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.
Annette Bravard
As my career progressed, I expanded more into digital marketing and gained experience across different disciplines while simultaneously discovering a love for leadership. I took on higher-risk opportunities, relocating for each one to gain new perspectives and challenge myself in different environments. These experiences set me apart and prepared me to ultimately transition into my current role. Read more>>
Jeremy Dick
Definitely not. Growing a business that balances art, science, and customer service is a constant learning process. Early on, we faced logistical challenges—supply issues, Texas weather, scaling while maintaining quality—but we figured it out through a lot of grit and a lot of late-night problem solving. Read more>>
Ashleyn Ropero
Yes and no. While modeling has been a dream come true, it hasn’t always been easy. I started off shy and unsure of myself, and there were definitely challenges along the way. But through it all, my faith has been my foundation, and I’ve learned that perseverance is key. I never gave up, even when things got tough. With the support of my family, faith, and Blooming Modeles Academy, I’ve been able to push through and keep growing. Read more>>
Alberta
I played Women’s Tackle Football for 14 seasons beginning in 2003. I was married on the 50 yard line prior to a game. Changed out my dress and suited up scoring multiple touchdowns in front of my family in town for the wedding. Our wedding was featured in the February 2004 edition of Ebony Magazine as one of the weddings of the year. I won championships in Women’s Football Leagues, played on the U. S. National Tackle Team twice (Sweden & Finland), the U.S. National Flag Football Team twice (Sweden & Italy), and was inducted into the Women’s Football Hall of Fame in 2018. Read more>>
Austin Almager
ARU first began as a media business, with my love for filmmaking. I have been a creator almost all my life, and wanted something that could grow beyond me. I eventually started attended tuner car shows and then I quickly realized that I could use my creativity to start an apparel brand. Which now has become the main identity of ARU. Our first year doing apparel, we attended 66 trade shows as a vendor selling apparel, and that hard work set the foundation of the connections, friendships and success we would find. The secret sauce is hard work and to just keep moving, keep creating, and to never be satisfied. Read more>>
Heather Green
I gave birth naturally in the hospital, from fear of the epidural and I had the most empowering experience. By 2011 I was expecting my third child, and somehow came across someone on Facebook talking about a midwife. I instantly knew that was what I was supposed to do. I did extensive research, and as a stay-at-home mother of almost 3, I knew we couldn’t afford it, so I started applying for the midwifery school scholarship every year. After the 3rd year of denial, it came with an email stating that I didn’t qualify for it, because “moms with young children just don’t succeed in midwifery school”. At that moment, it just lit me on fire. I was then more determined than I had ever been. Read more>>
Amandha Q. Zhane
I am an artist with an art & insights book coming out, with proceeds going toward my non-profit, that hosts events to empower and connect community leaders of different backgrounds. I currently am putting together a training for a City government to teach them about frequency medicine, art and holistic wellness modalities that actually work! I will soon be releasing some music and slide it into my DJ performance called Sparkle Power! I love sustainable beauty, fashion and travel. My son and I enjoy a beautiful life built on love and freedom, and I’m happy to say my whole family has arrived right here with me. Read more>>
Tianna Gibbs
From there, I became a Pro Makeup Artist at Sephora, where I not only honed my craft but also got to meet and work alongside some of the beauty industry’s top brand founders. I loved it—but again, I hit a wall. I needed more. I knew I had something special, but I wasn’t ready to open a studio on my own. I didn’t have anyone to guide me in the world of makeup artistry—it was all brand new to me and my family. I was figuring it out as I went. Still, with the support of my loved ones and a lot of prayer, I stayed the course. Read more>>
Ibtissam Attie
Starting CRAFT N TALK was a leap of faith, and while the journey has had its challenges, it’s been incredibly rewarding—especially knowing we’re supporting artists overseas in meaningful ways. Today, language programs are growing in some areas, with an increase in student enrollment, but others still face funding challenges. It’s a reminder of how important it is to keep advocating for access to quality language and cultural education. Read more>>
Idelle Taye
