Today we’d like to introduce you to Alisa Blackwood.
Hi Alisa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been a collector of stories, as far back as I can remember. Whether it was journaling about an interesting conversation I had with a friend, or interviewing someone about a national news event, I’m most inspired when I’m able to learn what matters most to a person. I’ve spent my career as a journalist, beginning as a reporter for The Associated Press, then as an editor at Time Inc.’s Health magazine, and working as a freelance writer for publications like O, The Oprah Magazine, Cooking Light, TravelandLeisure.com and more. I also spent a decade working on the side as a birth doula and grief doula, supporting women and families through both birthing and pregnancy/infant loss experiences in hospitals, birth centers and homes.
Those two types of jobs might seem wildly different, but there’s a through line for me: holding space for people during transitional, important, personal times in their lives. Whether I was interviewing someone who lost their home to a devastating Arizona wildfire or working with a couple to bring new life forward, the process is the same: listen deeply and ask good questions as needed.
In developing my new business — Life in Story — all of these experiences came into play. I’m using my interviewing and listening experience to tease out stories from everyday people to create what I call “audio heirlooms.” These keepsakes are created specifically for those that I interview and the people that love them, to preserve their voices, stories and memories they consider most important.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I am such a curious person and have so many interests. I used to think that was a fault because it meant I haven’t had a linear career path and I haven’t climbed the typical career ladder.
Now, though, I realize my curiosity is my strength. It means I’m never bored and always love learning new things. With Life in Story, every day I’m interviewing someone new, learning about the intricacies of their lives and creating something meaningful for those who love them. That means the world to me.
The toughest part about growing my business, as probably any entrepreneur would say, is learning that I can’t do it all myself. If I did, I’d be working until 1 a.m. daily! I’m now working with a fantastic freelance audio editor and hope to find marketing help soon so that I can focus on the interviews and business as a whole.
We’ve been impressed with Life in Story, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Stories matter. All stories.
That’s the foundation of my business, whether I’m capturing a wedding or anniversary love story, adoption or birth story, or the life story of a person in their 60s, 70s, 80s or 90s. Plus, there is something so magical about capturing a person’s voice. There’s so much to be heard in the voice of someone you love — the way they pause and think, the way they laugh. My dad died in my 20s and if I could hear his voice again, it would mean the world. I truly believe that Life in Story audio interviews aren’t just heard with the ear, but speak straight to the heart.
It’s the audio component that sets Life in Story apart from other businesses, but it’s also the personal interaction. I’ve seen a growth in businesses that collect personal stories for people, but many of them are automated. With Life in Story, every interview is carried out by a real person — a professional journalist — and is thoughtfully planned. Lots of people have thoughts of writing their life story, but will never actually sit down to do it. It’s really hard to find the motivation to do that or to keep up with weekly prompts from other services. I make it easy by asking the right questions in a one- or two-hour session.
The resulting conversation is genuine and flows naturally. The final audio is then uploaded to customized, password-protected web page created just for that individual, couple or family, and it includes a gallery of photographs they submit. From their private web page, they can listen, share and download their audio for safe-keeping.
What makes you happy?
I’m happiest when I’m able to be in the present. I find that in the simplest moments like playing a board game with my kids and husband or walking in the woods with my dog. In pre-Covid times, I also found that at concerts. I love, love, love live music and can get completely lost in the experience. I fiercely miss live music! I adore traveling internationally, too. With less travel during the pandemic, I’ve tried to find other ways to have that sense of learning something new or experiencing something new the way that happens naturally when traveling. Sometimes that can be as simple as takeout from a restaurant with unfamiliar foods or wandering a state park I’ve yet to explore.
Pricing:
- From $250 for the Silver Package (1-hour interview) by phone or in-person (Twin Cities)
- From $475 for the Gold Package (2-hour interview) by phone or in-person (Twin Cities)
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@lifeinstory.net
- Website: https://lifeinstory.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_life_in_story/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALifeinStory
