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.
Danielle Schwartz
Starting any new venture comes with its share of struggles and challenges. For me, it’s been about finding the right balance, and I’m still learning! It’s easy to get caught up in taking on too many orders and trying to serve as many people as possible, but eventually, it can catch up with you. That can jeopardize the initial passion that got you started. I definitely don’t want to burn out from something I love, like making people happy with my food. Read more>>
Ann Parnes
After Hello was built at the intersection of two very different but deeply complementary professional paths. I spent 14 years practicing law , including seven years as an Assistant District Attorney, before becoming a certified life and relationship coach in 2014. Through the lens of my professional background, I saw firsthand how many singles were overwhelmed by today’s dating landscape. Read more>>
RaKeisha Williams
I have always had my hands in everything. Cooking and Baking has been the best ones. My Great Grandmother in Ruston, La taught me how to cook. She was the best. Then my grandmother in Houston, TX taught me a little as well. Since I could remember cooking has saved me from a lot of things. From school, to real life events. Read more>>
Trey English
It was a fateful day walking home from my sophomore year of high school when I found my first copy of tattoo magazine on the side of the road. I was hooked immediately. As a millennial I was no stranger to seeing tattoos out in the world but I was absolutely star struck when I saw the capabilities of the published artist in that magazine. Read more>>
Kylah Carter
While my love for fashion started as a young girl, my passion grew significantly when I became fascinated with psychology. I started to realize the behavior behind the way people dress, becoming captivated. by how clothes are an immediate form of non-verbal communication. I initially attended school to pursue buying, wanting to learn market dynamics – predicting trends and understanding sales performance. Read more>>
Dr. Shalanda Williams
I started in the beauty industry at 17 years old, working behind the chair and learning early what it meant to serve people, build trust, and create transformation. I spent nearly three decades mastering my craft, educating others, and building a reputation for excellence—all while raising a family and navigating my own growth as a woman. Read more>>
Sarina Schick
I worked at Neiman Marcus in the Jewelry department in my late 20s for about 10 years. I left when my oldest son was born. After that a friend and I started a business together selling jewelry. We had the company together for about seven years until she moved to another state. I then opened my own company designsbysarina focusing on handmade jewelry. Read more>>
Bryant Bettez
Bryant Bettez and Donovan Richard entered the mental health industry through an unconventional path. With backgrounds as real estate investors, their initial goal was to maximize their rental portfolio. They converted two homes they owned in Fort Worth into group homes, providing housing for underserved demographics—including individuals transitioning from incarceration, those experiencing homelessness, and people navigating difficult periods in their lives. Read more>>
Jennifer Roy
As far back as I can remember, I had a desire to travel and go places. As a preteen, I had a summer job at the local fireworks stand. I saved my money and decided to spend it on an airline ticket to see my cousins in Michigan. Read more>>
Rena Joseph
My journey didn’t start with a grand plan or a perfectly mapped-out vision. It started with survival, responsibility, and the quiet pressure so many women carry to keep going no matter what. For most of my life, I was in a role of holding everything together — being dependable, being strong, being the one people could lean on. Read more>>
Dr Alexia Mays
Dr. Alexia Mays is an epidemiologist and research scientist who focuses her time on sickle cell awareness, youth grief and trauma, gene therapy, clinical research, blood donation promotion, equality in healthcare, policy, advocacy, political engagement and most importantly ,working with colleagues, legislators, organizations and associations to develop and execute policies to assist those in our most vulnerable communities. Read more>>
Rosa Lackey
My sales Career stared back in Mexico in 1997-1999. selling high end jewelry, My customers where from all over the world including Famous Actors /Sports . My previous Sales job was definitely the Key and inspiration for opening my First Store,(2017 )In Grand Prairie TX And it came very easy to adopt ,modify and merge My own Skills with my New business vision idea. Read more>>
Ashlyn Rhae
My journey into photography started long before I ever called it a business. I’ve always been obsessed with storytelling. Whether that was through writing, theater, music or capturing little moments on my phone just because they felt beautiful. I didn’t grow up thinking I’d be a photographer, but looking back, it makes perfect sense. Read more>>
