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.
Moneque Esters
I’m Moneque — a Mississippi native now living in Dallas, Texas. My journey has been a mix of faith, music, lessons, and growth. Back in 2020, I came to Dallas on what I thought was a huge opportunity — a chance to rebrand myself as an artist and finally take things to the next level. Read more>>
Emilee Duran
My love for makeup began the second I first tried it on. After years of practice on myself, I began practicing on my friends and after several inquiries and years later I decided to take a leap of faith and make it into a career. Now I’ve been a full time makeup artist for four years and have never stopped loving what I do. Read more>>
Quineka Ragsdale
Oak Cliff can be a polarized city sometimes. I say city because 122 years ago that’s what it was. I didn’t know all of this while growing up in DISD schools, but I always knew to be proud of where I’m from. Read more>>
Justin Hamra
My passion for photography started about 12 years ago when I was playing music in a metal band and touring the country. I was always drawn to bringing a cheap camera and documenting parts of my time traveling and things that were significant in my eyes. Read more>>
Devont’e Hill
I began my DJing career at 16, utilizing my sister’s computer to download OTS Turntables. My passion for music originated in church, where I played drums & sang in the choir. Musically inclined, I studied DJs & spent countless hours practicing on my laptop. I invited friends over to listen & eventually began performing at clubs. Read more>>
Tenika Smith
My Journey: From Tragedy to Triumph I want to start by sharing where my story truly began as child in the bay area projects. When I was fourteen years old, I lost both of my parents in a tragic car accident. That moment changed my life forever. Read more>>
MITCHEL
I HAVE ALWAYS KNOWN THAT THIS IS GOD’S WORLD AND SATAN’S SYSTEM. THE LEGAL JUS-US SYSTEM HAS PROVEN NOT TO BE HONESTLY FAIR, FOR SEVERAL KNOWN REASON. I HAVE SEEN AND WITNESS FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS EXPERIENCE THE UNFAIRNESS, MISTREATMENT AND BIAS OUR LEGAL SYSTEM OFFERS. THEREFORE, I DECIDED TO PERSUE THE CAREER OF LAW. Read more>>
Lillian Dikovitsky
I’ve always had a deep love for travel. Years ago, I bought a timeshare — and that’s really where the travel passion started. Then I discovered travel hacking — using credit card points and airline miles to travel smarter. That just fueled the fire even more! Read more>>
Dennis Thomas
Interview with Ko’ox Dennis – Founder of Street Jitsu Justin Your Story I started Street Jitsu in 2012 in Roanoke, Texas — now known as www.streetjitsuroanoke.com — with one simple mission: to bring hope, healing, and discipline through martial arts. Over the years, it’s grown into a movement — not just a gym. Read more>>
Abigail Matthew
Five years ago, I was simply someone with a big heart for creativity and making people feel special, but I didn’t yet know what that would turn into. I started Abbys Surprise from a place of curiosity and creating moments that made people smile, planning small events and learning along the way. Read more>>
Stephanie Ward
A Tapestry of Life They’ve called me a unicorn, the most interesting woman in the world—labels I wear lightly. My life has unfolded in distinct phases, each marked by a unique blend of challenge and exhilaration. There’s a rhythm to my existence: a period of internal turmoil followed by a burst of creative energy and new beginnings. Read more>>
David Butler
I have a lot of history! I am just starting my 7th decade. I started in music like many in high school band although I did have a unique high school. My father was an aeronautical engineer in the space program, truly a rocket scientist! I went to high school at Cocoa Beach High just a few miles from Cape Canaveral. Read more>>
Katie Pagel
I started in the wedding and event industry in college, working for an Austin planner. This is where I learned what the day of events looked like. After close to two years of the ins and outs of being an assistant, I moved to Dallas and begin my time with As You Wish Events. Read more>>
Brittany Barnett
Like many of my peers in the industry, the start of my career was not very conventional. After graduating college in 2008 with a B.A. in Journalism and Communications, I had no idea I would end up where I am now. A friend of mine that worked for the Memphis Grizzlies, invited me to an audition for the In-Game Entertainment team. Read more>>
Stephanie Roehm
.I have always loved fashion and being creative and after a bottle of champagne with a friend on the patio the idea of Toccoa was hatched. I started Toccoa about two years ago. It has been a great creative outlet. I started with trunk shows and advertising on social media. Read more>>
Ronson Fox
The Fort Worth Wranglers were established in January 2024 by a passionate group of individuals who shared a love for traditional country music, dancing, and the vibrant culture that has long been synonymous with Texas. Read more>>
Terry Allen
My journey started with two things I inherited early — curiosity and community. I grew up understanding that if you had a story worth telling, it could change lives, open doors, and shift how people saw themselves. That truth led me first into journalism and then into public relations and cause-related marketing — fields where storytelling meets impact. Read more>>
