Find your inspiration in an Islanders story
True Vineyard Color: Where Community Meets Storytelling
In a world where Martha's Vineyard is often seen through the lens of summer tourism, the True Vineyard Color Podcast reveals the beating heart of our year-round community. Each episode enlightens visitors and residents alike about our diverse residents who help make Martha's Vineyard the extraordinary place that it is
Hear local islanders sharing their journeys and passions
Hi, I'm Sylvie,
host of the True Vineyard Color Podcast
I am here to bring you stories of islanders who have found their passion, carved out their own niche and help make the MV community one like no other. Take a listen !
My Story
I arrived on Martha's Vineyard from Germany in 1986 at 18 years old with a backpack and a three-month plan. In my first year I lived in a school bus in Chilmark, working as an AuPair. Little did I know I would find a community that would reshape my entire life's journey. The island people showed me a world of possibility and love, and my summer adventure turned into a lifetime of belonging. After meeting my husband Paul in 1993 we worked for an Edgartown family caretaking homes, and at the same time both started businesses from scratch. We co-founded the local community Island Co-Housing in West Tisbury where we still reside. Years later in 2005 we became foster parents and eventually adopted our foster daughter Marlainey at 10 years old. These days I feel so blessed to be able to give something back to the place and the people that have been so good to me.
Why I Created This Podcast
An update: 06/16/2025
After successfully running my local artisan business, SylvieBags, for over 25 years, I felt a gentle nudge urging me to embark on a new chapter—something entirely unrelated to sewing, fabrics, or selling handbags. The idea of starting a podcast came to me shortly after I decided to close the business in the fall of 2024.
During the pandemic, I had discovered the world of podcasts and fell in love with the art of long-form conversations. I was captivated by the way a great podcast can educate, inspire, and make you feel as though you’re in the room with the host and guest.
Living on Martha’s Vineyard, I’ve always been deeply aware of the remarkable individuals in our community. They come from diverse backgrounds, are incredibly generous, and share a profound commitment to fostering connection. Through my podcast, I aim to uncover what drives these individuals, how they tackle the unique challenges of our year-round island life, and what keeps them so devoted to this special place.
While I’m always growing and learning as an interviewer, this new journey has been both exciting and rewarding, and I am grateful to explore it alongside such an inspiring community.
Weekly Stories to Enrich Your Life
Join me every week for conversations that will leave you inspired, enriched, and perhaps feeling a little more connected to our island community
Take a listen , there is "gold " in every episode ~
In the True Vineyard Color Podcast, I'm handing the microphone over to our eclectic and diverse community members, uncovering the heart and soul of the island - Each conversation is an invitation to discover a unique journey of an islander living their passion and a portrait of Vineyard Life.
When I'm not collecting stories, you'll often find me experimenting with vegetarian soup recipes, walking my dog on the beach, hanging out at coffee shops, playing with my 2 year old grandson Oliver or spending time at my West Tisbury home with my family and dog and cat.
Because at the end of the day, it's the beautiful nature, simple island moments and meaningful connections that make Vineyard life magical.
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