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.
Jay Sustain
My first music act, Blue Massive, teamed up with world renowned cellist Dave Eggar and composer Chuck Palmer. Dave plays with so many incredible acts including Evanescence and Foreigner. Blue Massive put out 2 full-length albums and several singles before moving on to bigger projects. Read more>>
Scott Shubin
Artist Statement Scott Shubin As a sculptor with 20 years of experience, I strive to create artworks that captivate and engage viewers through the interplay of form, light, and movement. My chosen mediums, including LED lights, stainless steel, aluminum, and kinetic elements, allow me to push the boundaries of traditional sculpture and explore new dimensions of artistic expression. Read more>>
Amira Ansari
In my 20’s I started out pursuing a career in fashion – gothic and Medieval costuming, to be exact. But my passion for writing kept whispering in my ear. I couldn’t ignore it anymore, and at at the age of 32, I went back to college and got my bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Read more>>
Kayla Tugman
My journey into esthetics began over nine years ago with a passion for helping people feel confident in their skin. I started out working in the medspa industry, where I gained hands-on experience in both spa and clinical settings. Over time, I became fascinated by the science behind skin health and how personalized care could truly transform someone’s confidence. Read more>>
Nancy Alvarez
I started my beauty business right out of my mom’s house, working from one of her back rooms with maybe one client every other week. Back then, I was mostly doing sugaring and body contouring. Even though it was small, it was where I started learning how much I loved helping women feel confident and comfortable in their skin. Read more>>
Alancia Oliver
What happens to a dream deferred?’ Langston Hughes asked—and for my son and me, sleeping on a dining room table in a mouse-infested apartment in “the Bricks” of Poughkeepsie, New York, that question was real. We didn’t have much, but we had vision. Each night on that table, we dreamed—dreamed about purpose and building something that would one day change lives. Read more>>
Shatarious Kizzee
It all started pretty naturally when I was around 18. I was just exploring different hookah lounges and really found myself drawn to the whole experience. What began as simple curiosity quickly turned into something more hands-on when I landed a gig at Club Villa, a super lively nightclub. Read more>>
Bianca McCall
What began as a side hustle quickly became my passion. Over the years, I’ve grown my craft, expanded my skills, and turned Cheniquez into a trusted brand for women who want to feel confident and beautiful—no matter their hair journey. What makes me different is my heart for women who may not feel comfortable wearing certain styles or dealing with hair loss. Read more>>
Amy Power
My story begins long before the agency you see today. After graduating from Mary Baldwin College, I entered the communications world with a desire to tell stories that mattered and I quickly realized that PR wasn’t just about press releases and media hits; it was about helping brands define purpose, build trust and stand out. Read more>>
Rogers Healy
Christian. Husband. Girl Dad. Boy Dad. 7x Founder. Venture Capitalist. Real Estate CEO. Music Memorabilia Collector. YPO Member. Investor in 150+ startups. I jumped into business at an early age and in 2005 started what is now one of Texas’ largest independently owned real estate companies, Rogers Healy and Associates Real Estate. Read more>>
Mandy Hamilton
Glitz Bakery started as J. Rae’s in 2008. The current owners, Mandy and Chris Hamilton, purchased the bakery in September of 2013. After owning the bakery for 7 years and slowly modifying the recipes and processes to make them their own, decided to refresh the brand by changing the name. Read more>>
Debbie Reynolds
Grapevine’s Runway Theatre has been bringing quality, live entertainment to the community for 41 seasons. As a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, Runway relies on ticket sales, grants, and the generosity of individual patrons for support. Runway relies on its wonderful volunteers to run the box office, staff concessions, build sets, act – anything involved in the day to day running of a community theatre. Read more>>
Gina Briganti
My life journey is full of twisty roads that lead to greater self-awareness and emotional healing. One fate-filled day, I was listening to NPR during lunch when Lisa Garr interviewed Gail Minogue, author of Divine Design, a book about numerology. I was intrigued to learn that numerology can look at the past, present, and future. I’m always inquisitive. Read more>>
Louise / Priscila Faria / Sangiacomo
At The Table began from our shared love for food, creativity, and the joy of bringing people together. We’ve always believed that the most meaningful moments in life happen around the table — where people connect, celebrate, and feel cared for. What started as a small passion project, creating grazing boards for friends and family, quickly grew into something bigger than we ever imagined. Read more>>
Isaac Sloane
I picked up the guitar at 20 after playing college baseball in Oklahoma and moved to Denton to take my chances at the touring musician life. I think I made the right choice because it’s the first time in my life where I feel like I’m doing what I’m here on this earth to do. Read more>>
Reed Olsen
