Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Annette Groves. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Annette thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We love heartwarming stories – do you have a heartwarming story from your career to share?

One of the most personal inspirations behind AnMar Libretto began when I found out I was pregnant at 26. To be honest, it was scary. I wasn’t married at the time, and while I was excited, there was also a weight of uncertainty. Very early on, I knew one thing, I wanted the child growing inside of me to know they were deeply loved. Even before she could hear me or see me, I needed her to feel it.

That desire came from what I witnessed growing up, so many girls around me struggled with insecurity, the need to belong, the need to feel loved. Unfortunately, I watched some try to fill that void through relationships and choices that left them feeling even more demoralized. I knew how dangerous it could be when someone grows up not fully grasping their worth.

That’s what made my pregnancy pivotal for me. I understood the power of words, how they shape us, build us, or break us. I wanted to start speaking life, love, and affirmation into my child from the very beginning. In my search for a product that allowed me, as an expecting mother, to speak to the baby growing inside me, I found… nothing. Nothing on the market offered what I was looking for—something that married music, words, and sound in a way that nurtured both mother and child emotionally and spiritually.

Given my musical background, growing up in a family of singers and musicians, I decided to create it myself. I drew inspiration from the Bible, along with studies now commonly referred to as the placebo effect; it wasn’t until years later, when I co-founded our company, that I learned of books like Messages in the Water and how sound and intention could physically impact matter.

My simple recordings; music, affirmations, and love-filled words became a part of my pregnancy journey. My daughter was born healthy and vibrant. Today, she is 21 years old, and one of the things I admire most about her is her strong sense of identity, peace, and confidence. She knows she’s loved, always has.

Can I say that one product or those recordings created all of that? No. But what I can tell you is that the intentional practice of affirming her, from the womb to this very day, laid a foundation. Even now, I continue to speak over her life: she is significant, she is never alone, and she is deeply loved.

That moment became one of the catalysts for AnMar Libretto, creating sound-based experiences that speak life, love, healing, and affirmation into others, just as I wanted for my child. Because sometimes, all someone needs is to hear the right words at the right time.

Annette, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Thank you for the opportunity to share more about myself and AnMar Libretto. I’m Annette Groves, co-founder and president of AnMar Libretto, a company that was birthed from personal experience but has since evolved into a purpose-driven brand at the intersection of sound therapy and emotional wellness.

AnMar Libretto is pioneering the way sound is used as a therapeutic tool by creating transformative products that simply don’t exist on the market, or are barely represented for certain audiences. Our unique sound therapy compositions blend scientifically-backed music with spoken-word therapy, offering intentional sound experiences that address a wide range of emotional and mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, pregnancy-related stress, autism, grief, and trauma recovery.

My own journey into this space began during my pregnancy in my twenties when I went searching for a product that could help me connect emotionally and spiritually with my unborn child. I wanted something that married music, words, and sound in a way that affirmed both mother and baby. That product didn’t exist, so I created it. What started as a deeply personal practice has grown into a company committed to creating sound therapy products that fill critical gaps in the wellness market.

Our work is informed by a mix of biblical principles, music therapy, neuroscience, and studies like the placebo effect and research in books such as Messages in Water—all reinforcing the undeniable power of words and sound to heal, strengthen, and transform.

What sets AnMar Libretto apart is our focus on underserved audiences—those navigating silent battles or life moments where traditional wellness tools don’t reach. From pregnancy to PTSD, from autism spectrum sensitivities to faith-based affirmations, we create soundtracks and audio experiences designed to restore peace, reframe thoughts, and provide emotional support.

One of the things I’m most proud of is that our product doesn’t just exist, it works. We’re already seeing the impact, but we know the reach can be so much greater. That’s why we’re seeking visibility, strategic partnerships, and business acceleration opportunities to expand our global footprint. With the right exposure and guidance, we believe AnMar Libretto can lead the sound therapy market, bringing healing and support to millions worldwide.

At the heart of it, what I want people to know is this, AnMar Libretto exists because we believe words and sound create worlds. Our mission is to help people heal, find peace, and reclaim their sense of self, one sound experience at a time.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

Mario Pugh and I met almost a decade ago at church. He was already a seasoned musician, and from the very beginning, we connected deeply, there was a shared sense of creativity and purpose that felt undeniable. As we got to know each other, I discovered that Mario wasn’t just a talented musician; he had a rich background in music production, singing, songwriting, and composing full musical arrangements. His passion and skill set were undeniable.

At the time, I was co-owner of a women’s network that reached over a million minority women. That journey led me into producing short films and full-length documentaries, each project requiring original scores and thoughtful musical composition. Naturally, Mario was the first person I thought of, and not only did he deliver, he exceeded every expectation. His work didn’t just enhance the films, it elevated them.

What followed was a ripple effect of new opportunities for him, including collaborations on major music projects and even scoring for a Netflix film featuring Halle Berry. Watching him expand into those spaces was powerful and well-deserved.

Years later, as things shifted with the network, I felt a pull toward creating something new, something that could redefine sound therapy and address wellness in a fresh, authentic way. Once again, Mario came to mind immediately. His ability to craft soundscapes that transport you, whether it feels like a warm embrace or the calm of a Swedish massage, is nothing short of a gift. It’s been incredible to build something meaningful with someone who understands how to communicate healing through sound.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

High morale starts with clarity. When expectations are clearly communicated, everyone knows what they’re aiming for and how they contribute to the bigger picture. Ambiguity opens the door for people to invent their own objectives, which can lead to a misaligned culture that doesn’t reflect your vision. By establishing a strong sense of direction, grounded in purpose and goals, you build confidence within the team. People feel secure when they know what’s expected, and that directly impacts their motivation and engagement.

Another key to morale is setting realistic, achievable goals. As a trained agilist, I approach team development through incremental wins. I believe you don’t have to start with the Lamborghini, sometimes a skateboard or a Segway is the right first step. If your team can achieve something tangible early on, it builds momentum and trust. That sense of progress, no matter how small, creates excitement and ownership. It fuels a culture of possibility rather than pressure. Celebrating those small victories together reinforces that every contribution matters.

Finally, recognizing and rewarding those contributions is essential. When people feel valued, whether they’re team members or business partners, they’re more likely to invest themselves long term. A culture of appreciation lays the foundation for loyalty, creativity, and collaboration. People are naturally drawn to environments where the leadership has a strong sense of purpose and the business model supports growth with integrity. That’s what sustains morale and makes people proud to be part of the journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://anmarlibretto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anmarlibretto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573060762187
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ANMARLIBRETTO
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anmarlibretto?lang=en