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.
Melanie Delgado
I am a college student navigating the pageant world while living with autoimmune diseases, specifically Sjögren’s and lupus. My journey hasn’t been easy, but it has shaped me into someone who is resilient, driven, and deeply passionate about making a difference. Balancing school, pageantry, and my health has taught me discipline, strength, and the importance of listening to my body. Read more>>
Sergio Ballesteros
My journey has always been defined by a bridge between two worlds: business strategy and cutting-edge technology. It began with a solid foundation in Business Administration and Management Information Systems, starting my career as an Application Developer. Read more>>
Valerie Essman
I didn’t necessarily find psychiatry as an advanced practice provider specialty…….it found me in moments that changed me forever. One of the earliest moments was during my time as a medic in the Air Force. My first emergency response was a suicide attempt involving a young airman in our security forces-the nations defenders we trust to protect us. Read more>>
Vondajai Walker
Mo Matcha came out of a very real season in my life where I’m figuring out my next move. I’m currently a teacher, and I’m grateful for it, but I know it’s not my forever. Read more>>
Damien Rei
I’ve been an artist of different types for most of my life. Traditional art, photography, and music, specifically singing, have always been at the forefront of my interests. When I was a young boy, growing up in El Paso, Texas, the very first time I saw La Bamba, I knew I wanted to be either an actor or Ritchie Valens. Read more>>
Caroline Jefferys
When our family moved to Keller 26 years ago, the local bakery scene was quite sparse. As someone who loved planning themed birthday parties, I found it nearly impossible to find custom cakes that matched the vision I had in mind. I kept thinking back to the nostalgic birthday cakes of my own childhood, the ones made with real buttercream frosting. Read more>>
Beth Nowacki
My story starts with a book club retreat. I helped gather a group of women together, and somewhere in the middle of all the laughter, deep conversations, and genuine connection, it hit me — this is what women are craving. Not just a night out, but a real sense of belonging. Read more>>
Shondra Gilstrap
PWRHAUS Elite Incorporated was built from a place of purpose, not just passion. As a mother and leader, I saw firsthand how many young athletes—especially in underserved communities—lack access to structured programs that build both skill and confidence. Traditional All-Star cheer can be expensive and exclusive, and I knew there had to be a better way. Read more>>
Jaiden Deshuan
I’m Jaiden Deshuan, a creative entrepreneur, artist, and founder of TFWW Creative and TFWW Records. I started out like a lot of people just being hands-on with music, content, and ideas, figuring things out while learning how the industry really works behind the scenes. Over time, I stopped looking at myself only as an artist and started building something bigger. Read more>>
David Turner
In 2011, I was diagnosed with Gastroparesis, a serious condition caused by complications from diabetes. However, it was not officially confirmed until 2013 after my wife and I traveled from Texas to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. Read more>>
Margo Washington
Hello my name is Margo Washington I am an 30 year old massage therapist ,writer,content creator.. I take care of an 70 year year old mother . What inspired me to want to write or Become a massage therapist was for my mom she has polio she is bed bounded . Read more>>
Veronica Medeiros
My journey in the world of art is deeply rooted in my Colombian heritage and nature by a rich cultural environment. growing up surrounded by artists, writers, painters, musicians, ignited my early exposure to the arts, my passion to express beyond words, for me set the stage for a life long creative exploration. During high school, I win a short story writing competition. Read more>>
William Cortez
I actually didn’t even want to start skateboarding at first. I was about 10 years old, and it was my cousin’s birthday. My aunt kept asking me if I wanted a skateboard too, and I said no—probably 15 times. Finally, she asked, “Are you sure? Read more>>
Brenna Moulden
Art has been my primary language for as long as I can remember. Although I minored in art at Stephen F. Austin State University, I stepped away from the canvas for a while to raise a family. Then, as my children grew into their teenage years, my creative space opened up again. Read more>>
Keith Watson
