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.
Phoebe, Zahira, Kelly Olvera, Díaz, Jasso
From there, Hot Girl Stride was born. We wanted to create a space where women could come together, feel empowered, and enjoy running without pressure — no matter their pace or experience. Now, we host themed runs across DFW, welcome all paces, and even co-ed participants, while keeping women’s empowerment at the core. The best part is watching our community cheer each other on, laugh mid-run, and leave feeling stronger than they came — that’s what Hot Girl Stride is all about. Read more>>
Adrian Cardwell
A couple of years later, I was walking coast to coast across northern England along Hadrian’s Wall—alone, limping on a broken toe, thinking about the rising hostility facing LGBTQ+ people back home. Somewhere on that trail, Harvey Milk’s question echoed in my head: “How can people change their minds about us if they don’t know who we are?” Read more>>
Tammy Dooley
Tammy Dooley serves as the Director of the City of Granbury Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Granbury), where she leads the city’s tourism and destination marketing efforts. She oversees key assets including the Lake Granbury Conference Center, the Granbury Visitor Center, the Langdon Arts Complex, and the Granbury Trolley—strategically promoting Granbury as one of Texas’ premier getaway destinations. Read more>>
Kirti Srivastava
As I grew stronger, I returned to the part of me I had long set aside — my love for music and culture. Singing at community events, curating cultural shows, and reconnecting with Indian traditions reignited something powerful in me. That rediscovery inspired my son, Aneesh, to create Sur N Swag, an entertainment platform dedicated to celebrating talent, culture, and creativity. This platform gives local artists a space to shine — where passion meets purpose. Read more>>
Lindsay Shobe
I’ve always been the type to jump in headfirst. Sometimes blindly, sometimes with way too much confidence, but always ready and willing to figure it out along the way. I spent the majority of my career hustling in male-dominated industries. I learned very quickly that I had to work 10x’s harder to prove myself or to be taken seriously. Read more>>
Lynne Buchanan
I graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drawing and Painting from The University of North Texas. Through a series of life happenings, I ended up teaching Art in public schools for 25 years. When I retired, I began painting full time and my second career as an artist has grown and evolved into a full-time commitment. Read more>>
Dy Lathan
I’m Dy Lathan, CEO of Dyin2Know Social Media Agency. I help entrepreneurs and businesses build online brands that are authentic, visible, and impactful. My journey began leading a women’s ministry at 19, where I discovered my passion for empowering people to share their stories, connect with their audiences, and grow their influence. Read more>>
LaPorchia Hervey
I am a professional home baker. I started my business 5 years ago. Baking cakes has always been my passion since I was a little girl. I started out very simple with my business because I really didn’t know the ins & out of owning a business. My rapidly grew over these years. I enjoy seeing my loyal & regulars customers & new customers. Read more>>
Chelsea Shaw
I’ve been fascinated with hair since I was a little girl. My mama or my aunties would do our hair most of the time growing up so we were rarely in an actual salon. When I was around 4 I would start experimenting with shampooing my dolls in the bathroom sink. Read more>>
Gata Herrera
Ive always been obsessed with arts, weather it be dance, food, cars, anything anyone could get passionate about. My home life was hard so my passions were quickly stifled for survival. I lucked into a spot at a shop as a counter person and that set things in stone for me. If I could get into a shop, I can make it in this industry. Read more>>
Reshel Mae
Hey there! My name is Reshel Mae and I’m an actor for theater, film and voice over. You may know me best as the voice of Lishu from Apothecary Diaries or Typhoon Devil in the Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc Movie among many other popular anime titles. Read more>>
Carlos Barron
Was raised during the heroin epidemic in the mid-to-late 1990s in Plano Tx, resulting in at least 19 deaths among young people between 1995 and 1999. The crisis gained national attention and challenged the perception of heroin as a problem confined to inner cities. Ex gang member and ex drug addict/seller. Was in and out of jail from the age 16-21. Read more>>
Susana and Lizbeth
Desthetician Room was born from a dream shared by two best friends, two single moms with one vision: to create a life of purpose, independence, and success through helping others feel their best. Before opening our spa, we were both pursuing nursing school. But life had other plans.We had to pause our studies yet we never gave up on our passion for care and healing. Read more>>
Dr. Ayesha Hosein
