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.
Kat G. Gigi W.
Gigi and I met in 2022 through a mutual friend. We bonded through our shared love of thrifting and passion for sustainability. This led us to vend at our first pop-up market together selling pre-loved clothing and accessories as a way to promote textile sustainability and support small local businesses. While at the market, we realized it was a mainly male-dominated sphere and so we decided to create our own market that caters to women-owned businesses – Queens’ Market. Read More>>
Will Bolt
In 2014, I split off to explore other ventures, but the love for Matrimoney never faded. Fast forward to 2024, and I’ve relaunched the brand with a new logo and new vision. Today, Matrimoney is more than just a clothing brand—it’s about creating a community that represents ambition, style, and the drive to succeed. I’m excited to continue growing and pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve. Read More>>
Sharron Bowens
The next biggest struggle is getting clients. Think of yourself as a customer, you look at how many reviews someone has before hiring them, right? Well, when you are just starting out, no one has reviewed and vetted you – so it has been a lot of marketing myself directly to potential clients, which has yielded some results thankfully. Read More>>
Heidi Henrichs
After hiring a marketing firm in Dallas, I decided to move the shop to Dallas. I am a SMU alum and was born in Fort Worth, so I was familiar with the area, and I had a good feeling about making what seemed like at the time a huge leap of faith. Chaparral Dallas opened in October 2022 and has been thriving ever since. In addition, we started a wholesale line (March 2023) where we design and sell our line of canvases to other needlepoint shops across the country. Lastly, we started (August 2023) a Painting Service in the Philippines which employs painters to hand-paint needlepoint canvases for designers across the US. Read More>>
Jerick White
This discovery sparked the beginning of what would soon become White Slate Auto Detailing. I began looking into the specific equipment and chemicals I would need to get the job done professionally. I didn’t want to cut corners or offer subpar services, so I made the initial investment in high-quality tools and products that would allow me to provide the best possible results. It wasn’t just about washing cars. I wanted to offer something more. Something that would exceed my customers’ expectations. Of course, I started off detailing close family and friend’s vehicles to fine tune my process and gain more experience. Read More>>
Darien Clark
You know, our story is one of those where you look back and think, wow, we’ve really come a long way. I’m Darien Clark, Founder and Creative Director of 1 Of None Studios ⚡️, and alongside my amazing Co-founder, Stephanie Bautista—our Director of Operations and Logistics—we’ve been building something that’s not just a business, but a dream in motion. Read More>>
Chloe Mcauliffe
However, my path took an unexpected but rewarding turn when I joined nuuds, an everyday basics brand, where I worked my way up to become Senior Creative Designer. This role allowed me to refine my design skills and broaden my creative horizons. Eventually, I transitioned into the world of freelance, where I had the privilege of working with major brands such as Amazon, Tarte Cosmetics, Sofia Richie, and Glossier, designing everything from events to PR boxes. My journey has been a dynamic blend of artistic vision and design expertise, and I continue to be driven by the thrill of bringing creative concepts to life. Read More>>
Bryan Ramirez
Fast forward to today, I’m the founder of PnH Tax, a tax consulting and business firm that prides itself on offering personalized service to individuals and small businesses, truly taking the headache away and making our slogan “Taxes Made Easy” a reality. What sets us apart is our commitment to building relationships and providing clarity in a field that many find intimidating. I’ve been in my clients’ shoes—I’ve dealt with the challenges of entrepreneurship and taxes firsthand. That experience allows me to approach every client’s situation with empathy, practical solutions, and strategies that I apply in my own business and investments. Read More>>
Wherebebe
That’s what inspired me to start sharing my discoveries on social media. I love showcasing the vibrant side of DFW, especially when it comes to supporting black and brown owned businesses and those smaller spots that might not get the attention they deserve. From exciting events and new restaurants to pop-ups and community gatherings, I’m all about helping people connect with experiences that bring them joy and make them feel more connected to their city. Read More>>
Kristin Jewell
Becoming a photographer in an area as big as Dallas is a struggle. To be honest, it probably will always be a struggle. “Word of mouth” is a tricky thing when trying to promote what I do because a photographer can be found anywhere. Getting my name out there, trying to set myself a part from the rest, definitely takes a lot of perseverance and patience. I’m hoping the best is yet to come. Read More>>
Cay Colombo