The journey has come with its fair share of challenges. I didn’t come from the fashion world, and I had no roadmap—just a vision. Being self-funded meant wearing every hat: editor, strategist, designer, even customer service. There were moments I questioned whether people would take Guzangs seriously, especially as a woman building something unconventional out of Dallas. Balancing it all while working in healthcare full-time tested my limits, but it also sharpened my resilience. Every setback became part of the story I was telling—proof that this platform was necessary. Read more>>
Erika Harrell
For years, I battled imposter syndrome—questioning whether my voice mattered, if my stories carried weight beyond my close circle, and if anyone out there would truly be moved to action by my words. I had powerful messages stored up for over a decade before I found the courage to step out and share them publicly. Long before Garden2Purpose was born, it started as Boss Lady’s—a small email thread with a faithful group of women who let me fill their inboxes with encouragement, challenges, and reflections straight from my heart. That humble beginning taught me that even the smallest seeds of faith can grow into something with real purpose when God is at the center. Read more>>
Janelle Kelly
When political tensions heightened around George Floyd, we created content surrounding the issue because we knew we had a largely black audience that was feeling pretty ostracized on social media. Rihanna actually loved that we posted content like that. We were also the first beauty brand to host not one but two online events. One for Juneteenth where anyone could tune into our IG Lives throughout the day for a Juneteenth DJ set, live yoga class, or makeup tutorial. And the other for the launch of Fenty Skin. This was one of the most fun times of my career. Read more>>
Paulette Fecunda
At just 19 years old, Raven was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive form of cancer called Chondrosarcoma—a diagnosis that would alter the course of our lives. Sarcoma is a form of soft tissue or bone cancer. Which we have both so the cancer can literally be anywhere in the body. Ravens mother tumor began in her leg. While most would understandably respond with fear or despair, Raven met her diagnosis with strength, grace, and an unwavering faith. She chose to be a warrior, not a victim. Read more>>
Lindsey Peterson
Another challenge has been navigating self-doubt and figuring out my own artistic style. It’s easy to compare yourself to others, especially online, but I’ve learned that growth takes time and that everyone’s journey looks different. I’m still finding my voice as an artist, but I’ve come to appreciate the process. The struggles have made me more resilient and more connected to the work I create for others. Read more>>
Neil Thomas
Honored by HRH Queen Elizabeth for my service to the Bournemouth community where I pastored Metropolitan Community Church, Bournemouth for 12 years, opened night shelters for the homeless, established services to the LGBTQ+ community and more. I have had an amazing journey that ultimately took me from the UK to Los Angeles, CA to pastor Founders Metropolitan Community Church for 13 years and currently pastor Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ for the past 10 years (June 1 2025). COH is the largest predominately LGBTQ+ congregation in the world. Read more>>
Brandi Doran
Three years ago, we broke ground with a custom-designed home in the middle of an established and historic neighborhood. Combining timeless design styles with modern upgrades, this home has been a one-of-a-kind journey that will last generations to come. Our neoclassical Texas-Tudor style home was designed by yours truly, ranging from floor layouts to cabinetry designs, to each and every fixture, color, hardware, and furnishing selection. With the help of some incredible local craftsmen, they brought my designs to life! Our home has been showcased in local magazine publications, and I continue to grow my online audience through various social media platforms. Read more>>
Nia Lillard
Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, I moved to Texas shortly after graduating to be closer to family. I spent a few years in Houston before eventually settling in Dallas. Growing up, I always dreamed of working in the healthcare field. I’ve always had a nurturing spirit and a passion for helping others. From the time I was five years old, I was convinced I’d become an OB/GYN. Read more>>
Cynthia Cramblett
My journey has been anything but linear — it’s been a winding, sacred path paved with soul callings, heartbreaks, reinventions, and awakenings. I began my professional life in political advocacy, working as a lobbyist in Washington, DC, then later building businesses in the entertainment and travel industries. On paper, I had it all together — but something inside me was starving for depth, truth, and embodiment Read more>>
Altovia McNeal
