WELCOME TO
SOMEONE NEEDS TO HEAR YOUR STORY
Someone Needs To Hear Your Story. It’s as simple and powerful as that. I’m a FIRM believer that your unique experiences and story hold the potential to be a lifeline for someone, somewhere, dealing with similar feelings or situations. Your experiences, your struggles, your triumphs – they all have the ability to be the hope, the guide, the map, the encouragement, the THING that someone needs to hear to get through what they are going through and on to where they want to be.
When I was going through my darkest moments being sick with multiple chronic, rare, and disabling medical conditions, I felt like I had nowhere to turn. The doctors didn’t know what was going on and I felt like I was already living on borrowed time. It was during this very scary period of my life that I turned to YouTube and began trying to find people’s stories of what they did in my situation. The stories these people shared, saved my life. That’s not something I am just saying for impact, as I really, truly owe these people my life. Because they chose to be vulnerable and open in sharing their story, I was able to see the right doctors, receive help, stabilize my life, and continue my story.
After being diagnosed, I started hosting support groups, speaking on panels, and getting heavily involved in federal legislative advocacy. In all these spaces, I felt so unqualified to be speaking on, let alone advocate about any of it. I wasn’t a doctor, specialist, researcher, or anything close, but I realized all people really wanted and needed was exactly what I had wanted and needed – to hear people’s stories. I learned and saw firsthand how sharing these moments of my story, which had been the most painful things I had ever experienced, was able to be used for good in helping others on their journeys and in helping to create tangible legislative change to help others going forward.
I’ve witnessed and experienced the power of stories and how sharing them can be the greatest gift, often without us even realizing it. I wanted to give back and pay forward what I had received from others by sharing my own story. This way, anyone going through something similar or who could relate to my feelings could learn from my mistakes, failures, triumphs, and successes. While I share my story on my own platforms and in my own way, I also wanted to do more. Knowing there are many untold stories out there that could help others, stories that just haven’t had the chance to be shared publicly, I decided that one way I could give back is by providing a platform for those stories to be shared & heard.
That’s why I created “Someone Needs To Hear Your Story,” a passion project involving street interviews. This project not only gives me the incredible opportunity to do some of the things I love most: having deep and authentic conversations with people, but way more importantly allows these conversations & stories to be had & shared in a way that allows them to be guiding lights for others on their own journeys!
Growing together through our shared experiences
one story at a time
Join me as I venture out on the streets in the San Francisco Bay Area, to give people the platform and the mic to share their story, heart and message with the world. By asking intentional questions, I hope to be able to learn from others, their insights and experiences and then take these conversations and encapsulate them into short video clips to share online, with the hope that their stories will reach those who need them most.
That is just one way I like to share stories though! If you have a story you want to share but are not in the Bay Area, you can still be part of it. By following the account @someoneneedstohearyourstory on Instagram, you can actively participate in the bi-weekly community prompts and share your own stories with me and the community virtually! Your voice and your story really matter, and I can’t wait to hear what you have to say. I’m excited to play a small part in amplifying it to the world!
I also believe that we, as a community and individually, can facilitate these conversations with our family, friends, loved ones, and even strangers! I really intentionally thought about ways I could help support you in facilitating these conversations. So, I created a variety of products, clothing, etc., that state, “Someone Needs To Hear Your Story,” to create an opportunity for others to ask you about it. This opens the door to starting a conversation (and maybe even on our YouTube and Instagram) to discuss the stories we tell. This, in turn, opens up the opportunity for you to share your stories as well. It allows for a deeper conversation where you can learn about each other, connect more intentionally, be encouraged, empowered, inspired, and equipped in your own life and story!
Growing together through our shared experiences
one story at a time
Join me as I venture out on the streets in the San Francisco Bay Area, to give people the platform and the mic to share their story, heart and message with the world. By asking intentional questions, I hope to be able to learn from others, their insights and experiences and then take these conversations and encapsulate them into short video clips to share online, with the hope that their stories will reach those who need them most.
That is just one way I like to share stories though! If you have a story you want to share but are not in the Bay Area, you can still be part of it. By following the account @someoneneedstohearyourstory on Instagram, you can actively participate in the bi-weekly community prompts and share your own stories with me and the community virtually! Your voice and your story really matter, and I can’t wait to hear what you have to say. I’m excited to play a small part in amplifying it to the world!
