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.
Brooke Viola-Shaw
A few months after opening my doors, Covid hit. We had to close for a few months, but fortunately the owners of building gave us grace and the community embraced us. People found it to be a safe, peaceful place to carry on with normal life things like getting a haircut, or a massage, in the midst of uncertain and stressful times. Although the pandemic presented unforeseen challenges for everyone, Sanctuary thrived. Read more>>
Lesli Baker
The Somerset Schoolhouse, District 78, was built in 1920 and contains within its walls a rich history. My name is Lesli Baker and I created this space because it was my passion to bring people together, and remind everyone of a time when there was great apprciatiation for a slower pace and friendly conversation. Read more>>
Josie Grimes
My story began nearly 30 years ago, I was born August 13, 1996. A KC Native until 6 years old, then a series of unfortunate events unfolded that would serendipitously bring me to where I am today. Read more>>
Victor Guarino
I had been studying martial arts since I was 12, both at my home dojo in New Jersey and on my own when I was away. In 2021, I found myself back in New Jersey I met a woman through TikTok. During the 2020 lock down, I had found a fairly decent group of online martial artists there. Read more>>
John McNeely
John is a Kansas City local who grew up in the Leawood/Overland Park area. After graduating from Shawnee Mission East Highschool he attended The University of Kansas for his undergraduate degree where he received a Bachelors of Science in Organismal Biology in 2011. Read more>>
Kenya Hicks
My journey into psychotherapy has been shaped by both my personal experiences and professional path. Growing up in the inner city, I witnessed firsthand the impact of trauma, systemic inequities, and the lack of accessible mental health resources. Those early experiences instilled in me a deep commitment to advocacy and healing, which led me to pursue a career in social work. Read more>>
Douglas Spradlin
I started my career in Chicago in 2010. I started managing corporate salons like Supercuts and Hair Cuttery for my first three years. I’m met my husband in 2013 and moved to San Francisco and beginning of 2014 where I worked at a very busy barbershop. I really focused on my men’s cutting and Beard work while there. I came to Lawrence in July 2015. Read more>>
Danna Dahl
re:Vive Counseling, Consulting and Training was founded in 2015. We are excited to be celebrating our 10th anniversary this year! Our name was chosen intentionally to highlight our desire to improve the lives of people in our community through a variety of services. Read more>>
Carrie Ritchey
Little Stranger Christian Church has been a part of my entire life as I grew up within a mile of the church and I still live only a half mile from it. I have been a part of several groups that have met at the church in the past. Read more>>
Michael Foley
I’ve always loved art. I grew up very involved in art, drawing painting etc. all my life. Fast forward to college I majored in art and design. Other than that, I really didn’t know for sure what I wanted to do with my life. Read more>>
Trish Elting
I’m a professional photographer best known for my portraits of dogs, though I also photograph people and businesses. Before becoming a photographer, I owned my own grooming business. What I loved most about grooming was all the snuggles from the dogs and making them look and feel their best. I loved the creativity and connection with both pets and their people. Read more>>
Nancy Brunson
A native of St. Joseph, MO, I returned after many years away to lead the Saint Joseph Symphony as its Executive Director. What is probably my final chapter has come full circle. It was in St. Joseph that I discovered my ‘voice’ as a singer at a young age. Read more>>
Greta Valentine
Storytelling has always been a big part of my life, whether that’s been through reading, writing, or in the case of my last job, telling stories via quantitative and qualitative data analysis. I’m currently a developmental editor, which means that I read early drafts of novels and short stories and collaborate with the author to make sure their story is working on a big-picture level. Read more>>
Gregory Bortnick
Bortnick Consulting was started by Gregory Bortnick, a mechanical engineer driven by a passion for bringing creative product ideas to life. Read more>>
Linda Mufich, PT
I have been a PT for nearly 40 years in the KC Metro area. I’ve worked in multiple hospital & clinic sites through the years, & gathered much experience in a wide variety of physical therapy settings– treating patients with orthopedic, neurologic & spinal conditions. Read more>>
Mandy Rochon
My journey began back in 2014, when I was struggling with stubborn baby weight, depression, confidence, and had no idea where to start. I decided to take a part-time job at a gym just to learn — and that’s where everything changed. I started building healthy habits, fell in love with lifting, and eventually lost 40 pounds. Read more>>
Cody G.
