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.
Alexandria Kay
I started out of necessity. I didn’t start with a business plan or a big vision. Jobs wouldn’t hire me. I had to find a way to survive. Cooking has always come naturally to me, the people around me always loved my food. I was the designated cook for every holiday. Read more>>
Crystal Shultz
My heart has always been drawn to spaces where people feel seen, celebrated, and inspired. What started as a dream to simply host meaningful gatherings has grown into two locations with the same heartbeat. Eleven 41 Studio & Greenhouse and The Flat Downtown Event Venue are both built on the belief that a space can be so much more than four walls. Read more>>
Regina Graham
Mariachi Lindo Tejas (MLT) is Ellis County’s first community mariachi program. With members from Dallas and Ellis Counties and ranging in age from 7 to adult, MLT has grown to become a close knit community of families that enjoy traveling around Texas and sharing a love for mariachi music. Read more>>
David Maddron
I began as a travel advisor in February 2020, just mere days before the travel world would essentially come to a complete stop. That lengthy pause gave me an opportunity to fully immerse myself in the travel industry as a whole and the ability to launch what has now become a multi-million dollar travel business in short time. Read more>>
Sally Rodriguez
I teach Zumba classes at The Fitness Connection gyms in Garland and Allen. I started out subbing for instructors who needed their classes covered and it grew to having my own classes. Sounds cliche but I’ve been dancing for as long as I can remember. As soon as the music started I would not stop. Read more>>
Jessica Custodio
I trained as a Labor Doula with C.A.P.P.A in November of 2017, following a transformative experience with my own Birth Doula, Yvonne Gray. After experiencing a healing Vaginal Birth After Two Cesareans (VBAC2) I was inspired to become a Birth Doula! Not too long after becoming a Doula, I transitioned from Birth Doula work to Postpartum Care. Read more>>
Alison Wagner
I started Fort Worth Photo Booth Company nearly three years ago. With my kids grown and after more than a decade in federal government work, I realized I wanted something more, something I could call my own. I spent several months exploring different business opportunities, and ultimately, a photo booth business felt like the perfect fit: creative, people-focused, and full of potential. Read more>>
Phillip Brown
The Story of Simply Phillip Brown Event Services By Phillip Brown My name is Phillip Brown, and I am the founder and owner of Simply Phillip Brown Event Services—a company that represents not only my professional journey but also my personal evolution. Read more>>
Jackie Loubriel
This studio opening has been a distant dream of mine ever since I first walked the streets of Deep Ellum during a Photo 101 class at the Art Institute of Dallas in 2012, when I was 17 and preparing to start my Senior year in Oklahoma City. Read more>>
David Shirley
I was born the oldest to two deaf parents. My father worked in the automotive field (a mechanic for VW) and operated a body shop in our backyard after he had an injury that forced him to disability. My mother was an engineer for the Corp of Engineers in Ft Worth. Starting at age 5, I was pretty much the translator for my parents. Read more>>
Emily Gregoire
My story starts with my Dad, he raised me as a single father, and as a stonemason and business owner, I always saw his as a type of sculptor. He made sure my life was filled with art and business from a young age. Read more>>
Michael Carr, D.C.
