Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sherry Borzo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sherry, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
During my younger adult life, I always felt a struggle between what I thought I should be professionally and what I actually did. It seemed like my work, “my purpose,” was a series of jobs—none of which suited me for what I truly wanted to do. My work did what it needed to do by securing additional income for our family. I was fulfilled knowing I could provide, but I hungered to find something I felt reflected my talents and interests.
I played with the idea of entrepreneurship with many false starts and abandoned ideas. When on-demand publishing became popular, I saw a way to fuse my love of writing, interest in life stories, and books together. But it was the secret sauce of listening that turned out to be both my path to business and my best idea that led to Storied Gifts.
It all started early on when I asked a good friend to share her life stories for a small book more than 16 years ago as a test project. We were friends, so I thought I knew most of her stories. She and I spent hours and days of time together laughing and talking. But when I came to the project of the life story book and began actively listening, I discovered a transcendence in keeping my mouth closed with my ears and eyes wide open.
Over the course of several interviews, I questioned and listened more carefully as she relayed her memories. I witnessed as she reflected about her past, not just relating anecdotes but more importantly what they meant to her in the present. At one point, as she detailed a significant regret, she grew quiet and said something that clearly made an impact on her thoughts. “You know, given who I was then, I couldn’t have made any other choice.” I could see the revelation on her face, the sense of peace, of forgiveness displacing regret in that moment.
It was my eureka moment, too. After years of talking, and filling the void with my racing thoughts, of fretting over my elusive talents or skills, I discovered the beauty of silence and that listening to others was a skill, and one I could build upon.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I help craft stories along with key photos and memorabilia into polished books. I write, edit, manifest design and layout to achieve singular books that reflect the taste and spirit of those who share their stories.
I also work with companies, community institutions, and key leaders to tell their personal and company stories for employees and constituents to celebrate milestones.
Given the power of stories and my interest in their influence, I’m currently focused on creating a series of history heroes to showcase the people of our past and what we can learn from them to incorporate and inspire others. Look for my ecommerce shop to share these interesting people of our past along with teacher lesson plans later this year. Currently I have a few available on my shop.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down, what concept would you recommend for others to focus on?
As I’ve aged, I’ve realized that being the “best” has never been a realistic goal for me. I’m suited to the mindset of striving to make progress toward being better. Since I’m not deluding myself with the goal to be on top of anything, I feel less stress and can focus more on the prospects of growth and the process rather than the destination.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
I’m amazed by what my daughter has done to achieve personal and professional goals. In the last several years, I’ve learned from her and gleaned ideas that have allowed me to be more focused and more productive. I always struggle not to get sideswiped by distractions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.storiedgifts.com/
- Other: https://storiedgiftsshop.com/
