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.
Jamare’ Baity
Just Doing Business: A Story of Resilience Ever since childhood, I’ve carried the same dream. Whenever my mother asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer was always the same: “I want to work for myself.” That desire to build my own lane became the fuel behind my journey—and the reason I created Just Doing Business LLC. Read more>>
Ross & Rachel Gray
In the spring of 2022, Ross and Rachel, who for the record were never on a break, decided it was time to leave the corporate grind behind and chase their shared love of the arts. Their adventure led them to Clifton, Texas, a charming little town two hours southwest of Dallas, best known for its Texas Impressionist roots. Read more>>
Dawn Norby
Our son was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia. While waiting for is bone marrow transplant, Make A Wish San Diego approached us and offered him a wish. Well, he wished to go to Scotland and play golf at St. Andrews. Two weeks later, our family was on a plane to Scotland. This trip and his memories got him through chemo and the transplant. Read more>>
Laura Quinn
I started in real estate over a decade ago, but in many ways, I grew up in the business. Both of my parents were real estate investors, and from an early age I was fascinated by the industry. Interestingly, I originally pursued a career in the medical field and worked in it for six years before realizing my true passion was in real estate. Read more>>
landon stark
I like to joke that I didn’t choose magic—magic chose me. When I was a kid, I stumbled across an old magic book and got hooked on the idea that with a few pieces of paper, some string, and a deck of cards you could bend reality in front of people. That book turned into an obsession. Read more>>
Trudi Free
I was adopted at birth and placed in the most amazing family. My parents were married for 60 years before my dad passed in 2001 an my mom passed in 2023 a few months short of her 100th birthday. I started doing sales in the early 80’s (although I always sold anything and everything door to door… pot holders, candles, cookies, candy etc… Read more>>
Sarah Myers
In October 1981 a small group of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary students gathered at a Dunkin’ Donut shop to pray before going to the Fort Worth Water Gardens to share coffee and donuts with the homeless who were sleeping there. Within a few weeks a weekly ministry was started for the homeless who lived on the streets of Fort Worth. Read more>>
Alix Kieser
My path hasn’t been a straight line, but each step prepared me for what I’m doing now. Since my very first job back in high school, I knew I wanted to be my own boss. The only question was: doing what? When I went to college, I chose psychology with the goal of becoming a therapist and eventually opening my own practice. Read more>>
Eliseo Hinojos
The North Texas Church of Christ was formed from the merging of two different non denominational congregations. The Argyle Church of Christ and The Alliance Church of Christ merged in January 1, 2017. Both congregations recognized the potential of serving their community so much better if they combined forces. We have been blessed with tremendous growth since 2017. Read more>>
marta rozanich
I’ve always felt the need the create, starting with sewing with my grandmother, who was a seamstress. I made my first dress by myself at the age 13. I began my undergraduate studies at UT Austin in textiles and clothing, but felt it was a bit limiting. I decided to change schools and studies to Environmental Design at Texas A&M. Read more>>
Ben Scheck
I never set out thinking I’d be a church planter. From teacher to youth director to pastor, God has always been forming me. My calling has always been to serve people, walk with them in their faith, and point them to God’s grace. Read more>>
Beatrice Pruett
My name is Beatrice Pruett, I became an ordained minister in November 2024 to marry my brother and his girlfriend. They have not decided on a wedding date, but I like to be prepared. I registered with American Marriage Ministries. I purchased the books and read all of them. I was hooked. I told myself I can do this. Read more>>
Dr. Sandy Davis (Anchor Psychology Group)
Anchor Psychology Group is the joint creation of myself, and my co-founder, Dr. Lindsay Ballinger. We originally met in 2015 when I became her clinical supervisor during her graduate program. Over the years, we developed a strong professional relationship and decided our values and personalities aligned in such a way as to found our practice together. Myself and Dr. Read more>>
Eric Loop
Officially, Loop Music Academy began back in 2024 when the business launched. However, the true beginning goes all the way back to my childhood. I always grew up with music around, listening and playing. I began playing piano at a young age, followed by guitar, bass guitar, and more shortly after. Read more>>
Oge Nuss
