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.

Abi McCartney

I learned about business acumen, what true leadership looks like, and how legacy companies can still persevere after 100+ years and genuinely care for their employees. Five jobs, one top-secret special project, and seven years later, I left Hallmark with a company-paid Master’s degree. No matter my role, I always found myself training new hires or documenting processes. That’s why, after much deliberation, I completed my Master’s in Education Technology, emphasizing Instructional Design and Corporate Training. Read more>>

Jennifer Stafford

My husband is an active duty member of the Air Force, which is why I’ve had to pick up my business and move multiple times. I’ve coordinated many events and weddings in Washington, California, Arkansas, Texas, and Missouri. We have three more years until my husband’s retirement, so we bought a home, and I have started digging deep into the wedding industry in the Kansas City area. We love it here, and I am excited to see the growth of Love Events by Jen. Read more>>

Alexis Atwell

As someone who experienced tremendous healing I desired for other to experience that themselves. Outside of the heartfelt reasoning I also wanted to pursue something that hit my practical goals: flexible schedule, makes enough money to give my future family a comfortable life. So I pursued massage therapy. I found that during school I was completely immersed in anatomy. I was a sponge in learning and loved every bit of it. I knew I wanted to do something more than a “vacation massage” but something that targeted the deeper thing, chronic conditions or even just improving the daily lives of others. Read more>>

Katherine Solorio

Starting this business was a step of faith, and every sweet treat is a reminder of God’s faithfulness when we trust Him completely. I didn’t only want to just sell my favorite sweets, or to share about my culture it is also about sharing something even sweeter—the love of Jesus. I wanted every treat that leaves my kitchen to be a small reminder of God’s goodness. Whether it’s through a simple card, a verse sticker tucked into your order, or the joy you feel when you take that first bite of my sweets, my hope is that you not only feel full but also encouraged. Read more>>

Amanda Williams

I was told I could not get a license unless I worked out of a commercial kitchen. The problem was I did not want to do something that took me away from my family. I am a stay at home mom of four kids and they are my top priority ! The beauty of the Charcuterie board business was that I could prep while the kids were busy with other things or when they were asleep. If I worked out of a commercial kitchen it would have made things way more complicated. I realized we had a storage space in our basement that we could convert into a very basic commercial space. My husband worked with one of our friends and my brother in law to make the necessary changes and before I knew it I was approved by the city to work out of my home. It was a dream come true! Read more>>

Deante Howard

Definitely not a smooth road—and I wouldn’t want it to be. The struggle shaped the story. I came up with a single dad raising four of us, so resources were tight. Then we lost one, my older brother died and that really hit hard. I didn’t have canvases and paint growing up—I had pens and whatever they could write on, from napkins to envelopes to pizza boxes. But that limitation taught me how to see potential in everything. Read more>>

Nathan Price

I have worked in men’s clothing for most of my professional career—beginning in retail at 18 and progressing through a variety of roles, including product sourcing, which took me repeatedly to Europe to source products from some of the best makers in the world. I co-founded Shepherd’s in 2023, with three other gentlemen, seeking to change how men approached clothing and their wardrobes, and striving for the highest quality in a custom industry that often sacrifices that. Read more>>

Jaylen Ward

Being born and raised in Kansas City, jazz and gospel play a huge role in my musical development. Coming from a musical family and multiple generations of artistic prowess, many influences outside of jazz and gos[el make their way into my form of expression. I’ve picked up many interests that are in proximity to those who have influenced me as a person. I picked up drums at the age of 2 from being around my uncles. I picked up drawing when I was 7 from being around my cousins. And I picked up music production in middle school when my brother and I were obsessing over EDM. Each craft has its moment of influence in my life, but finding the cohesive theme among these crafts and obsessing over finding my voice has led me to many opportunities more than obsessing over the crafts themselves. Read more>>

Lars Hanson

Fast forward to middle school, where I thought I’d join track to improve my endurance for basketball (you know, because I still thought I had no stamina). To my surprise, I ended up going undefeated in the 1600M and 800M for three years straight—and even broke an Olathe City record that still stands to this day. I’m not saying this to brag, but rather to show that when you follow the right training (and maybe add a little stubbornness), you’d be amazed at what you can do. Read more>>

