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.

Jess Stacy And Adrienne Fleck

It was the fall of 2019, and we were brought together when our basset hounds, Taco and Lucy, sniffed each other out at Bar k. WE. WERE. THRILLED. Neither of us were acquainted with other basset owners, and we became fast friends. We had heard rumors of hounds walking in a local parade, causing quite the spectacle and becoming a neighborhood staple, but because of COVID, the parade wasn’t set to return until 2022. January 2022 arrived, and all we wanted was to revive the tradition of basset hounds walking in the Brookside St. Patty’s Day Warm Up Parade. We needed a name for the parade entry application, so Kansas City Basset Brigade was born over beers at International Tap House. At that first parade, we were 12 bassets strong. Fast forward to 2025, and we grew to 60! Read more>>

Winter Warren

I can honestly say that til this vey moment teaching stills brings me the most happiness as it did when I was a child. I lost my oldest son to asthma at the age of 10 years old I was devastated and thought my life was over and the more days that I was absent from my class it seemed the more strength I was able to mustard up and push through and that was the very moment I knew that this was my calling I knew that I was made just for EDUCATION! I tell my children and parents that I need them, more than they need me. Read more>>

Camry Ivory

I’m an audiovisual artist, musician, and the inventor of Coloratura—a one-of-a-kind instrument that uses electrically wired paintbrushes to create physical art and digital music at the same time. I use Coloratura in live performances, selling the resulting artworks and compositions, and host interactive workshops in schools, libraries, corporate retreats, fundraisers, parties, and even the occasional wedding. Read more>>

Cassie Babalola

Eventually, I found a few extraordinary therapists who helped me do the kind of healing that reached the deepest parts of me. Slowly, I began to feel more whole, more at home in my body. It changed my life—and when I shared that experience with others, I realized just how rare it was. Most people were going to therapy, talking about their week, learning to cope, and repeating the same exhausting cycle all over again. Not because they weren’t trying—but because they didn’t know there was another option. Read more>>

Regina Compernolle

In the summer of 2001 we moved to 39th street and became a community center for the alternative community. Richard Mabion joined us with African imports, PrairieWise herb school had classes. Regina Compernolle the owner, taught classes in herbal home remedies, astrology and art. We hosted events like a fundraiser for the UMKC vagina monologues, Women’s Re-Birth Day of Sacred Play and drum circles. Read more>>

Jordan Butler

I sent multiple rounds of queries to agents without success for 6 months to a year. During that time, on a whim I ended up writing a short counting book for toddlers, Five Bouncing Buzzing Bumblebees. Since I wasn’t as attached to this project, I decided to try my hand at self publishing and thought if it went well I could go this route with Hattie as well. Little did I know, self publishing is NOT for the weak. The more I learned, the more I realized there is to learn. And the up front investment is also significant, so the last thing I wanted to do was make a costly mistake. Read more>>

Alyssa Walsh

Every journey has its ups and downs, and entrepreneurship is certainly no exception. One of the biggest challenges I faced early on was knowing where to turn for advice. When you’re starting a business from scratch, it can be hard to find people who truly understand the path you’re on. I quickly learned that not everyone — even those who care about you deeply — will fully grasp your vision, and that’s okay. One of the most important lessons for me was learning to seek out trusted advisors and mentors, and to protect certain parts of my journey by keeping them private until they’re ready to be shared. Read more>>

The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra

Education remains central to KCJO’s mission. Through the JazzWorks initiative, the orchestra offers master classes, interactive workshops, and other programming designed to introduce audiences of all ages to the rich history, theory, and musicianship of jazz. Whether fostering young musicians or deepening the appreciation of casual listeners, KCJO continues to expand its educational efforts, ensuring that Kansas City’s jazz legacy is carried forward for generations to come. Read more>>

Miu Edlin

After several years working full-time as a business facilitator, I knew it was time to take the leap. In 2022, I founded Miuze Marketing, a boutique digital marketing agency rooted in creativity and built for brands ready to go beyond the boundary. At Miuze, we don’t just think outside the box, we ask if the box even needs to be there. Our work blends strategy with storytelling, helping small businesses and nonprofits show up online in bold, authentic and memorable ways. Read more>>

