From Shy Hairstylist to Storytelling Strategist – How I Learned to Sell Myself (Without Feeling Salesy).
Hey there, I’m Dennise Cardona, and if you had told my younger self that I’d one day be teaching people how to confidently tell their stories and attract clients effortlessly, I probably would have laughed (nervously, of course).
Because the truth is—I used to be painfully shy. The kind of shy that made me avoid conversations, second-guess my words, and let opportunities pass me by.
Until I had no choice but to figure it out.
My first lesson in storytelling? The salon chair.
As a hairstylist in my early career, I quickly realized that my skills alone wouldn’t bring in clients. If I wanted to fill my schedule, get referrals, and build a loyal clientele, I had to learn how to connect with people, tell my story, and make them trust me.
I wasn’t just cutting hair—I was creating an experience, building relationships, and making people feel heard. And that’s when it clicked…
✨ People don’t buy products or services. They buy connection. They buy YOU. ✨
Fast forward to today, and that lesson has followed me through every stage of my career.
📢 As a marketing professional, I learned how to sell brands.
🎤 As a business consultant, I learned how to sell ideas.
🎓 As an instructional designer and academic advisor, I learned how to sell knowledge and expertise.
But at the core of it all? It’s always been about storytelling.
Whether you’re a business coach or entrepreneur, your success hinges on your ability to communicate your value in a way that feels authentic, natural, and effortless.
And that’s exactly what I help people do.
Why I Created Storypreneur
I’ve spent my career teaching educators, trainers, and business owners how to effectively communicate ideas, build trust, and connect with their audience. Through my work at the International Masonry Institute, the International Transportation Learning Center, and as a guest lecturer at UMBC, I’ve developed training programs that turn professionals into confident, engaging storytellers.
But I realized something was missing.
Most people know what they do, but they don’t know how to talk about it in a way that attracts the right clients. They get stuck in their heads, feeling like their story isn’t interesting enough, or they struggle to turn conversations into opportunities.
That’s where The Storypreneur comes in.
This isn’t about learning to “sell” yourself in a way that feels uncomfortable.
It’s about owning your story, leading with confidence, and letting your message do the work for you.
What’s Next?
If you’re ready to:
✅ Stop feeling awkward when talking about what you do.
✅ Confidently attract your dream clients without chasing them.
✅ Learn a simple, repeatable system for using storytelling in business…
Then you’re in the right place.
🎯 Start with my FREE guide: The Client-Attracting Story Formula
Or, if you’re ready to go all in, join me in the Craft Your Client-Attracting Story Course.