Today we’d like to introduce you to Conversations with Kid-Tillion Founders: Caroline Harris and Shannon Jones.
Hi Caroline and Shannon, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
At Kid‑Tillion, we began with a simple yet powerful belief: children can—and should—learn not just good manners, but the why behind kind behavior, confident communication, and everyday social grace. As co-founders and moms, we saw a gap between wanting our children to behave “well” and equipping them with tools to navigate real-life social situations with ease, respect, and confidence.
One of us, Caroline Harris, as a mom of two boys, recognized that despite doing everything she could to model kindness and manners, her sons still faced the typical “behavior” reports and awkward social moments at school. It wasn’t about discipline—it was about giving them the practical skills to walk into a scenario, know what to say, how to set a table, how to introduce themselves, and how to show respect authentically.
The other co-founder, Shannon Jones, knew firsthand the challenges of teaching social skills to a child whose impulses and self-regulation were often misunderstood. Her experience reinforced her conviction: when children are empowered with kindness and the tools to interact confidently, the transformation is real—both for the child and for those around them.
Together, we envisioned a program unlike anything too “stuffy” or overly formal—but one that is hands-on, fun, and grounded in real-world scenarios. A space where children ages 7-17 would learn the importance of table manners, polite conversation, confident introductions, and being a positive helper at home and at school. Our workshops use games, role-playing, real dining practice, and interactive activities so that etiquette becomes a lived experience—not just a set of rules.
Why did we create Kid-Tillion? Because we believe that etiquette isn’t about rigid formality—it’s about helping kids feel comfortable, capable, and confident in any social setting. Whether they’re meeting a new friend, attending a dinner, or simply saying “thank you,” we want them to act with kindness, awareness, and character. That belief is the foundation of our story—and the heart of every workshop.
We’re proud of how far we’ve come, and excited for where we’re going—because this isn’t just about teaching manners; it’s about building strong, kind, brave young people who understand the value of their voice, their presence, and their impact in the world.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like many small beginnings, Kid-Tillion started as an idea scribbled on a notepad and built entirely from scratch with the bare minimum for resources — because we wanted to keep it affordable and accessible for families in our community. We saw a real need as parents ourselves — a space for children to learn the life skills and social confidence that schools often overlook — but we didn’t know where to go or how to begin. Turning that vision into a structured, recognized program took time, faith, and a lot of trial and error.
One of our biggest challenges was balancing heart and structure. We didn’t want Kid-Tillion to feel like “charm school” or just another after-school class — it needed to be fun, engaging, and something kids looked forward to. Finding that balance between interactive learning and true etiquette instruction took countless late nights refining lesson plans, testing activities, and making tweaks after every class.
Another challenge was introducing something “different” to communities where social-skills training wasn’t yet familiar. We had to build trust — showing families that this wasn’t about perfection or performance, but about equipping kids with confidence and kindness that last a lifetime. There were moments of self-doubt, especially while juggling our own full lives as moms, REALTORs, and community members. But every smile, every “thank you,” and every child who walked a little taller after class reminded us that we were building something special.
We’ve learned that growth takes patience. From designing our own curriculum and creating a brand, to finding the right partners, venues, and materials — every step has been a lesson in perseverance and purpose.
And truthfully, that’s what we teach our students too: how to keep showing up with kindness, confidence, and grace — even when things don’t go perfectly. Because that’s real etiquette in action.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The founders of Kid-Tillion also make up the JoyBird Team at eXp Realty — a top-performing real estate duo with strong roots in corporate sales, community connection, and relationship-building. As certified etiquette consultants, they bring the same professionalism, creativity, and heart that drive their real estate success into every Kid-Tillion class. Their work, whether selling homes or shaping young minds, is fueled by a shared passion for helping people feel confident and capable — in their community and within themselves.
Though the two founders couldn’t be more different — one a former debutante and the other a former collegiate athlete — both understand that discipline, confidence and character are the foundation for success in life. That blend of grace and grit shapes everything they do, from leading real estate clients through major life transitions to teaching children the skills and mindset to shine in any setting.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
At Kid-Tillion, we define success not by perfection, but by progress — seeing a child walk a little taller, speak with a little more confidence, or show kindness without being reminded. Success is when what we teach in class starts showing up at the dinner table, on the playground, or in the way a child treats others. It’s in those small, everyday moments where confidence meets character.
For us personally, success is also about balance — raising families, running a business, and giving back to the community in ways that create lasting impact. Whether it’s helping a family find their dream home through JoyBird Team or helping a child discover the power of their presence through Kid-Tillion, success means making a difference that extends far beyond ourselves.
Pricing:
- 3 Hour Workshop Session 1 – $97
- 3 Hour Workshop Session 2 – $97
- Teen-Tillion Workshop – $97
- Gift Card for any workshop or product – $97
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kid-tillion.com
- Instagram: @kidtillion
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/KidTillion
