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.

Kathy Feist Vescovi

As it turns out there was a need for the Martin City Telegraph. The Red Bridge and Martin City areas were in an economic slump. Once very active retail areas, both were now losing consumers and retail tenants to the newer shopping centers across the state line. Neighborhoods and city officials pulled together and were successful in their efforts to revive both areas. The bi-weekly Telegraph came in the midst of these efforts, which was an exciting time. After the telling of new development plans, came the stories of new tenants. It was a Cinderella story playing out before our eyes. Read more>>

Glenn North

Just the other day I walked out of Quick Trip headed back to my car and I tripped and fell while holding two bottles of Calypso Lemonade which ended up shattered on the ground along with my ego. So I fully understand that the struggle to find balance in a chaotic world LOL. But seriously, I struggle with attempting to write good poems. I struggle trying to figure out ways to monetize writing good poems. — not in a capitalistic way but in a survival way. I struggle with the powers that be not seeing the value in the arts and culture. And when it comes to confronting struggle, as a Black man currently surviving in America, I believe poetry and the arts are effective tools for liberation. Read more>>

Lenny

After graduating with his BFA in Theatre Performance from Missouri State University, I moved to Los Angeles to pursue my passion. I was lucky enough to land an agent, as well as land a radio hosting gig with the online radio programming DASH RADIO. This gave me firsthand knowledge and access to up and coming artists and filmmakers for several years. These connections led to numerous opportunities. My TV & FILM credits include working on Nickelodeon’s Warped!, Adam the First, Aliens Clowns & Geeks, Wishfool, Tequila Mockingbird, Bachelor Night, Honk If You’re an LA Douchbag. My commercial credits include bookings with Listerine, Tylenol, Pfizer, Taco John, New York New York Hotel and Casino, Dairy Queen, T-Mobile just to name a few. Read more>>

Ami Harrington

It went so well and had such an amazing impact on everyone in the Crossroads and the artists who participated that we decided to make it into an annual thing. Of course, we had to come up with a new name for it since there wasn’t always going to be visible eclipses every summer/fall, haha. That’s when Jason came up with SpraySeeMO – which is perfect since it rhymes with KCMO! So the 2018 event ended up featuring a total of 27 more artists (15 Visiting & 12 Local), another group exhibition, and even a custom painted art car! Read more>>

Chad Offerdahl

In 2010, by chance, we discovered the original The Big Biscuit location and immediately saw its potential. We fell in love with the concept and knew we could take it to the next level. After acquiring the brand from the founder, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work on refining operations, enhancing the menu, refreshing the brand, and expanding our footprint. In those early days, I did everything: programming the POS system, training staff, cooking, bussing, hosting, handling payroll, finances, hiring, truck orders, scheduling – you name it, I did it. There wasn’t a task too big or too small. That hands-on approach gave me a deep understanding of every aspect of the business, which has been invaluable as we’ve grown. Read more>>

Kennethia Fitzpatrick

I create A variety of lip glosses with only natural ingredients with different shades once I seen the success in that I began creating all natural skin and hair care products that’s helped many people who deal with skin an/or scalp issues . This vision started when I started doing research on the things I would put on my body noticing the toxic ingredients most products had in them I wanted to be the change to show people there are non toxic alternatives. I’m also in school for Business management so that I can learn more to enhance my business and then began to help others . My aim will be mostly on the youth to help assist & guide them into entrepreneurship  Read more>>

Shelby DuBois

You don’t usually find two business owners with such different skill sets building something side by side – but that’s exactly what makes Angie Martin and Shelby DewBwah such a strong team. One brings decades of operational expertise. The other brings unfiltered marketing know-how. Together, they’ve created DewBwah – a digital marketing agency focused on delivering real results for small businesses, without the extra nonsense. Read more>>

Terria James

I always had a knack for styling, I started styling my family and friends, helping them put together the perfect outfit. Not only do they value my opinion, but I quickly became the go-to person others would call for help. Whether it’s an everyday look or attire for special events, I love using my creativity to help people look and feel their best. Through this, I discovered how transformational the right outfit could be—not just in appearance, but in the confidence it brings and how someone shows up in their everyday life. Read more>>

