Why We Started Podcast

Vanessa Grace
  • 5.0 (3)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Why We Started is more than just a podcast—it’s a storytelling spotlight for the bold, the passionate, and the purpose-driven. Each episode dives deep into the real stories behind today’s business owners, creatives, and changemakers. From their first “why” to the moments that tested them, we unpack the inspiration, grit, and growth that fuels their mission. You’ll hear about the heart behind the hustle, the pivots they never planned for, and the values that keep them going. Whether you’re a fellow entrepreneur, a dreamer in the middle of your own ‘what if’ moment, or just someone who loves hearing how people build lives around what they love—this podcast was made for you. Because when people understand your story, they believe in your brand.

  1. SEP 17

    What Corporate Couldn't Give Me with Anna Marie Bolet (Part 2)

    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 up on camera. Anna also opens up about using photography as a way to give back, from community fundraisers to creative projects with heart and purpose. This episode is a reminder that great photography is not just about the final image. It is about the experience, the emotion, and the legacy you leave behind. Connect with Anna Marie Bolet: Instagram: www.instagram.com/annamarieboletphotography Website: www.annamariebolet.com Apply to be a Guest on our Podcast: https://forms.gle/sd3Hq2AvP5rrsdTe9 Send us a text Stay Connected: The Why We Started Podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/thewhywestartedpod TikTok: tiktok.com/@thewhywestartedpod Youtube: https://youtu.be/7vfyghVSG-g Florida Social Butterfly Vanessa Grace - Founder & Social Media Manager www.instagram.com/flsocialbutterfly

    33 min

  2. SEP 10

    What Corporate Couldn't Give Me with Anna Marie Bolet (Part 1)

    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 emotional stories behind the portraits she captures, and why printed photographs still hold power in a digital world. Anna’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and finding joy in helping others feel seen. Connect with Anna Marie Bolet: Instagram: www.instagram.com/annamarieboletphotography Website: www.annamariebolet.com Apply to be a Guest on our Podcast: https://forms.gle/sd3Hq2AvP5rrsdTe9 Send us a text Stay Connected: The Why We Started Podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/thewhywestartedpod TikTok: tiktok.com/@thewhywestartedpod Youtube: https://youtu.be/7vfyghVSG-g Florida Social Butterfly Vanessa Grace - Founder & Social Media Manager www.instagram.com/flsocialbutterfly

    29 min

  3. AUG 27

    You’re Not Broken with Ashley Bagni

    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 a deep respect for each client’s individual needs. She explains the six pillars of health, the meaning behind the name Thrive, and clears up common misconceptions about health coaching. Ashley is passionate about helping women feel good in their bodies again and believes that small, consistent changes can impact not just personal health, but the entire family. She is also the host of Ladies Cut the Crap, a podcast where she delivers honest, accessible wellness advice without the overwhelm. Website: www.thrivehealthcoachllc.com Email: ashley@thrivehealthcoachingllc.com Instagram: Ashley | Thrive Health Coaching (@thrivehealthcoachingllc) Ladies Cut The Crap Podcast: Spotify: Ladies, Cut the Crap! Apple Podcast: Ladies, Cut the Crap! Send us a text Stay Connected: The Why We Started Podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/thewhywestartedpod TikTok: tiktok.com/@thewhywestartedpod Youtube: https://youtu.be/7vfyghVSG-g Florida Social Butterfly Vanessa Grace - Founder & Social Media Manager www.instagram.com/flsocialbutterfly

    38 min

  4. AUG 20

    From Surviving to Thriving with Dr. Jonathan D'Cruz

    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 chiropractic care and the significance of creating a welcoming environment for patients. Dr. Jon also highlights the role of content creation in promoting his practice and the importance of thriving versus merely surviving in health and wellness. The conversation concludes with insights into Dr. Jon's upcoming plans and community engagement efforts.  Connect with Dr. Jonathan D'Cruz:  Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dcruzchirocenter  Website: http://linktr.ee/dcruzchiropracticcenter  TikTok: @‌dcruzchirocenter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19njrqTF1v/?mibextid=wwXIfr Send us a text Stay Connected: The Why We Started Podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/thewhywestartedpod TikTok: tiktok.com/@thewhywestartedpod Youtube: https://youtu.be/7vfyghVSG-g Florida Social Butterfly Vanessa Grace - Founder & Social Media Manager www.instagram.com/flsocialbutterfly

    36 min

  5. AUG 13

    Caring for Homes, People, and a Legacy: Jessica Waugaman with Vicky’s Helping Hands

