Stories of Extraordinary Magic

I have been writing stories since I was in middle school and have written one book, some short stories, poems, and lots of unfinished drafts. I believe stories are a way to feel connected when we feel our loneliest. I am also a firm believer that everyone has an incredible story. People who say that they don’t have one or that it’s not compelling, just need help in telling it. I believe we are hardwired not to see ourselves as extraordinary as we are, so I want to help pull out the extraordinary.

My parents have owned an Indian grocery and restaurant in Oklahoma City for almost 30 years. One year, I interviewed them and wrote out their story from India to Chicago to Detroit to OKC. I really enjoyed the experience of writing my parent’s story. Now, I want to do the same thing for small businesses. Small businesses are filled with stories, and the journey they’ve gone through makes them that much more incredible. I don’t have much practice writing in this new way, but these businesses have been hit hard with this pandemic. I want to give an opportunity to two small businesses to tell their story this year. While I might start with small businesses, this can go in any direction and I’m glad you are here to follow me.

And for those who don’t know me at all, my name is Visha. I’m really glad you stumbled upon my website. Please enjoy this picture of my mom helping me put a rakhi on my brother at my parent’s store circa the late 1990’s. Lots has changed since then, but my very large eyes have not.

Stories are my favorite. They’re a way of sharing experiences with others, keeping history going, and bringing people together. Stories tell little snippets of the lives we all live, allowing us to take inspiration from them. Stories have always been important. It’s the way we even know what and who came before us. Stories are more than just anecdotes. They are a glimpse into the world around us!

Sehrish Shahabuddin

I love stories. It’s a good way to pay homage to good times or give life to moments.

Brian Ellis

Whether intentionally or not, and regardless of medium, stories communicate what we see as the most important pieces of our lives. Stories, maybe more accurately than anything else, expose and express our perspective(s).

Jacob Hampton

Stories are a way to extend the lifespan of an experience (whether real or made up) so they can last forever.

Robyn Park

I think [stories are] something that take us out of our own worlds into a new one, a perspective different than the reality we experience. To me, they hold a unique ability to invite people into an entirely new outlook on life. They can draw out our humanity but also take us to the far reaches of our imagination. More so, they can wield power in allowing people to step outside of themselves and learn to understand the experiences and oppression of others, ultimately altering the real narratives and dialogue tied to deeper social issues.

Christine Thomas

[Stories] can provide insights to new experiences and perspectives.

PABLO sALAZAR

In our human existence, all physical things and possessions are temporary and even so are all lives experiences. Even relationships with others change over time despite our best efforts. Therefore, the only things with a semblance of permanence that we can own in this human life are our stories. They provide permanence and anchor us in this essentially temporary existence.

Auston Stiefer

[Stories] are a great way to provide experiences, history, imagination, and entertainment. They are incredibly valuable for creating connection between people. That can be through making an experience shared or a connection via emotions through fiction experiences that reveal the same feelings. Stories are connections more than anything.

Lilly BocQuin

Stories are how we are all connected. They connect us to our past, they help us make sense of the present, and they allow us to romanticize the future.

Mary Kyncl