Olivia Savoie, founder of Raconteur Life Story. (Credit: Courtesy of Raconteur Life Story)
She’ll Turn Your Family’s History Into a Book
Olivia Savoie’s business, Raconteur Life Story Writing, creates family heirlooms out of clients’ life stories.
Olivia Savoie has always loved to write. She even majored in English in college, with a minor in History, to further explore her passion. Just before she graduated, Savoie decided she wanted to get to know her grandmothers better, and interviewed them so that she could learn – and write – the stories of their lives. Savoie found the overall experience so meaningful that she then set out to do the same for other families. The Lafayette, Louisiana-based founder did some market research, and quickly found that there were not any similar businesses operating in the region (or in general) – so in 2016, she launched Raconteur Life Story Writing. Today, Savoie says she feels like she’s found her true calling in “ensuring older people feel seen and heard, as I give them an avenue to share their experiences and life lessons with those they love.”
Here’s our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project.
How is your business different from others in your industry?
I take the time to get to know my subjects. I care about every detail – from stringing together themes of their life to correctly placing commas. My team proofreads each of our books seven or more times, which exceeds the industry standard, all because we care deeply about our subjects’ legacies, and the excellence of our finished products.
Tell us about your biggest success so far.
Being trusted to write books on behalf of some phenomenal, inspiring people – ranging from The Story Exchange’s founder (Victoria Wang), to the longest-serving house majority leader in Washington State, to three of the American College of Surgeons’ “Distinguished Surgeons.” Other successes include being featured in a 7-minute national special on “CBS Mornings” and being a guest on the no. 1 inspirational talk show in America, “The Kelly Clarkson Show.”
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What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?
Starting up. Because the concept of family heirloom biography writing was so niche and rare, it was extremely difficult to get my community to understand what I was even offering. Many people couldn’t wrap their minds around my concept of interviewing someone, and then producing a book that ranged from 75 to 250 pages about their life. I struggled to be profitable in the first two years and to build my portfolio so that potential clients would consider commissioning me. I also struggled initially because I lacked mentorship, as so few have gone before me in this niche industry.
What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs?
I hope women entrepreneurs know that what they need, they already have within themselves. Their creativity and work ethic can carry them far. Even though I didn’t have guidance in my niche industry, I followed my heart, worked relentlessly, and invented all my own wheels (my processes, questionnaires, systems, etc.) I encourage entrepreneurs to invent their own wheels, too – and then drive on them without worrying about perfection.
My advice: Just get started. Be okay with the fact that your early product or service will improve with time and experience. And, find something to do that you care deeply about. As the adage goes, “No one cares what you do, until they know how much you care.” For me, my care has attracted clients and contributed to my overall success.
How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?
Whether the day is dark or bright, I make myself sit in the chair and work. I push through dark days by sticking to a routine, stepping out for breaks in the sunshine, and balancing work and life by having lots of visits with friends or mentors. I listen to music. I read inspiring books outside of my work, and that inspiration carries me through. I’m also a Christian who prays and listens to worship music when I feel down.
What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?
I listen to calming classical music.
Who is your most important role model?
My maternal grandmother, Flora Young. She had the courage to leave her abusive marriage, and found a way to take care of her three children by going back to school and starting a small business: A beauty shop in her front yard. Her tenacity inspired me to chase my own dreams and forge my own path.
Instagram: @RaconteurStoryWriting
Facebook: @RaconteurStoryWriting
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