Valerie Rangel

After years of being in the industry, I decided to open sticks&stones in the middle of a COVID shutdown (yes, seriously) and we have been flourishing ever since. We are happy to continue growing as a small KC business and hope to expand to a larger location in the next few years. As a way to give back to my own community of stylists and barbers, I offer a free apprenticeship program to crossover service providers to become dually licensed as barber-stylists. The world heals when we give out neighbors a hand up. Read more>>

Kina Gunnels

I’m a mom of two boys, a wife of 16 years, an SEO strategist, and a storyteller at heart—whether that’s through books, fashion, luxury, or travel. Before influencers were even called influencers back in the early 2000s, I was already doing it—getting free merch and posting content without the title. Fast forward to May 2023, I launched my bookstagram, diving back into reading and creating a space to share reviews, thoughts, and book photography. But I didn’t stop there. I seamlessly blended my love for books with lifestyle content and built something bigger than I imagined! I am now active on TikTok and YouTube as well as my Instagram. Read more>>

Amy Wicks

Nope! The entrepreneurial road is anything but smooth- it’s more of a zigzag than a straight line. There have been detours, delays, and plenty of doubts along the way. But every twist has served a purpose. Whether it was trying too many things at once, trying a niche that wasn’t a profitable option, or creating offer confusion for my community. That’s actually one of the reasons I’m so passionate about mentoring other coaches now. I’ve walked the hard path, and I love helping others avoid some of the pain and confusion that can come with the process. There’s so much beauty in building something meaningful, especially when it’s anchored in purpose, not pressure. Read more>>

Taylor Roesch

At KC Wine Co, we’re most known for our unique events and pop-up bar experiences that bring people together in fun and memorable ways. Our signature fall festival and 21+ events create a vibrant atmosphere where guests can unwind and enjoy great company. We pride ourselves on making wine tasting approachable for everyone—hence our motto, the “everyday sommelier.” Our goal is to break down barriers and invite everyone to explore and enjoy wine in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Plus, our grounds and facilities are designed and built by us—yes, we do our own stunts—which makes the experience truly one of a kind. Read more>>

Mark Boyer

I retired from Tippin’s in 2021. We had opened the new Tippin’s factory a year earlier, smack in the middle of Covid, and the last year was a wild ride, but we made it. When I announced my retirement a handful of companies reached out about some consulting and board work opportunities, and I transitioned into the ones that I found most interesting. I wish I could say I had this all planned out, but it happened both organically and quickly, and I had luck on my side. And there was very little that I would change if given the opportunity. Read more>>

Whitney Shoults

What sets my practice apart is the sense of grounding I bring into every interaction. I’m naturally rooted and calm, and I’ve come to realize that when I put my hands on people, that grounded energy transfers. Patients often tell me they feel it the moment they walk in—like a sense of peace they didn’t know they needed. That feeling isn’t an accident—I work hard to cultivate it and teach others how to access it within themselves. Read more>>

Katie Davis

We offer a wide array of treatments such as: Botox/Dysport, dermal filler, Sculptra, PRF/PDGF, microneedling, chemical peels, medical weight loss, bio-identical hormone replacement, and IV infusions. One thing that sets us apart from other med spas is that we are very intentional with the time we spend with our clients. We believe every client deserves our full attention, so we always set aside ample time for each appointment. This way, you never feel rushed — you feel heard, cared for, and confident that you’re receiving the thoughtful, personalized treatment you deserve. Read more>>

Todd And Beth Blume

It absolutely hasn’t been a smooth road, we are learning every step of the way. We started this as a side passion project and in 2024 both lost our corporate jobs due to downsizing, so it went from a side project to a full time business immediately. During this time Todd was also dealing with some health issues which was a struggle in itself. We did more craft shows starting out and have purchased and changed our booth designs at least a dozen times. We opened an online shop and utilized a company that continued to nickel and dime us on every turn and ended up canceling them and doing it ourselves. Read more>>

