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.
Nikki Gonzalez
Liz and I once spoke about her desire to create greeting cards while she was getting through her cancer journey. She never got the chance to begin, so I was dedicated to shifting my focus and getting started for her. Since launching greeting cards, Nikki Doodles has also added handmade novelty earrings as a fun twist. We’ve expanded from online only to now also being sold in six shops across the U.S. within 2024! Read More>>
Alexis Marie
I got a job as soon as I turned 16 to fund my buisness and maintained a job, doing nails, and school fulltime for about a year and half until I was confident enough in my clientele to quit and go full time. I began to really give my all and most times would skip school and work on building my brand and studio or to take clients and work. By the time I graduated and got my license my buisness was thriving. I went from barely 1 client every few weeks, to 20+ clients a week. There were so many times that I would want to quit because I wasnt seeing progress or an increase and clientele but I am so beyond grateful that I never did. Read More>>
Jana Leeper
All the while, the dream of earning my license and becoming a therapist was always in my heart. After having our daughter, I stepped away from work to be with her at home full time. As her kindergarten year came closer, I knew I needed to have a goal to work toward. My best friend of 20 years and also therapist Michelle Spurgeon, LCSW encouraged me to move forward with passing the NCE, and becoming an LPC Associate, which happened in 2024. Sometimes dreams take awhile, and 14 years after completing my degree, I am finally on the path to what I always wanted to do. Read More>>
Jasmine Whetstone
My family loves to listen to music. My mom listens to raps from her era. One her favorites that became my favorite was “Children’s Story” by Slick Rick my mom would rap that song with the music and I would laugh bc it sounded so different from my age rap but it was something about it that made me like it. Another favorite is “ Everlasting Bass” by Rodney O and Joe Cooley which beat I used in my single”KOKO. So you can say my uncle influenced me to start rapping but the love of music runs in my blood.. Read More>>
Kofo Alli Banjoko
Of course a lot of businesses go through ups and downs in the first few years of launching or starting a business. Which I have experienced, When I first started my business it was difficult to get clients and bookings. I remember spending so much money on promotional ads on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to gain traffic into my social media Goodie_Bags_Station page. But I quickly noticed that personal referrals helped my business succeed. Read More>>
Yaila Scott
I was washing towels, dusting, sweeping, and mopping for weeks (ok, it was really just two weeks… hey I was 7 !!!) Just to get this mannequin head so that I could play in her hair. I FINALLY got the mannequin head. I curled her hair ONE TIME! I washed it with HOT water! & This is when I learned that reading is fundamental, at the ripe old age of seven, because right there in black and white, it stated “do not wash hair in hot water”. This made me want to do hair even more. Read More>>
Brandon Tang
Took it serious for another 2-3 years then in 2023 decided that i wanted to open up my own rug tufting studio because there wasn’t anything like it in the area. The whole idea behind rug ratz was just to give back to the community and being from Fort Worth i wanted to open up just a fun new creative art studio we’re people could come and learn how to make a rug from start to finish. Wanted to give everyone just something new and fun to do since all the fun stuff in DFW has been around for so long we’ve done it all something new is always fun Read More>>
Mariel Gamarra
Bees Media was born from resilience, courage, and an unshakable drive to overcome the challenges I faced as an immigrant. When I arrived in Texas in February 2017, it wasn’t just a new place, it was a new beginning. I left behind my dreams in Venezuela, forced out by the political situation, but I found something special here: a community that embraced me and shared my belief in hard work, determination, and the pursuit of a better future. This blend of Texas hospitality and my deep-rooted perseverance became the foundation for my new journey. Read More>>
Lisa Cashion
In late 2018, I toyed with the idea of having a business. I didn’t know how to get started or if it was really what I wanted to do, but in early 2019, after some hard conversations with God and a few people close to me, Bake Me Away was born. We started out with fun celebration cakes, chocolate-covered treats, and hot chocolate bombs. Now 5+ years later, we are known for creating custom celebration cakes, serving up delicious our cake jars which we call “Joy Jars”, and crafting beautiful dessert tables. Read More>>
Jackie Dolak
Not exactly. Real estate is anything but easy. It’s like learning a new language. You have to learn to manage people properly because in this industry people are making a big decision and it can be very emotional. Nothing is the same, each buyer and seller are different and have a different journey, needs and we are here to help them. Also it’s a very saturated industry, it very difficult to make yourself stand out. Read More>>
Kay Tourelle
Throughout my career, I’ve encountered some challenges, especially in the early stages. One of the most significant hurdles I faced was rejection. Over time, I’ve learned that rejection, whether from casting calls, auditions, or booking opportunities, is not personal. It’s simply a natural part of the modeling industry. Recognizing that rejection stems from the specific needs or preferences of clients and projects, not a reflection of my personal worth or talent, has empowered me to persevere and thrive in my career. Read More>>
Lea Zeqiri
Real estate is anything but smooth, lots of bumps and potholes along the way. The largest bump was the 2007 real estate market crash. DFW was more fortunate than a lot of the US. I had to pivot and fast. Buyers dried up over night and sellers struggled to get offers high enough to cover the mortgage owed on their homes. Read More>>