Sheryl Ferguson

My belief was that if they (police officers) began to known the communities they “service” it would be less likely that they would shoot to kill (how they are trained) people they know. This is sorely needed since most (if not all) police officers do not work where they live. So about a week and a half after we began the 30-day journey we started with trying to hug an officer daily to help build that type of relationship. Read more>>

Seungchan Song

My two years in the military taught me a sense of discipline and organizational skills that are essential in the music business. People often say that the most important aspects of a successful chamber group go beyond musicality—they also include scheduling and strong interpersonal skills. The Graduate Fellowship String Quartet has played a key role in promoting the Conservatory’s mission to connect with local communities. We have also become one of the 16 semi-finalists in a national chamber music competition, so our schedule is packed with everything from outreach concerts for underserved youth at Harmony Project KC to intimate house concerts for musical connoisseurs. Read more>>

Lamont Muhammad

I would watch Yo! MTV Raps, where Fab Five Freddy played music videos that I refer to as “visual audiobooks.” I studied each one, memorized the lyrics, and tried to mimic their styles. While most of these artists were from other regions, especially New York, my Bay Area surroundings had its own distinct sound. Artists like E-40 and Too Short were hustling and selling music out of their trunks, which fascinated me. I was magnetized by the heavy 808s that pounded from muscle cars like Chevys and Cutlasses. The bass would vibrate from the car’s system so heavily that it made the windows shake, and this became the soundtrack to my life. Read more>>

Henrietta Natashya Slaffey

My clinical practice journey has been one that I found many have shared but do not often talk about. There are some unique points as those points pertain to my life however I do not have the common story of simply going to college, having parents to help support me through college, and then getting a “regular” job and working up from there. I became a social worker. Social workers have a burn out rate of 1 in 3 and are not educated in the details of what that looks like depending on where you practice your advanced degree. In my opinion social workers are expected to have knowledge beyond that of sought out professions such as doctors and lawyers without having had the education in some cases. Read more>>

Carol Turner

But, we also help any breed from anywhere, we are not limited to the city limits. Years ago, a senior dog was found out in the county that was originally adopted out from a south Kansas City adoption center. But, due to the dogs’ age, they refused to take the dog back. So, LAWS stepped up and took full responsibility for the dog. The dog went into one of our licensed foster homes until she passed away. Recently, there was a cat stuck in some fencing of 635 highway, and once it got into our care, we got it the vet care it needed. Read more>>

John Gauld V

In & out the court system my entire life I was bound to be a statistic. Growing up I was raised by my great grandmother in place of my mom and she’s the most hardest working person I’ve ever met ; and she’ll try to do something until the day she dies. My dad was also in my life and was my inspiration to be a entrepreneur starting up businesses and with his work ethic ;but his father (John Gauld iii) the man I’m named after was the one who gave me my hustle and salesman mindset/skill. Read more>>

Elizabeth Bird

Back in the early 2000’s, my hometown got a Borders Bookstore. I was thrilled! That summer, I was there about twice a week. I read through every young adult book I could find. My mother commented it was the easiest summer ever! I would do nothing but read all day, following the sun around the house like a cat. She always knew where I was, and that I wasn’t in any trouble, which is all any mother can ask during summer break. Read more>>

Tammy Ash

While I was scared to death and literally had no money, I took the chance, because I had done so much praying that if I was to do hair full time, God would make it a reality. It took me 2 weeks to work up enough nerve to tell my Husband that I was now a business owner! I didn’t know how he’d react and I wasn’t sure how I would make enough money to stay in business, let alone make a living, but I had faith and that was enough. Read more>>

Terrace Wyatt, Jr.

I had 0 idea what I wanted to do with my life because I was busy being a kid eating ravioli and watching cartoons. I’m still that kid!!! It was obvious I was meant for the stage because of my ADHD; I couldn’t stop bouncing off the walls. My parents introduced me to many opportunities. The night I was introduced to theatre was at Starlight Theatre; watching the national touring of Disney’s: Beauty and the Beast. That night I caught the SHOWBUG during my elementary era; it came back in my middle school era and the rest was history. Read more>>

Naguib

I started playing chess back in elementary school. My parents taught me how the pieces moved, but I didn’t start playing consistently until I joined the LINC chess club. From there, I had good teachers who taught me the basics and sparked my interest in taking it somewhat seriously. I started enjoying the game so much that I even made it a bucket list item to become a chess master. Read more>>