Gigliola Zimmermann
I was born in Los Angeles, California, but raised in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Most of my childhood memories come from Bolivia. I thought I was going to become an architect once I moved back to the states at age 17, but that idea clearly changed.. I attended culinary school (Le Cordon Bleu) in Austin in 2006. Read more>>
Michelle Broadway
My story began long before I ever imagined becoming a founder. I grew up watching my mother navigate life with Multiple Sclerosis, and from a young age, caregiving became part of my identity. I learned how to hold space, how to respond before reacting, and how to anchor myself when the world felt chaotic. Read more>>
Ellie Gonzalez Stone
I am originally from Dallas. I grew up in Oak Cliff and moved to Denton 20 years ago. When I moved to Denton, I quickly realized that I was missing the community that I had fostered in Dallas. Specifically, the creative and art community. I felt a really huge disconnect artistically and culturally and felt a really huge need to fill the creative void. Read more>>
Nina Chandler
I actually started my career in a completely different world. I was a teacher before cosmetology. When COVID hit, I lost my job and ended up working front desk at a salon in Coppell, TX just to get through that season of life. But being in that environment changed everything for me. Read more>>
Araceli González
Hello, I’m Araceli Gonzalez, a designer by profession, a preschool teacher at heart, a mom, an entrepreneur, and a lover of crafts. About 15 years ago, I started working with jewelry, and the endless possibilities I discovered in each stone, metal, thread, color, and texture… it’s a magic that simply captivated me. Read more>>
Nabeel Malik
We offer you and your guests a mocktail experience worth remembering. From our setup to the drinks we offer, we never fall short. Our experienced bartenders know how to mix up the right mocktails catered specifically for your event. We are completely Alcohol Free, and yet our signature drinks will be the buzz of all your events. Book now to get the Nimbuzz Experience! Read more>>
Anthony Ferrell
My career in photography and creative direction started with simple curiosity — a desire to understand how visuals shape emotion and tell stories. I began in the music world as a producer, but I slowly started leaning into creating imagery for artists and learning how to adapt, experiment, and see beauty in unconventional places. Read more>>
Dena Ashton
In 2018, I returned to my community following my mom’s cancer diagnosis, which motivated me to become more actively involved. I founded Youth of Royalty Outreach Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring teen girls, and served as the vice president of the Lake Como Neighborhood Advisory Council for two years. Read more>>
Eydie Robinson
I launched Robinson Anderson Publishing in 2020 after navigating the publishing world on my own—and realizing just how hard it was to find real help. When I reached out to people who were already experienced, they weren’t willing to share guidance. When I approached companies, their fees were outrageous. That left me researching everything myself, which was overwhelming and time-consuming. Read more>>
JEFFREY DAVIS
As a barber, Jeff has over 40 years of barbering experience. A Milwaukee, Wisconsin native, he spent time in Sarasota, Florida before settling in Dallas 16 years ago. For the last 12 years, he has transformed the barbershop business into a truly different experience. Furthering my cosmetology education In 2012, he graduated from paul Mitchell and the idea of staying an employee wasn’t an option. Read more>>
Mary Le Wolfe
My love for hair took root while attending the Aveda Institute in Dallas. I was all in with a deep conviction that I was exactly where I needed to be. Every technique felt brand new and every step felt difficult. I leaned into the discomfort, my willingness to “do it even if I fail”, became a defining pattern throughout my career. Read more>>
Erin MeHarg
This chapter of my life really began in 2021 when I graduated from Wade College with my Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing Management. Over the next few years, I built my career as a Marketing Manager and Coordinator across two industries that could not be more different but taught me so much: real estate and the pet world. Read more>>
Giniva Perez
I’m Giniva Pérez. I was born in Barranquilla, Colombia, and my passion for beauty started very young. I’ve always loved makeup, and that passion became my career. I started working in beauty more than 14 years ago. One of my first big steps was co-founding a Makeup Club in my city, which helped me realize I had an entrepreneurial spirit. Read more>>
Ched Pagtakhan
