The heart of our mission is to find the amazing souls that breathe life into our communities. In the recent weeks, we’ve had the privilege to connect with some incredible artists, creatives, entrepreneurs and rabble rousers and we can’t begin to express how impressed we are with the incredible group below. Check out our favorite stories from across the Voyage family.
Rachael Edwards
Classroom Bloom started as a passion project. It all began when some of my coworkers, noticing my knack for creating inviting and functional classroom environments, started volunteering to pay me to decorate their classrooms. At first, I was just helping out colleagues, but as more people showed interest and offered compensation, I realized there was a real demand for this service. Taking a leap of faith, I decided to turn this side project into a full-fledged business. Read More>>
Dr. Tomeeka Bean
We’re excited about the possibilities that this new, technology-driven landscape presents. It allows us to be more agile, reach more clients, and deliver our services more efficiently. At the same time, we’re committed to maintaining the high-touch, personalized approach that has always set us apart. Read More>>
Beatrice Mz
My journey into selling my treats started unexpectedly. One day, I made a spiked Peach Cobbler for a friend at work. While I was putting it in jars ,another friend stopped by, and I gave her one to try. She loved it and posted about it on Facebook. The post gained traction, and people began asking where she got it. She tagged me, and I started receiving requests. That was the moment I decided to start baking and selling treats. Read More>>
N.A.M
It all started with a plot of land that was deemed impossible to utilize due to the “get rich quick” mentality. Over the years of trying new things and pushing boundaries, I noticed the reason why no one believed it to be feasible; they just didn’t dig deep enough. Now, the big boys eat the fruit I bear. Read More>>
Jim Keyes
My story starts as a young child who grew up in a small town in central Massachusetts in a family with too little money and too many children to feed. My father and grandfather built our family’s simple frame house on a humble plot of land. They didn’t get around to installing plumbing or central heat but hoped to afford it one day. There were no expectations of myself as a child beyond staying out of trouble or one day securing a job at the local factory. Many of my friends and family quit school, married early, and worked in the factory. Read More>>
Shehzad Batliwala
In addition to my medical and comedic pursuits, I’ve established a coaching platform aimed at high performers and achievers. Drawing from my own experiences of burnout and missteps, I guide others to avoid similar pitfalls, empowering them to create their visionary life and find their unique paths. My goal is to help others leverage their high-performing traits without succumbing to burnout, using stories of resilience and strategic thinking. Read More>>
Terry Mclellan
As our healthcare became more challenging and doctors and nurses working short staffed, overworked the gap in educating and taking time with the patient was lacking. My passion is to help people get the best healthcare and live long and healthy. I researched patient advocates found there is a certification took test and passed in October of 2020 and in Dec of 2020 I opened my independent patient advocate business…SunNav Healthcare Advocates, LLC. Read More>>
Theo Boyd
So, we had to transition from planning a celebration to planning a funeral. Shortly after my mother’s death, I learned that my husband had been having an affair, so I would be experiencing a divorce, another grief. A few months after my father and I had gotten comfortable with my dearest friend and counselor in expressing our grief, my counselor dies suddenly. And, in June of 2022, Father’s Day morning, I went to surprise Daddy with breakfast and found he had taken his life. Read More>>
Cynthia Asije
Ensuring consistent product quality while maintaining fair trade practices has been a balancing act. Also, building trust with artisans and educating them on digital commerce was more difficult than anticipated. We’ve also faced logistical hurdles in shipping across borders, alongside overcoming investor skepticism about the viability of our business model. However, each challenge has strengthened our resolve and refined our approach to growth and impact. Read More>>
Kevin Williams
In 2014, we started Team Vision LLC, and for two years, we could never get the business off the ground because I was still doing outdated marketing, placing flyers on people’s vehicles, etc. In 2016, a friend named Cordarrell Chambers called me and asked if I had ever heard of Toastmasters. “I replied what’s that’? He said they help you with public speaking, and I replied really? Ok I will check it out and it was Toastmasters that taught me the foundation of public speaking and I went on to invest in advanced public speaking and I have been running my mouth ever since Read More>>