Ashley Paul
Fast forward to today…my business partner, Brandon Hall, and I would always connect and talk business, tv, life…really a little bit of everything. He moved away and when he decided to come back home, he asked would I like to partner with him and open a gym. At first, I was hesitant because of the magnitude of a brick and mortar, but I’m so glad I agreed. We have now been in business for just over a year and looking to expand into new markets soon. -MENT Fitness allows me the opportunity to not only train but also still hone my accounting skills. We also offer fitness classes for the IDD community so that EVERYONE can get fit! Read More>>
Dave Semans
I began playing guitar in high school with Rock Star dreams. After 2 years of college I decided to give the music career a try. I moved to Denton in 1998 and did my degree in Jazz performance at UNT but my heart is full of Rock N Roll. I’ve been performing as a full time rock artist in Dallas Ft Worth ever since. Read More>>
Alicia Christenson
Watching God sustain this business has been remarkable. We made it through covid without getting a loan. Folks from the surrounding cities came and gave with love. I am very grateful to God and all the fine folks who have supported us through the years. Read More>>
Isaac Brady
I wouldn’t say it’s been a smooth road when it comes to building a brand that connects people to religious or spirituality, but it has been a informative journey because it reveals the things(community) around you and the people that you come in contact with we all come from the same source. Throughout this journey, my wife and I are raising twin girls and still working on our careers to help structure our future . So this has put me at a pace, lower than normal, but rewarding in the long run. Read More>>
Right On Target Podcast
We are podcasters. We talk about sports, mostly the NFL and NBA, and we talk about music where we discuss the latest in hip hop/R&B. We also like to spotlight up and coming artists. We put out episodes every Friday on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and wherever you find podcasts. Read More>>
Norma Mena
I give all credit to Jesus Christ—none of this would have been possible without Him. In 2020, during the COVID pandemic, we lost family members, which made me realize how short life is. That same year, I launched a notary and tax business, as well as a t-shirt line, while working full-time. In 2021, my husband and I both contracted COVID, and I lost my job due to our health struggles. This setback pushed me to fully focus on growing my businesses. Read More>>
Jeanette Vargas
When I graduated highschool in 2012, I knew that I wanted to work with skin and all things beauty ! I enrolled into cosmetology school immediately after but it was short lived. I was not a fan of doing hair. I changed career paths mutiple times from vet assisting to nursing and even diagnostic sonography before I finally made the decision to become an Esthetician and follow my true purpose. Right before the whole world shut down in 2020, I told myself that I would start a business one day and finally work for myself. Read More>>
Zoey Boutte
I initially started working at an after-school program that offered good pay. However, when COVID-19 hit in 2019, I was laid off due to the pandemic. Before that, I had been thinking about starting my own lashing business, but I kept putting it off because I was balancing both college and work. Being laid off, though, became the turning point for me. It gave me the push I needed to take that leap of faith and finally start my business. Since then, my lashing business has been thriving, and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made! Read More>>
Buddy Taccolini
I assumed she would say I was crazy and that would be that – I’d forget the dream of owning my own business and continue working for “the man.” However, she was super supportive; we agreed that it would be a little bug in my brain my whole life, so I needed to do it, even if it was just to “say that I tried.” I enrolled in grooming courses and went to school to learn as much as I could about the business. After graduating, we bought a trailer, started a website, and began taking appointments! It’s been the most fun adventure we could have hoped for. It’s made me realize that I much prefer doing what I love rather than making great money. I don’t see myself ever doing anything else! Read More>>
Britton Bahador
I never say no to helping someone regardless their age, gender, financial situation. If I can’t help to the best of my ability I will support them in finding someone who meets their needs. In the future I plan on expanding my practice and helping lead and manage others. I enjoy management, encouraging others to meet their potential and reach their goals, as well as hosting and bringing people together for the greater good. Read More>>
Stan Zhuikov
I earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in architecture, which allowed me to delve into design and the technological aspects of spatial creation. After university, I gained experience working at several international companies, where I contributed to projects of various scales and purposes, from residential complexes to commercial and public buildings. One of the unique projects I worked on was the development of floating architectural structures for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Read More>>
Hannah Dimock
From a young age, I knew I aspired to own my own business. I have always had a passion for helping others and bringing creativity to every project I take on. My journey, from serving restaurants to bartending, has shaped the business owner I am today. Hospitality is my passion, and I’m equally dedicated to crafting delicious, fresh drinks. All of our juices and purées are made in-house using the highest quality fruits and herbs. I love creating unique, personalized experiences for each client. When I launched my mobile bar business in early 2024, I knew there was no turning back. I’m fully committed to this exciting venture. Read More>>
