My Storytelling Journey: Finding My Voice Through Stories
Storytelling isn't just about entertainment, it is how we teach empathy, build resilience, and connect deeply. Here is the path that brought me here.
My father was a banker, but to me, he was an adventurer who brought home a suitcase full of stories. He is the reason I fell in love with storytelling, and his gift is one I cherish and hope to help others share.
I miss the stories my grandparents used to tell. They were more than just entertainment; they were how family values and traditions were passed down. I believe we can bring that magic back into our busy lives.
I was bullied as a child for being different. It was a painful time, but stories became my coping mechanism. This personal experience is a huge reason why I am so passionate about using stories to build empathy and resilience in children.
My first job as a software engineer was a lesson in the importance of speaking up. I was too scared to ask for help and felt like a failure. That experience taught me that your voice matters, a lesson I now teach every child I meet.
Fun fact: I am a naturally shy person. In big groups, I'm a listener, not a speaker. But when it comes to storytelling, I transform. It's proof that anyone can learn to be a confident storyteller; you just have to change the story you tell yourself.
Do you hesitate to say "I'm an entrepreneur?" I used to. I would downplay my work, calling it a 'small business'. I'm making a conscious effort to own my title as a founder and coach, and I encourage other women to be loud and proud of their work too.
Do you hesitate to say "I'm an entrepreneur?" I used to. I would downplay my work, calling it a 'small business'. I'm making a conscious effort to own my title as a founder and coach, and I encourage other women to be loud and proud of their work too.
I worry about my kids' screen time, just like any parent. My daughter even stopped speaking Marathi for a while after watching too much Peppa Pig! It was a wake-up call to find a healthy balance between screens, books, and imaginative play.
I've trained over 100 mothers in the art of storytelling, but zero fathers. I wonder why? My own bond with my father was built over stories. Dads, your stories matter, and they are a gift your children will remember forever.
As parents, we often feel pressured to fill every moment of our child's day. But it's okay to let them be bored. Boredom is where creativity is born. My daughter invents her own games and picks up books when she's bored, and it's wonderful to watch.
About My Journey & Philosophy
When I worked in software, I was often too scared to speak up, which made me feel small. It took me years to realize that the stories I tell are not just for kids, they are for me too. Whether you are a parent trying to ditch screen-time battles or someone looking to find their own voice, I teach using the exact techniques that helped me transform from a shy listener into an outspoken storyteller.
My journey into storytelling started long before I picked up a book to read to my kids. It began with my father, a banker who transformed mundane days into adventures with his tales. I learned early on that the magic isn't in the plot, but in how you hold a child's attention, the pauses, the voice modulation, and the way you lean into the emotions.
Yet, I didn't always have this confidence. As a child who moved abroad and felt like a misfit, and later as a young software engineer afraid to ask for help, I lived the pain of feeling voiceless. That silence is exactly what I work to prevent in the children and parents I train today.
I don't believe in perfect performances. I believe in honest communication. In my training sessions, we strip away the pressure to be an entertainer. Instead, we focus on:
- Voice and Body Language: Using your natural pitch and gestures to make stories come alive.
- Emotional Intelligence: How to use tales to discuss tough topics like bullying, screen addiction, or handling failure.
- Connection: Why 10 minutes of storytelling is more effective than hours of passive screen time.
Whether you are in Mumbai and want to join my small-batch, in-person training, or you are looking for digital resources to get started at home, my goal is the same: to help you find your unique storyteller voice. Your stories matter, and they are the best tool you have to build resilience and kindness in your children.
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