Amy Loux

If you’ve had a business for more than 5 seconds you know that the road is paved with many ups and downs. We’ve had some hard lessons in scaling fast, and then having to take a few steps back to create a sustainable and healthy environment. We opened a retail flower shop for 2 years and between constant streetcar construction (we’re located on Main St. in Westport) and a slowing economy, we made the decision to close the retail side to put our sole focus on weddings and large events. Flowers are already a difficult business because we’re dealing with a luxury item that is perishable. We still have a lot of vision for what a cute flower retail space could be in KC, but at this point we had to “kill our darling” idea of a flower shop to see the greater vision of Daylight Flora thrive. Read more>>

Carrie Olsen

Growing up, I was so shy that some people wondered if I could talk at all. I really enjoyed being in a school musical performance in the fourth grade, but after seeing myself in the pictures, I was mortified (I looked so out of my element), and I vowed I would “never perform again.” Which, perhaps, is why voiceover is such a great fit for me. I can perform and be as animated and silly as I want–but no one ever has to see me! Read more>>

William Plunkett

Joey and Trish Plunkett purchased The Alley Pick ‘N’ Pub in January 2020 before the COVID pandemic. They wanted to provide a place for people to come and have a good time with their family and friends. They spent long hours during COVID cleaning and remodeling the bar. They changed the name to The Alley Tavern, hoping to reflect an old world tavern feel. They have since expanded the business to include an Event Venue, that the community can rent for special occasions. Joey and Trish have put a lot of hard work into providing a fun, safe, space for people to come and have a drink, shoot a game of pool, play a game of Cornhole, or do some Kareokee with your friends. Read more>>

Kenna Biddlecombe

We also had to learn each other’s workflows and communication styles: a marketing brainstorm looks very different from a design sprint or a budget review, so aligning on process took patience. Cash flow was tight at first, too—landing those first few retainer clients meant pitching relentlessly and refining our value proposition until it clicked. Over time, regular check‑ins, clearly defined roles, and a lean, iterative approach helped us turn those early struggles into a more balanced, sustainable business. Read more>>

Claudia

It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. Moving to a new country was a big change in itself—adapting to a new culture, starting from scratch, building a new client base, and doing it all while raising a family has been challenging at times. When I first moved to New York, I had to pause everything to focus on being a new mom, which was beautiful but also a big adjustment. And then moving again to Lawrence meant starting over once more, new place, new people, new rhythm. It took time to build trust and get my name out there. But honestly, every challenge has pushed me to grow. Read more>>

Vania Soto

My journey has always been rooted in a love for community, creativity, and culture. I started as an artist myself, creating work that celebrated my heritage and the stories of those who came before me. Over time, I realized there was a need for more inclusive spaces where artists of all backgrounds could share their voices. That’s what led me to open Monarca Art Space — a gallery and community hub in the West Bottoms. Today, Monarca is not just a gallery; it’s a gathering place where art connects people, bridges cultures, and uplifts local creators. Every step of the way has been fueled by a belief that art should be accessible, empowering, and reflective of the community it serves. Read more>>

Carter Gaskins

Life will hit you! In 2010, we lost a son at birth. During this time, we did not have any photos of my son. In 2014, we had a beautiful baby girl. During this time, I picked up a camera. My wife wanted me to take as many photos as possible, and I just started snapping away. I realized that not only am I missing the time I had in photos, but others are missing the same thing. This is when I started to help others capture the moment as well. Read more>>

Bobby Evans

One night we realized that Quinn had been writing all these great songs the whole time and we should start a band. None of us were really comfortable with the massive amount of equipment it takes to play rock n’ roll, so we decided to just play acoustic instruments and go from there. Mark just kinda showed up – I really can’t remember how we met him but he could really rip on multiple instruments, so we needed him. We played our first show at Mike Kelly’s Westsider as “The Denver Broncos.” That name only lasted a few months – turns out drunk dudes REALLY hate the The Denver Broncos no matter how fun your concert is. Read more>>

Taylor Griffith

After about 6 months of posting content, it was seen by a real estate team owner who wanted to hire me full time, salaried, to take over her social media. I was floored. She had major connections in the military community and was ready to put my name out there. I worked for her full time until I had my first baby and then branched off to take on my own clients and really grow my management business- all while moving around the country as a military spouse and new mom, going through a deployment for 9 months, and having brands believe in me to share their products on my personal Instagram accounts. Read more>>

Nala Asa Shakur

I relaunched my book in 2023, self published under my business The All Natural and kept spreading my brand with more natural lifestyle content and my movement #naturalisthewaytoglow. In 2024 I finally expanded my business into more than just content, events, podcast, art, and books to actually creating my own natural products where I first began! I launched my own herbal tea line called The RoyalTEA Package l as well as my Herbal hair care line called The Crown Collection. Now in 2025 I continuously express my creativity, my voice and passion for love, truth, and health. Creating content, products, services, and events that align women with the power of plants all to align us with our true nature! Read more>>

