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.

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>>

Victoria Webb

Lastly, I do have a full time job. I am a General Manager for Anytime Fitness. I am also a Certified Personal Trainer and I do some online programs as well as training here at my gym. Fitness has always been a passion for me, I grew up playing sports. Now, as a mother, it has become even more important to me. It is important to be able to keep up with, protect and be there for my child. I love when other moms come to me and ask for help, it makes me so excited to watch and guide them through their transformation. Read more>>

Elizabeth Mcfadden

Our services include Brand Development, Naming, Logo + Identity Design, Marketing Strategy, Advertising Campaigns, Website Design + Build, Social Media + Content Strategy, Marketing Collateral, and Photography. As a business owner, I’ve been able to build a firm designed for businesses that are scaling and need branding first and foremost to drive their business and culture. Speaking of culture, as a women-owned business, I have created a supportive culture at Novella that I am proud of and would have loved to be in as a young woman and new mom early in my career. Read more>>

Kerry Poolman

Eden Village of Kansas City’s past President, Terry “TC” Claudell decided they could do more. He shared this with now EVKC Treasurer Kerry and past Secretary Phil and they started brainstorming and researching ways they can offer a solution. They knew early on they needed help and found an organization that was meeting the needs they were wanting to implement, Eden Village in Springfield MO. After meeting with Eden Village they learned that it IS POSSIBLE with the right team in place which included recruiting Kerry’s sister Katrina, now Board President and Jim and Jennifer Schmidt. Read more>>

Jean Irvin

I was so impressed that I told my husband that I found our future dog trainer, even though we didn’t own a dog at the time. Fast forward, we adopted our dog Achilles and I signed him up to be trained by Melissa’s Happy Dogs. She fully trained him and then I asked to join her weekly packwalks, not wanting him to forget his training, but also secretly wanting to shadow Melissa and learn all I could from her before we moved back to Kansas. I thought to myself, “I can’t bring Melissa to Kansas, and I’m definitely getting more dogs in the future, so I’ll just have to learn from her as much as I can so I can train all my future dogs myself.” Read more>>

Sadie Teel & Marcus Leacox

Sadie: The first video we did was “Home is where the Haunt Is” for Fringe 2021. That was an idea Marc and I thought of doing live but because of Covid, everything had to be filmed. Luckily, Marcus has always been curious about video production so we decided to try it. That script wasn’t super straight forward, there were ghosts in it and a couple of effects but figuring out how we were going to accomplish it was fun and even though there are things I would do differently with it if we were to make it now, I’m proud of it. Read more>>

Raelin Debrick

But more than just fashion, what sets Rae’s Boutique apart is the purpose behind it. This business is rooted in faith. I truly believe that God has guided every step of this journey. I wouldn’t be where I am today without His direction, provision, and grace. There have been so many moments when I didn’t know what the next step was, but He made a way, and I continue to rely on Him daily to lead this brand. Read more>>

Reyven Joghee

I got my certification of personal training through the National Academy of Sports (NASM) in 2021 followed by my certification in corrective exercise shortly after. From there, I had the opportunity to work with people of various backgrounds, ages and occupations in different gym settings that have helped me grow and further develop as a personal trainer. This passion for fitness helped fuel me to complete my bachelors degree in kinesiology from Avila University in 2023. That look one look in the mirror changed the trajectory of where I thought that I was going to where I am now. Read more>>

Benjamin Carlson

I’ve been getting tattooed since the early 90’s. I was an oil painter for a very long time and traded tattoos for paintings for some time before I began my apprenticeship to tattoo in Kansas city. Read more>>

Mark Penechar

I’m very fortunate to say that it has been a mostly smooth road. We’ve been very protective of the business and our professional reputation, sometimes sacrificing personal relationships in the process, but from a business standpoint, it has been incredibly smooth sailing. we’ve always been averse to growth that goes too fast, so operating on word of mouth has been the primary marketing strategy for years, though I think we’re ready to be a little more risky moving forward Read more>>