Gregory “greg” Alvarado
When I started with the Yellow Pages, I was on the team that sold the online version of the phonebook, so I got into “Online Advertising” as it was starting to gain traction. The TELCO company was very proactive about adding new advertising solutions, so we started getting more mediums to work with. We added search engine marketing, websites, direct mail, magazines, and even billboards. Then, in 2007/2008, Smartphones came out, and you could access infinite information from your pocket. This was when printed phonebooks started to lose popularity, and digital advertising took off. Read More>>
Yessica Delgado
In my desperation of seeing so many plants die in the nearby forest I decided to bring them back home and give them water. And sometimes they would stay in only water and all of a sudden my house had become a sanctuary for hydroponic plants. Sitting down with my partner and husband, Mauricio we started having tons of ideas about starting a studio of hydroponic plants and a way to help the environment. We offer our plants for weddings, events, lobbies, hotels and hospitals since it’s now been confirmed that plants help produce happiness. Read More>>
Kristina Nigo
My love for the beauty industry started when I was a little girl. I grew up watching my grandpa, who was a barber in the Army and later co-owned a barbershop, cut my family’s hair. He was an artist in every sense—whether behind the chair, painting, sculpting—you name it, he could do it. I admired him so much and shared his love of art. When I was 12, I gave my first haircut to a human—my older brother. I messed up his hair royally and quickly realized I didn’t enjoy cutting short hair! From there, I moved on to experimenting with my sister’s, friends’, and my own hair. That’s when I knew this was what I was born to do. Read More>>
Jazmin Wiggins
Moving to Dallas was a bold decision, but it was necessary for a new chapter. The city welcomed me with open arms, and it’s here that I am truly findinf my footing as a business owner and influencer. I took the challenges life threw at me and turned them into opportunities, using my experiences to connect with others and build a brand that empowers women, especially those who’ve faced similar struggles. Dallas isn’t just a new city for me; it’s the place where I rebrand of High Maintenance Jazz begins. Read More>>
Rohini Agarwal
I enjoy the challenges of establishing a new practice and balancing a family life with my husband and two young daughters. It gives me the freedom to choose the technology and materials i utilize in my office for day-to-day care. Being my own boss allows to me to take time off when my family really needs me. I also enjoy being a part of my community and helping those in need. I recently organized a free dentistry day at office to help those who cannot afford a much needed dental treatment. Read More>>
Regan Wickes
I will cook all night and maintain a fire in my smoker until the sun comes up. Then again, I help my wife get our girls up, ready, and off to school. I then will tow my BBQ trailer to our location in Pantego, TX, which is about 10 minutes from my house, and sell BBQ from 12 pm-9 pm or sold out. So on average, I am awake for about 40 hours straight over two days. I do this twice a week. So, there are the normal challenges that come with owning a business that are similar to most businesses. But, when it comes to BBQ, and the way I want to cook it, no one can come close to explaining how hard it is mentally to put out your best day in and day out. Read More>>
Beth Crain
BEYOND has been recognized as the Best Pilates Studio in Plano & Frisco for the past 5 years. As the owner, I’m most proud that BEYOND is a great place to work, offering industry-leading benefits including paid vacation, profit sharing bonuses & incredible perks and discounts at a curated group of premier local wellness businesses. As a result, our employees – and our clients! – stay with BEYOND for far longer than fitness industry averages. Read More>>
Jolyeane Kimble
Following the sale of our most recent business, I recognized a significant gap: many small to medium-sized enterprises require financial expertise but often cannot justify the expense of a full-time CFO. This realization prompted me to step in as a financial advisor for these businesses, providing them with the strategic financial guidance they need to thrive. Read More>>
Susie Juarez
After much reflection and making difficult personal decisions, I took a leap of faith, leaving my banking career behind and enrolling in massage school. That step allowed me to pursue my dream of opening my own spa, where I now specialize in post-operative care and non-invasive treatments to help women recover and achieve their body goals. My work is driven by the desire to empower others, offering them the support and care they deserve on their journeys to feeling confident and whole. Read More>>
Kate & Ashley Siamro & Galaviz
After we closed Shoal’s, my records would sit and collect dust, and I yearned for the moment I could break em out and share them with the world again. One day I saw that the Spinster Records homies were talking about opening a new bar in Oak Cliff I immediately sent in my resume month after month until finally they sat down with me. I was the first hire. People often say Ladylove was made for me and I always say we were made for each other. Read More>>
Perry Morrison
I was 7 the first time I tried wake surfing and my love for it has never left. The first time I tried it I was at a wake surfing camp on lake grapevine and thats where my journey begins. From that point for the next two years I would do the wake surfing camp until I started private lessons. At 9 I did my first competition and got 2nd place and then at 11 I had the opportunity of a life time that forever changed my future. Tige’ boats has sponsored me! From that point my life was filled with lakes, boats, and travel. Now i’m 20, own my own real estate investment company, and do wake surfing lessons, charters, and sponsored events all over the world! Read More>>
