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.
Shahina Merchant
What truly brings me joy is the relationships I’ve built with the people who walk through our doors. I love taking the time to listen to their stories, understand their goals, and work together to create a personalized treatment plan that makes them feel their absolute best. Hearing feedback from clients who say that our treatments have boosted their confidence or made a meaningful difference in their lives is the greatest reward I could ask for. Read More>>
Crystal Whitten
As we all know, the mortgage business is not always smooth. I have seen it all, since I was in the industry in 2008 when the recession hit and the housing market crashed. It was crazy, one day everyone just closed up shop and the industry changed completely. But I stuck with it and I am so glad I did, since I have been able to help so many people and families achieve their dreams in the 22 years I have been doing this. The market swings up and down, but you can always count on the Loan Ladies Mortgage Group! Read More>>
Armond Vance
When I was in high school, I developed an interest in arranging and composing music for orchestras. By the age of fifteen, I was conducting a live symphony orchestra while they performed my arrangement. My high school orchestra director was instrumental in organizing this special occasion. It was this experience that made me realize that I could really have a Career in the musical arts. I could do this forreal. Read More>>
Leslie Washburn
With nursing being my only career, since age 21, starting a business from scratch seemed daunting. I did my research though, watched a ton of YouTube videos of new business owners, and reached out to several friends and colleagues who had experience with starting a small business. Everyone I have reached out to has provided valuable gems of knowledge adding to my success. Read More>>
Alicia Parham
I can cite this experience as to why I began to have a fascination with neuroscience, and I have strived to continue to incorporate my experiences into my work. In November of 2023, I showed my body of work “Intravenous” ( a nod to intravenous brain implant) at the Paul Vortman Gallery in Denton TX that shared my floaters with the world in the form of large-scale abstract paintings. Read More>>
Cynthia Anderson
I took over the station and songwriters competition in January 2023. Our first finale was packed out of the door 3 hours before the show! I showed up to a venue of full of people at Horus Hall thinking they had another event before ours and was freaking out because we were supposed to start radio interview in an hour and these people looked like they had no intentions of leaving. It was a great show- over 28 songwriters and 11 hours of music – we decided it best to break it up into qualifiers the following year and eliminate some of the time – it was a LONG DAY – somehow we added qualifiers and the semifinals is now the night before the finale as a last chance opportunity for artists to jump in on the fun and chance to win cash prizes and still plan to run a 9 hour production. Read More>>
Lianne Crawford
Also, developing my own recipes takes a long time. With both my soap and lotions, I spent months testing out my recipes, changing one thing each time I made a batch before I was happy with my end product. People are always surprised how much my soap lathers, especially from a bar of soap. But that is due to the ingredients I use. Read More>>
Cami Grasher
Now residing in Arlington, Cami works with clients of all fitness levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes. Known for her attention to detail and emphasis on proper form, her sessions are designed to both challenge and empower. Cami’s goal is to help each client develop a deeper understanding of their body, enhancing their practice while building confidence that carries into everyday life and other fitness pursuits. She fosters an encouraging environment where clients feel motivated to push past their limits and achieve their personal health and wellness goals. Read More>>
Chasen & Amber Bowhay
Initially, Chasen’s Aunt and Uncle were running a small installation company. When we came on board, Chasen became the installation manager and took over the main contract. For the first 9 years we worked under a third party. Within the last year and a half, we decided to branch off and establish our own contracts with vendors directly and have since flourished. Read More>>
Duncan Watson
My husband John Davenport grew up here in Jacksonville, while I grew up down in Houston. We both moved to Los Angeles to attend college in 2002, where John attended UCLA and I went to Loyola Marymount. We met 9 years later on the beach in Malibu. We love real estate and homes and have sold residential real estate in Los Angeles for over 15 years. This parlayed into us helping clients with small remodels to their new homes, which then grew in scale. Read More>>
Daniel Reyes
Of course it hasn’t. No business can be just a smooth road. Whether it was the economy’s state at the time discouraging people from spending money on luxuries, which would include jewelry, certain events and mistakes which held back the business for a bit, or just bad days where business is slow, running a business has been and will always be stressful. However, what defines a business’ strength and perseverance is the ability to adapt and overcome every obstacle that stands in your way, one way or another. Through each setback, we learn from our mistakes and adapt to ensure that we will continue to stand strong. Read More>>
Hunter Reynolds
I started my acting journey in theatre, but after a few years, I discovered a love for voiceover that completely captured my interest. While I was still in high school, I began taking voiceover classes, which introduced me to the fundamentals of the craft and deepened my passion for it. However, between the challenges of still being a student, the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and growing responsibilities, it took some time for me to fully commit. Read More>>
