Meet SEWN member…
Paula Howley, Big Talker
Head Start Public Speaking for Kids
If you’ve run into Paula Howley you’ll know it.
Her wild red hair and exuberant laugh make a lasting impression. Like many women before her, she came to the coast for a man. The great thing is they’re still together and have a ten year old daughter, Meaghan.
“I’m originally from Windsor so I really appreciate the natural beauty of the Coast. Windsor’s idea of natural beauty was growing grass over the landfill.”
Paula has been self-employed most of her life but her path was set back when she was 17 and “standing waist deep in trouble.” She was given an opportunity to tell her story in a public speaking venue and never forgot the sense of empowerment that came from being heard. 8 years back, when Meaghan was just 2 and Paula was craving adult conversation, she joined Toastmasters and rediscovered that passion for speaking and writing. Some time later she was asked to create public speaking workshops for a friend’s Girl Guide troop and that grew into a business: Head Start Public Speaking for Kids was born; it will be four this September and expanding with classes in both Sechelt and Gibsons.
“The thing I’m most passionate about in my business is helping kids to walk through their fear so they can begin to find their own voice. And then, helping them DEVELOP that voice. Finding and developing my own voice has helped me understand what’s important to me so I’m really grateful for that process and I love introducing it to young people. It’s so incredible watching them transform before my very eyes! My students sometimes bring me to tears with their courage and authenticity. And they always crack me up. I love being in this privileged space of trust with them.”
Paula is a speaking and storytelling evangelist. She firmly believes these are fundamental skills in the ideas economy, for innovators and entrepreneurs, for all industries. The storytellers will be the leaders of tomorrow.
She joined SEWN because she wanted to meet and develop relationships with women across the coast, particularly women entrepreneurs.
“When the Progress Plan came out a few years ago, I really identified with the many other women who felt a sense of isolation here on the Coast and the fact that SEWN was an actual result of that plan excited me. I wanted to be a part of the solution! So, I would be really thrilled to feel a deeper sense of connection with other women on the coast and even make a few new friends!”
Paula is keen to share her knowledge about communication with fellow SEWN members and is happy to help you boost your own confidence, as well as that of your kids. “I love to listen to people tell their life stories and I love coaching people through developing and writing revelatory talks or speeches. There is nothing like watching someone walk out of their fear and into their confidence!”
Contact PAULA
Head Start Public Speaking for Kids
jlhowley@telus.net
604-883-3618
www.headstartpublicspeaking.com
Published: November 2016