The journey began in 1971 at Arlington’s Town North Library, where Susan Huston taught etiquette and grooming to her first class of ten children. Later that year, she organized her first official charm school for Leonard’s Department Stores, a venture that quickly expanded to four additional locations.

When Dillard’s Department Stores acquired Leonard’s in 1974, Susan’s workshops saw unprecedented growth. Over the next 26 years, her programs expanded across nine Dillard’s locations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. In 1997, she further evolved her curriculum by launching the Girls&Style and Girls&Beauty programs.

Impact by the Numbers

For over five decades, Susan and her dedicated staff have guided more than 41,000 children, pre-teens, and teens, providing them with essential training in etiquette, grooming, and modeling. The scale of her impact is reflected in a remarkable history of service:

• 328,000 workshop hours taught

• 500 professional fashion shows produced

• 400+ articles written about her programs

• 82,000 cheeks blushed and 13,500 feet of runway walked

A Multi-Generational Mission

One of Susan’s greatest rewards has been the gift of longevity; many of her former students, now years later, have returned to enroll their own children in her workshops. They seek the same foundational skills they once learned: how to use etiquette and poise to navigate life’s endeavors with confidence.

Throughout this rewarding journey, Susan has remained honored to help thousands of individuals believe in themselves. By teaching these skills, she ensures her students are prepared for every social and business situation they encounter.