I am Cody, the owner and designer of NoRudos, which is a swimwear and apparel collection that strives to include options for all shapes and sizes. Approximately eight years ago I started teaching myself how to sew in order to fulfill a lifelong desire to be able to make swimwear and other clothing. Read more>>
Eve McGee
As a Kansas City, Missouri, native, I am passionate about enhancing people’s lives in and around the McGee KC Consulting community. As a social worker, my most rewarding work has been with non-profit social service organizations. I directed two comprehensive homeless programs serving Kansas City, Missouri. I witnessed the significant positive impact of non-profit organizations on unhoused clients experiencing poverty and food insecurity. Read more>>
Megan & Stefanie Dahm & Bryson
We actually met through our daughters and quickly discovered we had a lot in common, both of us come from project management backgrounds and shared an entrepreneurial interest. We wanted the opportunity for a creative outlet while balancing family life. After brainstorming a list of all the fun, inspiring side hustles we’d love to explore, sleepover tents rose to the top. Read more>>
Laura Ninneman
My love of dance began at the age of 4 in Excelsior Springs, Missouri when my parents enrolled me in my first dance class and continued with ongoing classes until my high school graduation. Read more>>
Seth Ritter
My brother Zac and I grew up sailing in the Midwest on our families boat. After college we left on a 6 month adventure sailing through Mexico and Central America. After our travels we decided that we wanted to start careers in the marine industry. We started small just detailing and doing minor repairs. Quickly, people started to ask us for bigger repairs and not knowing how to say “no”, we took the projects on. Read more>>
Yancy Ingram
The biggest struggle for us has been the breakdowns, especially in the beginning. There for a while it felt like we had way more going out in parts and labor than we had coming in. Purchasing affordable used equipment comes at a price as you have to spend time and money fixing them up and working out all the bugs. Finding a good diesel mechanic that has the time to work on our equipment has been a huge challenge. Thankfully one of my old Coworkers started his own business, Coal Creek Repair, last year and has been a god send for us. Read more>>
John P. Minnis
Thirty-five years ago, we met as freshman at Benedictine College, in small-town Atchison, Kansas and have been friends ever since. For the last three decades we’ve been laser focused on our careers and both absolutely love our day jobs. I’m the Founder of 37 Global and Patrick is the CEO of the U.S. division of The H&H Group, a personalized gift company. Read more>>
Megan Mulheron
I went on to work for a few other local non-profits while I attended graduate school for Marriage and Family Therapy at Friends University in Lenexa. The program changed my life. I attended a Business class towards the end of the Master’s Program where the instructor dove into the ins and outs of running a therapy business. For the first time I considered owning a business a possibility for me. Read more>>
Daevontae Bray
I began my journey as a massage therapist over 10 years ago while still pursuing a degree in animation with dreams of working with Sony making videogames. Quickly grew a love for massage after starting massage school. I began entertaining the idea of having my own massage practice in 2019 and decided to act that idea beginning of 2020. Right before covid hit. Read more>>
Stephanie Scott
Since childhood, I’ve had a strong love for all animals. I always pursued animal-related work, even before receiving any formal education on animal welfare/behavior. After high school, I studied Biology and Animal Behavior at Truman State University, earning my bachelor’s degree in biology in 2011. Shortly after college, I was accepted as an intern at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, AR. Read more>>
Nabil Abas
Nabil Abas is a proud community college graduate, student advocate, and higher education professional whose story reflects the power of access, representation, and second chances. His journey began not with a clear roadmap, but with a desire to rewrite his own narrative — and to help others do the same. Read more>>
Gina Dalton
It was the end of May in 2017 when we were invited to a wedding. At the time, I’ll admit — I didn’t even know what a wedding venue was. So, like anyone would, I Googled it. The images that popped up were breathtaking: a beautiful bride and groom standing under a gazebo. Read more>>
Pam Myers
We chose Excelsior Springs, Missouri, to be close to our daughter and her family. After running a successful bed and breakfast in Hermann, Missouri—which we sold in 2020—we were ready for a new adventure. Both of us have always loved old things and bringing them back to life with a modern flair. Read more>>
