Kansas City’s Most Inspiring Stories

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.

Breanna Wise

There was also the learning curve that comes with wearing all the hats—from provider to marketer to operations manager. Building brand awareness from scratch, educating clients about what a more natural and intentional approach to aesthetics looks like, and earning their trust took time and persistence. On top of that, I was learning how to grow with the business. That meant building a team, developing leadership skills, and learning how to delegate while still protecting the core values and mission of Skin Wise. It was a huge shift—from being a solo provider to managing and mentoring others. But watching my team grow, collaborate, and contribute to the client experience has been one of the most rewarding parts. Read more>>

Renata Zimmer

Things started to shift just before COVID. I began photographing newborns in hospitals, which felt meaningful and intimate. But when the pandemic made hospitals off-limits, I wasn’t sure what my next step would be. Then I attended my first wedding photography workshop, and it just clicked. I felt completely at home. From there, I dove in—assisting seasoned wedding photographers, absorbing everything I could about the industry, both creatively and professionally. Read more>>

Patrick Woolam

I took piano lessons for about 6 years at a young age, but around 8 years old I picked up one of my Dads guitars and never put it down. My mom would bring home classic rock records from the radio station when I was younger and I’ll never forget hearing the Jimi Hendrix Axis Bold As Love record for the first time. That’s when I really knew I wanted to be guitarist and I never looked back. Read more>>

Autumn Race

It has been a journey as an artist and student while navigating the most important years of my life. I continuously strive to make it as an artist, but also create financial stability in my personal life. Because of what I’ve created for myself and what I could do with this opportunity keeps me motivated to keep pursuing this passion and see where it goes. I’ve been DJing in Kansas City for roughly 2 1/2 years live. Been DJing for 3 years and recently started music production under a year of experience. Read more>>

Michelle Marturano

Reducing toxins in my own life and learning of the many long term effects of chemicals on the body was a true catalyst to wanting to provide better options to stylists and clients alike. Although I wish the rest of the industry would catch up, I couldn’t be prouder to be one of the few to provide these services in the Kansas City area. Read more>>

Daija Butler

Growing up, I’ve always had a natural love for hair—whether I was styling my dolls or doing my little sister’s hair, it just came naturally to me. That passion only grew stronger in high school, especially during my junior year when I had to start thinking seriously about my future. One day, a friend and I decided to do her hair together, and that moment sparked something in me. From then on, I found myself doing braids for friends and family, and eventually started a mini hair business called Dazzled by Daij, where I specialized in knotless box braids and other protective braided styles. Read more>>

Nasir Montalvo

I would never have been able to tell you I’d be a writer or archivist back in my childhood. Others around me back then could tell you I was pretty smart; I was always placed in honors classes and graduated through my high school’s International Baccalaureate program. But nothing in school really ever excited me or piqued my interest–nothing truly felt like a future I could one day call my own, or at least seem foreseeable. Read more>>

Caleb Roye

My brother, Levi, and I have been in the service industry since we were 15 years old. Our first job ever was at Custard’s Last Stand in Blue Springs. We shortly moved into the coffee industry and held part time jobs during our college years. We eventually moved into bartending and found a true passion for hospitality working at local Kansas City businesses like The Campground, Swordfish Tom’s, Hand in Glove and The Mercury Room. Read more>>

Mallory Baska

I’ve gone from living paycheck to paycheck and filled with financial anxiety to becoming a self-made millionaire in 10 years. I paid off $60K in debt along the way, became a real estate investor, and have since worked in strategic investing for my children. The lifelong impact of getting your finances in order is invaluable – and truly more straightforward than you might think. Read more>>

Andrea DeJesus

One of the hardest parts has been learning how to grow not just food, but a whole experience — and how to do that sustainably, both financially and emotionally. We’ve had seasons where the rain wouldn’t stop, where staffing was hard, or where we questioned if we were doing the right thing. Read more>>

Diana Lawson

I began collaborating with my contractor and started managing his rehab projects. He taught me valuable insights about renovating homes and how to make them more profitable. I realized that having a strong team was far more effective than working alone. Therefore, I can’t take all the credit for my success, as I had people in my corner who freely shared their knowledge. Read more>>

