From Chief Storyteller to Memoir Maven

Leaving a job after 15 years is no small feat. It's a journey marked by bittersweet memories, a tapestry woven with experiences that define not just a career, but a significant chapter of one's life.

Earlier this month, I said goodbye to Creative Clay, where I was the public relations manager for 15 years. My job was chief storyteller. The stories I told through social media posts, industry articles, and television and radio interviews focused on those whose stories often are overlooked.

People with disabilities have been marginalized by society. In recent years, there has been a greater emphasis on intentional actions that help to build a more inclusive society. People-first language emphasizes the person rather than the disability. Accessibility is more than a buzzword, and many organizations, businesses, and even advertising and movies, celebrate the talents, contributions, and potential that everyone brings to the table, conversation or workplace.

However, it wasn’t always this way, and there’s still much work to do. Just a few decades ago, few programs existed for adults with disabilities. In the United States, public schools are required by law to offer education to every student, regardless of ability or disability. Often, children with disabilities receive resources and education through 12th grade. However, once they’re adults, the programming ends.

That’s where Creative Clay filled the gap in the availability of meaningful activities outside of the home for adults with disabilities. They weren’t the first to do so, but in providing a safe and inclusive space for people with disabilities to create, market, and sell their art, they filled a need and dispelled the myths that often surrounded those with disabilities.

I am the last person who would ever describe myself as an artist, but for 15 years I worked among some of the best in St. Petersburg. My hometown on Florida’s west coast has long been known as an arts destination. The Dali Museum is home to the largest collection of paintings by Salvador Dali outside of Spain. St. Petersburg also boasts a fine arts museum, museum of American Arts and Crafts movement, a western art museum, two glass museums, and dozens of local artists who many will argue are responsible for city’s renaissance in the early 1990s.

My job for the last 15 years was to tell the stories of Creative Clay’s Member Artists, adults with disabilities who possess no formal art education, but create original folk art that is sold in the organization’s gallery, online, in local art venues, and is exhibited in galleries, and in homes and offices throughout the region and United States.

It may have been my job, but I considered it the honor of giving voice and recognition to those who are often overlooked. Lindsay, Marquise, Sam, Aby, and dozens of others told their stories through art. I did my best to honor their work, making sure as many people as possible heard their messages, as told through vibrant colors, carefully crafted pottery, and stained-glass looking Sharpie sketches.

I’ve always said that we all have a story to tell. Whether we choose to tell them is our choice alone. How much we decide to tell falls to us. The medium we use may be a pen, paint brush, or voice, but all stories have value.

The Power of Storytelling

In my years as a chief storyteller, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of storytelling. Stories can shape perceptions, build communities, and elevate brands. Whether it was spotlighting the achievements of our nonprofit or fostering connections within the local arts community, storytelling was the golden thread that wove it all together. As we begin a new year, I find myself at the threshold of a new and exhilarating venture – guiding others in telling their stories through an online memoir class launching in 2024.

 As I embark on this new journey, I carry with me the conviction that storytelling isn't just a skill; it's a tool that can empower individuals to share their unique narratives, create a sense of belonging, and leave a lasting impact.

Reflecting on the Bittersweet Memories

Leaving behind a role that played a pivotal part in my life is not without its moments of nostalgia. The bittersweet memories of challenges overcome, victories celebrated, and relationships forged make this transition significant. However, it's essential to recognize that every goodbye opens the door to new opportunities and growth. The skills honed and lessons learned in those 15 years have equipped me for the exciting adventure ahead.

During my 15 years at Creative Clay, I also wrote Accidental First Lady, my memoir of 22 years of life as a political spouse to my lawyer-turned-politician husband. Although I’ve written in some form or fashion for my job or in volunteer roles for the last 31 years, telling my own story was a new challenge.

No amount of experience is enough when you decide to share your innermost thoughts with others through memoir. Deciding to embark on this journey was an act of vulnerability – not once with the decision to write my book, but many times throughout the process. With each chapter, I had to summon courage, bravery, and vulnerability.

It was hard, but like any repeated exercise, it became rote. It’s now like muscle memory. Akin to pushups or stomach crunches that my burn at the beginning, I’ve forgotten all about the uncomfortable feeling of vulnerability that is an undeniable part of the writing process.

Confidence in Your Own Story

One of the crucial aspects of storytelling that often goes uncelebrated is the need for individuals to feel confident in telling their own stories. Each of us walks a unique path, and our stories are as diverse as the experiences that shape us. Confidence is not about having the perfect story; it's about embracing the authenticity of one's narrative. As I transition from the role of a chief storyteller to an educator, I carry this belief forward – that every individual possesses a compelling story worth sharing, and confidence is the key that unlocks the door to self-expression.

Launching Memoir Magic

In 2024, I am thrilled to be launching an online memoir class, where I will be sharing insights, techniques, and encouragement to aspiring authors eager to tell their own stories. This isn't about writing; it's about empowering individuals to embrace their unique narratives, fostering a sense of community among storytellers, and witnessing the profound impact that sharing personal stories can have on both the storyteller and their audience.

Stay tuned for details on Memoir Magic: Writing, Publishing, and Promoting Your Life Story, and how you can be part of my Founder’s Group and enjoy learning from me at a reduced price. I’d love to have you along and learn more about your unique story. Cheers to creating new stories together in 2024!