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.
Melony Trementozzi
My story has never fit neatly into a single category, and honestly, I think that’s what makes it meaningful. At my core, I am a mother first. Raising two sons has shaped almost every decision I’ve made, teaching me resilience, perspective, and the importance of leading by example. Read more>>
Christopher Williams
My beginnings were sparks of misguided experiences. Being someone behind the lens feels just as much of a coincidence as being right at home. Growing up- I didn’t get out, I didn’t ‘enjoy’ people, I barely spoke, I wasn’t into art, and I’ve never had 20/20 vision or anything remotely close. So being into Art and Media is irony. Read more>>
Belinda Raya
I grew up in a small town in Illinois as one of four girls so of course I loved all things beauty! From a young age, I always knew I wanted to do hair. Making women feel beautiful on the outside was something I naturally loved, but I never imagined how much this industry would shape me on the inside as well. Read more>>
Katie Onitiri-Hageman
As a therapist, I view trauma as an experience that disrupts connection—connection to ourselves, our families, and our communities. My therapeutic approach is built on the belief that while trauma can shatter one’s sense of safety, the resilience of the human spirit is stronger. Read more>>
Daphne Rose
Thank you so much for interviewing me! So grateful for an opportunity to share my story. I’m Daphne Rose, a Dallas-based model, music producer, content creator, and emerging actor. My creative path has been a little unconventional, but I think that’s exactly what has shaped me. Read more>>
Derrick Johnson
There are brands built from strategy. And then there are brands built from experience. The KOATURE was never meant to fit inside one category. It was built from real life, real lessons, real struggles, real growth, and real passion. The name stands for: King Of All Trades Using Real Experience. Read more>>
Joshua Provo
I got into comedy in Baton Rouge through skateboarding like 9 years ago. I used to work at the skatepark with my friend O’mar Finley, he was the first comedian I’d ever met and he ran shows all over town. He told me to sign up for his open mic at the Spanish moon, and I’ve been hooked ever since! Read more>>
Freddy River
I started teaching myself piano when I was 10 years old and began writing original music around 11. For most of my life, I wanted to be a film composer, but I also had a deep love for soul and neo-soul. Over time, I became focused on mastering a cinematic sound while blending in elements of soul and smooth rhythms. Read more>>
Allen Lewis
Health and wellness, coupled with spreading knowledge has been the thread running through both of our lives for as long as we can remember. For Allen, it started with sports as a kid, then turned into bodybuilding and nutrition around 18. Read more>>
Kiel Jared
Oak Cliff Pilates started the way most real things start. Not with a business plan, but with a person who truly believed in something. That person was my wife, Amanda. Back in 2016, she started teaching free pilates classes at Kidd Springs Park in Oak Cliff. She also ran private reformer classes out of our living room. Read more>>
Jennifer Duaine
As a little girl in the 1970s, some of my fondest memories were riding around with my father through his development in South Irving, The Retreat. I was fascinated watching him build homes and create entire communities from the ground up. That early exposure stayed with me and ultimately shaped my career path. Read more>>
Lexi MacQueen
Reading has always been an outlet for me. It was the one thing that was solely mine growing up and it became a way for me to have breaks from reality and explore something fantastical. I guess you could say my love for reading led to my exploration with writing my own stories. Read more>>
Jen Weaver
As a kid, my first dream job was to be an author—specifically, crafting adventurous stories that would capture readers’ imaginations. While my career eventually took me into leadership, ministry, speaking, and Bible teaching, writing has always held a special place in my heart. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of writing books and creating devotional plans for the YouVersion Bible App. Read more>>
Erin Trojan
I started art when I was very young, and it has always been a driving passion of mine. I would do any and all art electives in school, did classes over holiday vacations and would find any and all ways to create! Read more>>
Chasity Roye
My journey into nurse midwifery was really shaped by becoming a mother. I spent four years as an ICU RN, and I loved the intensity of that work, but everything shifted when I had my daughter Kennedy in 2020. Read more>>
Dessiraee McKeever
My name is Dessiraee ‘Dezzy’ McKeever, and I was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. My passion for real estate comes from my own life experiences. Growing up, I was moved around frequently and experienced a lot of instability in my household. Read more>>
Keidrain Brewster
I grew up in Oak Cliff, Texas, and by the age of 17, I was sentenced to prison. I spent more than 13 years incarcerated, much of that time in maximum-security environments. Like many young men, I made decisions that were shaped by trauma, poor influences, and a limited vision for what my future could be. Read more>>
Bailey Wilson
I founded Bondi Bowls, at the age of 24, with the help of my family and countless miracles. After spending the first 18 years of my life in Edmond, Oklahoma, I decided to leave everything I knew behind and move to California for college. After graduation, I took another leap of faith and moved to Bondi Beach, Australia. Read more>>
Jazmin Pizana
I graduated in 2021 with a degree in Education and originally thought I would become a teacher. But after my dad unexpectedly passed away that same year, I found myself taking a hard look at what I wanted my life and career to look like. His passing taught me how important it is to spend your time doing something that genuinely makes you happy. Read more>>
Cody O’Neal