Clay Cartwright

C2 Creative started as a side hustle while I was working full-time—first in church ministry, then at a couple of marketing agencies. I kept running into small businesses and nonprofits that had great missions but no real marketing help. So I started jumping in—writing copy, building websites, helping them get clear on their message. Over time, word spread, and what started as a few freelance projects turned into a steady stream of clients. Eventually, I realized this wasn’t just a side gig anymore—it was a business with a purpose. Read more>>

Michelle Jacobson

Over 60% of what is pushed out to teens online has no educational value and that’s disheartening. I’m unclear of what my goal is with my platforms. Monetization is not something I’m striving for as much as I am striving to be one of the 40% of creators who will actually teach you something. I guess, overall my goal would be that teachers use my channel as a resource and one day say ” Go watch MJ from Arteria and complete lessons 1-4″, I don’t know, something along those lines, but as long as I’m contributing to the intellectual development of our younger generations, that’s plenty fine for me. Read more>>

Amanda Heany

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to trust myself and protect my energy. It’s easy to fall into burnout trying to say yes to everything, especially when you love what you do. But I’ve realized that my best work happens when I set boundaries, stay true to my style, and give myself time to rest and recharge. It’s a constant balance, but it’s made me stronger as a business owner and artist. Read more>>

Steve Yang

One of my hobbies that ties into my business is collecting vintage lenses. Many videographers often ask why my films have a unique look, and the answer is simple: I use vintage lenses instead of modern ones. These lenses offer a distinct aesthetic—playing with color, sharpness, and background blur in ways that create a timeless, cinematic feel. I’ve always enjoyed doing things a little differently, and it’s one of the things that sets my work apart! Read more>>

Andrea Dunseth

I began my career working with individuals living with HIV/AIDS. That experience was incredibly meaningful—it allowed me to build deep relationships with people who needed support the most. From there, I joined Truman Medical Center, where I worked with individuals who suffered from severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI). This role was one of the most rewarding I’ve ever had. It taught me to be more accepting and understanding, regardless of someone’s behavior or circumstances. The connections I made with clients and the community there had a lasting impact on me and helped shape the empathetic, client-centered therapist I am today. Read more>>

Jacob McFarland

Jake Mcfarland is the owner of Adapt Physical Therapy and Player Development. He earned an associate degree in biology at Garden City Community College from 2010-12. was a starting/relief pitcher for the Broncbusters baseball team under Chris Finnegan where he was a part of Jayhawk West Championship in 2011-2012. He transferred to Centenary College of Louisiana where he became an all-conference starting pitcher for the Gents and was a part of two conference championships in 2013 and 2015. He received a bachelor’s degree in biology from 2013-15 at Centenary College of Louisiana.. He played one year of independent professional baseball before officially retiring in 2015.  Read more>>

Tara Smith

I got into photography as a teenager because I was obsessed with documenting memories—I was the scrapbook queen. After about five years of photographing seniors and families, a friend asked me to shoot her boudoir session. I didn’t know a thing about boudoir at the time, but something in me said, “Figure it out.” So I dove headfirst into online courses, soaking up everything I could. Read more>>

Leyla Sufi

Today, Leyla Sufi Skin is known for personalized, results driven treatments and hospitality. Why compromise between results and relaxation? My approach goes beyond skincare I focus on lifestyle factors like diet, habits, and stress, all while providing expert care. I’m proud of the results I’ve been able to give my clients and the safe space I’ve created for them to feel heard, cared for, and confident. Read more>>

Leah Morgan

I opened my first yoga studio in Lee’s Summit over 18 years ago. After 3 years with a partner, I left to create my own vision, Core Balance Yoga Center. We are a boutique, alignment based yoga studio with a goal to not only teach people how to practice properly, but to have FUN while doing it! We take yoga seriously, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously. We keep things lighthearted and community oriented. We also run international yoga retreats all over the world and lead a 200 hour yoga teacher training called Kansas City Yoga Teacher Training. Read more>>

