Talita Kalloe
“An authentic, credible, and clear story about sustainability starts from within.”
Talita Kalloe is a sustainable storyteller, entrepreneur, and author. She speaks about how entrepreneurs or brands can tell an authentic, credible, and clear story rooted in pure intentions.
From a young age, Talita had felt a strong connection to nature and all living things. Her Surinamese father served as a role model. Together, they watched many nature documentaries. Their garden was always filled with flowers and plants. Love, respect, and connection with nature are deeply ingrained in her being, something that is also central to shamanism, which she later encountered in her life.
During her study in journalism in Zwolle, Talita learned to write stories from different perspectives, from prose to copywriting, from poetry to scripts. After that she worked as a copywriter, editor-in-chief, and communication advisor for a member magazine of the trade association for fashion and sports stores. In 2014, she continued her career as a freelance content consultant and journalist, where she developed and implemented content strategies for companies such as Schiphol Retail, Douwe Egberts, Moneyou, and Circl Academy (ABN AMRO).
She soon realized that stories that give meaning for a better world particularly resonated with her. It is those stories that she wanted to help bring to the world. In 2013, this desire reached a peak due to an event that is still vividly etched in her memory.
Talita was working as a communication advisor when the Rana Plaza textile factory in Bangladesh collapsed, resulting in the deaths of over 1,100 people. This incident not only made her reflect on her role as a consumer but also moved her as a human being. It sparked a quest for sustainable fashion and stories and brought her closer to her own identity.
“We don’t need (to be) better consumers, we need (to be) better humans.”
Driven by her personal need for a more conscious way of consuming, Talita started in 2016 to share the stories of beautiful, meaningful brands and products that are made with respect for people, animals, and nature. She did this through her own platform, Soul Stores, and its eponymous Instagram account, where she collaborates with purpose-driven brands such as Yumeko, A Beautiful Story, and Gebana. At the same time, she sought her own roots as a Surinamese-Hindu Dutch woman, which deepened her connection to the Rana Plaza disaster.
“These victims could have been my brothers and sisters.”
The more she delved into her own ancestry and cultural heritage, the more she learned about what sustainability essentially meant to her. It is about being human from pure intentions and a deep intrinsic desire to do good for yourself, for others, and for the world around you. She also learned how breaking systems of oppression is intrinsically linked to the transition to new, healthy, and sustainable systems.
As a consultant and mentor, Talita supports purpose-driven entrepreneurs in shaping an intrinsically pure story about sustainability that is authentic, credible, and clear. Drawing from her knowledge, experiences, and insights, she developed Sustainable Storytelling as a methodology. She wrote a book about it – Sustainable Storytelling: From Pure Intention to a Credible Story with Impact – which will be published in 2024.
Talita Kalloe is a sustainable storyteller, entrepreneur, and author. She speaks about how entrepreneurs or brands can tell an authentic, credible, and clear story rooted in pure intentions. From a young age, Talita had felt a strong connection to nature and all living things. Her Surinamese father served as a role model. Together, they watched many nature documentaries. Their garden was always filled with flowers and View more…
“On the day the Rana Plaza collapsed, I was wearing clothes from brands that were found in the rubble. That hit hard.”
“We live in a moment of chaos, and yet I feel privileged to be experiencing it, because it means we are in an era of change.”
The Ripple Effect of an Authentic Story
Talita’s purpose revolves around restoring the relationship with the Earth, something that has been part of her life for as long as she can remember.
“As a child, I could be deeply affected when someone stepped on an ant or swatted a fly. It felt as if something was being done to me.”
Just like the girl she once was, she continues to live and work with deep love and respect for the Earth. Through her work as a journalist and storyteller, she makes the invisible visible. Talita tells the stories that deserves to be seen and heard, which are still hidden beneath the surface. According to Talita, we need those stories now more than ever.
“A while after that deadly event at Rana Plaza, there was significant political attention for working conditions, but later, companies like SHEIN and TEMU gained a foothold because the problem was not addressed at its core.”
This further strengthened her mission to contribute to creating a more hopeful perspective. The future of industries, including fashion, is not always bright, she also sees many beautiful, positive developments, from above – such as the Netherlands becoming circular by 2050 and due diligence legislation – and from below; companies and consumers recognizing that things need to change and taking action.
“Through their pure intentions and actions, we are slowly dismantling a linear system; a system that has been on the brink of collapse for a long time.”
With her sustainable storytelling programs, she helps entrepreneurs and brands articulate their stories. What deserves to be seen and heard? What pure intentions do you have as an entrepreneur, and how did your products come about? Talita works with her own model: ‘Circles of Impact.’
“I compare it to the ripples you see in the water when you throw a stone. This program lasts several months to ensure that professionals Carrying a soulful story is like a stone that creates ripples in the water, leading to an increasingly larger impact. It may seem small, but the positive impact on the Earth and on other lives is enormous.”
