Emerald Coast Storytellers

Storytelling doesn’t always happen on a page or behind a microphone.

Sometimes, it’s sewn into what we create 🪡

This Thursday, we’re welcoming a different kind of storyteller to the stage: Nicole Paloma, our first-ever fashion designer Featured Storyteller.

A self-taught designer, artist, and the creative force behind her namesake hand-sewn label, Nicole has spent nearly two decades building a brand rooted in craftsmanship, individuality, and soul. Her work is deeply shaped by her own story—beauty born from struggle and gratitude, recovery, community, and a mission to help women feel effortlessly seen, inherently powerful, and undeniably themselves.

We can’t wait to hear the stories behind the woman—and the work.

Join us this Thursday, 8/13, at Distillery 98 for our August Storytellers. Doors open at 5 PM + storytelling begins at 6.

Come experience a different kind of storytelling ✨

🎟️ emeraldcoaststorytellers.com

You’ve probably heard the saying that every great piece of writing starts with a sh💩tty first draft.

And it’s true.

Often, the difference between a good writer and a great one isn’t that the first draft is better—it’s that they’re willing to come back to it.

Revision isn’t about fixing what’s broken. It’s about discovering what your story has been trying to say all along.

It’s where structure gets stronger, language gets sharper, and your unique voice has room to emerge.

If you’re ready to move that story forward, we’re diving into all of this Thursday night in our online workshop, From Spark to Story: Craft & Editing, led by literary coach Gentry Bronson. We’d love to have you.

Bring a draft. Bring an outline. Bring the idea that’s been living rent-free in your head.

You don’t need a finished story—just a willingness to begin. ✨

Grab your spot at emeraldcoaststorytellers.com.

P.S. Can’t make it live? No worries! Every registered participant will receive the workshop recording afterward.

From writing and storytelling to art, music, and more, there’s something for every kind of creative this August.

Swipe through, find the events that speak to you, tag your people, and we’ll see you soon ✨

www.emeraldcoaststorytellers.com

Some communities just have a spark.

Last night was one of those nights.

Seeing our Fort Walton Beach chapter continue to grow into something with a personality all its own was incredibly special. New faces, familiar faces, heartfelt stories, laughter, and the kind of conversations that linger long after the last story is told—it reminded us exactly why we started Emerald Coast Storytellers in the first place.

A huge thank you goes to Breanna Baylis (Breanna Baylis), whose passion, encouragement, and willingness to jump in helped bring this chapter to life. While we’re sad to see her head off on her next adventure in California, we’re so grateful for the foundation she’s built here. Bre, you’ll always be part of this story, and we have a feeling this won’t be the last time our paths cross ❤️

And with every new chapter comes a new beginning…

Please help us give a warm Emerald Coast Storytellers welcome to David Longval, who stepped in as our Fort Walton Beach host and emcee last night. We can’t wait to see where this chapter goes under his leadership and are so excited for what’s ahead.

To everyone who came, shared a story, listened with open hearts, or simply showed up—thank you. You’re what makes this community what it is.

Here’s to many more stories, Fort Walton 🎤

Fort Walton, you’re in for a treat tonight.

If you’ve never experienced Tricia Veldman (Tricia ✨ Spoken Word Poet) live, this is the perfect opportunity.

A gifted spoken word poet and storyteller, Tricia has a rare way of putting words to the things so many of us feel but struggle to say. Her work is honest, beautifully crafted, and deeply human—and hearing it performed live is something else entirely.

Join us as we take over the upstairs at The Craft Bar – Destin Harbor for another evening of stories, connection, and community.

Whether you’re coming to listen, share a story of your own, or simply see what Emerald Coast Storytellers is all about, we’d love to have you.

📍 The Craft Bar – Destin Harbor
🕡 Doors open at 6:30 PM

See you tonight 🎤

More details at emeraldcoaststorytellers.com