I also believe that we, as a community and individually, can facilitate these conversations with our family, friends, loved ones, and even strangers! I really intentionally thought about ways I could help support you in facilitating these conversations. So, I created a variety of products, clothing, etc., that state, “Someone Needs To Hear Your Story,” to create an opportunity for others to ask you about it. This opens the door to starting a conversation (and maybe even on our YouTube and Instagram) to discuss the stories we tell. This, in turn, opens up the opportunity for you to share your stories as well. It allows for a deeper conversation where you can learn about each other, connect more intentionally, be encouraged, empowered, inspired, and equipped in your own life and story!
What Is It?
“Someone Needs To Hear Your Story” is a passion project and societal movement that revolves around the power of storytelling. Through street interviews conducted in the vibrant streets of the San Francisco Bay Area, I give people the platform and the mic to share their personal stories, hearts, and messages with the world. Using intentional questions, I engage in deep and genuine conversations, capturing these moments in short video clips to be shared online. This project aims to amplify the voices of individuals from all walks of life, as their unique journeys and experiences hold the potential to inspire, guide, and encourage others who may be facing similar challenges.
Why Do It?
The motivation behind it is deeply personal. During my own challenging journey of battling multiple chronic medical conditions, I felt lost and alone. It was through the stories others shared that I found hope and vital information to navigate my situation. These stories saved my life, and I knew I had to pay it forward by not only sharing my story but also creating a space for real stories and genuine advice to be heard and shared. In a world of surface-level interactions and social media perfection, authentic stories and valuable life lessons often go unheard. I wanted to break through these barriers and create a platform where every voice could be heard and every story could make a difference.
The purpose Behind it
The purpose behind “Someone Needs To Hear Your Story” is to empower individuals to own and share their stories, so they can help others, be proud of who they are and acknowledge what they have overcome. Through this project, I aim to create a safe and supportive space where people feel comfortable sharing the raw and authentic aspects of their journeys. By encouraging vulnerability and openness, I believe that these stories can be a transformative tool for both the storyteller and the listener. As we hear the stories, hearts, and messages of others, we are all equipped with new perspectives, insights, and inspiration that can guide us on our own paths of personal growth.
What Is It?
“Someone Needs To Hear Your Story” is a passion project and societal movement that revolves around the power of storytelling. Through street interviews conducted in the vibrant streets of the San Francisco Bay Area, I give people the platform and the mic to share their personal stories, hearts, and messages with the world. Using intentional questions, I engage in deep and genuine conversations, capturing these moments in short video clips to be shared online. This project aims to amplify the voices of individuals from all walks of life, as their unique journeys and experiences hold the potential to inspire, guide, and encourage others who may be facing similar challenges.
Why Do It?
The motivation behind it is deeply personal. During my own challenging journey of battling multiple chronic medical conditions, I felt lost and alone. It was through the stories others shared that I found hope and vital information to navigate my situation. These stories saved my life, and I knew I had to pay it forward by not only sharing my story but also creating a space for real stories and genuine advice to be heard and shared. In a world of surface-level interactions and social media perfection, authentic stories and valuable life lessons often go unheard. I wanted to break through these barriers and create a platform where every voice could be heard and every story could make a difference.
The purpose Behind it
The purpose behind “Someone Needs To Hear Your Story” is to empower individuals to own and share their stories, so they can help others, be proud of who they are and acknowledge what they have overcome. Through this project, I aim to create a safe and supportive space where people feel comfortable sharing the raw and authentic aspects of their journeys. By encouraging vulnerability and openness, I believe that these stories can be a transformative tool for both the storyteller and the listener. As we hear the stories, hearts, and messages of others, we are all equipped with new perspectives, insights, and inspiration that can guide us on our own paths of personal growth.
Check Out Some Of The Interviews
Questions I ask & why
01.
I Always Start With A Question To Prompt You To Share Part Of Your Story
When we start our chat, I like to kick things off with a question that gets straight to the heart of your story. No small talk here! This means questions like, “Can you tell me about one of the toughest challenges you’ve faced & how did you push through it?” Or, “Can you tell me about a time you had to overcome a fear & how did you overcome it? It’s about giving you the space to open up & share your experiences because your story matters!
02.
