The true testament of greatness is discovering one’s ability to empower others. To give to the lives of others is to emulate God’s gift of life. Dazzle would like to introduce you to Paula Theophilus, devoted mother, wife, student and an advocate and pioneer in the pageantry industry here in St. Lucia.
There is always more than what meets the eye, when you meet someone for the first time. This thirty-and-then-some woman is the personification of perseverance and a compassionate soul. Born in the community of Gros-Islet where she lived with her parents and three siblings, Paula recaps her childhood days for us:
“I was somewhat of a tomboy growing up. I played cricket, football, and rode bikes. I got into swimming at a very young age since we lived next to the bay. I also got into fishing. Growing up for me was very carefree. Gros Islet at the time was a village and so everyone was really close knit.”
Being young and eager to see what the world had to offer, Paula took up her first job at Club St. Lucia Hotel at the tender age of nineteen, fresh out of Leon Hess Comprehensive School. Though she always wanted to be a lawyer, she quickly fell in love with her job in the hospitality sector. Paula tells Dazzle why:
“Getting to meet people of various nationalities and cultures was very interesting. It was exciting because as a young person, getting into a job like that is fun. At the same time these people coming here to St. Lucia pay so much money to stay at a hotel, their expectations need to be met. Essentially, my job was to make them happy and I was happy doing that!’
Paula worked at Club St. Lucia for fourteen years, assuming a number of different roles during her employment. Of these roles, her time in the entertainment department was the most memorable as it would give rise to a series of opportunities, including participation in the Miss Club St. Lucia pageant.
“I was first employed in the entertainment department. I got hooked on and developed a passion for fashion there. I participated in Miss Club St. Lucia in 1993 at which I was the first runner-up. From there I got to love pageantry. I helped a number of ladies who participated in the competition after me. I also got into modeling as we would host fashion shows.”
Paula’s love for pageantry and fashion continued to grow. As her job portfolio became broader and routinised, she would assume a role which she was destined for.
“During my time at Club St. Lucia I was first exposed to entertainment and from there I got promoted and became part of the hotel’s managerial team. I managed the Kids Club for seven years, and during that time I was responsible for children who visited the resort. As a result their parents did not have to worry about them whilst on vacation. I was subsequently appointed Duty Manager. My job became somewhat monotonous, as you repeat the same things all the time. I wanted to move on and do other things. So when I was invited to a meeting of the Carnival Queen Committee by Teddy Francis, although my first thoughts were, ‘why me?’ I attended the meeting. At that meeting I learned that they had called in chaperons to be assigned to the Carnival Queen contestants. Since I already had the experience, I figured I would give it a try and give back to my country.”
Paula tells Dazzle that this call to action would spark a desire in her to help others. Naturally, as a mother Paula has nurturing characteristics but it extends beyond that as she feels responsible for the contestants. She sees her role as one of empowering young women and helping them overcome their circumstances and realise their dreams. It is because of this irresistible desire to help these young ladies that Paula continues to give freely to the St. Lucia Carnival Queen Committee, as this is not a title that carries a salary. In her own words, Paula describes why pageantry is so important to her:
“The first girl I chaperoned was Sannyu James, in 2006. She won the pageant that year in 2006. In 2007 I accompanied her to Antigua for the Miss Jaycees pageant. In 2007 I got another call from the committee and was offered the role of head chaperon. The most rewarding thing about pageantry for me is seeing a young lady develop. It starts from auditions when you see these young ladies for the first time. They then make it through auditions, and I have to work with them throughout that process before the show, prepare them for the show and get them to work with a chaperon. This is an amazing thing. It is through this process that a young lady can develop her skills; skills which she did not know existed. That, for me, is the drive and passion I get from this, to see a young lady grow into something she really wants to be. Pageantry is more than just a pretty face or getting on stage. When I get to work with a young lady, I get to prepare her in various areas such as grooming, etiquette and public speaking.”
With any job there are challenges but Paula does not give up easily. She would love to see an extension of the Carnival Queen Committee that looks after the contestants when they have completed the pageant. This, she says, is because some of the ladies have issues and they require assistance. She will continue to pursue this goal and would like to see the young ladies have a better quality life. As head chaperon, Paula is responsible for arranging functions for them to attend. She oversees their wardrobe, hair and make-up, and organises photo-shoots. Michelle Monrose (chairperson) is the one person whom Paula enjoys working with and she admits she could not do it without her.
Paula gives her all in any endeavour she undertakes. Dazzle was amazed at how much she currently does, from being a mother of three, a wife, head chaperon, to ambassador and student currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management with a minor in Human Resource Management at Monroe College. Paula also tells Dazzle who her role models are.
“Though it seems like a lot, I pray a lot! Without God I would not be able to do what I am doing now. My mother is also my biggest source of support. She helps out with my kids. I also manage my time properly.
My mom is my role model because she came from humble beginnings and yet she was able to raise us; especially into the young lady I am today. My husband, he is a lawyer by profession. When we met I was in the hospitality industry. I worked at the hotel at the time and I never thought my husband would be the Minister of Tourism today. He has transformed into so much and learnt so much, he is determined to get the industry to another level. I see a whole different him assuming this new role.”
Dazzle Magazine, would like to wish Paula success in all her endeavours. You are using your talents to make a difference in the lives of so many others. Paula has some helpful advice for our readers:
“Be self-motivated! Don’t give up on your dreams, we all have dreams, we all would like to be somewhere someday but it may not happen at once for us. Not all of us are gifted with a family to send you to school, however don’t give up. Don’t be afraid to try new things and never give up! Put God first and the rest will follow.”
