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.

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>>

Jake Voegeli

The three of us owners, Garrett Paulman, Adam Krebsbach, and Jake Voegeli, all met while working at another brewery together. Combining their 20+ years of experience, we opened up Manhattan Brewing Company in July of 2020. We’re focused on brewing and serving high-quality craft beers in a family-friendly atmosphere in the heart of downtown Manhattan. This town is our home, and we want to bring the best possible beer experience and education to the wonderful people of Manhattan. We want to create a place for everyone to come out and have a good time with friends and cultivate a craft beer culture Manhattan can be proud of. Read more>>

Laura Lindsay

I was seeking more fulfillment from my career and wanted to use my nursing/business backgrounds and experiences to directly impact our loved ones, our kids, our neighbors, our colleagues, our city, and anyone else that is facing any part of the ongoing and worsening opioid crisis. I have unfortunately lived through trauma in my own life due an alcohol related incident and have always wanted to pay it forward after receiving unconditional love and support to keep moving forward. I am forever grateful for the support I had at the lowest point in my own life. My goal everyday is to give all of my support to patients in achieving sobriety and maintaining recovery with alcohol and opioid addictions. Read more>>

Chelsea Barlow

That one sentence was like a light switch. I started small—experimenting with rhythms that felt doable. Not the Pinterest-perfect kind, just little routines that made sense for *me*. And what I found? Structure didn’t kill my creativity—it actually gave me more space to breathe, create and actually enjoy life. It gave me the margin I had been missing. Freedom came when I stopped resisting the order God was trying to give me. Read more>>

Darren Coby

As a cinematographer, the journey has been filled with late nights, tight budgets, and projects that didn’t go as planned. In the beginning, I didn’t have access to the best gear or the most experienced crews. I had to learn how to make magic with whatever I had—cheap lights, borrowed cameras, and a lot of creativity. There were times I doubted myself, wondering if I could really turn this passion into a career. Read more>>

Steve Stegall

In 1991-92 I really started getting into hockey and became a huge fan when the KCBlades won the Turner Cup. Venture forward 20 years and I thought it was beyond time to have a place where people could gather to watch this beautiful sport because there was nowhere in the city to watch it. 13 years later we’re still seeing our hockey fans every day. We’re absolutely blessed Read more>>

Brandon Baker

Very early on, around the start of 2018, I got in contact with Jason and Ami, who just finished a mural event a few months prior. I reached out to them, asking how I could get involved. They said well, how much would you like to help? I told them that I was all in. That event morphed into the mural festival called SpraySeeMO. We have painted something around 150 murals across Kansas City. We bring in national and, international artists and local artists to paint large-scale murals and organize different events like gallery shows. Read more>>

Lori Briley Fairchild

I’ve always been a writer. Pretty much from the time I could hold a pencil, I wanted to write. I went to college and majored in journalism and history, and when I graduated, I worked for a trade publication that served the fresh produce industry. But even though my career was in writing and editing, I still had the itch to write a book. We had kids, and I set those writing dreams aside as I raised my kids and worked as a freelance writer and editor, which I still do today. Read more>>

Renée DeVault-Brisco

I have been a freelance actor and creator since high school but I only started making art “seriously” in May of 2024. I had never been properly medicated for my ADHD and I believed I couldn’t paint because I just didn’t have the attention span for it. Once getting on the right medication and with encouragement from my husband (who bought me so many supplies) I realized I DID have the attention span for it and I was able to dive into something I loved as a kid but lost as an adult somewhere along the way. Read more>>

Amanda Bereuter

However, my side hustle would involve doing makeup for Prom, weddings, and other special events in my spare time locally in. In early 2015, I found a school (Makeup Designory) and their Los Angeles campus that intrigued me to visit. I was blown away at the avenues being a makeup artist could entail. Such as film, runway, print, bridal and even special effects. In 2018, a health scare gave me a new insight on life, and I took a leap of faith, moved to Los Angeles and attended Makeup Designory where I received my Multimedia certification. Read more>>

Bryenna Timotijevic

There were moments where I felt burnt out, overwhelmed, and unsure if all the sacrifice would be worth it. I missed out on events with friends and family because I was either studying, working, or chasing the next opportunity. But even in the hard times, I never lost sight of my passion. I knew I wanted to create a space where others could feel beautiful and cared for—and that purpose kept me going, even when things got tough. Read more>>

Nathan + Patience Axmann

We had always dreamed of being in business full time together. That dream started to be formed into a solid business plan when a few months after we were married, we found ourselves expecting our first child. We both wanted to be able to have the freedom to be home with our kids and each be a part of those early core memories with them. That was and still is the primary motivation for growing our businesses. We love being together and integrating business and family. Read more>>

