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.
William Walker
William Walker grew up in a loving, supportive home surrounded by caring parents and grandparents. Yet even in that warmth, he often wrestled with a sense of being different, of not fully belonging. Determined to excel, he poured his energy into academics, striving for perfect attendance and top grades—sometimes at the cost of friendships or social ease. Those early school years were challenging, but they planted the seeds of perseverance that would define his journey. Read more>>
Sabrina Cassaro
If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be spending my days blending teas, handcrafting skincare, and guiding women through postpartum preparation, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. For nearly a decade, I worked as a flight attendant—a career I loved. I thrived on the energy of travel, the people I met, and the sense of purpose that came with caring for passengers in the air. But as much as I loved that chapter of my life, something inside me began to stir after the births of my boys. Read more>>
Jenn Hill and Nerissa Helpenstill
Our founders, Nerissa and Jenn are both veterans of the Dallas Fashion industry and members of the Fashion Group International board of Directors. They connected while working at Tootsies and have continued collaborating ever since! Both Jenn & Nerissa hail from small, Texas towns and came to Dallas to follow their dreams of working in Fashion. Jenn is the mother to two sweet girlies – Harlow and Ziggy; Nerissa has two teenagers – Stella & Brahm and each of our shirt styles are named after their children! Read more>>
Tolicia Solomon
In 2017, I graduated from cosmetology school. I enjoyed working with hair and nails, but I knew deep down that my true calling was still waiting for me. During the pandemic in 2020, I received an unexpected call from a massage school in Arlington, and I immediately recognized it as God’s confirmation that this was the path I was meant to take. From that moment on, I embraced massage not just as a profession, but as my ministry of healing. Read more>>
Emma Sumlin
When I was a Freshman in college I had two amazing opportunities. I auditioned for a UTA Master’s Thesis film and got the role. I spent two separate weekends filming it and I got to see how a real movie was shot. There was a real crew, real costars, and a real camera. I got to see how important the crews’ roles were. I always thought it was about the actors growing up. Hollywood doesn’t give crew the credit they deserve. Only the actors get those fancy pictures quite often. If there weren’t crew, those actors would not have a job. Read more>>
Brett Rather
I got my start in construction at a young age, doing sheetrock work and helping build churches through ministry projects. After college, I spent some time in the oil business before transitioning into remodels and flips. I then worked for a local custom builder for several years to really learn the trade. From there, I started building spec homes with a partner, which grew into land development and eventually into building everything from small-scale projects to very high-end custom estate homes. At 35, I’m grateful to be doing what I love every day. We have some projects underway I’m proud to have my name on. Read more>>
Jada Marielle
That decision set me on a journey that has taken me far from where I started. My career in tech and cybersecurity has given me the chance to work for companies across Memphis, Atlanta, and now Dallas. Along the way, I’ve built expertise in governance, risk, and compliance, led projects that introduced AI-driven tools and process improvements, and continued to grow as both a professional and a mentor. Read more>>
Delaney Sexton
My love for event design began when I designed my wedding. As a self-proclaimed perfectionist, I really struggled to find someone who saw my unique vision and could offer something completely true to my husband’s and my visions for our big day. This marked the beginning of my journey in design, including wedding suites and party goods. From the invitations and signage to custom napkins and drink stirrers, I fell in love with the process of creating thoughtful, cohesive details that made the entire day feel personal and polished. That experience inspired me to launch Mimo Market and help other couples and party hosts bring their vision to life—down to the very last detail. Read more>>
Katherine Osborne
When I first launched Social Design Agency, it was just me wearing every hat—accountant, strategist, content creator, and client manager. It was exciting but also incredibly challenging. Over time, as client demand grew, I built a team that not only had the skills but also shared my values and vision. That’s been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey: Growing from a solo venture into a collaborative agency of women who are passionate about all things digital marketing! Read more>>
Jacquelyn H
ith any journey, there are always struggles along the way. One of my biggest challenges has been being overly hard on myself, which often led to delays in starting my work. I found myself feeling self-conscious about my photography and worrying about what others might think of it.Through this experience, I’ve learned an invaluable lesson: if you have a dream, you should pursue it wholeheartedly. Delaying your success by hesitating to take that first step only holds you back from achieving your goals. Embracing your passion and sharing your work is essential, no matter the fears or doubts that may arise.In the end, it’s about growth and learning to trust in your vision. Read more>>
Dan Kaase
