Helena Fynn’s Storyteller Journey with CWRU LaunchNET Grant

Stories can be the gift that keeps on giving, and for Helena Fynn, this could not be more true. Helena is a sophomore at CWRU majoring in Biology and English, with minors in chemistry, music, and dance. With the support of a LaunchNET grant, she is developing her enterprise, The Storyteller, a venture built on inspiration and creativity. The Storyteller offers curated collections of short stories and storytelling workshops that invite people to see life not only as it is but also as it could be. Her work ranges from recipes to an original novel, with each project placing the reader at the forefront to help them imagine and pursue their own goals. Through this venture, Helena is on a mission to empower individuals to see themselves as the main character of their own story. Read on as Helena shares more about her journey and answers some of our questions.

1. How did LaunchNET and the grant support shape your journey?

I don’t even remember how we first met, but Brittain Elswick (a member of CWRU LaunchNet) has been an unending source of wisdom and support. She helped me decide on my first audience, gave me insight as to what my ideas looked like from an outside perspective, encouraged me, and never made me feel like my endeavors were ridiculous or crazy. The grant itself allowed me to start my first official website. This not only gives me a platform to sell my creations on, but also a clear space to organize and grow my brand identity. This is where I am building a home for stories; this is where the magic starts. Additionally, LaunchNet has given me the chance to speak to individuals, whether in private meetings—such as one occasion where I spoke with an advisor who had worked previously with self-published authors—or in larger events, giving me the opportunity to both learn and work with others.

2. What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced while developing your idea, and how did you overcome it?

I do a lot of (very different) things, including writing stories, working with peers, studying biology and chemistry, creating films, working on my Storyteller brand, working out, singing ... I am doing a lot! These various pieces can be hard for anyone—even me—to follow at times. However, I now understand that a key part of who I am is doing all of these things. It was many years until I understood this about myself, and it also took me time to not be frustrated with myself for it and to learn to love my own story. Now that I am learning to embrace this unique quality of myself, I find I am making so much more progress.

3. What milestone or achievement are you most proud of so far?

Not one milestone stands out yet, but the continuous work and understanding do. What started as a few ideas written on scraps of paper has turned into a functioning brand with everything I do under one umbrella. I still have so much work to do, but as I see how I transitioned from a girl who thought she could only do what others approved of to this character who is chasing every dream, I am so proud and cannot stop smiling. However, certain milestones such as opening my website, being awarded the Do Grant, and even this interview are pictures on my vision board ticked off!

4. What advice from LaunchNET mentors or your own experience has stuck with you?

I originally said that my idea was for absolutely everyone, and I thought this was the best possible thing. However, I learned that having a specific audience, especially when starting an enterprise, actually shows more research, preparation, and understanding in your work. It is great to have goals to grow and expand, but starting with one more specific audience allows you to delve deep into your idea and grow. And most of all, never give up.

5. Looking ahead, what’s next for your venture—and what advice would you give students thinking about applying to LaunchNET?

I am continuing to develop The Storyteller brand, but I am also now working to bring my ideas out to a larger audience! This journey began on my own, and I am so grateful for the many years and many lessons I have had that led me to where I am. Now, I am going to the next step, where I translate this massive idea growing in my mind to others. I would say go for the grant, even if you have no idea. By actually doing the work and having this experience, you learn so much. There really will never be the perfect moment. Take that first leap of faith.