Melissa Evans

Retro Vixen is more than just a clothing boutique, It’s a community for like minded individuals to connect. We pride ourselves in being inclusive on all levels. Whether it’s the sizing we carry (XS-5XL) or an allie to the LGBTQIA+ community. Read more>>

Carlie Hilbert

I have been creating art my whole life. I started creating pet portraits and other paintings for friends and family as gifts which grew into a side business while I was in college pursing my degree in art education. I graduated from college in 2015 and taught art in all grade levels and subject matters for ten years, all while growing my art business on the side. After I had my daughter I decided to leave teaching, stay home with my daughter, and pursue my art business full time. It has always been my dream to be able to create art full time and expand my business in all art forms. Read more>>

Courtney Leigh Halford

The pandemic hit our industry hard. Theatres and productions shut down, and the arts were among the last to return. We all had to pivot—everything went virtual. Meanwhile, the cost of living soared, and many of the side jobs artists relied on disappeared. Strikes stalled work, reputable theaters shuttered, and opportunities dried up. For the first time, New York no longer felt like the safe, inspiring haven it once was for me. All signs pointed home. Read more>>

Ava Shaw

I signed up for America’s Ideal Miss Missouri and in October of 2024 I won the title of America’s Ideal Miss Missouri Teen! Every pageant girl has her home life and the things she is apart of. Mine being modeling, golf, and flag football. But we also have our platforms for something we are passionate about changing in the world. Thus being where I decided to help make a change in the new generation and help build confidence throughout the community. I created Camp Confidence as a way for me to spread around not only my hometown but also hopefully my state and even the country in future aspects. Within Camp Confidence I go to elementary schools, hospitals, troops, anywhere I can help build confidence in kids and share my story with them! Read more>>

Kimberly Pierce

Pursuing makeup education in Kansas and Missouri can be challenging due to the dispersed nature of programs and varying specializations. After I exhausted the offerings of my university I craved more education. I have traveled to New York to take specialized courses, taken online classes, and studied several books, but nothing beats consistent hands-on training in real time. When I went to esthetician school I was gifted with a mentor, Lucrezia Mapelli. My skills and business have grown leaps and bounds due to her influence. Read more>>

Alberto Perez

One day, her father — who owns a barbershop — asked if I’d ever considered going into the barber industry. He saw something in me and actually bought me my first pair of clippers. That small gesture changed everything. I started cutting my friends’ and family’s hair just to get some practice, and from September 2019 through January 2020, I watched countless tutorials and put in as many reps as I could to build my skills. Read more>>

Ali & Alex

Barely Brief was born out of a love of conversation, laughter, and letting life’s ridiculousness take center stage. True to its name, the show promises anything but brevity — but that’s exactly what makes it a must-listen. From spirited debates to spontaneous storytelling, Alex and Ali invite listeners to lean into the chaos, laugh a little louder, and remember that sometimes, the best conversations are the ones that refuse to stay “brief.” Read more>>

Tony Whitter

Blessings Abound (BA) was started in 2007 to generate funds for local nonprofits in the Kansas City Metro. When I started at Blessings Abound in 2011, I was the only paid staff member, and all other staff were volunteers. The thrift operation has thrived into a staff of 70 with 130 active volunteers. BA’s give-back to the community is now approximately $2M per year. By the end of 2025, BA will have contributed more than $14M back the local community through great nonprofits, such as Operation Breakthrough, Metro Lutheran Ministry, Pete’s Garden, Flourish Furniture Bank, Hopebuilders, and many more (50+ total)! These grants from BA reflect emergency, educational and mental health services, mentoring, literacy and employment programs and life-skills training. Read more>>

Tuyen Keodouangsy

I started to post online my creations and advertising my desserts. I started out small – there was like 5 items on my very first menu. I started to get orders almost every weekend. The best sellers were the crinkles cookies – ube and buko pandan. It did not take long for me to realize what I really wanted for YAS Sweets. I wanted to introduce asian flavors and desserts that we can not find regularly here in the metro area. I wanted to offer the joy of my childhood like chè (sweet soup), banh da lon (steamed layered cake), and flavors like pandan, durian, and lychee to everyone. So I did just that, reinventing flavors that I grew up with and pour them into chiffon cakes/cupcakes, cookies, and other delectables. Read more>>