Dr. Ayesha is a proud U.S. Army veteran, and devoted chiropractor committed to helping people heal naturally. Her own journey began after sustaining a significant injury during military service. Years of relying on conventional pain management brought little relief—until she discovered chiropractic care. That experience not only restored her health but also inspired her to dedicate her career to helping others through the same path. Read more>>
Manvi Tandon
I am Manvi Tandon, a junior at Emerson High School and the founder of MediSec a student led 501(c)3 fiscal nonprofit supported by HackClub. MediSec is dedicated to bridging the gap of cybersecurity and healthcare. My journey began when curiosity in tech and cybersecurity grew. Read more>>
Dan Gaines
I like to joke that I don’t know a musical note from a doctor’s note — which is fitting, because I’ve actually been both. What I do know is how deeply I love live music: the energy, the connection, the way a great performance can make a crowd of thousands feel like a family reunion. Read more>>
Kristen Fowler
When I was 12 years old, I already knew what I wanted to do with my life. As I looked at the mannequin head sitting under the Christmas tree in 2013, I was forever latched onto the idea of doing hair. Read more>>
Sonu Dhakal
I came to this country as an immigrant from Nepal at the beginning of 2012 and began working for a similar business. With support from my husband, Jay Koirala, and the little savings I had, I decided to take a leap of faith, become an entrepreneur, and start my own brand. Read more>>
Jamiil Boyd
When I was young, I really got into the design shows that came on TV. I was OBSESSED. I started buying books and magazines to support my new found passion. As a young adult, I started decorating my own spaces and people slowly started asking me to do their spaces as well. Read more>>
Vivian Hua
Growing up I always dreamed of being an entrepreneur, but as a good daughter, I followed my parents’ wishes — to study hard, earn my degree, and find a stable corporate job. And I did all of that. But deep down, I knew I was meant to build something of my own — something that would let me serve, inspire, and lead with purpose. Read more>>
Sela Munson
Hi! It’s Sela. Okay, so I actually started making all-natural coconut wax candles when I was eight years old. My uncle taught me how, and I instantly loved it. Read more>>
Nathan Trillo
I’m Nathan Trillo, the founder, acquisition manager, and marketing director of Dallas Homes for Cash. I was born and raised right here in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex — spending my early years in Ellis County and most of my adult life across Dallas and Collin Counties. Read more>>
Jeanette Chivvis
I’m Jeanette Chivvis. I began my professional life as a celebrity stylist in Los Angeles and Dallas, where I learned to build trust quickly, read what people need even when they can’t say it, and manage high-stakes client relationships with creativity and calm. Today I run Serenity Springs Wellness and Counseling Group, which I launched in 2025. Read more>>
Rosa Arellano
The food industry has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I spent more than 18 years working for different restaurant companies before I finally decided to take a leap of faith and start something of my own. I began at the very bottom, working hard and learning everything I could. Read more>>
Michelle Levall
I grew up in a ‘theatre trunk’ as they say. My mother and some friends started a neighborhood theatre in the 1980s when I was a small child. My dad used a coffee can for our spotlights and we performed in backyards. Then my mother got the ‘bug’ and created a non profit children’s theatre. Read more>>
Chioma Okwor
My name is Chioma Rosemary Okwor ,CEO of Rosiannas Cosmetics LLC. Professional makeup artist (16years) Mom of 2 adorable kids. My journey as a professional makeup artist started in the year 2011 while in college in my birth country Nigeria. I moved to the United States in the year 2017 to further my education and my passion for makeup continued. Read more>>
rebekah.l.myer@gmail.com myer
My love for flowers started as a child. I was the kid who always picked wildflowers and making arrangements for my mom. Art has always been a passion of mine starting with watercolors as a child painting with my grandmother. Flowers were often painted by us. Read more>>
Mohsin Veerani
I was born in New York City and raised in Dallas, Texas — a blend of hustle and heart. My dad sold watermelons on the streets of Harlem, and my mom was a top professional at IBM. Growing up watching both worlds taught me something crucial: success comes from a mix of grit and intelligence. I’ve always been obsessed with business. Read more>>
Kaley Potter
My story really began with Life With The Potters. I have always loved creating in some way, but in November of 2023 I started sharing content more consistently. What started as documenting our family life and intentional living slowly grew into something bigger. By January of 2025 I discovered UGC and realized there was a real opportunity to turn what I loved into a business. Read more>>
