Sita Brand

The Story Artist

Sita Brand in blue top

Storyteller, mindfulness coach, and artist blending stories, meditation, and art.

Born and raised in the vibrant city of Bombay, India, I grew up surrounded by the magic of stories. As the daughter of a librarian, my childhood was spent immersed in the world of books—reading, listening, and absorbing the tales that shaped my imagination. For over 30 years, I’ve shared these stories in libraries, schools, theatres, and even prisons. Today, I’ve begun writing them down, ensuring that these narratives continue to inspire.

I’m the founder of Settle Stories, Yorkshire Festival of Story, Storyversity and Stories for Schools—each a celebration of the transformative power of storytelling.

Quite simply, I live and breathe all things story.

I’m struck by how well Brand retains the attention of her audience.
— The Guardian

A devoted student of world-renowned Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, I have over 30 years of mindfulness meditation practice. I am also trained in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), techniques that I now share as a meditation and mindfulness teacher. My teaching extends to a diverse range of settings, from guiding meditation retreats to teaching medi prisons.

In addition to storytelling and teaching, I create art inspired by Indian folk traditions. My paintings bring to life the enchantment of fairy tales, blending the richness of my cultural heritage with the universal power of story.