Bruce Negron
My journey in jewelry with this particular style began in 2009 with working for designer Luis Morais famous for his jewelry on Madonna and Valentino. I had been personally in the jewelry industry since 1998; another long story but not as a designer. My artistic journey which would later blend with the jewelry started in 2010 when I became a gallery manager of Pop International Galleries in Soho, New York City. My exposure to that scene helped me to develop the name sake and message of my brand… Read More>>
Matt & Jerica Cadman
We began fermenting yogurt and vegetables. We learned to make bone broth and bread from scratch. We made sure to eat plenty of animal fats like butter, lard, and tallow. We changed to a salt containing real minerals that has color–gray, pink, or reddish–instead of the plain white stuff that has been refined and had its minerals removed. We stopped eating seed oils, preservatives, artificial coloring and flavor, high fructose corn syrup, synthetic vitamins, and other modern additives so commonly found in “food” today. We began taking probiotics and paying attention to signs that our bodies needed certain nutrients after a lifetime of processed foods. Read More>>
Steve McElroy
So that’s what I did. It was a choice, and within months people could feel my passion for it and starting collecting. That was many paintings and drawings ago, each focusing on quality, and a positive message, never any two alike. I’m still doing it today 29 years later! Sometimes I felt discouraged, but then I somehow knew that I could always paint myself out of it! What a gift it’s been to my life and psyche in an often complex world. Read More>>
Giovanni Negron-Garcia
My story begins in Reading, Pennsylvania, where I grew up in a low-income household. Facing challenges early in life taught me resilience, determination, and the value of education. Despite the odds, I pushed forward, driven by a desire to create opportunities not only for myself but for others as well. Read More>>
Oscar Torres
Ever since I was born, I always wanted to live in the United States. I have always said, jokingly, that the 50 stars of my Confederate flag run in my DNA. I always felt a strong connection to everything I could perceive from movies, TV series, Hollywood and the world of entertainment. So I can say that I am starting to live one of my great dreams, to be here. The other dream was to have a beautiful family AND I HAVE IT. Read More>>
Misty Thomas
When COVID-19 disrupted the world in 2020, I found myself at home with our four children, trying to navigate a new reality while searching for an income source. During that time, my husband (then boyfriend) was working as a flatbed truck driver for TMC. He was gone for long stretches of time, only able to come home on weekends. While it was a challenging time, his dedication to providing for our family kept us going, and his unwavering support helped me explore new opportunities. Read More>>
Jenna Wawrzyniec
My story can start as far back as second grade when I wrote “books” about my dog and knew I wanted to be a writer someday! Fast forward to college, I solidified that vision with a degree in journalism, but I simultaneously fell in love with a Navy sailor stationed in Hawaii. Fresh out of school and with only $100 to my name, I did what any bold twenty-something would do and moved halfway across the world to pursue both love and career. Read More>>
Bryonna Mcafee
My passion for baking started when I was a kid and has evolved into what it is today. In 2022, my boyfriend gifted me a mixer for Christmas. At first, I didn’t use it much because we were focused on starting a food truck business. But eventually, I realized baking was what I truly wanted to pursue. I started testing recipes, and after many tries, I perfected one I loved. Read More>>
Khris Fields
When I was walking miles just to get where I needed to go, with no car and eviction looming over me, I thought I was invisible. It felt like the world didn’t notice me—or worse, didn’t care. Yet, those long walks became something more. With every step through the city streets and every ride on the bus, I saw kids who mirrored my own struggles: kids without hope, kids without direction, kids who thought success was for someone else. Read More>>
Roshonda Hoye
My journey in real estate started with a simple yet powerful goal: to help people find the spaces where they could create memories, build dreams, and live their best lives. I didn’t grow up imagining I’d be in real estate, but I’ve always had a passion for connecting with people and solving problems. That’s what initially drew me to this industry—it’s so much more than buying and selling properties; it’s about building relationships and helping people achieve something meaningful. Read More>>
Brandi Echols
This motto has represented my life personally, professionally, and ministerially. I even preached a sermon series surrounding this very motto. What we go through in life usually teaches us much about the sayings we keep close to our hearts. Thankful for a foundation which has molded me in every area of my life. Many mistakes were made, and I have learned how to overcome many adverse situations. Additionally, there have been countless life lessons because of this one job that led me soar into other great opportunities. I went from working to serving. Read More>>
Michelle Gomez
I specialize in custom cakes. I am mostly known for making children’s birthday cakes, but I am slowly transitioning into wedding cakes and Quinceanera cakes. I am most proud that the elements/decorations on my cakes are mostly handmade and edible, as it has become a trend to include acrylic elements or edible images on cakes. Read More>>
Crystal Ornelas