20 years later, the mustard seed my mom’s ministry planted in my heart has driven its roots deep into my soul as the Holy Spirit has intricately weaved together the various threads of my talents, passions, abilities, giftings, & experiences into this incredible endeavor we’ve come to call Chubby Noon’s Kitchen. As the years pass, what was once a dream is becoming physical reality before our eyes & it is pure joy to have found a way to love my God & love His people in a way that I enjoy on so many levels. Read More>>
Jonathan McNary
While I was in college, I quickly found myself in 4-5 bands and was doing contract work as a guitarist throughout DFW as I continued expanding my network. After I graduated, I was invited to an open mic at this company called The Creatives Factory in Dallas. It is an artist development and record label services company owned by Christian Chavarria and Jonathan Camacho. They decided to take me under their wings and train me to become one of the producers, mixing engineers, and artist developers with the company. Now, along with fulfilling those roles, I am also a partner and head of marketing. Read More>>
Destiny Nicole
Once I moved back the clients that I did have really supported me and from there, I just continued to grow and make the connections that I have now. When I tell you, I have done so much free work but it’s not bad. It is part of the game to get yourself out there and show people how capable you are and to build your credibility up and how you will make sacrifices for what you want. Now I have great connections working with the WNBA, NBA, sports agencies, traveling alongside a makeup artist who is huge in the body building world! It’s so crazy to see what consistency and persistence and GOD will do in your life! Read More>>
Zulema Verduzco
My business started in 2013 as a college project for an entrepreneurial class I was taking. This project consisted of creating a new business complete with a realistic proposal and strategic business plan. As soon as we started the project, I knew that this would be something I could actually use in real life. I originally wanted to focus solely on event planning so I applied for jobs at country clubs, event halls, hotels, anywhere that could help me learn more about event planning. Read More>>
Eva Hill
Real estate has always been a subject close to my heart, and I love that I turned my passion into a profession. I take great joy in my work as a realtor and investor, where I am committed to serving others with dedication and enthusiasm. My passion for homes, interior design, and architecture inspires me each day. With over 20 years of marketing and management experience, I have developed the ability to create tailored marketing and pricing strategies. As a skilled negotiator, I passionately advocate for my clients to ensure their needs are prioritized. Building lasting relationships is fundamental to my approach. Read More>>
Deamber Graim
At the age of 8, I became a praise dancer on the Rose of Sharon Praise Dance Team at the East 19th Street Missionary Baptist Church. This early exposure to dance sparked a deep passion in me. It was there that I first discovered the power of movement to connect with others, inspire, and uplift. My teachers and my mother encouraged me to always perform with my full heart and often spoke of my ability to touch others through dance. These experiences became foundational in shaping my future career, particularly as I was encouraged to choreograph routines for both solos and group performances at church and school. Read More>>
Stepanie Strickland
Once I left, I began the healing process, and it was during this time, my dream of becoming a writer/author was unburied and brought to the surface once again. Just like the inspiring stories I read written by other women, I decided that I would write a memoir and share my story, hoping to inspire those who read it. I released my debut book in March of 2022, and in March 2023 I was a recipient of a Christian Literary Award in the “Break-Through Category.” Since the release, I have appeared on podcasts, and in magazines. I have also been a guest speak at women conferences all over Texas. Read More>>
Christian Jacobs
There’s been some road blocks and confusion along the way at times, yes. I believe we can be our worst or best critics; depending on how we view ourselves and the situation. With faith as small as a mustard seed and a good support system, the possibilities are endless! Set backs are bound to happen here and there, giving me the opportunity to spring forward! I take it as an experience, to learn and continue to do my best! That’s all we can do! Read More>>
Tajee Almon
One of the earliest struggles was dealing with equipment delays. For example, our espresso machine shipment was significantly delayed, forcing us to purchase a lower-quality machine just to meet our deadlines for events. Additionally, as a mobile coffee cart, navigating the logistics of permits and legal requirements has been a learning curve. From acquiring a special events permit to ensuring compliance with health and safety standards, we had to educate ourselves on the nuances of running a mobile food business in Texas. This was especially tricky because some permits have long lead times, which could interfere with booking events. Read More>>