I started Mahogany & Hyde because I wanted to build things that lasted. The short version is I picked up woodworking, got obsessed with the craft, and turned a garage habit into a real business. Little Rock, Arkansas is home base. We build custom hardwood pieces. Doors, dining tables, built-ins, bars, mantles. Read more>>
Bobby Manning
I’m originally from Tyler, Texas, and I’m now based in Dallas. I started making music seriously about six years ago, first as a rapper in a group before eventually stepping out on my own. Read more>>
Brittany Risk
I started initially reselling Vintage Clothing on Instagram back in 2020. Once I started making enough money to support myself, I quit my full-time job as a barista. Soon after, I realized I’d be much happier if I was focusing on my own handmade art rather than just vintage. It took some time to find that spark, but eventually I discovered free-motion applique. Read more>>
Tanuja Mahindru
My journey to real estate was the natural evolution of a 20-year career in sales and marketing. For over two decades, I immersed myself in learning how to truly listen to people, negotiate with integrity, and protect my clients’ interests. While it was a wonderful corporate chapter, my heart eventually felt a deep pull to use those high-level skills for something much closer to home. Read more>>
Matteo
I be listenin to music since i was a lil kid, when i was about 11yo i bought my first keyboard n I started watchin on yt how beats of my favourite songs were made, then with my first laptop i downloaded fl studio and locked in and now with my 5 years of experience I’ve started to rap n actually make this the job of my life Read more>>
Sarah Jester
I come from humble beginnings. I was primarily raised by my single mother with the help of my grandparents. We didn’t come from money, and everything in my life has been something I had to earn and fight for. Growing up, I watched my mom struggle to provide for my siblings and me. Read more>>
Luke Vela
My name is Luke and I am a dog trainer. I have been training professionally since 2020 and working with dogs since 2017. Everything started when I was about 7 years old. My dad didn’t like dogs at all. One day I saw the neighbor across from me had a German Shepherd. Read more>>
Daryl Mayfield
I’ve been acting since I was 10 years old. I was always a shy child, but one summer, my mom placed me in an acting camp. I completely fell in love with it. As a teenager I joined the drama club at both my church and high school performing in multiple skits and on stage plays. Read more>>
Miguel Guerra
I had graduated from UNT in 2018 and soon after I was working at Vandelay Sound Exports where I learned the basics of Sound Mixing techniques and tech. My career really started to take off during the tail-end of the streaming wars around 2021-2022. I started off by doing narrative shorts, corporate/commercial shoots, and the occasional documentary or church service. Read more>>
Jay Wilson
Born in Columbus, MS and raised in Killeen, TX , Jay Wilson is a multifaceted creative whose work spans content creation, music, acting, choreography, creative direction, and massage therapy. From an early age, Jay was drawn to the performing arts, developing a deep love for music, movement, storytelling, and self-expression that would shape his diverse career. Read more>>
Zack Jano
When I first got married and moved to Texas, I had already spent most of my life working in Christian ministry: running youth conferences, playing music around the country and building relationships. I knew it was time for a change in 2022, and in 2023 JanoMedia was born. We started off by doing simple wedding videos and one off social media projects. Read more>>
Sarah Ramirez
My journey into entrepreneurship started during a challenging season of life. After being laid off, I found myself searching for a way to provide for my family while also building something I was truly passionate about. What began as a leap of faith quickly turned into The PhotoBooth Lab. Read more>>
Tricia Poindexter
My name is Tricia Poindexter and I am the founder of my business, OroGlow Myofunctional & Speech Services, based in Abilene, TX. I graduate from Texas Tech in 2015 and Eastern New Mexico University in 2018 with a Master’s degree in Communication Disorders. I have been a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist for 9 years. Read more>>
Juan Melendez
All it took was one song. One song for me to know that music was all I wanted, and needed, for the rest of my life. My name is Juan Carlos Melendez, but most know me as “Ramen”. I’m a producer based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and I have been making music for a little over a decade now. Read more>>
Anahi Salas
Heavenly Pink began in January 2023 while I was still in college. I brought the idea to my mom, and from the very beginning she has been my biggest supporter and partner throughout this journey. At first, I wasn’t sure what kind of business I wanted to create. Read more>>
Josh Thomas
I started my career at 15 as an assistant trainer at my local gym in Valley Ranch — performance training and nutrition coaching before I even had a driver’s license. Early on, I had a personal training mentor who changed the entire trajectory of my life. He was a man of God who taught me the power of leading intentionally and setting clear goals. Read more>>
Lina Gomez
I’m originally from Colombia and moved to the United States five years ago. Professionally, I’ve worked as an executive assistant and personal trainer, experiences that have taught me discipline, resilience, and the value of building meaningful connections. I never planned to become a content creator. I’ve always loved capturing memories, whether it was a family moment, a trip, a beautiful meal, or a special experience. Read more>>
Angie Romero
My name is Angélica ‘Angie’ Romero, and I am a communicator, community builder, and connector driven by purpose. I was born in Monterrey, Mexico, and since 2015 I have proudly called the Dallas-Fort Worth area home, where I have built a career that brings together media, community leadership, creativity, and service. Read more>>
Celeste Natalie Quintana
