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.
Adam Warshaw
I don’t believe any road in business is a smooth one and ours had it’s challenges. We tried to begin construction in 2021 and were met with multiple delays. It was during a time in construction that our development was low priority, so we waited a solid two years for construction to be completed. Owning a restaurant in general will always have obstacles. We’ve been fortunate to have a great staff, but you have the initial turn over, menu creation, ordering supplies and lots of upfront costs. Read More>>
AJ Aguirre
My journey started with a deep-rooted passion for finance, which I pursued through my undergraduate and graduate studies at St. Mary’s University and Texas A&M. After working in real estate finance and development, a pivotal conversation with my mother – who runs a bustling pediatric practice – led to the creation of Aguirre Medical Group. Her pediatric practice performed well, but she struggled to run a business and simultaneously provide patient care. I saw this as an opportunity to learn healthcare management while helping out my mom. I also realized the sustainability in growing a business like this by helping out other physicians like her. Despite facing personal challenges, including a battle with stage-four lymphoma, I’m proud of the progress I’ve made in building Aguirre Medical Group. Read More>>
Tamika Perry
Tamika grew up in East St. Louis, Illinois with her mother and two sisters. Committed to paying it forward, Tamika seeks to share the many skills she’s learned from her family and ultimately create an environment that feels like home for both DHC’s clients and staff. Grateful to work alongside some of those who have been involved since the organization’s beginnings, Tamika is motivated by DHC’s board, staff, and volunteers—all of whom consistently prove their dedication to DHC’s mission. Read More>>
Markie Abbott
A quick touch into my family base is I have a large family with truly wonderful parents. So, to go on, I was accepted into college on dual sports scholarships. My track career started at Freshman year and on. While, as my volleyball career began during my sophomore year, to the brinks of my third year. These scholarship rides to college were super high achievements for myself; with of course my parents very much appraised approval. Read More>>
Heather Renée May
I did this in the early morning, which is my most creative time. Just as I would start to get stuck, I’d check my word count. If I hit my limit then I’d stop and get ready for my day job. After 2 months, I had the first draft of a manuscript that I sent to my editors in NY. Nine months later, I published my first novel, Cactus Christmas: A Texas Wine Trail Series (2021). I quickly followed it with Cactus Wedding in Spring of 2022, and Cactus Cradle, a mystery on the wine trail, just published October 1, 2024. Read More>>
Rashida Davis
Years later while being pre-med and sitting in my psychology 101 class I would see a Black male psychologist give a guest lecture on African centered psychology that would convince me to explore mental health. It was through that exploration and the mentorship of that same psychologist that led me to pursue a PhD in counseling psychology. My studies would lead me to gain interest in being sensitive to aspects of diversity such as race, ethnicity, religion and spirituality while doing the work we do with clients. In August of 2023, Heal To Hear was born fulfilling the prophetic words of 5 year old me. I was now a doctor an an owner of a faith-based private practice that focuses on counseling and training. Read More>>
Rodman Steele
As I look back and see what fate was put in front of me as a musician, I was surrounded by music my entire life, for sure. From the time I was very little, my two uncles -both of whom were professional traveling musicians- would have jams at my house and bring over other musicians (I remember Kelly Clarkson’s drummer was over a lot playing bongos, for instance). Coming from a lineage of working professional musicians, music was abundant. I’m realizing now in my career that this was the most significant piece of my education, seeing it being done before my eyes at an early age. Read More>>
Michael Hines
We started small, experimenting with recipes and setups for private gatherings, and quickly realized there was a demand for high-quality, mobile bartending. Over time, we expanded our services, fine-tuning the craft of mixology while ensuring our clients receive personalized, one-of-a-kind experiences at their events. The road wasn’t always easy, especially navigating the uncertainties during and after the pandemic, but we pushed forward and adapted. Read More>>
Stephanie Duke
