What if the thing that makes you feel like an outsider is actually your greatest strength?

In this episode of The Joy Club Podcast, Emily McCarthy sits down in New York City with Mariah Humbert, etiquette coach, entrepreneur, and twice-published author. Mariah shares how being the eldest daughter in a family of entrepreneurs shaped her drive from a young age, and how she left a secure corporate job in fashion retail buying during the pandemic to build a business of her own from scratch.

They talk about how a Saturday etiquette class in New York City turned into an Instagram account, a speaking career, and ultimately two published books, and why Mariah believes etiquette today is less about rigid rules and more about the small, intentional moments that make people feel seen. Mariah opens up about the risk that came with writing her first book, the imposter syndrome she had to work through, and what she's learned about grace, patience, and building authentic relationships along the way.

Emily and Mariah also get into what's ahead, including Mariah's third book, a modern manners guide written for a generation navigating connection in a digital-first world. The conversation closes with Mariah's advice for staying true to yourself in a world that constantly asks you to fit in.

This is a conversation about authenticity, confidence, and the quiet power of showing up as exactly who you are.

Timestamps:

• 0:00 - Welcome & Arnold Palmers in New York City
• 2:00 - Early signs of the entrepreneur Mariah Humbert would become
• 8:00 - How a single etiquette class turned into a career
• 22:00 - Inside her upcoming book: modern manners for a digital generation
• 37:00 - What joy means to Mariah, and her one piece of wisdom

Mentioned in this episode:

• Mariah Humbert's etiquette coaching and books
• Mariah's upcoming third book on modern manners and etiquette

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Links: Emily McCarthy | Designer Fashion & Lifestyle Brand Joy Club Podcast on Instagram

1. Mariah Humbert
2. etiquette coach
3. Emily McCarthy
4. Joy Club Podcast
5. women entrepreneurs
6. modern etiquette
7. New York City
8. published author
9. confidence and connection
10. authenticity