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.

Susan Righter

After college, I married my college sweetheart (about to celebrate 30 years married!) and we moved to Atlanta. There I worked for The Coca-Cola Company for six and half years. This was a great experience and a wonderful company to work for, but I couldn’t help feel like my creativity was dying the whole time. I didn’t make time to create, and I felt it. I remember eating lunch with one of my work friends and dreaming about having a creative business someday–this was in 1997! Read More>>

Ashley Ferguson

I took a break from baking and cake jobs for several years and just did cakes on the side. I wasn’t feeling fulfilled at the office job I was working at, and so I quit to nanny and focus on building a cake business. I officially started by business in 2019 and began attending wedding shows and making connections in the industry. The pandemic actually gave my business a boost since I wasn’t able to nanny anymore and was able to focus all of my attention on caking. Since then, I have attended workshops in person and online and have learned a lot from other cake artists to build what I hope is my own personal style of cake decorating. Read More>>

Rayann Campbell

Over the years this I slowly lost the weight and started trying to figure out how I could help my family change as well. Eventually I took a course to get certified in Nutrition Coaching through NCI, then later ISSA Certified in Personal Training. I’ve stepped out into group fitness classes to try and help the absolute beginner, the shy, the ashamed, and the women just like me who feel physical pain when they try to plank. I want to bridge that gap between being a total beginner and feeling overwhelmed, to a person who has created healthy habits and is consistent in their progress. Over the coming years I intend to expand my coaching services to include Mindset and hormones, while my husband and mentor develops his Jiu Jitsu program for troubled youth. Read More>>

Ericka Deanna

It hasn’t been an easy journey. I’ve always struggled with staying active on social media, but I’m definitely working on improving that. Being in the wedding industry, it’s easy to feel like an intimidated at times, but I’ve been lucky to meet so many supportive people. My goal has always been to book 12-15 weddings a year, but the biggest challenge has been marketing. For 2025, I’ve set my sights on really getting a handle on it and stepping up my game. Read More>>

Erin Mallen

Despite these ongoing struggles, learning to embrace creativity as a source of healing has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. It’s not always easy, and I still have days when I struggle, but I’ve learned that art can express what words often can’t. It’s become not only a passion but also a form of therapy—a way to reconnect with myself and find moments of peace amidst the chaos in my mind. Read More>>

Todd Wilkins

At the time I was living in St. Petersburg, FL and got my start photographing landscapes and wildlife (particularly dolphins). Shortly after, I also began documenting the work of artists during the SHINE mural festival as they created the outdoor art gallery that is downtown St. Pete. Once I began shooting with people, it was an easy move into fashion and portraits. Read More>>

Makenna Campbell

From that moment on, I was hooked. I started filming everything I could, learning through trial and error, and slowly building a business from scratch. That business became Harmony Media, where I now help agribusinesses create video content that connects with their audience on a deeper level. My journey has been full of challenges—figuring out branding, pricing, and the business side of things while still refining my skills as a videographer. Through every project, I’ve seen firsthand how video can build trust, strengthen brands, and bring people together. Read More>>

Aj Whitney

I spoke with the editorial director, who was incredibly helpful and talked me through what to expect and how to do some of the most important steps. He also offered to read some of my manuscript to help me determine what my next steps should be, and I wholeheartedly accepted. A few weeks later, he got back in touch with me and told me that my book was too good for me to pay out of pocket for publishing, and I should be querying literary agents and trying to get a book deal. He asked if it would be okay for him to run it up the ladder at his publishing house to see if they’d be interested in it, and there was no way I was going to say no to that! A few months later, Blue Handle Publishing offered me a deal, and my young adult novel Sovereign was born. Read More>>

Jasper J. Mirabile Jr.

Being in the restaurant business is not easy and has always challenges but each day I go in knowing that I have a background and a history to uphold and I’m very fortunate to have many cooks who’ve been with our family for over 35 years along with my three nephews in the kitchen and in the dining room constantly working. We did not rest on our laurels. Read More>>

Leah Gray

I started Lucky Gal with my mom, my best friend in the world, in October of 2023 on complete accident. We were spending our Saturday together, as we always did, when I suggested we run to Hobby Lobby to make charm necklaces together. After $238 later, we headed home to make our jewels but my mom said she wasn’t feeling well and we could do it the following weekend. We found out that Monday that she had stage 4 Angiosarcoma – a rare form of blood cancer. With all these extra charms, my mom encouraged me to make a few for my friends and Lucky Gal was born. Read More>>

