Shows
True Vineyard ColorEp 22 - Andrea Rogers looks back on starting the Vineyard Artisans Festival 30 years ago and shares her passion for community, gardening , handmade businesses on MV and uncovering her family historyIn this podcast episode, Sylvie Farrington interviews Andrea Rogers, the founder of the Vineyard Artisans Festival. They discuss Andrea's background, the influence of her Italian heritage, and the importance of supporting handmade artisans. Andrea shares the challenges and successes of the festival, her passion for gardening, and her journey of writing her family's immigrant story. The conversation highlights the significance of community support, the future of the festival, and the legacy of the scholarship fund for young artists.
www.vineyardartisans.com
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/vineyardartisans/?__pwa=1
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/sea...2025-06-3047 min
True Vineyard ColorEp 21 - Patrick Roden- Reynolds shares the facts about ticks on MV and his easy to follow strategies for tick bite preventionIn this conversation, Patrick Roden-Reynolds, a wildlife biologist and director of the MV tick program, shares his expertise on tick prevention and management, particularly on Martha's Vineyard. He discusses his background in wildlife science and the importance of protecting oneself from ticks, which are a growing concern on the island. The conversation covers various strategies for tick bite prevention, understanding tick behavior, and the significance of residential yard surveys in managing tick populations. Patrick also highlights the different types of ticks present, the diseases they can transmit, and the best practices for dealing with tick bites and protecting pets...2025-06-2356 min
True Vineyard ColorEp 20 - Jessica Tartell from Chicken Alley Thrift Shop on how donations, community support and a growing thrifting industry are creating a significant source of income for MV Community Services ProgramsIn this engaging conversation, Sylvie Farrington interviews Jessica Tartell, the manager of Chicken Alley Thrift Shop on Martha's Vineyard. They discuss the shop's rich history, unique donations, and the vital role of volunteers. Jessica shares her personal journey from manufacturing promotional single use clothing overseas to seeing the value of helping the planet and our MV community alike by promoting shopping second-hand items. Sylvie and Jessica discuss how donations and the volunteer help provided by the MV community are two big reasons for the shop's success and rapid growth in the years since the pandemic. The conversation touches on the...2025-06-1653 min
True Vineyard ColorEp 19 - Lisa Brown and Gareth Brown from Kin share their Artist and Entrepreneurship journeys with deep family ties
In this engaging conversation, Sylvie Farrington hosts Lisa and Gareth Brown, who share their inspiring journeys as artists and entrepreneurs. Lisa reflects on her evolution as a photographer and solopreneur on Martha's Vineyard, while Gareth discusses her path to fashion design and the importance of flea markets in building her brand. Together, they recount the inception of their boutique, Kin, highlighting the collaborative spirit that drives their business. The duo emphasizes the significance of family dynamics in their partnership and the joy of curating a space that showcases the work of talented artists. They also discuss their a...2025-06-0956 min
True Vineyard ColorEp 18 - Anne Marie Eddy from Coastal Supply on growing her boutique business year round in a seasonal communityIn this engaging conversation, Anne-Marie shares her journey of owning a shop on Martha's Vineyard, detailing her evolution through various locations, her commitment to community engagement, and her collaboration with local artists. She discusses the challenges of running a seasonal business while maintaining affordability for local customers and highlights the diverse demographics of her clientele. The conversation also touches on her creative workshops and the unique products she offers, showcasing her dedication to fostering a sense of community through her business. In this conversation, Anne-Marie shares her experiences of running a business that focuses on timeless pieces and customer...2025-06-021h 01
True Vineyard ColorEp 17 - Jason Mazar-Kelly ( Yogi Jay ) on the power of collaboration, community and engaging in practices for remembranceIn this conversation, Sylvie interviews Jason Mazar-Kelly, also known as Yogi Jay. The interview kicks off with a vivid description of Jay's first time marathon experience, and then highlights the power of storytelling and how the stories we choose to tell ourselves can be a powerful driver for personal growth. Yogi Jay also shares how his consistent yoga practice in college became a tool for overcoming OCD and how this led to him becoming a yoga teacher who is passionate about helping people with mental differences. Jay tells his love story that brought him to the island and shares his...2025-05-261h 09
True Vineyard ColorEp 16 - Why Cathy Wozniak and Anna Marden of Hospice and Palliative Care on MV love their work and how our community members can benefit from a variety of end of live services at no cost In this important conversation, Cathy Wozniak and Anna Marden from Hospice and Palliative Care of MV discuss their experiences and motivations for working in hospice care, the differences between hospice and palliative care, and the importance of community support. They highlight the role of volunteers, the funding of services, and the significance of grief counseling. The discussion also covers unique programs like Camp By the Sea for children and teens, various fundraising events, the spiritual care provided to patients, and the self-care practices for staff. The conversation concludes with reflections on the supportive spirit of the Martha's Vineyard community that...2025-05-1933 min
True Vineyard ColorEp 15 -How Kris Kiehn from Simply K2 Marketing champions small businesses to thrive in all seasons through emphasizing brand messaging, networking and year round visibilityIn this engaging episode, Sylvie Farrington interviews Kris Kiehn, founder of Simply K2 Marketing.