Celeste Lupercio
I changed careers from social work to travel/tourism/sports in 2012. I’d previously not understood the positive impact of this industry on the local economy, and the power of this industry to boost small and locally-owned businesses. The people I know who own their own business inspire me greatly, and thus developed my passion to promote them and Kansas City in general. Read more>>
Shantiel Nicholson
I went to beauty school at 20 years old, after being the go-to friend for haircuts and color in my friend group. Back then, I was working at Sally’s Beauty Supply, and my friends constantly asked why I wasn’t already in cosmetology school — so I finally took the leap. I started my career in my hometown and quickly built a loyal clientele! Read more>>
Elizabeth Arensberg
When I was deciding on a career, I knew I wanted to do work that helped people and could make a positive change. In college I wasn’t sure what to study, but I ended up in an introduction to nutrition course and that’s where I first heard the phrase “food as medicine.” I remember sitting in this class watching a TED Talk by Dr. Read more>>
Kathleen Cussen
I have been working full-time since I was 18 years old. Most recently, for the past 16 years I held roles in two small businesses. the first company/role was in Sales, Marketing and Team Management and the second company/role was as COO of a local bakery that had 32 employees. Last August I had that moment. It was the it’s now or never. Read more>>
Amanda Tinsley
With a strong professional foundation in business psychology, Amanda Tinsley, the owner of a popular infrared sauna studio in Prairie Village (serving the greater Kansas City area), leveraged her experience to successfully launch her own health and wellness venture. She opened CYL Infrared Studio in 2021, translating her deep understanding of customer behavior and well-being into a focused, luxury boutique sauna experience. Read more>>
Mary Nestor-Adams
My name is Mary Nestor-Adams and I am a pediatric occupational therapist. I am the Owner and Director of Heartland Therapy Services, a therapy business where we provide occupational therapy services to individuals with disabilities using hippotherapy (or, the use of a horse) during our treatment sessions. Read more>>
Raymond Holdwick
Owners Ray and Mary had a difficult time starting their family. After a while, they accepted that their children were just going to be furry with 4 legs. Their shared love of animals compelled them to open a pet store and they named it after their beloved Black Labrador, Rocko. Then, on opening day in February of 2006, they found out that Mary was pregnant. Read more>>
Sharon Berry
For 25 years, I worked as an Interior Designer, decorating some of the finest homes in the Kansas City area, before switching careers to nonprofit work, where I have been a grant writer for the past 15+ years. For many years, I made a milk chocolate fudge that I gifted to my friends and family during the Christmas holidays. Read more>>
Steve Jarrett
The idea for our shop was really born in 2006 when my wife and I were looking for interesting metal art for our backyard. What we found in various shops and landscape centers was an assortment of flimsy metal work largely manufactured overseas. We had spent a number of years traveling in southern Missouri and Arkansas as well as the southwest. Read more>>
Debbie Childress
I’m honored to share a little about Valor Ranch – who we are, what we’re building and why it matters so deeply to the men and women who’ve served our country. Valor Ranch was born out of a simple but powerful idea – that no veteran should have to face homelessness, hopelessness or isolation after giving so much for our freedom. Read more>>
Emily Hart
I started my bridal journey nearly 20 years ago in the small town of Paola, KS, where what began as a love for design and connection quickly grew into something much bigger. Over the years, that passion brought me to our current location in Overland Park where Emily Hart Bridal is today. Read more>>
Rayna Vogan
I graduated from Missouri Western State University and started at my first graphic design job in St. Joseph, MO. From there I worked at a sign shop which gave me the opportunity to learn about project management and expand my knowledge in graphics and the sign industry. Read more>>
Conner Spangler
Looking back, I can see how invisible threads have guided me to where I am today — moments and experiences that didn’t seem connected at the time but ultimately led me here. The seed for coaching was planted when I was 20 and serving as the leader of a large student organization at the University of Missouri. Read more>>
Jennifer Lin