Jasmine/shauine Smith

After much thought and research, we realized that the wellness and beauty industries were missing something—an all-inclusive, luxurious self-care experience that catered to all the needs of our clients. That’s when the idea for Aesthetic Luxury Spa was born. As a mother-daughter team, we knew this venture had to be special, and we made it our mission to create a space where people could truly feel at ease, while also embracing the luxury and attention they deserve. Read More>>

Casey

I earned my master’s degree in psychology in 2021, and I currently manage my private practice where I work primarily with individuals facing stress, anxiety, ADHD, depression, and trauma. In addition to offering psychological testing and therapy, I also conduct research on traumatic brain injuries in collaboration with the University of Kansas. Beyond my clinical work, I’m a co-owner of the media production company Number9ine, where I help manage artists who have released several projects in recent years—it’s truly exciting to witness the creative process and see how the public responds. Most of my spare time is spent with my two dogs, a siberian husky and a german shepherd/siberian husky mix. Read More>>

Abigale And Paisley Clayton

Learning how to perfect our designs and the science behind dye has been difficult but fun as well! Learning the correct method for the lines of our designs to be crisp and how to fold complicated designs and making it accessible for our limitations has been a challenge as well but one we are happy to take on. Read More>>

Brittney Carr

Soon enough, I was modeling for websites like *SagnomFashion.com* and even made a cameo in a music video for Syd Coopz, filmed by the talented Jackie Terry (May 2022). Then, the runway calls kept coming thanks to Cece Queen: Onetta Johnson’s fashion show in October 2021, plus a series of family event photoshoots (birthdays, reunions, weddings, and graduations), where I was behind the camera capturing all the magic. Read More>>

Sydney Evans

We had our first baby boy! Even during all of the struggles we never gave up and when our moment finally came, I wanted to capture the beauty of our dreams being fulfilled. Now we have brought another blessing into this world, another son, and I get to capture even more memories with two babies! What started as a hobby with capturing my two kiddos, is now a full blown successful business. Not only do I get to capture my children, I get to capture other families, Wedding days and even motherhood sessions- for example, maternity, newborn and milestones! I am so blessed to be where I am today and I give all the Glory to God for this opportunity! Read More>>

Madelyn Latshaw

After lot of life changes (marriage & a baby), I decided to go out on my own & start my own business! It’s definitely been challenging but the exact move that was right for me! Now I am at American Honey Hair Co. working along side the coolest people. The vibes in our salon are so fun but also chill! I also do wedding/special event makeup & hair in addition to being in the salon during the week! Read More>>

Sonni Elliott Md

I am a native of Kansas City, Kansas. My early interest in science and medicine translated to an amazing medical school education after college, later specializing in Psychiatry. I love to be a steady, trusted ear for people struggling with various mental health issues like depression, anxiety, insomnia or substance abuse issues. As a board certified physician I am able to integrate various therapies including medications and therapy. All with the goal of improving the quality of the lives of people. After living in various cities I returned again to Kansas City in 2020 with a goal of opening up my own practice. Read More>>

Essence Smith

With a background in **Business** and experience as a former **American Airlines gate agent**, I naturally gravitated toward **destination weddings**. I loved the idea of blending travel with love stories, making sure couples could celebrate their big day stress-free, no matter where in the world they chose to say “I do.” Over time, I expanded into planning **bridal showers, birthdays, baby showers, and corporate events**, each one unique and special in its own way. Read More>>

Erishyll Isidro

When I did my first wedding in 2017, I realized that this was something I was super passionate about and I honestly just ran with it. I taught myself how to work a wedding with no previous experience or shadowing anyone. It was so nerve racking because at the time I didn’t have as many friends in the industry as I do now to help me. I never would have thought that I would be here today, as a full time photographer. I was a nurse until 2021 when i decided to do photography full time and I haven’t looked back since. I owe my success to the my wife and my friends who’ve helped me get to where I am today. Read More>>

Alexandra Ortega

I didn’t take my first client until the first of 2021. I still wasn’t fully confident in my styling when it came to doing lashes so I decided to take another two classes one was here in Kansas City and the other I traveled to Dallas, TX. That’s one thing I’ve noticed about myself is when I take interest in something I invest myself 100% So if I didn’t feel 100% in something I would practice and practice until I figured it out. I’ve been lashing 4 years now and I am truly confident in the work I provide. I don’t think I ever pictured myself as a business owner but I love the beauty industry so I was happy to stay within my interests. Read More>>

Tameka Drake

To stay on top of things, I prioritize attending training sessions, participating in meetings, and actively listening to clients’ needs. It’s an ongoing process, and I’ve come to realize that there’s always more to learn. Despite the challenges, I’m committed to staying up-to-date and providing the best possible service to my clients. Read More>>

