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.

Victoria Crowder

It was an exciting time in Kansas City as the Free Speech Coalition was actively growing and local artists were opening up the West Bottoms for cool gallery venues and a thriving coffee house culture. I had already been teaching writing for several years through various organizations including the UMKC Communiversity program where I helped young poets who were struggling to prepare their work for spoken word performance. Read more>>

Megan Hammerschmidt

My grandmother had a son, Patrick, who was born with Down Syndrome and had a heart condition. My Uncle Pat brought so much joy into my life. He was on oxygen, and was in and out of the hospital. Whenever I would go visit him, the nurses took such great care of him. I watched and admired as they cared so deeply for him. They made sure he felt comfortable, gave him all of his medications and went above and beyond for all of his needs I thought they were angels on earth for everything they did for my family and my Uncle, and I knew that one day I wanted to do the same. Read more>>

Michael Stoufer

What started as a joke between my wife and I became a popular local podcast. We originally started KC Revival to hang out with friends and poke fun at pretentious art. However, we realized that our ambitions had outgrown the friend group. I started to visit local comedy theaters to recruit new talent and became consumed by the improv community. Sufficed to say, I found plenty of new talent to join KC Revival. Read more>>

Lori Butcher

I started giving out samples just before Christmas and soon had people ordering bars for gifts and for their own use. I found out quickly that I could not render enough tallow at that point and found a vendor where I could source my tallow. That Christmas I made and sold 300 bars! Six months later I signed up for my first craft show and went and sold my soap. I was getting great feedback and that encouraged me to keep going and making new scents and design. I loved that it was a natural product and combined my love of color, scent and concocting all in one. I soon got obsessed with making soap and started learning about other products that I could make using tallow. Read more>>

James Palmer

Palmer met his wife, Shihan Ashleigh Palmer at the dojo. After marriage, Kyoshi Palmer and Shihan Ashleigh continued to operate Olathe Karate Academy serving southern Johnson County. With an average student base of 250-300 students, Olathe Karate Academy serves as one of the largest traditional martial arts schools in the area. The powerful husband and wife combination makes OKA a one of a kind dojo serving students of all ages from 3 years old and up. Read more>>

Annika Wooton

The first time I speed painted was in front of my entire high school at an assembly during my senior year – and I didn’t practice. My very first live painting was in 8 minutes, upside down, with no practice. So when I started competing in the Miss America Organization and needed a 90-second talent, I thought, “well if I just practice, I should be able to get this down,” and that’s where the REAL speed came into play. Read more>>

Erika Sakata

Another struggle I have faced along the way is simply coming to terms with how I want to represent myself through my art. I moved here from Oceanside, California in middle school, and facing the biases of the Midwest as a biracial tween came with its own set of difficulties. I am half Japanese and half African American, two minorities that carry very distinct histories and cadences. My middle school ears heard a lot of “What are You?”s or “Is your hair real?” And “Which part are you most?” Read more>>

Dr. Aaron Summer Javadi

Dr. A. Summer Javadi is a force of nature in Kansas City—a dynamic Afro-Asian-Irish changemaker whose journey bridges cultures, disciplines, and communities across continents. Based in Kansas City, she serves as Location Manager for Maria Calado’s upcoming film “All the Ways to Stay Awake,” set to shoot in The Hague in July 2025. Dr. Summer is also the author of the forthcoming historical novel Henry, inspired by the Herstory Project led by Madwomen in the Attic founder Jessica Lowell Mason—unearthing the realities of Black coal mining in Missouri and exploring themes of grief, racism, and intergenerational trauma following the loss of her brother, Adam Coonce, who died of choliangiocarcinoma at the young age of 26. Read more>>

Steven Ross

Officially formed the company in 2022, by brothers Steven Ross and Ben Ross, Each of us brought a different strength to the table—operations, design, project management—which allowed us to hit the ground running. From the beginning, our goal was to offer more than just remodeling services. We wanted to deliver a dependable, professional experience that homeowners could trust – with an exceptional experience! Read more>>

Abby Bertram

After a while, I realized that my heart wasn’t in shooting weddings. Too many weddings were a huge production for the guests, and not so much focused on the couple themselves. This led to a switch in direction for my business. Today, I am booking elopements all around the country in dream destinations. I am passionate about preserving the sanctity of your marriage – because marriage is not a production, it’s a promise. Read more>>

Jasmine Hyde

I moved to Lawrence from Alabama in 2016 and spent 6 years working in the service industry bartending and managing. I had always considered myself to be environmentally conscious and then the idea of a refill store was introduced to me. I thought about it and probably spent about a year researching sustainable products (many of which I already used or was familiar with) and other already established refill stores. I decided that it was something people in my community might want and it was at least something I needed to try to do. On Earth Day of 2022 I opened Less and have been open for 3 years now. Read more>>