My journey hasn’t been easy, and I’ve faced plenty of struggles along the way. When I created the E.S.C.A.P.E. Group (Extra Special Caregivers of Aging People Especially), I was truly stressed from caring for my mother and constantly feeling guilty for not spending enough time with my kids, husband, or even my mom. I needed a break and time to surround myself with my girlfriends—people who could understand what I was going through and help me validate my feelings. Read More>>
Kammie Savidge
I got my first camera, I found a mentor online through a social media group, and for the past four years have been working diligently at learning how to be better. Photography gives me the opportunity to volunteer and bring awareness to specific issues, it allows me to create lasting memories, it allows me to be the face of Jesus, and it allows me to build relationships with amazing people. Read More>>
Hanna Karakulka
I grew up helping my parents with reno projects around the house. It felt like we always had something happening, after we were done with one room we’d start making over another one, and by the time we finished all of them, the cycle of projects would begin again. I loved hanging wallpaper with my mom and repainting our windows and floors. Read More>>
Rachael Castañeda
But then something changed. I came across a job posting for a confections brand, and I decided to try something different. I reached out directly to the founder—sent a quick message to let her know I had applied and included a portfolio link with some of my mock work. Read More>>
Bradi Bratton
I’m most proud of my color work because of my confidence in saturating and blending of different color inks. I have an extensive background in color theory so I also really enjoy tattooing it. Read More>>
Paris Mimitte
I come from a long line of great women who can cook phenomenally. Especially my Great Grandmother and Mom. They have passed down that talent to me for sure. I have always enjoyed cooking and baking as well but it wasn’t until I was maybe 14 that I started baking seriously and trying to create my own recipes. I would bake and sell in high school and I just realized I had a gift and passion for baking. Read More>>
Samantha Troutt
Originally born in Michigan, but Texas raised! I would like to think that I have enough wisdom to give in this article. But truth is, I’m still learning with every breath I take. I was a severely wild child with a strength of disobedience. They do say knowledge is like a fine wine. It comes with age. I come with woes and triumphs. Being completely honest, I lost absolutely everything I had worked for in 15 years in the blink of an eye. Of course I would love to be able to blame others but I have to confess it was because of decisions I made whether others are to blame or not. My responsibility of my life is my own. Read More>>
Rashonda Wisner
On the other side, I’ve always had a passion for beauty. What began as a personal interest slowly evolved into content creation. I started sharing my love for makeup, skincare, and self-expression on social media, and I found that I could inspire others while collaborating with both local and larger beauty brands. Balancing both careers has taught me so much about discipline, passion, and the importance of connecting with people in different ways. Read More>>
Marie Appel
I grew up in a rural farming town in Upstate New York and attended public school. I was the first in my immediate family to attend college and went to Harvard University. When I saw how behind I and some of my classmates were relative to our private & boarding school peers, my passion for fixing educational inequity was ignited. Immediately after graduation, I became a 3rd & 4th grade teacher with Teach for America in Jackson, Mississippi. Read More>>
Mariana Vázquez
Growing up, I was inspired by cover artists on YouTube like Justin Bieber and makeup influencers such as Patrick Star and James Charles. I was obsessed with the idea of becoming a full-time YouTuber. When I was 13, my dad bought me a guitar to support my passion for music, and by the time I turned 18, I had filmed my first video, focusing on fashion. I’ve always had a strong eye for aesthetics, which naturally led to a deep interest in image design. Unfortunately, my parents couldn’t afford to send me to study that field, so I had to put that dream on hold and explore other options. Read More>>
Anna Ritchie
jo + leigh marketing was born in early 2022 to fill those gaps for service-based small business owners, offering a full suite of services for digital marketing so that small business owners can get back to running their businesses & focus on their strengths! We currently work in all sorts of industries and with all kinds of businesses. Read More>>
Alexi Adam