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. When you answer the call to be a leader, you quickly realize that leadership isn’t something you arrive at — it’s something you grow into. The same goes for purpose. You don’t always start with all the answers, but you lean into the process and allow it to shape you. Read more>>
Lance Thomas
I can’t say we’ve had many major hurdles unique to us. But the similar struggles that all design teams have faced over the years like manufacturing lead times due to Covid for example. But one of our strong suits is the ability to adapt. While lead times climbed up to 38 weeks for some furniture manufacturers, we new we needed to find an avenue to get product quicker. What better way to find already made inventory than the Antique Fairs in Belgium and the South of France. We’ve now been traveling overseas every year to curate containers of fine antiques. It has become a large part of the Thomas Guy brand. Modern, yet Antiquarian. Traditional with Bite. Read more>>
Caiah Jones
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road like anything that is intentional and has purpose along with it comes hardships and twists and turns. My artistry has definitely been a roller coaster ride both good and bad there were times when I felt like I wasn’t good enough or I felt like I would just be another “artist” out there and I felt as though I didn’t have any purpose at one point, but God kept me and he insured me that he has a plan for my life he redirected my mindset concerning my gifts. And now I get to give them back to him. Read more>>
Harold Leidner
Even with that personal approach, we’ve maintained the ability to offer a broad array of services: pool construction, drainage, sprinkler systems, lighting, landscaping, and even furniture layout and design. Offering all of these through one coordinated team and one dedicated point of contact has positioned us in a truly unique market space. Read more>>
Jamilah And Jazmyn Martinez
As devoted moms and wives, we each bring our own unique flair to what we do. Jazmyn, a mom of two and wife to a partner from a different cultural background, infuses diverse flavors and heartfelt touches into every celebration. Jamilah, also a proud mom of two and inspired by her husband’s Caribbean roots, adds warmth, richness, and flavor to every drink and interaction. Read more>>
Krystal Brown
I started out piercing for a year, then decided to direct my attention to tattooing only. I fell in love with tattooing the moment that machine was in my hand. It was crazy because life just began to make sense. I was 21 and just dropped out of college, just moved back home temporarily and was just doing bad all around. I started out piercing and then moved into my 1st shop in Oak Cliff. Read more>>
Janae Crenshaw
My name is Janae Crenshaw and I am the proud owner of Faces of Angels Training Center where we teach occupational health courses such as Phlebotomy Technician, Medication Aide and soon to add CNA, PCT and EKG training. My journey began as a little girl, I always wanted to be a nurse and I knew that from a very young age. I started as a Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist and in 2009 I graduated as a LVN. I then later became a Registered Nurse in 2016. Faces of Angels Training Center began its journey in 2019 and although it took a lot of time, sleepless nights, perserverence, and a lot of no’s. My God seen fit for us to get our final Certificate of Approval from Texas Workforce Commission in November 2022 and we launched our first class in March of 2023; we’ve had a consistent enrollment every since. Read more>>
Tia Minzoni
A recognized thought leader, Tia’s insights into business growth, data sciences, and brand elevation have been spotlighted in leading publications, including Forbes, Entrepreneur, Bloomberg, and Yahoo Finance. She is celebrated for her ability to inspire businesses to think bigger, scale faster, and achieve sustainable success. Read more>>
Fred Woods
My story, I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois from a single family up bringing. My mother and grandmother raised me along with my four sisters and one brother. Growing up in Chicago was not easy. I was either trying to avoid joining a gang or being very conscious what neighborhoods to avoid to avoid getting beat up for not being part of a gang. I graduated from Simeon High School in 1982, not knowing what my next move would be. I decided I was going to join the US Marines. However, my sisters talked my out of it so I attended DeVry Institute of Technology to be electronic technician. Read more>>
Jake Stevens
The hardest part of the experience so far has been finding band members that we really enjoy being around. We have a really good group together now and have already made it through some tough experiences as a group that helped strengthen our bonds. Like every band, we have some difficulty with songwriting and learning how we all express ourselves creatively, but we really like the balance we have struck so far and look forward to our continued growth! Read more>>