I joined ACC in December 2024 – right after Trump was elected. I decided then that I needed to find a spot in the conservative movement that both remained rooted in principles but also explicitly spoke on behalf of the great outdoors and the world around us. The American Conservation Coalition was that spot. Read more>>
Stacie Ellis
My interest in nutrition started at a young age. I was overweight as a child, and my mother saw that I had a sweet tooth. Instead of shaming me or making me feel guilty about my love for sweets, she started giving me my own special snacks that were just for me. These snacks were things like carrots and radishes. Read more>>
Grace Lee
I was born and raised in Paris, France, to South Korean parents. Growing up between two very different cultures, I often felt caught between worlds: never fully French, yet not entirely Korean either. Over time, though, I came to see this dual identity as my greatest strength and pride. It taught me open-mindedness, empathy, and the ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Read more>>
richard ramirez
Growing with very little all i would get was paper a pencil and maybe some crayons, i started to learn how to draw then. Almost like Freda did lol As a kid i got in trouble for tagging, after a while of that i turned my art to tattooing, i starting asking people if they wanted get tattoos in the streets. Read more>>
Brandon Williams
Since the previous interview I had with you guys, my journey has really been about growth, resilience, and trusting the process. I’ve continued to build my career in two parallel lanes — as a hotel restaurant chef and as the owner of Chef Brandon Williams LLC, my private chef company. Read more>>
Rena Floyd
My interest in fashion came later in life. As I evolved as a person, so did my sense of style. Fashion soon became my love language—my creative outlet and form of self-expression. By day, I was a registered nurse, but by night, a true fashionista. A Fashionista’s Kollection was born after family and friends began asking me to style them for parties and special events. Read more>>
Hannah Nguyen
I started taking social media more seriously in 2023, but I’ve been online for as long as I can remember. Back in high school, I would occasionally collaborate with eyelash and contact lens brands, which was my first real taste of content creation. Read more>>
Casey Laughlin
Texas Outdoor Oasis began long before it had a name. In 2001, we entered the green industry with little more than a Craftsman mower, a Ryobi weedeater, and an unwavering work ethic. What started as a small, one-man lawn maintenance operation grew quickly. Read more>>
Leticia & Jhoanna Velazco & Mora
With a combined 20 years of experience, Joahnna and Leticia are far from newcomers in the world of bridal alterations — but together, they’re creating something completely new. Their studio, After the Yes, is the result of two parallel journeys, years of dedication, and the shared belief that every bride deserves to feel flawless in the dress that carries her down the aisle. Read more>>
Justin Kempf
My journey into holistic healing started out of necessity, not ambition. After serving in the Marine Corps, I came home with what many veterans experience but rarely talk about chronic fatigue, anxiety, digestive issues, and a body that simply wasn’t recovering. I went from doctor to doctor, received surface-level answers, and was handed prescriptions that only masked symptoms. Deep down, I knew something was missing. Read more>>
Kanetia Durden
Of course. I started out making plates from home when COVID hit. All the restaurants were closed pretty much and everyone was at home and on their phones. I used that opportunity to my advantage. I started frequently posting things I’d cook. Then, I did my first private dinner. Things took off overnight after that. I was doing private dinners 2-3 times a week. Read more>>
Robert Whittaker
We started Magnolia Fence & Patio in 2014. We learned a lot along the way. One thing we were determined to do is figure it out on our own. Not sure why we thought this was a badge of honor because no one cared. But we were willing to learn the hard way instead of lean into leaders and mentors. Read more>>
LACHELLE GOODRICH
My journey began from a place of both purpose and pain. Growing up in Fort Worth, I saw firsthand how trauma, poverty, and systemic barriers deeply affect families — especially in Black and brown communities. Becoming a mother at a young age shifted everything for me; it gave me a reason to heal, grow, and eventually help others do the same. Read more>>
Symeon Washington
I’ve always been a fan of music, Hip Hop to be exact. The culture behind Hip Hop being born in the late 80s guided me into art. The imagery and sound around Virginia influence me to want to capture moments. Even though I couldn’t afford a camera at those times, I had friends who had one. Read more>>
Javier Torres
_A Story of Perseverance and Love_ In 2019, the world came to a standstill. For many, it was a pause; for my family and me, it was a moment of uncertainty. My wife lost her job in marketing, and suddenly, the steady income that supported our son and our home was no longer there. But in the heart of every crisis, a seed is born. Read more>>
Todd Griffith
I’ve been incredibly lucky to have parents who supported my love for music from the very beginning. They encouraged me to chase big dreams, which led me to study at Idyllwild Arts Academy, Juilliard, and Berklee College of Music. Those experiences completely shaped how I view music education… not just as lessons, but as life-changing opportunities to grow creatively and personally. Read more>>
Alexander Machado