Next, I Ask How It Impacted You Or What You Learned From it
After that, I like to dive into a question about self-reflection! I’ll ask a question like, “What did you learn from that experience & how did it shape you as a person?” or “How did that experience impact you then, and how is it still impacting who you are today?” It’s a chance for you to dig deep, think about, and then share how these moments have influenced your personal growth and helped shape who you are as a person.
03.
Lastly, I Ask You To Share your Message For someone going through it
I always end with a question that allows you to share your message with someone going through or facing that experience you shared. I do this by asking questions like, “What advice would you give to someone going through something similar?” or “What’s something you wish someone had told you then?” My hope is that this allows you to share your heart & message with someone who may need to hear it!
01.
We Always Start With A Question To Prompt You To Share Part Of Your Story
When we start our chat, I like to kick things off with a question that gets straight to the heart of your story. No small talk here! This means questions like, “Can you tell me about one of the toughest challenges you’ve faced & how did you push through it?” Or, “Can you tell me about a time you had to overcome a fear & how did you overcome it? It’s about giving you the space to open up & share your experiences because your story matters!
02.
Next, We Ask How It Impacted You Or What You Learned From it
After that, I like to dive into a question about self-reflection! I’ll ask a question like, “What did you learn from that experience & how did it shape you as a person?” or “How did that experience impact you then, and how is it still impacting who you are today?” It’s a chance for you to dig deep, think about, and then share how these moments have influenced your personal growth and helped shape who you are as a person.
03.
Lastly, We Ask You To Share your Message For someone going through it
I always end with a question that allows you to share your message with someone going through or facing that experience you shared. I do this by asking questions like, “What advice would you give to someone going through something similar?” or “What’s something you wish someone had told you then?” My hope is that this allows you to share your heart & message with someone who may need to hear it!
Want to WATCH THE VIDEOS IN LONG FORM?
Watch on YouTube!
Want to WATCH THE VIDEOS IN LONG FORM?
Watch on YouTube!
Shop the Store & start your own conversations!
WANT TO HEAR THE STORIES OF THOSE AROUND YOU?
Check out the SNTHYS Question card deck!
Inspired by our heartfelt street interviews, each of the 82 cards holds 3 thought-provoking questions – for a total of 246 questions – that encourage self-reflection, sharing experiences, and offering advice, just like we do during our encounters on the streets. This versatile deck offers different ways to play – you can dive into deep conversations by tackling all three questions, use it to break the ice with strangers by asking only the first question, or you can even use the cards as prompts in your journal for your personal growth journey.
Whether you’re gathered around the dinner table, at a social event with friends, engaged in self-reflection and learning about yourself, or seeking to form new connections, these cards serve as a jumpstart to heartfelt conversations & growth!
WANT TO HEAR THE STORIES OF THOSE AROUND YOU?
Check out the SNTHYS Question card deck!
Inspired by our heartfelt street interviews, each of the 82 cards holds 3 thought-provoking questions – for a total of 246 questions – that encourage self-reflection, sharing experiences, and offering advice, just like we do during our encounters on the streets. This versatile deck offers different ways to play – you can dive into deep conversations by tackling all three questions, use it to break the ice with strangers by asking only the first question, or you can even use the cards as prompts in your journal for your personal growth journey.
Whether you’re gathered around the dinner table, at a social event with friends, engaged in self-reflection and learning about yourself, or seeking to form new connections, these cards serve as a jumpstart to heartfelt conversations & growth!
What's Your Story? We need to hear it!
Whether you have a story you know you want to share or are wondering if your experiences can help anyone, I want to meet you where you are and support you in getting your story out and into the world! Here are two of the main ways I want to help support you!
1 – Ready To Share, But Not in the Bay? That’s okay! Even if you’re not where we usually roam the streets in the Bay Area, I’ve got a way for you to share your story with us! Follow us on Instagram @someoneneedstohearyourstory for the bi-weekly question prompts, where I’ll ask the community to share their answers with us via video posts and then tag us. After that, I will post and share it with the community! By doing so, I hope to amplify your message, heart, and unique perspective to our audience, and specifically send out all the good vibes so that it reaches those who need to hear your story most!