Douglas Frey
I spent the first half of 2020 trying to figure what my next move was. I had always worked for a gym, but never had my own. So, in August of 2020 I went out on a limb and started my own martial arts school where the initial focus would be entirely on adults who wanted to be fighters. Subsequently during this time my wife was signed to the UFC as I was also working towards my 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu black belt. Read more>>
Kostia Shykh
If you ask a Michelin chef why does his team pay so much attention to the “mise en place” before the shift, you’ll hear only one answer: — Because we can do it. Bespoke Life was born with this approach and spirit. I learned from hospitality and restaurant industries so much undeniably important tips that it helped me to start Bespoke Life journey with confidence. Read more>>
Passione Henry
The biggest obstacle for me was believing in myself. I remember wanting to change my major from Social Work to Interior Design during my second semester of college, but I didn’t. I did not have the imagination for it, at the time. Growing up as a young Black girl, watching HGTV and only seeing white women decorating homes, it was hard to picture myself in a successful career as an interior designer. So, I took the ‘safe’ route and stuck with Social Work. I don’t regret many things in life, but not switching my major is one of them. Read more>>
Cindy Aguiar
Financial strain was a constant concern, particularly as I made initial investments in supplies during such uncertain times. Balancing the demands of my professional responsibilities with the growth of my candle business tested my time management skills and stamina. Furthermore, gaining visibility and building a customer base in a competitive market took perseverance and dedication. Despite these struggles, each challenge has fueled my passion for Kawaii Candle Company, and I am grateful for the journey and the opportunity to share my art with the community. Read more>>
Andrew Howard
Back in 2020, I connected with my now-business partner, Justin, in a Facebook group for real estate investors. At the time, neither of us had any experience — just a shared interest in real estate and the drive to figure it out. We started talking about a potential deal, and before we knew it, we closed our very first transaction together. We made $3,000 on that deal — not a fortune, but it was the proof of concept we needed. From that moment, we knew we had something worth building. Read more>>
Chesley Griffin Jr
As I continued running gigs and booking myself, clients began requesting I book other security personnel, which led to rapid growth. By 2016, my business was thriving, primarily working with the African community and then expanding into the Indian community. I officially formed my LLC in May 2019 and soon followed up by obtaining my security company license and training school license in 2020. Becoming a licensed instructor and investing in my own embroidery machine allowed me to cut costs and grow into a new business category. Read more>>
Hollyn Donovan
A few years ago, I was given the opportunity to bring a silicone bead-design idea I had to life with the help of one of my suppliers (CTS Wholesale Silicone). As a late-diagnosed autistic person, I chose to design an infinity symbol bead with one side being rainbow-gradient (representing the neurodiversity spectrum) and the other side being metallic gold (representing autism specifically). My products featuring that “Gradient Spectrum” bead have become many of my best sellers! Read more>>
Jennifer Lam
It was honestly devastating. I had put so much time and energy into growing that community, and just like that, I had to start from scratch. But in the long run, it taught me how to pivot, protect my content, and rebuild in a more sustainable way. I focused on staying consistent, connecting with my audience again, and continuing to deliver honest, helpful content. And slowly but surely, I built it all back up. Read more>>
Dayway Official
I’m a recording artist, songwriter, entrepreneur, actor. I’m most known for my hit record “Bands” who Joe Moses & Compton AV did a remix too and my other song “Ghetto Angels”. I’m most proud of all the accomplishments I achieved but the best one was having my son. What sets me apart from others is that I’ll do the work no matter what it takes and don’t care if there’s an easy route or a hard one. I just need to make sure I get where I need to get to so my son never haves to ask me for anything and I can’t provide it! Read more>>
Dejia Turner
I am Dejia but I like to add my middle name for the effect, DejiaSanaa if you will. I started acting and singing when I was around 4 or 5 years old. I would act as an extra in local movies or write skits and songs for my family to see. I have a movie out on Tubi that I was casted in as ‘Deja’ called Blood for Blood also creating PSA videos with a local acting company as well. I also have performed in some karaoke sets and musicals just to get familiar with every form of acting.and singing. Now Im going to college majoring in Political Science and working to finance my content creator lifestyle. Read more>>
