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.
Crystal Swann Blackdeer
One of our greatest challenges is defining “animal services” and “animal control” in Leavenworth County. There are some resolutions in place that focus on exotics and dangerous animals, but there is no clear description of what the Animal Control Authority is responsible to do for citizens of our county. Stray pets outside city limits are often ignored. We’ve proposed several ways to address this gap in service. The issue remains in the hands of the Sheriff’s Office, the County Commission and the County Counselor at present. Read more>>
Jordan Kandt
When it came time for college, I chose UMKC because it had one of the only programs close to what I felt called toward: Health Sciences. While many of my friends went to bigger schools for the full “college experience,” I felt led to prioritize a path that aligned with my future. During those years, I worked full-time, gained nonprofit experience, grew in my faith, and married my husband. Read more>>
Quinn
Watching him sparked my interest, and after serving in the Army, I headed to Rockhurst University in the late ’90s. There, I joined a fraternity and quickly became the DJ for our events, working with nothing more than two CD players and a mixer. Around that same time, I landed a weekend overnight spot at 102.1 The Zone. It was a paying job that gave me some credibility on campus, even if it mostly meant loading CDs and commercials during the quiet hours. Read more>>
Courtney Cauldwell
I began school MidAmerica Nazarene University in 2017 to pursue my masters in counseling. While at MNU I completed my practicum hours at the MNU student and community center where I counseled undergraduate students as well as members of the community. I really enjoyed working with undergraduate students. I graduated in May 2020 (great time to be starting a business, ha) and opened my practice in July. Read more>>
Darren Sederwall
Englewood Church has been heavily involved in the revitalization of several area churches as well as being the host site of several ethnic congregations. 4. Training and sending ministers and missionaries across the country and around the world has always been part of Englewood’s focus. This church has been the home church of several national church leaders, the home base of KC School of the Bible, and currently coordinates on-line training through Global University. Today, there are people from Englewood Church who are serving in many countries around the world. Read more>>
Thea Gomez
In 2020, I purchased For Pet’s Sake to carry on the legacy of its beloved founder, Cheri. What began as a heartfelt decision quickly grew into a mission, to continue offering exceptional grooming and pet care services with compassion, integrity, and community spirit. With a background in accounting and nearly 20 years of experience in selling real estate, I brought a strong business foundation to the table. But it was my deep love for animals, and the unwavering support of my husband and our daughter, Jada, that made the leap into pet care feel like the most natural next step. Read more>>
Katie Malone
It’s not been a smooth road, lol. There are so many struggles to owning a small business but an equal if not greater amount of victories accomplishments. The pandemic was truly a powerful tool to really look at my business and change and adapt in ways I could have never imagined – mostly for the better. with all the struggles it also means truing petal into smiles, struggles into artistry and each day a garden of possibility. Read more>>
Angela Buckhall- Iwuji
Beni Births LLC, owned by Angela Buckhall, is a pioneering business in Cole County, dedicated to providing comprehensive birth doula and midwifery services. Angela is a DONA certified Birth Doula and Childbirth Educator offering breastfeeding and maternal health education from prenatal to postpartum care. Beni Births, LLC is a National Training site for American Heart Association, where Angela not only trains community families and professionals in CPR & First Aid but also trains professionals to become AHA certified instructors. As a resident Midwife, Angela is breaking new ground as the first African American woman in Cole County to offer these vital services as a free-standing sole proprietary business. Read more>>
Nick & Stacy German
Once the dust settled from uprooting our lives, Secure Spaces was born. At first, we focused on home safety and security, but as we spent more time listening to families in our community, we realized there was a much bigger need. The senior population is growing rapidly, but the services to help them stay in their homes haven’t kept pace. There’s a real gap when it comes to keeping aging adults safe, independent, and comfortable in the homes they love. Read more>>
Clara Baldwin-Dickneite
I got my start in marketing much earlier than most. At sixteen, I wasn’t chasing a career, I was trying to create stability for myself and my family. We were leaving an abusive household, and I turned to entrepreneurship as a way to help us rebuild. What began as survival quickly turned into something bigger. I realized I had a knack for helping businesses grow through digital marketing, and I used those early ventures to put myself through college. Read more>>
Abigail Grysban
Fast forward to 2021, when I ran across a Facebook ad for a comprehensive copywriting course. I thought, “Wait, there’s a type of writing I can turn into a career?” (If you’re like I was and aren’t familiar with copywriting, it’s a type of writing for sales and advertising – think social media ads, print ads, website pages, sales brochures, etc.) Out of curiosity (and a smidge of desperation), I signed up for their email list and eventually invested in the course, completing it over the span of about 9 months. Read more>>