Well, I’m Alexander, but most people know me as Alesito. The nickname goes back to when I was about 14 years old. I used to play soccer on my uncle’s team; I was the youngest one, playing against adults, and that’s when they started calling me Alesito. I was born in San José, California, and I’m the son of two wonderful immigrant parents. Read more>>
Abraham Garcia
I started with a question—not just about storytelling, art, music, and writing, but about systems, symbols, and the deeper patterns that shape our world. Early on, I was drawn to the intersection of myth and structure: how archetypes echo through finance, policy, genetics, and even entomology. I wasn’t just analyzing—I was translating those insights into creative expression. Read more>>
steve bodansky
I was a science major, graduated college in 1970, I was going to be drafted so went to Medical School in Pisa, Italy for two years. I got married our last year in college. I knew nothing about pleasuring women and she did not know either and we did not talk about it. Read more>>
Marcus Antelante
I started training Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil when I was young, completely captivated by the art and the discipline it taught me. Over the years, Jiu-Jitsu became much more than just a sport it became a lifestyle and a way to help people become more confident, resilient, and disciplined. Read more>>
Lesley Davis
I grew up in studio dance at Stars of Tomorrow & in pee wee drill-team in Mesquite. In high school I was in colorguard and drill-team; I went on to dance on scholarship at Trinity Valley Community College as a TVCC Cardette, before attaining my BA in Dance Education from Texas Woman’s University in Denton, TX. Read more>>
Florian Kloes
The Story Behind The LakeHaus’ I was born in Germany, but I’ve spent over 20 years in Dallas. I didn’t grow up in Denton, but there’s something about this town that feels different — in the best way. It’s got heart, it’s got character, and it’s got a community that shows up for each other. That’s what pulled me in. Read more>>
Galen Orosco
Coral Heat started as a creative outlet, just sketches of people and the jewelry they might wear. I imagined these bold, confident characters who owned their space and energy. It was a small world built on personality and story. Over time, those drawings turned into real pieces. I began making jewelry for friends, and their excitement pushed me to keep going. Read more>>
Andrea Elizondo Kemp
From a young age, I knew I wanted to be part of the beauty industry. My aunt, a hairstylist and former salon owner, used to share stories about her work, and we’d spend hours talking about her clients, her creative process, and everything she loved about the job. Those conversations inspired me to follow in her footsteps. Read more>>
Gloria Dotie
I’ve always been a creative spirit. In 2021, I began designing sunglasses for fun, but after sharing my creations online, I realized I had discovered a new creative outlet. I started taking orders and ventured into designing a variety of other styles. August 2023, I received a message from a lady on Instagram who found my profile and immediately ordered everything I had in stock. Read more>>
Ryan Godwin
I actually stumbled into this business venture through a mix of life circumstances and natural ability. I’ve always loved food, cooking, and the joy that comes from seeing people smile after a good meal. After being laid off during a soft market, I decided to start meal prepping and selling soul food plates on Sundays just to make ends meet. Read more>>
Noah Leiva
I started out in public school orchestra, playing cello all through middle school and into community college, where I focused mainly on classical music. Along the way, I got curious about jazz and eventually met my mentor, Jonathan Fisher, while he was performing at the Balcony Club. Read more>>
Dunice Harrell-Bolden
My story really started with a camera and a heart for people. When I launched Dunice Harrell Photography, my goal was simple, to capture portraits that made people feel seen, beautiful and confident. But as I grew, I began noticing something that stayed with me: so many students were graduating without a single professional photo to mark their achievement. Read more>>
Areli Garcia
Hi my name is Areli I am 26yrs old. I am mom to a 2yr old beautiful, smart little girl and I am also the owner of Fuzzybabesbeauty Wax Salon located in Arlington Tx. My career started right after high school at only 18yrs old. I graduated Sam Houston High School in 2017 and I was able to graduate with my cosmetology license. Read more>>
Katie Beth Mihm
Katie Beth Mihm isn’t just another country voice she’s the voice of the dusty backroads, late-night dancehalls, and firefly-lit fairgrounds. With powerhouse vocals, vivid storytelling, and an outlaw spirit, she’s bringing real country back to the airwaves. Katie Beth Mihm is a Nashville recording artist and Texas award winning songwriter. Read more>>
Sydney Fisher
I always knew I wanted to go into cosmetology. I come from a military family so I moved a lot but I primarily grew up in eastern Montana and South Eastern Wyoming. I attended cosmetology school in Cheyenne Wy, upon graduation I immediately moved to Texas and I have been here since! I have now been doing hair for 5 years. Read more>>
Jade Alex
In 2015, two things happened at once: I started going to concerts, and I was gifted a camera. I did a few portrait shoots at first, but I quickly realized I loved being at concerts more than anything. When I was 17, I snuck my camera into a festival in my hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana and that was it. I was hooked. Read more>>
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>>