Pardis Bakhtiari
I’m a visual artist, educator, and researcher originally from Iran. My passion for art began in childhood, when I became captivated by the beauty and expressive power of creativity. Even at a young age, I excelled in art—winning several local and national competitions and receiving People’s Choice Awards in juried exhibitions. These early recognitions affirmed that art wasn’t just a hobby; it was a calling—a way of thinking, seeing, and engaging with the world beyond imposed boundaries. Read more>>
Alejandra Trujillo
My business focuses on helping people repair and rebuild their credit so they can move forward financially. We specialize in identifying and challenging inaccurate, outdated, or unverifiable items on credit reports, while also educating clients on how to build strong credit habits going forward. Read more>>
Tony Guillory
I have always had a interest in photography but really pursued it after I got married in 2004. My wife had small children and we had no camera, so I purchased a film camera and starting taking pictures of the kids and their school activities. The teachers at my youngest one’s school loved the images and that bolstered my confidence to continue shooting and ultimately upgrade to a digital camera. From there, I wanted to learn more and take better quality images and realized that I needed better lenses, but they were incredibly expensive. Read more>>
Gavin Starkes
I was shot april 8th 2023 and was in the icu for 2-3weeks and lost my ability to walk as i got better through rehab at baylor i soon came home and enrolled in barber school and graduated in a year but while i was in school i decided to post videos about my life as a wheelchair user living life and going to school i made videos on how i do certain things like get in and out of the car by myself and the videos received over 10 million views Read more>>
Ethan Casella
At TCU, I studied Graphic Design and found a program that pushed me creatively, challenged me to grow, and opened doors to real-world experiences. I had the chance to strengthen my design skills, connect with professionals in the field, and learn from professors who genuinely cared about my development—many of whom I still keep in touch with today. The program’s strong relationships with the local creative community also created valuable internship opportunities for students like me. Read more>>
Vevica Harris
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—it takes a lot of patience. One of the biggest struggles I’ve faced was building my brand from the ground up. Putting my face and my work out there for the world to see was scary at first, and it took time for people to really take me seriously. In the beginning, I felt like some of my peers didn’t see what I was doing as a real career—they looked at it as just a “side hustle,” when in reality, I was putting in real time, effort, and passion into becoming a professional makeup artist. Read more>>
AL D
I’ve been an avid reader for as long as I can remember. Growing up in New Orleans—specifically in the 9th Ward—I was always surrounded by rich culture, history, and Black love. Some of my earliest reading memories include devouring love stories by Beverly Jenkins, Brenda Jackson, and Francis Ray. At the same time, I was deeply drawn to Urban Fiction—stories by authors like Terri Woods and Nikki Turner—because they reflected the environment I grew up in and the experiences I saw around me. Read more>>
Bxby Siah
Definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I’m appreciative of that. I say there’s beauty in the struggle and it gives you more to talk about in your music. the kind of struggles that faced early on were not knowing how to record myself properly. I would work off of other people‘s recording equipment and they would not have the same work ethic or same motivation I had so it would be me depending on them.. I tried different studios and then I start kinda just finding my way. It’s really no wrong way to do music ultimately. The struggles for me came in the beginning with me not depending on myself. Read more>>
Little Limbo
I started recorded music in highschool when my friend told me to hop on his beats he was making on FL studio. It was all really bad music to be real but I spent years making a song everyday and trying every style that interested me until it started to fit. I’ve always been really into horror movies and video games and I try to paint pictures in my music inspired by these things and just try to keep music fun and entertaining. Read more>>
Natasha Montgomery
