Meet Trailblazer Paige Loeppky

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paige Loeppky.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Paige. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My journey back to health started, well, it’s actually hard to tell. It was that moment when I found myself feeling differently both mentally and physically, that I realized that what had become my normal was simply not. So often, we find ourselves, over time, becoming used to changes in our health and thinking. When my health started to spiral out of control, I knew I needed to do something, perhaps drastic. I was worried that things were never going to change, that perhaps I was past the point of no return. It frightened me. I was not sharing this information with anyone, regrettably, including my husband. I thought that people knew me as a person who had their “stuff” together, could be relied upon and was the “go-to gal” if you needed anything. I prided myself on that. That illusion was, however, about to crumble in a big way. When I found myself suddenly without a job, and becoming increasingly sick, both physically and mentally. It was then that I started to take my health seriously. My friend had offered to help me by treating my gut health. What did I know about that? Nothing! I used to joke about the yogurt commercials where everyone was doing the hula after having taken the product containing a probiotic for their gut health. It’s funny thinking back on that now. A couple of years into my journey, I can confidently say that there really was something to that whole gut health movement. It has changed my life in so many ways.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My road back to normal was not a short one. We forget sometimes that when we come to a realization about our health reality that we didn’t get there in a day and we won’t get back there in a day as well. With the proper supplementation and regiment, along with exercise and support of loved ones and colleagues, I was able to make my way back. Am I done? No! But that is not bad news. It is a continual process to maintain what I have established. I pride myself as a teacher to know many things, a ‘Jack of all trades and master of none,” if you like. I learn more every day. I question and seek knowledge continually.

When I was younger, I had my whole life mapped out. I was a planner and was the eldest child in my family. With this came a great deal of responsibility. Perhaps, I put a lot of pressure on myself to be self-sufficient. I grew up in a mining town in Northern Manitoba and worked there for the summer after high school. This was hard physical work and prepared me for the hard work that was ahead of me. I’ve always had a strong work ethic, but there is only so much you can prepare. Life is a daring adventure, full of unpredictable and exciting things.

Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
My life’s work has always been as a teacher. I worked in this area since I was 15 years old. I taught swimming lessons and coached synchronized swimming. I always had the need to share with others what I knew. I worked my way through seven years of University and 2 degrees, a Bachelor of Phys. Ed. and a Bachelor of Education. After graduation, I worked for 22 years as a teacher of girls in a residential treatment center. I always described it as “Little House on the Prairie – in Rehab.” What a reality tv show it would have been! It was a very difficult, stressful work, but it was the most rewarding work I had ever done. My specialty has always been in Alternative Education. I think my gift is being able to develop a rapport with people, especially young girls at risk.
Although I teach now, I also work with the company that brought me back to life. To say that is not an exaggeration. So much of what I do compliments what we are doing with this company. I have always taught young women, many of whom believed they had no choices, that knowledge is power. It gives you the ability to get a better job, take care of yourself and others, and allows you the ability to choose your life’s path. My greatest gift is to pass this on to others, especially young women.

We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
I think that women today are still challenged with the legacy of their mothers and grandmothers. As much as they want to see us succeed, we are also challenged by the expectations that they had placed upon them. Change is difficult, no matter how much we see the need for it and want it for others. However, I grew up with a mother who worked and stayed at home. She never limited our dreams. My sister and I were involved in many organizations that required that we develop our leadership skills. It has served me well in all areas of my life. I love seeing a project go from conception to completion.

We are constantly placed in situations where we must make decisions that impact our families. We struggle to juggle everything, but we are still expected to master our schedules to seamlessly allow everyone else to do their thing. It really comes down to creating a home where chores and responsibilities are shared by everyone. It teaches children to be self-sufficient and to take pride in their own contributions to family life.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.plexusworldwide.ca/paigeloeppky
• Phone: 204-782-6893
• Email: paiger1469@gmail.com
• Instagram: catch_the_wave_paige
• Facebook: Paige Loeppky

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