I fell in love with fashion at a very young age. Growing up, I often struggled to find clothes that fit me just right, so I started learning how to sew my own pieces. To my surprise, I not only enjoyed it but discovered I had a natural gift, soon, friends and others began asking me to make clothes for them too. Read more>>
Laynie Underhill
I have always had a deep interest and love for capturing the beautiful things that the Lord has made. I would always steal my mom’s camera growing up. Family vacations, birthdays, or even simple Iphone pictures I became the family photographer. I loved it. In middle school I started taking pictures with my Ipod touch. Read more>>
Sharmayne Green
I actually started in the tax industry a few years ago with the simple goal of helping people understand their finances and maximize their refunds. What began as preparing returns for family and friends quickly grew into something much bigger as I realized how many people needed not just tax filing, but also someone they could trust to guide them through the process. Read more>>
Charlotte Westapher
I co-manage The Garden Studio with Siobhan Westapher (owner of Independent Artists Agency) and Pär Bengtsson (photographer). The Garden Studio is a photo studio and home to Independent Artists Agency. We offer photography, prop and wardrobe styling, hair and makeup, set design, locations and creative direction. Before this I was working in TV Production in Los Angeles. Read more>>
Brice (you can just display and use Ham for my complete name) Hamilton
I use to organize pickup sessions at the M.A.C. (Mansfield Activities Center)just prior to the pandemic and once the gym didn’t allow me to host because of the restrictions put into place I then transitioned to the Fieldhouse. It was one of the few places that you could have a full court 5v5 session at this particular time. Read more>>
Susan Gonzales
The last five years have been a whirlwind. In March 2020, with a 4-month-old and a 15-month-old at home, I was suddenly fighting for my life after being diagnosed with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Read more>>
Carol Bracken
25 Years of Travel: From Family Cruises to Global Adventures When I started my travel company 25 years ago, the internet was still in its infancy. Expedia had just launched, but most people were hesitant to book anything online, especially something as personal and important as a family vacation. Read more>>
Ryan TOTH
In 2016, after returning home from a work trip, a friend talked me into trying my very first escape room. I’ll admit, I was hesitant at first and didn’t think it would be my thing, but thankfully they pushed me to go. The experience completely won me over—I fell in love with the concept on the spot. Read more>>
Neal Pyles
I never planned on being in the mortgage industry, but looking back, it makes sense. I grew up around real estate—my dad is a real estate broker and my stepmom worked in mortgages. In 2017, right out of college, I was given an opportunity by Kristi Harris, an executive at PrimeLending and a family friend. She helped me land a role in the appraisal department. Read more>>
Candra Wyatt
With the vintage industry booming its really been a blessing to bring something unique to the little town of Paris Texas by combining both tattoos and vintage in one brick and mortar. I opened my doors five years ago in the historic downtown and have been a staple ever since, people from all over come to me for tattoos and vintage goods. I named the store after the rumor Paris Texas was originally named Pinhooks, which also has a slang meaning of buying thrifted clothes and “ Curious Goods”in honor my mothers antique store. I could not imagine a better name and so my little store was born. Tattoos and Vintage, what more could you want? Read more>>
Gina Johnson
Patients often come to us after bad experiences elsewhere to launch their rehab and road to recovery. So many of our referring orthopedic surgeons send their elite, top 5% patients to be treated at SFRT, to promote a higher level of drive and care. Due to our affiliation with SandersFit Performance Center our social media following has blown up the brand. Cofounder, Melvin Sanders, is a former NBA player who trains some of the most elite professional athletes in the country making SandersFit a high profile name in the athlete world! Read more>>
Keyavash (Key) Hemyari
My first memory of family living was with my aunt, cousin, mom, dad, and sister. From starting life with two families in one home, to now each of us moving out and establishing our own homes, I saw the American Dream in action. This upbringing frames a lot of my mindset, that my mother and father could move here from Iran, build amazing lives, and afford us the opportunity to do the same. That became the standard by which I’ve held myself, and also the standard I expect for our wonderful country to provide all people, both immigrant and native alike. My parents set the bar high. Read more>>
Moriah Georges
