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.
AdriAnne Headen, Rosalyn Callahan
Our platform hosts seven curated channels on Roku, FireStick, Apple TV, Android TV, and across mobile apps on iPhone and Android. Each channel reflects a specific creative discipline—Author Interviews, Independent Film, Mystery/Paranormal, Poetry, Theatre, International Film, and Children’s Animation. We offer both paid subscriptions and ad-supported content, allowing access for everyone while still supporting the artists behind the work. Read more>>
Valeria
But life has a way of shifting our course. After unexpectedly losing both of my parents, grief took over, and I found myself searching for an outlet. Sleepless nights became my norm, and in an effort to channel that restless energy, I turned to creativity once again—this time, for my best friend’s wedding. I started experimenting with balloons and event styling. What I didn’t realize at the time was how healing creativity would become for me. Read more>>
Arkayla Best
Has the journey been easy? Not at all. As a single mother and entrepreneur, I’ve faced challenges that could have broken me. But I made a decision a long time ago: no one was coming to save me but me. And through every setback, every late night, every moment of doubt, I kept going. Read more>>
Jaiver Diaz
I am Venezuelan, I started in the world of baking unexpectedly, I always liked to consume good bread, and this product was of very poor quality in the area where I lived, so one day I decided to enroll in a training that was going to be given to make bread, and it was love at first sight, that was my beginning in this fascinating world of flours that moves my life daily today. Once this training was finished, I decided to open my first bakery that had the same name Pan Pa Vos, that was in November 2017, this bakery concept revolutionized the city where I opened it because my proposal was very fresh, innovative, and with high quality products in its preparation. Read more>>
Colin Johnson
My name is Colin Johnson and I am a professional artist and the owner of Cloak Collective, in Duncanville Texas, just South of Dallas. I was raised in Duncanville until I was 13 years old, so starting a business in my hometown is truly an honor. I have been a professional tattoo and fine artist for 14 years now, and have had the chance to work in many amazing studios around the country. My artwork consists of tattoos, oil paintings, murals, custom sneakers, and graphic design. Read more>>
Shemaré
Shemare stumbled around aimlessly for the next couple of years until he moved to Dallas, Texas full of renewed energy. He revamped his modeling career, doing several mainstream commercials. T.T.E. Apparel has been revamped and restructured ensuring a smooth transition into its next season. Even starting an acting career, sporting many commercials, movies, tv shows, and music videos (namely BigXThaPlug’s 2AM music video). And as an artist just released his new single Sumn’ Different on April 7th. Read more>>
Eliza Stevens
Over time, I found myself drawn to solving the bigger, systemic problems that impacted both patients and providers. That curiosity led me to pursue my MBA, where I dove into business, innovation, and leadership. From there, I transitioned into the startup world—first with a tech-forward healthcare company and eventually co-founding my own venture focused on delivering high-quality postoperative nursing care. Read more>>
Elana Foz
Baruch Bellei, my business partner, comes from the retail and sales industry, specializing in providing exceptional customer service and a unique shopping experience. Our partnership was a natural fit—I brought expertise in the diamond industry, while he contributed his sales and customer relations skills. Read more>>
Jalisa Buck
I was born in a small town of a small state called Delaware, and grew up moving all over – Pennsylvania, the DMV, and then down south to North Carolina and Georgia because of my family’s military background. By the time I finished high school, I’d been to over 10 different schools! Moving around so much taught me how to adapt quickly to new situations. Making deep friendships was tough since I never knew when I’d be leaving again, but the real ones who stuck with me through all those moves really mean the world to me now. Read more>>
Delmy Cruz
Going on 12 years in the industry, by no means has it been a smooth road but definitely one worth showing up for. Just as I sit here today, I face one of my most rewarding challenges. Motherhood. Learning to be present in all aspects and slow down when necessary without loosing momentum. Overall, this field has grown so much over the years and it continues to evolve quickly. I recall when we first began taking clients, it would be me, and my parents. The dream team. And my dad would hold up a lightweight desk lamp for us through the duration of our service. Illuminating the areas we were working on as we went. All in all, through perseverance and passion, we’ve come a long way since. Read more>>