Wanessa Dougherty
My life has unfolded into an unexpectedly rich and rewarding story. I was born and raised in Brazil in a hardworking, middle-class family. From early on, I discovered a natural affinity for structure, processes, and organization. Even before completing my degree in Business Management, I was already building a career in office management, human resources, accounting, and finance. In my mid-twenties, I set out to broaden my horizons. Read more>>
Pat Brown
That personal struggle planted a seed. As I moved into the financial services industry, I became passionate about making sure the next generation of athletes wouldn’t face the same challenges. When Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) legislation passed, allowing college athletes to profit from their personal brand, I immediately saw the need. Overnight, student-athletes were signing contracts, getting sponsorships, and earning money—often with little guidance on taxes, budgeting, or long-term planning. Read more>>
Hannah Kaplanis
I specialize in men’s hair care and love transformations. I break down inspo pics into details that fit each client’s hair and lifestyle, and I enjoy coaching them on how to maintain their look at home. I value working with other talented professionals and always recommend someone I trust if it’s outside my expertise. Read more>>
Matt Cross
Even though I chose a different field to study in college, I couldn’t ignore the pull of the restaurant industry. By my early twenties, I found myself behind a cook line, and it didn’t take long to realize I was exactly where I belonged. Every day brought new challenges, and while the long hours, aching feet, and burn marks were part of the job, the sense of pride and accomplishment at the end of a shift made it all worth it. That’s when I knew this wasn’t just a job—it was a calling. Read more>>
Katherine (Katie) Moshier
Ballroom Dance has opened up so many opportunities for me. I have appeared in commercials, taught at many fraternity Mother’s Weekends, and have gone to several retirement homes to perform and educate on the history of all the ballroom dances. I’ve also had the honor of working with young adults with disabilities. I think it’s really special that Ballroom Dance has brought all of these different opportunities outside of simply teaching lessons. I feel it becomes more of a service to my community and also becomes a type of therapy for many. Read more>>
Deana Poston-Seibold
I took the licensing test to become a broker which gave me the ability to write more policies at the time and passed. Now there is no difference. My friend’s mom and I went and spoke with the state director of American Family. American Family does not allow partnerships, So I decided to start my own agency. The state director arranged for me to have an interview with a district manager and was hired. I was able to share and office with an agent that had been business for 2 years, so I was able to split the costs. The office is located in Platte County Missouri which is where I was raised, so I knew a lot of residents Read more>>
Nicole Banks
I started my business in 2020 after experiencing the heartbreaking loss of my first daughter due to a medical condition called pre-eclampsia during my pregnancy. That moment changed my life forever. I realized how short life truly is, and it pushed me to follow my passion for helping others and building something meaningful. Read more>>
Adam Clement
I earned Bachelors degree is Personal Financial Planning from Kansas State University and my Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Abilene Christian University. I specialize in couples counseling and fostering emotional maturity. In 2015, I moved to Kansas City and joined a non-profit group called Christian Psychological Services (CPS). While I was building up my private practice at CPS, I also worked at two different hospitals doing mental health assessments and running therapy groups. Read more>>
Zeta Switlik
In 2014, I bought my Cruise Planners agency because I wanted to turn my love of travel into something more meaningful—helping others experience the joy of exploring the world. To me, travel isn’t just about visiting new places; it’s about creating memories, celebrating milestones, and sharing unforgettable experiences with the people who matter most. Read more>>
Carlos Serrano
Becoming a dad in 2024 has also brought new challenges and perspective. Balancing fatherhood and entrepreneurship isn’t always easy, but it’s made my “why” even clearer. Through it all, faith has been my anchor. Trusting God’s timing and provision — even when things felt uncertain — has carried me through every high and low. I’ve learned to lean in, stay patient, and keep showing up. Read more>>
Jake Kissell
But here’s the part I’m most passionate about today: teaching. I know what it feels like to be young, ambitious, and hungry to build something bigger. I know the late nights, the self-doubt, the trial and error. And I also know the shortcuts—the systems, strategies, and mindset shifts—that can save years of struggle. Read more>>
Jennifer Tiede
Owning the boutique for the past year and three months has been such a rewarding experience, and overall, the journey has been pretty smooth. The biggest challenge we’ve faced is keeping up with rising costs while still bringing in the styles our community loves at prices that remain affordable. With so many price increases everywhere, affordability has definitely been the toughest hurdle—but it’s one we’re committed to overcoming. At the end of the day, making fashion accessible for our Lawson community will always be at the heart of what we do. Read more>>
David & Mindy McGinnis
