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.

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>>

Ben Lee

Creating stories through comic books has always been a dream of mine since I was a kid. In recent years, created Big Head Productions to make that dream a reality. Recently relaunched Big Head Productions in 2022 and have been redoubling my efforts to build this passion into a sustainable, creative business. A business that not only will support me, but hopefully other aspiring creators. Read more>>

Jamie Hoffman

What sets us apart from many fabric stores around is not just that we carry fabrics used for fashion, but we try to source as much of what we can as deadstock or made in the USA. About 90% of the fabrics that we carry are leftover remnants from the fashion industry – which means we have access to some really unique styles, and some from brands you might recognize like J Crew, Ralph Lauren, and Carhartt. We have many organic knits and tulles that are made in the USA, and even several lines of fabric that are printed and designed right here in North Kansas City! Read more>>

Jenna Campobasso

Naturally, there were plenty of obstacles. Lining the contractors up was not an easy task. We had the roof off and the interior framed in with a special wood and it rained. We spent the night in the salon with beach towels, keeping the new framing dry. A little further along in our journey and we had our two air-conditioning units put in, the contractors to put the caging around them, were due to come the next morning, but somehow that evening someone spotted them behind the building and decided they needed them more. All in all it was absolutely worth it! Something about knowing I will forever have a building to create my passion in is so very comforting. Read more>>

Ed Courtney

In 2024, we celebrated 40 years of service and sales to the local community, and we celebrated our 25th year of serving and working with the local farmers through Vermeer. Our son, John Courtney, came back to the business after working for Vermeer and graduating Central College in Iowa. John plans to continue working in the business and eventually taking over Courtney’s LLC to carry on the family legacy for years to come. Read more>>

Dk Diggz

I built a successful hair extension business and was doing well financially, but it wasn’t my true passion. I tried nails off and on, but quickly realized I’m not a service provider — I’m a seller! I had been recording music the whole time but was too shy to drop anything. In 2020, I launched a cosmetics line that took off, but eventually closed that too, because I knew I needed to focus on what really made me happy. Read more>>

Hank Houston

I was always interested in music and art. Id ask my mother questions about the music on the radio on any and every car ride. I taught myself piano and guitar about 1998 and started writing songs about 2004. Played piano for a reggae band in 2009 and learned about Ethiopia and Rastafarianism. Started a band called Bringers of the Dawn the next year and went on tour to promote our first album, Granny Dread. (2010) Read more>>

Sara Charlson

Like any small business, we’ve had our share of challenges. We opened our doors in May of 2020 – but had to adjust our model and only sell cans to-go because of COVID-19. In May, COVID-19 was still relatively unknown (as far as the overall impact). Two weeks later we closed to regroup, and finally on June 4th we reopened to serve beer in our taproom – following all of the social distancing and masks requirements. The silver lining of COVID-19 for us is that we were allowed to covert our large outdoor space into a full patio, which previously had been restricted by both the city and the state of Kansas. Read more>>

Los Del KCanton

Another challenge has been balancing our personal lives with our passion. Most of us are either in school or working during the week, and we dedicate our weekend and most of our free time to the band. It’s a grind, and it can be exhausting, but we love it. We love the process, and we believe in what we’re building together. Read more>>

Mitchell Fagan

Over time, we began dreaming about doing more than retail pasta. We wanted a space where we could serve that pasta exactly the way we envisioned it. Now that dream has become reality: we have opened up for dinner service Thursday-Saturday! Of course, we’re still open for retail pasta for you to cook at home, and we’ll keep showing up at the farmers markets, but now we can also invite you to dine in, share a meal, and experience our pasta. Read more>>

Jeanne Middaugh

On June 13, 1998, Chad and Jeanne’s story officially began—but in truth, their journey had been unfolding long before that, rooted in rich family traditions, small-town values, and the kind of grit and grace that turns dreams into legacy. Over the years, their path has taken unexpected turns—through businesses, babies, big decisions, and beautiful new beginnings. And all of it has led to one special place: Stillmeadow. Read more>>

Christian Talley

Hassle Free Outdoor is a full-service lawn, landscape, and outdoor living company based in Overland Park, Kansas, serving surrounding communities like Leawood, Olathe, Prairie Village, Mission Hills, Parkville, Liberty and North Kansas City. We specialize in high-end residential landscaping, Commercial ground maintenance, outdoor living spaces, irrigation systems, lighting, and year-round property care. Whether it’s a fresh mulch install, a precision irrigation repair, or a full backyard transformation, we help our clients fall in love with their outdoor space. Read more>>

Amanda Moran True

Our experience has been much like that of many small business owners—it’s felt like a rollercoaster in the dark. You don’t always know what’s coming, how long the ride will last, or what the track even looks like. Starting a food business in the wake of a global pandemic came with a lot of uncertainty, and we weren’t sure if the timing was right or how we would weather challenges like the dramatic increase in egg prices—especially with eggs being our most-used ingredient. Read more>>