Christopher Williams

i always had an appreciation for music, not just the songs or the artists but also the process. how a song can start from one note and turn into a whole project. i got into music (mostly rap, r&b and electronic) thanks to my parents and their cool taste in music and also the internet. my favorite artists who would eventually lead me to wanting to create things for myself were kendrick lamar and tyler, the creator. i’ve started producing music since i was 11, around late 2015 and i’ve just been slowly improving since. Read more>>

Tyara Edwin

My biggest struggles along the way would have to be just navigating through a male dominated field as a young black woman. I have been tried MANY times. But I think at this point I’ve matured beyond even noticing certain treatment. I’m more in control of my environments and who is allowed in my space now. Read more>>

Juanita Brown

Well, I say this quite often, I can’t believe I have started a business and its more successful than I could have imagined. I have always been passionate about my art. It all started with an easy bake oven my mother got me when I was 6! From there my love for sweets grew! Over the years I’ve learned to be imaginative, and I’ve enjoyed experimenting with different recipes, custom designs and flavors. My family and friends have always been very supportive and I couldn’t have done a lot of this without their encouragement! Read more>>

Isaac Miller

It was definitely not a smooth road. From being homeless in college, to losing my first business during the covid lockdowns, it was a lot to navigate. There have been many times where my wife and I would look at each other and wonder how we are going to make the next month work. How we will stay above water. But trusting God, our team, and believing in our mission, we keep growing day after day. Read more>>

LowLife Tra

I started doing Music since middle school around 6th or 7th grade but I started taking it serious when I got to high school I was just messing around with it but after a lot of people actually liked my music I went on ahead and kept going I also do little comedic skits on the gram and I been getting buzz from there too i come from a city where it’s lit and life but also crazy and I just rap about what I been through in life and I’m going through struggles right now as we speak but I talk to that man upstairs stay positive and keep pushing head up chest out I know he got sum waiting on me Read more>>

Zarin Jerrells

I knew at an early age that I always wanted to be in business for myself but I honestly lacked the drive of an entrepreneur and was unwilling to make certain sacrifices. After lacking execution on many ideas, I finally realigned myself with my purpose and was able to create something that was meaningful for my family. In late 2024, I officially launched Super Clean Car Services which is a mobile auto detailing business in KCMO. I created this business returning to the initial thought of wanting something of my own, but also for the sake of my family’s legacy. I wanted to build something that I could pass down to my siblings later down the line, and also display the qualities necessary to become a successful businessman. Read more>>

Gracie Eads

I wouldn’t say it has been the smoothest honestly, sometimes you get 15 orders, sometimes you get 1, sometimes you get people messaging for an order and then never message back to continue with the ordering process. You also deal with malfunctions as well, like the circuit going out or the vinyl not sticking to the shirt and ruining a shirt. It comes with struggles along the way but it is 100% worth it. Read more>>

Angela Buschmann

This work isn’t about perfection. It’s about perseverance and the believe to make a change. Owning a business as so many things in life is about waking up each day and choosing to show up—even when the odds feel stacked against you. There were times in the early days where I had to fight to be taken seriously, to prove that a balanced, relationship-driven approach using body language and yourself as a tool before blindly putting a tool on your dog could not only work—it could change lives. Read more>>

Justin Hoover

The largest challenge has been educating employers on the challenges their veteran/first responder employees face and the benefits of giving them the paid time off to attend treatments. We consistantly have people seeking our services only to not be able to take advantage of them due to not enough time off. We have spent a considerable amount of resources to educate and gain support. Read more>>

Jimmy Kuder III

Is anything ever a smooth road? I definitely didn’t grow up with a silver spoon. You have to work hard and keep looking forward. There are a ton of terrible people in this world. Just step around them and keep going. Find your people group and lift each other up and help each other improve and get where you all want to be. Read more>>

Boston Craig

Throughout high school, I found interest in doing makeup on others. That also branched into another passion of skincare and product knowledge. Growing up, I would do makeup for my friends in high school for school dances. That has now turned into me doing some of those same girls makeup for their weddings, years later. I graduated from Eric Fisher Academy and now am a licensed professional in the beauty industry. I am grateful to be an in demand traveling makeup artist based out of Wichita, Kansas. As well, I am a esthetician who specializes in facials and medical grade skincare. Read more>>

Dannie Loth

After moving to Kansas in 2008, I pursued photography more seriously, eventually gaining experience in commercial and fashion photography. That background really shaped the way I see light, composition, and storytelling. But it wasn’t until I photographed my first wedding that everything clicked. There’s something incredibly special about being trusted to document one of the most important days in someone’s life. It’s a huge responsibility—but also such an honor. Read more>>