2 – Not Ready Yet? Want to share but unsure if you have a story? Well, everyone has a story worth sharing, and if something isn’t coming to mind right away, don’t worry! I’ve got you covered with the blank, waiting-to-be-filled “Someone Needs to Hear Your Story” journal and card deck. These powerful tools combined allow you to explore thought-provoking questions, journal your answers, and discover more about yourself, your journey, and how you can make a positive impact with your story and experiences. It’s not only a great way to reflect on your own life but also a meaningful way to document your experiences for sharing with others in the future. I hope these tools will help you own your story, and I can’t wait for you to share with us when you’re ready!
No matter where you are or what stage you’re at in being ready to share your story, we are here to listen, support, and uplift you as you find your voice and share your experiences with the world. I hope you will come share with us!
Whether you have a story you know you want to share or are wondering if your experiences can help anyone, I want to meet you where you are and support you in getting your story out and into the world! Here are two of the main ways I want to help support you!
1 – Ready To Share, But Not in the Bay? That’s okay! Even if you’re not where we usually roam the streets in the Bay Area, I’ve got a way for you to share your story with us! Follow us on Instagram @someoneneedstohearyourstory for the bi-weekly question prompts, where I’ll ask the community to share their answers with us via video posts and then tag us. After that, I will post and share it with the community! By doing so, I hope to amplify your message, heart, and unique perspective to our audience, and specifically send out all the good vibes so that it reaches those who need to hear your story most!
2 – Not Ready Yet? Want to share but unsure if you have a story? Well, everyone has a story worth sharing, and if something isn’t coming to mind right away, don’t worry! I’ve got you covered with the blank, waiting-to-be-filled “Someone Needs to Hear Your Story” journal and card deck. These powerful tools combined allow you to explore thought-provoking questions, journal your answers, and discover more about yourself, your journey, and how you can make a positive impact with your story and experiences. It’s not only a great way to reflect on your own life but also a meaningful way to document your experiences for sharing with others in the future. I hope these tools will help you own your story, and I can’t wait for you to share with us when you’re ready!
No matter where you are or what stage you’re at in being ready to share your story, we are here to listen, support, and uplift you as you find your voice and share your experiences with the world. I hope you will come share with us!
Want To work together?
Me too!
I really value meaningful partnerships and collaborations with those who share the vision and mission of helping people own their stories and share them, along with their hearts and messages, with others.
Through captivating presentations, impactful public speaking engagements, and the “Someone Needs to Hear Your Story” cards, I aim to celebrate the power of shared experiences and unite diverse perspectives in our events. Working together allows us to amplify the impact of storytelling, inspire positive change, and foster genuine connections in communities and beyond.
Whether it’s a collaborative workshop, event hosting, diversity initiative, or any other creative endeavor, let’s connect and co-create transformative experiences that promote empathy, understanding, connection, and belonging. Together, I truly believe that by facilitating and creating a space to ask these questions and encourage genuine, honest, and authentic answers, we can make a meaningful impact through the power of shared experiences and storytelling!
Want To work together? Me too!
I really value meaningful partnerships and collaborations with those who share the vision and mission of helping people own their stories and share them, along with their hearts and messages, with others.
Through captivating presentations, impactful public speaking engagements, and the “Someone Needs to Hear Your Story” cards, I aim to celebrate the power of shared experiences and unite diverse perspectives in our events. Working together allows us to amplify the impact of storytelling, inspire positive change, and foster genuine connections in communities and beyond.
Whether it’s a collaborative workshop, event hosting, diversity initiative, or any other creative endeavor, let’s connect and co-create transformative experiences that promote empathy, understanding, connection, and belonging. Together, I truly believe that by facilitating and creating a space to ask these questions and encourage genuine, honest, and authentic answers, we can make a meaningful impact through the power of shared experiences and storytelling!
Looking to create an event centered around “Someone Needs To Hear Your Story”? We’ve got you! Looking to have us collab and join in on an event you have planned or are planning? We’ve got you there too! No matter if you’re looking for us to help create or join in on a conference, a thought-provoking panel discussion, a university workshop, a heartwarming workplace event, a virtual webinar, or any other gathering, we are here to help and create an unforgettable experience!
Here are just a few examples of some of the many types of events we can create or collaborate on!
