How Being Vulnerable Grew My Email List to 48K+ & Built a 7-Figure Business | Sam Vander Wielen

What happens when you stop hiding behind the highlight reel and start sharing your real story? Sam Vander Wielen built a multi-seven-figure legal template business by doing something most "experts" say not to do: getting personal. In this powerful keynote from Craft + Commerce 2025, Sam shares how authenticity accidentally became her competitive advantage—and how it can transform your content too. Sam's story includes: - Brain surgery one month into starting her business - Being a full-time caregiver during chemo appointments - Losing both parents within one year - Still hitting multiple 7 figures annually selling legal templates But this isn't just a trauma dump. Sam reveals: - Why vulnerability isn't a tactic (and why that matters) - How to turn personal stories into lessons your audience craves - The "share from your scars, not your open wounds" framework - 4 ways to bring authentic storytelling into YOUR content - Why people are desperate for connection, not just information Her results: 50%+ email open rates, a Big 5 book deal, and an audience that doesn't just buy—they connect. If you're tired of showing up as a polished, perfect business robot and want to build real loyalty with your audience, this talk will change how you think about content forever. 📅 Craft + Commerce 2026: https://hubs.ly/Q043Gh3F0 .............................................................................................................. ABOUT KIT Kit is the email-first operating system for creators who mean business. Build a profitable, sustainable business that values your time, freedom, and audience relationships – not just revenue. Start your free 14-day trial: https://bit.ly/4aJ90UF