Sharon Murry

I’ve expanded into mentoring others who want to become their own boss by offering hands-on guidance and support. When I started, I didn’t have anyone to mentor me—no one to show me where to begin or how to navigate the process of launching a mobile lab. That’s why it means so much to me now to be that resource for others. It’s incredibly rewarding to not only serve the community through my services but also to help the next generation of healthcare professionals’ step confidently into entrepreneurship. Read more>>

Kelsey Merrigan

On the other side of my family, my other grandmother was an incredible home cook. Her fried chicken and pies were amazing, and she made even the simplest food feel special. Some of my best memories are of us baking pies together in her kitchen. Everyone who tasted her cooking was always so impressed even though it was simple fare. Watching her bring people together through food left a lasting impression on me. Read more>>

Katie Cooley

While a student at UTA, I accepted a summer position at Stage Right Performing Arts in Kansas City. I served as the Set Designer for two summers with them, and I designed six productions while I worked there. After I graduated with my bachelor’s degree, I spent the year following designing and painting in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Some notable theatres I worked at are Circle Theatre, Kids Who Care, Upright Theatre Co., and Artisan Center Theatre. Read more>>

Marc Johnson

I sold my products on Etsy and things took off fairly quickly back then, in 2016. after about a year and a half, I decided I wanted to do some higher quality products with hardwoods, so I purchased a truck load of scrap from a wood shop in Sullivan, MO and brought it home and started making cutting boards. My first show was at a local high school and I think I sold $50 worth of product, in early 2018, and I wasn’t sure this was going to workout. But I started building more products, getting feedback from customers, and trying new shows in different areas. Now I do shows in 4 different states, and have converted my garage into my workshop. I still sell online, but through my own website. Read more>>

Christa Rieger

I earned my degree in Graphic Design and Public Relations from Drury University in 2013, then spent eight years working in higher education marketing. Throughout that time, I always found myself behind the camera. I had learned how to create with professional cameras in high school, a skill that paired perfectly with design, and before long, I became the go-to photographer for both campuses and communities where I worked. Read more>>

Taylor And Mackenzie Vincent

Through the power of word of mouth and social media, the business continued to grow and it is now our family’s soul income. Taylor was a teacher in the Park Hill School District for 8 years, but after having our first baby during the pandemic, we decided to take another leap and both run the business full time so that we could be present with our children. Balancing three under 5 and a very busy business isn’t always the easiest but we wouldn’t change a thing. We thank our customers for supporting our family, one cookie at a time, and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity. Read more>>

Lauren Benson

In 2014, I jumped straight into weddings while living abroad. A deeply rooted, tight-knit community welcomed me in with open arms. It was there that I began to understand how powerful emotional storytelling could be. How photography wasn’t just about the visuals, but about honoring connection, family, and legacy. That experience shaped the way I work to this day: with care, intentionality, and a desire to create images that feel both beautiful and deeply meaningful. Especially on a wedding day. Read more>>

Leila St. John

I don’t think being an entrepreneur is ever the easy route, especially in an industry that requires you to be vulnerable with your creativity. There are so many talented people in Kansas City, it’s hard not to get caught up in the comparison game. This was especially difficult for me when I first started out and was trying to find my voice; then again when I became a mother. I felt pulled in several directions, and didn’t feel like I could give enough of myself to either. Once I accepted that it was okay for my path to look different than that of my peers, I found a sense of peace and belonging. I had a lane all my own, and there’s something really special about that. Read more>>

Katie Muller

Today I have the privilege of serving my community through chiropractic care that goes beyond pain relief. I see lives change every day, children thriving, adults regaining energy and mobility, mothers progressing through their pregnancy and postpartum journeys smoothly and comfortably. Each transformation reminds me why I chose this path and reinforces the passion I’ve had since a child to help others live happier, healthier, and more connected lives. Read more>>

Niesha Miser

After six years with CPS, I decided to take the next step and applied to graduate school to pursue a master’s degree in professional counseling. While in the program, I realized I wanted more direct experience working with adults, which led me to a position with Rockwall County Probation, just outside Dallas. That role was nothing short of eye-opening. I worked with inspiring judges and an incredible supervisor, Brett, who helped me tap into my natural ability to read people and use it meaningfully in my work. I genuinely loved every moment of that job. Read more>>

Rebekah Taylor

after about 4 months of discussion (with my husband Kyle) and planning we bought the smallest trailer we could find so I could pull it behind my small Kia Sportage instead of getting a new car. I have a very structured system of how we do things. I like to say work smarter not harder. I can have everything we need to run the trailer ready in about an hour so it doesn’t take up all of our time. Since my kids are homeschooled (Summer age 13, Dominic age 16) and have a flexible schedule, they can go with me to schools and businesses during they day. It has also been a great learning experience for them to see the process of starting and growing a business. Read more>>

Hollie Nikkel

Essentially Empathic Studio LLC was started as a very small business. Ran only by myself and my mom. Eesoils was born to help people heal naturally. Essential oils have many healing properties that the majority of the population does not realize. Plus the amazing thing about essential oils is there are no side affects, or create new issues from the side affects. Read more>>.

