Emilly Lamareaux says she was timid and introverted as a child, always struggling to communicate.
“I didn’t speak until I was 3, but I don’t feel like I learned how to talk until 23,” Lamareaux said. “My twin and I— we created a twin language, and that’s typically how I would talk to people, is through my twin."
Now 23, Lamareux is finding her voice in a new way and helping other women do the same. In April, Lamareux launched the Sandy-based club, The Period Speaks to provide opportunities for women in the community to practice using their voices to empower and enable them to speak up for themselves.
Dream sparks club idea
Lamareaux said the idea for The Period Speaks came to her in a dream.
“I felt like it was time to not only have this opportunity for me, but for anyone who is like me,” Lamareaux said. “My main mission is to uplift women’s voices.”
She began networking by reaching out to local art community members and promoting through social media, striving to get as many women involved and aware as possible.
A study by professors at the University of Calabria, found that women are 25% less likely to give public presentations in comparison to men. Lamareaux believes that female-focused environments can help build a level of comfort and support.
Club meetings, a place to connect
After three months of planning and preparation, the club finally began meeting.
The meeting location has a stage where members are welcome to share poetry, music, thoughts, or simply speak about what they are passionate about.
Member Andressa Lopes got involved through social media and is currently writing a book about the club and its mission. She says she is grateful for the supportive environment the club provides for women from many different backgrounds.
“Every week we all get on stage and talk about why we are there,” Lopes said. “It’s very inspiring because everyone has a different story. The main purpose is not only to find and be comfortable with our voice but also to listen and let others be heard.”
The Period Speaks meeting location, Athena VII, provides a stage for women to speak in front of other women in their community. Photo: Emily Lamareaux.
Looking to the future
While Lamareaux recognizes that the club is still in its early development, she has plans and goals for the future. One goal is to include communication workshops provided by experts in the community to give women the tools and resources to communicate effectively.
In addition, Lamareaux hopes to find opportunities for the club to expand beyond the Sandy and Salt Lake area.
“This is a club that I want to see all across Utah,” Lamareaux stated. “My goal is a franchise. I’ll have the blueprint; I’ll have all the plans for it, and then I’ll pass it on to another female to start a club in her city.”
Becoming a member
The Period Speaks is free for women over the age of 18. The club meets every Friday at 4 p.m. at the Athena VII located at 111 W. 9000 South in Sandy.
For more information, follow the club’s Instagram page @theperiodspeaks or RSVP for a meeting here.