- Conference Keynote Speaker
- Icebreaker Activity
- Panel Discussion
- University Workshop
- Workplace Event
- Virtual Webinar
- Dinner with Strangers
- Community Circle
- Empathy-Building Workshop
- Diversity Building Workshop
No matter the event, our collaboration will make it an extraordinary and unforgettable experience, with storytelling at its heart, inspiring hearts and minds alike! Reach out to me and my team, and let’s start planning your event or bring our expertise to your existing one! Together, we’ll create an event that leaves a lasting impact and sparks meaningful connections among all participants!
If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and being part of the incredible journey at “Someone Needs to Hear Your Story,” sponsorship is the perfect way to lend your support! Your sponsorship plays a crucial role in reaching more people and making a profound impact through storytelling. Plus, there are awesome ways we can incorporate your brand or organization into what we do!
By becoming a sponsor, your brand can be featured prominently at our events, workshops, and on our online platforms. We’ll give you shout-outs on social media, include your logo in event materials, and acknowledge your support during our heartfelt storytelling sessions. It’s a win-win situation! Your sponsorship not only helps spread empathy and understanding but also gives your brand a positive and meaningful association with our mission.
And wait, there’s more! As a sponsor, you can actively participate in our events, sharing your own stories and connecting with the incredible people in our community. It’s all about creating an authentic and uplifting experience for everyone involved!
So, if you’re eager to make a real difference and be part of our empowering journey, let’s team up for some storytelling magic! Your sponsorship will help create a world where everyone’s story, voice and heart is heard!
We value collaboration and are always excited to explore new ideas and possibilities. If you have a unique vision or project that aligns with our mission of fostering empathy and connection through storytelling, we’d love to hear from you! We are open to diverse partnership opportunities, whether it’s a joint initiative, content collaboration, event co-creation, or any other creative endeavor. Our team is dedicated to bringing your ideas to life and making a positive impact together. Reach out to us, and let’s explore the endless possibilities of partnering to create magic through the power of storytelling!
Come Be Part Of The Bloom!
Come Be Part Of The Bloom!
What is The Bloom? The Bloom is my personal letter to you, dedicated to supporting your growth and flourishing in all aspects of life – from your health, well-being and entrepreneurial pursuits to overcoming obstacles, discovering passions, stepping into purpose and finding avenues for positive impact – The Bloom is all about helping you create a life you truly love – whatever that looks like for you!
I like to think of The Bloom newsletter as the water, soil, or sunlight I hope to be able to give you to help you grow and bloom in your own life! That’s why as a member of The Bloom community, you’ll get heartfelt personal letters from me sharing stories, resources, tools, inspiration and support to help you on your personal growth journey.
Come Be Part Of The Bloom!
What is The Bloom? The Bloom is my personal letter to you, dedicated to supporting your growth and flourishing in all aspects of life – from your health, well-being and entrepreneurial pursuits to overcoming obstacles, discovering passions, stepping into purpose and finding avenues for positive impact – The Bloom is all about helping you create a life you truly love – whatever that looks like for you!
I like to think of The Bloom newsletter as the water, soil, or sunlight I hope to be able to give you to help you grow and bloom in your own life! That’s why as a member of The Bloom community, you’ll get heartfelt personal letters from me sharing stories, resources, tools, inspiration and support to help you on your personal growth journey.
I'm Haley James!
I’m a California-based purpose-driven, multi-passionate entrepreneur, chronic illness & rare disease advocate, speaker, podcaster, designer, YouTuber, content creator and really, at my core, just a woman who wants to love & help people!
More specifically though, I’m here to love & help support YOU by inspiring, empowering and equipping you to overcome your obstacles, pursue your passions, step into your purpose and create a life you truly love so you can use your stories and gifts to make a positive impact in the lives of others!
I hope you’ll join me!
I'm Haley James!
I’m a California-based purpose-driven, multi-passionate entrepreneur, chronic illness & rare disease advocate, speaker, podcaster, designer, YouTuber, content creator and really, at my core, just a woman who wants to love & help people!
More specifically though, I’m here to love & help support YOU by inspiring, empowering and equipping you to overcome your obstacles, pursue your passions, step into your purpose and create a life you truly love so you can use your stories and gifts to make a positive impact in the lives of others! I hope you’ll join me!
THANKS FOR BEING HERE – I LOVE YOU, I MEAN IT ♡
THANKS FOR BEING HERE – I LOVE YOU, I MEAN IT ♡
