How Storytelling Transformed My Life and Business

If you’ve ever heard me speak, you know that storytelling isn’t just about spinning tales—it’s a transformative tool that can elevate your business, make your brand unforgettable, and connect you deeply with your audience. Storytelling transformed my life and business and today, as a storytelling strategist, I’m taking you on a journey through how I discovered the power of storytelling and how it can revolutionize your business too!

 

A Surprising Start to Storytelling

Believe it or not, my journey into storytelling began in the most unexpected place: the world of pageantry. Growing up, my path seemed pretty clear—dentistry, because, you know, “stable career, good money” and all that jazz. But halfway through my junior year in college, I realized it just was not for me. And no amount of stable income was going to change that.

So there I was, lost and confused until one day I received a letter inviting me to compete in Miss Minnesota USA. Out of sheer desperation for a little joy, I decided to give it a shot. I trained for nine months, made it to the top 15, and just when I was getting hooked, I aged out of the competition. But instead of giving up, I pivoted to a different pageant system, and this time I won.

At the time, I felt like this wasn’t just a win in the pageant—it was a win for my future. Plus, through pageantry, I learned the art of storytelling, not just as a way to entertain, but as a powerful tool for connecting with others on a deeply emotional level. It was part of what helped me win then, and it’s a big part of my life today!

Uncovering My Story

One of the most pivotal moments in my storytelling journey came when I was forced to confront my own story. At first, I played it safe, because it was comfortable. My pageant coach saw right through it. She pushed me to share my real story, one that was much more personal and, honestly, terrifying to share.

It wasn’t something I wanted to broadcast to the world, let alone use as a platform. But my coach told me something that has always stuck with me: “Your story is a gift.” She was right. Sharing my story wasn’t about reliving trauma—it was about giving hope to others who might be going through similar experiences. It was about showing them that they, too, could come out on the other side.

 

The Power of Storytelling in Business

So, how does this relate to business? Well, storytelling is everything. It’s how you connect with your audience, how you sell without feeling salesy, and how you make your brand unforgettable. And let me tell you—everyone has a story. 

The secret to becoming a great storyteller is to start collecting stories—little snippets of your life that, when pieced together, create a beautiful narrative. It could be something as simple as your dog running out of a hotel room while you’re in pajamas (yes, that happened to me). What’s important is how you relate these stories back to your business.

For instance, I could use that story about my dog to talk about how life throws unexpected challenges at us, much like running a business. Or how, despite feeling embarrassed, we must keep going. It’s these everyday moments that resonate with people the most because they’re real, relatable, and human.

Storytelling is a Muscle—Exercise It

If I could tell fellow business owners one thing, it would be that just like any skill, storytelling improves with practice. Start by writing down what you did today—yes, even if it seems mundane. Over time, you’ll start seeing the stories within those moments. And if writing isn’t your thing, use voice notes, videos, or whatever works for you.

The beauty of storytelling is that it’s flexible. You don’t have to share everything at once. Maybe today you share a light-hearted moment, and tomorrow, a deeper, more emotional story. The key is to always tie it back to your audience—how does your story relate to them? What do you want them to feel? What action do you want them to take?

Leveraging Storytelling for Business Success

Storytelling isn’t going anywhere. It’s the anchor in a sea of ever-changing algorithms and marketing trends. What changes is how we share our stories—shorter attention spans mean shorter stories, but the emotional impact remains the same.

So, whether it’s a micro-story on TikTok or a long-form blog post, your story holds the power to connect, inspire, and convert. And remember, it’s not about having the perfect story—it’s about showing up authentically and sharing what’s real. Your audience will thank you for it, and your business will thrive because of it.

And if you’re ready to elevate your brand with powerful storytelling, let’s work together! Want to uncover what makes your storytelling unique? Take this quiz to find out your storytelling superpower and get tailored tips to amplify your message. Let’s turn those everyday moments into compelling stories that captivate and convert—with a little help from your favorite storytelling strategist!