Shawn Bingham

Wow — this journey started back in 2003 when I joined the Army and was introduced to the world of logistics. Leaving the comfort of Kansas City, I was stationed in Germany, and that experience completely transformed my life and perspective. Living overseas allowed me to see places I had only read about and immerse myself in a different culture — something that deeply shaped who I am today. Read more>>

Michelle Custer

People didn’t just meet Leisa, they felt her. Her presence was powerful and an Energy. Protective. Majestic. She didn’t need to demand attention; it followed her naturally. Once you encountered her, you were changed. Forever. And even since her transition, she is still a fierce energy that is always with me. Read more>>

Amber

My husband bought me a Circuit and I found happiness incorporating creativity into my everyday life. Then… I started making shirts for others. Who has the time or patience to weed HTV? Not me! Who ghosted almost every sublimation item they made? This girl right here! Discovering DTF transfers was a complete game-changer, BUT… the customer service experiences weren’t always the best… No one wanted to help me if I accidentally left a background on an image or submitted a file with low resolution.. they just printed it anyways and said sorry about your luck! How frustrating?! Read more>>

Shelice Sheppard

What I’m most proud of as a makeup artist is the way I help people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. It’s more than just makeup—it’s about the transformation. Seeing someone light up when they look in the mirror is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. I’m so proud of the trust my clients place in me to be a part of those meaningful moments. Read more>>

Paul Kushnir

After many evenings brainstorming ideas we had our first one in 2000. We saw an opportunity to import and distribute cellular accessories to the convenience store industry. We were just missing one thing, money. Fortunately my in-laws were willing to take a chance on us and put a 2nd mortgage on their house to give us the start up captial we needed. Thankfully the business did well and we were able to repay them shortly after. We had good success with the distribution company servicing over 2000 convenience stores before we sold the company in 2005. That gave us the capital to really grow our new venture which we started in 2004. Read more>>

Brian Koch

Around the age of 18 years old, I started surrounding myself with local concerts where I began networking with musicians which really helped me a little later in my life. I began learning to produce music and worked with a few local artists in my home. When I was 20 years old, I started doing sound in my church gaining even more experience on mixing. This led to me helping to put on events and outreaches. With me networking with local musicians the past few years, I was able to setup some great artists at these events. When these local artists came out with a new album, I would DJ for their CD release parties. Read more>>

Kerri Harkness

I’ve been a Family Nurse Practitioner for over 13 years, with most of my experience in family practice and walk-in clinics. Like many in healthcare, the COVID era pushed me to reevaluate my path. I began feeling burned out—the traditional healthcare model no longer aligned with my passion for prevention, wellness, and truly personalized care. Read more>>

Erica Anderlik

Still, I couldn’t help myself. I kept planning and hosting events for friends and family any chance I got. But the moment it all truly clicked? When I planned my own wedding. I poured myself into every detail—and loved every second of it. And in case you’re wondering just how personal I like to get with the details… my husband and I did a PB&J sandwich as our unity ceremony. (Yes, seriously. We both love them—and now we’ll never forget it.) Read more>>

Diane Scott

Later, I joined the Innovation Center at the University of Missouri-Kansas City to create and deliver programming to entrepreneurs. Around that time two Kansas City arts organizations, ArtsKC and Charlotte Street, approached the UMKC Innovation Center needing research on business training for artists. With ArtsKC and Charlotte Street, I conducted a feasibility study, expecting to find an existing program for artist business training that we could adopt. Read more>>

Tracy Hoth

Now, I help other life coaches and online business owners organize their businesses—from their digital files and workflows to their time and thoughts. Through my coaching programs, podcast (The Organized Coach), and online courses, I’ve created a unique blend of structure and soul that helps entrepreneurs feel calm, confident, and in control of a business that now has organized foundations. Read more>>

Drew Roeder-Bouge

In May of 2020, sitting around the firepit with my husband, I remember sharing how lost I felt. I was at a major crossroads. I had already committed to starting my 200-hour yoga teacher training that summer—something I was drawn to after teaching fitness classes for over 20 years and falling in love with hot yoga shortly after moving to Kansas City in 2019. But I wasn’t sure that yoga alone could offer the financial independence or structure of a full-time career. Read more>>

Sarah Quinlivan

Being different is not always comfortable. I struggled initially with ‘should I be like everyone else to get my business really going?’ After all, these other amazing planners, are doing it and crushing it! I tried it for a bit, and my business didn’t click or take off. When I finally took a step back and realized I am not thriving because I am not being me, it all clicked. Our people started to hire us. Cool was created. The work we were doing felt less like work, but more like creation! Now not only planning, but designing all our events is exactly where we want to be. We know how to create an epic wedding and experience, and we do it all while having a great time and providing a high-level service. Read more>>

