The moment her teacher called her “stupid” was a remarkable turning point in Social Entrepreneur Karis’s life story
“I was 10 years old,” says Karis, entrepreneur and co-founder of Social Stories Club social enterprise in Edinburgh. “I struggled to focus, daydreamed often, and felt constantly misunderstood.” Dyslexia, though unidentified at the time, made academic life a relentless battle. “Instead of retreating, I became determined to demonstrate that intelligence isn’t confined to traditional academics.”
With unwavering support from her dyslexic mother, who recognised the signs and fought against school policies, Karis began to harness her strengths. “My dyslexia pushed me to think creatively and visualise ideas vividly,” she explains. These traits became invaluable as she embarked on her path to become a sustainable social entrepreneur.
Social Stories Club emerged from Karis’s vision to amplify social enterprises tackling global challenges. “We wanted to bridge the gap between consumers and impactful businesses,” she explains. Through curated gift boxes featuring products from diverse social enterprises, Social Stories Club not only spreads awareness but also provides employment opportunities to individuals facing barriers to work.
The power of storytelling
Storytelling forms the cornerstone of Social Stories Club’s approach. “It’s not just about selling products; it’s about sharing the stories behind them,” Karis emphasises. This narrative-driven model not only drives sales but also fosters connections and educates consumers about social enterprises’ missions.
“Storytelling has been transformative,” Karis reflects. “It’s helped us secure funding, engage stakeholders and build a community passionate about social impact.”
Karis’s dyslexia, often seen as a hindrance in traditional educational settings, became her entrepreneurial superpower. “I may struggle with reading and writing, but I excel in visualizing concepts and communicating them effectively,” she says. This ability has been crucial in crafting innovative marketing strategies and delivering compelling pitches.
Despite challenges, including navigating grant applications and pitching competitions that often favour traditional communication styles, Karis remains optimistic. “There’s a need for greater inclusivity in these spaces,” she says. “Accommodations like allowing voice note submissions could level the playing field for dyslexic entrepreneurs.”
As an ambassador for Young Enterprise Scotland, Karis is committed to inspiring the next generation of dyslexic entrepreneurs. “I want children to see dyslexia not as a limitation, but as a catalyst for creativity and resilience,” she states. Her advocacy extends to reforming education and business ecosystems to support neurodiversity.
Looking forward, Karis aims to expand her advocacy efforts, speaking more widely about dyslexia in business and influencing policy changes in support of
dyslexic entrepreneurs. Her message to educators and policymakers is clear: “We need more visibility of successful dyslexic entrepreneurs to inspire and
guide future generations.”
Karis’s journey from a misunderstood student to a trailblazing entrepreneur underscores the transformative power of resilience and innovation. Through Social Stories Club, she not only challenges perceptions about dyslexia but also redefines entrepreneurship as a force for social good.