Marion Elarms
I am a permanency case manager for Empower. I dedicate my services to help strengthen families and help troubled youth. I am proud to be able to be a role model and be an positive example for others. I believe my experiences in life help with being able to relate to others who face challenges and need guidance Read More>>
Amanda Pratt
Finding new ways to communicate and let things not bother you are major when working with disabled clients. There are many in this world who want to see you fail, and many who will take small mistakes and make them into big problems. The balance between fighting and letting things blow over is real, and learning how not to be a pushover but also not taking everything so harshly is a balancing act many in the dog world have had to learn. Read More>>
Carmen Foy
Fortune 500 company, and had taken a few personal development courses that taught me the meaning of purpose and value, I couldn’t help but hold back the tears. I wondered what would happen if the young lady being bullied didn’t have athletics as an outlet to suppress her emotions. What if she had reached her limit? What if she felt unloved and turned to a life of promiscuity? As I walked over to ensure she was okay, she asked if I was a teacher. It was at that precise moment that I realized my purpose. I was meant to become the mentor I wished I had when I was their age. So, I became a volunteer mentor and eventually went on to launch my nonprofit organization, PurityGirl, Inc. Read More>>
Nathan Duncan
My grandmother was a caterer for close to 50 years. I would watch her create some really nice looking dishes. My curiosity would always get the best of me as I would often go into the kitchen and sample some of her creations. I would always want to know (specifically) how she made a dish or dessert so I too could make it for myself (Huge Foodie)! After a while, my grandmother would get upset because I was in her kitchen (you NEVER… EVER… go in my grandmothers kitchen when she was cooking)!!! The Ultimate cardinal sin! Eventually she put me to work cutting up things such as cheese, onions, and peppers into tiny pieces (life draining), making sure she kept me out of her way. One day she was baking a cake and I was really intrigued on what she was doing, so she began to teach me. Read More>>
Theo Bray
One of my greatest struggles in the arts was in ’14. After a long hiatus from the arts I decided to make a return but didn’t know what awaited me. I had no idea that my biggest obstacle would be myself; the younger me vs a more seasoned version of me Lol. Prior to overcoming this mountain in my life, I doubted myself and wrestled with the thought that the older version of me didn’t have much to offer. Read More>>
Bibi Yasmin Katsev
When the opportunity came forward with Teach For America Dallas-Fort Worth, it was an excellent opportunity to champion students in our hardest-to-serve communities. TFA Dallas-Fort Worth puts over 160 teachers into the classroom within the metroplex, all working to support our mission of “one day.” “One Day,” all students in our nation will receive a high-quality education. Read More>>
George Matheis
In 2017 Elizabeth joined the Navy and new I was going to need support. She got me an Olde English Bulldogge puppy named Odin to train as my service dog. I met my Dogfather Bob Fink and his service dog Johnny Cash. It wasn’t long before I was apprenticing under Bob and soon started training dogs for extra money. At the time I was working with adults with intellectual disabilities. Before long I was training dogs full time. I also began to attend Freedom Biker Church in York PA and Celebrate Recovery. Read More>>
Eduardo Harris
My career journey has been diverse, including roles in warehouses, tile laying, demolition, plumbing, electrical work, surveying, and various superintendent and project manager positions. I managed new construction for multi-family projects, Marriott hotels, and Hilton Canopy properties before launching my own business over five years ago. Read More>>
Josh Baker
The road has definitely not been smooth, but I’ve come to realize that anything worth doing well won’t be easy. I spent years learning the craft and refining my skills, but one of the biggest challenges was not recognizing my own value early on. That lack of awareness can drain both time and energy. Over time, I’ve learned that the difficult path is often the right one. After interviewing hundreds of people, I’ve never met anyone who’s achieved success by saying, “It was an easy road.” My new life motto has become, “Embrace adversity, chase failure, and explore the world.” Read More>>