Anthony Barnhill
I started hair school in 2006 while figuring out what I really wanted to do—it was supposed to be something “easy” while I found my path. By 2007, I began my first salon job, assisting for two years before venturing out on my own in 2013. Read more>>
Greta Rolandi Fernicola
My journey in dance began dancing at the age of four in my hometown of Genoa, Italy. From a very young age, I knew that dance was more than a hobby it was my purpose. Read more>>
Candace Powers
Hello, my name is Candace Powers, creator of Brooke & Pear Gallery. Brooke and Pear is a brand I created in 2021 after opening my own hair booth in Haltom City. I had the idea in mind that it wouldn’t just be my hair brand but also a way to incorporate all my creative endeavors. Read more>>
Cheryl Adamson
Ever since I was 5yrs old, I wanted to be a veterinarian. I played vet with my stuffed animals and made all of my friends be my receptionist. My dream came to fruition after graduating from Oklahoma State University in 2008. Read more>>
Evony Siegmyer
I am a loctician (I do locs) in Addison. I had been doing locs on and off for 7 years while in college and working in corporate America. I left corporate America and started doing locs full-time 3 and a half years ago. I have a small suite and I’ve been at the same shop, Famous the Barbershop, the entire 3.5 years. Read more>>
Jose Escobar
My story is a reflection of what millions of people in Dallas experienced during pandemic, but with a pivot toward opportunity. It all began in June 2020. My hours at my previous job were being cut, job uncertainty was high due layoffs, and my priority quickly became finding a way to provide for my family. Read more>>
Kanan Shah
When my son Kavi was in high school, the search began for learning center or institution which would provide the needed individual and focused tutoring for him to assist in bis onward journey. Read more>>
Jenny Nagg
Hi! My name is Jennifer “Jenny” Nagg and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have a telehealth counseling practice: Waxahachie Therapy. I would love to share with you how I got my start. From my earliest memories, I was the counselor in my friendship and family circles. Read more>>
Beata Brooks
I pursued the field of Speech Pathology with a genuine desire to help others. From my early years in high school through my undergraduate studies, I actively participated in community outreach programs and volunteered with organizations supporting exceptional individuals. Read more>>
Tyler Reed
Our story starts years ago in North Georgia where we first met. I was offered a promotion to manage one of our lower tier schools as the current manager was moving on to other things. Read more>>
Jan Touchberry
I’ve spent most of my adult life in vocational ministry — it just felt natural. I’m a preacher’s kid, after all. But I’m also wired for action. Vision. Momentum. So during one particular season of ministry where I felt stuck (bored, if we’re being honest), I did what most “always-doing” people do — I started something new. I dipped my toe into network marketing. But… Read more>>
Sarah Doughty
I’ve always been driven by connection — between people, communities, and meaningful causes. My journey began with a focus on sustainable development and education, earning my Bachelor’s in International Studies from the University of North Texas and later a Master’s in Education from Johns Hopkins University, where I researched student access to community resources. Read more>>
Caroline Fisher
I’ve loved to travel for as long as I can remember. Some of my earliest memories are of family trips that sparked my curiosity about the world and how people live in different places. That love for discovery deepened even more in college when I studied abroad in Costa Rica. Read more>>
Virginia Prodan
Virginia Prodan is an International Human Rights Attorney, an Allied Attorney with Alliance Defending Freedom, Best Selling Author of memoir – Saving My Assassin – Published by Tyndale House Publishers, an International sought-after KeyNote Speaker, and the Host of Courageous Leadership with Virginia Prodan Podcast. Read more>>
Trudy Tran
I grew up in a small town in Mississippi, but always dreamt of something bigger. Throughout high school, I discovered my love for the arts while working at my local radio station. After taking a leap of faith and moving to Texas with only a car full of my things, it wasn’t long before I found a new creative outlet in photography. Read more>>
Devisha Long
How I began is I have always had an interest in helping people. I was a caretaker for my mother which turned into me going to nursing school. After completing my degree in Nursing and working in my career there was a calling towards herbalism. Read more>>
Felix Wangsawihardja
I was born and raised in Indonesia. In 1988, due to political turmoil, my family made the difficult decision to pursue a new life in the United States. The transition wasn’t easy—I didn’t speak English at the time—but I embraced the change and remain grateful for the opportunities and blessings that followed. Read more>>