Whitney Schneider

I enrolled in an Exercise Science program with the intention of becoming a physical therapist. While in school, I had the opportunity to intern with the strength and conditioning staff at the University of Kansas. That experience was a major highlight in my career path. However, I also saw the level of commitment those coaches gave to their teams. It was inspiring, but I also knew I wanted to have a family one day, and the lifestyle didn’t feel sustainable for the future I envisioned. Read more>>

Tom Bailey

We offer kayak rentals and transportation on primarily the Missouri RIver as well as other rivers. Our Missouri River trips include paddling through either 5 or 15 miles including the span of river through downtown under all the main bridges and past River Market and the KC Current Stadium. We provide all the needed equipment including kayaks, paddles, and lifejackets so that guests only need to bring water bottles and sunscreen. We are the only kayak livery in the KC metro area that utilizes the Missouri River and has the experience to do so. Read more>>

Kimberly Vincent

That transformation lit a fire in me. I thank God every day that I’m still here to share my testimony and guide others toward healing. That’s why Topknotch Vegan Vittles exists. It’s not just a food business—it’s a purpose. We’re here to show that this isn’t a diet, it’s a lifestyle. A powerful one. One that can save lives, change futures, and uplift our communities. Read more>>

Megan Reed

There were seasons where I felt like I was failing at everything: my career, motherhood, my marriage, myself. I battled burnout and imposter syndrome. I put off big dreams for way too long—like publishing my book, releasing my audiobook, and launching my podcast—not because I didn’t want them, but because I was stuck in mindset spirals I didn’t yet know how to climb out of. Read more>>

Angela Shipps

The photography industry is constantly evolving. I have evolved with it. I went to UCM and majored in photography. This was when photography was still film. However I made the transition into digital photography less than 5 years into my career. I opened a photography studio in 2007 and haven’t looked back. I am all in. I have built my life around my talent and can’t get enough of what I do! Read more>>

Jen Cooper

A roller coaster effect would describe it well. Just like life, working through the highs and lows, trial and errors. In the corporate world you have to abide by more rules and do things the way they want you to do. For example, working an 8-hour shift even though nobody’s walking in, or having to look a specific way with your hair, makeup, and/or attire. And on the flip side when you’re doing booth rental or running your own business you have to have a lot more discipline with inventory and expenses and paperwork. When I finally left corporate and went out on my own learning and getting used to how to run your own business, communicate with your clients, marketing and advertising we’re all new to me! Feels a lot more smooth sailing now than it used to be. Read more>>

Mitch Briegel

Dan and I opened the first Apex Fitness Club in Lawson back in December of 2022. I had recently moved my State Farm agency from Overland Park and wanted a new building to land in and call home. My first plan was to have two other office spaces for rent. But with the community in mind, and my want to open a gym, on a whim I decided to join my State Farm agency with a gym instead of the additional offices. Read more>>

Suyoung Lee

My clients often confused with body tattoo vs PMU (cosmetic tattoo ) services , similer but so much differences . that is why I offer FREE consultation to ensure my clients understand of our services as a cosmetic enhancement for their natural beauty . Read more>>

Erin Corman

There were years where I poured myself into systems that weren’t built for healing—just managing. I watched people fall through the cracks, and I burned myself out trying to fix it from the inside. Eventually, I realized I was betraying myself in the name of “helping.” That’s when everything cracked open. Read more>>

Adventures With C3

Not only were we constantly traveling, but Kansas City had changed a lot since Chantel last lived there. So much so that it felt like we were rediscovering it all over again. And with three curious kids in tow, we started searching for places that felt like little treasures: a park with space to run, a quirky roadside attraction, a local eatery with something new to try. The more we talked to other parents, the more we realized they were searching for the same things. Read more>>

Elizabeth Lang

While I loved the creativity and relationships involved in planning, I found myself increasingly interested in playing a more foundational role in the wedding day experience—specifically, through the venue itself. I’ve always believed that a supportive, transparent planning process is essential, and that often begins with the space a couple chooses to begin their forever. Read more>>

Taylor Thompson, DPT, RYT

After graduating from Missouri State University’s Physical Therapy program in 2022 and getting certified in Pelvic Health, I was so excited to launch my career in a field I had been dreaming of since I was a kid. I’ve always been incredibly passionate about pelvic floor therapy because it addresses a vital—yet often overlooked—part of our health. It plays a key role in everything from core strength and bladder control to sexual wellness and postpartum recovery—yet it rarely gets the attention it deserves. Everyone deserves to feel strong, supported, and informed about this essential aspect of their well-being. Read more>>