Together they discuss the beauty of Martha's Vineyard in all seasons, the importance of small businesses in the community and the significance of authenticity in marketing. Kris shares insights on brand messaging and how to connect with dream clients while emphasizing the need for small businesses to maintain engagement during the off-season. The conversation highlights the role of community support and the power of building authentic relationships with customers. Kris places a special focus on the importance of networking in small business . She s...2025-05-1230 min
True Vineyard ColorEp 14 - How Tom Soldini and his team from Score has helped over 300 small businesses thrive on MV-all at no cost to the business ownerIn this engaging conversation, Tom Soldini from SCORE and Heather Mangione from Al Fresco Tails and SCORE discuss the organizations history, services, and impact on small businesses on Martha's Vineyard. SCORE is a national mentoring organization that has helped over 300 businesses on Martha's Vineyard in the last seven years at no cost to the businesses. We learn about the retired professionals volunteering for SCORE, sharing their vast business knowledge with local entrepreneurs and helping them navigate their challenges . Tom shares success stories of businesses that have benefited from SCORE's support. The discussion also highlights the unique community spirit of Mar...2025-05-0546 min
True Vineyard ColorEp 13 -How Shored Up Digital helps MV businesses navigate the the world of online marketing to be visible and build trust with their clientsIn this episode of the True Vineyard Color podcast, Sylvie Farrington speaks with Marnely Murray and Angela Prout from Shored Up Digital, a digital marketing agency dedicated to helping small businesses thrive through effective social media strategies. They discuss the origins of their business, the ongoing education of clients about the importance of social media, and their passion for building community connections. The conversation also highlights the significance of customer service, the power of Google reviews, and the vital role of local businesses in sustaining the Martha's Vineyard economy. In this conversation, Angela Prout and Marnely Murray discuss the...2025-04-2852 min
True Vineyard ColorEp 12 - Sylvie Mini Solo Episode - how a difficult teenagehood acted as my propeller to create a life on MV
In this solo episode, Sylvie Farrington reflects on her journey from growing up in Germany to finding sanctuary on Martha’s Vineyard. She shares vivid memories of her childhood in an old brick farmhouse, shaped by her father’s trauma from WWII, and how those experiences fueled her resilience and drive to create a new life. Sylvie recounts her rebellious teenage years, time in foster care, and the transformative moment when she first arrived on the Vineyard at 18 years old.
