Why Rhianedd Evans swapped the classroom for sensory storytelling and never looked back

Nikita Dixon
4 days ago
3 min read

Rhianedd Evans spends her days in Charnwood bringing stories to life for children aged 0-5, blending words, movement, and sensory activities in community sessions that feel as fun as they are purposeful.

“You could come for a whole year and hear a different story each week. We have lots of fun whilst your child is exploring activities aimed at promoting their particular stage of development.”

It’s not just for little ones, either. Her “Story Crafters” sessions for older children give them the chance to write their own Story Sense story and see it come to life through the same sensory magic - “The children love it! We have so much fun creating their final piece.”

Building a community through stories

Rhianedd’s classes run across her county, in a mix of welcoming, local spaces - from village halls to soft play centres, and even a community shop. She runs two age ranges: Story Adventurers for children 18 months to 5 years, and Story Apprentices for babies under 18 months.

She’s also taken Story Sense beyond its usual set-up, running Story Crafters for home-educated children and soon starting an after-school club at her village primary school.

Her approach is simple but intentional: “I have a very welcoming and nurturing approach to running classes. I kind of see it as one big Story Sense family. Everyone is welcomed into a session and I take time to introduce newcomers to the whole group. During my sessions I ensure to spend time with each and every child and their adult so no-one feels left out.”

It’s about creating a sense of belonging, week after week. The children know the class routines, they help with tidying up and passing out props, and they grow in confidence as they take part. Those small acts - giving out equipment, joining in the storytelling - are the social and communication milestones she loves to see.

From teaching to Story Sense

Before joining Story Sense, Rhianedd spent seven years teaching and also worked as a learning mentor. She loved the job, but over time, the demands of the classroom started to take a toll.

“I absolutely loved both jobs, but teaching is very consuming and sadly, in some schools, has become too robotic - there isn't enough fun in it anymore.”

She wanted more flexibility, more fun, and a way to use her teaching skills without losing sight of why she loved working with children in the first place. When she found Story Sense, she saw a way to combine that love of stories with a working life that suited her family.

Flexibility, fun and being the boss

These days, she’s not marking books at night or spending her weekends planning lessons. Instead, she chooses when and where to run her classes, when to work on social media, and when to take time for her own family.

She’s quick to point out that running a business is still busy and hard work, but it comes with a different kind of pressure - the kind she’s in control of.

“Don’t get me wrong, running your own business is busy and hard work, but it comes with less pressure and more flexibility. I get to choose when I run classes and where. I get to choose when I put my hours in for social media. I get to choose to have lots of fun!”

The honest truth about franchising

Rhianedd is realistic about what it takes to grow a business:

“There is lots to learn about social media marketing, doing your books, and of course running the sessions. It takes time to build a business, so do not expect to come into it and it all fall into place overnight. It won't.

But that's the exciting bit - the trial and error bit. Learning what doesn't work and changing it.

It is a roller coaster, but if you have passion and drive, it is all worth it. I honestly don't know what else I would do now. I absolutely love it!”

The moments that matter most

For all the challenges, the real reason she does this is simple: it’s in the moments she sees every week. A baby still just months old sitting and watching a story unfold. A child prompting her with “what’s next” or handing over the teddy, because they know the routine so well. A little one sitting on her lap for the first time or repeating a word. A parent telling her how much they value her sessions.