These experiences led to battles with depression and anxiety, but they also planted the seed of resilience in me. Transitioning from corporate healthcare to full-time counseling was another hurdle. I faced fear, self-doubt, and the challenge of building a business from the ground up. There were moments when I questioned if I had made the right decision, but my faith, determination, and passion for helping others kept me going. I’ve learned that growth happens in discomfort, and every struggle has prepared me to guide others through their healing journey with compassion and understanding. Read more>>
Mandy Montane
We’d swim in the creek where Grandma swam as a girl. She’d tell me stories about her childhood in the 1920’s and take me to the Chisholm Trail watering hole and told me tales of ancestors who would bring their horses there. Recreating the Land Run in elementary school happened every year further developing my imagination, as I could actually recreate being in covered wagons, clothed in dresses and pretend I was there during that time. Looking out into the vast prairie, i visualized Cowboys and Indians. My love of dolls evoked my imagination which taught me how to create characters and plots. All these experiences led me to be a storyteller. Read more>>
Glendoria Boyd
I became an international bestseller with Voices of the 21st Century, and the new book as well as all the old ones I had written began spiraling off the shelves into people’s hands, homes, libraries and stores. My books opened doors for me to teach God’s Word at the Union Gospel Missions every Tuesday. I also write the Sunday School Lesson Summaries and teach life group classes for my church. I was recently included in the Traphene Hickman Library in Cedarhill, TX. I am seventy years old and I still believe that God has great plans for my life. This is only the beginning. “My latter days shall be greater and more glorious than my former days” declared the Lord. (Haggai 2:9). I believe that. Read more>>
Keyes James
Poverty, broken home, condemnation house, death of parent…among other adverse situations while growing up…led to an inner strength and resilience. Today I live by the belief that Change Equals Opportunity and that adversity can lead to strength. Read more>>
Shumaila Kidwai
I went to school to be a radiology technician but switched over to the arts and developed a hobby for photography from there so I started to photograph small things around me that others would miss or not bother capturing and then just continued to learn and still do. I love to capture beauty whether it’s things or people. I have wanted to start a public relations company but I quickly realized I need to have hands-on experience and mentorship to be able to start it so I decided to focus more on photography as of now. The one thing about me is that I never really know what I want and when I do know what I want, I have a fear of not getting it, and that anxiety doesn’t help me achieve my goals haha! Read more>>
Carolyn White
I am from Shreveport, Louisiana. Raised by my paternal grandmother who died when I was ten. From there, I was transient from relative to relative, mainly residing with my aunt whom I loved as my mother. My life was hard and I often felt alone, neglected and worthless. I became affiliated with gangs and fought a lot just to protect myself and prove that I could hold my own. However, at the age of 17, I found myself in an abusive relationship. We got married and had two beautiful kids, but I knew that I did not want my kids to be raised around domestic violence, so when my youngest was six months old I left the marriage and stayed at a shelter for a few months until I could get on my feet. Read more>>
Sheridan Mears
I run all social media platforms, website, signage, media inquiries, anything digital and advertising. Cowtown Coliseum was built in 1908 and is home to the World’s first indoor rodeo and World’s only year-round weekend rodeo. The years of history and groundbreaking advancements we continue to do make this arena one of the most iconic venues and ideal place for me to share my passion of the western world. I am most proud of my journey to get to this point and look forward to how I can continue to keep the history alive in this building. Read more>>
Mozatronic
From boys choir, high school, college, vocal jazz, madrigals, etc. In college I worked on a double major for music education and music composition. I worked in radio as an on air personality and music director which put me in a unique space to interview many bands to include Incubus, Slipknot, System of a Down, Mushroomhead, Kittie, Lamb of God, 30 Seconds to Mars, Mudvayne, Fear Factory…just to name a few of the bigger names…but then life happens and it all stopped. Approx. 15 years ago I started getting back into music. Started with a local original rock band and now I have my band (As Trust Kills) and my solo work as Mozatronic. Read more>>
LaJoy Grant
