Internationally certified Indian Image and Etiquette Consultant Konkana Bakshi shows the world how to work for a cause with her foundation Savoire Faire Academie

• ByStartupStory     |    October 11, 2022

Not every beauty pageant crown holder keeps up their promise of serving society. But, Konkana Bakshi is, indeed, an exception. In addition to her routine, Konkana makes time for causes near and dear to her heart, such as the welfare of orphaned street children and organ donations. Habitat For Humanity is a group that Konkana is very invested in. Konkana Bakshi is a respected business and social etiquette consultant with a worldwide presence. She is a well-known image and etiquette consultant in India, a former Femina Miss India too, and has earned international recognition for her expertise. Between the ages of 16 and 19, she competed in a number of international beauty pageants. She participated as an Indian representative at international pageants including Miss Elegance World 2008, Chinese Miss World 2007, and Miss India 2009.

Between the years 2008 and 2012, she served as a brand ambassador for a number of different companies, during which time she received several awards.

She is accredited by the internationally recognized Emily Post Institute in the United States as a Business Etiquette Consultant and from the London Image Institute as an Image Consultant. She has become one of India’s most sought-after image and etiquette consultants. As a result of her travels and studies at European finishing schools, she saw that India was woefully lacking in foreign cultural awareness in the areas of professional etiquette, social graces, and personal grooming abilities, as are often practiced in the United Kingdom and France. Konkana recognized that there were no Indian finishing schools that would modify their curriculum based on the needs of individual business executives and students in order to better prepare them for foreign business and social interactions. This very recognition gave rise to her institution Savoir Faire Academie –The Luxury Finishing School founded in 2013. 

“I came up with the idea in June 2013 and held our first workshop on 20 September 2013 at the Trident Hotel, BKC in Mumbai. The services we provide are personal development, royal etiquette and protocol, business etiquette, social etiquette, signature style, self-branding, networking, health, and fitness. Our target market ranges from young entrepreneurs to homemakers and young adults – anyone looking to hone their social skills, “ said Ms. Bakshi. 

The academy is based out of the Trident (Nariman Point) in Mumbai and has an excellent staff. Konkana Bakshi, the founder/chairman, and they have a team of specialists who she personally recruited. Konkana also serves as an image consultant and manners teacher.

The modern generation is already well-versed in the proper use of utensils, thus Savoir Faire is not interested in instructing its students in the fundamentals. Instead, they are interested in acquiring a more refined understanding of aristocratic manners. The academy consists of experts in helping people develop themselves. Color, figure, and way of life are all factors we consider. Then there are other considerations, such as which accessories to choose. To prove this and establish a visual profile, they conduct photo sessions. Consultations often last between two and four hours. Proper social behavior is distinct. The academy’s services can be tailored to the specific needs of the students. 

Talking about her passion for the institution she said, “Savoir Faire académie started with training for business and corporate etiquette; we are expanding our offerings to include social etiquette, art appreciation and training luxury professionals about the finer things in life to facilitate quality interaction with clients. At Tres Chic, where I am the principle consultant, we offer personal image consultancy, consult bridal clients and social skills. We have private consultancy for clients who require a tailored programme. My vision is to continue providing excellence at the académie and our workshops. I get inspired by clients’ real transformation. It makes me happy and I feel worthy of contributing to someone’s life.”

When Konkana first opened Savoir Faire three years ago, she had no idea that she would eventually become the chairman of the board for India’s premier finishing school. The one session she ran to test the waters was a huge success. With India being such a price-conscious market, she had and still has serious concerns about this sector. Some of the best finishing schools in Europe have opened locations in China to cater to the growing demand for boarding school education in the country. Ms. Bakshi has faith that India will eventually see the wisdom in prioritizing soft skills development alongside academic achievement.

Konkana believes that those who choose to work for themselves won’t find any magic formula for financial security, only the right mix of preparation and effort can provide results. The fortunes of a company may rise and fall. According to her, if a woman can strike the correct balance, she will have the greatest possible opportunity of becoming a successful entrepreneur. If one wants to see her or his new company through its inevitable ups and downs, one needs to have a solid strategy and surround themselves with trustworthy individuals.

Follow Startup Story