Have you ever thought about what makes a story go viral? About the exact elements that can hook an audience, draw out emotion, and leave a lasting impression?
I’m Kamal Jahid, entrepreneur, producer and host of Warsaw Confidential Podcast, and today, I’m going to share with you how I crafted a story that did all of this—and brought my luxury leather brand, Meqnes, to life.
This story went viral, grabbed the attention of investors, and sparked a movement around our brand. Here’s a sneak peek at how I used the fundamentals of storytelling to create unforgettable impact.
🟡 Download the full script here to get a complete understanding of the storytelling strategies. This script is essential to see each technique in context, and it will enhance the insights shared in my 7-day email series.
Meqnes and the Art of Storytelling
1. Start with a Hook that Captures Attention:
When I pitched Meqnes on Shark Tank, I opened with, “The Swiss have their watches, the Germans have their cars, the Americans have finance, and Morocco has art and leathercraft.” This single line did three things: it positioned Meqnes as part of a proud tradition, intrigued the audience, and set the tone for the rest of the story.
Lesson: A strong hook isn’t just about attention; it’s about setting the stage for the entire story. Think about what cultural or emotional connection will resonate with your audience from the first line.
2. Make It Personal to Build Connection:
The story behind Meqnes started with a gift from my grandfather—a classic leather bag from Morocco. This bag symbolized Morocco’s legacy of craftsmanship and became the catalyst for the brand. By the time I finished my pitch, everyone in the room saw Meqnes not just as a product, but as an heirloom of Moroccan culture.
Lesson: When you bring real-life experiences into your story, it creates authenticity and connection. Audiences relate to stories that feel personal and genuine.
3. Use Tension and Suspense:
Our Kickstarter campaign was a high-stakes journey, especially as we got close to our $50,000 goal. With only hours left, we were short on funds. Suddenly, I remembered a businessman who had offered to buy my grandfather’s bag for $1,000. Reaching out to him was a last-ditch effort—and it worked. He helped us meet our goal, and Meqnes was born.
Lesson: Conflict and tension keep an audience on the edge of their seats. Share your struggles honestly; this vulnerability invites audiences to root for your success.
4. Tie it to a Larger Vision:
Meqnes wasn’t just a luxury bag—it was a movement to bring Moroccan artistry to the world stage. When you invite others to be part of a vision larger than yourself, you create a sense of belonging and purpose around your story.
Lesson: When you connect your story to a larger mission, it doesn’t just engage people—it galvanizes them to support and share it.
Over the next 7 days, I’ll break down the exact elements that turned Meqnes into an international success story.
Each day, you’ll receive an email covering a critical storytelling element—full of personal insights, strategies, and practical exercises to help you master your own stories.
See you tomorrow!
P.S. If you just want to jump in and get started, join the Masterclass here