I’ve always had a deep love for beauty and entrepreneurship, which has been the driving force behind my journey. From an early age, I found joy in creating and building, whether it was crafting something beautiful or bringing an idea to life. Over the years, I’ve explored a variety of entrepreneurial ventures. I started with cake design and event planning long before they became the popular industries they are today. Each experience taught me something new about creativity, customer service, and running a business. Read more>>
Dana Currie
I started cooking at the very young age of (5).. I faced a lot of difficulties growing up. From being adopted, feeling like an outsider and most often times misunderstood. So, I used Cooking as my form of expression without having to express actual words. I noticed how food brought the joy out in people, it brought people together as well as, a form of connection and bonding with those whom were around me. Cooking brought peace to my heart and mind. The passion grew so I continued to pour and become better and better. Read more>>
Natasha Brown
My name is Natasha Brown and I began my journey simply looking for hope. A light at the end of the tunnel through a series of depressive episodes and anxiety attacks. Life just didn’t seem worth it for the most part, it was hard to find joy and the happy moments just seemed to be so fleeting. I ventured on and through a shot in the dark I stumbled upon spirituality, which is just a short way of saying the journey of soul evolution. I found the light, it was me. So much of society points us away from ourselves and I finally had some answers that made sense. The answer was me, was within me all along. I started my journey in 2020 and now I am grateful to say I’m here, happy to be alive and I want to help others who were in the same position as me to find the light as well. Read more>>
Sylvia Cespedes
Cristina and I met about 10 years ago, because of our small children. We bumped into each other several times in activities. However, it was throughout the pandemic that we bonded over deep conversations. More and more we felt the need for spaces to sit and chat with other women. Exchange views about current and future needs of women. There are so many feelings and realities that can unite us. That is how the idea of LINK started. Mornings where you can disconnect from your routine and hear about what other women are doing and facing. Read more>>
Paige DeRuyscher
I fell in love with writing at an early age, writing my first book about my cat in second grade. After working at the local newspaper in high school, I majored in English – Creative Writing in college and explored all types of writing. My first job was as an Editor with Hallmark Cards, which opened many doors for me. After leaving Hallmark, I ventured out to start my own freelance business, “Paige in the Shed,” which continues today. My faith is important to me, so my path led to inspirational Christian writing, which is what I often focus on. Read more>>
Gladys Childs
Becoming a Christian author and blogger began when I was a little kid. I loved stories, reading and writing them. Poetry and children’s stories were my initial step into writing. In my early 20s, I published one of my poems in an anthology. The excitement over this and my passion for writing books led me to talk with one of my religion professors, Dr. Calvin Miller. He wrote over forty books, including the Singer Trilogy, his most famous work. Read more>>
Alexandra Brown
In 2022, I earned a Master’s in Strategic Design and Management from Parsons, where I worked on strategic projects for NASA and KG Law. Here, I discovered my love for blending creativity with analytics and finding new ways to approach growing and improving existing businesses. I became passionate about helping brands and founders communicate their needs and goals by serving as a strategic partner throughout their journey. Read more>>
Jedidiah Peters
In fact it fueled my passion to make a mark for generations to come. challenges nearly shook me off rail, but having a strong circle, with God at the centre, a strong support system, all that motivated me to hit the highest notes of my pursuits, as I owed it to myself and the unborn generation not to just be a passing spectator..but a impact maker. I chose the Creative and entrepreneurial path early and that path is a self-sacrificing and demanding path, Funding the record label, signing artistes and investing in them, the capital requirements are huge, I put my savings into it, sometimes you get it back sometimes you do not, you simply learn and keep moving. Read more>>
Rodrego Way
The journey to becoming a licensed professional counselor and opening my practice was filled with obstacles. My initial struggle came in the form of completing the licensure process. After completing my masters degree in 2004, I decided to pursue a career in school guidance. Being a Black Male with a dual degree in school guidance and mental health it wasn’t difficult for me to secure my first job in the school system. I was hired as a high school guidance counselor immediately after graduation. I was excited about this opportunity and wanted to make a difference in the school environment. Read more>>