Emily Akins

I’m an editorial director and have been working at Hallmark for 22 years. In 2018 I created a podcast called The Beginning of Your Life Book Club. As a long time reader and book lover – and as a parent of two kids – I wanted to explore more deeply the world of children’s literature. So I created The Beginning of Your Life Book Club when I was applying for an award through my job. Each year, Hallmark awards one member of the creative community a sabbatical to work on a personal passion project. My project was an exploration of the transformative power of children’s literature and the magic of picture books. Read More>>

Kylie Crinnian

I’m thankful for the challenging seasons because they make me appreciate the good. Sometimes, I think I somehow keep playing life on hard mode, but I think many people do; they’re just not open about it. I have been on food stamps while supporting my husband during his Law School career, working multiple jobs while living in complete poverty, living to check to check, and surviving on overdraft fees and payday loans. My husband and I have climbed our way out by working 7 days a week and saving enough to buy our first house, and he put his trust in me to start building my brand back in 2016. Read More>>

Asia Williams

Opulence to me is such a strong and sexy word and that is what i want you to feel siting in my salon suite. I want you to feel like all eyes are on you because baby you are luxury and you deserve to be treated that way. Opulence is a safe place for women to relax and leave all of your worries at the door. I love working with women, were all so unique in our own way sometimes it just takes the help of someone else truly just taking the time to make you feel important. Im a girls girl alwas have been. I just wanted to create an environment that makes you excited to come in and just be yourself but when you leave I want you to feel like the QUEEN you are! Read More>>

Ashley Falzone

Growing as a salon in the beauty industry is certainly a struggle that is not for the faint of heart. I started my business with the idea that I would just be doing hair, when that is far from the reality. I have found myself in a position that requires many hats. I run all our social media platforms, our marketing, manage our staff, do all inventory management, and all financials. I spend a large amount of my time behind the chair-however that is only a small portion of what it takes in order to keep A|F SALON running like a well oiled machine. Read More>>

Ashley Kukay

Balancing and juggling work and home life is hard. Turning into the Manager, janitor, social media influencer, handy woman, HR, receptionist, designer is not something I prepared for, all the while doing great hair! It can be overwhelming but with time you learn how to try to juggle it all. Read More>>

Raegan Abel

Growing up, my childhood was forever altered when my sister was diagnosed with cancer. As I watched her vibrant hair slowly become fine and fragile, my heart broke for her—her physical transformation a constant reminder of her struggle. Her hair never returned to normal, and that image stayed with me. Read More>>

Sheila, Stacie & Jeremiah Fogel, Kelly & Yerton

Traditional corporate-based medicine often limits time with patients, making it difficult to truly connect, listen, and provide personalized care. Our approach is different. We believe in spending time with each individual and family, using shared decision-making to create a care plan that fits their unique needs. By exploring alternative therapies alongside traditional treatments, we focus on addressing the root causes of health concerns rather than just managing symptoms. Our goal is to provide accessible, compassionate care where patients feel heard, valued, and empowered in their wellness journey.  Read More>>

Madison Sha

I loved the teacher because she was so in-sync with the music. It really inspired me to teach in a way that highlights the music in every movement. Beat Based fitness is really functional as it allows for intentional and consistent movement that is exciting and satisfying to the brain. These aspects of connecting movement to the beat create neroplastisity in the brain. This is the ability of the nervous system to change its activity in response to intrinsic or extrinsic stimuli. This allows me to help people really think about body and brain connection In a different way. Read More>>

Trinity Ball

The medicine I had experienced so many times in my life that helped me the most, was mindfulness through music. After this I jumped into action and dove into the deep end with researching and gaining certifications and trainings in sound healing and different energetic practices. I learned more about ancient cultures and was humbled by the knowledge that they held. Now almost two years later, I am excited to say that my business has evolved into something I am really proud to be able to part take in, and I am excited for it to continue to evolve and grow as the world continues changing. Read More>>

Mitchell Thompson

The journey to opening Combat Cardio wasn’t easy. I was once on track to become a general manager at a national fitness franchise, but due to internal politics and false allegations, I was unjustly pushed out. Instead of pursuing legal action, I channeled my energy into telling my story through a documentary, which gained traction online and ultimately exposed the situation. That experience didn’t just fuel my desire to run a gym—it pushed me to create something even better. This was back in August of 2020, for context. Read More>>

Kelly Lee

I began my adventure as an educator in 1996 and although I wasn’t fully prepared (how can one truly be?), I rocked it, and I felt at home in my new profession. I found myself weaving positive social and emotional skills into a lot of my academic lessons—a bit “out of the box” at the time. When teaching math, for example, I found a way to weave in self-esteem, self-advocacy, sharing, problem solving, and many other of the millions of skills youth foundationally need. Read More>>

