What's your story then?..It's something we will all get asked at some point in our lives.
Used as a connecting tool, it helps us build important bridges and form strong lasting relationships whether it's personal or professional.
As a small business I think it is really important that you know where your coming from, why you do what you do and where you're heading.
Fromie Gifts turned one in September this year and to celebrate, we are pledging to dontate £1 from every online sale to local Frome charity, @frome_openstorytellers. Using 'Living through Story' as their main theme,their work aims to enrich and empower the lives of people who have learning disabilities and autism, through a variety of workshops and activities.
We all tell stories to challenge perception and make ourselves understood. Every day I am telling my personal story and the stories of my suppliers to my customers. It helps build an understanding as to why artists and makers do the things they do. If people identify or connect with their story then they're more likely to support them - and in turn Fromie Gifts.
We are all the same just with different needs. Supporting each other enriches our community and our economy.
A dear school friend of mine, Iya from the Philippines, fellow gift shop owner and Mother of a child with Autism explains why the message is still the same regardless of where you are in the world. (Also to explain, we went to ballet school - there were no normal pictures - and side note, the other girl in the pic is now an actress in America, so she also tells stories every day)
Iya says, "Not all stories may have happy endings, but every story is studded with moments of happiness. @tiemeupbuttercup came about to celebrate and honour life's most memorable occasions, from birthdays to relationship milestones, to gifting for the sheer pleasure of it. We are thrilled every time a customer chooses to make us part of their story"
So you see stories can transcend time, place, language and fears. Do us a favour, pass it on...
Cover pic credit: @litemporium