Hi, I'm Sylvie,

host of the True Vineyard Color Podcast

Every morning, as I walk the beaches of Martha's Vineyard with my dog Tati, I'm reminded of the magical pull that brought me here from Germany in 1986 - what was meant to be one summer has turned into a 35-year love story with this island and its people.

My Story

I arrived on Martha's Vineyard from Germany with a backpack and a three-month plan. What I found instead was a community that would reshape my entire life's journey. The island people showed me a world of possibility and love, turning a summer adventure into a lifetime of belonging.

For 27 years, I built my business, SylvieBags, creating handmade vintage fabric accessories that captured the Vineyard's spirit. But throughout those years, I was collecting something even more precious than fabric - I was gathering stories.

Stories of transformation, resilience, and the unique magic that draws people to this island and transforms them forever.

Today, as an entrepreneur, artisan, world traveler, and foster-to-adopt mom and grandma, I've learned that the most beautiful creations come from authentic connections. Just like my sunrise beach walks with Tati serve as my daily medicine, these conversations with fellow islanders have become my soul's calling.

Why I Created This Podcast

Martha's Vineyard is more than a summer destination - it's an extraordinary place with stories waiting to be told. Every person who calls this island home brings their own unique perspective, whether they're a fifth-generation fisherman or, like me, someone who came for a visit and never left.

I believe in the power of stories to heal, inspire, and transform.

Through True Vineyard Color, I'm passing the microphone to our eclectic and diverse community members, revealing the heart and soul of island life that tourists rarely get to see. Each conversation is an invitation to discover the Vineyard's natural healing powers and the remarkable individuals who make this place truly extraordinary.

When I'm not collecting stories, you'll find me experimenting with vegetarian soup recipes, walking nature trails, playing with my grandson, or spending time at my West Tisbury home with my husband Paul, our Staffordshire Terrier Tati, and cat Piper.

Because at the end of the day, it's these simple island moments and meaningful connections that make life here so magical.