My career journey has been anything but linear, and I think that’s what makes it so meaningful. I spent the first eight and a half years of my professional career in healthcare, working alongside C-suite executives and supporting organizations in a variety of capacities. Throughout that time, I wore many hats, which ultimately made me a bit of a jack of all trades. Read more>>
Dominique Farmer
My story is one of faith, resilience, and purpose. After experiencing the loss of my husband, I found myself navigating grief while raising two children and rebuilding my life. What could have broken me became the foundation for my calling. Through writing, ministry, and entrepreneurship, I discovered that some of our greatest purposes are born from our deepest pain. Read more>>
Freeman Kelley
Sports have always been a major part of my life. Growing up without a father, football became more than just a game—it became an outlet, a teacher, and a pathway to opportunities I might not have otherwise received. As a young athlete, I quickly learned that talent alone wasn’t always enough. Exposure mattered. Read more>>
Ann Striano
In 2023, I made a decision that every doctor in my life told me was wrong. I stopped using my medication, all of it and let my body do something it had never been allowed to do- heal on its own terms. It didn’t start there though. It started with a girl who grew up not knowing what it meant to be healthy. Read more>>
Lacey Osterman
My story is honestly one I can look back on and see God’s hand all over. I didn’t originally set out to become a pediatric and family chiropractor. I actually started at Parker University through the animal program, and my undergraduate background was in Equine Sports Medicine. Read more>>
Gabrielle Veray
My story is a long one, but here’s the short version. The Glory Podcast was birthed from a season when I spent an entire year alone with Jesus. During that time, I came to know Him in a deeper way and learned more about His character. Read more>>
Samuel Gallardo Alwaysoffsidez
Our mission started out with a goal of creating a sports podcast with a few friends, we knew that us talking about sports was a way to not just only build our friendship but keep us in constant communication with each other. Read more>>
Rachel Smith
I never set out to start a sock company. Before Pride Socks, I spent 12 years as a high school Special Education teacher and coach. Long before that, I grew up as the hearing child of two Deaf parents. From an early age, I learned how powerful it is to help people feel seen, understood, and connected. Read more>>
Sidna Rainbolt
As early on as high school, I found myself taking photos of everything and everywhere. I was known as the ‘artsy’ one back then. I couldn’t’ wait to sit down and play around with the edits. After college, I continued to grow my interest in photography and eventually I was shooting sessions of friends and their families. Read more>>
Ella Bell
Rhythm of Texas Belts was born from two things that have shaped much of my life: dance and resilience. For nearly two decades, dance has been a constant source of joy, connection, and personal growth for me. I started as a beginner and a social dancer, and eventually found myself teaching, competing, and sharing my passion with others. Read more>>
Faida Khedhiri
At the age of 18 I left my home country(Tunisia) to go study abroad. I spent 2 years in Germany and learned German there, then moved to Poland to go to college and study game design. I wanted to become a concept artist but right as I graduated all my efforts went down the drain because it was the starting point of AI. Read more>>
Darren Roberts
I grew up in Lubbock, Texas, and moved to Dallas in 2003. While attending Lake Highlands High School, I found my passion for photography through film and darkroom work. Watching an image come to life on paper sparked something in me that never went away. As photography evolved, I migrated to digital, but my approach stayed the same. Read more>>
Chris Engel
I grew up in a house where the sound of a cello was always present. My parents met in the Waco Symphony and spent their entire careers as dedicated professional musicians; I am who I am today because of their influence and the way they poured their lives into music. Read more>>
Andrea Meza
At 12 years old, my life changed forever when I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. To save my life, I underwent an above-knee amputation of my left leg. For years, I believed running was something I had lost along with my leg. More than 20 years later, through CAF (Challenged Athlete Foundation) and Össur, I decided to challenge that belief. Read more>>
Mudi and Mutong Wang
Founded in summer of 2024, butterandcookie.co wants to make a positive impact for those around them. A transition time between freshman and sophomore year, Mudi and Mutong used their knowledge of baking for their classmates to create a special business that not only showcased their skills and passion for baking, but also honored their dog, Butter, as its namesake and logo. Read more>>
Stephanie Trotter
I’ve always been passionate about understanding people, their stories, their struggles, and what helps them THEM. That curiosity led me to earn my degree in Psychology and eventually become a Licensed Professional Counselor. Read more>>
Karen Blessen
Things overheard, quiet revelations, desire, and the help of countless people figure into my story. I grew up in a (then) small town in the Midwest. Now my town is not so small – there’s a casino and sprawling industries that recruit management from the big leagues. Read more>>
AIR SKY
I am a Dallas based entertainer. I mostly sing and create music, but I also act, dance, and model. I grew up knowing that I wanted to be an entertainer after watching A LOT of tv. After going to school for nursing, I decided that that wasn’t my calling and dropped out. I pursued in music and instantly fell in love. Read More>>
Tina Zawadzki
As a child I wanted to be a Chef. I remember getting a ‘hand me down’ Easy Bake oven and being so excited. Who knew a light bulb could cook a tiny cake? Throughout grade school, I was always placed in the honors classes so going to culinary school would have been considered a big U-turn. Read More>>