Reshoo Patel
Between 2017 and 2020, I built from the ground up, owned, operated, managed, and taught at a new studio under the brand name in Frisco, Texas. We built a great community of women who I got to help feel stronger and more in tune with their bodies. It was what fueled me and inspired me. Then 2020 hit, COVID shut us down temporarily, then dealings with my landlord, the franchise, and the pandemic all came to a head and we shut down permanently. I was a fairly new business, with not enough years or experience or frankly a strong enough plan to revamp my studio after the financial toll all of the above took. I was devastated but the writing was on the wall. Read more>>
Yulia Klimova
For the past 10 years, I’ve called Uptown Dallas home, but my roots are in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia—one of the most diverse and unique regions in the country, where East meets West. It’s a hybrid of Turkic-Muslim and Slavic-Orthodox traditions, where cultural coexistence is a defining trait. Being bilingual and growing up in a blended culture taught me how to connect with people from all backgrounds, religions, and walks of life. That perspective, combined with my decade of living in one of Dallas’s most lively neighborhoods, is at the core of how I serve my clients in real estate today. And maybe that’s why I’ve never quite fit the stereotype of a ‘typical Russian girl.’ Dallas reminds me of home in many ways. The city has grown so much; it’s vibrant, diverse, and constantly evolving. I’ve always felt welcomed by Dallasites. People here are friendly and genuinely curious about where I’m from. Read more>>
Jesse Del Queens
My creative journey began in the heart of Mississippi, where I grew up surrounded by music. My dad was a gospel DJ at a local Christian radio station, so our home was filled with gospel vinyl records. This was before the internet era, and all we had were local TV channels, the radio, and our trusty record players. I’d always pick out the albums with the most organ, bass, and drums, then hop on the piano to try to recreate the sounds I heard. My mom taught me my first song on the piano, and after that, I was hooked. Read more>>
Alexandra Nogueira
Another big challenge is making a living from a small business. It’s not just about baking—it’s about managing finances, pricing products correctly, handling marketing, and constantly working to grow. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes that people don’t always see. Some days are great, and others are slow, but that’s part of the process. Read more>>
Anneke Adams
The Story Behind How to Cancer 101 – Anneke GJ Adams, a Belgian-American woman, and the author of a book written for cancer awareness along with a foundation dedicated to the welfare of cancer survivors and caregivers. Both her book and her foundation are titled How to Cancer 101. Anneke realized that the purpose of her calling or this spiritual awakening if you will, was to help, support and guide cancer patients, sexual assault victims, and people who have lost their loved ones and their families. Read more>>
CNique Wade
My Name is C’Nique but everyone call me Niq or NiqNiq. I’m born and raised from Fort Worth been staying here my whole life. I have a twin sister and two little sisters and a little brother. I’m 22 years old I used to be a dubsmash in middle school all the way till high school. Then I started watching Jazz and Tae , Ar’mon and Trey and more YouTubers. They was the main ones that motivated me to start my YouTube channel then my God uncle he is know as Lul Patchy. He start helping me start my channel and help me make my first video. I started reaction to famous rapper new music video cause I really shy in person. Then I start doing blind dates more and linking up with other YouTubers to do videos. Read more>>
Sam Bates
From an early age, I dreamed of becoming a doctor, driven by a passion to help people. The problem? I couldn’t stand the sight of blood or needles. That realization rerouted my path into the business world. I earned degrees in finance, a master’s in financial planning, and an MBA. Over the next two decades, I built a career across various industries and launched a successful real estate investment business in 2010 specializing in apartment acquisitions and development. Read more>>
Brandon Rowell
Every successful business has a story, and mine started as a simple desire to be different, to create something new, and to express my unique vision of the world. As a kid growing up in Atlanta, GA, I was always the artist in the family—the one who could spend hours painting, drawing, or designing something just for the joy of creating. Whether it was making a new piece of artwork or finding a creative solution to a problem, my life has always revolved around the drive to express myself and bring something to life that wasn’t there before. Read more>>