This is exactly how we have been treating Luxe Home Builders LLC. We understood as small business owners when something is for you, it natural gravitates towards you, and this is exactly how we seen this opportunity. We couldn’t be here if it wasn’t for our contractors who are always there when needing something. We are still building, with a few projects up our sleeves this year in the DFW area. If you are in need of any remodel, permits, and new construction homes we are your team. Send us an email at luxehomebuilderss@gmail.com or a text at (214)335-4104, and we will be happy to help you. Read More>>
Ashley Malfitano
The foundation of Kinsey Rhea is built upon a family legacy of firearm safety and empowerment. Ashley’s father, Mike, introduced her to shooting at a young age, instilling in her the importance of responsible firearm handling. This upbringing fostered a passion in Ashley to empower women to take charge of their own safety, a mission that is central to Kinsey Rhea’s ethos. Read More>>
Jordan Hammann
Hairby.Jordy is all about creating beautiful, customized hair transformations while providing luxurious, yet welcoming experience for every client. I specialize in Blondes, Brondes, and Extensions, focusing on achieving natural-looking, lived-in color that enhances each clients unique beauty. Read More>>
Nickolas “Slimm” Webb
Nickolas uses his graphic design skills to create promotional materials and leverages social media to attract customers. Through Fresh Laced Shoe Academy, he partners with organizations like YMCA, city parks and recreation departments, and Boys and Girls Clubs of America to teach sneaker cleaning and restoration techniques. His mission includes empowering the next generation, helping families save money, and promoting sustainability. Read More>>
Taishi Ligon
I took a ‘starter’ job so that I could decide what I wanted to do next, and was incredibly unhappy with this position. I took maternity leave from this job and, as my leave came close to ending, I decided to quit and bake as a side hustle until I found something I didn’t hate so much! I had always enjoyed baking and had previously made cakes occasionally for friends or family. Well the side hustle really exploded and I decided to do it as a full time job. I pivoted from cakes and decided to focus on custom cookies and I have now been making them for almost seven years. While it can be hard sometimes, I am very fulfilled and absolutely love what I do now. Read More>>
Kristina Truluck
It was during this time that I began bringing my camera to the rescue, initially just capturing moments with the horses. Little did I know that this would spark a passion for equine photography. After being medically retired from the Army, I joined my husband in Kentucky and continued to immerse myself in the world of horses, volunteering at a therapeutic riding center. Horses once again played a crucial role in helping me rediscover myself after the loss of my identity as a soldier. Read More>>
Alynna Weimer
Through all the ups and downs, I’ve learned that self-growth doesn’t mean sacrificing the people I love, but rather, it empowers me to be a better leader, mentor, and friend. I’ve embraced my purpose as a public speaker, a foster care youth advocate, and a passionate advocate for pageantry. Along the way, I’ve learned to give myself grace, to prioritize my well-being, and to trust that each step, even the missteps, has led me closer to my true calling. I’m not just a work in progress—I’m a woman transforming through every experience, grounded in my faith and ready to make an impact. Read More>>
Carlie Ramsey
Sure! My podcast journey began with the goal of bringing attention to missing black and brown people, as I felt their cases often don’t receive enough visibility. However, as I developed the concept, I found myself increasingly interested in the psychology behind serial killers and how astrology might play a role in their behaviors. This led me to pivot the focus of my podcast to exploring serial killers based on their zodiac signs, creating a unique and intriguing angle for my audience. This shift has allowed me to tap into a blend of true crime and astrology, resonating with listeners in a new way. Read More>>
Alyssa Simpson
I was that “weird” kid who talked too much about the metaphysical stuff, would spend more time in the new age section at Barnes & Noble than the CD section, listened to Art Bell, and watched bootleg alien abduction VHS’s I’d beg my dad to record for me. Mental mindset musings were my ultimate hobby, and thankfully my parents encouraged it even though no one else my age was into that lol. I was always told growing up by teachers, friends, parents, family members, and even strangers that I had an old soul. Not really knowing what that even meant, looking back, I can see it so clearly. I have always been the natural mentor for my friends, family, and peers. Read More>>
Ray Davis
After college, I co-founded Buena Vista Valley Farms, where we worked tirelessly to innovate within the medical marijuana sector. Buena Vista’s success, leading to its acquisition, was a pivotal moment, reaffirming my belief that significant impact is possible with dedication and a clear vision. This milestone was not just a professional achievement but also a testament to the support and guidance from my family and faith. Read More>>
Bobby Hoke
I was hired to be a music arranger and band leader at age 19, although I didn’t ask for either job! Thankfully the much wiser singer saw my talent, and soon was thriving in both, By age 23, my love of synths and programming grew massive, with an arsenal of keyboards around me for every show.. Read More>>
Amber Dunbar
It wasn’t until 2022 when everything began to click. I was tired of my current job and the lack of fulfillment plus purpose in my life. After seeing others make the very thing I loved to do (which is create content) their career, whether it was by posting YouTube videos, TikToks, etc.. I figured I should give it a shot. Read More>>