Davina Gazo Stampfel
My journey in theatre began in 8th grade when I was cast as Alice in Alice in Wonderland. I fell in love with the magic of storytelling on stage and continued performing through college. After school, I pursued acting professionally but quickly discovered that the intense competition took the joy out of it for me. Read more>>
Femme Feral
Sadie and Raimi met in 2024 working together at a coffee shop. Bonding over the perils of making lattes, they quickly became friends (soul sisters, if you will) and realized they had a shared passion for filmmaking. In between, or (sometimes in place of) working they would talk nonstop about their favorite movies, music, and it seemed like stories would appear out of thin air. Read more>>
Erin Titensor
Where to begin- I’ve started, grown and sold a business over the last 9 years all while being a mom to two boys. I’m a public speaker, podcaster and host women’s retreats in CA, AZ and TX. My life has drastically changed in the last 2 years. It began in 2020 during covid where I developed my addiction to alcohol and adderall. Read more>>
CRYSTAL HALE
started as a stay-at-home mom during the pandemic, running a small craft business out of our garage. My husband was working at a Fortune 500 company while I was at home juggling everything — customer service, production, packaging, and even dropping off orders myself. It was a lot. I loved creating, but I was exhausted trying to do everything alone. Read more>>
Sean Do
My journey started back in 2012, completely by chance. A friend of mine was trying to sell his camera but couldn’t find a buyer. He noticed I was always showing up to every high-school events, and told me, “You should pick up photography.” So I did. I bought his camera and started teaching myself everything from scratch. Read more>>
Jocelyn Rosales
I always knew I wanted to do something in the beauty industry since I was in high school. Coming from immigrant parents it was scary to not fulfill their dreams of going to college and having a “traditional” career. I’m the youngest in my family. I’ve always felt the pressure of being the one that didn’t make mistakes. Later I realized I have to make myself happy no matter what. I remember feeling so scared to come back home after my first semester at college. Read more>>
Jason Lee
Turbo Metabolic Training has literally been an idea years in the making. I got my degree in Nutrition and Exercise Science from FSU, and played sports up through college, so I’ve always loved the fitness industry and dreamed of opening up my own gym. I’ve had other successful fitness businesses, but Morgan and I were really searching for the right community. Read more>>
Bryan Henss
My wife Lisa and I opened Clairton Family Chiropractic in 2014. The goal was and still remains, to see lives transformed by identifying the root cause of whatever is ailing them. With an understanding and respect for the divine design of the human body and it’s innate ability to heal and maintain itself in balance. Unfortunately, growing up my family didn’t have that wisdom. Read more>>
Jun Wu
Before the pandemic in 2020, I worked at Thunder Valley Casino in Northern California, where I met many wonderful people and had some great experiences. I even won the 2018 Talent Show Championship at the casino. When the casino shut down during the pandemic and I had to stay home for several months, I started thinking about moving to a bigger city. Read more>>
Destiny Clausen
Eight years later, I bought a home in McKinney and, with my dad’s help, built my own salon inside it—where I’ve worked for the past 15 years. My little trade has solely supported my family of five for over two decades. I never imagined at 17 that this path would become not only a career but a source of deep connection. Many of my clients have become dear friends, confidants, even family. Read more>>
Ami Montague
I got married right out of high school—just four months after graduation—and became a mom at 18. It was 1990, and I was still trying to figure out who I was while suddenly being responsible for someone else. I was married and divorced within a year, and my ex-husband wasn’t very involved in raising our daughter, so it’s really always been the two of us. Read more>>
Madison Murphy
Hello! We are Lauren Swanberg and Madison Murphy, we are cousins and co-owners of FACE FOUNDRIE here in Fort Worth and Colleyville. We got started because we saw ourselves as the clients, looking for a convenient salon to get our skincare in throughout our busy lives. Read more>>
Allison Macalik
We (Allison Macalik and Russell Tibbits) have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. During the pandemic, we purchased rental properties across the country and still own 14 doors. But we pivoted to thinking about opening a coffee shop when Allison’s best friend opened a coffee shop in Brooklyn, NYC called Saturn Road. Read more>>
Vineeth Radhakrishnan
I have always had some interest in Photography. Later, I started doing some landscape photography as a hobby. After I moved to Texas, I switched to Birds and Night photography and that’s when the hobby turned into a real passion – recently I have started doing insect macro as well. Read more>>