Kenneth Carlisle
From a challenging upbringing in Oak Cliff, Texas, marked by periods of substance abuse, gang involvement, and incarceration, I have forged a path of redemption and purpose. My journey led me to find faith in Christ, a transformative experience that fueled my artistic passions and provided a framework for personal growth. While incarcerated, I developed my skills in various artistic mediums, including painting, drawing, hair styling, and writing. This culminated in the publication of my autobiography, “Down For Life,” which details my struggles and ultimate transformation. Read more>>
Milena Martinez
However, I did not know how or where to begin. I understood the language but wasn’t fluent, I was completely unfamiliar with immigration law. I felt frustrated, unable to find a way to connect my professional and academic experience with this new world. But instead of giving up, I reinvented myself, discovering through research and study a person with the ability to learn complex legal processes and, above all, the empathy needed to help others navigate their immigration matters. Passion and a deep commitment to staying true to myself and my roots guided me on the right path. Read more>>
Brock DuPont
After freelancing for a few years, I moved to Dallas in 2023 for a job at a small social media agency that specialized in restaurants and hotels. That company eventually closed, but instead of seeing it as a setback, I saw it as an opportunity. I launched Better Days Marketing, a social media and content creation agency dedicated to helping restaurants, bars, and hotels showcase their brands online. Read more>>
Justin Haynes
After graduating, I didn’t have a concrete plan. Although I had made the honor roll and was a solid athlete, I hadn’t applied to college or explored job opportunities. I ultimately enlisted in the United States Navy, where I rose from the rank of E1 to E5 in just one and a half years. As an IT Specialist, I gained hands-on experience with software, hardware, and leadership—skills that continue to shape my professional journey. Read more>>
Jennifer Rodney
But this isn’t just a business to me. Marie’s Pecan Candy has deep, personal roots. The name ‘Marie’ came after a moment with God where He placed it so clearly on my heart. It turns out, that’s the name of my biological mother—someone I’ve never met. But in that moment, I knew it was God’s way of allowing me to honor her, even though we never had a relationship. So now, this brand carries more than just flavor—it carries love, legacy, and faith. Read more>>
Christine Rangel
As my skills grew, so did my vision. I realized I didn’t want to be limited to just one service, so in 2020, I went back to school and became a licensed esthetician. I saved, planned, and eventually made one of the boldest decisions of my life—I left my 9–5 corporate job and opened The Beauty Library. It was the most empowering step I’ve ever taken. Read more>>
Colbey Ryan
Becoming a father changed everything. My son was born with a congenital heart defect and spent his first days in the NICU. Doctors said he might not live a normal life—but today, he’s a high-performing athlete in his age group. Watching him and my daughter, who competes in equestrian events, has deepened my belief in the power of mentorship, community, and accountability. Read more>>
Aunalicia Chote
In 2019, I made the heartfelt decision to leave my beloved hometown of El Paso, TX, and ventured to Austin, TX, where I spent two wonderful years. It was there that I met my husband, and together we eventually made our way to the DFW area in 2021. With the arrival of our son in 2022, life became a beautiful whirlwind of motherhood, yet I often found myself longing for the time to create again. By the end of 2024, I finally carved out some precious moments for myself and embraced the joy of creating once more! Read more>>
Duval Hamilton
I moved to Dallas, where I now run Dallas Kyokushin Karate as the head instructor and owner, holding the rank of 4th Dan. Over the last 35 years, martial arts has been more than just a physical practice for me—it’s been a way of life that I’ve dedicated to helping others through teaching self-defense, discipline, and fostering a strong community. Along the way, I’ve developed programs for students with disabilities, at-risk youth, and anyone looking to grow both mentally and physically. Read more>>
Andrew Adams
