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.
Dawn Jefferis
The fluctuating economy always has an impact on sales, but COVID almost broke us. We went from being fully booked in March of 2020 to nearly all our accounts cancelling their upcoming events due to schools being closed and leagues cancelling their programs. That meant no income coming into our household for several consecutive months. Read more>>
Tomika Ross-Willett
It has not been a smooth road. Although I was always very active, I lacked focus on healthy eating habits. Despite my activity level, from my late-teens into early adult-hood, I became overweight. When my high school sweetheart and I set a wedding date, I decided to lose weight (although I did so by fad dieting, and not lifestyle change). After marrying, I continued to struggle off and on with my weight and body image for quite some time. Read more>>
Heidi Sarnecki
In 2020, when life felt a little uncertain and the world was slowing down, my husband and I started looking for property outside of the city. That’s when we stumbled upon the Black Barn property. From the moment we set foot on it, we knew it was special. The barn and farmhouse felt like more than just a piece of land — it felt like a calling. Read more>>
Samarpita Bajpai
We have been organizing intensive annual workshops for students under Guru Mosalikanti since 2016, where students are introduced to the traditions and methods of learning that is still followed back in India. That helps them understand the art better and immensely improves their technique under the guidance of a world renowned teacher from India. Our students graduate after finishing a comprehensive curriculum and a lot of them have continued to dance later in life too as teachers/performers. The curriculum can take anywhere between 8-12 years to complete. Read more>>
Shannon Gorres
I gained skill after skill in supporting myself and others around me in creating a grounded and purposeful life. Two graduate degrees later, I started a private practice called Divine Nature Therapy to help adults who struggle with existential dilemmas around the meaning of their life, work and relationships. As a Master of Divinity and Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, I empower people who are still recovering from childhood wounds find deep healing and growth. Read more>>
Marina Yanover
I started my health care training in Ukraine. I finished nursing school in 1991 and worked as a nurse for one year in the Surgical Urology department at the Marine hospital. Concurrently, I studied the art of massage, and received a degree in massage therapy. Read more>>
Marie Swift
Creating services that people value and want to pay for has always been a bit of a knack for me. Not that it came easy, but I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of looking for what’s needed, wanted, and missing — and then aligning my vision and skillsets as I tinkered with business models and service formulas. Read more>>
Emily Bachert
For my high school psychology class, we could write our research paper on any topic of our choosing. I chose to write about music and the brain. It was through researching that topic that I came across music therapy, a profession that combined my love for music with psychology/science and using music as a tool to help others. Read more>>
Andrea Linnebach
Kids have always been at the heart of my life. In my first career as an elementary school teacher, my favorite moments were watching children’s faces light up when they learned something new—especially when they sounded out words and realized they could read on their own. Read more>>
Meagan Grooms
Cameron Christian Academy began with a dream and a step of faith. In March 2023, after much prayer and planning, a small group of families and educators felt God’s prompting to create a Christ-centered learning environment where students could grow in both faith and knowledge. Read more>>
Ashley Madonia
I’ve always been fortunate to work with incredible people. After five years of teaching kindergarten alongside some of the most supportive teammates, I completed my Master’s in Administration and Policy with the goal of eventually becoming a principal. Around that time, a friend who owned a recruitment firm encouraged me to meet a colleague at NorthPoint Development. Read more>>
Sara Arnold
For as long as I can remember, my life seemed to remain wrapped up in sports, athleticism, performance, health, and food – but my path here was anything but a straight line. I struggled with acne and digestive issues in high school, and experimented with pretty restrictive diets to find a resolution (of which, I never found). Read more>>
Youssef Mekawy
journey, from the banks of the Nile River in Egypt to the bustling Missouri River in Kansas City, is one of inspiration and impact. My professional journey began in 2011 while studying at Al-Azhar University, public university, in Cairo, Egypt, where I co-founded Spread Your Skills (SYS)—an organization committed to helping college students achieve their career goals. This foundational experience shaped my calling. Read more>>
Renée Riedel
Massage therapy first caught my attention back in high school at a career fair. I remember being intrigued by the idea of helping people feel better through something as simple and natural as touch. Still, like many 18 year olds, I wasn’t quite ready to make it my career. Life took me in another direction, and I devoted my time to raising my daughter. Read more>>
