Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dietrich Nissen, founder and CEO of Inherited Stories, located in Edina, MN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Inherited Stories creates a video memory about an individual— a legacy video that captures, celebrates, and showcases their life journey. They are made with the intention of being passed down to future generations. When someone asks, 'Who was my great-grandmother?', there's a means to see their great-grandmother's voice tell her life story, see her smile, and hear her laughter.
Tell us about yourself
I am driven to tell stories of everyday heroes. Seeing a family bond and learning something new about a loved one makes me feel the greatest satisfaction. I'm touched by how treasured these videos become once someone passes away— it becomes a highlight of their celebration of life. It really gives their family a special, positive memory.
I created Inherited Stories because I wanted to do something that makes a direct, positive impact on families and the people they love. My family never had the chance to do something like this for my grandma, who was a wonderful storyteller. It's one of my regrets. I personally know the pain of wanting to hear someone you love's voice, see their smile, and hear their laugh, but not being able to. Inherited Stories provide a way to capture that person.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The biggest accomplishment is receiving responses from the families, who convey the positive and uplifting effect our work has on their lives. Whenever we get a note from a family that describes how our work opened up doors, created intergenerational conversation, and built or grew a relationship, that makes our work all worth it.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
This type of video is not a standard, existing service. It has been challenging to spread the word about what we do and create a sense of need. Additionally, many people hear legacy videos and think it's just for elderly people. The truth is that Inherited Stories can be used to share anyone's life journey with the ones they love. In fact, some of our clients create a video as a child, graduating high school, or other pivotal life moments.
Lastly, as video becomes more accessible through everyday mobile technology, many believe "I can do it myself." They can miss out on the value of a professional video storyteller piecing everything together.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be brave. Don't be scared to make the world a better place for others.
- Actively build positive and mutually-beneficial relationships with partner businesses and clients.
- All businesses rely on serving others' needs or wants. Ask yourself: How does your business do this effectively and efficiently?
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
If you call people your family, show love to them often and sincerely.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.inheritedstories.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inheritedstories/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.