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.
Rebekah Eaton
When in college I couldn’t find the perfect major for me. I switched my major and minors over 5 times. I loved being creative but also loved structure. I loved helping people and being social. Trying to find the perfect niche that I fit into in college was difficult. Throughout my 5 years of college I mainly flip flopped between being a graphic design major and a mathematics major. I ended up graduating with a mathematics major and minor in art history. But, I still felt like my passion was still to be found. Read more>>
Nate Force
I got started in the bike business in 2012 when I worked at a shop in my hometown of Topeka, KS. I got let go of that job (for standing up against racism toward a customer 
) and then looked for other mechanic jobs. This landed me in Kansas City working as the first full time bike mechanic for the RideKC bikeshare system. I helped that program grow from 2015 until my wife and I moved to Prague, Czech Republic in 2017. Read more>>
Alejandro Arias
I’m a young musician located in the Kansas City area, trying to figure out where I belong in the music industry. My journey as an independent artist started when I joined the Art as Mentorship program. My mentors have given me many opportunities and lots of knowledge to apply to my artistry. Now, as of the fall of 2025, I’ve formed a couple of bands, such as my full band “Ephemera” and my duo project with another KC artist, “NOEX”. I work with creating original music with this band as well as solo projects. I also produce and manage these local groups. Read more>>
Elise Kwenin
I was learning. Fast forward to college where I decided I wanted to instill that same love of and confidence in learning to as many children as possible and become a teacher. During my 10 years in the classroom I encountered all kinds of learners and experienced tremendous success in learning to lead differentiated activities and engage learners at different academic levels. While teaching I was also tutoring on the side and truly enjoyed the way I could incorporate many of the activities I’d learned and also make sure I was meeting students at their exact level because I was able to meet with them one on one. Read more>>
Shelby Coxon
I did some research on opportunities to supplement my income and fortunately came across Sign Gypsies. With my background in event planning and community outreach it seemed like a natural fit! Being a franchisee with Sign Gypsies is wonderful because you are given a territory, which means you are not competing with your fellow franchisees. It is an amazing group that supports each other whether it is sharing set up ideas, flyers, or even asking each other to step in a take a client when needed. It really is a team that supports each other to be successful! Read more>>
Zaire Hardin
Well I started doing a video in South Padre TX and it reached to 13.k views. And my friend said you should do a business for photography and videography and that’s how it all started Read more>>
Yeonjeong Lee
Absolutely! I was born in Daejeon, South Korea, but my family moved to the U.S. when I was only five months old. I grew up in Nebraska, which shaped a lot of who I am today. It was a unique experience—on one hand, I had the grounding of a Korean family and culture at home, but on the other, I was surrounded by very traditional Midwestern life. That contrast shaped my perspective early on, and I carried that sense of navigating between different worlds into much of my upbringing. Read more>>
Pascal Kinsey
Hello, I’m Pascal Kinsey, a dedicated marketing professional, photographer, and coffee enthusiast. Known for my creative eye as a photographer, I wanted to expand that artistry beyond the realm of photography. After completing the Integrated Marketing Communications graduate program at the University of Kansas, I set out to merge my creativity with my passion for coffee, leading to the creation of stART Coffee Co. This venture is my personal mission to inspire, blending the craft of a perfectly brewed cup with the spark of imagination. Through stART, I share not just exceptional coffee, but an invitation to embrace creativity in every moment. Read more>>
Jeff Pavalone
From there, we started searching for a business that fit naturally alongside Yours Truly Event Rentals—something operational, service-driven, and rooted in logistics and care. When Jeff came across Great Day Moving, it clicked immediately. The brand had a strong foundation and owners willing to share what they’d learned. We saw room to bring our influence to the business—tighten up systems, elevate the customer experience, and grow—while honoring and learning from the folks who built it. Read more>>
Shawnee Nichelle
Then one day, I stumbled across a podcast that completely changed my perspective. The host casually mentioned how easy it was to start your own show—and I had a lightbulb moment. I realized I didn’t need anyone’s permission, a fancy studio, or a full production team. I just needed a mic, a quiet space, and the courage to hit record. Read more>>
Perry Randle
Divorced in 2002, overcame addiction, beat depression, survived two heart attacks and came back after a wrongful conviction that led to me being incarcerated. Honestly I thought my life was over not realizing GOD finally had my attention. In 2013 by the grace of GOD I started rebuilding my life and encouraging others along the way. Using my social media platforms I began promoting prayer and positivity with the intention of motivating my peers. I then started my custom apparel company “MTM Fashions” so that I could connect and build with other creatives. 12 years later I’m still blessed to be doing what I love while pleasing GOD and fulfilling my purpose. Read more>>
Lindsey Barnett
This was not only a game-changer in my own health and wellness journey, but it has also been for others. As I continued to work with clients, I still noticed that many people had endured a lot of hardships and trauma that were holding them back or creating attachments to food and other habits. This created a deep-seated desire within me to return to graduate school, where I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Counseling. I hope to establish a holistic practice that supports women from puberty through menopause and beyond. Read more>>