I eventually was selected as an Adjunct Trainer for ATF in the training of Explosive Detection Canines for ATF, The United States Marshal Service, as well as other Federal, State, and local law enforcement and fire agencies. I planned and conducted numerous trainings in DFW and around the nation focusing on the working of detection canines in real world scenarios. I also collaborated with numerous other trainers and agencies such as the United States Secret Service, TSA, United States Military, and individuals involved with private defense agencies such as Blackwater. Read more>>
Louis Moore
After 56 years of marriage and homes at various times in five states, Kay and I have traveled the world, reared two incredible adult children whose talents and abilities continue to amaze us, and who have blessed us with four grandchildren who are being prepped for a bright future as jet-setting, well-traveled and well-prepared citizens of the world ready to tackle all the challenges that lie ahead. Read more>>
Julian, Omar, and Erick Fierro
Rustic Expressions Texas is a family-owned business with a story that goes back to 1989. From the very beginning, our purpose has been to preserve history while forging the future — that’s the legacy we stand for. We take pride in reusing wood from old haciendas and barns from the Sierra of Chihuahua and other iconic regions of Mexico, giving new life to materials that carry history within them. Read more>>
John Wingate
What sets us apart is that we don’t just build apps—we build infrastructure that empowers financial cooperatives to scale while preserving their member-first values. Unlike fintechs that centralize control, our model distributes trust and authority back to the institution and its members. Read more>>
Regina
I started my journey in the mental health field with a deep desire to provide healing and support to individuals and communities who felt unseen and unheard. Becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor, and later a Supervisor, gave me the opportunity not only to walk alongside clients in their healing journeys, but also to mentor the next generation of clinicians. Read more>>
Alexis Carter-Richardson
Today, I’m an Operations Strategist and Production Manager who helps creative companies and production teams elevate and maintain client experiences even as they scale. My diverse background, from photography to corporate productions, gives me a unique perspective on what these businesses need to run smoothly behind the scenes. Read more>>
Mariel Zuniga
At the time, I was in the middle of my immigration process. My attorney advised me that leaving the U.S. to attend his funeral would jeopardize my entire case. It was a devastating decision to have to make. Not being able to travel and be with my family during that heartbreaking time was very difficult. Read more>>
Greg Gasaway
Now 11 years later, I’m still working in higher education, and recruiting and doing admissions for a wonderful university. I’ve also had the opportunity to not just perform weddings but move into the role of team leader for our DFW team. It has truly been a blessing for me to have this opportunity to be a part of Sensational Ceremonies. And I think back over 11 years, and well over 300 weddings, and know that I’m very blessed because of the company I work for, the couples I’ve gotten to work with and marry, and the venue owners, wedding planners and vendors I have built relationships with. For me personally, it is truly special. Read more>>
Analise Rocha
From having only basic jewelry in studio to now carrying over 12 different brands of jewelry and aftercare growing more and more each year with some you can’t find in any other shops near us. I take great pride in my job as it has taken me many many tears and late nights and missing on quality time with people I love. But , this isn’t where I stop , I have large goals and aspirations of being mansfields first APP verified studio which I’m hoping to achieve in the next few years. Read more>>
JoJo Struebing
Eventually, we sold our CBD businesses and followed a bigger vision: creating a wellness center that combined everything that had transformed our own lives. That is how Altered States Wellness was born, a space where people can find community, unforgettable experiences, and natural solutions to feel their best. Read more>>
Guillermo Licea
We are mostly known for our “strip jerky” which is what has won over most of our customers today. I would like for y’all to know, that we really do pride ourselves on being personable, and we would like to see more hunters come in and give our small business a try. We have a lot of products to choose from and are working hard to add even more delicious recipes to our menu. Bring your deer, hogs, elk, bear, and just about anything else to get turned into some delicious sausages. Read more>>
Rosa M. Lovejoy
Throughout my life I met many women who, like me, faced challenges in their intimate lives: lack of information, insecurities, taboos… That reality inspired me to create Secretos para Mujeres, a community dedicated to empowering women through education, interactive resources, and carefully selected products that support self-discovery and intimate wellness. Read more>>
Claire Burnett
On my resume, I’m a multi certified, results-oriented leader with nearly two decades of experience in communications, org effectiveness, and business operations. I’ve worked with several Fortune 500 brands, primarily serving in the capacity of lead content and operations strategist and have successfully led initiatives that resulted in double digit increases for engagement scores, stakeholder satisfaction surveys and employee morale. Read more>>
Lakesha Williams
Eventually, someone asked me for a cake. I turned to my grandmother, who guided me through the basics of baking, and I even took a few cake-decorating classes to sharpen my skills. What started as a simple idea has grown into a full passion and business. Now, I’m able to offer a wide range of custom cakes and treats for all kinds of events. I’ve always had a creative side, but I never imagined this would be the path where I’d showcase it. Baking has become my way of turning creativity into something that not only looks beautiful but also brings people joy! Read more>>