Maria Tutu

With a background in finance, real estate, and community leadership, I’ve seen how purpose can be buried beneath survival. Her Fortress bridges that gap, offering spaces where faith meets strategy, healing meets action, and women step into divine assignments with confidence. Through conferences, networking, and resources, we help women strengthen their spiritual foundation while growing personally and professionally. Whether you’re rebuilding, expanding, or just beginning your voice, your vision, and your calling matter. Read more>>

Moby Antoniotti

In my junior year to senior year of college, I hit an identity crisis with my art. I didn’t like my art and wasn’t creating nearly as much as I could be. The summer in between those years was a wake-up call to what my art actually could be. I struggled a lot with catering to others with my art when I should have been the one catered to. Taking this in mind transformed my art into something I could stare at for hours. A big contribution to this was not being afraid of mistakes and just going for it! Read more>>

Josefina Gantt

We enrolled our children in the Religious Education Program at St. Thomas More Catholic Church on the same year 2009. The classes were about an hour long and I waited for my children in the parking lot. One day I decided to volunteer in one of my children’s class and I started helping the catechists. Read more>>

Javon Taylor

At the end of my college career, I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology and in 2023 was inducted into the MidAmerica Nazarene University Hall of Fame. After having various jobs after college, I spent time in the health and wellness industry as a personal trainer, this is where discovered there was an avenue on how to take my journey of dieting at a young age, my love for physical activity and my educational background and turn it into a way to help others. At Taylor’d Fit, our goal is to help create simple and sustainable healthy habits for our clients so they can improve their health and have a positive impact on their own loved ones. We due this through personal training and corporate wellness. We work with companies like Garmin, Evergy, TVH Parts, Advent Health and De Soto School District. Read more>>

Rebecca McConville

This has led me to have an empathy for those that also have taken their passion from driven to destructive. I find the greatest joy in helping others heal their relationship with their food that it can be nourishing for their health and performance as well as nourishing for their soul. How many memories are made over food and that is just as much your health. Read more>>

Dorothy Elder

My journey wasn’t just about self-improvement; it was about breaking barriers and redefining what was possible. Whether through books, prayer, mentors, or experiences, I gravitated toward wisdom that helped to shape my future. I knew instinctively that growth was the key to unlocking the world beyond my initial perspective. This mindset likely influenced my interest in helping others navigate life’s challenges and relationships. I aspire to and strive continually to expand my life and help others understand and push past perceived boundaries. Read more>>

Claudia Chandler

I am a native of Olathe, Kansas, and began drawing the moment I could hold a pencil as a child – I haven’t stopped creating illustrations since! I retired from teaching in 2019 and began building my art creations repertoire. My hyper-realistic illustrations, which are frequently mistaken for photographs, are created in four different mediums: Graphite drawings, professional colored pencil, oil on canvas, and scratchboard. I have created quite a large number of commission pet portraiture in both graphite and colored pencil. An animal’s soul is through his eyes – this is the heartbeat of my pet portraiture illustrations. In addition, I specialize in wildlife, traditional landscapes, and child portraits. Read more>>

Katie Madill

I guess a good place to start would be when I was pregnant with my first, over 10 years ago. Like many, becoming a parent was a huge catalyst for several changes in my life. ie. Values, priorities, life trajectory in general. I remember it vividly, I was standing in my kitchen 6 months pregnant reading about a study Read more>>

Amber Starling

Some of the larger companies would misclassify their “employees” as subcontractors, a practice that is harmful to their team members at tax time and leaves clients open to liability if that cleaner gets hurt or accidentally damages an object or surface. Others were franchises whose big-box approach didn’t provide overwhelmed clients with an empathetic and personal approach—or provide cleaners with adequate opportunity for advancement. Read more>>

Ashley Fewell

Today, I primarily shoot with a Nikon D780, specializing in senior portraits, maternity, family, engagements, and weddings. I also enjoy styled sessions and have a passion for landscape photography. I blend posed and candid shots, with an editing style that keeps colors true to life—just slightly desaturated to create a soft, pleasing aesthetic. My goal in every session is to make clients feel comfortable, confident, and seen, so their photos reflect who they truly are. Read more>>