On a normal day in 2014, a seemingly routine Instagram post from the darker corners of Mumbai made waves across India - the daughter of a sex worker was thrown out onto the street upon the landlord’s discovery of her mother’s occupation. This got immediate notice from online audience and support poured in from all corners of the country. This story on the official page of Humans of Bombay raised about $10,000 from well-wishers wanting to help the mother-daughter duo find accommodation and get back on their feet. In a way, stories run the world.

India, a land with vibrant cultures and rich history, is a treasure chest of untold stories. Every corner  has a story waiting to be shared, reflecting the unique lives of its people - struggles, achievements, challenges, success, etc that deserve to be talked about. Storytelling in our spirited country is an art that brings millions together to bond over experiences a lot of us relate to and Karishma Mehta is shining a light on these powerful stories, giving voice to the unheard and bringing the hidden corners into the spotlight.

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What is Humans of Bombay?

In the heart of this storytelling tradition lies Humans of Bombay, a storytelling platform dedicated to sharing incredible and diverse stories. Each post captures the essence of individual experiences, bringing to light the unique narratives that make up the rich tapestry of this buzzing nation. Through compelling photographs and heartfelt stories, Humans of Bombay connects with its audience on a deeply personal level, celebrating the Mumbaikers’ spirit, resilience, and humanity. The stories told are raw; they are of the people and for the people. 

Karishma Mehta, Founder & CEO at Humans of Bombay, and an avid storyteller is a business and economics major from the University of Nottingham, U.K. She has an eye for finding the stories most full of life from the seemingly mundane experiences of humans all around her. What started as a thought and an attempt to aim the spotlight where it's needed most - is a full-fledged storytelling platform with its own fanbase at this point; her efforts to bring stories from the streets of the city to platforms of mass visibility have borne fruits. 

Storytelling has the power to inspire, connect, and drive social change. Humans of Bombay amplifies this by using their platform to raise awareness and funds for various noble causes. Their compelling narratives not only bring crucial issues to light but also demonstrate how storytelling can galvanize communities to support and uplift those in need.

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Branching Out

After nearly a decade of bringing touching stories from the streets of one of the most densely populated cities in the world, to the forefront, Humans of Bombay decided to branch out - by launching an online course to teach individuals the artful skill of storytelling. What one has, one must share, right? 

The motive behind this new venture is to create a common platform where the art of storytelling can be shared and nurtured. Stepping into the teaching space for the first time - they aimed to empower more individuals to tell unique stories, thus creating a ripple effect of shared human experiences that can inspire and connect people across the globe. After all, the more people share, the more stories come to light.

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How Did Rigi Help?

What made Rigi’s help particularly special was the tailored approach we took with Humans of Bombay. Unlike our typical packages, Rigi offered additional services to ensure the platform’s unique needs were met. Special time and efforts were put into understanding the visions of all minds involved and working closely with them to brainstorm and implement features such as recorded and live sessions, as well as a forum for course participants. This collaboration resulted in a robust educational platform that not only provides high-quality content but also fosters an interactive and supportive learning community.

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The Transition

Like almost all aspiring brands in the social media scene, initially, even Humans of Bombay thrived through brand deals and influencer marketing, leveraging their storytelling prowess to collaborate with various brands that would lead them to sustainable audiences. However, as the platform matured, HoB recognized its own potential to diversify its sources of income by tapping into the educational sector. What people love, they can also learn, right? 

With Rigi’s help, they were able to transform their brand from a purely storytelling platform into a dynamic educational resource.

The creation of online courses enabled Humans of Bombay reach a wider audience and provide value in a new, more impactful way. The course is designed to teach the intricacies of storytelling, enabling participants to craft compelling narratives that resonate with their audiences - irrespective of their niche, interests or theme. These skills offer its participants an edge in the professional arena, interpersonal social interactions, semi-formal storytelling spaces, etc.  HoB just aims to promote better conversations and better opportunities because everything in life can be told as a story. 

By offering both recorded and live sessions, as well as interactive forums, Humans of Bombay has created a holistic learning environment that supports continuous engagement and growth.

The decision of "Humans of Bombay" to step into the teaching space marks an exciting new chapter in their journey. With Rigi, they have successfully launched a platform that not only shares the art of storytelling but also equips others with the skills to tell their own stories in ways they find best. This initiative underscores the transformative power of storytelling and the endless possibilities that come with expanding one’s horizons. 

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What's Next?

Partnering with Rigi has significantly amplified the reach and impact of Humans of Bombay's new initiative.They have been able to bring in experts from various fields and industries, all accessible through a single, user-friendly platform, to their audiences.

This partnership has enabled HoB to offer one of the finest courses in the storytelling space, attracting over 1,000 participants within just two months of its launch. This rapid enrollment highlights the strong demand for high-quality storytelling education and the effectiveness of the platform.

Feedback from course participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with many sharing their experiences on LinkedIn. These testimonials have bolstered the course's credibility and visibility, attracting even more interest and participation. The success stories shared by learners highlight the practical value and transformative potential of the course, reinforcing its appeal and effectiveness.

Looking ahead, Humans of Bombay and Rigi are planning to expand their course offerings, with more content in the pipeline. This ongoing collaboration aims to continually provide valuable educational resources, helping even more people master the art of storytelling. The seamless integration of Rigi’s technical expertise and Humans of Bombay’s storytelling prowess has created a powerful platform that is set to revolutionize how storytelling is taught and appreciated. Along with facilitating HoB’s journey in the education sector, there are also plans to efficiently scale up their community-building strategies using Rigi. 

In summary, the partnership with Rigi has been instrumental in bringing together multiple industry experts and making their knowledge widely accessible. The success of the initial course, as evidenced by the rapid enrollment and positive participant feedback, underscores the value of this collaboration. As Humans of Bombay continues to expand its educational offerings, this partnership promises to deliver even greater benefits to aspiring storytellers around the world.