Abriana Terrell
Nothing worth having, is easy to obtain. There will always be challenges as an entrepreneur. Not only am I on a entrepreneurial journey, but a spiritual one also. God had to groom and prepare me for the mass success level I am achieving, and I am honestly grateful for that. Some of the challenges I struggled with was holding myself accountable, confidence in my abilities, stepping out on faith, and talking to people, amongst many other things. Read More>>
Justin Stricklin
I’m originally from Arkansas, where I became an Eagle Scout and gained early leadership experience working as a supervisor and manager in several jobs after high school. I’ve always been around the automotive industry, but it wasn’t until 2015 that I entered the auto hail repair field. I traveled to 36 states, learning the trade and refining my skills. In 2019, I took a leap and established After The Storm Hail Repair in Grand Prairie, Texas. Read More>>
Janet Vermillion Moos
I did not take the most direct pathway from the past to today. Like many young people, I was uncertain of what the future held and how to get there. It was easy to be distracted by the times and I often navigated without a compass—until I stepped into the footsteps of my medical forefathers and became a nurse. Seeds of healthcare wisdom were planted deeply within my heritage and came to fruition as I embraced the vocation of nursing. Read More>>
Alyceson-Grace Eke
When I worked as a standard 40 hour week employee, everything was smooth as silk – I was learning the fundamentals of personal finance, maturing without facing the financial consequences required for many to learn these lessons, and practicing sharing these fundamentals with my alma mater’s student organizations. There was no pressure to be perfect; I was content with being a bright-eyed student of the industry for many years. Read More>>
Rashaun Robinson
It’s never been smooth. That’s kind of where the name “Crunchy Riot” comes from. My journey to freedom of expression was and will never be easy, but that’s kind of the fun part. A lot of people most of the time won’t understand how much you love creating something and showing it off – in fact they may look down on you and think you don’t take life seriously. It’s the territory that comes with being an artist. I wasn’t supported the way I expected when I first started and at times I felt very judged, but getting older I just learned to take it to the chin and keep doing me. Read More>>
Rebecca Rouse
The earliest influence that has gotten me where I am in my life today was getting involved in gymnastics at the age of three. My parents started me in ballet when I was two, but after my apparent disinterest in tutus and ballet slippers, I was introduced to leotards and somersaults. The rest, as they say, is history. I began competing at age seven and continued until high school. Competitive gymnastics is quite demanding, on both the body and the schedule. Because of this, from a young age, gymnastics instilled in me an immense amount of structure and discipline – two things which I have carried with me into adulthood. Read More>>
Brooke Johnson
My artistic journey truly took off after I graduated with Honors in Graphic Design from the Art Institute of Philadelphia. I spent several years immersed in the design field, honing my skills and creativity. Life later led me to Texas, where family became my top priority, but my passion for art remained constant. In Texas, I reignited that passion by founding Brushworks Murals and Artisan Studios, both of which thrived over the next 14 years. Read More>>
Tammy Klepac
When you’re doing something you love it doesn’t feel like work so transitioning from a hobby to a full time business was mostly a smooth road but there were a few stumbling blocks along the way. There are many great photographers in the metroplex so it took me a while to get my name out there and then to figure out the best ways to advertise my business. I’ve learned that my best form of advertising is word of mouth so I do my best to create an easy and fun photo session for my clients because then they’ll share their experience and photos with friends and family and pass my name along. Read More>>
Paula Radvansky
Perhaps unlike many other artists I don’t have an interest in gallery showings or Art competitions Although I do have experience in doing gallery shows and artist talks I just enjoy the creative process and hope to share the enjoyment and positive energy with all kinds of people in all kinds of places. Read More>>
Cordarryl Franklin