Addie

Being Addie the Water Buyer means carrying a mighty heavy jug sometimes. Folks didn’t always understand what I was doing. Some laughed, some stared, some even told me “there’s no future in buying water.” But I kept goin’. Because when you know you’re built for something — whether it’s buying water or making music — you can’t let the noise slow you down. Read more>>

Julie Beets

Classic Old Home (Instagram: @classic.old.home) arrived in December, 2020, as an online source for vintage, antique, and unique objects, emphasizing the relevance of historic preservation and curated homes. At Classic Old Home, we acknowledge that each of us defines beauty differently and should live in an aesthetically pleasing space. Read more>>

Tabri Dickson

My pottery journey started as an empty nest/self care hobby. My daughter went out of state for college, which was much harder than I expected. My Pops was in failing health and moved in with us, because he was unable to care for himself. It was 2 hours a week just for me. I found a lot of comfort in making something functional and beautiful out of mud. Read more>>

Penelope Mais Oui

I started burlesque over a decade ago in Colorado Springs CO. I was looking for a way to connect to my body and make a bold move out of the controlling evangelical church community I was in at the time. I didn’t expect what I’d find after that first performance. I grew up on stages and some of my most fond childhood memories are of watching ‘scandalous’ tv and movies with my grandmother, like Phil Donahue and Gypsy. I might have gotten my flair from her, so while burlesque was a new adventure in a lot of ways it was also a coming home.  Read more>>

Chazs Jackson

After that, I decided to leave the bar dj scene and became a mobile dj. I started out with two mp3 players and lugging around some heavy out dated gear. Slowly, I learned by watching other dj’s in the wedding circuit and soaked in knowledge of wedding etiquette and presentation. My years of experience of working a crowd along with my high energy personality put me in a great position to excel. And I did excel. Leading to today, as I have acquired professional PA gear and have expanded my services to lighting and photo booth services. Read more>>

Wamda Abreesh

As time went on, I became the go-to person for friends and family when they needed help with things like skin issues or toothaches. Between the guidance of the Maker of our souls and the elders of knowledge that he sent my way, I was able to create personalized herbal solutions for people. My upbringing and culture also taught me that food is medicine, so the “natural world” was always a big part of my life. Herbs came easy to me, formulation and getting ratios “just right” to keep up with the consistency of the products was something I had to get used to in business. Read more>>

Jackelyn Aguilera

After a lot of prayer, thought, discussion, and even a little bit of fear, we decided to take the leap of faith. We turned our passion into a professional pursuit, and that’s how this Event Planning/Balloon decorating business was born. It hasn’t been an easy road, but every event, every client, and every balloon arrangement reminds us why we took that leap of faith. We’re so grateful to do what we love every day, and it’s been amazing to see our dream turn into a thriving business! All glory to God! Read more>>

Kelly Moege

I’m passionate about the therapeutic side of massages. Deep tissue, prenatal, and neuromuscular are the top 3 most common type of massages I do. It’s also been really fun introducing clients to cupping. Most people love seeing the benefits of cupping! I’m proud of being able to help people feel their best. Massage therapy is a very rewarding job! It’s wild to see someone walk in with terrible pain and walk out feeling better and in good spirits. Read more>>

Heather Kirchhoff

The Last Time is a YA contemporary romance about a girl struggling with grief after her boyfriend commits suicide. She slowly falls for the person who’s there for her as she navigates life after loss. I like to say The Last Time has the reluctant to lovers trope! Trigger warnings: hint of self-harm (not on page), bullying and depression representation. Read more>>

Joey Mendez And Buck Wimberly

Buck: After all of that, we barely had time to breathe before COVID hit. We used that time to amp up our social media and website, uploading our entire inventory online, and offering in‑store pickup plus nationwide shipping. It was also about that time that we created a separate entity for our interior design services, ULAH Interiors + Design. It can be tricky knowing just when to pull the trigger on big changes! Read more>>