Brynn Ferguson

I set myself apart by analyzing my clients and finding that perfect balance with creating their plan to meet their goals while still managing every day life. I offer online customized 1:1 nutrition and training programs to fit each individuals goals and set up weekly check ins with my clients in order to adjust their nutrition programming or training as needed to continue to move towards what each client is working to achieve. I also offer in-person training sessions at Synergy Wellness & Fitness where I can coach clients through workouts and give suggestions to improve technique and form. Read more>>

Angie Hill

In early 2021, a spark was lit to persue my dream of opening a boutique when I decided to leave my full time retail job. I took some time and started putting together a plan. I started out as just an online boutique but then I found a small space in Adrian, kind of off the beaten path, and opened the doors with a very limited inventory in Oct 2022. Adrian welcomed me with open arms and the business continued to grow. In July 2023, I moved to Main Street, the heart of Adrian. I have expanded considerably and am so honored to serve not only Adrian, but I have customers from most of the surrounding communities as well. I hit a milestone at Christmas time by sending orders to Alaska and Peurto Rico! Read more>>

Martin English

Next, I spent nearly a decade as the Executive Director of Accessible Arts, a nonprofit organization that championed the arts for children with disabilities. I was discovering that I had skills in nonprofit management, budgeting, fundraising, arts education programming, etc. That skillset later led me to the role of Executive Director for Kansas City Young Audiences. At that point, I was fully immersed in a successful career as a nonprofit Director and arts education advocate. I realized the powerful impact the arts can have in the lives of young people, and I strove to create access to arts experiences for all youth, regardless of who they were or their ability to pay. Read more>>

Shannon Zolla

Maybe it was the milestone of turning 40, or the emotional shift of preparing to send my son off to college next year, but in November 2024, the dream that had quietly lived in my heart became impossible to ignore. It was time to turn this passion into something more. To share with others the joy, beauty, and peace that growing flowers had given me. So with a lot courage (and a very generous friend with extra land), I took the leap and I haven’t looked back. Read more>>

Brittany Magnusson

From a very young age, I’ve been deeply drawn to the beauty of the natural world — and to the spirit of entrepreneurship. I grew up watching my mom run her own business, and I was always inspired by her independence and drive. I knew early on that I wanted to follow in her footsteps and become a woman with a business of my own one day, too. Flowers have always captivated me — so much so, that when people asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer was often simply, ‘a flower girl.’ I’ve known from early on that flowers were a part of who I am, which is what led me into floral design. This path into floral design has felt both like a career choice and a major return to myself and showing up for my self, fully. It’s been the journey that has most fully embraced who I am at my core most. Read more>>

Michael Anderson

I lost my big sister back in 2009 to a stray bullet. I was 12 at the time she was 19. I needed a way to express myself a couple years after her passing I started writing music. I was inspired by my two older brothers that rap and my older cousin used to rap, I had a lot of influences growing up. when I was 15 my big cousin (Yung Tay) took me to my first professional recording studio after that I started taking music seriously I been doing music since then and haven’t looked back or took a break I also just recently got into designing clothes and went into business with some childhood friends my brand is called Bang Team Read more>>

James Stokes

I was first introduced to dog training when I was 13 years old. Around that time my parents had bought me my dream dog. He was a beautiful Rough Collie named Joe. I wanted to train him but wasn’t having much luck on my own. I went to the public library to read a few books on dog training but I ended up leaving more confused as every trainer swore their method was the best but there was no way to tell who was right and who was wrong. Read more>>

Sabrina Vano

I asked for a job at a local jewelry store when I was 9 years old. It’s been a dream for as long as I can remember. I ended up working at a store for a few years, I learned the business and I launched my own in September 2024. My goal is to give the customer an incredible experience that they love to reminisce on. I specialize in custom engagement rings and wedding stacks. But I also do custom bridal necklaces, reimagine heirloom pieces and anything my clients can dream up. Read more>>

Brett Guemmer

My story starts as a high school runner who decided to come to the University of Missouri Kansas City to run track and cross country and go to school. I ended up getting a teaching degree, taught and coached at the high school level for a couple years before returning to UMKC to coach track and cross country. While coaching, I got involved with the Kansas City Running Club. I would help with group runs, training sessions, and road races. I ended up taking over as a race director for a couple races and as the timer of a few. Now I am the race director and timer for the Ward Parkway Four on the Fourth Run and a few others. Read more>>

