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.

Malorie Colby

AFWA specializes in monthly events with chapter members and non-members to provide a safe space to share opportunities, struggles, wins, work stories, life success and challenges, and most of all, learning together. As a chapter, we enjoy socials, getting to know new members, and our community outreach activities Read more>>

Melanie Webb

Entrepreneurship is never an easy road. However, it is the most fulfilling thing I have ever done in my life, outside of having children. It’s been such a complete labor of love, this journey has brought me to my knees in tears. I have cried for all the small wins and large. I have cried when I feel I can’t go on, but ultimately this has taught me who I truly am. Stripped from all else I knew before, starting “alone with a cause” forces you to dig DEEP. I feel you cannot fully grow if you are not tested. You cannot fully feel courage without fear. These facts drive me through the hard obstacles that running a business inevitably throws your way. Read more>>

Kim Shiu

I simply read the book and did nothing with the information. Fast forward to New Year’s Day of 2019, and I watched her Netflix show, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, and this time something clicked. I started re-examining my relationship with my physical items and letting go. Going through my own KonMari® Tidying Festival has allowed me to say goodbye to the things that weren’t serving me and to honor the things that I truly want in my life. Then I started thinking more about helping others become organized. Read more>>

Karley Kindberg

As anyone who has started a business knows, it’s not an easy undertaking. My sister and I have both been working either full-time or part-time jobs on and off throughout the year to supplement our incomes as we gain traction with Here|After. The biggest challenge has mostly been overcoming imposter syndrome. I’d imagine that most people in our position have felt this way, especially at the beginning of a new venture. I’m grateful that we have such a supportive, encouraging community around us to help cheer us on as we go. Read more>>

Stephanie Stipanovich

I went on to earn my Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Northern Iowa, then moved to Missouri to complete my Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Central Missouri. My first big adventure as an SLP took me south to Arizona—partly for the career opportunities, and partly because I was ready to trade snowy winters for warm, sunny days! Read more>>

Maddie Bennett

The used-to-be radio show and now-business is a tight knit community where local musicians from any background can come together and connect through music. FunkyFresh consists of Carter Walker on photography (@roomtoreach.media on instagram), Jordan Aultman (@flacko.jordey on instagram) on videography and Eli Aye (@_eliaye_ on instagram) on sound during shows. it was easy to turn it into a collaborative business since all of us are either in bands or have been in the local music scene for awhile so we know the ropes of budgeting and booking shows. Read more>>

Shane

My first aquarium came off of the side of the road in Lawrence KS, where you see tons of random stuff like that on the side of the road. It was an already put-together reef tank that we took apart and built it back up, set it up in my shop garage. It was just meant to be a bait fish holding tank. I was fascinated with fishing and fish behavior, and was actually tournament fishing at that time primarily for largemouth bass. But I had an interest in fish behavior.  Read more>>

Jennifer Marie

I founded Jennspire to help others navigate that same kind of inner transformation — whether it’s about gender, identity, or simply rediscovering who you really are. Today, I’m a bestselling author, speaker, and gender identity coach, working with individuals and families around the world. I also lead the Jennspire Sisterhood, a global online community for gender-diverse individuals and Allies who are looking for connection, guidance, and empowerment. Read more>>

Steph Holm Sexton

When I arrived in New York, I spent a lot of time solo, and with that space, I began to build a personal practice. Online workouts were just starting to take off, and I stumbled across a 45-minute Jillian Michaels yoga “workout” (yes, Jillian Michaels!). I also discovered that Lululemon hosted free in-store classes, so I began going twice a week—one in Union Square, one in Meatpacking. That’s what really pulled me deeper into the yoga. Read more>>

SILENT AVE

I was a troubled youth and used making music as a means to vent. I aged out of the foster care system and was trying to find my way in life. I met this group called SAMURAI we all started making music together and performing at shows, a few years go by we go our separate ways and i start performing my solo career as SILENT AVE! I started my Rap career, then moved onto making rock and now country music. Ive performed in 25 states and just got booked to perform with Outlaw Nation August 23rd marking my 26th state. Read more>>