These programs last several months to ensure that entrepreneurs or professionals fully experience this process, making it part of what they say, do, and embody. During this time, she guides them with various tools based on shamanism, systemic and psycho-spiritual techniques, tailored to their needs.
In her lectures and workshops, Talita shares her knowledge of storytelling along with beautiful examples and stories from impactful entrepreneurs and brands. Stories about courage, purpose, and leadership, and how to articulate, feel, live, and embody the right words.
Want to Book Talita as a Speaker
Would you like to book Talita as a speaker for your event? Inquire about the possibilities and her availability.
Why do you want Talita to speak at your event?
1. Holistic
Talita has a holistic and intersectional view of sustainability. She looks at contemporary issues as well as what we can learn from ancient traditions. She draws from both Western culture and Indigenous perspectives, bringing them together in an inspiring way.
2. Storytelling
Talita builds bridges between businesses and people through passionate stories that provide meaning. She does this with her platform, Soul Stores, as a consultant for entrepreneurs and companies, and as a speaker and workshop facilitator.
3. Vulnerability
She is known for her vulnerable stories and encourages others to dare to show their vulnerability. Integrity and transparency are, in her view, essential in sharing a credible story about sustainability.
4. Intersectional
Talita shares her intersectional perspective on sustainability from her own position and experience as a woman of color, daughter of migrant parents, and as someone working in the sustainability sector. While she does not label herself an expert in intersectional environmentalism, she can share rich insights based on her own experiences.
5. Systems Thinking
Talita shares her insights on how we relate to the systems within ourselves and around us; how does this influence the stories we tell? How is this reflected in communication? And how does this affect the vulnerability that you, as a company, choose to show or not?
1. Holistic
Talita has a holistic and intersectional view of sustainability. She looks at contemporary issues as well as what we can learn from ancient traditions. She draws from both Western culture and Indigenous perspectives, bringing them together in an inspiring way.
2. Storytelling
Talita builds bridges between businesses and people through passionate stories that provide meaning. She does this with her platform, Soul Stores, as a consultant for entrepreneurs and companies, and as a speaker and workshop facilitator.
3. Vulnerability
She is known for her vulnerable stories and encourages others to dare to show their vulnerability. Integrity and transparency are, in her view, essential in sharing a credible story about sustainability.
4. Intersectional
Talita shares her intersectional perspective on sustainability from her own position and experience as a woman of color, daughter of migrant parents, and as someone working in the sustainability sector. While she does not label herself an expert in intersectional environmentalism, she can share rich insights based on her own experiences.
5. Systems Thinking
Talita shares her insights on how we relate to the systems within ourselves and around us; how does this influence the stories we tell? How is this reflected in communication? And how does this affect the vulnerability that you, as a company, choose to show or not?
Here, Talita talks about
Would you like to book Talita as a (keynote) speaker, panellist or sidekick for a conference, lecture or event?
Working with Talita is always tailor-made for her, she prefers to work that way in order to really offer a fitting story.
Here you will find a selection of keynotes. Get in touch to discuss the possibilities.
Sustainable Storytelling
Authentic, Credible, and Clear Communication about Sustainability
In this lecture, Talita shares her own purpose and the power of storytelling. What is it, and how can you use it in an authentic, credible, and clear way to strengthen your own mission? She explains what the ‘Circles of Impact’ are and how they can create a ripple effect towards achieving your sustainable ambitions, whether as an entrepreneur, professional within an organization, or a brand.
Format: Lecture
Duration: 45 minutes
Sustainable Storytelling: Masterclass
How to Express Your Mission in Your Stories?
This masterclass includes all the elements from the ‘Sustainable Storytelling’ lecture, supplemented with interactive exercises. Talita addresses the key questions that are relevant to your business or organization. For example: how do you handle resistance, and what are the conditions for a story that remains firm? How do you develop your own ‘Mission Statement’ and improve your copywriting skills? Talita provides practical tools based on her knowledge and experience.
Format: Masterclass/Workshop
Duration: TBD
Custom Keynote
A Tailored Lecture, Training, or Masterclass for Your Organization
Talita is eager to collaborate creating a customized workshop or lecture, for your organization, whether you are developing sustainable leadership skills or looking for practical tools to articulate that mission ,that fire that burns within you.
Inquire about the possibilities.
Format: TBD
Duration: TBD
Sustainable Storytelling
Authentic, Credible, and Clear Communication about Sustainability
In this lecture, Talita shares her own purpose and the power of storytelling. What is it, and how can you use it in an authentic, credible, and clear way to strengthen your own mission? She explains what the ‘Circles of Impact’ are and how they can create a ripple effect towards achieving your sustainable ambitions, whether as an entrepreneur, professional within an organization, or a brand.