Although I was born in Brooklyn, and I lived in quite a few places in between, I have come to embrace Richardson as my home. I am a teacher, writer, and facilitator. I teach in my own neighborhood intentionally—because for me, education goes beyond the classroom. Read more>>
Alpana Kagal Jacob
My family immigrated to this country when I was 5 yrars old. Ever since I was young, my family maintained a strong sense of culture at home. Whether it was the delicious food cooked by my mother and grandmother’s, or the random Indian classical music concerts that were held at our house I was constantly nurtured by the Indian cultural arts. Read more>>
Ben Ward
Our story began in Shreveport Louisiana, where we grew up and were called into what we are doing today. We both grew up in church but neither of us had a real relationship with God. We’re were believers in Jesus but not followers. As life separated from God would have it we both ended up in unhealthy, dark, and dysfunctional places. Read more>>
CARLOS MARTINEZ PORTES
I began my career at the Tax Administration in the Dominican Republic, where I received specialized training in taxation from the U.S. Treasury Department and Italy’s Guardia di Finanza. Later, I founded my own tax firm in the Dominican Republic, which quickly grew to serve clients both locally and internationally, including in the United States. Read more>>
Brandee Crawford
I’ve always loved weddings—the beauty, the details, the joy that radiates throughout the day. There’s just something magical about seeing two people surrounded by love, beginning their forever together. For years, being a wedding planner was just a pipe dream tucked away in my heart, something I admired from afar but never imagined myself actually doing. Read more>>
Charlsye Lewis
I worked as a vet tech in high school and a pet sitter throughout college, and when I graduated, I thought about my own dog, Wynton, who would be alone all day while I went to work (if I got a job in my degree field, communication). Read more>>
Brandon Hern
High Ground Jiu Jitsu started with a community of leaders in Wylie, Sachse and Murphy who wanted a family-focused place to learn the art of jiu jitsu. Professors Brandon and Suzie Rhodes, along with Professor Shad Reif helped found High Ground. Through the outpouring of support from the local community, our ranks have tripled in just 3 months – reaching well over 100 students. Read more>>
Margaret Clauder
I started as a pharmaceutical represenative for a major US company in 1981. I was in Tyler, TX and after 1 year in the territory I was promoted to a medical school/teaching hospital territory in the DFW area. Clowning was a weekend hobby for me. I would peform at kids birthday parties on weekends. Read more>>
Kesha Dale
There are so many reasons why I started working in my purpose. One the main reasons was that I had a desire to heal myself from within. I was noticing patterns that I was experiencing that involved my own lack of self awareness of deeper wounds and pain within me. I was making choices that were not of my highest good. Read more>>
April Siver
I am a retired high school teacher. My 33 years of teaching have been in North Texas. I worked about 4 years at the middle school level, and the rest at high school. My initial teaching certificate was in both General education Social Studies and Special Ed with a specialty in Learning Disabilities. Over the years I added other teaching and administrative certifications. Read more>>
Amy Kleckner
Every love story deserves a breathtaking beginning. For me, that belief was born in 2017, while planning my own wedding. When I stepped into the venue I had chosen, it was the chandelier that stopped me in my tracks. It took my breath away and brought tears to my eyes. Read more>>
Ginger McCallum
Ginger is a native Texan, born in Abilene, Texas. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree from Angelo State University she moved to Dallas, Tx. She married Thomas in 1994, moved to Garland and raised two children. She received her Master’s degree from UTD. She is a dynamic and driven individual who always looks for the best outcome for the people she serves. Read more>>
Joel Scheller
I became a Christian in the early ’90s, and from the start, I felt a natural pull toward teaching and mentoring. Over the years, I used those gifts in various churches across the country, often moving due to my secular career. Each new city brought a new congregation, and each congregation helped shape my understanding of ministry and service. Read more>>
Sadie Lanier
Hmmm, How I Went from a Troubled Teen to a Trusted Counselor… Growing up as a somewhat rebellious teenager, a therapy session arranged by my well-meaning mother was not the path to healing she had hoped for. Instead of opening up, I shut down. It was a wasted hour, as far as I was concerned. Read more>>
Julie Mattson