Quisha Umemba
I’ve always believed that the best solutions come from empowering others. Early in my career, I saw how education and training could transform not only patients’ lives but also the lives of healthcare professionals. This inspired me to focus on workforce development, designing practical and engaging training programs that would make a real difference. Eventually, I became known as “The Trainer’s Trainer,” a title I wear proudly because it reflects my commitment to helping others grow and succeed. Read more>>
Lattaniah Horton
My tactic is helping others identify what those barriers may be in their lives. I enjoy encouraging and motivating other women. I am a firm believer in continuous mentorship, It is essential, We are not designed or created to walk alone, We can all hold each other accountable through humility and love, This is why I launched by coaching platform, (Elevation Coaching LLC), I have coached in corporate settings concerning team management and people building skills, I also coach personal clients discussing a variation of topics from relationships, business planning and more. I lead with my Faith, humility and servant-ship. Read more>>
Kyle Gabhart
Beyond finance, I’ve always had a passion for writing, speaking, and mentoring. My wife, Tammy, and I lead Equip Your Marriage, a ministry focused on strengthening relationships through books, workshops, and hands-on mentoring. I’m also stepping deeper into the publishing world with my latest book The Canteen: Abandon Self-Sufficiency and Fully Rely on God, set to release in summer 2025. In it, I share lessons I learned as a 19-year-old young man on a month-long mission in Africa. Read more>>
A. L. Boomer
SixGun has been a wonderful journey. It’s a small one-man shop, operated out of our home. Since we launched, it has been steadily growing and evolving. I’m constantly trying to learn new styles and new techniques to grow my skillset. I love being challenged by customers when they bring me ideas and I take pleasure in making those ideas into reality. I owe it all to my wife, who pushed me into remembering how much pure joy working with leather gives me. I feel like my purpose on this planet is to create artwork from leather that is both beautiful and functional and brings people joy. I truly hope I can do this until the day I die. Read more>>
Desi & Darren Gaither
We also ran into issues with getting our name out there. We have a store on shopify and Etsy, along with being on instagram and Facebook. We started posting that we were at local events (not as vendors) and if you see us come say Hi for a free scrunchie or coffee cozy. We participated in our local trunk or treats to get our face in front of potential customers. Read more>>
Danica Carson
Because I’m from California, one of the biggest surprises was the size and quantity of things people accumulate here. In California, homes are much smaller because the land is so expensive. People regularly clean out their homes because, frankly, they have to. There is no room for anything you don’t love or need. But, here, in DFW, you don’t have to do that because people have much more space. While more room is wonderful, it is also dangerous because you can become completely overwhelmed by clutter. If space isn’t forcing people to get rid of things, they often don’t feel the need to do so. That was a big part of how l ended up a professional organizer and, ultimately, what led me to create the Declutter Deck, the original deck for Hack Decks®. Read more>>
Vivian Omoke
I started as someone deeply drawn to storytelling, which naturally led me to acting and producing. Founding Vivpearl Castle allowed me to create a dynamic platform that reflects my diverse interests and values. Under this parent organization are three thriving subsidiaries: Vivpearl Castle Media, where I channel my creativity into producing diverse and high-quality content with compelling narratives; Vivpearl Castle Foundation, which focuses on helping people in need both in Nigeria and abroad; and the Vivpearl Castle Wigs and Accessories Online Store, where I celebrate individuality through beauty and self-expression. Read more>>
Candi Usher
We drove back to Virginia but decided it wasn’t where we wanted to be. Moving back to North Carolina, we believed that would be our permanent home. This was where I decided I was going to write my first books (“I’m Still Standing Here,” “I SLAY FOOD,” and “Kitchen Slayers”). Later, we moved to another city in North Carolina, where I decided that things in the relationship would be better if they ended. Since then, I have written six more books (several of those are part of a series), received my Bachelor’s in Psychology, and am currently in graduate school for my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Read more>>
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>>