Christopher Cox

And that is how I’ve been doing this for so long and have a following, but again, it took a lot of time, effort and sacrifice. Read more>>

Caylon Umphrey

Noting some of the persistent needs of her clients and families, Samantha created Heartland Special Needs Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity to fill the gaps between government benefits and special needs trusts. Our organization strives to fulfill a three-part mission: funding for underfunded special needs trusts, providing resources and information through education, and bringing people together in the special needs community. Read more>>

Kat Rice

All of my designs are hand drawn, and my favorite series of panels that I’ve created I have dubbed the ‘Platel’ series. It is where I take a photo of my clients’ plants (monstera, pathos, fig, etc) and trace that image to put in to a panel set in front of a background of straight lines and circles. It creates a beautiful juxtaposition between organic growth and modern design. I accompany the beautiful lush greens with a color pop of choice from the client. Creating the Plantel series has been one of my favorite projects. You know what they say – pets are the new kids and plants are the new pets. We love our greenery! Read more>>

Allison Denning

My pain was gone and many doors opened! We moved houses and I changed jobs that fall, all positive changes to our life! However, about 5 months into the job, I was very unhappy there and knew I needed out. My husband suggested that I look into becoming a professional organizer and I initially brushed it off. A few weeks later, during an especially miserable day at work, I did some digging and realized that not only was it feasible, it was what I felt I *needed* to do. With a degree and professional background in Finance, I began running the numbers and recognized that it wouldn’t take a lot to get started. Soon after, I started my LLC in February of 2023 and quit my corporate job that same July. This has been my full-time gig ever since! Read more>>

AJ Sharpe

Alan Sharpe’s artistic journey is a vibrant tapestry of dedication, talent, and creative exploration. His passion for the visual and performing arts first took root at Pacific High School, where he distinguished himself as a multifaceted artist. From earning accolades in art competitions to clinching the 2016 state championship in prose reading, Alan quickly established himself as a rising star. His time on stage brought him joy and fulfillment, especially through roles that allowed him to dance and express himself physically and emotionally. Notable performances in productions such as *Legally Blonde*, *Shrek*, *James and the Giant Peach*, and his portrayal of Charles Guiteau in *Assassins* highlight his deep love for theatre and storytelling. Read more>>

Brian Taylor

Well I been rapping for a long time , started when I was a kid freestyling I was always inspired by the magazines on my wall of my favorite artist . I started critical writing when I was in elementary, learning how to articulate my words a structure a when awards an achievements for my writing . I continued writing in middle an highschool that was my escape from keeping me out of the streets a with my friends . Music saved my life . I come from a musical family we all are inspired by the way music is therapeutic for us Read more>>

Melissa Bustamante

I became a mental health therapist in 2012 and started work in the community mental health system. There I began my journey of helping individuals and families that struggled with relationships. In 2021, I started my own business helping people with their mental health struggles in my private practice. I continue to see families and individuals – helping them to process life events so they can best connect to others. I have found the love of my life in 2024 and now am engaged to him and live with him in Lee’s Summit. Read more>>

Mariah Vazquez

I specialize in weddings and couples, capturing love stories in a way that’s genuine, timeless, and full of heart. More than just delivering beautiful photos and films, I’m known for the relationships I build with my clients — creating a space where they feel seen, valued, and completely comfortable being themselves.  Read more>>

Sean Roper

When I returned to Missouri, I became General Manager at Crushed Red, which gave me a new perspective on the financial and operational side of the industry. While managing the restaurant, I earned a Cannabis Science and Operations degree from St. Louis University. I also completed my Cooking with Cannabis certification from the Trichome Institute, where I honed the precise dosing techniques that allow me to craft infused dishes with clarity, consistency, and safety—so my clients always know exactly how much they’re consuming. Read more>>

Cindy La Barge

The moral of that story is never say never. We got married in 1999, started a photography business in 2001. Initially we were focused on commercial work and sports and event photography, but we quickly expanded to family portraits, seniors and weddings (as of 2020, we retired from photographing weddings unless you are a past client, family, or friend). In 2006, we purchased our building in historic downtown Manhattan and it was ugly! It needed a lot of work both on the outside and inside. We did some small cosmetic renovations but it wasn’t until 2014 that we fully gutted and remodeled our building to what it is today. Read more>>

Summer Trottier

Creating and designing our goods has always been a blast, but opening a brick and mortar gave us more freedom and space to expand into other merchandise categories. We now carry a selection of goods from brands we love like Stay Home Club, Oxford Pennant, Three Potato Four, and more. Our inspiration for the shop has always been to create the sort of place that Brittany and I wished we had growing up: an LGBTQ and women-owned shop where everyone is welcome and celebrated for their uniqueness. We both truly have our dream job and know how fortunate we are to be able to do this every day. Read more>>