Halfthestory

What is the purpose of this campaign?

With $20,000 we will be able to build a community, separate from the social media sites we use everyday, to facilitate conversation and story telling about being human. We believe that sharing our stories is both empowering for the individual sharing, and inspirational for those that read it. Our stories create us, and we create our stories, therefore, these stories are at the core of who we are. These are what connect us.

#HalfTheStory was started in 2015, and has been growing ever since. At this point we have touched thousands of lives, but we want to do more. If we are able to raise this money, we can create a space where more stories can be told, more people can share these stories, and the life changing moments will continue to happen as we grow.

Why are you choosing to crowd fund? 

Over the past year and a half we have built a community around the world and we believe the best place to build our foundation is with our #HTSfamily. Every aspect of #HalfTheStory is built from community and we want to continue down this path and have creative control of our destiny.

What changes will this money provide for #HalfTheStory?

To be honest, most of the changes will not be glamorous. We want to build a website where you, our community, can communicate, share, and feel safe. We want to build out our branding and market strategy, as well as continue to add members to our team. We will also be able to have a work space instead of working out of Larz's apartment in Brooklyn, and various coffee shops. But most of all, we will be better prepared and able to support each and every member of our community, and we can't wait to support you as we grow.

When can we expect to see #HalfTheStory implement these changes?

Immediately. As soon as we receive the funding we will begin web development and our unique content series, with a goal to expand into video and pursue larger corporate sponsors. During this process, we are also shifting towards a B2B business, offering social communication workshops and keynotes to conferences, universities, and organizations.

Who is #HalfTheStory for? 

Everyone has a story to share and the opportunities are endless. #HalfTheStory welcomes all ages, genders, languages, demographics, and interests. With our new website, we aim to produce quarterly content series that are focused on specific topics and industries to create more context for the stories that are told.

Who is on the team and what are their backgrounds?

Larissa May— Founder + Creative Director

While earning her degree in Creative Strategy and Marketing from Vanderbilt University, she founded a social media strategy consultancy. Now residing in Brooklyn, NY Larz is proving herself as one of the go-to social media experts in creative strategy and influencer marketing. With partnerships on the horizon with publications such as Thrive Global and leading influencers, #HALFTHESTORY is becoming the beacon of Larz’s future media enterprise. BUT, @Livinlikelarz is only #halfthestory – bet you didn’t know she spends her free time watching webinars, Ted Talks, and doodling dreams. Her motto? – I like to help cool people do cool things.

Fun fact: Larz had her first business card at age 10.

Lizzie Steimer— Photo + Editorial Director

Lizzie is a writer, photographer, and all over creator. After graduating with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications (and a few minors in business, creative writing, and graphic design) she moved to Brooklyn, NY. Lizzie is our go-to girl for all things editorial and organizational. She loves inspiring human souls to be real and authentic, and loves being inspired by the power of human connection.

Outside of #HalfTheStory, Lizzie works on photography and visual art, creative and public relations writing, and whatever creative and inspired projects come her way. @lizziesteimer encompasses many angles of Lizzie’s professional life, including her photography and personal experiences, but it’s only #HalfTheStory. Behind the screen are personal struggles, hidden talents, passions, and so much more.

Victoria Chardiet— Graphic Designer

Victoria is an Industrial Design student at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn New York. After growing up in a multicultural home she turned to design as a means of channeling all the colorful energy she grew up with. With passions ranging from fashion to automotive design her diverse set of interests lead her towards creation and innovation. The common thread behind all the work that she does is to channel her creative energy into projects that do and help more.

Fun fact: She enjoys dyeing concrete and baby-talking to dogs in her free time

Jacqueline Boudreau— Outreach Manager

Jacqueline is a rising senior at USC with a major in international relations and public policy minor. Jacq is passionate about mental health awareness, the transition to college and social media authenticity. As a pre-law student with a future in public policy, Jacq is an A1 advocate for #Halfthestory.

Amanda Michaud— Community Manager

Amanda is currently finishing her degree in Environmental Science and Public Health, along with a Corporate Strategy minor, from Vanderbilt University. Her academic work focuses on understanding how environmental exposures impact human health, and she is especially passionate about cosmetics and promoting safer products. She works on the community development side of #HALFTHESTORY, to spread our mission on college campuses and beyond. Amanda is passionate about helping people and generating positive change. Whether that be through #HTS or the safe cosmetics movement.