“Listen to people, really. Even yourself.” – Steve Garnaas-Holmes
A few people have asked recently about the hummingbird in our logo. I’m always grateful when people inquire about our business name and logo because I love the opportunity to share a little of my story.
In 2017, I produced my first video biography. At that time, I didn’t have a business name or even know if this business was a viable venture. This was a personal project, and I set out to spend time with a special subject. I invited a videographer to join me in Houston to film my husband’s grandmother. During the interview, I heard the story of a hummingbird that flew right up to grandma as a reminder that her late daughter was near. I left that day feeling inspired by the production process and by the personal stories that were shared. Our family loved the finished film, and I started dreaming about a way to make similar films for other families. But I also knew that if I never did another project, I had this one.
Later that same year, I interviewed a friend to commemorate his 70th birthday. This time, I did the filming, interview and editing. (What a learning experience that was!). My friend talked a lot about the natural world in the interview and referenced ecologist and entomologist EO Wilson and a wonderful PBS special he’d seen that highlights Wilson’s work with hummingbirds. I went home and watched the documentary about these tiny birds, and I couldn’t help but link these fascinating creatures to the delicate, beautiful, and powerful nature of our life stories. I finished the film and was off and running with a business plan that included connecting with others who do similar work. (Thank you to my colleagues in filmmaking and in the PHN for your guidance and support – you know who you are!).
I officially launched my business, Sacred Stories LLC, in 2019. One of my very first paying clients gifted me with a beautiful stained glass hummingbird after our interview time. I marveled at the synchronicity, and that hummingbird hangs in my office window as a reminder to me that the films I make are all about paying attention and staying awake to unexpected gifts that come.
2024 marks 5 years in business. Since opening, I’ve gone to graduate school to study reminiscence and memory, and I’ve interviewed nearly 100 men, women, and children all over the continent. I remain grateful to Betty, Ken, Mamie, Marge, Rodger, and their families for trusting me in those early days with their real-life stories. When I shared the name of my business with the graphic designer who created my logo, I knew I wanted the hummingbird to be a part of it. That little bird is a symbol that speaks to me about legacy, connectedness, and the gift of our lives and stories.
I’m in the planning stages again as I imagine what’s next (new projects, new products, new people to meet, etc.), but I look back with gratitude at what got me here. Here’s to another year of listening to our lives!