Camille McMickle

My journey started when I was very young about 5 or 6 years old singing with my sisters at my father’s church. I am a PK (preachers kid) as people say. I knew I loved Jesus and that I loved to sing but I just really didn’t know the exact call on my life at that time. We would sing at church, family reunions and other events around in the local area. However, even with being brought up in the church all my life, and being saved I had not experience a true intimate relationship with God to truly know Him for myself and to have clarity of what my calling truly was for my life. Read more>>

Reagan Brown

I began working with that teammate at her planning company, and I ended up becoming one of her lead planners, leading my own events under her company. In 2021, I graduated with my marketing degree and got certified in wedding planning and wedding design so I took another leap of faith and prepared for my launch of my own wedding planning company! I had planned everything for my launch on 1/1/22 – website complete with brand new headshots, business cards ordered, Instagram ready with a few posts, but two weeks prior to the launch we found out we were expecting a second child! I was so nervous, but I figured if not now – when? I launched my company as planned, and it took off! Now, I am on my fourth season as a full time wedding planner and still loving every minute of it! Read more>>

Jessica Schifman

We started small and on a tight budget. My dad and I didn’t pay ourselves during the first year, pouring countless hours into the business. With dedication—and a bit of luck—we eventually reached profitability. Whenever we had extra cash, we reinvested it into developing new revenue streams. We built everything from scratch, relying on our efforts rather than outsourcing, except for some strategic help with SEO and Google Ads. Read more>>

Erin Oliva

I ran that shop until the winter of 2023. It was such a fun experience to build that business from the ground up and, at first, I really enjoyed it. Unfortunately, small business ownership is hard and time consuming and comes with a lot of sacrifice. I was spending every waking hour on the business and thinking about it every non-waking hour!! I was having a hard time finding help at the shop and although I had a few lovely gals working for me, I didn’t have enough help and was working every weekend. I missed all of my kids’ soccer games and activities and I was wholly burnt out by fall 2023. Read more>>

Marc Harrell

I was first introduced to Variety KC about 20 years ago when the former General Manager of CBS Radio (now Steel City Media) served on its Board of Directors. When Variety KC went through a leadership transition, the new Executive Director reached out to me early in her tenure. She asked if I would consider bringing the radiothon back to one of my stations. At the time, there were some fundamental challenges with the organization’s mission and direction. However, after years of hard work redefining the mission and strengthening the brand, she returned to me — and I was proud to bring the radiothon back to the airwaves. Read more>>

Jeremy Perkins

I consider the start of my DJing journey when I moved to Kansas City in 2019. At that time I had recently graduated from college and was looking for a direction to take my life in. After making some connections, finding mentors, and dedicating time to the craft I made a pretty simple goal: play great music and keep people locked in. Read more>>

Lauren Munton

It has definitely not been smooth sailing the whole way. When I first had this idea, I was just a new mom who was desperate to find a way to make a steady income and stay home with her baby. As you can imagine, it didn’t take off immediately. We got quite a few rentals that first year, but not enough to replace my full time income. There is a lot more that goes into starting a business than most people might think, and it is not always black and white written out in a manual somewhere. You kind of have to figure it out as you go. Read more>>

Chantel White

In 2023, I launched Cute & Cut, an inclusive space for bodywork and holistic healing, where massage, yoga, assisted stretching, and sound therapy aren’t just services, they’re soul care. A sanctuary where clients feel heard, safe, and royal. That same year, I also launched Balance, my luxury wellness CBD products that are made in a Kansas cGMP lab. Both brands reflect my heart, my culture, and my commitment to a holistic, trauma-informed approach to care. Read more>>

Mohamed Aburass

Sarra’s Charity was founded in 2021 in memory of our daughter/sister/wife/mother/friend, Sarra Abuanga, who tragically passed away from a pulmonary embolism while eight months pregnant with her son. Sarra had a giving heart and a deep commitment to helping vulnerable families, specifically mothers with newborns in our hometown Kadugli, South Kordufan in Sudan, donating where she donated monthly to those in need. After her passing, our family was determined to honor her spirit by continuing the acts of kindness she embodied. Read more>>