Lindsey Woods
I wanted a career that allowed me to show up for my family while still pursuing my passions. That led me to marketing for a small-town insurance agency, where I saw firsthand how digital strategy and design could transform a business. From there, I moved into real estate marketing, which gave me space to explore creativity without limits and become more rooted in community. Read more>>
Litsie Monier
Saylit Dance Collective is a company based in New York City, more precisely in Astoria, Queens. our way of expressing our art is dance, movement. We are know for being internationals and womens ! I am so proud of how we grew as a team, I have wonderful and talented dancers, it’s the most wonderful thing. To be able to create and see your movements being interpreted by other movers makes it so unique! Read more>>
Zoe Martin
I realized that I could help families capture moments through multi-generational portraits, but soon realized they needed more than that. They needed something beyond a photo – not just art and heirlooms that could live on for generations, but a recorded documentary of their life stories. That’s when I decided to pivot, offering an elevated, concierge Heira Experience™ for preserving legacies through custom designed portraits, life story documentary films, and heirloom-quality albums Read more>>
Ace
No real success comes without a challenge or hardship, overcoming financial loses and setbacks are all mental mishaps. Ive invested a lot of my time that I can’t get back into things that brought me no profit, all based on the vision or what I believe is the way to go. You will never know your skill until you put it to test. Trusting the wrong individuals, thinking for the moment & not for the future as well as not owning accountability . Read more>>
Chayne Hilton
At the time, my daughter was just three years old. She’s four and a half now, and everything I do is for her future. My initial goal in launching this company was deeply personal: to become the first in my family to create generational wealth. Growing up with very little, I made a promise to myself that my daughter—and her children, and theirs—would never have to struggle the way I did. Read more>>
Michael Lewis
That skill set eventually opened the door to real estate. In the early days, it wasn’t easy — I even remember having to hide my truck until I could make the payment. Instead of giving up, I used that moment as fuel to push harder, keep learning, and build something lasting. Today, as the owner of AML Homes LLC and AML Design & Construction, I’ve been fortunate to invest in, renovate, and sell millions of dollars’ worth of real estate while helping property owners find solutions to their toughest challenges. Read more>>
Nicole Chilson
After high school, I naturally gravitated toward leadership and management roles. Even in positions outside of finance, I was always the one responsible for budgets, HR, and accounting. Over time, I realized that no matter where I worked, I always found myself back in that financial seat. A big milestone for me was working with a nonprofit here in Texas that involved animals — it was really a dream job, blending my passion for animals with my financial background. Read more>>
Leah Ondiek
Boarding school only deepened that sense of disconnection, but I found ways to keep my spirit alive through dance, food as an art, and the Christian Union organization that gave me faith and community. During summer holidays, I would escape to Lake Victoria, where the quiet waters gave me the serenity my heart longed for. The horizon, the waves, and the stillness became my sanctuary—a place to remember peace was possible. Read more>>
Briana Johnson
Her words stuck with me and i started baking as a side business. People started coming to me from all over and my bakery was suddenly taking off! In 2015, I appeared on Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship Season 2 and the entire country was watching me bake! This was not my best work, so when I came home I completely revamped my business with a new name, logo, new recipes, and a new website. Read more>>
John Seckman
In 2016, seeking a more settled life, I transitioned into Marine Surveying—a career that allowed me to stay connected to the maritime industry while establishing roots on shore. After learning the trade and building a client base, I founded my own marine surveying business. Nearly a decade later, I am proud to hold the designation of Accredited Marine Surveyor (AMS) through the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS). Read more>>
Jocelyn Cadiz
As a military spouse, I spent a decade overseas, which was an amazing experience, but it made building a career difficult. When we returned to the U.S., I was in my mid-40s, ready for something meaningful but unsure what that was. A longtime friend suggested counseling, and I was hesitant to apply for the master’s program due to having been rejected from a masters in public relations program a few years earlier. I told myself if I was accepted into the counseling masters that that was going to be my path. Read more>>
Tanya Watkins
That is what I love about East Texas, we love our God, our Country and our home town! I am passionate about the boards I reside on, like Lions Club, Children’s Advocacy Center and woman’s League, they all help make this world a better place! I just want families to take time out to play a few games, Talk about the old days with grandparents and friends and how God has changed our lives for the better and…of course football! Read more>>
Tram Hoang