Niteria Fox
Back then the styles were crazy twists Mohawk with rods down the middle or rope twists updo with spikes. By the time I turned 15 my mother was teaching me how to lay her tracks. From there I started doing hair as a side hustle in high school.. I did hair all the way until I moved to Dallas in 2015. Once I moved to Dallas I noticed it was hard rebuilding clientele here in a new state. So I gave up. Until 2023 I decided to go to beauty school. Come 2024 I am now a licensed cosmetologist. Read More>>
Sydney Walden
A new baby, a break from teaching, and a mission to forge my own path brought me to brand design and ultimately to founding Rouse. My personal journey of growth, faith, and simply “getting up and getting after it” forms the foundation of my work. I bring that same “equal parts grit and grace” energy to every design detail our studio crafts. I prioritize a solution- and value-focused approach, honing in on each client’s unique story, challenges, and desired brand experience for a holistic, turnkey-style process. At Rouse, we have a deep understanding of hospitality and service, which manifests in an upscale, sophisticated design style and ultimately creates an immersive aesthetic experience for our clients’ audiences. Read More>>
Arham Doshi
Over the next few minutes, the monk explained that Jainism is not just a religion—it’s a way of life, a philosophy of non-attachment, non-violence, and inner peace. I’d grown up with this religion, but it felt distant—almost abstract. Now, reaching the summit, seeing the pristine, white temple veiled in mist as monks recited ancient Sanskrit and Prakrit verses, the sound of the chanting was mesmerizing; however, the wisdom in those verses was inaccessible to me, an American-born Jain with limited knowledge of my ancestral languages. Read More>>
Christine Winburn & Dylan James Shaw
They both can be heard at Dallas’ own UNT Voices Of Praise Gospel Group as well, where Dylan James performs Hammond B3 organ and they both sing. Christine has led Dylan James’ musical journey and management, since he first learned to harmonize at age three with his perfect pitch. She has guided their shared dreams of meeting celebrities, winning national scholarships, performing stadiums, appearing on tv, etc because “no dream or musical adventure is too big!” Christine and Dylan James both believe that their successful gifts and musical inspiration come from above. Both Mama and Son love to perform together and in their own solo, creative outlets. They want to spread the joy of musical inspiration! Read More>>
Dorothy Enriquez
I formally entered into the leadership development field at work and after 3 years I would break out on my own. I started The Communication Strategist and was doing a little bit of everything. I used the first 2 years to hone my message, identify my ideal client and find my niche + unique ability. At the end of 2020, I completely rebranded into The Ellevate Collective, a premier leadership development firm focused on consumer packaged goods companies. We are the creators of the Cohort Leadership Formula and leverage it to curate custom cohort style experiences to ignite culture transformation. Read More>>
Seam Ngo
I’m a Realtor that specializes in Residential Real Estate. I’m proud of the awards I’ve won over my career as a Realtor. Some include Rookie of the Year, Top Producing Agent, Presidents Circle and D Magazine Best Real Estate Agent. What sets me apart from other agents is my ability to understand the client needs, I’m very patient and super responsive. Read More>>
Shay Willis
It’s almost effortlessly storytelling on each moment captured and the soft warmness of every image is nothing short of beautiful. My appreciation for music, fashion, poetry, and film has influenced its way into my photography. Over the years I have had the pleasure of creatively directing and shooting editorials for established models, short films and recording artists. Bringing things to the present day, I believe that I’m gracefully finding my way in the photography world. I want to continue on this path of creating timeless pieces and tapping into my creative mind. Ultimately, the biggest blessing is being able to use my God given gift to be of service to others and capture moments that will last till the end of time. Read More>>
Reilly Wilcox
Only a year in business and i have been to 5 states this year and many more to come next year and countless weddings in dfw and beyond on the books! I work so hard to make sure my clients have the best experience, and i have been blessed with amazing clients who understand that i am human and i have a life of my own to live and that owning a business is so hard sometimes. I have never been as busy as i am now and i am loving the adventure!! My team is growing and the impact my business makes is growing and my goal is to make people feel loved, served, secure, celebrated, and that i am in their corner the whole time! I am notorious for staying friends with my clients after their weddings, and i always say its because my clients are the absolute best! Read More>>
Hannah Clement
