When Fawn Weaver speaks, she doesn’t just share information—she shares meaning. Recently, on her Instagram, she unpacked the phrase CP Time (Colored People’s Time)—a term often tossed around casually, but rarely explored in depth. In that short video, she broke down the cultural and historical roots of the phrase, reframing it not as a stereotype but as an opportunity to reflect on intention.
Her point was powerful: once we understand why something is the way it is, we have to ask ourselves—are we continuing this behavior out of choice, or out of programming? Weaver used this everyday phrase to spark a bigger conversation about intentional living, decision-making, and leadership.
And that is the brilliance of her storytelling. Weaver didn’t just teach history—she connected culture to personal growth, leadership, and business. As the CEO of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, she has mastered the art of weaving her personal brand into her company’s identity, positioning herself not just as an executive, but as the people’s CEO—a cultural leader whose voice resonates far beyond the boardroom.
From History to Present: Telling the Full Story
Weaver didn’t invent a marketing campaign; she uncovered a truth. She traveled, interviewed descendants, and pieced together Green’s life with the care of both a historian and a storyteller.
That story became the heartbeat of Uncle Nearest: not just a premium spirit, but a narrative of resilience, contribution, and cultural reclamation. Visitors to the distillery don’t just sip whiskey—they step into a history lesson that bridges past and present.
By telling Green’s story with integrity, Weaver also told her own. She positioned herself as a leader who doesn’t just run a company—she reframes narratives, builds platforms for overlooked voices, and shows what intentional leadership looks like.
Why Storytelling is Her Superpower
Weaver’s approach works because it’s layered:
- Cultural storytelling: She doesn’t shy away from the complexities of American history. By honoring Nearest Green, she gives credit where it was long overdue.
- Intentional living: Every choice—whether launching a foundation for Green’s descendants or expanding the brand globally—is tied to purpose, not just profit.
- Brand growth: Uncle Nearest’s rise proves that when a company’s foundation is story-driven, people don’t just buy the product—they buy into the meaning behind it.
In other words, Weaver shows us that storytelling isn’t decoration. It’s strategy. And when done well, it fuels both personal brand authority and company brand equity.
The Personal Branding Lesson for You
Weaver’s brilliance is that she doesn’t separate her personal brand from Uncle Nearest’s story. Her voice, values, and intentionality are woven into the brand’s DNA.
That’s the lesson for any entrepreneur, professional, or woman in transition: your story is the bridge between who you are and the brand you’re building.
- Your setbacks can become teaching points.
- Your cultural and family history can be a differentiator.
- Your lived experiences can make your brand not just recognizable, but unforgettable.
Like Weaver, you don’t have to manufacture a story. You already have one—it’s about deciding how to tell it with honesty and intention.
Building Legacy Through Story
Fawn Weaver reminds us that storytelling is more than marketing—it’s cultural preservation, intentional leadership, and business growth all at once. She has proven that honoring the past can shape the future, not just for a company, but for an entire industry.
Now, here’s the reflection point for you:
What story are you sitting on that could transform how people see you—and how they experience your brand?
Your story doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. But it does have to be told.
Call-to-Action
Take time this week to write down one pivotal moment from your life or career that shaped who you are today. Ask yourself: How can this story serve as the foundation of my personal brand and the growth of my business?
Because like Weaver shows us, your story isn’t just background—it’s your legacy in motion.