Derick West
During my transition out of the military, I faced significant mental challenges. As a family man, I’ve always felt a deep responsibility to provide and lead by example. What I didn’t anticipate was that my determination to guide my children—especially my daughter—would inspire an entirely new career path. Read more>>
Holly Arjoonsingh
I started making soap in 2013 after a friend gave me soapmaking supplies for my birthday. She thought that with my science background and love of crafting, I’d take to it naturally and she was right. What began as a hobby quickly became a passion. Read more>>
Cammy Herrera
My journey began as a mom searching for the right preschool for my daughter — and finding nothing that truly felt right. I visited program after program, facing roadblock after roadblock, and left each one more discouraged. I wanted something that honored children as individuals, encouraged curiosity, and allowed them to learn through meaningful, hands-on experiences. Read more>>
Lance Peeler
The year was 2011. I needed a quality leather bag to carry my new laptop. I reached out to Arthur Porter, founder of Dallas Designing Dreams—a master leather craftsman I had previously worked with on computer projects—and asked him to provide a quote for a custom bag. Read more>>
Natalie Macellaio
I started working in metals in high school in the suburbs of Chicago. From a young age I was lucky enough to find something that has held my interest for all of these years! I moved to Texas for graduate school at the University of North Texas to complete an MFA in the Jewelry and Metalsmithing program. Read more>>
Sara Williams
Photography for me started as a hobby after I had my first baby. I really wanted to have good photos to look back on as she got older to help me remember life in each stage and season with her. Read more>>
Maricruz Saucedo
I started designing clothes as a teenager, I remember having spirit day at school and dying my pants along with my cousins. Adding our team name. Soon people were asking me for a pair. Also during my quince , I also designed my dress and my damas. I remember making bows and ties. Read more>>
Denise Kendrick
My dad was adopted at birth (as were his siblings), so the concept of adoption always felt warm and familiar to me. My dad would say he was “chosen,” and that his family was simply his family. He was adored by his parents and doted on by his older sisters. Read more>>
Brent Bolding
Our family has always lived by a simple motto: “It’s Okay to Be Extraordinary.” Every morning when I dropped the kids off at school, I’d remind them with those words. Over time, it became our family’s shorthand. OK2BX is a constant reminder that it’s more than okay to be yourself and not worry about fitting into the crowd. Read more>>
Kit Rae Miller
My story is very long and complicated but in brief : My family have survived a lot but remains strong. My mother has survived 9 cancers and is still alive and well today, enjoying her retirement. I put myself through college by working 3 jobs alongside scholarships. After graduating in 2021, I struggled to find a job. Read more>>
Itzelt Guevara
I started out not really knowing what I wanted to do with my cosmetology license. After getting licensed, I worked at a fast food job for about a year before realizing it just wasn’t fulfilling. I decided to apply at a local wax center franchise, and I ended up loving it! Read more>>
Justin Flynn
My Story – Justin Flynn, Founder of Timelock Roofing I first got into the roofing scene back in 2022. Before that, I spent 8 years grinding in the commercial drywall and metal framing world — doing the hard work, showing up every day, and hoping to move up. But the ladder never moved. Read more>>
Shalee Stevens
Right after high school, I began working with children with disabilities and quickly discovered how much I loved supporting them. I knew I wanted to keep making a difference, but I also knew teaching wasn’t quite the right path for me. That realization led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology, where my passion for understanding people and helping them grow only deepened. Read more>>
Stacy Smith
For nearly 20 years, I poured my heart into nursing—caring for others, showing up on the front lines, and giving everything I had. When the world changed during COVID, I realized I had been pouring from an empty cup. I loved helping people, but I was burnt out and craving something that would also fill me up. Read more>>
Reagan Browne
I started music as far back as my childhood days of being 3-4 banging on a toy snare drum kit that my parents got me. I officially started playing the guitar around the age of 13 or 14 after seeing bands play on MTV. Read more>>
Caroline Mejia
I’ve always been a naturally organized person and a little bit wired with OCD tendencies, but I didn’t realize it was actually a skill until I started working as an RN in the hospital. At the start of every shift, I’d go into my patients’ rooms and tidy things up…it was my way of setting both myself and my patients up for a smoother day. Read more>>
