What’s Your Story?
We all have a story to tell. Someone at work told me that our careers (and our lives) are more of a mosaic than a ladder, and I realized it’s so true. What he meant is that it’s not one clear cut path of one step to the next that has brought you to where you are today. Rather, the combination of all of your life experiences together creates the image and story of who you are today. I’m still trying to figure my story out – what experiences I want to have, the kind of person I want to be known as… and that got me thinking. What’s your story? Have you ever given this question some thought?
What’s Your Story?
By definition, a story is an “account of events” and varies by person. There is the truth, but there are also lies and embellishments. Always remember, there are two sides to every story : ).
So tell me: what’s your story?
The way you tell your story matters. Whether we like it or not, we live in an age where everyone can be their own publicist thanks to social media. If you’ve ever had to write your own bio or gone to a job interview, you know what it’s like to craft your own narrative. Beyond personal stories, every brand has a story to tell.
Beyond personal stories, every brand has a story to tell.
How your craft and tell your story is very, very important. Even for brands and small businesses! When it comes down to any business, branding is everything.
Do you know the stories of your favorite brands?
The other day I listened to this podcast featuring Michael Mente, the founder of Revolve. If you have the time, it’s a must listen. (A little tip – sometimes I listen to my podcasts on 1.5x speed on my iPhone.)
Obviously, Revolve is super successful. Even though I have shopped at the site for almost a decade, I never knew the backstory of how the massive retailer got started. Hearing Michael’s story of how he built Revolve to what it is today was so inspiring and mind blowing.
All businesses have to start somewhere. Which is why I love shopping and supporting small businesses. The amount of passion, hustle, and grit that it takes to get something off the ground starting from nothing is unimaginable to most people. And they always have a story to tell. If you know a small business owner or watch Shark Tank (LOVE!) you know what I’m talking about.
That’s why it’s so important to shop small (and local!). These brands really need your support and business, and every little bit helps them. Next time you stop by a neighborhood shop or boutique, stop and ask what their story is. It might blow you away!
Two brands (both owned by badass women!) that I’ve been able to work with and support:
Flair the Label and Sticks + Stones. Learning about these brands and hearing the stories behind them taught me how much passion has to go into a passion project. Every piece is made with love and there are literal blood, sweat, and tears involved in starting a new brand from the ground up.
Bloggers are often eager to work with big brands – they’re established, have budgets for influencers, and have a lot to offer you. Lately, I’ve taken a step back and focused more on working with smaller brands. Letting go of my ego and personal agenda, and truly collaborating with others in a way that is not only mutually beneficial but also fun.
That’s a huge part of what I want my story to be: building genuine relationships and collaborations. Giving more than I take and adding value to the brands I choose to work with.
SO – definitely check out Flair and Sticks + Stones. And ask about their stories : ).
xx, Amy
romper: flair | necklace and bag: sticks + stones | shoes: botkier
I’m also still figuring out my story. You made me super curios about the story behind Revolve.
xo
http://www.carinavardie.com
Loved you post so much. We should shop more local. I think it’s amazing that you’ve decided to take that step, it’ll make a great chapter in your story.
Btw looooving that dress, babe.
xo | Cindy Elena
http://www.boringclothes.com
Whole heartedly support small biz, it’s important and glad you brought this up!
xx
Lauren
http://www.shoesandsashimi.com
I think its best to always star working with small brands, i mean we’re all in the same boat wanting to gain recognition!! really enjoyed this post, and your romper is so cute!!
xx,
Areli’s April // On Bloglovin
Oh my goodness! Your photos are stunning! Always effortlessly gorgs!
Happy Monday
Much love, Len
http://www.lenparent.com
This is so interesting! I also support small business 🙂
Love, TL
https://zimmylifestyle.com
I definitely think life is more like a mosaic than a ladder! Such a cute romper on you by the way! Its adorable!
Briana
http://beyoutifulbrunette.blogspot.com/
This post is so fun and inspiring! I love hearing the stories behind my favourite brands and people. It can make a world of a difference once you know the background of a company – and I totally agree with you about supporting smaller brands. I love luxury labels, but just as much I love to support local companies with strong ethics and creative talent.
Ciara
http://www.ciarasalloum.com
Love this post dear. We all strive to tell our personal stories and it’s great you explain the details and importance of doing so. 🙂 Best wishes to you. x
Erica
http://www.eggcanvas.me
Your pics are fabulous. And I totally see your point. Great way to share it!