Georgia Fuchs

Thank you so much for the interview! My design career started fairly recently, however, I have always loved the arts. I started out getting my Business Administration degree from the University of Kansas and never felt fulfilled with any job I had. I finally decided with some encouragement from my family to go to JCCC and get a degree in Interior Design with an emphasis in Kitchen and Bath. My professors really inspired me to start my own business, Georgia Fuchs Interior Design. With my degree, I started work at Virginia Tile as a Design Consultant. I wanted to use that experience to network and learn a little about tile. After working there as a Design Consultant and then onto the Showroom Manager, I decided to quit and go solo! It was the best decision I made. Read more>>

Stephanie Compton

I am excited to run this clinic, where I can connect families and children through small group classes. Merging my love for fitness and wellness with my work with children with special needs has long been a dream of mine. I am eager to assist children of all abilities in the Northland. For the past 12 years, Smithville has been my home, where I cherish spending time with my two daughters, my husband, and my husband’s children and grandchildren. Read more>>

Briar Rose Penney

There is also just this major intellectual hurdle in learning how to read financial reports and administrate a business of this size. I had managed several other studios for other people when I took over Inner Space, not realizing how different it is when the money is coming out of your own account! It’s just been a steep learning curve, from finances to the physical logistics of taking care of a 100-year old building of this size and complexity – learning to replace HVAC filters, garbage disposals, locks, drywall, you name it, we’ve had to fix it! But I consider it all part of the sacred practice of really learning to practice animism – seeing the life and consciousness and sacredness inside of everything and treating our physical spaces and environment with honor and respect. Read more>>

Savannah Nix

In 2022, my closest friend had her first baby, and I offered to take her maternity photos. After that shoot, I decided that I wanted to actually try my hand at photography and reached out to almost everyone I knew to ask if I could take their photos. It was challenging but rewarding to learn how to use my camera well, learn my shooting style, my editing style- it was a learning curve that I faced head on, determined to give it my best effort. Read more>>

Vihang Paralkar

Our philosophy is simple: assess each client’s unique needs and design solutions based on what truly works best for them—not based on vendor incentives. We believe in partnering with our clients, not just reselling to them. This means we’re technology-agnostic and focused solely on delivering the right tools, strategies, and processes that drive real value. Read more>>

Gloria Hines

We have an on-call and off-call system. We can trade in and out days as needed so that date nights, kids birthdays, and sleep are not missed. We also don’t have clients reaching out over the phone (they use our online portal!) unless it’s emergent. This ensures we aren’t woken up multiple times a night to random thoughts of a pregnant woman who is scared she will forget by morning. Read more>>

Brandi Varner

In the beginning DRJF was a small event that provided an event for local vendors to sell their goods. Each year it doubled in size and eventually outgrew its space and the work was a lot for the two founders. It worked out that there were 3 couples- Jim & Brandi Varner, Cody & Rowena Shankland and Pat & Carol Shankland- ready and willing to purchase DRJF and give it a larger venue at Shankland Ranch. Still in the city of Valley Falls and only a short distance of the original location. Read more>>

Ruben & Solmaz Gonzalez

We have seen the hand of God from the beginning days in the living room with only a hand full of people to where we are at today with a filled sanctuary. We stay involved in the community to connect with many different type of people from different backgrounds grounds. From back pack giveaways to carshows and street evangelism, we stay reaching people. Our Goal is not to build a kingdom for ourselves but to make Jesus famous in Leavenworth KS. We believe that Jesus is the cure for everything! We are the Cure Church Leavenworth. Read more>>

Adriana Martinez

I started getting into hair when I was in high school, after I graduated I decided to go into cosmetology school. I’ve been doing hair since 2013 but after Covid it became more less desirable to do so I decided to go into waxing so I could keep using my license. I was used to waxing the face but the last 2 years I’ve really focused on body waxing, especially Brazilians very satisfying doing those. The last job I had really made think into getting my own place and going solo so I could enjoy being my own boss and making my own schedule so from there I decided to open my own suite and focus on what services I still love doing. That’s where Bitter Sweet Wax became a thing just enough bitterness to your sweetness. Read more>>

