Introducing: Sonder | Storytelling Strategy Sessions!
In 2019, I started to feel the urge to think about ways to expand my business beyond showing up in person with my camera. While that will always be a part of me and what I do, I felt a strong sense that there must be a way I could serve more people in helping them feel seen and celebrated.
And in 2020, when my weddings were postponed and I was left with a lot of time to finally think beyond the next edit, I started catching a vision of teaching people how to tell their story, instead of just showing up to make content for them. I booked myself an AirBnb for a weekend and really let myself dream. I realized how little I’ve let myself spill dreams, ideas, and words on a page as if nothing was impossible. It was a stretch, I wanted to censor and “be practical” (which just means stay small), but I filled the pages with visions of showing people how amazing and worthy of celebration they are. I began to visualize a life of showing up daily for other people so that they know they could let themselves be seen…and that they could do it all with a sense of authenticity and ease.
Then, in 2021 I finally unlocked how I could present it to the world: A 1:1 VIP day experience. A done-with-you strategy document. A balance of mindset work, vulnerability, and strategy unlocking creative and curious people’s power statements, signature messages, and full narrative. Keys to continue sourcing life and all it has to offer as inspiration for continuous, authentic storytelling with purpose and results (regardless of how or where they're telling it).
Because, here’s the reality:
We live in a society that got so focused on epic, re-postable content, we forgot what actually matters in business, global movements, lifestyle brands or individuals trying to get a message out: real life, messy stories. Messages laced with moments of humanity, empathy, and a little magic to remind us just how incredible, resilient and brave humans are.
Businesses, brands, movements, and individuals alike benefit from a great brand story.
IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT MONEY
When we are engaging with a story, not only are we giving it more attention, but our brains release oxytocin. Through story, we develop empathy, connection, and sensitivity. In our society today, we feel the need for this so deeply. We know a greater sense of empathy could change the world–and stories are beautiful, successful agents for that change.
BUT IT CAN BE ABOUT THE BUSINESS
It’s no secret that people purchase/support with emotions and justify with logic later. So, whether the ask is for a person's business, support, or time, that emotional connection is key when building a presence. Studies have shown that 92% of consumers want brands to make ads feel like stories. And those stories? They’re 22x more memorable than facts, which means those stories keep you front of mind now and down the road as people are making decisions about who to follow, support, and recommend. In various studies, there have been increases averaging 50% in sales when a customer is emotionally engaged in a brand's story–they're also around 40% more likely to remember you down the road when it's time to invest time, money or attention. NOW, imagine how powerful it would be if that story was being told in a deeper, more honest, and consistent way than a simple “about me” or “why statement”?
THE WORLD NEEDS YOUR STORY
Whether you're trying to speak to an audience, build a brand, launch an offering, or just stand more firmly in who you are and where you've come from, by going through a process of mindset work, getting vulnerable, and strategy, your story–and why the world needs to heard it–will become clear and strong enough to carry you through to your next goal, your next dream, your next moment to change the world.
So, let’s get to work, friend. I can’t wait to cheer you on.