After two semesters at Collin College, I transferred over to Texas Tech University where I studied Communication in Media Industries and worked briefly for the Texas Tech newspaper called The Daily Toreador. I photography all of the sporting events including the ESPN College Gameday at the United Supermarkets Arena in 2018. A year later, I took a spring semester photography course where I traveled throughout Texas shooting landscape photography for The Nature Conservancy. A month later, I continued my landscape and nature photography journey with a study abroad program to New Zealand where I traveled throughout the country photographing some of the most beautiful and breathtaking scenery I had ever seen. Read more>>
Maria Lopez
The hardest thing has undoubtedly been being away from my homeland and customs, away from the family and friends I left behind to start building a new life from scratch, however you always meet wonderful people who become part of your life and many times they even open the way to many new opportunities, it has been gratifying to be able to see over the years the true country full of opportunities for everyone, that moment in which you reinvent yourself again and again, and you begin to shape the person you want to achieve to be, to be able to have the opportunity to be ourselves and decide how far we want to go. Read more>>
Clifford Walker
But for me, it’s always been bigger than business. My wife and I believe in honoring God in everything we do. That’s why we’ve built our company around Kingdom principles, ensuring that our success isn’t just about money but about making a lasting impact. We also run Cowboys for the Community, a nonprofit that serves the homeless through monthly community cookouts, giving back to those in need. Read more>>
The Commandant
I come from a long history of trauma and have spent years working through complex PTSD. For a long time survival mode was all I knew. I was rough because I had to be, but at some point I made a choice – I loved myself enough to fight for something better. That meant relentless effort! 80+ hour work weeks, constant reading, writing, attending classes, hosting workshops, and creating learning materials. Learning how to navigate my own mind while building my career was like walking a tightrope but I refused to let my past define me. Read more>>
Audrey Perry
I love collecting and curating unique and vintage pieces and seeing peoples reactions when they find a piece of jewelry that is special to them. I also very much enjoy being so involved in the city of Dallas. I’ve made countless friends who are fellow small-business owners, and I get to work with them on a regular basis. Seeing them grow and succeed brings me great joy. To do what you love and love what you do is such a blessing. I strive to set an example for my son, and to show him that you can do anything you dream of and that hard work pays off. Read more>>
Brittany DeRyke
At Let’s GLOW Tanning Co., I specialize in custom spray tans that enhance natural beauty while giving my clients a confidence boost. Every tan is tailored to the individual’s skin tone and preferences, ensuring a flawless, natural-looking result. My goal is to create a welcoming space where people feel comfortable, pampered, and leave glowing—inside and out. Read more>>
Karina Cavazos
Explaining my career choice to my parents was difficult. Not only did they not understand how I can afford to make a living with a fashion degree, but they did not know how to guide me. I come from a family who is mostly involved in STEM. I could’ve easily become an engineer or an accountant and could’ve had the help from my family. I did not choose the easy way out, I decided to stick to my passion and work diligently to make a profit. Read more>>
Kenya Moore
It has not been a smooth road at all. The lack of diversity and representation along the way has been a major struggle for me. I am currently undergoing what seems like the most challenging struggle so far. Recovering from a TBI has got to be the most challenging thing I have endured so far. I greatly underestimated the effect this accident would have on my mental health. Read more>>
Brice Pickens
Funny how I got my start, I was actually going bald. My hair use to be straight and wavy, so you can imagine how I felt to know that I was losing my hair. So that kind of encouraged me to start growing a beard. But through my journey of growing and trying to PERFECT my beard I started to using all kinds of products to enhance the look of my beard. It was my love for creating and entrepreneurship that gave me the push come up with my own products. Read more>>.
Erin Marie Garrett
When I’m working as an actress if it’s film or TV -they usually are long days (12 to 16 hours) but I’m with people that are the same as me all creatives. If I’m performing live , it’s usually for corporate events or private parties so everybody’s having a great time. When I’m singing, I work as a fairytale princess and I’m a singer in a Dallas-based rock band -so I’m a bit of a chameleon you could say! Read more>>