Kristin Brumm
I’ve always loved to bake and started experimenting with making more creative designs back in 2019. When the pandemic hit and we were spending more time indoors, I devoted more time to working on more intricate pie crust designs. Some of those designs began drawing attention on Instagram, and people reached out wanting to buy specialty pie designs. Read more>>
Julia Allison
My dad has always had an interest in photography while I was growing up. That’s what prompted me to take a little photography workshop at the camp I grew up attending. I think I was around 14 years old when I took this class squeezed between the big game of the day and lunch. Read more>>
Rachel Murphy
I’ve always believed that our surroundings shape our peace. But my journey into professional organizing didn’t start in a perfectly labeled pantry — it started in a moment of chaos. Years ago, I found myself juggling work, motherhood, and the everyday demands of life, all while feeling like I was constantly chasing time. Read more>>
Noah Bell
I’ve always known I wanted to be a business owner. I come from a family of business owners, and that mindset of building, planning, and fixing things has always been part of who I am. I graduated from Wellspring School of Allied Health, where I completed the Massage Therapy program and passed the MBLEx. Read more>>
Jennifer Shelton
I have two undergrad degrees, a Master’s in Business, and spent 10 years working in the corporate world before quitting to start my own fitness and health business. Fitness has always been a big part of my life. I started teaching fitness classes in college—I’d sign up for the class to get paid and credit hours! Read more>>
Christy Lonergan
Growing up in Manhattan, KS, I was fascinated by the world of photography, thanks to my father. He was a hobbyist photographer and I was his little assistant in the darkroom. My journey continued through my local 4-H group, where my dad served as an instructor, deepening my love and skill for photography. Read more>>
Glenda Hernandez
Since I can remember, I’ve been a helper and a strong advocate for those experiencing injustices. I was the friend others confided in and sought out for advice. I never really thought about becoming a therapist until around 2008 or 2009. Read more>>
Deacon Godsey
I grew up in southern Minnesota, in a conservative evangelical home, and was deeply committed to Republican political ideology. I had dreams of becoming a popular leader, teacher, writer, and speaker. Read more>>
Andrew Crain
This journey started years ago when I was a kid mowing lawns for as many of the neighbors who would let me. I knew very early on that I’d much rather work for myself and that a traditional job wasn’t part of my plan. I worked with other lawn care companies all throughout high-school learning different equipment and the process of growing a small business. Read more>>
Marcy Barnhart
I have been incredibly lucky to work with and for some of the most passionate people in public service. Fresh out of high school, I was offered a position working for Gilbert Powers who served as the Johnson County Clerk/Election Authority while attending college at the University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg. Powers allowed me the opportunity to learn about public service, professionalism and more. Read more>>
Shelby West
I started as a competition dancer myself growing up and went to dance in college at KU. While I was a student, I was also teaching at a studio in Olathe once or twice a week for fun. When I graduated in May 2017, I also found out the studio I was teaching at was closing down. Read more>>
Lana Kirschman
I joined CosMedic Dentistry 18 years ago, back when it was a much smaller practice with less than ten team members, led by Dr. Paul McGraw and his father, who has since passed away. Dr. McGraw, who continues to own the practice and has been my mentor throughout my journey, saw potential in me and encouraged me to take on a leadership role. Read more>>
Mike Paget
Playing music with others has always been such a wonderful experience, the connection and emotion of sharing music with others is somewhat magical. Over the years I found that organizing live music performances expanded the community that was able to enjoy the magic. Read more>>
Ebony Freeman
I’m Ebony, the creative heart behind EMF Creations. What started as a passion for creating fabulous moments for my kids and loved ones, has grown into a full-service event styling business built on heart, creativity, and a commitment to making every celebration feel truly fabulous. I’ve always loved being creative — turning nothing into something beautiful. Read more>>
Griffin Mott
Hi, I’m Griffin Mott, founder of Griffin Mott Consulting, a digital marketing company based in Kansas City. I grew up in the Overland Park area and went on to play collegiate golf at Washburn University, where I earned my bachelor’s degrees in Marketing and Finance and later a Master of Business Administration. I’ve always been curious by nature and driven to keep learning. Read more>>
Frank Ciccarella
I formed my business in 2018 after a long career in the corporate world of public transportation. I have used my experience and knowledge to assist transportation companies with developing a strong safety culture bringing with the development of a foundational training program for their employees. Read more>>
Alyssa Hazlett