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. When we first opened, I was nine months pregnant with my second baby. I still remember standing all day for two weeks straight to train new employees, and then going into labor right after. We had to close the shop for just one day before opening again. Read more>>
Jim Burns
Shortly after graduating in 2015, I decided that I wanted to pursue something that was meaningful to me, something that I loved. After much thought and research, I decided that I wanted to start my own online cruise agency. To this day, I remember telling peers about this idea, only to be told “travel agents are a dying breed”. My response to them “do what you love, and it will show in everything that you do”. Read more>>
Michelle Dodd
IMX Pilates and Fitness is a more modern and athletic approach to Pilates. Our reformer is a proprietary piece of equipment, called an Xercizer. It is more durable, larger and more versatile than reformers at other Pilates studios. Our workouts include 5 fundamentals to teach our members how to elongate their spine, breath with purpose, and stabilize their pelvis, ribcage and spine. This results in a workout that strengthens the core and helps to protect the back & spine during strength training. Read more>>
Alshon Rose
Put it on a Shirt Dallas started with a simple idea: turning creativity into something people can actually wear and enjoy. I’ve always had a passion for design and storytelling, and custom apparel gave me the perfect outlet to merge those two. In the beginning, it was just me experimenting with different printing techniques, doing small jobs for friends, local businesses, and events. Read more>>
Christopher Thornton
If you would’ve told me a few years back that I’d be one of the most sought-after wedding vendors in Dallas, I probably would’ve laughed. Where I come from, entrepreneurship wasn’t laid out as a clear path. I grew up surrounded by rap, street culture, hustle, and grind—the type of environment that teaches you how to make something out of nothing. And that’s exactly what I did. Read more>>
Cole Baxter
In my experience, most quality employees need and want to continue working year round. So of course they are going to try to find work elsewhere in the off season, and if you’re lucky, they will come back when the season starts back up. Luckily we have found ways to have our employees take on other tasks in the off season to prepare for the next season and expand the business. Read more>>
Chrishawn Finister
After graduation, I spent a year teaching English conversation in Japan. I loved supporting my students, but again realized that teaching wasn’t the path I wanted to commit to. When I returned to the United States, I began researching graduate programs in school psychology. Wanting to be near my then-boyfriend—now husband—I applied and was accepted into the School Psychology Specialist program at Texas Woman’s University in Denton. Read more>>
Crystal Espinosa
Gardening made its way into many conversations of my patients, and they would reminisce about their love of the garden and seeing all the beautiful flowers. If family members brought flowers, I would always make it a point to arrange it for them or bring the bouquet next to their beds so they can smile when they woke up. Blooms of Hope was created out of love for how flowers and the garden can positively impact mental health and bring joy to the community. In a world of convenience, Blooms of Hope has encouraged myself and our customers to slow down and relish in the beauty of flowers and healthy organic plants. The flowers evoke memories through their scent, the plants nourish our bodies and calm the bravest hearts. Read more>>
Debra Rogers LPC
In my young adulthood, I experienced life-threatening and emotional trauma. After seeing the effects in my daily functioning, I felt completely defeated. However, my life turned around from Survivor to Overcomer with understanding more about how a person’s body/mind reacts naturally to stress, danger, and survival. I also moved towards thriving once I gained an understanding to the distraught of moral injury (when our values are in disarray after an unexpected, altering event) and how to repair that perception. Read more>>
Rachelle Diaz
I have always loved making my own gifts for my loved ones instead of spending money on something and that is why I have always gone that route of creating to bring meaning and a personal touch to it. Now on Valentine’s Day I thought I would surprise my fiance with chocolate covered strawberries and had absolutely no idea what I was doing, but I also did not want to go out and buy them from the store. I wanted to be able to create them myself to be able to give it more meaning. Read more>>
Destiny Kallay
Every client connection, every small win, became a reminder of why she started: to create a space where people feel cared for, inside and out. Today, as an esthetician, sound healer, and herbalist, Destiny sees those early obstacles as the foundation of her strength. What once felt like setbacks are now the story of resilience that shaped her thriving practice—and they fuel her passion for helping others who are also starting fresh, feeling unseen, or searching for their own light. Read more>>
Tyler Eckles
Nearly nine years in healthcare has taken me from physical therapy clinics to strength and conditioning facilities in New York to coaching clients across the globe from Texas. I’ve worked with seven-year-olds to ninety-year-olds, collegiate athletes and busy parents, CEOs and nurses, each chasing their own version of strength and freedom. What drives me now is guiding adults to reclaim their athleticism, move with confidence, sharpen their minds, and live fully in every arena of life. The inspiration runs deep in my bloodline—my father still trains in his 60s, my grandfather walks miles and cranks out push ups at 89, my brother fueled my competitive fire, and my late mother gifted me patience and discipline. Read more>>