Samatar Farah

My journey into home healthcare began five years ago when I was working with my father (who owns a home care in the city as well) . I saw firsthand how overwhelming it can be for families to navigate care—especially when the system feels impersonal or fragmented. That sparked a fire in me. I started small, maybe even naively, with just a handful of caregivers and a relentless focus on treating every client like they were my own family. Read more>>

Sara Cramer

Today, I sell my handmade jewelry at several local shops, including Made in KC Plaza & Lenexa, Local Foundry in Lee’s Summit, Shop Local KC Crown Center & Brookside, and Queen Bee Boutiques in Blue Springs. I have a dedicated booth for permanent jewelry at Queen Bee and host pop-ups at my other retail locations for special events. You can also find me at shows like the Strawberry Swing Craft Fair and Art Garden KC in the River Market on Sundays. I’m especially excited to offer custom laser-engraved jewelry at the Just For Her Event on June 20th & 21st at the Overland Park Convention Center. Read more>>

Patrick Froman

Like any small business, our journey has been filled with both incredible highs and unexpected challenges. The road hasn’t always been easy—but every obstacle has shaped us into who we are today. We are especially proud of the resilience we showed during some of the toughest moments, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced us to temporarily close our doors and rethink how we connect with our community. That chapter tested our creativity, adaptability, and determination in ways we never could have anticipated—but it also revealed just how strong our foundation truly is. Read more>>

Darcie Lewis

It led me to gaining clients who I share a very special bond with. After being at that salon for 4 years and gaining a full clientele, I decided to open my own buisness and it thrived. I decided to go completely low-toxic and holistic with my buisness. I was tired of the terrible chemicals and being sick all the time. My clients really appreciated using clean ingredient products on them and a better color line. I started specializing in scalp health and getting to the root cause of hair and scalp issues. After a year of running my own buisness I had to take a step back to have more time with my children, I now work at a salon in North Kansas City called Salon Gratto! They use a non-toxic product and color line called Davines. I am so happy to be there! Read more>>

Topher Benjamin

Situated in Kansas City’s thriving Crossroads Arts District – Dance Fit Flow is the first and only dance studio exclusively for adults. At Dance Fit Flow it’s always been about more than just taking a dance class. Dance brings us together and the power of community gives us something so much bigger. From hip hop and tap to jazz and ballet, every class is designed to make you feel strong, encouraged and empowered. Dance Fit Flow is locally and women-owned! We are leading a movement for adults to keep their passion for dance alive!  Read more>>

Tanya Wayne

Growing up in Nebraska, my family lived paycheck to paycheck, and most often my main meal of the day was a school lunch. I loved to dance (at home) whenever I could. Obviously asking to take dance lessons was out of the question for our family. I wanted to dance more than anything. In high school, I would learn the dance moves watching the dance team. My Sophomore year I tried out for the dance team (because High school dance is more affordable) but didn’t make it. I worked even harder that year and made it into the Dance Team my Junior and Senior years.  Read more>>

Amy Appleton

It taught me to accept all walks of life outside of our own while getting a global education you simply can’t find in a classroom. . I have always loved fashion as a way to express myself creatively, I say it’s how i translate my soul to the outside of my body. I started a fashion blog in 2012 while trying to get pregnant and it turned into so much more than I could have ever dreamed. Modeling, styling, art direction, writing for magazine… NYFW… meeting some of my favorite people and eventually opening my own business Blackbird collection. A sustainable lifestyle concept in kc. Read more>>

Destiny Freeman

That passion eventually evolved into Atomic Blonde Co., my creative event company based in Kansas City. For the past five years, I’ve been focused on building experiences that are not only visually memorable but deeply personal, Whether it’s for a brand, a celebration, or just because someone had a wild idea they wanted to bring to life. I approach each project like it’s personal — because it is. And lately, I’ve been learning to be more open and share the why behind my work. Because for me, it’s never just about the visuals — it’s about the story, the hustle, and the creativity that connects us. Read more>>

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>>

Merlin Butler

I was raised on a small farm or ranch in the Sandhills of Nebraska and attended a rural one-room schoolhouse from kindergarten to 8th grade as the only member of my class. I then graduated from Stuart High School in a class of 17 students in 1970. I attended Chadron State College (CSC) in Nebraska and graduated in 1974 (B.A.) and 1975 (B.S.) majoring in biology (pre-med) and education. Read More>>