Chris Dias
I was born in Chicago IL. Moved to Arlington Tx in 1984 when I was 10 years old. Moved back to Chicago when I was 21 years old and that is when I learned how to Stripe Parking lots. Read more>>
Teirra Grimes
My name is Teirra, and I’ve been a licensed hairstylist and nail technician for over seven years. I started doing hair and nails because I’ve always loved helping people feel confident and look their best. What began as a passion quickly turned into a career when I realized how much joy and creativity the beauty industry brings me. Read more>>
Richard Guilliams
Leading with Drive, Purpose, and Perspective – In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get lost in the daily grind — appointments, paperwork, and endless details. True growth happens when you step back, stay open, and chase opportunities that take you in new directions. Read more>>
Ahmad A Siddiqui
I started my career in the corporate world after completing my studies in Karachi, Pakistan. While I enjoyed the structure and growth that came with corporate life, I always had an entrepreneurial drive. In 2001, I took a leap of faith and started my first software development company; right around the time of 9/11, which completely changed the business landscape and my personal trajectory. Read more>>
Rafael and Leila Chavez
Our journey into real estate began in 2020. Rafael started as a licensed real estate agent, while I began working at a real estate wholesaling company. What initially drew both of us in was the flexibility. The idea that we could build a career that allowed us to control our time and our schedule. Read more>>
Matthew Broyles
I started writing songs in 1991, and formed a couple of bands to get them out into the world. In 2000, I embarked on the matthew show, a more personalized vehicle for my songwriting and performing. Read more>>
Patti Saponaro
Whole Woman Wellness Advocate: Guiding women to root cause hormone, metabolism & stress balance healing safely and naturally. Patti Saponaro has spent more than 40 years as a health coach and whole woman wellness advocate, driven by a childhood of stomachaches and headaches and a lifelong passion for natural health. Read more>>
Kavin and Sophia Adisson
Before I started Sophia’s Haitian Cuisine, I was actually deep in the music scene. I loved creating, but I didn’t feel fulfilled. Then during COVID, I was working at the post office, and I kept seeing how much food was being thrown away while people in the community were struggling. That stuck with me — I wanted to do something that made a real impact. Read more>>
Kerri Honeywood
Moon Cycle Mama Doula and Wellness was born out of both passion and purpose. My journey began as a mother first navigating the beauty and challenges of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Along the way, I saw how many families, lacked the holistic support they deserved. That inspired me to take action. Read more>>
Elle Walker
What began as a service behind the chair turned into something bigger — a full beauty brand built with passion, prayer, and persistence. Over the years, I’ve worn many hats: stylist, marketer, product creator, and business owner. My path hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge shaped me into the woman I am today — a mom, entrepreneur, and a woman determined to build something meaningful. This is more than business to me; it’s purpose. Read more>>
Keishia Lewis-Crabtree
2024! We are here and this is a full circle moment for us. Let’s recap! In 2021 my very first article was titled “Hidden Gem” where I was discovered by a fellow Vendor out in the field. Tammy with TAMONIS SEASONING referred me to this magazine and I wrote my first “Hidden Gem” article. Read more>>
Laiya Reneè
My love for music definitely formed early because of my mom. When I was 3 years old, I couldn’t fully talk but my mother noticed I would hum and actually harmonize with her or music playing. She says all the time she knew I would sing but couldn’t believe I was so young recognizing parts. Read more>>
Kuro
My passion for curating music started early. Movie soundtracks, video game music, and whatever CDs that could be snatched from the family collection became an obsession. I was a fascinated with how a song could shift a moment or trigger a feeling. In high school, house parties became my testing ground. I curated playlists track by track, intentionally shaping the energy of the night. Read more>>
Cameron Foley
Last Night of Solace started evolved from a project guitarist Jeiden Lovell and I (Cameron, Vocalist) started in high school. In 2022 we decided we wanted to rebrand and go a different direction. I met our other guitarist Kennedy at our orientation at guitar center. We hit it off right away and had lot in common and I asked him to come in and audition. Read more>>
Mystique Summers
Oh honey, let me take you back – the tale of Mystique Summers is nothing short of fabulous! I started out in Texas, a place where big hair and bigger dreams are a must! Before I was Mystique Summers, I was just a fierce, sassy soul waiting for my moment to shine. Drag wasn’t just a hobby; it was a revelation. Read more>>