We got started just before the pandemic as a 3-piece family band (Jake and Max are my sons) out of preparation for doing a vacation together going to Hollywood to play with Jerry Cantrell and Mike Inez of Alice in Chains and with Rob and Dean Deleo of STP. During the process of rehearsing we started jamming our own tunes and decided to record. Read more>>
Faye Austin
I earned my BA in Theatre Arts from Stephen F. Austin State University, but my love of storytelling started much earlier. I always thought my path would stay in performance. My first professional role was in the box office at Casa Mañana Theatre, where I spent nearly a decade growing into roles like Office Manager and Company Manager. Read more>>
Jackie Legos
My name is Jackie legos and I currently play with a band called (Happy Phantom) from Dallas, Texas. I am a full-time musician and multi instrumentalist who has been playing music for most of my life. Read more>>
Kristin Parker
– Grew up in Gaffney, SC where everything centered around football and Friday nights. Gaffney is also famous for it’s peaches. It even has a water tower shaped like a peach. – Went to College of Charleston in Charleston, SC. Graduated with a BS in Kinesiology with a minor in Secondary Education in 2001. – Met my husband, Travis, at College of Charleston. Read more>>
Zolean Bruner
In 2013, I joined Sisters Network Dallas as a volunteer looking for a connection; I stayed because I found a mission that matched my passion. Serving now as President, I am proud to lead an organization where every leader is a volunteer united by the same ‘sister-to-sister’ bond. Read more>>
David Ferguson
Well it’s kind of a Rags to Riches story, but not exactly. Mines more like an addict/alcoholic to a recovered man of Faith ! As an artist starting out with high aspirations, I fell short each and every time I was blessed to get in a tattoo shop. My addiction would creep up on me and before long I was kicked out of the shop. Read more>>
Tondra Flores
I’m Tondra, the proud owner of Pretty Tasty Treats by Ton. I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and various DIYs. What started as a fun hobby 9 years ago for family and friends has now blossomed into a true passion of designing and bringing to life candy and treat buffet style tables for events of all types. Read more>>
Denise Newton
September 11, 2001 shifted my perspective on life, purpose, and the work I was doing in corporate America. Around that same time, my two youngest children were preparing to enter high school, and we were having conversations about their futures and college. It caused me to reflect on my own deferred dream of becoming a teacher. Read more>>
Kendall Krebs
Creativity has played a crucial role in my life. Growing up, the only classes I enjoyed were Art, and a photography unit in a Gateway to Technology class in middle school. And I didn’t grow up a Christian, but happened to find myself in church at 15 years old and ended up at a service opportunity painting murals at an orphanage in Mexico. Read more>>
List of Switches
All of us attend the School of Rock in McKinney, which is where we all met. Initially, Liam Geraghty and I (Elliot Garven) decided that we wanted to start a band outside of the school. We reached out to some friends for the band which included: Ryan Bretado, Ethan Dooley, and Sebin James. Read more>>
Atiya Ma’Sha
My journey really started at 12 watching makeup gurus on YouTube and falling in love with beauty. The older I got, the deeper that love grew into doing makeup, stepping into acting, and finding creative ways to express myself. Read more>>
Wayne Cummins
From Grits to Greatness: A Chef’s Journey Home By Wayne Cummins I was born in New Orleans, and that’s where my culinary journey truly began. I’ve always been inspired by food and the way it brings people together. In my family, we always ate together—sharing moments, branching out, trying new things. Read more>>
Lamonte Harris
Well first thank you for your time and this opportunity. It honestly all started with my nephew. He was a highly sought after player, being the QB at Long Beach Poly (Now QB at Colorado State University). As we all know that are familiar with the NIL space, it started in California with kids being able to be paid while in high school. Read more>>
Olivia Lisi
I first picked up a camera in 2021 at just 12 years old, I was trying something new without really knowing where it would go. At the time, it was more of a casual hobby, and I was figuring everything out on my own. Read more>>
Brooke Bailey
At 26 years old, my journey has been anything but ordinary. I’ve always carried a strong sense of responsibility and vision, even at a young age. Before stepping fully into the restaurant industry, I built my foundation as a hairstylist. That experience taught me discipline, customer service, and the importance of consistency in delivering a quality experience. Read more>>