Vaishali
http://www.vivaciouswish.com/2017/05/01/tie-dye-trend/
This dress is so pretty!! Cute photo’s.
X Merel
http://www.andathousandwords.com
Everyday we accumulate more and more experiences so that we can further our “stories: 🙂 Just like you, I haven’t really figured out what it is that I want my story to be, but instead of being anxious, like I would’ve been a couple of years ago, lately I’ve been trying to embrace this unknown because it also means that there are so many possibilities for the future! <3 Thank you for sharing this great and inspirational post!
XO, Elizabeth
http://clothestoyouuu.com/
The mosaic/ladder metaphor is so beautiful and so accurate! <3
xx Sara
https://stylemba.com/
Great post Amy! There’s definitely lots of truth to that. Not only working with brands you truly love but supporting small independent brands as well!
xo Jamie
http://jamieonthings.com/
I looove this look! such a cute dress!
http://sepatuholig.blogspot.com
Instagram @grace_njio
you looks so amazing! love the whole outfits combo <3 gorgeous dress
xx,
http://www.liviapangdoko.com
This is the quintessential summer outfit. Love the accessories too, especially your sunnies!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
That’s a really interesting thought. I haven’t given much thought yet to what my story is, but I think that’s because it isn’t yet complete 🙂
xo
Siffat
http://icingandglitter.com
I think I’m still completing my story………
Very cute outfit and love the sunnies.
Ann-Marie | http://facetocurls.com
you look so amazing! I love that dress! and I’ve gotta check out that podcast, sounds interesting!
http://www.prettyinleather.net
That’s really something interesting to think about… I definitely don’t think I have my story fully figured out yet. Love that red floral dress on you by the way! Would LOVE for you to check out my new Mother’s Day post! 🙂
XO Jessi,
http://www.mywhitet.com/fragrance-favorites-for-mothers-day/
Beyond obsessed with this look. The styling is flawless + your hair looks amazing here with these loose curls.
Check out my blog if you get a chance girl!
http://gypsysundayblog.com/
It’s so cool to know that everyone starts somewhere. My family (boyfriend and daughter and I) survives from a small business and the more that the business gets recognized the more excited we get about the future.
http://www.thelalalookbook.com
I buy so many things from Revolve, it’s no wonder they are successful 😉
Tasha Juli
http://www.stylesplendorbliss.com
Hi, you look so amazing! I love that dress!
Dear, you’re looking very beautiful and cool in this outfit.
Thank you for sharing this great and inspirational post!
https://www.textileexport.in/
I love shopping small businesses too and I’m totally obsessed with this outfit!
xoxo
Rina Samantha
http://www.andshedressed.com
I’m with you when you say to support small business. We all started from zero so I think new designers deserve a lot of support!
http://www.bonjourchiara.com
Your colleague was right about what he said and that got me thinking about my story! As for your outfit, I adore the print and cut of your romper! It looks so sweet and summer perfect. Wishing you a fantastic day! xx
Andreea,
http://couturezilla.com/
I love the dress it is super summer
xx
The Pink Pineapple
New post: http://thepinkpineappleblog.blogspot.com/
Looking good babe and love the topic of this post. Also love that you added in that disclaimer that there’s two sides to every story! 🙂
Lisa Linh
https://www.bylisalinh.com/blog/2017/4/26/san-diego-eats-round-up
Interesting post Amy, I have had to think about my story and where I would like it to go in the not so distant future, so some changes are definitely in store… I am checking these two brands and podcast right now, thanks for sharing!
Hope you have a great end of the week, gal!
Saida | She talks Glam
I LOVED this blog post. You did what you do best..creating intimate and personally relevant content that tugs at something, something I can’t put my finger on. I do have to say I was hoping to hear what YOUR story is, but of course, you do that very well with your entire social media presence.
I think I’m gonna borrow this topic for a post this month. I really like the way you laid it out… great job Amy!!
Jessica || Cubicle Chic
Hi Jessica! I’m still figuring out what mine is… and I’m beginning to have some thoughts on what I’d like it to be. I’ll definitely be sharing more along the way : ) thanks always for your kind and thoughtful comments, they’re a big part of what keeps me going and inspires me to push the boundaries of my content and thoughts. xx
I completely agree with supporting small businesses. You have to start somewhere and its inspiring to listen to podcasts. The other day, I was watching a documentary on Playboy magazine and its inception on Amazon video and that was so driven! Great article!
xo, Dhwani
http://www.quirksofme.com
I was watching a documentary on Playboy magazine and its inception on Amazon video and that was so driven! Great article!