Mary Margaret Shamburger
I studied video production at UGA and started out in commercial post-production in Dallas and LA. Photography was always my creative pull, so during COVID—while my husband and I were locked down in Dallas—I finally launched my own photography business. Read more>>
Hunter Munnerlyn
My name is Hunter Munnerlyn, and I recently launched my own creative brand, Cowboy Creative Co., where I specialize in photography and social media video content creation. My journey with storytelling and photography began long before I even realized it. Growing up, I didn’t have a camera at home, but my aunt always brought one to family gatherings. Read more>>
Julie Cassidy
I became involved with the DFW Wildlife Coalition hotline in approximately 2010, after one of my dogs came out out of the bushes with a small opossum in her mouth. Read more>>
Simi Adebimpe
At the age of 20, I embarked on a journey to become a makeup artist, inspired by my passion for beauty and creativity. Growing up as a Nigerian, I was always surrounded by vibrant culture, which fueled my love for self-expression through makeup. Read more>>
Josh Yen
In early 2017, my wife and I were trying out a new restaurant in Old Town Lewisville. After lunch, we walked around Old Town talking about how great it would be if one day a church was planted in that area. A seed was planted that day which would lie dormant for a few years. Read more>>
Jessica McNatt
My love for hair started way back in middle school. Every 6–8 weeks, I’d look forward to getting my hair cut — not just for the fresh ends, but for the whole experience. I loved everything about it: the smell of the salon, watching stylists create, and listening to the conversations that filled the room. Read more>>
camille Liebbe
My Story: How the East Dallas Magazine Came to Life About fifteen years ago, I found myself at a crossroads. I had been working in real estate for several years, but when the market turned, I knew it was time for a change. Read more>>
Megha Shah
My journey into entrepreneurship began with a strong foundation in business and accounting. My first business was a partnership consulting firm in Seattle, WA. I moved to Texas in 2013, and a few years later, in 2016, a nerve injury left me sidelined for nearly a year. Read more>>
Los Conductores del Norte
A group of friends who started a group as a joke not expecting to get out there. Started in September of 2024 playing at friends gatherings and slowly started getting out there by playing at events like Tejano and Pinos. Read more>>
Kerston Crawford-Thorns
Pearlie’s Southern Kitchen Founder’s Story (Kerston Crawford-Thorns) I started Pearlie’s Southern Kitchen™ out of love, legacy, and necessity. My earliest memories are in my grandmother Pearlie Mae’s kitchen, the heart of every family gathering. She taught me to cook cornbread when I was just six years old, and I’ll never forget that warm, buttery scent that filled the air. Read more>>
Jig Thakkar
“My name is Jig Thakkar, and I’m an English Cricket Board (ECB) Level 2 coach certified through Middlesex County in the UK. I’ve been coaching youth cricketers for almost a decade now. My coaching journey began at Welwyn Garden City Cricket Club — my home ground at the time — soon after completing my Level 1 certification. Read more>>
Vivian Arce Ramirez
About Vivian A. Ramirez Born in Brooklyn, NY, and raised in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, Vivian grew up immersed in church life and faith. After attending the Inter American University of Puerto Rico, she married her first and only boyfriend, Rolando, an active-duty U.S. Army soldier. Together, they spent 25 years serving in the military community before settling in Bell County, Texas. Read more>>
Tara Paulsen
I’ve always loved traveling and planning trips — not just visiting new places, but really immersing myself in them. I’m drawn to those rare, off-the-beaten-path experiences and love learning about a destination through its food, culture, and people. My background in world and art history deepened that curiosity and appreciation for the stories that shape each place. Read more>>
Altoon C
Originating in Dallas, Tx. Altoon C is a multi genre producer, Dj and event curator. After living in Alpine/Marfa Tx for several years, in late 2019 he traveled home with an instrumental album: Liber Librae. With over 42 million streams, the sub-genre he most commonly push was an experimental sound know as Lofi Hip-hop. Read more>>
Saint Johnson
I was born in Dallas, TX. Had a somewhat normal life. I grew up with my mother, grandparents, uncles and cousins. My mom was young when she had me around 22, still trying to figure things out and figure out herself. I went through sexual abuse at a young age from about 4 and up all from other older kids. Read more>>
Kathleen Fomunung
Absolutely! My journey with Cloud Nine Creators started from a genuine love for celebrating life’s special moments and making people smile. I’ve always been drawn to design and creativity, and over time, I realized how much joy I found in transforming ordinary spaces into something magical — whether it was for birthdays, weddings, or corporate events. Read more>>
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>>