I have been an RN for 30 years. After years of working in the emergency department, I began performing evidence collection on adults and children who were victims of sexual assault. I worked closely with the police and frequently testified in court, helping put the criminals in jail for life. Read more>>
Camila Souza
I’m originally from São Paulo, Brazil, and my background has always been in health, fitness, and education — that’s what I studied in college, and I worked as a personal trainer back home. At that time, my real passion was dance and fitness, not Jiu-Jitsu. Read more>>
Dennis Washington
After spending almost over 3 decade in the corporate environment, I wanted to do something that meant more than getting a paycheck. I landed on designing multiple (everyday) products that uses imagery specifically aimed at strengthening communities, building self-esteem, cultural tolerance and social awareness. Read more>>
Eddie Hsieh
My story began with a simple mission: to bring comfort and wellness to people’s everyday lives. When I first discovered massage chairs, I realized they weren’t just luxury items—they could genuinely improve quality of life. That realization inspired me to turn this passion into a business and share it with my community in Dallas. Read more>>
Swati Shah
I was born and raised in Valsad, Gujarat, India, where I completed my schooling and earned a Master’s in Organic Chemistry. Read more>>
Meghan Savage
My path to founding Thrive Holistic Health has been shaped by two very different worlds. After earning my MBA from Baylor University, I spent five years working in pharmaceutical marketing. While it was a valuable experience, I couldn’t ignore how misaligned it felt with what I believed deep down. Read more>>
Kee Song
My family immigrated from South Korea in 1981. Since then, we started Men’s Collections and have been going strong ever since. We specialize in dress or formal wear, along with our same or next day tailoring services. We’ve been voted #1 Men’s Retail Business for the last 2 years. Read more>>
scott richardson
I am a Medicare, Gold/Silver Broker and also help business streamline process to create a new revenue stream. Read more>>
DUTCH DALTON
Well , going back to the beginning. I have always been interested in art. I was an only child , drawing is the way I amused myself away from sports . I started my apprenticeship January 10 1998. Then I had to work a job and do an apprenticeship. It was tough, long hours , dedication, and determination. Read more>>
Savannah Honarbakht
My journey into this work as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist really stems from both who I am and the communities I’ve grown within. As a queer, neurodivergent, first-generation Iranian-American, I’ve always been mindful of how identity, culture, and relationships shape our experiences. That naturally led me to Marriage and Family Therapy, where I can honor people’s full stories and intersectionalities. Read more>>
Stephanie Rivero
I’m Stephanie Rivero, founder and lead BCBA of Wired Behavior. My journey started in classrooms — first as a teacher, then as a behavior therapist, and later as an assistant principal — always working closely with autistic children and their families. Read more>>
Audrey Dixon
I worked for Wolfgang Puck Catering at Reunion Dallas for 5 years as a Senior Catering Sales Manager and would bake on the side as a hobby. When the COVID Pandemic hit, no one was having events, and the job position was no longer available. Read more>>
Kim Cribb
Founded in 2020, So Sweet, So Savory began as a way to bring comfort, joy, and connection during uncertain times. My path to becoming a chef didn’t start as a career goal, honestly. I just genuinely love food, flavor combinations, and feeding folk’s souls…the fact that people are willing to pay for it? That’s just the bonus, chile! Read more>>
Jackie Hardy
My story mirrors many others in that I discovered my purpose during one of the most challenging periods of my life: the early stages of motherhood. As a new mom who had recently relocated to a new state in the early 2000s, I struggled with feelings of inadequacy and questioned my worthiness as a parent. Read more>>
Shaun Stephens
I recognized my gift of being a nurturer and comforter at an early age but it would be many years later and a global pandemic that would allow me to share those gifts professionally. Utilizing my continuous education and talents, made me a successful entrepreneur. Owning & operating several small businesses throughout the DFW metroplex. Read more>>
Gregg Earnhart
The extreme mental and physical toll of local, state, and regional matches, with their relentless demands for stability, stamina, and razor-sharp concentration, took a heavy toll on him. “You’re out there under harsh conditions, heart pounding, muscles screaming, and your mind has to stay locked in,” he says. Drawing on his fitness background, where he’d honed his body through disciplined training and nutrition, Gregg began researching and formulating supplements specifically designed for shooting athletes. Read more>>
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>>