Katie Bernet
Not at all. My road to publication was very rocky, but I believe that all the challenges and setbacks prepared me for where I am today. Each of the five manuscripts that I ended up shelving taught me something new about writing, the publishing industry, and myself. Read more>>
Debbie Wood
I lost 150 lbs. I now have three grandkids and I’m able to keep up with them! I’m participating and not sitting on the sidelines! I’ll never be done with my health journey as it is a lifestyle of making healthy choices for life. I’m human, I’m not perfect, and I do mess up, but that doesn’t mean I give up and quit. No, I get right back to making the smart choices that will serve me and my health well. Read more>>
Lourdes Lavalle
I am a founding member of the Latin American Women Artists of Houston (LAWAHouston), with the leadership of renowned artist Arielle Masson, organization I continue to actively support. I am also a member of the East Dallas Art District and the Visual Arts League Allen. Read more>>
Ike Nwabah
We know that building a successful company hinges on truly understanding our customers: their needs, their challenges, and the market opportunities available. This deep insight is what shapes an effective strategy and guides its execution. That’s why we’re selective about the opportunities we pursue, focusing on industries we have proven experience in and profound audience knowledge. We come with our experience but let customer and market data guide the strategy. Read more>>
Shirley Moy
I entered the job market with my computer science degree in the midst of the 1980 recession. Like today, finding a job was difficult. When I got frustrated in my search for a job, I remember my grandmother saying to me, “Get on a donkey, before you get on your elephant.” So I took my first job with an outfit that gave me a desk job doing very little. From that initial position, I progressed to leading teams and developing corporate systems on IBM mainframes for Fortune 500 companies. This was progress, but wasn’t quite my “elephant” yet. Read more>>
Ebony Skinner
I feel like challenges or obstacles may be present over the course of one’s journey. I believe that the response to the challenges and the support that you have along the way can make a significant difference. I’ve faced struggles along the way, which I believe have helped me to grow in various aspects. I also have been very fortunate to have an amazing support system. Read more>>
Todd & Michelle Dicken
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. One of our biggest challenges was figuring out the balance between what we enjoy creating and what the community actually wants to purchase. In the beginning, we offered basic engraved items, but over time we phased out pieces that weren’t desirable or cost-effective. What we’ve always been committed to, though, is creating unique items you won’t find anywhere else—and that vision continues to guide us. Read more>>
Chelsea Mitchell
Brownie Points was something I had my heart on since I was introduced to beauty. I remember being in the hallway of the bathroom watching my mom get ready. She was beautiful, but makeup showed how you could enhance your natural beauty. I started off doing makeup & I eventually decided I could make my own brand. I did the research & started. It was hard, but when I decided to stick with the vision everything else just clicked. I wanted to create a brand that was affordable and luxurious. My product speaks for itself. Although I am just beginning, I have plans to be in all major retail stores! Read more>>
Lindsay Pryor
Going through midlife myself, I felt that I would love to make fun of how we view how our bodies are coping with aging. I really enjoy making people laugh, so I decided to make a whole spice line with funny names correlating to the trying times of having a midlife crisis. Even more recently, I also created my healing blend mixtures that speak to the signs of the zodiac. These gourmet seasonings have labels that give each sign of the zodiac a reminder of their positive attributes, along with affirmations to help uplift the soul. Read more>>
Antoinette Spencer
Nothing about my journey has been smooth but that’s why I love this little lift of mine, I was very young when I lost my mother, and not long after I lost my father. I was a teenage mother and next to the youngest of my mother’s children. I spent a lot of my life tending to the needs of others until I discovered my love for writing. It’s been such a safe space for me and I’m eternally thankful for it. Read more>>
Rufino Vargas
Before my father passed when I was nine, he told me, “Be proud of your name—it means more than you know. It’s honor, pride, hard work.” Those words shaped my motto: “A Vargas Never Gives Up.” Later, ancestry research revealed our 18th blood great-grandfather was Moctezuma, and on the Spanish side, we trace back to the original Vargas family from Spain, with ties to Cortez himself, explaining our deep pride in our heritage. My mother’s Lopez family, traditional Mexican-Americans, were the kind who took no nonsense, fought for the USA, and built their lives through relentless effort. Read more>>
Sharla Austin
In the conversation, we were both sharing how isolated we felt and that simple moment shifted everything. Deborah reached out the following day and invited me to come to her office to talk more.
That conversation became a turning point. We realized that both of us dreamed of creating a place that wasn’t just about therapy sessions, but about becoming a trusted leader in systemic therapy. A place where the power of relationships could transform individuals, couples, families, and communities. Read more>>