Format: Lecture
Duration: 45 minutes
Sustainable Storytelling: Masterclass
How to Express Your Mission in Your Stories?
This masterclass includes all the elements from the ‘Sustainable Storytelling’ lecture, supplemented with interactive exercises. Talita addresses the key questions that are relevant to your business or organization. For example: how do you handle resistance, and what are the conditions for a story that remains firm? How do you develop your own ‘Mission Statement’ and improve your copywriting skills? Talita provides practical tools based on her knowledge and experience.Format: Masterclass/Workshop
Duration: TBD
Custom Keynote
A Tailored Lecture, Training, or Masterclass for Your Organization
Talita is eager to collaborate creating a customized workshop or lecture, for your organization, whether you are developing sustainable leadership skills or looking for practical tools to articulate that mission ,that fire that burns within you.Inquire about the possibilities.
Format: TBD
Duration: TBD
Interview with Talita Kalloe
What do the terms ‘good’ and ‘sustainable’ mean to you?
“That you always make choices from a pure moral compass, in service of a better world. For me, sustainability means treating yourself, others, and the world around us with love, respect, and appreciation. Always choosing what is in the best interest of vulnerable groups, in the long term.”
Walk the talk: how are you of value?
“I see people, I listen to them, and I often see the bigger picture. This makes me not just a speaker or writer, but also a guide and mentor. And I am a mother, perhaps the most valuable role in my life.”
Do you have an example or source of inspiration?
“My daughters: when I struggle to align with my own moral compass, I tune into what is in their best interest. That always helps me navigate. After all, sustainability is also about thinking for future generations. My children also ask the best questions, which opens my perspective. That is truly special.”
How do you see the future?
“Not always very bright. We live in a moment of chaos, and yet I feel privileged to be experiencing this, because it means we are in an era of change. A technological era and, for many people, a time of returning to nature, to the basics. These two revolutions could potentially clash. That sounds quite dystopian, yet I am not afraid. It is necessary for sustainable change.”
What brings you joy?
“Seeing my children play and laugh, a field full of flowers, sunny days without obligations, and handmade chocolates! Haha. In my work, I find the greatest joy when I see that my story touches people, when I can witness their emotions, or when someone approaches me after a talk to share how it impacted them. Recently, a leader from a large organization stood next to me during a talk and shared wholeheartedly about his own purpose. It makes me happy to see someone feel the space and safety to do so.”
What do the terms ‘good’ and ‘sustainable’ mean to you?
“That you always make choices from a pure moral compass, in service of a better world. For me, sustainability means treating yourself, others, and the world around us with love, respect, and appreciation. Always choosing what is in the best interest of vulnerable groups, in the long term.”
Walk the talk: how are you of value?
“I see people, I listen to them, and I often see the bigger picture. This makes me not just a speaker or writer, but also a guide and mentor. And I am a mother, perhaps the most valuable role in my life.”
Do you have an example or source of inspiration?
“My daughters: when I struggle to align with my own moral compass, I tune into what is in their best interest. That always helps me navigate. After all, sustainability is also about thinking for future generations. My children also ask the best questions, which opens my perspective. That is truly special.”
How do you see the future?
“Not always very bright. We live in a moment of chaos, and yet I feel privileged to be experiencing this, because it means we are in an era of change. A technological era and, for many people, a time of returning to nature, to the basics. These two revolutions could potentially clash. That sounds quite dystopian, yet I am not afraid. It is necessary for sustainable change.”
What brings you joy?
“Seeing my children play and laugh, a field full of flowers, sunny days without obligations, and handmade chocolates! Haha. In my work, I find the greatest joy when I see that my story touches people, when I can witness their emotions, or when someone approaches me after a talk to share how it impacted them. Recently, a leader from a large organization stood next to me during a talk and shared wholeheartedly about his own purpose. It makes me happy to see someone feel the space and safety to do so.”
The story of Soul Stores
A selection of companies that Talita Kalloe already had impactful collaborations with….
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“Good, as well as performance and presentation.”
MVO Nederland -
Talita Kalloe brings insights, inspiration and motivation for the employees of Uniqlo about authentic communication about sustainability.
Uniqlo -
Talita Kalloe brings insights, inspiration and motivation to Modefabriek staff about communicating sustainability authentically, credibly and clearly.
Modefabriek -
Talita Kalloe brings insights, inspiration and motivation to Dutch Sustainable Fashion Week participants on how to communicate sustainability authentically, credibly and clearly.
Dutch Sustainable Fashion Week -
‘Talita did a presentation job for us, Correctbook, for our YouTube programme ReWrite. From moment one, the match has been there between Talita and Correctbook. She aligns incredibly well with our values, namely: world improvement, sustainability and quality. With great enthusiasm and positivity, she has produced a top result!’
Correctbook