Prior to becoming School Director at The Culinary School of Fort Worth, I gained extensive industry experience working within luxury hotels, resorts, corporate dining, and even owning and operating our own food truck business. Culinary education is my main passion, as I am fulfilled by helping facilitate their training & development, and witnessing their transformation into solid culinarians for the industry. Read more>>
Destiny Chapman
Growing up, I always had an affinity for all forms of art, particularly visual and performance arts. When I entered middle school, I auditioned for my school’s theatre program. That was the first stepping stone. Over the next few years, I realized acting wasn’t my forte, but I loved being behind the scenes. Read more>>
Polly Brady
So my story starts long before Polly Plumbing ever existed. For about fifteen years, I worked my way up to COO of a staffing and recruiting firm in Baltimore. I was part of helping to build that business from the ground up, and my world was operations, marketing, technology, sales, and honestly anything else that needed a strategy and execution behind it. Read more>>
Tammye Mims
My name is Tammye Mims, and I am a professional Wardrobe Stylist with a lifelong passion for fashion. Originally from Waco, Texas, I relocated to Dallas in 2004, where my personal style and creative vision continued to evolve. Fashion has always been a part of who I am—I’ve loved clothing and personal presentation for as long as I can remember. Read more>>
Michael Lane
Michael Lane has 30 years of corporate, restaurant, and fine-dining chef experience. He attended the Culinary Institute of America in New York, while simultaneously working for the largest tri-state catering company in Franklin, New Jersey (Market Basket). Returning to Texas, he trained under renowned chefs Tim Keaton, Robert DeGrande, and Dean Fearing. Read more>>
Amberlee Givens
Am’s Royal Cookies is a small baking business I started in summer 2019. I was a stay at home mom of two at the time and wanted to find a creative hobby to do on my spare time, so I tried making Royal Icing cookies to give to close friends and family for feedback. Read more>>
Elizabeth Hastings
My story starts in Arkansas, my home state. I lived there for 26 years, though I didn’t truly appreciate it until after college. I graduated with a degree I had little interest in — to this day, I’m not sure I could clearly define it — and at 22, I landed my first “big girl” corporate job. Read more>>
Jason Griffin
Born and raised in Orange, Texas. I graduated from Lamar University with a degree in Industrial Electronics. While in college, I began my first job as a radio announcer in my hometown. I quickly discovered a preference for talking into microphones rather than repairing them. Read more>>
Kimberley Dietrich
My journey into owning an accounting firm really began in 2021, during one of the toughest seasons of my life. I was let go from my previous employer due to COVID-related financial cuts, and at that moment I had a choice — panic… or pivot. And honestly, it ended up being one of the biggest blessings in disguise. Read more>>
Anthony D’Ambrosio
I grew up in Dallas and served for 6 years as a youth pastor at a church in Fresno. But during that time, I went through a crisis of faith — compounded by a chronic illness that caused severe insomnia and other difficult symptoms. Read more>>
Sabrina Dragan
Since 2017, I have dedicated my career to pediatric dentistry. I earned my dental degree from the former Baylor College of Dentistry—now the Texas A&M University School of Dentistry—right here in Dallas. During my training, I met Dr. Mike Plunk, a respected pediatric dentist and orthodontist whose practice I would later acquire in 2020. Dr. Read more>>
Cynthia Nixon
I’m a proud Dallas native, born and raised in Pleasant Grove—and still right here serving the same community that shaped me. In 2022, I began my transition into entrepreneurship as a notary, tax professional, and bookkeeper. What started as a small step quickly became a calling. Read more>>
Lauren Payne
The Story of How Clinic Concierge Was Born Clinic Concierge was built from a place of purpose, passion, and the belief that healthcare should meet people where they are. Its story begins with Lauren Payne, a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, Co-Founder, and now Chief Brand Officer of Clinic Concierge—a company redefining the standard of in-home medical care. Read more>>
Venkatesan Pillai
Rooted in technology and education, my journey has evolved into building purpose-driven initiatives that create real-world impact. From Run2Feed (turning miles into meals) and NAPTA (preserving spiritual and cultural heritage) to HANDS (autism support), CyberWarriors (student cybersecurity empowerment), and Play4Cause (youth through sports), I focus on blending innovation, entrepreneurship, and social good to make a meaningful difference globally. Read more>>
Nate Rehlander
My journey in photography began when my parents gave me a camera when I was around 4 or 5 years old. They provided me film and let me run wild with it. Mom and dad were my biggest fans, though my early photos didn’t indicate that I should forgo all other careers and concentrate solely on photography. Read more>>
