We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kastle Waserman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kastle , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

Many people will tell you that you can’t make a living as a creative. The arts are shamefully underpaid. When I went to college to study journalism, they told me I would have to start at a tiny local paper in some small town. I didn’t accept that.

Right before I graduated, I landed a job at the LA Times. It was an assistant role, but I worked hard to prove myself and asked, and asked, and asked them to let me write for the paper. They finally said yes! I eventually worked my way up to reporter and editor.

In journalism school, they tell you to “persist, persist, persist,” and I believe that’s true. Set your goal, adjust your mindset to unrelenting determination. In moments of defeat, you must constantly remind yourself of that. Then, nobody can stop you.

Kastle , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a journalist, marketing consultant, copywriter and storytelling strategist. I work with words. I’ve been a storyteller all my life and always knew I wanted to do that. I worked my way up from a journalism major in college to a clerk at the Los Angeles Times, eventually becoming a reporter and editor there, covering my passion for music, fashion and lifestyle. I currently write for Westword, Avid Lifestyle and Su Casa Magazines. I’ve also worked as a marketing copywriter for over 10 years, helping prominent brand names build customer relationships through valuable content.

I recently took my career down a new path of helping business owners better communicate and connect with customers using the power of storytelling. I offer programs to businesses and individuals to find their story.

I’ve always had a knack for digging in and finding people’s stories, their “why,” and what makes them do what they do. I minored in psychology so that probably has something to do with it. LOL. Now, through my programs and public speaking, I help others find and tell their stories to give more meaning and mission to their lives and businesses.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

In marketing, you’ll hear people talk about their “origin story,” also known as their “why.” It’s a narrative that explains someone’s drive or how a company began. It can help shape identity, values and purpose and help attract others who can relate to or are inspired by it.

For me, the calling to tell stories I believe came from my family. I come from two parents who identify as marginalized members of society. On my dad’s side, they are Holocaust survivors. I felt called to tell that story so it is documented in history. And while that is a big story, I wanted to find the small story—his story and how the discrimination and persecution affected him and me.

I believe everyone has a story that can impact or inspire someone. Sometimes, you have to do a lot of self-reflection to find it. As a journalist, I know the questions to ask to get there. So that’s become my life mission—to tell people’s stories to help people share, connect and inspire.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

A few years ago, I was working in the corporate world, and my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I wanted to spend time with her, but I couldn’t do that with limited vacation time. So I left.

I decided to start my own business and use the skills accumulated through a long career in marketing and journalism. I realized storytelling was something I had to offer the world.

I started working with a business coach who encouraged me to do public speaking. I have to say I’m really enjoying it. Telling stories on stage is very similar to telling them in print—to move and inspire people.

I don’t get nervous because I’m familiar with being on stage from living in Los Angeles for 25 years, where you get asked to do all kinds of things just by being around other creative people. I’ve had bit parts in TV and film, been in a band, been a model and did improv comedy at the Groundlings. So public speaking isn’t too much of a stretch, and it’s another way to use my experience for something new.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kastlewriter.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kastlestyle/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kastle/