Why We Started Podcast

In Part 2 of our conversation, Anna Marie Bolet takes us behind the scenes of her portrait sessions and into the deeper purpose behind her work. She shares why print photography matters more than ever in a digital world, and how holding a tangible image can create a lasting emotional connection. We explore her unique approach to helping clients feel confident, relaxed, and proud of how they show u...

In Part 1 of our conversation, Anna Marie Bolet shares her path from a high-pressure career in pharmaceutical sales to finding purpose behind the lens. She opens up about the layoffs, burnout, and ethical challenges that pushed her toward entrepreneurship — and how rediscovering photography helped her reconnect with what really matters. We talk about the mentors who shaped her journey, the emotion...

In this episode of the Why We Started podcast, host Vanessa Grace sits down with Ashley Bagni, certified health coach and founder of Thrive Health Coaching. Ashley shares her journey from teacher and stay-at-home mom to full-time health coach, and how her personal health struggles, along with her son’s, inspired her to create a practice rooted in evidence-based strategies, sustainable habits, and...

In this episode of the Why We Started podcast, host Vanessa Grace interviews Dr. Jon D'Cruz, a chiropractor based in Jacksonville Beach. Dr. Jon shares his journey from working in a traditional chiropractic setting to starting his own practice, emphasizing the importance of personalized care and building trust with patients. He discusses the challenges of overcoming skepticism about chiroprac...

In this episode of The Why We Started Podcast , host Vanessa Grace sits down with Jessica Waugaman, owner of Vicky’s Helping Hands , a home management and concierge service rooted in legacy and built on trust. Jessica shares how a family-run idea, started by her mother-in-law Vicky in 1994, evolved into a modern, full-service operation that gives homeowners peace of mind when they can’t be there....

In this episode of the Why We Started podcast, host Vanessa Grace interviews Aimee Holder, a creative force in the beauty industry and the founder of The Colour Sanctuary based in Leicester, North Carolina. Aimee shares her transformative journey from a tumultuous past marked by addiction to becoming a successful hairstylist and educator. She discusses her passion for color, the unique services sh...

In this episode of The Why We Started Podcast , host Vanessa Grace sits down with Dana Johnson — Pinterest Manager, educator, and founder of Dana’s Desk — to talk about how Pinterest helped her ditch the burnout of traditional content creation and build a business rooted in sustainable visibility. Dana shares how she started her business as a single mom of three during the pandemic, pivoting from...

In this episode of the Why We Started podcast, host Vanessa interviews Janelle Marra, an embodiment teacher and energy healing practitioner. Janelle shares her journey into the world of energy healing, specifically focusing on the little-known modality of Siwa Murti from Bali. She discusses the effectiveness of this practice, both in-person and remotely, and emphasizes the importance of being open...

In this episode of the Why We Started podcast, Vanessa sits down with Jennifer — aka Sassy J — the vibrant, creative heart behind Artistic Ways by Sassy J. After 23 years as a dental assistant, Jennifer discovered her love for art through paint pouring. What started as a personal outlet quickly turned into a business that brings people together through laughter, music, and paint parties full of co...

In this episode of the Why We Started podcast, mindset and transformational coach Terry Ludwig opens up about her personal journey from adversity to empowerment. From healing emotional wounds to helping women rediscover their confidence, Terry shares how mindset coaching and sound healing can be powerful tools for transformation. We talk about the importance of self-discovery , the power of choice...

In this episode of the Why We Started podcast, Oliviah, the creative force behind Livee Leigh Photography, shares her journey from a childhood fascination with photography to running a successful business specializing in weddings and elopements. She emphasizes the importance of capturing genuine moments, building connections with clients, and creating a relaxed atmosphere during shoots. Oliviah di...

In this episode of the Why We Started podcast, host Vanessa interviews Tiffany Mason, a podcast manager who helps individuals and businesses launch and manage their podcasts. Tiffany shares her journey from a sales job to discovering her passion for podcasting, the importance of podcast management, and how it can significantly benefit businesses. She discusses the challenges of podcasting, the dif...

Summary In the inaugural episode of the 'Why We Started' podcast, host Vanessa Grace introduces the concept of the show, aimed at small business owners who may feel stuck or burnt out. She shares her background as a social media manager and content strategist, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in business. Vanessa discusses her motivation for starting the podcast, which stems fr...