Meet Jose Lugo | Founder | Storyteller

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jose Lugo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jose, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I initially came up with the idea for We Are All One Story from a place of desperation that eventually led to hope. I had hit rock bottom. My drinking had spiraled out of control, along with my life. My depression hit an all time low, its culmination being me wanting to take away my own life. I had lost the meaning of my own life and own story, and I thought it would be best for me to just take my own life. But before actually doing it, I had a moment with The Divine; with God, and it saved my life. In that moment I felt loved, I felt forgiven; I felt peace. I felt a universal truth that I only once believe as a kid – that my life had intrinsic value and that my story mattered. So if my story matters, so does the next person’s story. After that moment I set out on hearing and sharing as many stories as I could displaying the truth of our worth through storytelling via our digital platforms.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I believe that humans are the most awe inspiring works of art. and that art is displayed in its brightest and truest form when someone talks vulnerably about what they’ve been through, bearing their heart for all to see. These displays of vulnerability foster deep connection with oneself and with others. This is what we highlight. This is what sets us apart. We don’t paint with a perfect stroke or produce a flawless image – we capture the person’s raw, unfiltered story and the powerful emotion that comes with it.

I’m proud of the connection and inclusivity that our platform has continued to offer.

It definitely wasn’t easy to get to where I’m at today, but the ride has been worthwhile. From growing up poor, to getting a five year prison sentence when I was eighteen years old, to thinking that I had no purpose in life. Fortunately, I had support systems along the way. My sisters showed me love growing up, my homies stood by me in prison, and my brother, Ralph, believed in me when no one else did. I had to get sober with no choice but to believe in my Higher Power and in myself. In 2019 I put down the bottle for good and launched We Are All One Story In January, 2020.

I’ve seen and felt so much beauty during this journey that I never thought someone like me would ever experience. I’ve been able to travel through the United States, and the world, listening to and sharing people’s stories.

Through all these stories heard and shared, I have found to be true what I’ve known in my heart but had just forgotten – that our lives have intrinsic value and that our stories matter.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend came into town, I would take them to some really good Denver restaurants that have great food and amazing ambiance. We would start our morning ready for a nice hike, but we would first have nice coffee and pastry at Hudson Hill in Downtown Denver. After being satisfied and caffeinated, we’d drive to Boulder and hike the gorgeous Mount Sanita’s trail. We’d be pretty beat after. so we’d just go back home and nap until dinner. We’d eat that night at Hop Alley in the Rino and would be sure to get the bone marrow fried rice and grilled bavette. (I’m a little bit of a foody) That was just day one. We would still have the rest of the week…. I would have to take my friend to Mt. Princeton Hot Springs using scenic Highway 285, driving through the breathtaking views of Salida and Buena Vista on our way to complete relaxation in Colorado’s hot springs.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Of course! My brother and Co-Founder, Ralph Dequebec. He was there when I hit rock bottom and supported me as I got back on my feet. He listened to me talk about my early traumas for countless hours and always acknowledged my pain with understanding. He saw me go from a drunk mess to a sober dreamer and chose to invest in We Are All One Story because he believed in our mission, and because he believed in me.

Website: https://weareallonestory.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareallonestory/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therealjoselugo/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069302478326

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/weareallonestory

Image Credits
Molly and Jose Ralph and Jose