It has been my dream for a long time to be a solo esthetician and create a space that truly reflects my values. I didn’t expect to open my own business so early in my career, but after experiencing some of the challenges that often come with working in this industry, I made the decision to go solo this summer. Read more>>
Shay McNeal
Some stories inspire because of where they begin, and others, because of how they grow. For Kansas City native Shay McNeal, it’s both. Read more>>
Janelle Barrett
I begin my journey into Mental Health by personal experience. My first experience with Mental Health was around 2001 or so, I was a teen parent, had just lost a child, struggled with depression related to post-partum and grief. I was struggling so bad a coworker had discussed with me about seeking professional help from a therapist. Read more>>
Amber Johnson
Nearly two decades ago, Builder Designs was born from a simple partnership between a homebuilder and a self-taught developer who wanted to solve a real problem. That solution became our very first website—and the start of something much bigger. Today, Builder Designs is a full-service creative agency just outside Kansas City, trusted by builders across the country. Read more>>
Michael Corrigan
B.A.C. Musical Instruments: Crafting America’s Sound in Kansas City’s Historic Jazz District I attended a school for musical instrument repair in Minnesota when I was younger. I then took a job in New England apprenticing with a team of dedicated craftsmen, making custom trombones and trumpets. Unfortunately, that company went bankrupt and was bought out by a Chinese Firm. Read more>>
Georgina Herrera
my story really begins in Mexico, where I was born and raised in a family that valued hard work, creativity, and business. My family had a jewelry company, so from a young age I was surrounded by craftsmanship, design, and the idea that jewelry carries meaning — it’s not just something you wear; it tells your story. Read more>>
Katy Cassaw & Kat Benson
When the firm we had both been working for suddenly closed, we started meeting up for lunch just to vent about how hard it was to find the kinds of design jobs we were hoping for. One day, Kat got a message on Facebook from a past client asking if she could help with some furniture. Read more>>
Paula McCloskey
I began my journey in May of 2020 with an honorary stand called the Little Corner Stand where I sold my plant propagations, fresh eggs, cut flowers and produce from my gardens. We built this stand to break anyone who might miss the sharp turn in front of our home. Having a car in our home at 3am was not fun. Read more>>
Ron Clary
My career started in Dallas and then Los Angeles as a large agency creative director. I managed a large team of creatives working on several national brands. With the beginning of the digital age I was able to leave the agency and venture out on my own. Still primarily focused on national food accounts I started Clary Creative. Read more>>
Andrew Tate
I’ve really come full circle in real estate. About five years ago, I was looking for a career transition, and some friends of mine were launching a business aimed at impacting the urban core, fixing up older and delapitaded homes, and turning them into quality affordable housing. Read more>>
Susan B Wilson
I am originally from Pittsburgh PA and grew up in public housing. My father really emphasized getting an education, since he was only able to complete the 8th grade. I later attended the University of Pittsburgh PA and fell in love with psychology. Read more>>
Susan Bloom
I grew up the daughter of the only doctor in a small town in western Kansas, so I saw early on both the beauty and the burden of caring for others. Years later, I married a farmer, and at 54 he was diagnosed with several serious medical conditions. Read more>>
Vernon Burger
I was raised in an immensely abusive home, but eventually came to know Jesus when I was 19. My sister, who is 17 months older than me, was the one who mainly raised me and eventually told me about Jesus, after she became a Christian at Mizzou, her freshman year. I pretty much immediately started getting involved in Africa. Read more>>
michael sheets
Its had its challenges, from land lords selling properties, theft, to two divorces. Then you have the city and county to deal with. Its anything but easy. Capital for expansion is always a problem. then in 1995 I had back surgery that slowed things down for a couple of years. Read more>>
Sarah Drake
I’ve always loved school and knew I wanted to help people — I just wasn’t sure how. During my undergraduate years at the University of Northern Iowa, I shadowed many different types of doctors. I had the opportunity to observe surgeries, witness a baby being born, and spend time with a chiropractor. The moment I shadowed a chiropractor, I knew that was it! Read more>>
Karen Ellis
I started my company back in 2015 selling kakes in jar. Now 10 years later I offer 146 flavors of kake in many shapes and forms. Read more>>
Dr. Matt Fehr
I graduated from Kansas State Veterinary school in 2006 and went to work in a mixed animal clinic in central Kansas for 10 years. I then did traveling work for several years before purchasing the De Soto Veterinary Clinic April of 2020. Read more>>
Dana Cronin
Growing up in Olathe, Kansas, I never imagined I would one day own a private counseling practice. My early career began in underwriting at a local insurance corporation, a stable and respectable path. Yet, even as I advanced professionally, I felt a quiet pull toward something more purposeful. Read more>>
