Etiquette Expert Sara Jane Ho: A Legacy of East Meets West

Sara Jane Ho is an international etiquette expert, the host of Netflix show “Mind Your Manners”, and an entrepreneur. For her, legacy is a bridge between Eastern and Western cultures, and a means of empowering women with greater confidence and strength.

“A lot of people think that legacy is something for the future, but for me, it starts now,” Sara asserts. “You are in control of your life. It’s about what you want for yourself, and how far you’ll go to make it happen.” Dressed in a bright pink blazer and looking refreshed as ever, this go-getting international etiquette teacher and entrepreneur has opted for light makeup and chosen to style her hair to neatly frame her face, effortlessly exuding an air of poise and elegance. Sara grew up in Hong Kong, and we’re now at Peak School, where she spent her childhood. The school library, in particular, is a place that Sara holds dear. “The library is hugely meaningful to me as I’m a bookworm. I love reading stories from different places. This place is full of memories and emotions—a place where I could play with complete abandon, be happy, and be creative,” Sara says, contemplative. While she was raised in Hong Kong, the languages used at home and at school were different. Plus, she studied in the US as a child, making her extra sensitive to her word choices to ensure that every single Cantonese word that she uttered was the correct one. She admits in jest that she wanted to make sure her dad knew that her Cantonese was great.

“My dad taught me that the world is a playground. He encouraged me to go out and explore.” Her worldview and value in human connection—both important legacies passed down through her family—are the driving forces to an adventurous spirit that she has possessed since a young age. At 16, she interned as a reporter at South China Morning Post; at 17, she conducted internships at Hong Kong’s Citibank, Zhongguancun in Beijing and multi-national consulting firms, acquiring knowledge in international and professional standards. When she was 24, Sara was accepted into Harvard Business School and after graduating with a Master’s degree, she decided to return to Beijing to establish the etiquette school, Institute Sarita. At the time, the Chinese economy was developing rapidly and integrating with the global market. Many Chinese people were studying abroad, conducting business and travelling, and they were eager to familiarise themselves with international etiquette of the Western world. She seized this opportunity to open a finishing school. Initially, many of her students were middle-aged women, but training programmes for young women were later introduced. In 2014, the institute was recognised as one of the most noteworthy creative businesses, and Sara was included in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2015 as one of the brightest young entrepreneurs. “Many people have a misconception of etiquette. They think it is restricting or limiting when in fact it is an empowering tool that can help you get ahead in life.  Learning how to communicate, how to put others at ease, to show consideration and respect—this is soft power.” In 2022, Sara hosted Netflix’s “Mind Your Manners”. On the show, she taught students how to gracefully peel an orange with a knife and fork, helping them solve life challenges while boosting their self-confidence. Through the TV programme, she also introduced traditional chinese medicine, chinese philosophy, martial arts, qigong and more to the international audience. Sharing and exporting Chinese culture to the world was exactly what Sara wanted to do. “I educate Chinese people about Western and international etiquette, and teach Westerners about Chinese feng shui, traditional medicine and wellness concepts. My legacy is to connect Eastern and Western cultures. Everything I’ve done over the past decade and my whole career has been dedicated towards achieving this goal.” Earlier this year, Sara published her new book Mind Your Manners: How to Be Your Best Self in Any Situation, imparting her knowledge on global etiquette and cultural traditions of the East and West. She shared advice on how to navigate challenges in one’s social life, dating and interpersonal relationships. The book was an instant hit, becoming a source of inspiration and guidance for many, especially women.

In building her career, Sara has encountered many women who faced similar challenges. “I want to pass on more confidence to fellow women to help them face the world. It’s not easy being a modern woman, having to deal with pressure from different aspects of life and live up to others’ expectations. Women have to juggle their career and family, all the while looking beautiful and staying healthy. We give so much. We are givers. Women give too much to others, and sometimes forget about themselves, rarely putting themselves first. This is why women’s empowerment is so important.” In addition to sharing all kinds of information with women through her TV show and YouTube channel, this year Sara also launched Antevorta Laboratories, a women’s intimate care brand inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, empowering women to be comfortable in their own skin. This is care that extends outwards—it is a legacy, and something that Sara strives to do every day. 

Interview by：Ivy Cheung

Photography：Charles Wan