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.
Izzy Vivas
I had gotten in various exhibitions like the Crow Museum of Art and Sotheby’s in NYC. I accepted internships and volunteered with museums and galleries; get connected with Young Arts who coordinated studio visits with artists like Mickalene Thomas Sanford Biggers, and Dustin Yellin. This began my turning point. I was introduced to a whole new industry. I was filled with excitement and was ready to take the next steps to becoming a “true” artist. However, like everything else– I was limited to a box. It was the same struggle in a different font. I felt out of place and secluded from a community. Read more>>
Layne Turley
I started my first business at the end of college in 2020, which was a run-coaching company called Start-Her Running Company. I dipped my toe into entrepreneurship, and knew one day I wanted to own and operate a larger-scaled business, but I wasn’t sure what, or when. This led me to my first corporate job at Garmin, where I got to help launch the influencer marketing program and lead the US ambassador programs. I fell in love with fitness marketing, and had no plans of leaving. Fitness is my favorite hobby, and getting to merge my career and passion has been a dream come true. Read more>>
Dym N D
I fell in love with music when I was in preschool. As soon as I got out of school, I would rush home and watch 106 & Park. I watched BET so much that I knew Trina’s verse to “Right Thur Remix” before I could sing my ABCs. My grandma was not happy about that and banned me from BET until I learned the Alphabet song. That moment taught me the importance of prioritizing my academic goals while pursuing music, a core value I still carry to this day. Read more>>
Casie Murff
My journey with barbering began at 14, when my father told me I’d have to start paying for my own haircuts. At first, I didn’t understand, but now I see it was one of the greatest blessings. With $20 clippers from Walmart, I learned how to cut my own hair by trial and error. Before long, my friends and kids from the neighborhood were lining up in my basement for cuts. Even then, I didn’t fully realize I was laying the foundation for a future business. Read more>>
Lisa Allen
My story with Angel Clothing Foundation begins with watching my mom, Laura Ojeda Dellutri, turn personal loss into purposeful community service. Growing up in a single-parent household with seven siblings, Mom understood what it meant to go without basic necessities. That experience shaped her heart for serving others. Read more>>
Isabella Tambone
My colleagues and I speak often about how we can make sure we’re able to ethically price sessions. I personally work on sliding scale and I am working on accepting medicare/medicaid to help with access to services. Another obstacle I face are laws and injustices that directly impact my clients. I see vulnerable groups of people who are oftentimes not benefited by larger structures in power. A lot of times, we are told systemic issues are individual issues and that we need to bring those into therapy, when it may be completely valid to feel that way. Read more>>
Hunter Shantz
We specialize in residential sales across the Kansas City metro, with a particular focus on helping homeowners maximize value when selling and match buyers to homes that truly fit their lifestyle. What sets us apart is our local expertise and marketing approach: we blend strong market analysis with standout listing presentations, professional photography, and tailored strategies that showcase each home as an experience—not just another property. Read more>>
Kim Hadley
My goal is simple: to instill in them the understanding that our world is a tapestry woven with diversity waiting to be discovered. My love for travel, led me to partner with Departure Lounge, a renowned leader in the travel industry. Together, we aim to share the joy of exploration and prove that travel is not just an adventure, but a source of immense happiness. Read more>>
Patrice Robertson
District Home Decor has evolved from a “Pop Up” shop. I had a full- time career with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, but as a side venture I started a very small shop, open limited hours for by-invitation-only events. Having attended many National Main Street conventions with my husband, who has and is still currently serving on the Chillicothe Main Street Board of Directors, I heard many presentations about “side gig” and “pop up” ventures. This became a reality using an historic building we have owned for a number of years in downtown Chillicothe. Read more>>
Aubrey Devore
Fast-forward a few years: with both of my kids in elementary school (kindergarten and second grade), I decided to pursue my master’s in school counseling at MidAmerica Nazarene University. I graduated in 2015 and started working in the Olathe School District as a long-term sub. In 2017, I went back to MNU to earn my play therapy certificate and also launched my private practice, Aubrey Devore Counseling. Read more>>
Lebeka Fox