Kelsey Jones
When you’re bootstrapping a company (not taking any outside investment) while also doing a lot of the work yourself, it can be challenging to not only get the tasks done, but also ensure that it’s done correctly. I have kept up with my online marketing work to be able to fund my business. A few of the challenges I’ve encountered so far are broken inventory coming in, notepads I had made not being glued correctly (or not having cardboard backs at all!), and having to argue with the manufacturer to get refunded for the items I can’t sell. It can feel like a David & Goliath situation when you are a small business, but when you have passion for what you’re doing, you are determined to see it through. Read more>>
Kelly Powell
First in portraits and weddings then moving into commercial and editorial work. When I was 23 I got the opportunity to be a photographer for a documentary crew in Sierra Leone, Africa documenting the recovery efforts of the blood diamond wars. We were there for six weeks and that experience changed me. I came back wanting to do more so I took out on my own and created Elements Studio and started working for myself. Since then I have been able to build a business that I am really proud of. We shoot commercial, editorial, portraits, weddings we do it all. I never wanted to limit what Elements Studio was capable of because you never know what incredible opportunity will present itself. Read more>>
Laura Krevitz
I have always sought to own a business, with event planning being my true passion. Having mustered the courage to launch my venture over a year ago, I have been thrilled with the results. My family and friends provided invaluable support, enabling me to pursue my dreams. I am deeply fulfilled by playing a pivotal role in creating enduring memories and contributing to the triumph of milestone events, such as weddings, birthday parties, school functions, year-end celebrations, and charity events. Read more>>
Erin Young
I’ve always had a love for journals and planners—it’s the first section I go to in any store. What started as a personal passion slowly grew into the desire to create products that not only help me stay organized but also inspire others to find calm in their own chaos. In 2023, I took a leap of faith and enrolled in the Emerge Business Academy through Omni Circle Group. That experience gave me both the foundation and the confidence I needed to turn my ideas into reality. With the leadership and guidance of Michael Odupitan, and the encouragement and wisdom of Glenda Washington, I gained the tools to step into business ownership with clarity and purpose. Read more>>
Adelynn Martin
We started out in Westport in a small commercial building sharing our studio there. Over the years we decided to branch out and make a studio more convenient for other creatives and ourselves. That’s when we renovated and moved to the independence studio! A+K Studio KC was created for ourselves and others to enjoy Read more>>
Geté Williams
My journey began as a young girl. I’ve always loved jewelry, accessories and shoes. All things fashion. Every time we would visit my grandparents (mom and dad’s parents) I would go to my grandma’s vanities and try on their pearls, costume jewelry, and their fine jewelry pretending they were mine (even though they were big and falling off). Read more>>
Charles Moore
Our gym technically started in a park in the thick of Covid (2020). I wasn’t set on opening my own gym to begin with but we had over 30 kids show up the first day. From there, we rented space at other gyms and finally got our own location. Read more>>
Fonteshia Rhodes
My passion for the beauty industry/ makeup grew back in 2015 when I was graduating high school . The trend of an “beat face” became popular, around that time . I always saw the girlies getting their makeup done at MAC but I wanted to learn for myself . YouTube became my best friend, I started to practice everyday on myself . Fast forward to 2017 , my best friend encouraged me to start practicing on other people. So I stepped out on faith & did so . Read more>>
Logan Sheafer
In early highschool, I joined a video production class knowing nothing about cameras or cinematography. From the start of this class I had this itch to learn as much as I could to create a short film that I would be able show people and be proud. That short film was Restart, and it ended up winning first place in the eMagine film festival my senior year. I believe this was my 3rd short film I’ve made and I couldn’t be more proud. Standing on the stage with my friends holding a trophy from a film I directed was an amazing feeling that gave me the confidence to continue pursuing film. After I graduated I was an assistant filming Quinceañeras on the weekends while doing community college. Read more>>
Morgan Pagel
I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the manufacturing industry. I think it is very interesting to learn about how things are made, and who the people are who make them. It is very exciting and fulfilling work, and I am thankful to be a part of this organization and leadership. Read more>>
Trinity Commack
I am 24 years old. Kansas City born and raised. I’ve been cooking my whole life really , it was just part of my growing up my aunts my grandmas everybody in my family loves to cook. I was really into sports growing up (track and volleyball) so I never saw it as much of a career just more so a way of life. My mom battled cancer when I was younger and had lots of dietary restrictions so I got accustomed to feeding myself or trying to feed her. Read more>>
Madison Klinksick
Outside of photography, I have a deep-rooted love for the western lifestyle and have what may be arguably more horses than I probably need! Barrel racing, trail rides, and quiet moments in the pasture fill my soul—and honestly, photographing my horses is where this whole journey began. That’s where I first fell in love with storytelling through imagery—and I’ve been chasing it ever since. Read more>>