Arden Ingram

It was incredibly difficult to gain this much knowledge and mastery of pastry. I experienced a lot of rejection in my career. I didn’t attend a culinary school and I was young so, in most professional environments I wasn’t taken seriously. It hurt, but I knew that I had a genuine love for what I was doing and decided to open doors for myself. I don’t want limitations on my skill set to be set by others. Read more>>

Joseph Kang

I manage a diverse portfolio of clients, developing their core competencies and guiding them toward measurable outcomes. I’m responsible for creating and delivering dynamic content, conducting performance evaluations, and implementing strategies to foster professional growth. My primary goal is to maximize the potential of each individual and ensure their successful advancement with their personal and academic performance. Read more>>

Hallie Sigwing

Everything snowballed from there – by the time I got to college I had a full roster of weddings filling up my weekends, while I spent the weekdays as a student at KU. After college I moved to NYC, and spent a few years traveling and photographing weddings all across the United States. I eventually landed back in Kansas City. I have been fortunate enough to photograph weddings all over the world. Although I’ve lost count at this point, I have photographed over 350 weddings since 2011, and I truly feel like I have my dream job. Read more>>

Tyler

My coaching career began back in 2006 while I was in school to become a trainer. This is when I began working with anyone that was looking to improve their fitness goals, many times it was for free. In 2007 I became a certified personal trainer and started training clients fulltime. Five years in to training several executive clients and young athletes, I became a co-owner of a personal training studio that I helped build to over 10+ trainers and 200+ clients. The first 10 years of my career I worked as hard as I could and learned as much as possible at becoming a successful trainer and business owner.  Read more>>

Amanda Kibler

In 1987, internationally recognized puppeteer Paul Mesner established Paul Mesner Puppets with a vision to create innovative storytelling that would capture children’s imaginations and inspire communities. Mike Horner joined the organization in 2006, as lead puppeteer and builder, and developed a portfolio of shows the company still tours today. The quality of the shows has been recognized three times with the Union Internationale de la Marionette (UNIMA-USA) Citation of Excellence. Considered the “Academy Award” of puppetry, the citation was created by Jim Henson to promote high-quality puppetry in the United States. In 2016, the company hired its first Director of Education, Alex Espy, an experienced Pre-K educator and director of theater for young audiences. Read more>>

Dino O’Dell

I am a children’s musician, storyteller and author. I was an elementary music teacher at Brookside Day School (now Brookside Charter School.) At that time I was also playing music in bar and wedding bands. I combined live music with my education background and now I travel the country performing children’s shows about geography, astronomy, earth science and early literacy. Read more>>

Erin Epperson

There have been both extremely busy seasons and painfully dry ones. I’ve struggled with pricing—wanting to make my work accessible while still meeting my business goals. As a people-pleaser and perfectionist, I’ve often put pressure on myself to meet every expectation and deliver flawless work, even at the expense of my own time or energy. Finding balance has been a constant process. There has been lots of trial and error with figuring out what business models work, and which ones don’t. Read more>>

Kara Easum

I am a esthetician who offers an array of services including, facial, chemical treatments, lash lifts, brow lamination, full body waxing and custom spray tans. I am known for my attention to detail every client is like an blank canvas for me and is my form of art. I enjoy being personable and meeting people from all walks of life. I enjoy being able to help others feel beautiful and comfortable in their skin. I am most proud of sticking to my goals and continuing to set new ones for myself. I also take pride in being as affordable as possible. Everyone deserves to be able to treat themselves to self-care every now and again. Read more>>

Rose

It has been a fairly smooth road, but I also recognize I’m still in the early stages of my journey. That said, the road has definitely been a little rocky. One of the biggest challenges so far has been starting out as a fresh face in the industry. It can be hard to get people to take a chance on you when they don’t know who you are. I’ve noticed that sometimes it feels easier for others to stick with what — or who — they already know. And because this industry relies so heavily on visibility and recognition, that can make it tough to get your foot in the door and secure opportunities. Read more>>