Spicy Velma
I started just by posting on social media everyday. How I got to where I am? It’s a little crazy to be honest! I ended up in some TikTok drama however I was able to take that traction and navigate it into something positive. I also had started OnlyFans around the same time and I took off from there. Read more>>
Robbie Ramos
Well, honestly, I never thought I’d become a tattoo artist. I wanted to be a muralist because I’ve loved painting since I was little. But then a turning point came in my life when I saw body art in tattoo magazines and other materials, and the idea of creating art, but on the skin, occurred to me. Read more>>
Ashley Kay
Haute and Bodied Beauty Lounge didn’t begin as a brand, it began as a calling. I still remember the moment it all clicked. It was 2007, and I had just earned my massage therapy license. I didn’t have a grand business plan or a blueprint for success. Read more>>
Kyu Shim
My journey started about twenty years ago. Back then, I deeply missed Seoul — not just the city, but the vibrant, noisy, warm atmosphere of my twenties. In Dallas, there was no place that carried that energy. There were plenty of restaurants, but nowhere that captured the nostalgic pocha culture of the ’80s and ’90s in Korea. Read more>>
Amanda Moore
I started my career in beauty as an Esthetician, and for years I ran a busy bridal hair and makeup business back in South Carolina. I loved the artistry, the connection, and the chance to help people feel like the truest and best version of themselves. But over time, I felt pulled toward hair, especially blonding , balayage, and color that grows out effortlessly. Read more>>
Andreina Matheus
My journey in micropigmentation has been filled with challenges, but also with a profound sense of determination. I come from the world of design and art, where I learned how to create beauty from nothing, but it was through micropigmentation that I discovered a deeper purpose: helping women reconnect with their confidence, their strength, and their own beauty. Read more>>
James Robinson
I enjoy wearing fedora style hats. In 2022 I wanted to start a small business creating hat bands for fedora hats. I thought about creating the products and selling them for $20 each. I had no paid experience in fashion design, however I’ve been complimented on my fashion style and I have over 30 years in graphic design. So I figured it would be easy. Read more>>
Dr. Tamara Monroe
As a dedicated servant leader, Tamara co-founded Hope Restored Missions (HRM) in the spring of 2019 alongside three other like-minded women. Their vision was clear: to address the urgent needs of the impoverished and homeless in our community. Starting with just 20 clients, Tamara and her partners have successfully transformed HRM into a vital resource for over 3,200 individuals and families in just five years. Read more>>
Yana Michelle Simms
I’ve been in the kitchen for as long as I can remember. I was a shy kid, not the most social, so cooking was where I felt comfortable and creative without having to talk much. Petite Eats really started back in 2016 when I was living in DC, catering by myself and doing dessert tables for radio stations, events, and community gatherings. Read more>>
Mckenna Menchaca
Snatched Body and Beauty was founded from a genuine passion for helping women feel confident in their own skin. I’ve always believed that confidence is transformative, and I saw firsthand how body contouring could restore that feeling—especially for women navigating the changes that come after pregnancy. Read more>>
Stormy Barrett
My path here has been shaped by a mix of motherhood, community, creativity, and a deep need for work that actually fits real life. Read more>>
Hayley Hendrick
I’m a second year tattooer, my background is in architecture. I went to auburn university and studied architecture and environmental design. I’ve always been artistic, I was the president of art club at highland park high school. I am the first female to be hired at death or glory, and have now been here almost a year. Read more>>
Charles Snargrass
I’m a self taught, yet Certified Chef whose food truck journey has taken me through 3 states before ultimately growing into a brick and mortar location here in Lancaster, Texas. It’s been an incredible path, and I’m proud of how far the journey has brought me. Read more>>
Gustavo Gonzalez
We started Vortex Air Solutions back in 2020 during COVID. Erik and I have known each other since middle school, roughly since 2003–2004. We both decided to pursue HVAC after high school, and over the years we kept in touch and decided to start a business together. This was all after gaining experience and also having another HVAC business of my own. Read more>>
Gianna Cerullo
I came from a retail and fashion background where I was a personal shopper and stylist for 20 years. By chance, I was watching over a construction site for a friend, and I ended up selling the property. I realized that my fashion background was an easy segway into real estate. Read more>>
