Turning a Brand Narrative into a Story Book

I first started working with Melmira Bra & Swimsuits 4 years ago; I knew the four sisters running the business, a business their mother started in 1992, and when they reached out wanting help crafting their future story, I knew it was a perfect fit. After spending time with the five Heenan women, I then reached […]

Creating a Storytelling Culture

A week on Cortes Island with 150 social entrepreneurs out to change the world can only lead to one thing…deep, deep gratitude. I returned to Hollyhock’s Social Venture Institute last week and was greeted with a flood of friendly faces. This ‘business conference’ is often referred to as summer camp for entrepreneurs, and this year […]

Passion, Ceremony & Ritual

For me, the path to storytelling was an arduous one at first. I didn’t trust my own experience and instead looked to others to help define my vision. Many people I met along the way offered mentorship in the form of advice; specifically, they told me to avoid the touchy-feely trap of storytelling. They told […]

The Art of Hosting

It is in the wander that new paths are formed. It is in the wander that old habits are broken. Yet, it is in the pause that we prepare for all that the wander will bring. I love to wander. It is something my partner and I joke about – he likes to have a […]

The Prism Effect

When I was first introduced to the Social Venture Institute (SVI) community, I felt like I’d uncovered a secret door that opened up to an amazing new world – a world where collaboration was queen, and the first question out of everyone’s mouth was “How can I help?” I made a wish last year that […]

Myth Making

Working as a solopreneur can be a lonely road. Sure, we do our best to attend networking events and social gatherings, we join co-working spaces (like the fabulous HiVE Vancouver!) and meet friends and collaborators for coffee or lunch. We might even get a dog so that we have a reason to go outside on […]