Carson Davis

We could say this journey of art started in my teens. I grew up in a passionately devout Christian home, and I was drawn to music. So what made sense for me was to do church music. When I was 20 I moved to Tampa, Florida to help start a church and be a part of the music team. I stayed there for four years leading music, leading youth groups, preaching the Gospel in the streets, and traveling to the countries of predominantly black and brown people to “win” them to Christ. All the while my inner moral compass was growing increasingly dissonant with this Evangelical culture. Read more>>

Erin Waller

I blended my first shampoo bar in late 2023. I’d wasted so much time trying what was already out there and feeling shortchanged. I wanted more control over what I was putting on my skin. I’d battled with oily roots, flat and limp hair that wouldn’t hold a curl and wouldn’t grow. And honestly, I was exhausted. I just wanted to simply be clean, and to feel comfortable in my skin, and I wanted to make something that made that easier. Read more>>

Renie Paredes

A few years later I got a custodial job at a school district and learned so much more about proper sanitation along with other great cleaning methods. After working at the school district for a while I realized I wanted something bigger for me and my family. I wanted the freedom of being my own boss and making my own schedule to fit around my kids so I started Wall To Wall Cleaning KC! Im very passionate about my work and the clean my company provides. On my days off you’ll find me researching ways to provide my clients with the best clean possible. Knowing my clients are coming home from work able to spend more time with their family is very rewarding! Read more>>

Kate Martin

I own and operate an embroidery business ranging from large wholesale type orders to smaller projects and one off pieces people request. Right now I’m working on adding embroidered detail to a pair of wedding suits. I love coming up with new ways to use embroidery as an art form. Yes it’s functional, but it can also be so beautiful. Besides being one of the only shops to accept smaller orders, I also pride myself on treating each job as if I was making it for a family member or even myself, haha. I want it to be perfect. Read more>>

Gabriela Otero

It hasn’t always been a smooth road but all the support from friends, family, and the Lawrence community has made it much easier to manage. The obstacles I have faced were overcome by the knowledge shared by others who were willing to help. Opening a storefront added more overhead and managing, but it also added a team to grow Cleo and Leo so every struggle was for the benefit of the store. Read more>>

Sarah Dunston

Everything that I lost in my old life, God restored to me double for my trouble. That’s the God of the Bible. That’s what Jesus does for those who believe. And now we give everything we’ve been given away so others can live hope- filled, empowered lives by the grace of God. Our ministry is called graceRIOT and has the goal of bringing “the church” outside the four walls and actively into the lives of the hurting and hopeless. graceRIOT crosses enemy territories to connect souls to the Kingdom of Light. Whether this is the homeless, addicts on the streets, children living in motels, or victims in disaster zones, graceRIOT is powered by the Good News to deliver hope and freedom. “…The Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.” Matthew 11:12 Read more>>

Christin Trott

I specifically wanted to work with those who struggle with intense emotions (anxiety, grief, complex trauma, high sensitivity), relationship problems, and finding balance in their lives. In 2017, I went back to school to complete the necessary coursework to apply for my full LPC license and in 2023 I opened my private practice. In the last two years I have been learning the ropes to advertise and reach the clients I feel I can best help while finding the freedom in my schedule to care for myself in the ways that I know make me the most effective provider. Read more>>

Rich Linden

My story is simple. I have a deep desire to lift people up, to make them feel special, and to experience that amazing love and gratitude for all the gifts that drop around us every day. From childhood, my heart would hurt and I would feel anger at seeing people excluded, pushed aside, marginalized, As I got older, I realized I could take my musical talents, and later, my cooking talents, to create events where EVERYONE feels like they belong. Events that bring love, laughter, gratitude, and unity. Read more>>

Toonz EMK

After forming my label I’ve been grinding it out going through ups and downstairs in the industry. Choosing to stay independent and not sign with a major label. I’ve spend countless days selling mixtapes hand to hand. I would sell my mixtapes everywhere at anytime. Gas Stations, the mall etc…. lol I’ll never forget selling a cd inside of a store in the mall ( hand to hand) gotta love my fans lol thanks to the change in technology all of my music now digital so there is no more CDs. I put in a lot of ground work. As well as doin countless hours of online promotion. Which has grown my fan base from being local to worldwide. I also became a brand ambassador in 2021 modeling for brands such as Habits 365, and Blackhole Clothing. Read more>>

Nissa Vibe

His death impacted me deeply since we were extremely close and he was one of my biggest supporters. One day while grieving him and being very frustrated with feeling stuck in my dance career, I asked myself “What would RJ say if he was still here” and my response was “Nissa, we all know you can dance but where is your paperwork?” My brother was such a business man and the person I went to for anything related to legal or business processes. At that exact moment, I picked up my laptop and filed for my LLC for Nissa Vibe Entertainment. Read more>>