Criss Hahn
Hello, My Name is Criss Hahn. I recently just celebrated my 20th year in business this March 27, 2026. I stared my company in my senior year of high school officially, but I have been in a hustle and grind mindset since I was 7 years old! Read more>>
Jimmy Wallace
The Dallas International Guitar Festival began in 1978 as a small gathering called the Greater Southwest Vintage Guitar Show, founded by Charley Wirz and a handful of fellow enthusiasts. Read more>>
Kamilya Akhmetova
I played piano since I was 7 and decided to make it my profession. After the Bachelor’s in Piano Performance in Astana, Kazakhstan, I continued my education and received my Master’s in Organ Performance, and now I am finishing my Master’s in Piano Performance and Pedagogy, both at SMU in Dallas. Read more>>
Keisha-ann ‘Ann’ Roper
I’m the founder of Capital Signatures, a real estate support and field services company serving the Dallas–Fort Worth area. My background includes administrative and executive support roles where I developed strong organizational, compliance, and operational skills. Over time, I realized those skills translated naturally into the real estate transaction space. Read more>>
Nelly Ferguson
Hey! My name is Nelly Ferguson, I am a fashion and beauty model. I started modeling shortly after graduating high school when a friend invited me to walk in her show. That experience introduced me to runway and sparked a passion that quickly grew into something much deeper. As I continued, I became more intentional about my purpose. Read more>>
Vanessa Cantu
I was in a car accident at the tender age of 15. It left me with a spinal cord injury having to relearn how to walk, several ruptured organs leaving me a comprised system, and a spirit that didn’t know how to accept or or quit. Read more>>
KATANA DIXON
I didn’t set out to build a cigar brand. I set out to build a standard. I’m a U.S. Air Force veteran, a consultant by trade, and a woman who has always understood the value of structure, discipline, and precision. For years, my work lived in systems, strategy, and compliance—but outside of that world, I found myself drawn to something slower, more intentional. Read more>>
Suzanne Westrum
I became CEO of the Greater Fort Worth Association of REALTORS® (GFWAR) in February 2024, leading the city’s largest trade association with more than 5,000 members. My REALTOR® association career began in my hometown of San Antonio, where I joined the San Antonio Board of REALTORS® as Communications Director. Read more>>
Sylvia Garcia
Divine Touch Crafts started with a simple idea… I just wanted a space where women could come together, slow down, create, and feel God in the middle of it all. But honestly, my heart has always been bigger than just crafts. Read more>>
Jasmyn Reneé
I started photography as a hobby, just shooting friends and people around me. It was something I genuinely enjoyed, and over time I started taking it more seriously as I saw my work improving and people really connecting with it. I come from a sports background as a former Division I athlete, so that naturally played a role in getting me into sports photography. Read more>>
Madu Ibe
My love for music stems from my childhood. I have always had a reverence for music, and artistry. My parents are pastors and my mom is a gospel artist which really bred a love for music in me. I have been singing and writing for years and I finally decided to take the arts and my talent seriously in 2023. Read more>>
CJ Reese
I have loved antiques and collectibles all of my life. I moved to Denison in 2017 to start a new business and rented a booth at the local antique mall. After sometime the original plan for the new business changed and I found myself looking for answers of how to move forward but I knew I wanted to stay in Denison. Read more>>
Amy Downs
My journey began in a small town east of Dallas. After high school, I moved to the DFW metroplex with the same uncertainty many young professionals feel, working administrative roles while searching for a career that truly resonated with me. In 1996, while working for a property management firm, I was presented with the opportunity to obtain my real estate license. Read more>>
Brooke Oates
Carrying on a legacy, but doing it my way!!! I bring fresh energy and a creative spark to First People’s Jewelers. As the daughter of founder Frank Zangerl and a now a certified GIA Gemologist, I grew up surrounded by diamonds, design, and the quiet magic of meaningful pieces. Read more>>
Meredith League
My first career was as a professional ballroom dancer. I have very fair skin and so I lived half my life in a spray tan for all of my competitions and performances. I LOVED how I felt with a tan. It made my muscles look more defined, my smile looked whiter and even made my eyes stand out more. Read more>>