Kailey Rice
At the end of 2020, after moving to Pilot Point, I was commuting nearly 40 minutes to teach at a music school in another city. Around that time, I joined my first community theatre show at the Pilot Point Community Opera House. Read more>>
Katie Boydstun
Untamed Threads started from my lifelong love for wildlife and a desire to make a real impact. I wanted to create something that went beyond just fashion—something that connected people to conservation. Every shirt, every design, and every detail reflects that passion. Read more>>
John D. Hayden
I’m originally from Ulysses, a small town in Southwest Kansas where I graduated from High School in 1998. My love for books started in Ulysses, and it’s been growing ever since. After graduating from High School, I attended York College in Nebraska, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Bible. Read more>>
Savannah Henthorne
I am from a small town in Arkansas, and I moved to the Dallas area four years ago. I always knew I wanted a bigger life and dreamed of living in a big city. My goal in life is to live life to the fullest and inspire others to do the same. Read more>>
Lynnette Wood
From Peace Corps volunteer 30 years ago to the Bike Lady of East Texas, I have always been a giver and a do-er even before I knew the words to voice it. Read more>>
Rich Hyde
I went to law school because I couldn’t stomach the thought of living in a world governed by rules that I didn’t understand. Also, ive always been driven my an innate sense of fairness. Legal practice seemed to be a good fit. Read more>>
Emily Carpenter
My cake journey started in the most personal way — with my son’s 2nd birthday cake. I wanted to create something I could be proud of, something special just for him. What began as a simple goal quickly turned into a full-blown passion. During nap times, baking became the perfect creative escape. Read more>>
Vlad Gregorovich
My journey into photography sparked during a Marine Corps deployment, where I grabbed a camera to freeze fleeting moments such as landscapes, comrades, and beauty amid chaos. It became my anchor. Stateside on base, I kept shooting in downtime, sharpening my skills. After honorable discharge, I moved to Utah in 2020 to keep my mom company. Read more>>
Herb Moncibais
Americas Chamber for Business (ACB) is a 503(c)6 – focus on promoting the economic and business interests of its community by providing leadership, advocacy, and support for its members. Key elements often include fostering a pro-business climate, driving economic growth, representing the business community’s voice, and improving the overall quality of life through collaboration and member services. Read more>>
Matthew Falavinha
My story really starts with Jiu-Jitsu. It’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Over the years, the sport has given me so much discipline, friendships, lessons about resilience and it’s shaped the person I am today. I’ve had the chance to train under incredible coaches, compete, and even manage one of the biggest Jiu-Jitsu brands in the U.S. Read more>>
Marcus Lee Stephenson
Marcus Lee Stephenson: Reinventing Purpose Through Faith, Fatherhood & Storytelling For more than 30 years, Marcus Lee Stephenson built his career behind the screens and servers of high-stakes technology. As a highly skilled network engineer and technical leader, he has quietly powered systems that keep people connected—yet his greatest connection has always been to purpose. Read more>>
Zo Smith
My story starts in a place of limitation. Living with chronic illness means my days are often unpredictable and heavy, and I spent a long time trying to find balance in a world that moved faster than I could. Somewhere in the middle of all that, I discovered creating. It started small, just me in my kitchen pouring wax, blending oils, and testing fragrances. Read more>>
brittani Andrews
My aspiration to become a therapist began in high school. I’ve always been a naturally sociable person, and people felt comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings with me. I’ve been fascinated by the factors that shape individuals how they were raised, their thought processes, and what experiences have influenced their identities. Read more>>
Tanesa Frazier
I began preparing tax returns approximately fifteen years ago, initially using consumer software such as TurboTax to assist clients informally. About a year ago, I enrolled in a free mentorship program led by my tax mentor, Kalisa. Through that experience, I formalized and legitimized my tax business. Read more>>
Victoria Robb Powers
I am proud to serve as Dallas’s first female senior pastor of a Baptist church – a milestone that still humbles me. I grew up in the Southern Baptist Church where women were not recognized in ministry; our pastors were always men. Yet even as a child, I loved the church deeply and felt called to serve it. Read more>>
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>>
