By: My Stories Matter

Have you ever thought about a parent or grandparent who’s no longer here, and suddenly the questions rush in?

What was mom like as a teenager? What would dad have done in my situation? What’s the story behind that old photograph?

Too often, those questions go unanswered. When our loved ones pass, we lose a lifetime of memories, wisdom, lessons, and stories that we will never have the chance to ask about again.

My Stories Matter™ is a premium life-story book service founded by former Silicon Valley software executive Arnie Papp and his sons, Daniel and Michael. The company’s mission is simple yet profound: to ensure no life story is ever lost. They achieve this by helping individuals and families preserve memories in beautiful, full-color, hardcover books.

From Personal Pain to a Powerful Purpose

The inspiration for My Stories Matter stems from Arnie’s own experience. Arnie was raised by a single mother who emigrated to Australia from Hungary. When she passed away, he realized how many of her stories had disappeared with her. 

“I created My Stories Matter™ after realizing, too late, how many of her stories I never asked about,” Arnie says. “And as I got older, I noticed even the ones I did know were starting to fade.” 

Making it Easier to Tell Your Story

Research shows that over 80% of older adults regret not preserving family stories. The desire is there, but too often roadblocks stand in the way. 

Where do I start? What should I include? I’m not a good writer. 

My Stories Matter™ removes these barriers with easy-to-use tools and personal support at every step. As Arnie explains, “Our success isn’t measured in subscriptions. It’s measured in finished books that families can treasure.”

That philosophy sets them apart from subscription-based services, where unfinished projects can be more profitable. At My Stories Matter™, every step of the process is designed to help people cross the finish line  with a beautiful book in hand that future generations can hold, read, and cherish.

Prompts and Cues that Unlock Memories

Getting started is often the hardest part, so the team has curated a library of memory prompts grounded in research on how we recall the past. Paired with them are thousands of vivid cultural cues, including popular songs from a person’s teenage years, movies they loved, and moments that shaped. Together they can unlock long-forgotten memories, anchor stories in time, and bring the joy of reminiscing.

When it’s time to capture those memories, clients can use voice-to-text, email, or an age-friendly online editor. And if a storyteller gets stuck, real people provide one-on-one support, whether it’s help with editing, proofreading, or simply encouragement to keep going.

“I Struck Pay Dirt”

Trevor, one of many happy clients, used My Stories Matter™ to preserve his life story for his family. “The consultative process has worked perfectly,” he says. “The end result is way beyond expectations. I’m really, really pleased.”

His enthusiasm didn’t end with his finished book. Trevor now speaks at community events about the importance of preserving personal histories, telling audiences: “I struck pay dirt when I stumbled across My Stories Matter”

Books by People, Not Templates

Once the stories are recorded, My Stories Matter™ pairs each client with a professional designer who works closely with them to craft a custom book that’s as unique as their life journey.

While other services use AI or templates, My Stories Matter™ takes a truly artisanal approach. They believe that something as meaningful as a life story deserves a human touch. Editors can help polish text and restore cherished old photos, while the designer shapes every page to be both personal and polished.

The finished result is a full-color, 8×10 hardcover. Whether it’s a collection of treasured memories or a complete memoir, they’re perfect for gifting to loved ones and for proud display on coffee tables.

This dedication to quality and personalization is evident down to the last detail: each book is hand-inspected, individually wrapped, gift-ready, and accompanied by a handwritten thank-you note.

No Pressure. No Deadlines. Just Your Story, Your Way.

In contrast to many tech-driven services, My Stories Matter™ takes a refreshingly human approach. There are no subscriptions, no rigid timelines, and no pressure. Only the belief that sharing your stories should be joyful, not stressful.

For Arnie, this is about more than making a book. It’s about preserving legacies and ensuring the people we love are never forgotten.

“We’re in the regret-prevention business,” he says. “I don’t want someone to say, ‘I wish I’d asked my parents …’”

My Stories Matter™ is a complete, people-centered storytelling experience that turns precious memories into a beautiful, bookstore-quality heirloom to be treasured for generations.