About The Refinement Studio

Schools rarely teach etiquette, which was once dubbed "the science of living" by its preeminent writer Emily Post. Cynthia L.S. Ely co-founded The Refinement Studio to fill this void. A student of English, music, and art, Ms. Ely teaches both children and adults how to appreciate and respect the finer things in life. Her workshops aim to build character and self-esteem through subtle gestures that grease the wheels of social interaction. In addition to children's tea parties, there are classes on proper grooming, correspondence, and professional etiquette. She also helps her students foster polite conversations by expressing gratitude and reminding them to never call a teapot short and stout.