She highlights the healing power of the island, referencing past podcast guests like Michael Blanchard and S...2025-04-2112 min
True Vineyard ColorEp 11 - Susanna Herlitz-Ferguson on her second wind entrepreneurship creating MV Salads, writing a culinary book and staying true to herself in life's challengesIn this fun conversation, Susanna Herlitz-Ferguson shares her journey of establishing MV Salads on Martha's Vineyard, emphasizing the importance of kindness in her brand and community. She discusses her transition from a design background to the food industry, the challenges faced during the pandemic, and her commitment to using local produce and eco friendly tableware. Susanna also highlights the unique design of her restaurant and the importance of building a supportive team that aligns with her values. In this engaging conversation, Susanna Herlitz-Ferguson shares her journey as a second wind entrepreneur, detailing her experiences of starting a business on...2025-04-1443 min
True Vineyard ColorEp 10 - Building community: Jim Feiners innovative approach to philanthropy through real estate on Martha's Vineyard and beyondIn this conversation, Jim Feiner shares his journey from growing up on Martha's Vineyard to becoming a successful real estate agent and philanthropist. He discusses his childhood experiences, the transition to real estate, and his commitment to community service, particularly in affordable housing initiatives. Jim also introduces his innovative Client's Choice program, which merges real estate transactions with charitable giving, allowing clients to donate a portion of commissions to their chosen nonprofits. In this conversation, Jim Feiner discusses his philanthropic efforts on Martha's Vineyard, emphasizing the importance of community support and different approaches to giving. He shares insights on t...2025-04-0746 min
True Vineyard ColorEp 9 - Sharisse Scott-Rawlins on her love for fashion design and writing, and how her cancer diagnosis in college steered her on a path of expressing herself through writing and inspiring others through her story.In this inspiring conversation, fashion designer, writer/ poet and cancer survivor Sharisse Scott-Rawlins shares her inspiring story with us. From her childhood memories in Oak Bluffs to her current work as a designer and marketing director at the Martha's Vineyard Times, Sharisse discusses the importance of community, creativity and resilience in overcoming life's challenges. She emphasizes the therapeutic nature of sewing and writing, and how these have played a crucial role in her healing process. Sharisse talks about her commitment to inclusivity in fashion and the unique fabrics she sources for her designs. Sylvie and Sharisse discuss Sharisse's education at Howar...2025-03-3148 min
True Vineyard ColorEp 8 - Nancy Aronie on her journey to leading transformative writing workshops and the healing powers of writing your authentic storyIn this deep conversation, Sylvie interviews Nancy Aronie, a renowned writing instructor and author, about her experiences in teaching writing workshops, the healing power of writing, and the essence of community on Martha's Vineyard. Nancy shares her insights on the importance of creating a safe space for writers, the transformative nature of storytelling, and the challenges of authenticity in writing. She reflects on her personal journey, including her son's health struggles, and emphasizes the significance of feeling emotions in the writing process. In this engaging conversation, Nancy and Sylvie explore themes of vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and the impact of...2025-03-2443 min
True Vineyard ColorEp 7 - From Serbia to Martha's Vineyard: Iggy Vukoje of Cozy Corner Café on starting a European Style Coffeeshop on MV to create a community hub for locals, J1 students and visitors alikeIn this delightful conversation, Iggy shares his inspiring journey from Serbia to the United States, detailing his passion for American football and the cultural differences he experienced upon arriving. He discusses his entrepreneurial ventures, including Vineyard Wash and Cozy Corner Cafe, emphasizing the importance of community and giving back. Iggy's vision for Cozy Corner Cafe as a welcoming space for all is highlighted, along with his commitment to providing a unique European-inspired menu. The conversation concludes with reflections on the importance of social media for a small business, teamwork and the beauty of Martha's Vineyard as a home .
Lo...2025-03-1739 min
True Vineyard ColorEp 6 - Elizabeth Whelan shares her journey on becoming a sought after Vineyard portrait artist and creating an art community in person with collaborations, and online through sharing her knowledge freelyIn this captivating conversation, artist Elizabeth Whelan shares her journey of embracing adventure, creativity, and community through her art. From her initial connection to Martha's Vineyard to her innovative approaches in portraiture and online teaching, Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of bravery, inclusivity, and storytelling in her work. She discusses how technology has allowed her to build a vibrant community of artists and art lovers, especially during the pandemic, and how her unique portraiture captures the essence of her subjects in their natural environments. Elizabeth Whelan shares her journey as an artist and educator, emphasizing the importance of storytelling through...2025-03-1059 min
True Vineyard ColorEp 5 - Lora Ksieniewicz on how the principles of buddhism, meditation and yoga have been her guiding light in being kind, giving back and being involved in communityIn this episode, Sylvie and Lora take a deep dive into the transformative benefits of yoga, meditation and Buddhist principles. Lora shares how these philosophies serve as the foundation of her yoga teachings and as a guiding compass for her life.