My journey into helping children began in my 20s when I volunteered with an AmeriCorps program in New York City’s inner city. Working in schools there, I met a young boy who had experienced sexual abuse. We spent a lot of time together, and while I deeply wanted to support him, I realized I didn’t have the tools or knowledge to truly help. That experience was a turning point for me—it sparked a passion to better understand how to support children facing trauma and led me to pursue a degree in social work. Read more>>
Sammee Schirmer
My mom put me in dance like most to burn energy, find community and wear a cute tutu to take photos in but I knew from a very young age that this was going to be my path. Around the age of 8, I got an invitation from the studio director, Dawn Rosa Miller, to join the competition team and start traveling nationally to compete, take class and audition around the country. It was from that year forward that I was addicted to improvement, obsessed with the balance of physicality and artistic expression and knew dance and the community it holds would be where I pursued my life. To me, there really never felt like another option and that was exciting. Read more>>
Helen Ortiz-Turley
I became pregnant with my first child while still a girl in my small town in Guatemala. Fear and worry consumed me. I could barely survive on my own—how could I care for a baby? It felt like my life had ended before it truly began. Opportunities were scarce, and hope even scarcer. But in that darkness, I had an epiphany: I needed to migrate to the United States to give my child, my family and myself a better chance. Read more>>
Kyle Harris
My Love for cars started from a very young age. I come from a long line of Mechanics. Growing up my father wasn’t very present but my passion for cars was always there. It really all started around the age of 12 sitting in the back of my childhood best friends fathers ford mustang. Joshua Janes father had a fast and Loud Cherry red ford mustang. I remember cruising the back streets of Odessa, Mo bass so loud it felt as if your heart would pound out of your chest. Read more>>
Marc Dunham
I do home remodeling and home repair. I mostly specialize in smaller projects since it is just me but have taken on larger projects. I do more bathroom remodels and deck builds more so than other projects as well as lots of smaller repair and paint projects. I will take on pretty much anything a person needs as I enjoy challenges and just overall helping people get things done. One of the things I hear from a lot of clients is that they like that I am easy to work with. I do what I can to meet the needs of a home owner. Especially if its something that really needs done and there is a tight budget. Read more>>
Alexis Rose
I started my photography journey 5 years ago. I always had a passion for it as a kid but never had a professional camera. After I had my first son, I decided this was something I really wanted to pursue. I had no idea how expensive cameras were until I started my research. At the time, my fiancé and I were living in a tiny apartment, living off of one income so that I could stay at home with our child. There was no way I could afford a camera at that time, but I was determined to figure it out. I had come up with the idea of asking my parents and grandparents if they would consider pitching in towards one vs buying me other stuff for Christmas. Read more>>
Andrew Jones
But life doesn’t always follow a straight line. I ended up in the corporate world. I worked hard, climbed the proverbial ladder, and did all the things you’re ‘supposed’ to do. On paper, it looked great — but inside, I never felt fulfilled. No matter what I achieved, there was always a voice reminding me something was missing. And that something was art. Read more>>
Jamie Bolton
At TheraFit Wellness, I combine massage therapy with Muscle Activation Techniques® to help individuals move more effectively, recover from injuries, and alleviate pain. With a background in kinesiology and athletic training, I focus on addressing the root cause of movement issues—not just the symptoms. What sets me apart is the personalized, performance-based approach that empowers clients to feel stronger, more mobile, and confident doing the activities they love. Read more>>
DNA
We started out spinning at house parties—just two solo DJs with a shared love for beats. Once we started dating, we turned up the volume and teamed up behind the decks. House parties became bar gigs, bars turned into clubs, and before we knew it, we were dropping sets at festivals. Eventually, we boogied our way from Kansas City to LA, where the disco balls shine brighter and the dance floors never sleep. KC is still where the needle first dropped, but our groove now spans way beyond. #dnapartymusic Read more>>
Corbin Conley
I have been into fitness and supplements my whole life, being an athlete. I went to school at UCM and played football there. I started working at The Smoothie Shop in 2019 as a summer job, and weekends when it wasn’t football season. I really loved helping people with their goals in fitness, nutrition and supplements. After college I stayed in the business and the goal was always to eventually open up other smoothie and supplement shops. In 2022 I was blessed to be able to become the owner of the one I had been working at. I am now looking to expand and open up more shops! Read more>>
