We were lucky to catch up with Victoria Walling recently and have shared our conversation below.

Victoria, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

For years, my life was a well-worn recipe. I thrived in the corporate kitchen, whipping up press releases, marketing campaigns, and communication strategies. It was comfortable, predictable, and… well, a little bland. I knew every corner of that corporate kitchen, and while I was good at it, a tiny voice whispered about a different path.

Then, in 2022, I took a leap of epic proportions. I packed my bags, ingredients metaphorical and literal, and moved across the world to the US. Leaving my family and close friends behind was like setting aside all my familiar spices. This new environment was like an unfamiliar kitchen – exciting, full of possibilities, but also potentially intimidating.

Starting anew meant building a network from scratch. I had to leverage my storytelling skills in a totally new way – sharing my story, making connections, and proving my value. It wasn’t easy, but I approached it like a creative challenge. I networked, volunteered, and found ways to showcase my expertise. Slowly, new opportunities arose, and I began consulting for entrepreneurs and organizations who craved the magic of storytelling.

Today, my kitchen might be smaller, but the flavors are richer. I’m surrounded by a new community, and my work feels more fulfilling than ever. The risk I took may have been daunting, but it allowed me to add a whole new dimension to my storytelling recipe.

This experience has taught me the power of taking calculated risks, the importance of adapting to new environments, and most importantly, the universal language of a well-told story. Now, I help others leverage the power of storytelling in their own journeys, no matter where their path leads them.

This story is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most delicious dishes come from stepping outside your comfort zone and grabbing a whole new set of spices.

Victoria, 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 the storyteller behind The Narrative Kitchen. My journey to crafting captivating brand narratives has been a delicious one, fueled by over 14 years navigating the ever-evolving world of communications.

From Agency Kitchens to Building My Own:

It all started in the bustling kitchens of agencies, both big and small. I honed my skills across boutique firms and multinational agencies, learning the intricacies of crafting strategic communication and campaigns that truly resonated. This path eventually led me to collaborate with a friend and establish a small firm, allowing me to put my skills to the test in a more entrepreneurial setting.

The Birth of The Narrative Kitchen:

Now, I’m thrilled to be embarking on this solo venture with The Narrative Kitchen. This isn’t just a consulting brand, it’s a passion project fueled by the belief that every entrepreneur and organization has a powerful story waiting to be told.

I’m more than just a consultant. I’m a storyteller at heart, with a deep understanding of the power of strategic communication. I don’t offer cookie-cutter solutions. Instead, I take the time to truly understand your unique vision, target audience, and brand voice. This allows me to meticulously craft a narrative that resonates with your audience, builds lasting relationships, and ultimately drives results. Think of me as your personal story whisperer!

Here are some key ingredients that set me and my personal brand (The Narrative Kitchen) apart:

– Challenging the Status Quo: I thrive on fresh ideas and pushing boundaries to create narratives that truly connect.
– Unearthing Hidden Gems: I believe in the power of your brand story. Together, we’ll uncover the hidden gems that make you unique.
– Embracing Connection: Building relationships is key to success. Your story should foster meaningful connections with your audience.
– Collaboration is Key: I believe in a collaborative approach. Your goals become my goals, and together we’ll craft a narrative that delivers.

Above all, I’m most proud of helping my clients find the right stories to reach their target audiences and make a lasting impression. Their success is my success, and building those strong partnerships is what fuels my passion.

What I Want You to Know:

So, if you’re an entrepreneur or organization looking to tell your story in a way that cuts through the noise and resonates with your audience, then The Narrative Kitchen is here to help. Let’s ditch the bland and embrace the brilliant! Let’s cook up something amazing together.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

For most of my career, I thrived in the corporate world, honing my skills in communication, PR, and of course, storytelling. But in 2021, a craving for something more sparked a side hustle – independent consulting. Those first client projects were exhilarating! It was a return to my first love – crafting compelling narratives and building relationships through communication.

Then, an exciting opportunity arose: a friend and I joined forces to build a branding firm. It was a fantastic experience, allowing me to dive deeper into the entrepreneurial world while still maintaining my independent consulting on the side.

Fast forward to 2022, when I took the life-changing step of moving to the US. With a new environment came new decisions. While I continued growing the business with my co-founder, the solo consulting side project continued to simmer in the background.

The Birth of The Narrative Kitchen:

In 2024, a realization struck me – it was time to take a leap of faith. Could I combine my two greatest passions – storytelling and food – into a full-fledged brand? Thus, The Narrative Kitchen was born!

From Side Hustle to Delicious Success:

Looking back, the growth of this side hustle into my main course has been incredibly rewarding. Signing my first retainer client in the beginning of the year was a pivotal moment, followed by two more in March and a fantastic double win in April. I even got to sign another client in May. The organic growth of my marketing efforts has been the icing on the cake!

Key Milestones:

➡️August 2021: Launched independent consulting as a side hustle.
➡️Late 2021: Partnered with a friend to co-found a branding firm.
➡️2022: Relocated to the US and continued working on both projects.
➡️2023: Focused on winning new business for our small firm.
➡️January 2024: Signed first retainer client.
➡️March – May 2024: Secured four additional clients.
➡️Present Day: The Narrative Kitchen is my full-time consultancy, helping entrepreneurs and organizations tell their stories and achieve their goals.

This journey reminds me that sometimes, the most delicious dishes come from following your passions and taking a chance. The Narrative Kitchen is still young, but I’m excited to see what the future holds as I continue helping clients create stories that resonate and achieve remarkable results.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

My secret sauce for client growth? A sprinkle of LinkedIn engagement, a dash of organic outreach, a healthy dose of networking (both online and off!), and the ultimate compliment – happy client referrals!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thenarrativekitchen.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriawalling/
• Other: https://medium.com/@victoriawalling_