Story-to-Song is an experience and an abstract one at that. For this reason, it can be difficult to describe in written words alone. When applications I have submitted for grants, conferences, and research opportunities are turned down, I try to lift my spirits with the reminder that I simply have to improve my skills at describing Story-to-Song.

A recent Story-to-Song submission was accepted, and for this I am very thankful. The Merrimack Valley Sandbox saw potential in this business venture and welcomed my co-founder, Malcolm Brooks, and me into their fold.

A week into the Sandbox winter Accelerator program, and I am quickly witnessing what an incredible gift I have been given.

There have been three sessions thus far, including an orientation and two official classes, and already I am taking the first steps toward making my business idea a reality. I am thinking about business questions and goals, potential customers, problems my product might help people to solve, and coming up with a viable product to get things started.

What I had previously thought of as more of a dream of a business, I am now envisioning as something that can and will really happen.

With Thanksgiving right behind us and the passing of an important leader on my mind, I wanted to share a quote that is relevant to those of us who are trying new things and putting ourselves out there.

“Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”

~Nelson Mandela