Mckenzie Stanley

I think I am most proud of seeing students having fun in the space! This is in part to the amazing staff I have, who do such a great job teaching and making people feel comfortable when learning something new. It’s so fun to watch students kind of get that “ah-ha!” moment when learning pottery. Like “I can do this too!” Read More>>

Courtney Thomas

My mom had me when she was just 20 years old. She has struggled with addiction her entire life, and has been in and out of many abusive relationships. At age 20, she was stuck at the intersection of loving me, but not being ready or able to truly be a mom. My mom’s decisions exposed me to domestic violence, drugs, alcohol, and there are countless times I was left alone before I was even kindergarten age. At age 13, I became her designated driver… there are so many stories I could share. Read More>>

Elliot Werner

I was released in May of 2020. I was fortunate to be hired on by a company I met through the work release program. While working full time, I also enrolled in a master pipe fitting course to sharpen my welding skills and certifications. For 4 months my days consisted of waking up at 5am to draft on my computer for my job and working until 1pm. Then I would grab a sandwich or something quick to eat and head over to the welding school and take class from 2-10pm. Wake up and do it again. Read More>>

Shonn Tew

Hi, I’m Shonn Tew, a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master’s in Business Administration. My journey in the medical field began in 1997 when I started working in Labor and Delivery for over 11 years. Eventually, I transitioned into medical device sales, which gave me a broader perspective on the aesthetics industry. It was during this time that I was approached by a local medical spa to begin performing Botox treatments and other aesthetic procedures—and I immediately fell in love with the field. Read More>>

Danielle Martin

Like any small business owner, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges. While it’s been an incredibly rewarding journey, it definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. One of my biggest challenges in the beginning was figuring out the business side of things—pricing my products correctly, keeping track of inventory, and learning about marketing. Another struggle was getting my work in front of the right people. It took time to build a customer base and figure out how to use social media effectively to grow my brand. Along the way, I did experience some trial and error with different fabrics and techniques to figure out what worked best for the result I wanted. Read More>>

Becky Bliss

We made a Christmas record in our home studio during the pandemic which was hailed by the NY Times as one of the top holiday albums of 2020. Eventually fate led us to Carmen Dieker (Aguilar now that she’s married) and we knew that her amazing violin/fiddle skills and and beautiful three part harmonies were the perfect addition to our music. We’ve been a trio now for a little over two years, still touring the country and looking forward to releasing a new record later this year! Our first single from the new album drops this spring. Read More>>

Amari Leath

My first solo photography exhibit was at Jacksonville International Airport. From there, I used that achievement to land my first major job as part of the Best Buy College Crew. We were paid to create content featuring Best Buy products and we even got to keep them. I invested the money I made from that opportunity to open my first photo studio inside Groom Therapy Jax. I was only a junior in college at the time. Read More>>

Allan Chow

Living in Kansas City for over two decades, he immersed himself in the local culture, allowing the architecture, textures, and colors of the urban environment to become central elements in his work. The undulating hills and sweeping skies of the Kansas countryside also inspired a series of breathtaking landscapes that evoke both the serenity and raw beauty of the region. His paintings have captivated many, with his distinctive depictions of the Flint Hills and Kansas City cityscapes hanging in private collections, including those of high-profile clients such as the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals. His art stands as a testament to his unique perspective, blending his heritage with the heart of his adopted home. Read More>>

Madeline Marak

I currently create work out of my studio space in the West Bottoms alongside my shih tzu-poodle mix, Penny. I continue to explore my relationship with nature, particularly within the context of the urban, altered spaces of the Anthropocene through abstract landscape paintings and photography. Read More>>

Chandler Johnson

Don’t get me wrong… I am proud of these titles and opportunities that have emerged from my decade-long run in this industry. But at the same time, I try to keep my highs low or be humble (as Kendrick Lamar suggests) and stay focused on the idea that I just love creating in whatever way that comes. It’s truly a fantastic thing to be able to have a career based on one’s passions. Read More>>

Kylie Helm

That same year, I started working as an SLP at an elementary school. It was a special school—a Title I school located in an affluent suburb—and I quickly recognized the needs of many students as familiar. Growing up in a low socioeconomic environment (SEE) myself, I understood that for some families, school, grades, and therapy weren’t top priorities. Their needs were more immediate: food, sleep, safe housing. This understanding motivated me to advocate for these students, but it was also during this time that I began to feel limited in my practice. Special Education policies, while protective, started to interfere with how I could provide services and who I could serve. Read More>>