her—not just in the way I host and cook, but in how I bring people together.
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But she wasn’t the only woman who shaped me. My Gram, my dad’s mom, was the most polite, sweet, intelligent, and crafty person I’ve ever known. She led by example—always carrying herself with kindness, warmth, and quiet sophistication. My dad often tells me how much I remind him of her, and I take that as one of the greatest compliments.
Their influence made me who I am today, instilling in me the belief that poise isn’t just about how you present yourself—it’s about how you treat others.
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With that foundation, I spent my younger years in modeling and pageantry, a world where elegance, presence, and poise were everything. I loved it. I loved the preparation, the rehearsals, the gowns, the adrenaline before stepping on stage. I loved the way etiquette wasn’t just about rules, but about creating presence and confidence.
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That presence served me well when I took an unexpected turn—joining Hooters as a calendar girl. I got to travel the world, representing the brand in glamorous settings and high-profile events. My etiquette training was invaluable during that time. Whether I was speaking at an event, taking photos for a feature, or engaging with people from all walks of life, I knew how to present myself with confidence and charm.
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In 2006, I took a leap and moved from Florida to Las Vegas to be part of something new—the grand opening of the Hooters Hotel & Casino. It was a whirlwind. Vegas was bright, fast, and full of energy, and I loved every minute of it. But after a while, I realized that I wanted something more.​
I stayed in the casino industry, taking on roles that pushed me to engage with people at every level. I became a table games dealer on the Las Vegas Strip, working in some of the most prestigious resorts in the world. The casino floor is a world of its own—a mix of luxury, high stakes, and fast-paced interactions where first impressions mean everything.
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I even tried my hand at cocktail service and, for one exhausting week, was a go-go dancer at XS Nightclub—let me tell you, that job was HARD! Each role gave me a new perspective on people, social interactions, and the importance of confidence in every setting, whether you’re serving high rollers or commanding a boardroom.
Despite all my experiences, something was missing. I wanted more than just engaging with people—I wanted to teach. So, I went back to school, earned my degree in education from UNLV, and graduated at the top of my class.​​
When I stepped into my first classroom as a teacher, I noticed something immediately. The students who excelled weren’t just the smartest—they were the ones who had confidence. They were polite, well-spoken, and knew how to navigate social situations. And that’s when it hit me:
Etiquette isn’t about being prim and old-fashioned—it’s about giving people the tools to navigate the world successfully.
That realization led me to create Poised & Proper, where I could combine everything I had learned—from etiquette school to pageantry, from casino floors to classrooms—to teach confidence, presence, and social intelligence in a modern, meaningful way.
My journey has been anything but ordinary, but every step along the way has led me to this. Now, I spend my days helping students, professionals, corporate teams, and leaders refine their presence, elevate their communication, and master the social skills that open doors.
I believe that anyone can cultivate the confidence to thrive. Whether it’s through a handshake, a poised introduction, or knowing how to command attention in a room—success starts with presence.
And I can’t wait to help you find yours.