Graduating from esthetician school helped me recognize my skills and the knowledge I had in both makeup artistry and business. This realization inspired me to launch Psalm Beauty, a luxury, bridal-based hair and makeup company. I started with thorough research, reaching out to established artists in the industry, and really just shooting for the stars. That decision has proven to be one of the best I’ve ever made. Read More>>
Teisha Knott
A few obstacles I dealt with along my path, was trying to find a better balance still being a great mom, focusing on my business, and also pouring into myself. I have overcame these obstacles by making sure I put myself first not in the selfish way, but just making sure I matter just as much as anyone else does I came to realize that if I’m not taking care of how I give out love how can I care for others? How can I give my all.? Putting my needs first was a big game changer in my life . I feel like it makes me thrives more as a person , a mother , a therapist Read More>>
Madison Peterson
The road to this moment was not without its challenges. Leaving a ten-year marriage to create a safe and nurturing environment for my children transformed my life. As a single mother, I focused on building stability for my family, all while holding onto the dream of my coffee cart. With valuable experience gained from my time at Buon Giorno Coffee and later as a manager at Sons Coffee in Downtown Fort Worth, I immersed myself in the coffee world, honing my skills in both the business and creative aspects of the craft. Read More>>
Marquise Douglas
Then open the door for me to began to cook for well gnome, celebrities in the industries of music, pro athletes, and radio personnel that I can truly say it’s all about those small intimate moments where I can make a client smile through my experience and in the ride, I take them on with every taste with every bite of food growing here in Dallas has open the horizon for me to grow on another level to build my brand! However, is the small things to see a plate being empty has shaped my whole career for the betterment of my life and others. Now I can say with consistency and growth. It has propelled me to reach another level of success at another level of just relating to people buy food that blesses my heart. It’s my true ministry of all time. Read More>>
Emily Drees
After relocating to Texas, I initially struggled to find the natural beauty I craved, but a spontaneous trip to a nearby pond led me to a revelation: wildlife photography. The first snap of a Stellar Jay ignited a passion I never expected. Delving into the intricacies of local birds and their behaviors transformed my lens into a portal of discovery. From watching red-shouldered hawks nurture their young to witnessing the elegance of Great Blue Herons, each photograph tells a story that reflects the profound beauty and resilience of life. Read More>>
Illyana Morales
Talking to the union was nerve wrecking to begin with. They made it very easy to follow their process, but I was nervous I was getting myself into something way too big for myself. I guess I doubted myself too much. I had a lot of mental obstacles, but my coworkers helped me throughout the process and continue to do so. Read More>>
Trevor Stripling
I also created a sugar free cookie for diabetic customers, and now all of the cookies I make are plant based and animal product free for the vegan in your life. With Nothing Vanilla each recipe is inspired by global flavor, created with fresh seasonal ingredients. less sugar than traditional cookies and an amazing chef crafted taste. m my life as a queer person and business owner, this has led to exciting flavors such as Cinnamon Churro and Cilantro Lime White Chocolate, and Mexican Hot Chocolate. I love to talk about my entrepreneurial journey and sharing with experiences with anyone who will listen. I can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and my website nothingvanillacookies.com Read More>>
Adelya Zhapparova
It wasn’t just about making products; it was about building a brand and ensuring consistency across all my stores. Despite the challenges, I persisted, driven by my passion for beauty, art, and craftsmanship. After eight years, I took a leap internationally, opening a flower shop in Dallas. Today, I am continuing to grow and develop my businesses, always striving for excellence Read More>>
DJ Keelez
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Early on, I faced challenges like finding my unique style in a competitive industry and balancing my personal and professional life. Building a reputation took time, and I encountered obstacles in securing clients and navigating the complexities of the wedding and event industry. However, these struggles taught me resilience and the importance of staying true to my vision, ultimately shaping the success of DJ Keelez & Associates today. Read More>>
Whitney Blake Myrick