Chiropractic has been a part of my life since I was in high school. I was involved in several auto accidents back to back and the result was a complete loss of health. Along with musculoskeletal pain, I was having daily headaches which eventually turned into debilitating migraines. Read more>>
Shane Sutton
Meet Shane Sutton — Chef & Owner of Shane Boy’s Craft Hawaiian Grindz I began my culinary journey back in 1996, right in my hometown in Hawaii. My grandmother’s neighbor, Chef Michel Ducoffre, was originally from Belgium and owned a French restaurant called Le Guignol in Honolulu. Read more>>
Dr. Elise Waller, PT, DPT, CSCS
I was born and raised in Dallas, TX, and grew up constantly on the move – playing sports, hanging out in the gym, or running around outside. I was recruited to play soccer early in my collegiate career before transferring to Southern Methodist University, where I double-majored in Applied Physiology and Spanish. Read more>>
Hannah Kuipers
My name is Hannah! I am an artist and musician. Classical music is part of my DNA. I started playing the piano and harp when I was seven years old. I never looked back. Music opened doors in my life. What a journey it has been. I took performance to the highest level. Read more>>
Brian Agbor
The Dapper Men Company began as a personal frustration that turned into a lifelong calling. Years ago, while preparing for a major occasion, I struggled to find a suit that truly reflected who I was — something tailored, timeless, and made with intention. Read more>>
Tania Harris
I have always been creative since childhood. I love to draw, paint, dance, cook and I even used to play the trumpet. My love of learning and creativity led me to get my degree in Art and Spanish. I taught Spanish for several years and got to travel abroad in my college years to Spain, Costa Rica and Guatemala. Read more>>
Dwayne Lee
Overlord Adventures began as a way to keep the history of D-Day alive. After touring the Normandy, France area for the first time in 2016, I became totally consumed in helping small groups of 10-12 people go on this 7-day Adventure. We cover the entire Normandy /B-Day invasion area, visiting 57 different sites. We have since extended our tours to 8 full days. Read more>>
Diane Thompson Mitchell
We are a husband and wife team: Roy Mitchell and Diane Thompson Mitchell. Here’s our story. We were each working in the design industry at the time we met about 15 years ago. We immediately recognized that we shared a similar approach to our clients and service levels, but had very different strengths. Read more>>
Tom Gould
Tunergoods was welcomed into existence in 2013. As its owner, I always had a passion for cars and I wanted to share my passion with others. One way to do that was to offer aftermarket car parts for people to modify their car whether aesthetically or functionally. I was also active duty military serving in the Army as my full time job through this period. Read more>>
Faith Dickey
Coming from the world of professional athleticism, it took me some time after moving to Moab to discover what I wanted to do. I was transitioning away from high level Highlining, and yet I still wanted the sport to be a part of my life. Read more>>
Dana Harris
My story really started out of frustration. I was tired of running to the mall and never finding clothes that I liked, that fit well, or that were cut in a way that felt comfortable and appropriate for me. Jeans were either too low, tops were too revealing — it just wasn’t my style. Read more>>
Emerald Khan
I got my first check for performing in 200 at a place called the Bohemian Tavern in Washington DC. I graduated High School in Washington DC where I attended Duke Ellington School for the performing arts in 2002. I started touring right out of school singing jazz & modeling under the leadership of Mr. John Blassingame & Marcus Johnson. Read more>>
Guinevere McDonald
Guinevere McDonald is a fashion stylist. Raised in the Philippines and rooted in Dallas, she is a proud Filipina-American with an ability to blend diverse cultural influences with contemporary trends, allowing you to create unique looks that tell a story. Read more>>
Alexandra Koeneke
It took me a while to find the right career path for me. I started off as an elementary school teacher fresh from receiving my undergrad at the University of Houston. Teaching was rewarding and I valued the relationships I developed with my students; however, it was physically and mentally exhausting. I found my health and well-being drastically declining in the two years I spent in the classroom. Read more>>
Aaron Helm
I’m a proud native of the DFW Metroplex, having grown up in the wonderfully diverse and dynamic environment of south Arlington. From an early age, the core value of caring for others was profoundly ingrained in me by my mother, who dedicated herself to looking after everyone in her orbit. That example of selfless care planted the seed of my purpose, which would later combine with my operational drive to shape my professional trajectory. Read more>>
Kelly Dando
I began my career in association management nearly two decades ago. After moving from Nashville to Dallas in 2013, I started by helping one Dallas client manage their association, and before long, others began seeking my support. I hired my first team member in 2015, and by 2019 I officially launched Kelly Dando Consulting to provide volunteer led organizations and professional associations with the expertise and support they need without the cost of full-time staff. Read more>>
Amelia Danner
I have a couple of businesses. I have had a tax firm for about 30 years, it always kept me busy, not really a passion, about 12 years ago I realized I am a fixer and peace maker, helping in disputes and with communication. I suddenly found my knack as a mediator and now also an Arbitrator. Read more>>