Michelle Blackton

I had started my business in February of 2023 with the intention of selling plant starters at a farmer’s market over the summer. 2023 ended up being filled with loss of all kinds, and that year was practically non-existent to us. Luckily my husband encouraged me to keep researching, keep growing, and continue to push forward for 2024 to be a really successful year. We’ve had a great year and a half of figuring out what I want my business to be, how to be more efficient, and how to balance everything all at once. Read more>>

Traci Smiley

Opening my own clinic has been a longtime dream come true. I created Calibration Physical Therapy as a space where patients could receive the kind of individualized, whole-person care that empowers them to truly thrive. It’s not only a place for others to heal and grow, but also a space where I can show up fully for my own health and well-being—and cultivate that same culture of balance and passion for any future employees who join our team. Read more>>

Tashawn Newson

My journey into real estate began with a desire for more out of life. I was working a full-time job and a part-time job, but still felt overworked, underpaid, and unfulfilled. I knew I was meant for something greater. I remembered that around the age of 21, I had once looked into becoming a REALTOR®. Something about real estate always pulled at me, but at that time, I didn’t have the will or the focus to pursue it. Read more>>

Melissa Tanner

Completing hair school while living on my own and working full time was no small feat, but I was determined to finish. Once licensed, I began my career in a salon with incredible mentors who helped shape my foundation. From there, I went independent to build my experience and it was during that time I noticed a gap in the Kansas City market. At the time, there wasn’t a single salon that matched the vision I had in mind: clean, modern, bright, and serene. Read more>>

Meghan Balkan

Coming out of cosmetology school, I felt like I didn’t know enough. I wasn’t confident in my skills yet, and I knew if I wanted to have a real career—not just a job—I’d have to seek out my own education. So I did. I poured countless hours and thousands of dollars into continuing education classes, advanced trainings and mentorships. I learned from some of the best in the industry and slowly built a skillset I could stand behind. Read more>>

Tara Atkins

I often sewed dresses for events. Sometimes not finishing the waistband or closures because I was inspired to make it the night before an event and probably wouldn’t wear it again. I would shop for fabrics and buttons at Cy Rudnik’s in Crown Center. I made clothes with partial patterns or without patterns at all. I bought this beautiful navy glen plaid wool from Cy’s and made a suit, so proud that the lines matched up so well… I just innately knew how they pieced together. Read more>>

Aaron Mefferd

In early 2022, I made the leap to start my own company. It wasn’t something that came naturally to me, but it was a decision grounded in purpose. Aaron Mefferd Creative exists to tell stories that matter. We’ve found our place alongside nonprofits, where stories aren’t just content, they’re tools for advocacy, connection, and healing. Read more>>

Sarah Mullin

Sun Ridge was built on complete faith from the very beginning to now. My prayer throughout this journey was to stay one step behind God and not try to step ahead of him and rush what he was doing. There were definitely days that were harder than others, but learning patience was a big part of it. We planted 38 3 foot trees in 2016 and as those trees rooted and grew so did our faith and our family! Read more>>

Ebony Harvey

I started out making garments of all kinds; formal wear, activewear, everyday pieces, you name it. But after having my second child, I didn’t have as much flexibility to sit and sew like I used to. I still needed a creative outlet, though. I had already been wearing waistbeads for a few years before she was born, and after her birth. I found myself drawn back to them not just as adornment, but as a form of creative and spiritual expression. Read more>>

Spencer Brown

A career in show business is NEVER a smooth road, try as you might. A lot of the struggles stem from working with various venues, contractors. There are plenty of people who know what they’re doing, but there are a lot of people who don’t. I try to help out and bring my strengths to the table whenever I’m hired for an event, not just as a performer. All the behind-the-scenes stuff in order to get a show up and running prove to be the bigger challenges. One of the constant struggles is negotiating what you should be compensated for your work. Fortunately, I’ve learned a lot over the years to pave the way for a smoother road and to not shy away from knowing your worth. Read more>>

Firefly Sugar Company

Being a mom of three while running a small business isn’t easy. Some mornings I’m rushing out the door with flour still on my shirt, a coffee I forgot to drink, and kids in tow who are just as tired as I am. I pay vendor fees, event fees, sometimes more than I make, just for the chance to share a little sweetness with the world — praying people show up, praying they love what I’ve poured my heart into. Read more>>