It hasn’t always been an easy road. Candidly, I feel like I am still trying to get good exposure here in DFW. It’s hard for planners to showcase our work, other than the highlight moments you get from photos. You can’t see my process of caring for my clients in the months of planning. You can’t hear all of the conversations that I have with vendors to make sure the event runs perfectly on the day of. You can’t really know my work until you attend an event that I plan, and feel the joy, peace, fun, and organization that surround each moment. Read More>>
Jasmine Wilkerson
I charged 10-15.00 a style back then. Spending only an hour and a half on up-dos. Growing up in a family of beauty connoisseurs Make-up artists, nail techs, etc. my sisters and I modeled in hair shows for my cousin. I pretty much followed in my families foot steps. I’ve worked in popular Salons back home while unlicensed. The owners took good care of me while teaching me the ropes. I have been licensed for 8 years and I have traveled to Miami, Virginia Beach, Georgia, and now Texas. God has given me the desires of my heart. Now I want to create a legacy for my family while doing what I’m passionate about. Read More>>
Mike Wicker
After 32 years in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry I finally decided to create my own landscape design and installation business. It has been amazing to be able to match my passion with my job. Most days don’t feel like I’m even working. My work started with a referral here and there, and has grown in numbers of jobs and scope of work. It’s been very fulfilling to be able to share my years of experience growing plants in North Texas with the clients I work with. Since the pandemic, it see that people are more focused on enjoying their outdoor spaces. One of the best parts of my job is helping people create their own private oasis. Read More>>
April Rodriguez
Looking for solutions in the fitness industry led to many dead ends. I decided to do my own research, get my own credentials, and take myself through some root cause protocols that put my Hashimoto’s into remission. I decided to start taking on some clients in 2022 and they were getting awesome results too (without any crazy restriction – they were still enjoying treats!). Before I knew it, TeamArodFitness was in full swing and we have worked with over 400+ women with Hashimoto’s now! Read More>>
Samantha Leal
I started lashing in 2020 while I was on an overseas deployment with the U.S. Army. This was during Covid-19 and we had some extra time on our hands so I decided to learn something new. At first it was just something to do for my fellow solider friends ,to make them feel beautiful while in uniform. I quickly realized that I really enjoy lashing & it was something I wanted to pursue once I got back to the states. So that’s exactly what I did! Read More>>
Stephany Jean
Not at all. A large part of my journey I dealt with comparing my myself to other creators or feeling like I was fighting against a class ceiling. Always fighting to get paid fairly for my work or as much as some of my content. At the same time, i’ve been focused to excel in my nursing career and ended up getting my masters of science. Read More>>
Janae Williams
Honestly, the opportunity came so fast, and I hopped on it without much thought. It certainly has not been a smooth road. There have been several bumps in the road i.e kitchen repairs, and permit setbacks. Also, I had no idea how a ghost kitchen operated and how much time that was needed to promote and market since it’s not a storefront. Although these things have arise, it has been a great learning annd growth experience. I feel as if this is a great start to growing the Wi-Fry brand. Read More>>
Keadra Jeter
It definitely has not been a smooth road. I took a mental hiatus at one point because of the passing of my mother. She was my biggest part of my art career. The hiatus helped me go back to the basics on my skills as artist. I also had some negative people in my life that I thought were my friends that told me that I wasn’t good enough for the places artistically I wanted to be in (Art Basel, NYAW, etc.). It really affected me overall in showing my work, but I continued to push through. There were also times where I was turned away from some opportunities that I really wanted to be a part of. Overall, these challenges did not deter me away from my dream of an artist & I continued to push forward. Read More>>
Carla Pettway
My story begins with my relocation to Texas in 2001 to join my family, who had moved here from Alabama in 1998. Fast forward to 2010: I suddenly found myself unemployed from my corporate job. A friend of my husbands suggested I consider a career in makeup, since I had recently helped him on a photoshoot applying makeup. The only problem was, I didn’t actually know what I was doing. With all the new free time on my hands, I decided to follow our friends suggestion. So I got busy and dove into researching how to become a makeup artist, build a kit, took classes, and worked on refining my technique. What began as a simple idea, turned into a thriving freelance business, specializing in natural and soft glam makeup for weddings, birthdays, photoshoots, etc. Read More>>
Monica Akpotosevwe
On that trip, I realized something powerful. For the first time in years, I felt in control. From choosing where to go and what to eat to navigating a new city alone, I reclaimed parts of myself I thought were gone forever. Solo travel became my therapy, my liberation, and my reminder that I was stronger than anything I’d been through. Read More>>
