Te'Jal Cartwright
A year ago, I stepped into the role of Lore’s owner, feeling the weight of expectations. Would I be able to fill the shoes of someone so deeply embedded in the storytelling community? Would people embrace my vision, or would they only see what was different?
In those early days, I found myself in constant conversations with Bridget about the comparisons people made between us. Through those talks, she helped me realize something powerful: that’s the beauty of this transition. Though our love for storytelling, transparency, and vulnerability comes from the same place, we are not the same—and that’s exactly how it should be. That's exactly why she asked me to take over—because of my strength in media, community, and storytelling.
I’ve always had the skills to build relationships through storytelling.
When I was in college, I worked as a student fundraiser for the University of Dayton, spending hours each night calling alumni, sharing stories, and raising funds for students like me who depended on scholarships. I was often scolded for spending too much time listening to people’s stories instead of keeping the calls short, but I couldn’t help it. Their experiences fascinated me. And funny enough, the longer I stayed on a call, the fewer “no’s” I heard.
Over the years, I found myself capturing and sharing stories in different ways—whether it was through marketing for organizations, interviewing community leaders for my Preschool Promise Parent Tips series, or volunteering with StoryChain, an organization that records incarcerated parents reading books for their children. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp how impactful that was. I just knew I was drawn to the work.
My love for storytelling truly deepened when I started What’s the Biz with TJ, a web series turned TV series where my team and I spent four seasons interviewing Black business owners, learning their journeys, and connecting them with their customers. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it then, but I knew one thing for sure—stories were the connector.
And then I found Lore.
Taking Bridget’s storytelling class in 2018 was a game-changer. For the first time, I learned the science behind storytelling—not just telling a good story, but telling a story that connects you to your people. That’s when it all clicked. This is why community-building has always been my thing.
With intentionality, I went from supporting Lore’s digital marketing to becoming a storyteller, then a story coach, and now, the owner of Lore.
What This Year Has Taught Me
One thing I’ve been reminded of over and over is that you don’t have to shape-shift to be successful or to find your village. Being yourself attracts the right people, like a magnet. The same applies to storytelling, to leadership—to everything.
This past year, I’ve grown as a storyteller, a business owner, and a leader. And I’m just getting started.
I’m excited to expand our Lore team, add more story coaches, and continue building community through our workshops. The world needs storytelling now more than ever.
Thank you for your support, for trusting me and Lore, and for being part of this journey. We have so much coming—Story Coach Certification, partnerships with national organizations, deeper engagement with our alumni, and more.
Here’s to another year of storytelling, connection, and growth. Let’s keep building TOGETHER.