He developed his skills over the years by playing in his backyard, and at his family’s local owned playground, “Maddox Park”. He describes playing there as being equivalent to Rucker Park in New York, in his eyes. Those blacktop battles taught him a ton, & were legendary to him. It made him the hooper he is today. In which he’s known as a smooth operator in all aspects of his game. From the blacktop, he played basketball for the Star City Bulldogs of Star City, before transferring to Frisco, Texas his senior year, to live with his father. Read More>>
Ricardo Johnson Ii
BIPOC-centered strategies reduce the use of costly emergency services and preventable hospitalizations. Studies show that BIPOC communities, particularly those with low health literacy, often rely on emergency services due to delayed or inadequate care. For example, Black and Hispanic individuals are more likely to visit the ER for preventable conditions like diabetes and hypertension, which could be managed in primary care settings. Medicaid data reveals that preventable ER visits cost the U.S. healthcare system over $8 billion annually. A large portion of these costs stems from BIPOC populations with low health literacy and limited access to culturally competent care. Read More>>
Amber Monroe
Hello! I grew up in Abilene TX and lived there for 26 years before moving to the DFW metroplex with my husband for more opportunities. I am a mother to three and a home educator as well. I have been a hairstylist, a baker, and business owner, but in everything I do, I always find beauty in the things around me. And when I can’t find it…I create it. Read More>>
Syndee Moon
My name is Syndee Moon. I am the Co-Founder and Owner of Legacy Army Financial Group, a financial services firm based in Allen, Texas. Born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), I faced early challenges as a teen mom and was married for over 15 years in a relationship marked by financial, emotional, and mental abuse. Despite being a stay-at-home mother raising four children and financially dependent on my former spouse, I persevered, earning my degree while caring for my family. Read More>>
Ashley Fox
I always loved art and making things since I was a young child. Some of my favorite memories is going to the craft store with my Grammy after school and help her make floral arrangements and other fun things. Once I was older I started to want to make my own things and so I did. In 2019 it started with headdresses then in mid 2023 I started doing entomology and oddity art and it has been such a fun journey! Read More>>
Jessica Gilliam
After graduating in 2002, shortly after 9/11, it was nearly impossible to find entry-level designer jobs. Every small business was sitting tight and even scaling down to weather the economic implications of another war. It was then that my mom, recognizing my passion for skincare and makeup and seeing that I needed clarity for my professional path, suggested I obtain licensing as a medical aesthetician. Read More>>
Jesi Rok
That is what started my imagination of what all these skills could possibly become. Music was always involved in my everyday life but, I hadn’t realize that I was actually teaching myself what music meant to me. Let’s fast forward a couple of years. Now I make my living from the Audio / Visual media production world and I able to produce, write, record, mix and master my own music that is available on all your favorite platforms! Read More>>
Daniel-andres Jimenez
I feel that a lot of people in the artist community say that they started drawing at a really young age. I started really late, and it wasn’t even in illustration work! I started as a graphic designer for authors back in sophomore year of high school. Since the book covers I designed were for aspiring authors on the now defunct website Figment, a lot of the requests I had gotten were for short stories or poems. It was a great opportunity to learn how to speak with clients and figure out the commission process, but it wasn’t until I had already graduated in 2014 that I decided to take the craft seriously and get a business registered to do design work. Read More>>
Sophia Cochran
My senior year of high school, I had been in active addiction and landed myself in rehab after being laced with fentanyl and meth. I went to a few different places but spent most of my time at a Mormon facility in Southern Utah. I witnessed and experienced discrimination for being LGBTQIA+, it was particularly bad for the transgender or non-binary residents. That was the point I realized I wanted to make a difference in the LGBTQIA+ community. Read More>>
David Belloc
I am thankful that African American woman would take a belt to us if need be. She knew that our parents were raising us to be different. I learned from the Carrasco family to embrace whatever open door was available and stay humble. But the real experience came from going to Sparks park to watch the adults play basketball and play in tackle football games. At that park people from surrounding neighborhoods came together to escape the real world and compete. I would say a lot of differences were settled on that court or in the field next to it. It is where I learned to compete and settle things in a healthy way. Read More>>