Heather
While that experience ultimately opened the door to the program of my dreams, it left me with lingering imposter syndrome early in my career. Over time, however, I’ve learned to recognize and value my skills, my expertise, and the positive outcomes I achieve for my patients. What once felt like a setback has become a source of strength, reminding me to approach every challenge with persistence, humility, and confidence in the path I’ve earned Read more>>
Baraa Razick
My love for photography and videoagraphy started at a very young age. I remember my dad came home one day with a huge video camera sitting on his shoulder. He took that thing with him wherever he felt memories were to be made and documented. I know I inherited that love for capturing memories from him. There is just something magical about capturing moments in time that will be there forever to look back at. I naturally had an eye for these moments and loved the feeling of a camera in my hand. But what I loved the most about it is what I can do with it. I knew I had to capture what I see and share it with others. Read more>>
Kamesha Moore
In 2022, I co-launched The GIG Alliance Corp, focused on building bridges between state and federal agencies, local nonprofits, and community members. Today, my work combines operational leadership, consulting, grant writing, and nonprofit management to address pressing community needs while creating opportunities for sustainable partnerships. Read more>>
Ashton Dover
My interest in the human body and physical sciences truly started in an old, dark weight room in Louisburg, KS. First as a high school athlete, but later as a volunteer strength and conditioning coach while finishing my degree at the University of Kansas. As a young athlete, I fell in love with the process of improving my work ethic, fitness and athleticism. As a coach, I fell in love guiding and supporting individuals in their own process. Read more>>
Maggie Moon
I decided, that yes, it was time to take a chance on myself and on my dreams, so I did! As things began opening back up, my husband and I began designing pop up bars (with an amazing team of humans!) and he had the idea of adding in some performance elements to our pop ups, which led to me getting to work with a lot of musicians in the Kansas City area and learning a lot about the industry. Soon after this, a wonderful friend reached out and told me to come to her show and audition to be a dueling piano player, and that’s when my music journey really kicked off! Read more>>
Malique Taylor
I am originally from Oceanside, California and found myself in Olathe, Kansas after being recruited for football and playing at MNU (MidAmerica Nazarene University). Through my undergrad, I was pushed my several of my professors to pursue a masters degree in Counseling. So, MNU was my home for several years where I completed undergrad and masters, while also pursuing to go professional with football. Read more>>
Michelle Briggs
As a kid, I have always wanted to find a way to escape into a world different than the one I was living in. Art, or the creative arts, was an open ended way of expressing & finding myself without judgement. My medium of choice is acrylic paining. the subject (theme) of my pieces center around healing and vulnerability. Majority of my paintings are self portraits so that I can use my personal testimony as a believer in Jesus to welcome in others who have also struggled with mental health to move towards a place of healing. Read more>>
Atul Karki
In the U.S., I earned a bachelor’s degree from Southwest Minnesota State University. After graduating, I joined Compass Group as an Environmental Services (EVS) Manager in Houston, Texas. I later took a break to return to Nepal and marry my fiancée, who was living in London at the time. After completing a master’s degree, I rejoined Compass Group as a Food Service Director in Emporia, Kansas, for two years. I then worked in Topeka, Kansas, for two and a half years before joining Aramark at Ford Motor Company in Kansas City. Read more>>
Heidi Grossman
I received a lot of advice and support from other ladies that have small businesses. And, I feel blessed to have the wisdom of other local retailers to help guide me as I started this adventure. I opened the shop in August (2025) and have received a wonderful reception from shoppers in the area. I sell new dresses and dresses on consignment, as well as jewelry and new shoes. While I am still teaching math at Benedictine College, this new venture is helping me explore another creative aspiration. Read more>>
Trey’Meka Dyke
I entered the hospitality industry in 2012 and ever since then, it has been my dream to have my own space to share my love of food. Because of that dream, I decided to just jump in, so that 1.) I could be a present single parent and 2.) give my boys a life they could be proud of. A collective restaurant was formed, and I launched my business officially in January 2021. With that, I added catering and cheesecake cupcakes to the menu. Read more>>