About three months after that first gig, I moved to Texas for a new full-time job opportunity. After years of trying to write music but never finishing a song, something clicked here. I have written dozens of songs since I moved to Texas, recorded an EP of original music, and started playing gigs around the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Read More>>
Juan David Echeverri Murillo
I’ve had the privilege of learning from countless artists all around the world who taught me about tattooing but also about life. Frank Anglas, a Peruvian artist that was based in Buenos Aires, Argentina was a major influence on me as an artist, and as a person. I will forever be grateful to him. Through hard work and dedication I’ve managed to hone my craft to a highly professional level and life has taught me to check my ego at the door and treat other people with respect. When clients come to me for their tattoo projects, they get top notch work but they also get the respect they deserve for trusting in my process. Read More>>
Brittany Hines
I didn’t grow up around entrepreneurs, my parents, aunts, uncles they are all 9-5ers. So in every way my Mindset was different from the people closest to me. What got me here is a road paved with unlearning, reconditioning, healing, releasing limiting beliefs, developing #emReg (Emotional Regulation) skills and building a new path to a place I’d never seen anyone go to before. Read More>>
Liam Nachawati
Fast forward to 2023, and Liam’s dedication was evident. That year, he achieved notable success in national karting series, with hard work and persistence paying off in impressive finishes. In 2024, his racing journey took an international turn, spending seven weeks in Italy where he competed at the Franciacorta track. Despite only two weeks of training against drivers with hundreds of laps of experience, Liam impressively secured a 3rd-place podium finish, marking a significant milestone in his young racing career. Read More>>
Michelle Frick
Oh gosh no, the road was not always easy! COVID certainly provided me with an interesting beginning. Also, life just has a way of throwing out obstacles to keep us on our toes. One of my favorite quotes is “Life is what happens while we are busy making other plans.” One of the reasons I gravitated to partnering with Best Version Media was something they taught from day one, and that is that we are all human and that if you have a bad day, fine, dust yourself off and begin again. Each day is a new opportunity to wake up and try again to be the best versions of ourselves. Read More>>
Jason Lee
My story begins with my father, Grandmaster Sun Lee. His Taekwondo training gave him the opportunity to teach Taekwondo in Sao Paolo, Brazil. He trained military and law enforcement personnel while starting a family. Over the next few years he realized he wanted to raise his family in a more stable environment. I think he always wanted to move the United States, so when he got that chance he jumped on it. He opened his first Taekwondo studio in Tulsa, Oklahoma. From there, my father had the insight to move to a larger msa and settled in Richardson, which is the first suburb north of Dallas. This is the city I grew up in and currently reside. Read More>>
Christy Record
I’ve always had a passion for project management, even though I started my career in business administration, eventually, I successfully transitioned into owning and running a thriving wedding and event planning company. After 15 years in that field, I felt it was time for something fresh and new. I was drawn to the idea of building homes that could become the foundation for new families and marriages. That’s how Fresh Soil was born Read More>>
Makolako Kromah
I lost all motivation for my line when my very first drop performed so poorly. My friends and family were the ones who kept me inspired and positive when I made the decision to take a hiatus from my brand in order to concentrate on my mental health. In early 2024, I started working on my relaunch and returned stronger than ever with a new logo, improved vision, and increased knowledge. I realized I had an opportunity to grow my brand beyond its current size when my second drop sold out entirely. Read More>>
Michaelia Nobles
Through this journey of healing, I developed a passion for media and public speaking. Media provided me with a creative outlet to express my emotions, share my story, and connect with others. Public speaking allowed me to use my voice to inspire and testify about how faith can transform lives. This passion ultimately led me to write my book, “Pain Raised Me but Trauma Healed Me”, where I share my personal story of overcoming adversity and finding healing through faith. Read More>>
Tia
A few years after stepping away from my business, I accidentally went viral with my millennial mom videos, and that moment changed everything. I finally found something I could call my own, where I didn’t have to wait on anyone or compromise my vision. I was just sharing my real, everyday life as a Millennial and as a mom, and people connected with my raw, unfiltered personality. That viral moment gave me the confidence to dive headfirst into content creation, and since then, it’s become a space where I can fully express myself. Read More>>
