Windsurfer/Kiter/CEO of a Charity, Hawaii
1. Name
Tatiana Howard
2. Where is your home town?
Haiku, Maui
3. What is your profession/career/title/self-label/designation?
I am a professional windsurfer, all around water woman and founder/organizer of The Butterfly Effect (www.betheeffect.com). In addition to following my water sport dreams, I am a Maui real estate agent helping people find their dream homes or assisting to sell for adventures ahead.
4. What was the journey like to get where you are (career wise)? When was the mental shift to start the journey?
The journey has been amazing, challenging, rewarding, unbelievable, emotional, and everything in between. I was naturally led into creating this non-competitive event for women from support of friends and family. Without them nothing would be what it is today. Even the people that challenged the idea made the event grow. Sometimes when people say you can't do it or it can't be done, it motivates you more to do it. It is also a constant learning process, learning from your mistakes and analyzing how you can do it better. You have to be super passionate about it though. Like becoming a really good dancer or surfer or any sport; you can learn to do it and be happy being mediocre with it, or you can exceed mediocrity by paying close attention to the details and doing it over and over again. Repetition and determination usually bring about success; especially if you love what you are doing and are passionate about it. As far as the mental shift, I was so young (19) that it was natural to do what you love and that passion kept it going. Passion is contagious and fun and also, naturally attracts a positive flow of energy if you look at it the right way. Like a good wave, once you are on it and in the moment.... you move and preform as best as you can and open to what is ahead, ready for it with energy and a positive outlook.
5. Biggest accomplishment since making the (Physical/mental) move?
One of biggest accomplishment has been to be aware and present in the moment during each event no matter where you are, or how big or small the event may be. We had events around the world with so many different people, sometimes not even being able to speak the same language. In those times, you try your best and communicate differently but staying present with aloha and passionate in what you are doing. Then the events are always a success. Each event is unique and I have learned not to put expectations or make comparisons.
6. What was the biggest disappointment and plan to overcome it?
I would have to say sponsorships are always tough. But I didn't want the lack of sponsorships to control whether the event happened or not. It made me dig harder, work stronger and complete something that I wanted to happen no matter what.
7. Advice for other women?
Find your passion and follow it. Accept the challenges and know they only make you stronger and wiser. Everything happens for a reason so if something doesn't go as planned, know that it will be ok and even better in the future.
8. Where in the world do you feel "tallest"?
I feel tallest when I am dancing either on land or water. I love to dance to live drumming here on Maui at Samba, African, Haitian, or Hula classes. My other dancing is on the water either surfing, windsurfing, or kitesurfing. I love when my dance partner is a board and we are gliding down a wave making lines and spray off the top of the waves.
9. What is the future goal/challenge (career goals in 5 -10 years)?
After being in the event production for about 10 years now, I can see that it can be very wasteful. The Butterfly Effect events aren't the biggest events in the world, but already with my size events there can be a lot of waste. Now that I can see women in water sports in healthy and growing, I would like to influence water women, communities and events to pay attention to what they use and how they can go about business more eco-friendly and sustainable. I think if we can spread this awareness it can change for the better. I also like to encourage organic, local, and as much vegetarian foods during and around the event as possible to promote awareness of animal agriculture and how it is responsible for more greenhouse gases (more than all transportation combined), contributing to deforestation and the disappearing of wildlife, and how it takes up 80% of US water consumption. Not to say don't eat meat at all, but if everyone can reduce their intake it would help the planet heal.
10. What fears are you still hoping to overcome?
Fear itself. Someone once told me FEAR is Fake Evidence Appearing Right. Fear is a constant issue to overcome at all levels big and small. Just the practice of removing fear is what I want to overcome
11. What inspires you?
Nature inspires me. Being on the water, windsurfing, surfing, kitesurfing, all inspire me. Washing away the old, having space and freedom on the water allows me to express who I am. Passion and wisdom inspires me, seeing people love what they do and do what they love is always inspiring to see. Being in the moment with people you care about or new people you meet is inspiring.
12. Where can others find you/your work?
You can find The Butterfly Effect online at www.BeTheEffect.com and my personal website at www.tatianahoward.com. We are also on Facebook, The Butterfly Effect Movement, and Tatiana Howard, along with Instagram @betheeffect and @tatianahoward
13. Who is a Wow Woman in your life who inspires you ( and why)?
My mom in my wow woman, she is a spiritual seeker and always sharing thoughts and ideas to think about. Caring and kind, and always supportive and there to help at whoever has a dream or goal. I have always been inspired by my yoga teacher, Jennifer Lynn, who seems like a genius and can speak like she is reading a book about the ideas of life and tie it all together with a closing that you feel full and inspired to go out and do what you love without fear.