The Power of Storytelling: A Key To Human Connection and Happiness
Storytelling makes life meaningful. Stories can teach, inspire and help us make sense of our world. They provide an opportunity to learn and relate to each other, shaping our views and values. Humanity is the common bond we all share and storytelling ignites that bond. It is no secret that the quality of our connections directly affect our sense of happiness. While discussing the power of storytelling and its ability to cultivate those connections with Ashley, my college best, @whyshebuys was created soon after.
Whyshebuys is a photo account featuring women’s fashion purchase stories. Whether it is ‘why’ someone purchased a piece, or what occurred while wearing the piece, the good, the funny, the bad and the ugly stories are all highlighted. The specific topic of purchasing fashion became the focus, not only because it is fun to think about, but because we all do it. It is a shared human experience. And with inspiration from the instagram account, @humansofny, whyshebuys also strives to bring an authentic sense of humanity to these shared human experiences, and cultivate that connection that is so critical to living a fulfilled life.
As we build an archive of entertaining and unique stories at whyshebuys, a space for human connection will flourish, and hopefully create more happiness. Reading about real human triumphs and struggles will remind us that no one is ever alone on their human journey. The goal is to build a brand that any female can relate to, and feels comfortable contributing to. The even bigger goal of whyshebuys is to eventually bring awareness to the struggles of our local community members. By simply telling a local woman's story, humansofny once raised millions of dollars to pay for her medical bills, all through donations from it’s readers. The power of storytelling is wildly undeniable.
On a personal level, the whyshebuys platform serves as my creative outlet and a way to share my human experiences. I’m hyper aware of the importance of connection and how it directly affects my happiness. But in all honesty, I’ve always struggled to develop a healthy relationship with social media and connecting with others through it. But because the goals and purpose of whyshebuys directly align with my personal goals and sense of purpose, I feel comfortable sharing my thoughts and parts of my life that I normally wouldn’t. To create content in such a unique and creative way fuels my soul and helps foster the woman I want to be. I hope whyshebuys can provide the same for other females as well.
After more than a year into this challenging social experiment, err global pandemic, a tool that fosters human connection and happiness feels needed more than ever. And at the end of the day, if one individual connects or resonates in any capacity to our purchase stories, the whyshebuys platform is serving its higher purpose. We are excited to share these entertaining stories and feature all women from across the country, even the world someday. No topics are off limits and we are grateful for the opportunity to foster this beautiful human connection we all deserve.
Ashley Harris and Jordan Stonehouse are college besties who have a passion for story telling and fashion.
Find out more about Why She Buys on their Instagram account @whyshebuys.