Sushma Bogati
Threading has provided me with a dignified way to support myself and finance my bachelor’s degree. My journey began in high school when I first had my eyebrows threaded by a specialist. The transformation was astonishing—my unibrow disappeared, leaving me with beautifully shaped, symmetrical brows. Read More>>
Eaint Nandar Win
It hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but I think that’s part of what makes the journey meaningful. I’m still very early into this beautiful venture, and while I’ve faced challenges, like navigating the logistics of starting a business and ensuring my brand reflects the diverse needs of my audience, those hurdles have only strengthened my determination. I’m constantly learning, adapting, and growing, and I’m fully committed to sailing all the way. Every step, whether smooth or bumpy, is an opportunity to refine my vision and bring my goals to life. Read More>>
Micah Jovan
My journey definitely hasn’t been smooth at all…. I’m always trying to figure out how to get more exposure to MY universal audience I haven’t truly found a way to reach YET. I just need that one opportunity, opening act, introduction to get the true visibility and exposure to the world at large. Read More>>
Dusty Harvard
I grew up in Wyoming. Left to go to college at Oklahoma State University where I played baseball and graduated from. After leaving college I played professional baseball for a few seasons before coming to Texas where I finished my masters degree. Then moved to Fort Worth got involved in baseball training and started building a business with local connections. I have built and grown training programs, teams and personal instruction for all ages in the athletic industry. Read More>>
Elly Salamanca
n April 2023, I finally took the plunge and signed up for my first half marathon, sparking the beginning of my running journey. To keep myself accountable and motivated, I began sharing my progress on TikTok, documenting both my struggles and achievements along the way. I desire to change the stereotypes surrounding runners and show others that they can be runners too, regardless of their background or fitness level. Read More>>
Abbey Schwindt
It hasn’t been an easy journey. Like starting anything new, there have been a lot of trials and errors. Luckily being a part of Nova Vacations, I am surrounded by many amazing advisors that are very knowledgeable and amazing resources! My job involves building strong relationships, not only with destination resources but also earning the trust of my clients. They rely on me to curate the perfect vacation, wedding, honeymoon, or special event for them. Read More>>
Amber Bogardus
Now, with a renewed sense of purpose, I’m excited to return to A Toasted Crumb and continue building what I started. On the blog, I share family-friendly recipes, easy step-by-step cooking tutorials, and touches of lifestyle content. Whether you’re a busy parent, a mom rediscovering her groove, or simply someone who loves good food, my goal is to help you transform everyday ingredients into memorable meals—and inspire you to embrace a vibrant, balanced life along the way. Read More>>
Quaylon Adams
At the 12 years of prison came home. I came home and I spilled my guts to the family on what the plan was then I put it in effect to try to create generational wealth Read More>>
Zolean Bruner
I became involved in Sisters Network Dallas, Inc. about 10 years ago. I did volunteering in various places of the organization. As a breast cancer survivor, I want to reach out to the community to share that this disease is not a death sentence. I’m a 23-year survivor who recently had a negative mammogram and made a decision to have a bilateral mastectomy. Which has given me a much deeper passion for educating others about the disease. Read More>>
Brad Namdar
That’s a great question.
I believe that my work ethic has grown, changed, and evolved as I’ve gotten older.
I was blessed to have had mentors, family members, and people who were/are important to me along the way of life that have helped shape my work ethic.
Also, my life experiences are extremely important in how my work ethic has changed, where it comes from, or how I approach each item/objective/project in my life ( Experiences like: being a former NCAA D-1 Athlete, being a professional athlete, GM of a professional sports team, coaching at the college level, owning my own small businesses, a policy advisor, and many other experiences).
However, it’s important to remember to always fine ways to maximize your work ethic into maximizing productivity. Read More>>