Tim Welch

I found my start in the haunted house industry, and that’s where my love for Halloween and horror movies truly began. I threw myself into learning every aspect of the business—from set design and lighting to sound, makeup, and special effects. Over the course of 33 years, I immersed myself in the world of fear and fantasy, eventually starting Screaming the Dark, which launched me deeper into the world of film and television. Read more>>

Emylee Williams

Add to that a business breakup that felt more like a divorce — emotionally, legally, and financially. It dismantled my sense of stability and identity. For a while, I wasn’t sure I even wanted to rebuild. But those experiences taught me how to build a business that works with my energy, not against it — one rooted in clarity, boundaries, and sustainability. Read more>>

Alex Duvall

Well, last summer we were on vacation with our families, and we were sitting around a campfire one night when the food truck idea came up again. Matt posed the question, “What’s stopping us from doing something right now?” Neither of us or our wives could come up with a good answer, so that July “Many Parts, One Body” was born. Since August of 2024 we have served over 4,000 free meals to folks in need in our community and have thousands more meals already planned to be served in 2025. All of it has been sponsored by members of our community who have made a commitment to helping provide for their neighbors. Read more>>

Jenna Tripodi-McIlwee

I like to say, I am a good fit for those who know how to keep the peace for everyone else in their life but not themselves. If you could be a fly on the wall in one of my therapy sessions, you’ll hear some sarcastic quips, me spouting a research study I just read, some laughter and a lot of just exploring what it means to feel all of what it is to be human. Some diagnoses that those I work with typically have are: PTSD, anxiety, depression or OCD. Read more>>

Jason Febres

Chef cookoff for years. Nobody else holds their record and I also started doing private dinners at a second restaurant that I end up opening called Taste and See. Now there’s winners where quite a bit exotic and he got national attention. I end up getting calls from Food Network and different other Food Network and appeared in shows like bar rescue, grocery games with Guy Fieri and cut kitchen Alton Brown among a few others I became also the private chef for a billionaire family, and after that God open some other doors to where I am currently, I own a catering business that operates in four states and we serve an average of 300 weddings a year Read more>>

Brandon Reed

I grew up in Gardner, KS just south of where I’m at now in Olathe. I played sports growing up and in high school took an interest in lifting to improve my athleticism (and get bigger arms, like any teenage boy). From there I pursued my exercise science and nutrition degrees from K-State where I explored and found even more ways to love lifting and moving my body for health, as well as fostering a love for cooking and nutrition to fuel my goals in the gym. As I wrapped up my time at K-State I could see myself in many of the healthcare roles I’d been introduced to during my studies, but wasn’t sold on any one in particular (I just knew I didn’t care to sit behind a desk) so I began to shadow people in all sorts of sectors of the health field and one day got to hang out with the chiropractor I grew up seeing in Olathe. Read more>>

Katherine Riggins

My time as a business owner has not been an easy one. I survived an 8 week mandatory statewide shut down during Covid 2020 times and then another 12 week shut down a few years later after an accident involving an SUV driving through the salon and destroying almost all of the shop. I survived the shut downs because of our loyal Client base and Gods mercy because of them the salon is better than ever. Read more>>

Morgan Larsen

I got started with my photography business back in 2020 during covid! I was searching around for an internship and ended up reaching out to my high school photography teacher, she put me in touch with my AMAZING mentor, Taylor Howie! I had such great opportunities working with Taylor and she is the reason I am where I am today! It was such a joy working alongside her, she helped me with my business every step of the way! Read more>>

Marcus Duncan

No the road isnt smooth and wasnt smooth its still bumpy and im still overcoming challenges till this day i ran across allot of snakes or i should say i was around allot of snakes on my upcoming and just recently i had yo start cutting them off that that gut feeling you get is true , snakes love to see you fail people have took from me ate off my plate bit my hand it dont break me but it make me stronger worst part is when people do it completely behind yo back and cant face you like a true man or woman. Read more>>

Nia Taylor

Aside from just everyday beauty services I specialize in nonsurgical hair replacement. I’m known for my blending techniques making it appear as though it is growing from the scalp. My slogan is “if she can’t grow it you’ll NEVA know it”. I’m most proud of the lives I’ve changed and the self esteem I’ve restored with the God given gift and anointing that flows through these fingertips. Just being a Trichologist alone sets me apart in this saturated industry because there are very few certified Trichologist in KC. Read more>>