Etiquette Guru & The Host of Daytime Emmy-Nominated Show, Mind Your Manners, Hong Kong
Who is Sara Jane Ho?
I am an Etiquette Expert, host of Mind Your Manners on Netflix, and co-founder of Antevorta an intimate skincare brand formulated with traditional Chinese medicinal herbs.
How did you first get into the Image and Etiquette field, Sara?
I grew up with etiquette. I absorb lots from my mother – her motto of “live like a local” and from my father, curiousness and kind interest in the world and people’s lives.
You started Institute Sarita in Beijing. Tell us about that.
It was a business idea that came to me at Harvard Business School. I moved to Beijing in 2012 and open Sarita, a finishing school for ladies.
There are many out there still skeptical about image and etiquette classes, workshops and courses. How did people receive this idea when you started out all those years ago?
Every action has a yin and yang reaction. For every person who welcomes what you do, there will be someone who does not. When I opened an etiquette school in Beijing, there was too much controversy, but I just focused on my passion and my customers’ needs.
Tell us about your growing up years, Sara.
My parents were very strict, and definitely did not spoil me with toys or big allowances. However, when it came to learning and travelling, there was no limitations. I learnt from the best and getting a native experience wherever I go.
What are the traits required to be in this industry?
To be an etiquette expert, I often say you have to be a micro cultural anthropologist. Anthropology is the study of human behavior. And each day we all move amongst different micro cultures – be in school, work, family, or different sets of friends. It’s about having the sense and sensibility to observe and move amongst different cultures seamlessly. To put those around you at ease, so that you feel at ease around them – which leads to a sense of human belonging.
How does one get certified?
Going to an etiquette school isn’t enough. You need to grow with it – you need exposure to different cultures, people, industries. The more exposed you are, the more practical experience you will have to master and bend the rules.
Tell us about your show, Mind Your Manners, which is currently playing on Netflix.
It is a makeover reality show, a feel-good show. Everyone has their own personal journey – my students came for etiquette but really it’s about building their confidence.
You’ll be in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the ZafigoX Rejuvenation Conference, happening from October 12 – 13, 2024. Tell us about this event, Sara.
I’m so excited to share how travelling and seeing the world and meeting new people has shaped who I am today. We only truly understand ourselves and our home culture after we have left it. Travel is the single biggest factor in helping shape your world views.
The event revolves around personal growth and rejuvenation. In your opinion, how important are these 2 factors for women? And why?
We have to keep learning, and by doing so we become better versions of ourselves. That is rejuvenation.
What’s next for Sara Jane Ho?
This year I launched an intimate skincare brand, Antevorta, that is formulated with traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. We have wash, sprays and wipes for your feminine area to fight odor, dryness and irritation. You may recognize me from my etiquette work, but really I’m about bridging east and west and helping women move more confidently through the world. Antevorta is an extension of that.
For those who aspire to get into this industry, what is your advice?
If you want to get into the etiquette industry, learn from everyone around you! Each time you meet somebody, learn about their culture, food, industry the work they do, or their hobbies. With each person, you open your eyes and learn new etiquettes!
Where can Fab! Luxe readers go to know more about your work?
Follow me on Instagram @sarajaneho and visit my website
Best book you’ve read this year
Manifest Now by Idil Ahmed
The last music you downloaded
Mamushi by Megan Thee Stallion
The music that changed everything for you
Water by Tyla
When you need to feel inspired
Peace and quiet
Things you’ll always have in your fridge
Eggs
Morning routine
Drink a big glass of hot water the first thing I wake up
A typical day for Sara Jane Ho
There is no typical day, which is what I enjoy
What have you come to appreciate the last 2 years
That you’re never too old to take risk and try something new
Definition of success to you
Learning something new every day
Biggest inspiration comes from
Inspirational women around me
One gadget you can’t do without
My iphone
Country you can’t wait to go back to
Malaysia for ZafigoX!
Favorite podcast(s)
Something you’ve recently discovered.
Larroude shoes
Philosophy in life
I have many, one of them that my mother passed down to me is LIVE LIKE A LOCAL!
Your style icon
I channel different style icons for different looks
Best things about Hong Kong
The food
Favorite movie
Most recent favorite show is Emily in Paris
What’s in your glass and plate for cocktail hour
A mocktail and anything that tastes good