Sharrita Ballew
The biggest challenge I’d say was overcoming self doubt. The road itself has been smooth. I look at the challenges I’ve faced as God’s preparation for everything to come. The beginning of anything is usually the hardest but if you believe in your call, shift your mindset and choose to persevere, you can learn a lot from struggles that will benefit you in the long run. Read more>>
Shyla Jones
It hasn’t always been easy—there have definitely been setbacks and learning curves—but those challenges shaped me and taught me resilience. Today, I’m proud to provide a healthy option of breads to people. What excites me the most is knowing I can take 3 simple ingredients and make a loaf of healthy chemical free and preservative free bread. Read more>>
Jennie Harvat
Smooth road? Not even close. Mine’s looked more like a winding backroad full of potholes, detours, and a couple of spectacular wipeouts. I’ve survived two abusive marriages, years of feeling invisible, and the chaos of raising two boys with absent fathers. Survival mode was my normal for a long time. Read more>>
Lainey Mullane
I specialize in woodworking and design. I would say I’m currently most known for my live edge charcuterie boards, but I love to always be evolving my craft and creating new things. Whether it’s a woodworking item, or renovating a space. I think I push the boundaries of a traditional “woodworker”, I think that’s what sets me apart mainly. I don’t necessarily look or act the part, and I enjoy creating things that are a little more out of the box. I’m definitely starting to find my own groove and add more of my own flare to my work, and that’s what I’m most proud of. Just staying true to who I am in the process. Read more>>
Ed Messe Mckalister Williams
I did not expect them to be in the cold with me therefore, I was not able to keep up with them as much which he was murdered this year. Other youth in the neighborhood seeing we were outside working on cars and I offered them an opportunity and here we are GOCAF inc. We install values into the youth like taking care of your community such as every Thursday we go to Victoria, arms apartments, and help feed the tenants and also every Sunday ninth and Locust we help feed and clothe the homeless with Sydney and Mikes Angels. Read more>>
Jessie LeBlanc
Hi, I’m Jessie! I’ve been in healthcare since I was 16, and becoming a registered nurse was a natural step for me. I started my career in intensive care during the height of COVID, and it opened my eyes in a big way. I saw how often we rely on medications as long-term bandaids instead of addressing root causes. That realization lit a fire in me—I wanted to create something that went beyond quick fixes. Read more>>
Fabiano Mello
Encouraged and supported by his father, he began training in other martial arts, simultaneously starting Taekwondo, Karate, and Kung Fu. He was 13 years old. In the year following his initiation in these disciplines, he became the absolute Karate champion in his city. Unknowingly, a path was already being carved for him. As a fan of great fighters, action movie actors, and books on the subject, he sought out all the references available to him at the time. Read more>>
Amelia Harshfield
I started thinking about how bookkeepers that I’d hired with other businesses had really let me down. I knew other business owners who had the same poor experiences with bookkeepers and accountant. I also thought that I could help create a realiable, trustworthy, and honest bookkeeping business for owners who just want their books done every month without any drama. There is so much stress that comes with bad bookkeeping and accounting. I thought I would love to prevent other business owners from the pain I’d experienced. So I took the steps to opening my bookkeeping business. Read more>>
Laura Klostermann
I graduated and became a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and began to work Midwest Recovery Centers PRN, helping individuals overcome addictions and mental health challenges. These two positions awarded me a great sense of pride as I was able to see the positive outcomes of many of our patients. I remained at Midwest Recovery Centers until early June 2025 focusing my full attention on my current position at Regain Functional Medicine and Aesthetics at the Director of Functional Medicine. Read more>>
Rachel Driskell
I graduated high school a semester early and decided to attend esthetics school, originally with the goal of continuing lash extensions. Along the way, I discovered how much I love other services too—especially facial treatments and waxing (Brazilian waxing in particular). After graduating and passing my state boards, I began renting a professional salon suite in Overland Park, KS, where I’ve now been for nearly two years. Read more>>
Victoria Beal
In 2019 I found a school in Lawrence,KS and began classes in 2020. I graduated with my license in September of 2020 and began my own business- Victorias Beauty and Skin at Salon 708. I later got my instructors license in esthetics in 2021 and my manicuring license in 2022. I always had a dream to work for myself and found a salon in Lawrence to call home. I celebrate my 5 years in the salon this October! I do anything from facials, lashes, brows, bridal makeup, body waxing to manicures and pedicures! Read more>>
Chelsea Jerabek
I knew I wanted to be a physical therapist at 10 years old when I was a physical therapy patient for the first time. I then got sick when I was 12 years old and it took three years to get a diagnosis of Lyme disease. I suffered from many symptoms, including asthma, acid reflux, neurologic dysfunction, and severe chronic pain (to name a few) for the next 20 years. Being a patient of physical therapy helped me to go from barely being able to walk to playing college soccer in an 8-month period and that solidified my passion to become a physical therapist. Read more>>
