Sylvia Lovely is a storyteller and collector. In her early career as a CEO with two small children, she had little time for stories.
She since has written three books, including one of them about the local extraordinary heroes she met during her travels.
She also works in other venues in pursuing her passion to encourage others to be storytellers.
Learn more about Sylvia here:
Name of your business, website, social media handles
Connecting Our Voices
If you are an entrepreneur, what motivated you to start your own business?
As a lawyer/CEO, I served in that role for 30 years. I collected stories from throughout Kentucky and found that I longed to both be a full-time author and teacher/inspirer of others to write their stories. My signature class is “Writing the Stories of Your Life” with Carnegie Center of Literacy and Learning and Good Foods Co-op. I am also a restaurant owner and publish a podcast from my radio program, Food News and Chews. I particularly enjoy exploring Kentucky stories that celebrate our culture and provide us moments of laughing, celebrating, healing and more.
What does success mean to you?
Success is finding a purpose and relentlessly pursuing it. Purpose for me is pursuing the artistry within me by mining my gifts — inspiring others and writing — and seeing results that change the world.
What is your mantra or favorite saying? (If it's a known quote, please let us know who said it first!)
When all is said and done, “we’re all just walking each other home.” Ram Dass, American teacher and PhilosopherWhen all is said and done, “we’re all just walking each other home.” Ram
What failure taught you the most about life or business? What was the lesson?
Losing a beloved job during the recession of 2008. I realize I had let my job be my identity. I have given keynotes about the need to understand that identity is not synonymous with a job. We use our stories to recover and start a new story.
What's your favorite book - fiction or non-fiction! - in the past year?
Women Rowing North, Navigating Life’s Currents and Flourishing as We age, Mary Pipher
If you could teach the world one five-minute lesson, what would it be?
It would be to view your life from the balcony of leadership and realize that while it may not work out as you wish, you are blessed with the ability to always write/live a new story.
Knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently when you were first starting out?
I would not have gone to law school. But, born in poverty but excelling in school, I was encouraged to go to law school instead of becoming a travel writer which was my dream. I am not cut out to be a lawyer even though I do legal work today for those in poverty.
What does women's empowerment look like to you in action?
Helping young women realize that lives are not shiney and beautiful. We must learn to fail and lead ourselves and others out of the mire.
What would you tell 19-year-old YOU?
To be myself instead of who others thought I should be.
What will 86-year-old you want you to know TODAY?
To age well by understanding and pursuing a life of purpose and giving back.
Does anyone call you by a nickname? What is it?
Sibya; Sybby (grandchildren’s name)
What is your favorite place for our audience to reach you?
I live in Lexington. Not sure I understand. My inspirational place is Lake Superior which my son once lived. It is magnificent.
What is your favorite quote? (It can be yours or from someone that you look up to.)
Those Who Tell Stories Rule the World, Hopi Indian Tribe
