Event Reflections: Own Your Story Personal Brand Workshop with Olivia Christian

On January 12, 2023, BlackFemaleProject community members came together for Own Your Story, a workshop presented by brand strategist, Olivia Christian. After being introduced by BlackFemaleProject Director of Special Projects Dr. E’rika Chambers, Olivia dove into the hour-long session. First, she shared one of her own stories and then guided attendees through the process of creating a three-minute personal brand story that ends with a call-to-action. A brand story, Olivia shared, can help us connect with others, convey the importance of our personal and professional journeys, and unlock doors by helping us ask for what we want. 

Olivia also talked about how to tie together pivotal ideas with detailed memories so that your audience is “hooked” and invested in the rest of your story. She advised on the power of finding ways to weave together data and emotions in order to appeal to both the head and the heart. 

One of the biggest benefits of owning your story, according to Olivia, is other people’s gratitude for your honesty, generosity, and bravery in sharing the realities of your journey. In these moments, the urge to deflect positive feedback (in that way that so many of us are used to doing) may come up. Instead of deflecting, Olivia says, own every aspect of your story—including how it can encourage other people to open up and share their real struggles and successes. 

Attendee Isabella reflected this impact back during the question and answer portion. “I think sometimes the things that make us who we are right now are very vulnerable moments and points in time,” Isabella said, “and even though they have made us this way, it’s scary to share that and expose it to the world. [You telling your story] is a little bit of permission; I so appreciate that.” 

Isabella was one of many women who shared that they felt supported and seen, thanks to Olivia’s willingness to share her stories and her invitation to attendees to reflect on their own. We’re honored to curate impactful opportunities like Own Your Story for BlackFemaleProject’s community, and we hope to see you at our next event.