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.
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 fun...
10 Sept 2025
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 d...
27 Aug 2025
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 me...
20 Aug 2025
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 highlight...
13 Aug 2025
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, Jes...
6 Aug 2025
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 fo...
30 Jul 2025
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’...
23 Jul 2025
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 mo...
16 Jul 2025
Not Your Average Paint Party with Jennifer Faulkenberry
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 color and confidence. She shares how art helped her heal, how her son Ty became part of the party, ...
9 Jul 2025
Healing Starts Within: Terry Ludwig’s Story
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, and how sound baths, retreats, and one-on-one coaching are helping women step into their true po...
2 Jul 2025
Oliviah’s Story: Building Livee Leigh Photography
Photographer Oliviah Leigh discusses building Livee Leigh Photography, focusing on capturing genuine moments and connecting with clients to create a relaxed atmosphere, in this interview episode.
25 Jun 2025
How Podcasting Became Her Power Move with Tiffany Mason of Virtually You
Tiffany Mason of Virtually You discusses her transition to podcast management and explains to host Vanessa how strategic podcasting elevates businesses in this interview.
18 Jun 2025
Why We Started Trailer
Host Vanessa Grace introduces her podcast, which shares stories to inspire small business owners struggling with burnout and imposter syndrome, highlighting the power of storytelling.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
1,159
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 54 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
50
Social presence
94
YouTube
68
Engagement
32
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