Jenna Washnieski

My career brought me to Kansas City nearly 10 years ago. I led a regional nonprofit and had the opportunity to further refine my love of leadership through this experience. Over time, I noticed the leadership qualities that created strong teams and cultures, as well as the qualities that stifled trust, innovation and fun. It was through this process that I decided to pursue my coaching certification and delve deeply into leadership development. Additionally, I’m a yoga instructor and have practiced consistently for over 15 years. I love finding opportunities to integrate yoga philosophy into leadership development, and aim to help people discover the deep well of inner wisdom, strength and resilience they possess. Read more>>

Khloe H

My story is rooted in the reoccurring cycle of pain and love. when I was a little girl I felt a certain level of lack due to me being raised predominantly by my grandparents. My grandfather was the ultimate entrepreneur. a pastor, a landscaper, a gardener, and the president of a scholarship foundation that he represented for 50+ years, giving seniors in high school Scholarship funds to go to college. My grandmother was an earth angel, SAHM, held tea parties and one was even featured in the local town newspaper together they were soulmates as they were married for over 60 years and she raised seven children alongside him.  Read more>>

Duc Phung

Shortly after opened up the third in the independent center mall and or fourth in the west 39th St next to the KU Medical Center or latest edition the fifth location will be at the Oak Park Mall next to the food court. We will open early May 2025 that’s the story of how I got started in the Bubble Tea craft Just a quick background about myself. I majored in information technology where I have my bachelors at UMKC worked for 10 years at Cerner as in healthcare consultant traveling across the United States and other countries been able to travel I was able to capture a lot of different experience and cultures, which I also apply into the business. I’m looking to grow Dragonfly to many more Kansas locations one shop at a time. Read more>>

Marrissa Valles

Especially with a newborn, Well one random night during Covid something spoke to me I cant remember if I heard or seen a post that said “2020 was the best time to start a business or go back to school “. I started thinking hard and questioning should I become a makeup artist and start a business? Or go to back to school? I mean everyone at the call center always encouraged me to do makeup including one supervisor who really just always motivated and pushed to see me become a Makeup Artist! Read more>>

Cure La Vie

That was the spark that ignited what became Cure La Vie. From the start, we knew we wanted more than just another skincare line. We were fueled by a passion for selecting the highest-quality ingredients, chosen for their effectiveness and their ability to soothe and nourish the skin. Every product we create is formulated with ingredients that truly benefit the skin, chosen for their purity and natural healing properties. Read more>>

Katie Duffy

I really believed that as an “empty nester,” I would have lots of time and opportunities to play. However, I have found that as my friends were “retiring “ from their jobs and raising children, it became more and more difficult to get together as everyone was enjoying their new found freedom! Read more>>

Thaovy Do

No, It took me a very long time to find the confidence to show up. I’m still working on this today, it’s always easier to just stay home and it can feel comforting to be able to control everything around you at all times but the more you allow yourself to receive and feel embarrassment or shame, the more you start to learn how to challenge yourself – and this is where growth happens. Read more>>

Faymis Amira

Through songwriting for some major international artists, I found my way back to the music! As I would send a record I wrote to an artist, they would hear my voice and I would ALWAYS hear comments back from these huge artists like AH! Why are you not writing for yourself?? I would really question that, and after hearing it so many times I really had to sit down and ask myself WHY I lost the love/confidence in myself to do my music the way I always wanted & dreamed. I sat down and wrote my first song in full, with ease! It was out of love and passion that the universe guided me back to where my heart always was. Through the journey on the business side I learned so much, helped so many, guided a ton, made music with some amazing people & made a few true friends along the way! Read more>>

LaToya Rozof

I’ve had lifelong love affair with fashion dating back to high school. I was president of Fashion Careers Club and attended Kansas State University and received my B.S. in Apparel and Textile Marketing. I started my fashion career at Talbots and Halls which provided me with the skills to run my own store later down the line. I come from a family of entreprenuers so I learned early on the fundamentals of customer service and giving back to my community. Read more>>

Hillary Desneux

Since then, we’ve sold hundreds of Ford GTs, Dodge Demons and other American muscle cars, including some of my personal favorites: Shelby GT500s and Cobras. Throughout the years, I was still working on the side with my dad’s landscaping business. In 2025, I decided to dedicate myself fully to the dealership and continue pushing my own business to work more closely with private clients, offering a global, personalized approach to sourcing and acquiring luxury and exotic vehicles. My goal has always been to make the buying experience not just seamless, but something truly special—where my clients feel valued and understood, and they receive an experience far beyond the typical dealership where they’re just another number. Read more>>

Hannah Buechler

Each of our associates has 2 goals relating to the workplace such as professionalism, communication, and work skills. The shift managers and I try to work on each associate’s goals during their shifts each week and collect data to track goal progress. Most of our associates are highly motivated to work on their goals each week to master another skill in the workplace in which they feel confident and independent. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the progress made by our associates and the happiness they feel when they have mastered a new goal/skill. Read more>>