Shantel Hams-Bates
At age 20, I began having children. Though I was grateful not to be a teenage mother, raising children came with its own set of hardships. Throughout my twenties and early thirties, I gave birth to five children. Balancing their needs with my own mental health was incredibly difficult. A failed marriage and another relationship left me a single woman raising five children. While their fathers remained involved in their lives, I was the primary caretaker—and that was hard work. Read more>>
Sara Wheaton
When I decided to open my own nail salon, it wasn’t because I’d always dreamed of a career in the beauty industry. It was born out of frustration. For years, I struggled to find a salon that offered consistent, high-quality service, so I ended up doing my own nails at home. My journey took an unexpected turn after being fired from my bar management job, which became the push I needed to fully commit to a new path. I enrolled in nail school just a month later. Read more>>
Kennedy Cole
I did my first tattoo at 15 and continued to play around with it up thru college. And I mean play because it was a humbling experience and took years to break bad habits and relearn once I finally took it serious and became a proper apprentice. That was 14 years ago now and in that time I have slayed next to countless mentors, friends, coworkers and legends, that have truly made me the tattooer I am today. You can find me at Working Class Tattoo. It’s a rad classic street shop in Westport. Open 7 days a week walk-ins always welcome. If we aren’t tattooing we are painting and joking around. Read more>>
Jamie Ruth
I’ve definitely faced my share of obstacles over the years as both a hairstylist and a salon owner, but I’m grateful for the journey. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors who have guided and inspired me, as well as clients and coworkers who’ve become lifelong friends. Those relationships have not only helped me overcome challenges but have also made this career so rewarding. Read more>>
Chaneryna Thach
As a Cambodian American artist, I primarily work with cut paper, often blending it with other materials to explore identity and heritage in personal, tangible ways. I’m drawn to the emotional and narrative power of imagery—how a single piece can hold joy, grief, pride, and curiosity all at once.Through my art, I reflect on my lived experiences and the history of my ancestors, using layers of paper and color to honor and question what’s been passed down to me. At the same time, I hope to spark a sense of wonder in others and offer windows into Cambodian culture—its beauty, resilience, and complexity. Read more>>
Mary Taylor
It has definitely not been a smooth road for me. I was lucky to start my career with a great senior graphic designer to show me the ropes. But a long-time career in the post-production field can be a bit bumpy. At the start of my career it seemed with buyouts or financial downturns I was laid off every couple of years. I found some teams were a better fit than others. I found myself on my own, running my own business and hustling wearing a lot of hats that I never thought I’d wear. It can be hard work, but fun work as well. At the end of the day, I get to do what I dreamed of doing as a kid, making something come to life on the screen. Read more>>
Kevin Deutsch
From the start, my life and career have been shaped by two things: My Jewish identity and my writing. I was born into a middle-class Jewish family in Brooklyn, New York in 1981 — seemingly a world away from Kansas City. My mother worked as a freelance illustrator, drawing designs for clothing and textile companies, while my father ran a small clothing store across from the street from the Chelsea Hotel. New York City was the heart of America’s garment industry then and my parents were a part of that world — a world in which many Jewish immigrants and their children earned their livelihoods. Read more>>
Rebekah Eaton
When in college I couldn’t find the perfect major for me. I switched my major and minors over 5 times. I loved being creative but also loved structure. I loved helping people and being social. Trying to find the perfect niche that I fit into in college was difficult. Throughout my 5 years of college I mainly flip flopped between being a graphic design major and a mathematics major. I ended up graduating with a mathematics major and minor in art history. But, I still felt like my passion was still to be found. Read more>>
Nate Force
I got started in the bike business in 2012 when I worked at a shop in my hometown of Topeka, KS. I got let go of that job (for standing up against racism toward a customer 
) and then looked for other mechanic jobs. This landed me in Kansas City working as the first full time bike mechanic for the RideKC bikeshare system. I helped that program grow from 2015 until my wife and I moved to Prague, Czech Republic in 2017. Read more>>
