The Moth

Storytelling Workshops for Students

Market Gap: Students struggle to effectively communicate personal stories.

The Moth is offering free storytelling workshops aimed at high school and college students to teach them how to craft and share their personal narratives. These workshops focus on using storytelling techniques to help students build confidence and improve their communication skills. By learning to articulate their experiences, students can enhance their college applications, excel in interviews, and foster better relationships with peers and mentors. This program not only empowers students but also creates a community of storytellers who can support each other. Digital entrepreneurs could create an online platform that expands on this concept by offering virtual workshops, resources, and storytelling competitions, making it accessible to a wider audience.

From: The Moth Podcast: Answers Before Questions

Digital Archive for Cultural Heritage and Storytelling

Market Gap: Cultural stories and heritage are at risk of being forgotten.

This business idea proposes creating a digital archive specifically for cultural heritage and community storytelling, allowing users to document and share their personal and communal histories. Drawing inspiration from Led Black's vision of having stories on a library shelf that is accessible, this platform would allow individuals to upload their narratives, photographs, and historical documents, creating a rich tapestry of cultural heritage. It could feature interactive elements, such as community contributions, discussions, and events that celebrate these stories. Target audiences would include cultural organizations, schools, and community groups seeking to preserve their heritage and promote cultural awareness. The archive could also serve as an educational resource, encouraging learning about diverse cultures and histories.

From: The Moth Radio Hour: Live from the United Palace

Community Storytelling Platform for Underrepresented Voices

Market Gap: Underrepresented communities lack platforms for storytelling and expression.

The idea is to create a community storytelling platform specifically designed for underrepresented voices, similar to the Uptown Collective mentioned by Led Black in the podcast. This platform would allow individuals to share their personal stories, fostering a sense of community while also giving them the opportunity to express their unique experiences. It could incorporate various formats, including written narratives, video stories, and podcasts, offering diverse ways for users to communicate their truths. By focusing on authenticity and representation, this platform could help bridge cultural gaps and promote understanding among different communities. Target audiences could include artists, activists, and community members seeking to share their narratives and connect with others who have similar backgrounds.

From: The Moth Radio Hour: Live from the United Palace

High-End Children's Entertainment Company

Market Gap: Parents need unique entertainment options for children's parties.

This business idea centers around creating a high-end children's entertainment company that specializes in themed performances for birthday parties and events. By hiring trained actors and performers who can embody beloved characters, this company would provide customized entertainment experiences that engage children and delight parents. The service could include princess parties, superhero appearances, and interactive storytelling sessions tailored to various age groups. Additional offerings could involve workshops for children to learn performance skills and character development. The target audience would be parents of young children looking for unique and quality entertainment. Marketing efforts could focus on partnerships with local businesses, social media campaigns showcasing performances, and testimonials from satisfied clients.

From: The Moth Podcast: Performing in LA and Antarctica

Antarctic Performance Art Experiences

Market Gap: Unique performance venues are limited for artists.

The idea is to create a business that organizes performance art experiences in unique and extreme environments, such as Antarctica. This business could partner with adventurous artists, cruise lines, and expedition companies to offer curated events where artists perform in stunning, unconventional settings. The aim is to provide artists a platform to showcase their talent in breathtaking locations, while also offering audiences an extraordinary experience. This could involve themed performances, workshops, and immersive storytelling that leverage the backdrop of unique venues. The target audience would include art enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and organizations looking to host memorable events. Marketing strategies could include social media campaigns showcasing past performances and partnerships with travel influencers to promote unique experiences.

From: The Moth Podcast: Performing in LA and Antarctica

Virtual Storytelling Workshops for Healing

Market Gap: People struggle with emotional closure after significant life events.

This idea involves creating virtual storytelling workshops that allow individuals to share their personal stories in a safe and supportive environment. The workshops would be facilitated by trained professionals who help participants articulate their experiences and emotions, enabling them to process their stories and gain closure. Participants would learn storytelling techniques that can empower them to express their feelings and connect with others who have faced similar challenges. The target audience includes individuals coping with loss, breakups, or significant life changes who seek a creative outlet for their emotions. These workshops could leverage digital platforms to reach a broader audience, making it accessible to those unable to attend in-person sessions.

From: Clean Breaks

Support Network for Divorced Women

Market Gap: Divorced women often lack community support and resources.

This business idea focuses on creating a support network specifically for divorced women, providing them with resources, community, and empowerment. The network would offer online platforms for discussion, workshops, and events aimed at fostering connections among women who have experienced divorce. Members could share their stories, seek advice, and find camaraderie with others navigating similar journeys. The target audience includes divorced women seeking connection, support, and guidance. The platform could utilize social media and community-building tools to foster engagement and create a sense of belonging. Additionally, partnerships with mental health professionals could provide members access to resources for emotional well-being.

From: Clean Breaks

Sperm Donor Matching Platform

Lori Gottlieb shares her experience navigating the process of selecting a sperm donor, which included a variety of donor profiles that resembled dating profiles. This presents the opportunity to create a sperm donor matching platform that mimics the swiping mechanism of dating apps, allowing users to filter potential donors based on various criteria, including physical attributes, education, and personality traits. Incorporating a review system for donors based on user feedback and experiences could enhance trust and engagement within the platform. The target audience would primarily be single women or couples seeking to conceive via sperm donation. The platform could also facilitate educational resources on the insemination process, legal considerations, and emotional support. This business could leverage technology to build a community around fertility and donor selection while providing a much-needed service in the growing market of assisted reproductive technologies.

From: The Moth Podcast: Diavian Walters and Lori Gottlieb

Curated Hair Care Subscription Service

The podcast episode features a personal story from D'Avion Walters about her hair journey, highlighting the challenges and insecurities faced by individuals with naturally curly hair. This opens a concrete business idea: a curated hair care subscription service specifically designed for individuals with textured hair. This service would provide tailored products, including shampoos, conditioners, and styling products, that cater to the unique needs of curly and textured hair. The subscription model ensures regular delivery of products that align with the customer's evolving hair care routines and preferences. Targeting individuals who struggle to find appropriate products for their hair type, this service could include educational content, community support, and access to expert advice on hair care. Tactics for implementation could involve partnerships with niche product brands, a robust e-commerce platform, and leveraging social media for community engagement.

From: The Moth Podcast: Diavian Walters and Lori Gottlieb

Community-Based Poetry Slam App

This idea involves creating a mobile application that facilitates community-based poetry slams. Users can create events, submit their poetry, and receive feedback from peers. The app can also provide resources for poets, including writing prompts, workshops, and tips on performance. By integrating a voting system, users can select winners for prizes or recognition, encouraging engagement and creativity. The target audience includes poets, writers, and anyone interested in spoken word. Revenue can be generated through subscription fees, event ticketing, and partnerships with local businesses for sponsorships, creating a vibrant community for artists.

From: The Moth Radio Hour: To Thine Own Self Be True