Our minds love great stories.

From a ghost story to an underdog story, there’s something out there everyone can connect with.

But there’s a source packed with stories that we think could be the spark for your next big brand or product idea…traditions.

Take TENZING, the natural energy drinks brand.

Inspired by the people of the Himalayan mountains and the traditional tea recipes used by local Sherpas to fuel their high altitude expeditions.

They even named the brand after one of the most famous Sherpa, Tenzing Norgay.

Take Better Nature, the all-natural food brand.

A brand inspired by childhood memories of eating fermented soy beans or tempeh, a local staple on Java Island in Indonesia. It inspired the founder so much that he even studied for a PhD in tempeh fermentation and its positive impact on human health.

Take Domenico Formichetti and his recent eyewear collection.

Designs inspired by the traditional eye wear used by the Inuit and the Yupik peoples of the Arctic to prevent snow blindness.

But there’s a MEGA important rule to add for any brand looking to traditions or traditional cultures for inspiration…

Their story is as important as yours, it’s the reason your brand or product may exist and should always be told in your brand story and not just referenced.

But what does tapping into stories from age old traditions tell us?

That, the past is a treasure chest packed with storytelling ideas, just waiting to be unlocked.

That, looking backwards over looking forwards could unlock stories that could be the spark and inspire for your next big brand or product innovation.

To quote Bill Dauphinais:

“Brands are built around stories. And stories of identity – who we are, where we’ve come from – are the most effective stories of all. This storytelling is a powerful way to bring brands to life.”

PS: If you are looking for branding help. Hit up Excursion Studio ✖