Shadcrop
I am ShadCrop, an artist living in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. I became interested in photography in 2015 when my brother Jkeem demonstrated the use of a camera to me. I was fascinated by the process and the resulting images. Since then, I have developed my own style and found my niche in photography. I am always on the lookout for new and interesting subjects to photograph. I am also interested in learning new techniques and exploring different genres of photography. I am passionate about my work and am always striving to improve my skills. Read More>>
Nina Simmons
I went in head first and never looked back. I’ve been shooting for over 7 years and it has truly been a hustle. I’m very driven so I kind of forced my way into the industry, respectfully paid my dues and now I have a solid clientele. I’m a creative, I see things differently and that comes out when I shoot. I learned to be an entrepreneur so my work ethic is incredibly strong. I’ve shot for the Dallas Cowboys, NCA (National Cheer Association), The Japera Brown Collection in New York Fashion Week and a million portraits in between. That strong work ethic has gotten me where I am today. I’ve also recently decided to get my Real Estate license, so I’m currently in school for that because why not. Read More>>
Judy Liu
Many years passed before an opportunity with a small publishing company came up, and here I am now. With a published book and a wonderful bookish community. I glaze over this because honestly, I often look back wondering how I sat down and created a whole book, plot line, and multiple characters. Read More>>
Elizabeth Mahusay
While teaching in a Hillsborough County school I discovered the significance of nurturing human potential while serving as a dance coach for a highly accomplished competitive dance team, despite my lack of formal dance training. Coaching 40 high school young ladies was great training for parenthood. Read More>>
Season Jacobs
In 2013 I began working for another Brazilian waxing specialty salon in Dallas, I truly enjoyed my job. I loved the work, my colleagues, and especially the clients. The pay was great initially, but over time, the long commute, long hours, and eventually even the compensation became less appealing. I realized I had hit a ceiling—the only way to earn more was by working more shifts, which meant spending even less time with my two small (at the time) children. That’s when it became clear that I was missing out on watching them grow up. Read More>>
Mac Welch
It has absolutely not been smooth. There have been many times when I thought I’d be full-time arts and then a contract would fall through or work would dry up and we would end up right back at square one. The arts world is so volatile and difficult to navigate financially. In live art, there is no such thing as a fully for-profit theatre that relies on ticket sales. The money just doesn’t work out like that. Read More>>
Siobhan Cassidy Robinson
By the time I was a sophomore in high school, I had decided to pursue a career as a film composer. Following this dream has opened up numerous opportunities and helped me set new goals within my creative realm. Now, I aspire to be more than just a composer; I aim to be an innovator for artists like myself! Read More>>
Koko Kwon
My journey has been anything but linear, and that’s what makes it so special. I started my career as a journalist and quickly realized that my passion for storytelling was deeply rooted in my own truth. When I decided to make my infamous “f**k it, I quit” moment to fight for cannabis legalization, it felt like I was stepping into the most authentic version of myself. Read More>>
Shelby Sullins
Reflecting on the past four years, I can honestly say that every step of this journey has been worth it. The path has been filled with challenges and triumphs, but it has led me to a place where I have the privilege of serving incredible couples. Each wedding film I create is a labor of love, crafted to evoke the same emotions and memories that were felt on the wedding day. I cherish the opportunity to be part of these special moments and to bring them to life through film. Read More>>
Traphena Souder
Growing up, I watched my mother own hair/nail salons where she provided hair and nail services. Her dedication to her craft left a lasting impression on me, however, I was always encouraged by my parents to pursue higher education, something they didn’t have the opportunity to achieve themselves; so I followed that path. Read More>>