    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. From managing vendors and overseeing Airbnbs to walking clients through unexpected emergencies, Jessica leads with intention and care. She opens up about what it was like to take over the business after Vicky’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, how her nonprofit and real estate background shaped her approach, and why keeping that “we care like it’s our own home” feeling is non-negotiable. This conversation goes beyond logistics. It’s about legacy, trust, and showing up for people when it matters most. Connect with Jessica: Website: https://www.vickyshelpinghands.com Instagram: @vickyshelpinghands Facebook: Vicky’s Helping Hands LinkedIn: Jessica Waugaman Send us a text Stay Connected: The Why We Started Podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/thewhywestartedpod TikTok: tiktok.com/@thewhywestartedpod Youtube: https://youtu.be/7vfyghVSG-g Florida Social Butterfly Vanessa Grace - Founder & Social Media Manager www.instagram.com/flsocialbutterfly

    37 min

  6. AUG 6

    Behind the Chair with Aimee Holder: Healing, Hair, and NYFW

    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 she offers, her experience at New York Fashion Week, and her commitment to creating a safe space for her clients. Aimee emphasizes the importance of education in the beauty industry and her desire to inspire future hairstylists while also sharing her personal story of recovery and healing. Connect with Aimee Holder: (904) 718-5071 or The Colour Sanctuary Facebook: @thecoloursanctuary Instagram: @the_colour_sanctuary Audio Podcast Production: Virtually You! Send us a text Stay Connected: The Why We Started Podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/thewhywestartedpod TikTok: tiktok.com/@thewhywestartedpod Youtube: https://youtu.be/7vfyghVSG-g Florida Social Butterfly Vanessa Grace - Founder & Social Media Manager www.instagram.com/flsocialbutterfly

    40 min

  7. JUL 30

    Pin It and Forget It: Sustainable Marketing with Dana Johnson

    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 wedding planning to virtual assistance, and ultimately discovering the power of Pinterest. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the constant pressure to post, this conversation will inspire you to embrace smarter, evergreen strategies that work while you rest. She also breaks down what makes Pinterest different from platforms like Instagram and TikTok, why it’s not just for weddings or recipes anymore, and how her monthly template membership — The Styled Pin Collection — helps business owners stay visible without starting from scratch every month. Whether you’re Pinterest-curious or just looking to reduce burnout, this episode will leave you feeling empowered and ready to simplify your content strategy. Connect with Dana Johnson: Website: www.ddvirtualmanagement.com Styled Pin Collection: https://danasdesk.thrivecart.com/styled-pin-collection Instagram Dana's Podcast: The Unapologetic Pinner and The Entrepreneur Encounter  Audio Podcast Production: Virtually You! Send us a text Stay Connected: The Why We Started Podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/thewhywestartedpod TikTok: tiktok.com/@thewhywestartedpod Youtube: https://youtu.be/7vfyghVSG-g Florida Social Butterfly Vanessa Grace - Founder & Social Media Manager www.instagram.com/flsocialbutterfly

    30 min

  8. JUL 23

    What If Healing Looked Different with Janelle Marra

    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 to the experience. The conversation also explores her other venture, SoulSway, which combines movement and mindfulness to help individuals connect with their bodies. Janelle highlights the interconnectedness of physical and emotional healing and the significance of creating a safe space for clients. The episode concludes with insights on how to engage with Janelle's work and the importance of capturing the essence of energy healing through media. To Connect with Janelle Marra:  Website: www.janellemarrahealing.com & www.soulswaypractice.com Email: janelle@soulswaypractice.com or info@janellemarrahealing.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/janellemarrahealing Audio Podcast Production: Virtually You! Send us a text Stay Connected: The Why We Started Podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/thewhywestartedpod TikTok: tiktok.com/@thewhywestartedpod Youtube: https://youtu.be/7vfyghVSG-g Florida Social Butterfly Vanessa Grace - Founder & Social Media Manager www.instagram.com/flsocialbutterfly

    35 min
See All (13)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Why We Started is more than just a podcast—it’s a storytelling spotlight for the bold, the passionate, and the purpose-driven. Each episode dives deep into the real stories behind today’s business owners, creatives, and changemakers. From their first “why” to the moments that tested them, we unpack the inspiration, grit, and growth that fuels their mission. You’ll hear about the heart behind the hustle, the pivots they never planned for, and the values that keep them going. Whether you’re a fellow entrepreneur, a dreamer in the middle of your own ‘what if’ moment, or just someone who loves hearing how people build lives around what they love—this podcast was made for you. Because when people understand your story, they believe in your brand.

Information

  • Creator
    Vanessa Grace
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Why We Started Podcast
  • Show Website
    Why We Started Podcast