Shayreen Parupia
Hello, my name is Shayreen Parupia, and I’m an 18-year-old entrepreneur and pre-pharmacy student. This is the story of how I built two businesses while still in school. Growing up, I was always the “spark” in my family—the one who loved being involved in everything. Read more>>
Yandel Omar
I’m a 20-year-old entrepreneur from Puerto Rico who began my journey in graphic design in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many people at the time, I found myself exploring new opportunities online, and that’s when I discovered digital design. I started with just an iPad and curiosity, not knowing how far it could take me. Read more>>
Brittney Bassett
We got started with printing because 1: I worked in a small print shop for a while after leaving a job at Michaels craft store; which I LOVED. And 2: my husbands job sent him to a home and garden show. (he worked for a company that sells playsets and kayaks and folding tables, etc). Read more>>
Tre G
I’m Trelvis Giles Jr. from Pleasant Grove, Texas—aka Dallas, aka Triple D. I was born and raised in Dallas, which is becoming more rare with how fast the city is growing. Most people know me from radio as TreG from K104 FM. Read more>>
Lauren Petka
I didn’t arrive at this work by accident—my path into therapy is both professional and personal. Experiencing the impact of therapy in my own life is what initially led me here, and it continues to shape how I show up with clients today. I completed my Master’s in Education and Human Development at George Washington University, where I trained in rehabilitation counseling. Read more>>
Emilia Loginova
My journey into this field started much earlier than I realized at the time. When I was about 15, I remember noticing a boy in school who had severe acne. Instead of seeing it the way others did, I felt a deep sense of empathy. Read more>>
Asma Syed
I started my Business purely for the love of art! I wanted to share some things about me and hope that you find it nice to learn more about the person behind the business @hennahouseasma . My name is Asma Syed. I was born and raised in Saudi Arabia. Read more>>
Wavy Lamborghinini
With over 18 years of experience behind the turntables, I’ve built a reputation as a dynamic and versatile DJ, known for blending multiple genres and creating unforgettable experiences for any crowd. My journey began in 2008, curating music and designing mixtape covers before stepping into live DJing while attending Ole Miss, where I quickly became a staple at house parties, Greek events, and local bars. Read more>>
Rosa Johnson
My story really started with a feeling I always knew I was meant to be seen, to express, to create. Modeling and content creation wasn’t just something I wanted to try, it was something that lived in me. I didn’t wait for the “perfect moment” or for someone to put me on… I just started. Read more>>
wildhearts
Aitor (vocals/rhythm guitarist) and Octavius (lead guitarist) become friends in high school in the fall of 2019. Octavius had been playing guitar for a little while & Aitor has always wanted to learn. Conversations about music are being had at this point & about a week before the covid lockdowns in early 2020, Octavius gives Aitor an acoustic guitar to learn. Read more>>
Damaris Combs
I’ve been a stay at home mom for the last 12 years and I have been itching to get back into the community! One thing that I learned early on as a parent is that the phrase ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ is very true. Read more>>
Sofia Nehal
I’ve always had a natural pull toward creativity and connecting with people. I’m a huge people person and I genuinely love building relationships and bringing others together. I enjoyed capturing moments, telling stories and expressing ideas through content which is why I started my own business ‘In The Moment By Sofia’. Read more>>
Haley Flores
My story in photography really starts back as far as middle school working in the school yearbook! As I got older I tried to follow traditional routes for careers and I ending up in college for nursing. Read more>>
Chelsea Cuthbert
My name is Chelsea Cuthbert, and I am a business developer and investor dedicated to building organizations that create both economic value and meaningful community impact. One of my primary ventures is C&A Protective Solutions, a security services company that I have helped develop and grow in partnership with Adrian Pittman. Read more>>
Jonika Gerald
I am beyond grateful and excited to share that Gussie Mae “Special Needs” Adult Daycare Center, Inc. has been selected to be interviewed and featured in Voyage Dallas Magazine! This is truly an honor and blessing. Read more>>