Myranda George
At 10 years old I would make houses out of my shoe boxes, using foil for mirrors and patterned paper as runners. I also remember one Christmas I got a 3d computer game and would design spaces for hours. It was a hobby that turned into my career later on in life. Read more>>
Paige Cowsert
My name is Paige, I’m from Garland, Texas, and I have been a professional waxing specialist for 4 years! I graduated from Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute in 2020 with my Esthetician License, and I knew that waxing was my calling. Read more>>
Sheka Johnson
Entrepreneurial Journey: From Teen Mom to Multi-Millionaire Business Consultant Sheka Johnson, widely recognized as High Status, is a multi-millionaire business consultant and the founder of High Status Consulting, a company dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and business owners to scale their businesses, increase revenue, and achieve a high level of success and fulfillment. Read more>>
Courtney Crawford
Dr. Crawford is a Board Certified retina specialist who has been practicing ophthalmology for over 15 years. Prior to private practice, he proudly served as a physician in the US Army for 13 years, attaining the rank of Lt. Colonel. Dr. Crawford is passionate about health care and helping patients to have better access to health care services. Read more>>
Giselle Rutledge
I started carving with the chainsaw in 1986 in Colorado with my ex husband, later in 1990 we moved to Texas and sold our art everywhere in Houston then Dallas. In 1996 we open the store Fine Wood Carvings on IH 35E near Waxahachie. Read more>>
Precious Calloway
I started my entrepreneurial journey in 2015 when I opened my own bakery. As a single mom, building a business from the ground up was both exciting and challenging. In 2016, I began doing taxes at first, it was simply something extra to help support my family. But what started as a side hustle quickly turned into a passion. Read more>>
Teresa Kulupka
I was doubting myself, my capabilities and my communication styles. What was I doing to make other department heads so unwilling to work together as a team? I became very data centered, I mean who can argue with facts? I was sharing valuable data and insights which told us what tactics were working and which weren’t, but they wouldn’t change. I forced myself to ‘circle the wagons’ before I’d bring new ideas to light to get buy-in from peers, I was very careful to be diplomatic and praise others for contributing insights during meetings and I’d still get pushback. In meetings that I led, I’d get drilled with questions, 99% of which I could answer, but the point was to try to make me look bad, not for me to clarify. Read more>>
Elaine Gantz Wright
I am an aging, yet scrappy, single mother of two wild and precious boys, one gone way too soon. As I intentionally honor the legacy and 26 exquisite years of knowing my late son, Elliot, I’m navigating the craggy and cumbersome path of devouring grief one day and one moment at a time. Read more>>
Libby Belcher
My grandmother was a history teacher throughout my childhood, so I have always had an interest in history and preserving it. I attended Texas Tech University, where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Creative Media Industries. While there, I worked as a student assistant at the Texas Tech Vietnam Center and Sam Johnson Vietnam Archive—the largest non-government Vietnam War archive in the world. Read more>>
Janetta Olaseni
My journey began at the intersection of faith, service, and purpose. I’m a Registered Nurse, Certified Case Manager, and Board-Certified Holistic Health Practitioner who turned pain into purpose after walking through some of the hardest seasons of my life including surviving breast cancer, losing loved ones, and learning to find my voice again. Read more>>
Jorge Amaro
From Santurce to Purpose: The Story of Mista Music Engtertainment I was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, on July 30, 1975—a place full of rhythm, color, and stories waiting to be sung. From a young age, music flowed through me like a language I didn’t have to learn. The sounds of salsa, reggaetón, and gospel mixed in the streets, shaping the heartbeat of my childhood. Read more>>
Kira Brought
Hi! I’m Kira. I’m a former military brat that was born in New York and raised all along the east coast until my family decided to retire in Arkansas. I’m a University of Arkansas graduate with a Bachelors of Arts in Communication, and am a leader in logistics software development in my career. Read more>>
Debora Mora
Began my journey in childcare in 2010 working as a teacher at Primrose School at Grand Peninsula. I juggled work and going to college. During my time there I worked in every classroom with every age group. Graduated college with my Bachelors in Biology, growing up I always imagined myself as a pediatrician or pediatric dentist. Read more>>
Ebony Berry
Ebony Berry – Founder of Come Tea Us “Choosing Me, One Cup at a Time” If someone told me a few years ago I’d be hosting tea parties for a living, I might’ve smiled, sipped my butterfly pea tea, and asked them how strong their brew was. But life has a funny way of steeping us in exactly what we need. Read more>>
Lyric Nidaé
My name is Lyric Nidaé, and my love for performing, singing, acting, and dancing began when I was just a small child. Although my dream to share it with the world bloomed slowly, like a flower in a garden. My first memories of performing took place in church, where I was a praise dancer in my earliest years. Read more>>
Emily Bunderson
