You can convey so much by telling a story. What you’re passionate about. Things that really matter to you. Your unique skills and gifts, and where they came from. How you spend your time and energy. Your core beliefs. What you do and who you love working with.
Image from Unsplash
All these things have an impact when we share them. And as entrepreneurs and leaders, they are all things our audiences need to know to decide whether they resonate with us and our message.
I met a few new people recently and they asked me to explain what I do and why my business is called Five Rubies. I have to admit I was a little out of practice, so at first, I stumbled over my words! But as I told the story behind Five Rubies, it reminded me why I love what I do and how it all began. And the people I was talking to resonated with what I was saying. The power of telling a story.
So I thought I’d share my story with you here.
The Five Rubies Story
I’ve always had a passion for stories and words. From a young age, I’d spend hours losing myself in pages of magical adventures, often perched on a branch of the beautiful magnolia tree in our front garden. I loved the way stories could invite me in and sweep me away.
My love of words continued through my studies and into my career as a lawyer, where much of my time was spent making sure the right words were used in the right places!
A few years ago, I started to dream about writing a novel and as I started to write, my love of stories was rekindled. I shared my personal stories through blogging and speaking at events, and at one of these events, I spoke about an especially challenging time in my life.
I was blown away by the response. Many people told me they were impacted by my story – they felt seen and understood and it gave them hope. They also asked me how I knew what to say and commented that they could never do something like that themselves!
I realised two important things that evening.
First, how powerful our words and stories are when we share them with intention. Our stories can provide connection, empathy, hope and understanding. Using the right words is a beautiful way to serve our audience.
Second, I love finding the right words and stories to communicate what’s in my heart, and I wondered if I could help others to do the same.
The first seeds of Five Rubies were planted.
These days, I work with heart led entrepreneurs and leaders who long to find the right words and stories to share what’s in their hearts. It brings together my skills and passion for writing, words, stories and, of course, coffee and notebooks.
Why Five Rubies?
Of course, there’s a story there, too!
My faith is a huge part of who I am and has been for most of my life. About 20 years ago, I had an image in my mind of my hands holding five rubies. I got the sense that these five rubies represented the things God would entrust to me to nurture and care for during my life. Four of the rubies represented my family and the fifth one was my work. For a long time, I never really understood this fifth ruby. I enjoyed my work as a lawyer, but it wasn’t my passion. Then a few years ago, I started writing and telling my stories.
Now I understand the fifth ruby…
Stories and words - my own and others - are my passion and I feel called to nurture and develop them and bring them out into the world.
My mission
To help you find the right words and stories to express what’s in your heart, so you can find your voice, connect with your people, and have a meaningful impact.
The power in your story
You may resonate with parts of my story, or you may not! But that’s not important. The important thing was to show you a bit more about who I am and what I do by sharing my story. This story is my Origin Story - just one of the stories about my business. It shows a small part of who I am and what I do.
If you’re an entrepreneur or leader, consider what your audience needs to know about you or your business to decide if they resonate. How can you share those things in your stories?
If you’d like more storytelling inspiration, tips, and encouragement, sign up for the weekly Story Gems email. I’d love to see you there.