In 2021, I was simply looking for ways to slow down, move my body, and reconnect with nature, so I became a yoga instructor. I found joy in biking, hiking, practicing yoga outside, and kayaking – small escapes that helped me find balance in the middle of a busy life. Read more>>
Janessa West
Our story began in St. Louis, Missouri, back in 2020 as a simple mobile notary service. Like many great businesses, our evolution has been driven entirely by listening to the needs of our customers. As we spent time helping clients with their most important documents, we consistently heard a demand for a wider range of services, particularly those involving complex federal and international paperwork. Read more>>
Royal Shurn
I started modeling as part of my self-love journey. Growing up, I was always a plus-size girl and often the butt of everyone’s jokes. For a long time, that affected how I saw myself. When I stepped in front of the camera for the first time, modeling became my way of taking my power back. Read more>>
JR Moody
I’m Dr. JR Moody, founder of Dynamic Ability Physical Therapy in Overland Park. I’ve been practicing in outpatient orthopedics and sports medicine since 2012 and have always been passionate about helping people move better, feel stronger, and return to the activities they love—without being rushed through care. Read more>>
Shaylee, Stephen Griffin, Hopper
We both grew up as multi-sport athletes—Stephen in Overland Park, Kansas, and Shaylee in Roswell, New Mexico—and our experiences with sports shaped how we view health and recovery. After college, Stephen moved to Florida to pursue a career in golf and compete in the World Long Drive circuit, earning a top-5 world ranking in Amateur Long Drive. Read more>>
Exiled: Trail of Terrors
Exiled: Trail of Terrors started nine years ago as a specialty tour for the Halloween season. Originally meant as a haunted zip line tour, trial and error found that it didn’t really provide the ability to go as all out as we wanted. Read more>>
Eric Harkleroad
I have been a fan of unique and different beer from the moment I was able to start drinking. I was lucky enough to turn 21 in a place that actually had craft beer available in the stores and I tried new and different beer frequently. Read more>>
Erik Pratt
Throughout high school I never questioned what I would be doing as an adult. I would be working as an engineer in the space program at NASA or some private company. I was a very good physics and math student and I found space fascinating. This was in the 80s and early 90s, when the space program was booming. Read more>>
Patty Warren
I’ll try to be brief as it was a windy road; however, my north star has always been a passion for wanting to help people and make them feel better. One key detail I think helps set up my background is that I have suffered from psoriasis for decades. My career started out as a Labor & Delivery nurse. Read more>>
Breanna Canning
My dad and I were both in the logistics and warehouse management industries, and he was looking into health solutions for him and my mom. He was frustrated with the lack of physicians willing to look deeper into what they truly needed, and at the high cost associated with the treatments they were looking into. Read more>>
Nikki Harding
At 21, I had my first child, who was born with Down Syndrome. Read more>>
Paxton Dawson
I studied Entrepreneurship and Management at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and graduated as a Chancellor’s Scholar in December 2021. A few months before graduation, I launched LINK x LOU permanent jewelry and spent the next four years growing that business in Lincoln, Dallas, Kansas City, and Richmond. Read more>>
Nicole Roth
We are Scott and Nicole Roth, proud owners of Beyond Martial Arts, a family-owned and operated school located in the heart of Overland Park. Our passion for empowering others through martial arts extends across generations — even our son, Logan, plays an active role as an assistant instructor and helps with the daily operations of the school. Read more>>
Samantha Anderson
I have always enjoyed talking with people, learning their story, and understanding their inner world. After graduating college, I decided to pursue a career in counseling. I’ve worked with adults, teens, and couples. After finding my way into my own private practice, I learned that I really have a heart for those struggling with relationships, whether that be currently in a their own relationship or working though past and present relationships in all aspects of their lives. A large part of my work centers around helping clients heal from narcissistic abuse and relational trauma. Read more>>
Mark Hayes
I am a free lance, self-employed music composer, arranger, recording artist, conductor and concert pianist. I moved to Kansas City in 1977 to be a music editor for a small music publishing company. I worked there for 3 years and then struck out on my own in 1980 as a free-lance arranger. Read more>>