The conversation emphasizes our interdependence and connectedness as humans, highlighting how even small acts of kindness can create a positive ripple effect in the world. Lora also speaks about her sense of responsibility to give back to the Vineyard community and her involvement with various island organizations. We explore the importance of addressing injustice by speaking up...2025-03-0358 min
True Vineyard ColorEp 4 - Jennie Slossberg on creating wonderful gardens, mentoring and affordable home ownership on MVIn this engaging conversation, Sylvie interviews Jennie Slossberg of Vineyard Garden Angels Inc. , a garden design company in Chilmark , with a focus on organic and native plants. Jennie shares her journey from an art background to discovering her passion for gardening, influenced by her parents and a significant mentor, Elizabeth Luce. The discussion delves into the challenges and rewards of running a landscaping business, the importance of mentorship, and the artistry involved in creating beautiful outdoor spaces. Jennie also reflects on her experiences with community involvement , specifically the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. She shares how she handled the h...2025-02-2436 min
True Vineyard ColorEp 3 - Michael Blanchard discovers photography as an art form to inspire thousands in recoveryThis episode is a glimpse into a truly powerful recovery story. Michael takes us on the journey of his life through very dark times, and shows us how he was able to transform hardship into a life filled with true meaning. Michael shares that his challenging road of long lasting sobriety was helped by the fact that he discovered a passion. The taking and editing of photographs gave him a way to be in the healing environment of nature on Martha's Vineyard. It has been through the sharing of these photos on social media and writing stories that accompany them, t...2025-02-1756 min
True Vineyard ColorEp 1 - My Story of Being Welcomed to Martha's VineyardIn this introductory episode Sylvie shares a little bit about herself and why she had the idea of starting a Vineyard podcast. She tells her story of being welcomed to Martha's Vineyard at a young age, and finding a place to call home through the kindness of the Vineyard people. Sylvie shares how wanting to give back to the island is a big part of starting this homegrown podcast. Follow the True Vineyard Color Podcast on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/truevineyardcolor_podcast/?__pwa=1 and Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/sylviebags/ I love to hear from you : Email me...2025-02-1207 min
True Vineyard ColorEp 1 - My Story of Being Welcomed to Martha's VineyardIn this introductory episode Sylvie shares a little bit about herself and why she had the idea of starting a Vineyard podcast. She tells her story of being welcomed to Martha's Vineyard at a young age, and finding a place to call home through the kindness of the Vineyard people. Sylvie shares how wanting to give back to the island is a big part of starting this homegrown podcast.
Follow the True Vineyard Color Podcast on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/truevineyardcolor_podcast/?__pwa=1
and Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/sylviebags/
I love to he...2025-02-1207 min
True Vineyard ColorEp 2 - How to stay physically strong and mobile at any age with fitness trainer Griffin HughesIn this engaging podcast episode, Sylvie discusses all things fitness with Vineyard strength trainer Griffin Hughes. She shares an anecdote about the late Vineyard artist Ray Ellis falling off the treadmill and we follow Griffins journey through all her years in bodywork on Martha's Vineyard. From working with clients one on one post surgery to taking her students outdoors during the pandemic, to teaching spin classes at the YMCA, Griffin has worked in the wellness field for over 20 years, and is a wealth of knowledge about all things exercise. One of the main takeaways of the conversation is that q...2025-02-1048 minTrue Vineyard ColorTrailer - Podcast launching February 3rdWelcome to the True Vineyard Color Podcast! If you love Martha's Vineyard, this is your little nook in the world of podcasts. I am your host Sylvie Farrington and I am so happy you are here. I washed ashore Martha's Vineyard in the mid 1980s from Germany, just 5 days after my high school graduation, with no family, a backpack and a dream for a better future. The island overdelivered. I grew up with a passion for textiles and color, and I started my handmade business SyliveBags from scratch in 1997. The enthusiasm of the Vineyard Community helped me turn it...2025-02-0301 min