The 5-acre property features a carefully constructed 4-soundroom building with two dedicated listening areas. Additionally, our outdoor space can accommodate over 50 guests and includes a state-of-the-art outdoor sound system, all surrounding a tranquil pool. As soon as you drive onto the property, we want you to feel as though you’ve arrived at an audiophile’s dream resort. Read more>>
Jim Cosgrove
They have the beautiful ability to live in the joy of the present because they have little concept of the future and they have forgotten about the past. They lose themselves in the wonder of play. And they feel their emotions. When they are sad, they cry. When they are happy, they shriek. When they are frustrated or angry, they throw a temper tantrum. And usually (not always), those moments pass within minutes, and they’re on to the next adventure. I’m not always childlike, but when I remember to channel my inner kid, everything goes much more smoothly. Read more>>
Brandt Minden
As for my photography, I usually take photos of landscapes, buildings, plants, flowers, trees, or anything else that catches my eye. I’m proud that I’ve been able to do several solo art shows & to have been a part of a wide range of art markets in my town. Doing art shows & markets has helped get my work out there and meet a lot of great people along the way. 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>>
Jeremiah Gonzales
I began my musical journey as a teenager in rural Idaho. After high school, I quickly outgrew those rural roots and joined a non-profit organization that brought together musicians from around the world, placing us into Top 40–style bands. I chose this path over attending university like many of my peers. Read more>>
Jenny Alexander
Right now, the world of lymphatic drainage feels like the wild west. Consumers are often left without proper guidance, sometimes receiving care that is ineffective—or worse, unsafe. My passion lies in providing safe and effective MLD not just for post-operative clients, but also for those managing lymphedema, lipedema, autoimmune disorders, and more. Read more>>
Jason Nivens
Working as a server/bartender at Wolfpack BBQ in Columbus Park, a stagehand with Bluefox Production, Ring Announcing with Fighting Alliance Championship, Emcee/DJ work within the Cyclocross Community in KC & LFK, Playing & doing a ton of work at the family farm in Osage County, KS and oh yeah I got my real estate license and am learning that new field within Executive Asset Properties a branch within Keller Williams. Read more>>
Ron Stricker
My service is definitely needed and we have helped many families over the past 55 years with there estates, downsizing, unforeseen divorce situations, commercial closeouts, etc. We sell lots of Real Estate at auction along with Commercial Real Estate as well. In the past 55 years our family and i have sold about everything you can think of. I personally have sold everything from a $1000.00 penny to a $100,000.00 Grandfather Clock. I do over 100 plus benefit Auctions every year for different charities across KC and surrounding area all for free no charge. I have traveled the US and Japan and have done an Auction at the base o Mount Fuji in Japan for the Japanese Coleman Collectors. Hopefully this will give you something to go on. Read more>>
Tara Spry
Getting to where I am today has been a mix of courage, hard work, and a deep belief that families in our community deserve compassionate, practical, and accessible support. Every step—whether in the classroom, the counseling office, or now as a business owner—has brought me closer to doing what I feel I was meant to do: help people find hope, healing, and practical tools to thrive. Read more>>
Doc Hood
For the next 25 years, I taught at both the high school and university levels. My first degree was in psychology, followed by advanced degrees in education and English, including a PhD. I was fortunate to teach across a wide range of subjects—writing, poetry, literature, film, music, public speaking, web design. Unlike many academics, I never settled into a narrow specialization. While that meant I didn’t always go as deep into one field as some of my colleagues, it allowed me to see connections between disciplines. The more I followed those connections, the more I recognized the profound role of the unconscious. Read more>>
Alisha Smartt
When I was a little girl I loved all things beauty; makeup, nails, and yes, hair. My grandmother was a hairstylist and would teach me how to braid on my dolls, so my love for hair really came from the time her and I spent together. However, throughout my high school years I really fell in love with makeup and nails and ultimately decided I wanted to explore the thought of becoming a nail technician. Read more>>
Craig Loftis
What began as me experimenting with AI and automation has grown into a SaaS company that now helps some of the most respected DJ brands in the country. Our AI Sales Assistants engage new leads in under five minutes, 24/7, and guide them straight into consultations. On average, our clients see 10–20% more consultations booked, but even more importantly, they get back hours of their week that used to be spent chasing leads. Read more>>
Michael Burkart
Tempting, but not in such a good area. Lastly, Lisa said, “I don’t know how you feel about commercial property, but I have something you might find intriguing”. With that, they took me up the hill on Main St to a huge limestone wall that wrapped around the entire block with a glimpse of 2 large buildings with overgrown trees and bushes. Around back we found a parking lot of what had been “The Memorial Home for the Aged”. As I walked inside, marveling was at the 12 ft ceilings, I began to explore the 18,000 s.f. Read more>>
Jerrod Crockett
