Authenticity. Always.
This picture is from a day I’ll never forget. I was in Tucson, Arizona with the Phantom of the Opera National Tour, and on a day off, I went hiking with several of my castmates. We were completely immersed in the beauty of nature––and after a long (and very hot) hike up, we came to this stunning waterfall. I remember giggling with delight, feeling at peace, and playing in the water of course.
I wasn’t in my head about anything. I was fully present and fully in joy.
Working to develop Petal + Ash, I recently hit an incredibly frustrating speed bump. I’m developing something I’m incredibly proud of––and passionate about––but how do I tell my story? How do I boil it down into digestible phrases, quotable sound bites, and social media memes? How do I efficiently and effectively tell my story to those not yet engaged?
I’ve been struggling with what to post on social media. Especially since there’s not yet a proof of product (don’t worry, that’ll come soon!), and feeling insecure in my own voice. I mean, there’s already so much noise out there, why do I need to add to it?
I had started to think that my origin story (my journey as a dancer) and my story as a mission driven entrepreneur were two very different things. I was omitting part of who I am and why I’m launching this brand, in an attempt to be more “true” to the brand. But all I did was loose my way.
Last week I had the opportunity to work with a mentor on authentic business development. We broke my story down and linked it back up. By the end of our session, I had come to realize that the connection between my life as a dancer, and that of my journey to design and develop an elevated, circular product, was more intertwined than I was even conscious of.
I feel re-energized to tell my story. I feel re-connected to my mission, to my “why.” I feel revitalized to tackle social media, not as a necessary evil, but as a tool of communication.
I know that authenticity matters. But it’s easy to get a little lost as one wades through the massive waters that are entrepreneurship. I feel relived that I was thrown a proverbial raft just as I was starting to sink a bit. It was good reminder to always go back to my “why,” and sometimes getting a little perspective, in order to find the way forward.
I’m excited for the work done last week, to further clarify my brand story and my founder story. I look forward to continuing to share it with you all.
