Preserve and
cherish life stories

Why I created My Stories Matter

An open letter from Arnie Papp (co-founder and CEO).

My mother was an immigrant who proudly raised four kids on her own. She worked multiple jobs to give us a better life and loved us fiercely and fully.

But I wish I knew who she was beyond "Mum" — her childhood, her parents, her life before I was born, and even what I was like as a baby and young child. By the time I realized how much I didn't know, her stories were lost forever. To my dismay, the few stories I did know began to fade. It was too late to go back and ask her.

I didn't want my children to feel the same regret: "I wish I had asked Dad..."

To help preserve my memories for my children I created My Stories Matter - a website designed to make remembering and recording stories as easy as possible.

Sketch to Tech Drawing
Sketch to Tech Drawing
Sketch to Tech Drawing
Sketch to Tech Drawing
Sketch to Tech Drawing
Sketch to Tech Drawing

I was surprised by how many stories I had to share, and my kids surprised me with how much they appreciated them.

People always told me that I should write a book about my life. I finally did!

I also use My Stories Matter to record the few stories I have about my Mum, preserving her memory for my children and their future families.

My hope with My Stories Matter is that no one has to experience that terrible feeling of "I wish I had asked Mum, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa about...". I believe everyone's stories matter and deserve to be remembered.

I encourage you to think about your own family—past, present, and future. I hope my story inspires you to preserve your own life stories.

All the best,
Arnie Papp

Choose the right product for you

Whose memories do you want to preserve?

Do you want a personalized interview?

A helping hand for people who prefer a less-technological option.

Do you want a book?

Life Stories Book

Easily record your life stories in a hardcover book.

Concierge Interviews

Personal interviews and ghostwriting to expertly preserve life stories.

Gift a Life Stories Book

Help a loved one turn their life stories into a beautiful book.

Preserve Memories Online

A website and app to safely store and share your memories for free.

Messages from our community


Everything about the book screams quality, from the binding to the paper thickness.

- Douglas


My mom and I are collecting stories together; some of which I thought I knew and am finding out how inaccurate my understanding was.

- Rich


My Stories Matter's professional guidance and unwavering encouragement fueled my confidence to complete my book.

- Debbie

All I can say is WOW!!!

DA

The family will be very impressed and thankful for such a wonderful keepsake.

RP

Your photo work is way better than what I had. It really makes a big difference.

DA

My Dad was absolutely thrilled with it, so thanks again to you and your team for a great job.

MD

I am impressed with the work. Thank you for bringing the project to fruition.

DA

The book arrived in excellent condition. The shipping box was very good and the book was obviously well-protected.

DA

I am so moved by this book and can't wait to share it with my children.

JG

You put a lot of time into helping my dad and our family is very appreciative.

JG

I thought it was time to record some of my history for [my children and grandchildren] to ponder and pass on.

GM

I received the books and absolutely love them!!! Thank you!!

DH

I especially like the way you cleaned up the writing without changing my dad’s voice.

JG

My Stories Matter is dedicated to my mum.

May her memory be a blessing.