BBE Spazz

When I was left behind in a shelter at 13, I knew I had to make a choice. I ran. I stayed with friends, kept my focus, and chased music like it was the only thing keeping me breathing—because it was. Even with everything stacked against me, I finished high school early and earned an associate degree in music. I’ve always carried more than most on my shoulders, but I never let it crush me. If anything, it made me stronger, sharper, and more determined. Read more>>

Brandi Dredge

Sharing my story has been healing, has opened doors to rooms I never dreamed I would enter, and connected me with incredible people who inspire me to grow. I am humbled and honored to hear the stories of other survivors and how Girl, Uncoded has touched their lives. This is all a bigger dream than I had dreamed for myself, but that is just like God to do something bigger in our lives than we can imagine.  Read more>>

Fritz Hutchison

The rake has a lot to say, but very little of it lands in a traditional melodic space. Finding a lane for the voice of the rake to speak within a larger ensemble has proven to be a challenge, though a greatly enjoyable one. It sounds awesome through an Ibanez tube screamer, but that can be harmonically overwhelming. There’s a surprising amount of low end, and depending on the surface the tines are contacting there’s a constant element of surprise in what sounds emanate. I learn more about it every time I play it. Read more>>

Brooke Freeman

My name is Brooke Freeman, and I’m from Dallas, Texas. I currently attend the University of Kansas, where I study Journalism and Mass Communications. I am a part of the track and field team, as well as a group called Her Campus. I started taking content creation seriously last summer of 2024, and ever since then, I’ve been completely obsessed with being able to use my creativity in a way that brings me so much joy, and also helps other people. Being able to learn about social media and everything it entails does have its challenges, but it’s so rewarding. I’ve always enjoyed being on social media platforms just watching for entertainment, and I thought, one day, why not me? And that’s all it takes to get the ball rolling. Read more>>

Shannon Brush

I decided to make the bold, and terrifying decision, around the middle of 2022 to quit my call center 9-5 job and go all in on my business. It was a risky move, but it turned out to be the best thing I could have done. I got to focus more on building my business to bring in new clients, and it ultimately grew to where it is today, where I get paid as much (or some months more or less) than I used to be paid at that job. Read more>>

Tanner Christensen

After about a 1 year i reached out to the owner of the Ottawa location and asked if he would sell the practice to me. I bought the Ottawa location and began to work their full time and found a replacement for the Peculiar location before I left. I have now been practicing in Ottawa, KS for almost 6 years. I started with just me and now I have 3 chiropractic assistants and one associate doctor on my team. I have added multiple therapies and changes to the clinic in able to better help out our patients and Ottawa community. Read more>>

Megan Hedden

Even though our focus is now The Monarch Room, our initial work in the cleaning business is where our passion for events truly began. It allowed us to gain a deep understanding of event operations from a unique perspective. This foundation led us to a pivotal moment in 2021 when a venue we had worked in for many years became available. We eagerly seized the opportunity and have been incredibly gratified by the success we’ve experienced since. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of hosting numerous weddings, non-profit events, and galas. As a family-owned business, each event we host is truly special to us. Read more>>

Margaret Norcross

I followed the social media page called Humans of New York. I’m a part time photographer who was working full time at a company downtown. So I thought this would be a great way to keep my hand in the camera. I would walk for an hour at lunch and walk up to strangers and ask if I could take their picture and if they had anything to share. It was their time. They could talk about whatever they wanted. From there it just expanded until Covid. I took a job down south and couldn’t really talk to people and stick my phone in their face. I started them to share sights sounds and events of KC on my page. Love being able to share my love of KC. Read more>>

Rhea LeGrande

My journey has always been rooted in education and equity. I grew up loving to read, but it didn’t come easily to me at first. That struggle shaped my passion for literacy and led me to pursue a career in education. Over the years, I worked in schools, nonprofits, and advocacy spaces, always centering my work on ensuring students, especially those in under-resourced communities, have the tools they need to succeed. Read more>>