Jose Miguel Pina Quero
IT HAS NOT BEEN AN EASY ROAD, WE HAVE BEEN THROUGH MANY VICISITUDES DESPITE HAVING OUR FAMILY HERE THAT HAS ALWAYS SUPPORTED US, ONE OF THE MOST PAINFUL SITUATIONS WAS LEAVING THE COUNTRY AND STARTING FROM SCRATCH, EVEN MORE WHEN PERSONAL GROWTH IS THE REASON WHY THEY LOOK FOR YOU, REPRIMAND YOU, PERSECUTE YOU, YOU CANNOT GROW AND HAVE A PROFITABLE BUSINESS, BECAUSE THE SECURITY AGENCIES AND COLLECTIVES OF THE COUNTRY COME AND EXTORT YOU, IT WAS NEVER IN OUR PLAN TO LEAVE OUR COUNTRY, BUT ONCE THE DECISION WAS MADE I DO NOT REGRET HAVING DONE IT. Read More>>
Jaanai Guerrero
I was super excited to be able to provide a service that was gonna allow for my clients to have their personality reflect thru gems on their teeth, or help give someone the boost of self esteem by helping them achieve a pearly white smile. I took my classes and got certified late 2023. I started practicing on family members and friends and I started taking models and clients in January 2024. I stated doing home calls only and in early April 2024 officially opened up my suite. Although it has been a slow but steady journey in growing my business, I am enjoying every aspect of it and knowing I am making a difference in peoples smiles makes me the happiest. Read More>>
Kasmine Calhoun
After graduating from high school, I attended THEE Fort Valley State University in Fort Valley, GA, where I created “Be Okay Hair”. I began taking clients in my small apartment across from campus. I offered Sew-In’s, Blow Outs, Trims, Color and Braids to students, staff and local residents of Fort Valley. A part of me will always be thankful to FVSU for providing me with the opportunity to grow my business and build my clientele while receiving an education. Following graduation in May of 2016, doing hair took a backseat while I tried to find my way in the corporate world. I tried different fields: Customer Service, Political Organizer, even Call Centers, but braiding hair always found its way back to me. Read More>>
Lipika Devara
The journey of starting A.W.E (Addressing Wellness & Equity) began back in my junior year of high school, alongside a group of friends I met through the American Red Cross International Humanitarian Law (IHL) program. We shared a commitment to making a meaningful impact on mental health and equity, especially in communities that often lack access to resources or face cultural barriers around these topics. Inspired by our IHL experiences, we wanted to do more than volunteer — we wanted to create a space for open conversations and actionable change. Read More>>
Carlie Hatley
When COVID shut the world down, I found myself with an unexpected amount of free time. I saw COVID as an opportunity to try a myriad of new hobbies. Although I initially struggled with creating macrame, I fell in love with it. Who knew tying knots would bring me so much joy? Read More>>
Mitchell Kelly
People often see the name, the legacy, and assume the path was paved without struggles, not realizing the intense dedication, resilience, and self-work it takes to keep that legacy alive and stay true to yourself. It’s tough when others try to diminish or use your efforts without understanding the challenges you face just to hold your place. That feeling of being misunderstood, especially when you’re putting everything into what you do, can feel isolating. Know that your commitment to your craft, and the truth in your journey, speaks louder than any of that outside noise. Read More>>
Corbin Doyle
I’m a Texas kid. Growing up here in Dallas and in the Panhandle. I was always making things. Finding scraps of wood and making things out of them. Finding leftover building supplies around town and making versions of Star Wars weapons for my friends and me. Making forts and skateboard ramps. Before I was a teenager, I used all the money I made working to buy books, magazines, and records. Skate magazines were very impactful. Read More>>
Mallorie Hall
When my own dog walker moved away and couldn’t provide a referral, it reminded me of my teenage years when neighbors in my building relied on me for pet care. This sparked an idea. I asked my former dog walker to refer his clients to me, and before long, I found myself with a handful of weekly clients. Over the next few months, word of mouth alone brought in more business than I had anticipated. I briefly partnered with another dog-walking company to gain experience, but after a year and a lot of valuable lessons, I decided to venture out on my own—and that’s how City Sniffers was born. Read More>>
Antwon Frazier
In 2017 my oldest son, Lil Twon, started playing football. I would come out as just a parent, to support and watch him play, and before I knew it I was out there coaching. I coached him from the age of 4 years old until he turned 11. I needed him to get use to learning from someone other than me as his coach, so I went back down to the flag football level and started coaching my youngest son, Aycen. Now, today, my wife and I own the team my dad started [Triple D Buckeyes] where I am also the head flag team coach and my wife is the cheer director. Read More>>
