Elbows off the dinner table, sit up straight, hold your head high, and walk with a book on your head to improve your posture. Those are just some of the things that show whether or not a person has proper etiquette. As kids we all went through it with our parents I’m sure, but two people decided to take it to another level and broaden the scope here in Kuwait.

Hanadi Khazal and her partner Rawan Alabdulazzaq are the Managing Directors of Acanthe School of Etiquette and Protocol. With a passion for proper etiquette, they grew inspired by the idea of offering such a service to the people of Kuwait. Their passion is apparent through the simple yet extravagant set up; with blacks, whites, and grays all around, everything looks so prim and proper. Opening its doors in October 2009, Hanadi has made it a goal to offer only the best to the public. Having proper etiquette is one of the unspoken rules of society, and is a necessity in life since, as the former U.S Supreme Court Justice, Clarence Thomas, stated, “Good manners will open doors that the best education cannot.”

Propriety has become something we all long for in a world filled with chaos, and Acanthe has set out to make a difference. Be it how one should dress, to how one should sit during dinner, and even what the different types of flowers symbolize and how they should be arranged; nothing is left out. The history behind the name of the place is beautiful. Acanthe is originally a symbol for art that was inspired by the flower known as Acanthus. The Acanthe print is famously known for the Corinthian order in architecture that was created by fifth century B.C. Roman architect and sculptor Callimachus. Since then, the Acanthe pattern has been used to portray art. Etiquette, considered a form of art, gave Hanadi and Rawan the idea of using the name Acanthe for the school.

Opening their doors for anyone and everyone wishing to learn about etiquette, their courses cater to everyone from ages 6 till 25 and above. The teachers at the school are fully certified and selected carefully and the courses are approved by the Ministry of Education. This means that at the end of each course, regularly a three-day intensive course, you receive a fully approved certificate of completion. “I’ve always had a passion to learn about etiquette because of my parents,” states Hanadi, “after that, I grew interested in it and wanted to spread it.” Rawan with the artistic flair, sat down with Hanadi and they both started forming ideas on how to shape the school to teach proper etiquette and at the same time make it suitable for Kuwait.

“It’s the beauty of lifestyle that broadens everyone’s appreciation in art and beauty,” adds Hanadi. A Finance and Banking graduate, Hanadi always had a passion for propriety and fashion. Keen on taking courses throughout her summers, she pushed her limits and broadened her knowledge in the field. Teaming up with Rawan was perfect, as her degree in Communication and Design gave her an appreciation for art and design. With a passion to learn and a passion to teach, Hanadi and Rawan found the beauty in opening a school to prepare everyone for any occasion. Their classes cater to everyone from the absolute beginner to those that would like a refresher or possibly further their knowledge.