We live in a new generation where crimes have become fore frequent and increasingly more violent. Security has become a necessity. Since the September 11 attacks, The need for security has increased greatly. According to the Bureau of Labor, there are more active security officers than law enforcement officers employed in the United States. Most states only require an 8 hour course to start working in a security position. Our staff has implement a 40 hour training program, taught by experienced industry professionals, to bring all of our students to a higher level of US and UN standards. Read more>>
Paul Joy
I have 165 patients in those facilities under my care. Joy Health and Wellness has 634 patients who are seeing me for primary care, hormone replacement therapy, medical weight management, and peptide therapy. I have three full-time employees and three part-time employees. I am the only advanced practice provider for my patients. I am very busy all day and night caring for my patients, but it is a passion of mine. I research every day to stay ahead of the ever-changing medical landscape. I absolutely love what I do. Read more>>
Vanessa Kennedy
I grew up with a deep respect for service and community, which naturally guided me toward a career in law enforcement. For over twenty years, I have also closely worked with individuals battling addiction and mental health issues. Through these experiences, I witnessed firsthand their urgent need for accessible, compassionate, and specialized care—especially for first responders, veterans, and those in rural areas who often get overlooked. Read more>>
Cindy Roberts
We live on a 300 acre farm and a partially finished building and 50 acres came up for sale next to our farm. We decided to purchase it. My husband and I both have played music and we thought it would be nice to have music shows after we finished the building. We finished the building and not only just have music shows we host weddings and all types of local events. Read more>>
Lisa Myers
I had been renting a booth as a vendor in the store I now own for about 4 years when the former owner became ready to sell. I was not in a teaching contract at the time, as I had resigned to care for my dad who was entering hospice with pancreatic cancer. After Dad’s passing, I was ready for a change and the opportunity to explore life creatively. That desire for change, coupled with my sense of adventure, propelled my decision to purchase the store. Read more>>
Karen McGrath
I started KK & Annie’s Empowering candles because I love candles! But, so many have paraffin in them and I wanted cleaner non toxic candles. I started experimenting making Coconut and Olive oil candles that are non toxic. I named my company after my Granddaughters. I want them to grow up and be strong women so I hope that by starting my own company at my age which has expanded that they will see they can do many things by strength and believing in yourself. Read more>>
Josh Haith
Since its establishment in December of 1975, Haith & Company, Inc. (HCI) has been serving the real estate needs of the Greater Kansas City Metro area. HCI is now lead by Josh Haith, 2nd Generation. HCI’s services include brokerage, tenant representation, property management, development, investment services, and more. First located on the Country Club Plaza, the company now operates out of its Overland Park headquarters. HCI currently manages, owns, and is representing over 6 million square feet of commercial, industrial property and land parcels in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Read more>>
Andrew Jacobs
Many times I have worked with teams, only to be let go when there was a coaching change, with the new coach or administration not believing in the importance of mental training or more importantly in the mental health of their athletes. To this day, I still have to challenge many about why athletes, in spite of their superior physical skills, are still human beings who have to deal with the stressors and anxiety that everyone else has to handle. And with social media, that becomes even more of an issue today. Read more>>
Dr. Auburn Ellis
After undergrad, I lived in Chicago for ten years, attended School of the Art Institute-Chicago and completed a Masters in Museum Education. It’s an imaginative and complicated facet of the arts, and it helped me create a broader lens for myself as both an artist and educator. My Doctoral degree was accompanied by travels to Prague, China and Bangladesh. With each trip abroad, I found new meaning in myself as an art maker and intuitive human, Read more>>
Taryn & Ashlyn
We are a women owned hair salon, both of us decided to be business partners and open our own salon at age 19 knowing the risks we were taking. We range from hair color, mens+women’s haircuts, extensions, bridal hair and etc. We are different because we went straight into owning a business rather than working under somebody for years before opening a business. Read more>>
Whitney Mathis
It has not been a smooth road! From Covid providing challenges in the way people threw parties and weddings (or decided not to at all) and recently the prices of groceries and gas being the highest I’ve experienced, I’ve had to really get creative and be patient with some of the slower seasons. It taught me to be more selective in the orders I take on and allows me be able to put more work into the artistry that I love. Read more>>
Cindi Sigsbury
I also realize that in the competitive world of digital advertising, a physical mailer, done in the right way, stands out as valuable to the recipients. I started learning as much as I could about designing ads and postcards, the mailing process, and all of the complexities about putting everything together. As a massage therapist, I have spent a LOT of time working individually, but now I go to vendor events and networking events and meet a lot of wonderful business owners. I am having a great time expanding and helping others get the word out about their businesses! Read more>>
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>>