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I have always been hesitant to give my dog store bought treats. Many of them have so many ingredients and preservatives. I wanted to create a business where I can make dog treats that are super safe, limited in ingredients, but also aesthetically pleasing. I’ve always love to bake, so one day I decided I’d like to start a dog bakery. Read more>>
Seantina Kelley
I began crafting Shea Butters in 2015, originally for myself and my daughters. Living with eczema and psoriasis, I found that many store-bought products—though fragrant and luxurious—would irritate my skin and cause painful breakouts. Determined to find a better solution, I dove into research, exploring natural ingredients that could soothe and nourish rather than harm. Read more>>
Adam Frost
Highland Park Guitar Lessons began with a simple idea: make high-quality, personalized guitar lessons accessible to students of all ages in Dallas and beyond. What started as one-on-one lessons in Highland Park quickly grew into a trusted name for private guitar lessons in Dallas, offering both acoustic and electric guitar instruction for beginners, intermediate players, and advanced musicians. Read more>>
Hank Harrison
Truthfully, I can’t tell my story without starting well before myself. I grew up in Corpus Christi, and my family has been part of downtown’s story for generations. Read more>>
Terrica Bates
Honestly, I got started on a total fluke. My brother has six kids (yes, six!), and birthday cakes were getting more and more expensive. So, me being the “best sister ever,” I decided to bake the cakes myself. That was about 10 or 11 years ago, and what started as me just trying to help out turned into something I absolutely fell in love with. Read more>>
Athena Davidson
I started out in choir and theatre, always with a song on my heart and passion for performance. With a natural affinity for English and writing, I picked up slam poetry and started traveling doing poetry slams and in the same year was taking music theory in high school where I taught myself the piano. Read more>>
Dr. Misty Schmidt
I spent many years mentoring youth and young adults before I ever became a therapist, and that experience shaped the way I show up in this work. I went on to pursue a Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy and eventually founded Schmidt Family Counseling, where I focus on supporting neurodivergent individuals, couples, and families. Read more>>
Tracy Miller
T.E.X.A.S. Rescue is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity dedicated to the rescue efforts of donkeys, horses, and mules within Texas! These animals are victims of abuse, neglect, starvation, abandonment, law enforcement seizures, changes within families where ownership is no longer an option, or left alone and forgotten. Once they arrive at our rescue, we attended to their medical and hoof care needs, deworming, and ultimately…. Read more>>
Dr. Julie Gray
I like to say I’m a late bloomer — the first in my family to graduate from college, and someone who took the long road toward purpose. My childhood was far from easy. I grew up in a chaotic environment marked by addiction and instability. My father, an abusive alcoholic, passed away when I was twelve, leaving behind eight children. Read more>>
Arthur Dickson
I’m originally from Portland, Oregon, and I’ve only been in Texas for about five months now. My story is complex, shaped by the various places I’ve lived and the journey that led me here. Growing up as the youngest of six siblings, I learned a lot from their experiences—both the positive and negative aspects that impacted their lives. Read more>>
Eve Butterly
As many Theatre Kids do, I wanted to work in movies when I grew up. However, I recognized that being an actor was too financially insecure for me, so I opted for an equally non-stable career behind the camera. I never could have predicted how uneven my career would be! Read more>>
Susan Fennema
I’m not only the Chaos Eradicating Officer (CEO) of Beyond the Chaos, I’m also an author and speaker who’s passionate about helping small business owners reclaim their lives from operational overwhelm. I started Beyond the Chaos after decades of running operations and project management for small businesses that were constantly spinning their wheels. Read more>>
Kay Thibodeaux
We are a full-service bakery, chocolate shoppe and gift store…basically, your one-stop shoppe for any food or gifting needs! We also have a separate classroom in our shoppe so that we can continue to do truffle-making classes, birthday/anniversary events, create your own bar events, and more. I also do offsite classes and speaking engagements. This year, we are focusing on corporate gift-giving for the holidays as we can print logo box sleeves, or even just logo sugar cookies. Read more>>
Robert Douglas
I grew up in upstate New York. My dad was a police officer, and my mom was a homemaker. I had three brothers. We didn’t have much money, so I did what kids did back then, I got a lot of part-time jobs. I was a paper boy, lawn mower, lifeguard, I parked cars, and when I got into wrestling, I cross-trained at the feed store loading 100 lb. bags of feed onto trucks. Read more>>
Klysta Pesina
I started my journey as a nail artist and salon owner of Exquisite Nails Boutique 5 years ago. I have always been ambitious however I never knew exactly where this business venture would take me. It all stated after passing the Texas cosmetology state board exams and earning my manicurist license. I was working in various nail salons around Dallas for a while then the pandemic hit. Everything came to a halt. However, following the pandemic I took a leap of faith and opened my own private salon suite. Read more>>