TJ Nigro

In 1984, my wife and I started The Village Gardens, a retail floral business that quickly grew into a multi-location operation with a large design center and warehouse. We added landscaping and irrigation services along the way, and I was honored to be named RainBird’s Irrigation Contractor of the Year and later, Business of the Year by the Blue Springs Chamber. Read more>>

DJ G3wizz

Over the years, I’ve played everywhere from The Ship, Parlor, and O’Dowds, to events at UMKC, KU, UCM, and even the MAHA Festival. I’ve spun at weddings, clubs, lounges—you name it. One of my favorite recent projects is Coffee House Jamz, a family-friendly day party I curated at Good Karma Coffee. It’s a space where parents and kids can enjoy great music together—because let’s be real, sometimes we need the fun more than they do! Read more>>

Jilli Phillips

After my gap year, I am heading back to school with a clearer vision of my purpose. I chose to study Elementary Education, a decision that felt like coming full circle. My teachers growing up did more than just educate me—they instilled in me a lifelong love of learning. And honestly, one of my favorite childhood memories is skipping school to celebrate the Royals’ World Series win. That day, surrounded by a sea of blue and endless hometown pride, I felt the magic that only Kansas City can create. That’s the kind of energy I hope to bring to my own future classroom. Read more>>

Ann Madden

Once becoming a mom, I went all in with my freelance business, Ann Madden Marketing, and took the hustle to completely new heights resulting in establishing well known local businesses as clients. Fast forward five years, I was looking to further evolve my career for longevity purposes as being a one woman show managing every aspect of full service marketing wasn’t sustainable. Insert KES Studio, the perfect alignment of my goals and work life structure while being surrounded by a talented team of women. Read more>>

Malery Harmon

We originally tried tallow for our own kids and quickly realized how much we loved it. From there, we started looking into how to make it ourselves, wanting something simple, wholesome, and made with ingredients we trusted. As we learned more, we knew it wasn’t just something our family could benefit from — it was something good for our community too. That’s what inspired us to share it with others, hoping to offer families around us the same quality and care we value in our own home. Read more>>

Sami Jenedi

KC Döner started with a pretty simple idea: I missed the taste of Turkish döner(thinly sliced, seasoned meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie and served in wraps or plates with fresh toppings), like the kind you get on the streets back home or in Europe. I couldn’t really find anything like that around here, so I figured, why not try making it myself? Read more>>

Riley Rhoads

As a full-time student with a newborn, the constant juggling felt overwhelming. By the time my daughter was 8 months old, tasks like leaving the house with a baby, fixing my baby’s socks or shopping for clothes online became huge stressors. But soon, I realized these little tasks added up to a bigger problem—the mental load that so many moms carry. I found myself spending so much time and energy worrying about my baby’s clothes—was the sizing right, would they fit, and were they comfortable? Read more>>

Jovanna Gomez

My dream has always been to have my own shop. It always seemed impossible or something that I jest kept pushing back. I got married and had kids, and I spoke about this still. My now husband knew about this he kept it in mind. One day he said what if we buy a horse trailer? Remodel it, and make it your dream? I said oh my! Yes let’s go for it! With a lot of mobile truck being so popular, I thought this was perfect. We are still in the remodeling stage and working hard to make it happen. We can’t wait for it all to be done and share the delicious coffee drinks. Read more>>

Brittney Gatlin

I’ve now spent 11+ years helping women move better, get stronger, and feel good in their skin. My approach blends strength training, mobility, posture work, and habit coaching — always with empathy and zero judgment. I don’t just train bodies; I coach real people through real-life challenges, because I’ve lived them too. Read more>>

Jovanna Schlossenberg

We’ve had issues with patient recruitment, contracts and budgets and overall support. However, I don’t think that there is an industry that hasn’t suffered the setbacks. The point, is it doesn’t matter what you do they will always be an obstacle or task. Your job, is to navigate, state of course, do not stop being receipt of all lessons as they are all learning lessons. When you fail, fall forward. The following forward is your superpower. The amount of strength, grit and determination it takes to stand straight and embrace for impact which is change is powerful. Read more>>