Ashley Bird

I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in marketing and started out working in sales, but everything changed when I had my daughter. As a single mom raising her on my own, I wanted a career that gave me the flexibility to be there for all the little moments; school events, field trips, the things I didn’t want to miss. Read more>>

Nicole Holley Nelson

I have been passionate about hair since the age of 12, and after graduating high school in 2017, I attended cosmetology school to further develop my skills. In 2020, I discovered my speed and precision as a braider, which inspired me to start a business dedicated to providing high-quality braided styles at affordable prices. My goal has always been to serve single mothers and women throughout the Kansas City, Missouri area who may face financial challenges and cannot afford high salon rates. Through hard work, dedication, and faith in God, I have built my business into what it is today—continuing to offer exceptional service at reasonable prices. Read more>>

Kammy Mitchell

I grew up loving art of almost any kind, I have painted and drawn for as long as I can remember. I have experimented a lot with different styles, pottery, sewing, graphic design, and so many others. I actually went to college straight of high school for graphic design, but it didn’t really feel like that was what I was supposed to be doing, so I didn’t finish. I still do quite a bit of freelance graphic design to this day. Once I became a mom in 2023, I was trying really hard to figure out a way to make money, be at home, and still do something I enjoy. I always knew that I would do something creative, but I think in the last year it’s felt like it’s really happening! Read more>>

Heidi Trautman

My co-owner began offering pet and house sitting in the De Soto, Kansas area, helping friends, neighbors, and professional contacts who needed someone they could truly trust. I came to this work through years of volunteering in the animal rescue world and eventually managing for a local pet sitting business. When that business was sold, it became clear to me that the need for high-quality, thoughtful care hadn’t gone away—especially for pets with behavioral challenges or medical needs that don’t always do well in traditional boarding environments. Read more>>

Amber Lea Burkey

Teen angst that spilled into my twenties provided the armor I needed to navigate hardships and become the best version of myself, but at what point do I stop intercepting folks expecting the worst of them? Working in a tattoo shop helped develop my already decent way of relating to people. Being able to help them realize the things they wanted to put on their body could help not only beautify, but to work through the problems in their life. In a way, helping and listening to folks, helped me. Read more>>

Shalese Clay

A recent and deeply concerning challenge is the closure of Research Medical Center’s labor and delivery unit. This reduces accessible, culturally competent care options for Black and Brown moms and babies in our area, and sadly, it means we will likely see even more preventable deaths in these communities. This makes our work even more urgent and critical. Read more>>

Kat Sarmiento and Valentina Gutierrez

We are proud of the fact that we’ve built something from the ground up as an emerging brand that’s growing fast, all while staying true to who we are. What sets us apart is that our work is deeply personal shaped by our identities, our lived experiences, and our belief that joy, culture, and connection are powerful tools for change. We don’t just plan events; we create moments that make people feel something real. Read more>>

Jayveian Bailey

(2020) Graduating highschool I decided to take the college route, and was going to school for sports medicine. I wanted to be an athletic trainer because of my love for sports and weight lifting. COVID-19 was prevalent at the time and almost all school was online due to quarantine conditions. Being cooped up in my room, my passion for school was slipping hard. Being the people person that I am I’m used to interacting with my peers and the teacher. The online experience was not the same. After not even finishing the first semester I dropped out and decided to take a gap year. Read more>>

Jennifer Owen

What’s unique about Owen/Cox Dance Group is our commitment to performing dance with live music, and the collaborative nature of our artistic process. We’re also passionate about bringing the community together through creative partnerships. Over the past 18 years we’ve collaborated with the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City Public Library, The People’s Liberation Big Band, Bach Aria Soloists, Ensemble Iberica, Charlotte Street Foundation, newEar Contemporary Chamber Ensemble, The Black Creatures, NoDivide KC, Gilda’s Club KC, Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey, Paseo Academy of the Fine and Performing Arts, NAVO, KC Baroque Consortium, Paul Mesner Puppets, Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy, and the YWCA of Greater Kansas City, to name a few. Read more>>