Brooke Heppner
I started my first private practice in Los Angeles. My supervisor at the time was a very specialized clinician in EMDR, and so I had the privilege of getting trained by her, which was an invaluable experience, both personally and professionally. Read more>>
Kara Bowersock
For most of my adult life, when asked what I did for a living, my answer was always ‘I’m a mom’. My chosen path in life was to raise our 4 kids. However, those kids quickly turned into young adults and I found myself with an empyting house, time on my hands, and a desire for something all my own. Read more>>
Lauren Rosenthal
My journey into nonprofit work began with a simple observation that became impossible to ignore. From my earliest days volunteering, I felt drawn to the nonprofit world. As I developed my skills in creative storytelling, I continued offering pro bono work wherever I could. But the more deeply I engaged with these organizations, the more I witnessed a troubling pattern: brilliant missions with limited voices. Read more>>
Ashlee Valentine
I’ve always been drawn to creative work and finding new ways to make things by hand. Before transitioning to glass, I spent about fifteen years as a portrait and wedding photographer. My background in Fine Arts with a focus on Photography gave me a strong foundation in composition, light, and color — all of which influence my glass work today. Read more>>
Michael Short
I grew up hanging out at my mom’s chiropractic office, surrounded by massage therapists, chiropractors, and wellness practitioners. Later, I realized that massage therapy was the best way to leverage my strengths in helping others. I thrive in one-on-one sessions where we can both let our guard down and engage in meaningful conversations about the body. Read more>>
Marty Gilley
I am a Professional Counselor licensed in Missouri and Florida. I started professional counseling in 2019 after graduating from The University of Oklahoma with a Master of Human Relations Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My undergraduate degree is in Criminal Justice from Chapman University in Orange, California. Read more>>
Doug Burford
Perhaps it was the death of my father at the age of five that commenced a journey to fill a void that everyone fills in one way or another. I sought to fill it in usual male ways: friendships, challenges, excitement, following the rules, breaking some rules, girls, cars, academics, and a few sports. Read more>>
Kellie Overocker
I started Indigo Rose Salon in 2013 in downtown mission, after doing hair for 11 years. In 2022 I made the decision to purchase a 1893 craftsman style house in downtown Merriam to develop a whole new concept. I wanted to create a place my clients felt at home but at the same time pampered. Read more>>
Doug Meyer
I started in the car business in 1997 in Omaha, Nebraska at Jim Earp Chrysler/Plymouth/Jeep at the age of 19 years old. My uncle was one of the managers. Now 28 years later I run one of our family’s two Chevrolet dealerships located in Maryville, Missouri. My brother runs our other dealership in Nebraska. Read more>>
Dr. Luther Smith
It all began with a phone call. I remember there was a woman on the phone who was desperate for a person to assist her daughter with thoughts of severe depression and suicide. I had offered to assist her daughter in guiding and advising her through the difficult time that she was experiencing. Read more>>
Aristo Camburako
From hotel kitchens to the Food Network to now his own eatery, mobile food truck and catering; Lee’s Summit’s own Chef Aristo Camburako is bringing to you an array of delicious foods. Aristo is a Certified Chef with extensive culinary experience. Aristo’s passion for cooking took off at a young age when he would cook with his parents at the family’s restaurant in Kansas City. Read more>>
Dr. Hannah Minor, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC
I was a nurse for nearly 20 years working in various acute care settings, and then moving on to various leadership positions. After years in healthcare leadership I missed working with patients and decided to go back to school to complete my doctorate. Read more>>
Haley Johnson
I grew up as a horse-crazy kid that was always obsessed with capturing the beauty of these big athletic silly prey animals. I remember trudging through the snow in the pasture of my family’s farm as a child, pointing my little point-and-shoot camera at my pony when I was 10 years old and thinking I wanted to do this when I grow up. Read more>>
Shay Jefferson
Seeing the gaps in local services, I founded the Family Resource Center of Cass County (FRCCC) and its flagship program, Bridge Over Troubled Water Food Pantry, to provide food, housing assistance, health connections, and other critical supports. Over the years I have launched creative initiatives such as the Mobile Market/Grocery Bus, A Place to Call Home affordable housing program, and Resource One Health Connection, all aimed at removing barriers for families, seniors, and individuals in crisis. Read more>>
Cedric Williams
It really started when I was a kid. I grew up in an entrepreneurial household—my grandfather owned Odyssey Martial Arts Supply here in Kansas City, and both of my parents ran their own businesses. That kind of spirit was all around me. I remember being 10 years old, selling candy door-to-door, designing little flyers, and passing them out around the neighborhood to offer lawn care. Read more>>
