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.
Denny Nguyen
Word of mouth and referrals became the backbone of our growth. People appreciated the personal care, fast turnaround, and accuracy we provided, and they told their friends and families about us. We expected business to slow down after tax season, but instead, we stayed busy year-round with bookkeeping, payroll, and tax planning. That was the moment we knew we were building something special that would last. Read more>>
Travis Black
I tune and service pianos under my business name, Hammer & Strings Piano Service. I service the northern KC region. Most of my work revolves around tuning pianos but there is much more! My most popular service package includes a standard tuning, light cleaning, some minor repairs, fixing sticking keys, light regulation, or anything else I can fit into an extra 30 minutes. Beyond that, I’m always willing to take on larger projects such as hammer shaping, voicing, action regulation, and larger repair projects. Read more>>
Steve Rands
I’m not a conventionally trained artist with a Bachelor’s or Master’s of Fine Arts. I’m a retired Navy pilot, with an engineering degree, 5 combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, now pursuing my true purpose in the practice of sculpture in metal, stone and wood. Read more>>
Lisa Clements
So I founded Clear Springs Wealth to serve that woman—the busy professional, the never-married, the widowed, the divorcee—who wants to feel empowered, make smart choices with her money, and create more life options. My promise is: I’ll be your ally, your strategic partner, your coach—not a distant “advisor” with jargon, but someone who speaks your language, respects your path, and holds you to high standards while keeping things human. Read more>>
Julie Baker
When individuals uncover their “why,” they tap into a powerful source of motivation and resolve that fuels their passion. The vision of Horses & Heroes becomes a beacon of hope, reaching out to others who may feel adrift in their own lives. This powerful vision attracts like-minded individuals and supporters who recognize the mission’s importance. The overarching goal of Horses & Heroes is to cultivate a haven for healing and restoration, providing an environment where both traumatized humans and horses can forge connections, rebuild trust, and rediscover their purpose. Read more>>
Amanda Beech
We make socks using cotton, wool, lamb’s wool, merino wool, as well as a few that are synthetic with acrylic and spun polyester. We carry value, premium and super premium socks. We sell globally and have a wide range of stores across the US that carry our brand. Railroad Sock is well-loved in Japan, even appearing in a couple of fashion publications. – which I think is pretty exciting. You can find our entire product collection online at therailroadsock.com. Read more>>
Peggy Miller
It has been a constant learning process. When both my husband and I lost our jobs with the Airlines and my Husband Bob lost his job in Medical Sales in 1982, right after we were married only 6 months, we knew we had to get creative and not depend on other companies for our livelihood! Read more>>
Renea Feagin
In 2020, I founded Astound Travel & Tours — right as the world was shutting down. While others were putting travel dreams on pause, I chose to prepare for what would come next. During that time, I immersed myself in training videos, webinars, and certifications, determined to be ready when travel reopened. Read more>>
Asif Uddin, MD
For example, elements such as scheduling, licensing, and accounting services. Continuous adaptation has been essential as we’ve navigated the complexities of medicine and the added responsibilities that come with private practice. Through experience, we’ve developed an efficient and effective system. With Jessica overseeing daily operations and main point of contact for patient communications, I’m able to remain focused on delivering the highest level of care to our patients. Read more>>
Terresha Dinkel
Prior to that I worked with Medicare clients nationwide as an award-winning sales leader and professional. My experience consulting extensively with seniors and their families throughout major lifestyle decisions aligned seamlessly with becoming a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® & my ability to provide personalized action plans for homeowners making real estate transitions with important financial decisions on the line. Read more>>
Raylan Rivette
My grandfather was a farmer who had an amazing garden; he raised food for his family. My grandmother was an incredible homemaker who made a house into a home through every meal, the love she poured into her family, and the care she put into everything she did. My mother is a hard worker who could make something out of nothing—she was the first person I saw master DIY, creativity, and self-determination in every area of her life. I come from a lineage of creators, innovators, and doers. DIY isn’t just a skill—it’s in my blood. Read more>>
Marcus Kelcher
In addition to my role at KC Athletics, I also serve as the President and Camp Director for Elite College Identification Camps Inc which is a non profit company that provides college recruitment education along with hosting some of the nations top college identification camps. Read more>>
Rhea Ramsey
Every part of The Soulducate Sanctuary Candle Co. product line runs through me. I design every label from a blank screen, every mantra, prayer, or affirmation featured on the labels come from within me. Every candle is infused with energetic intentions of protection, ascension, and prosperity, and every scent is a custom blend designed to also be a power play for the senses in conjunction with the proper energetically infused crystals & herbs to aid in supercharging the frequency of the intention. Read more>>
Valerie Jennings
My journey began in 2003, when at 24, I launched Jennings Social Media & MarTech (JSMM). We were one of the first agencies to integrate social media into marketing strategies, even before platforms like Facebook became mainstream. Over time, we’ve adapted to the digital landscape, from early blogging and influencer outreach to leveraging AI-powered campaign optimization. Read more>>
Abriona Markham
For the most part the journey ebbs and flows. We have networked with a lot of amazing people along the way and that leads us to new and exciting things. The other side is our communities still need education on what we are and what we do. We are doing the educational part little by little and we are hoping it catches on. We have been able to see our impact on a small scale which is great for such a small organization. Read more>>
Katie Bakarich
From the time I was a little girl, I knew I was here to help others. I’ve always been intuitive, empathetic, and deeply attuned to the energy around me. My first brush with the metaphysical world came after the loss of my aunt and stepfather. Seeking peace, I visited a psychic medium—skeptical but curious. Read more>>
Kristopher King
I started remodeling when I was 12. I would help my mom remodel apartments around the South side of Chicago. I was raised in a single parent household so making ends meet was always tough – I vowed early on that I would never go back to that and have been ‘hustling’ ever since I finished trade school. Read more>>
Jaclyn Whitlock
Of course! I am a family nurse practitioner and mom of four busy kids, ages 3 through 9. I worked for several years in a large, busy health system providing primary care, but after having my fourth child, I found myself struggling to balance work, kids, home life, and everything else. Read more>>
Victoria Robertson
Hi! I’m Victoria, a personal stylist and content creator. My journey started while working in retail at The Buckle after I graduated college. That’s really where I fell in love with styling people. I had amazing clients who would come in weekly just to work with me — and before long, many of them started asking if I could help them outside of the store. Read more>>
Isabelle Bouchard
As a young professional in Kansas City, I was mentored by some exceptional senior dietitians in the eating disorder field to start a private practice where there was not much treatment for individuals with eating disorders. Eventually I made my way to Columbia, MO and Bamboo Nutrition became a group practice born out of high demand for nutrition services in mid-missouri. Read more>>
Brittanye Rimpson
I got started in social media back in 2021 when the Facebook Reels program first came out. At that time, I launched my first business and platform, Self by B, which focused on crafting. I made custom tumblers, candles, bath scrubs, home decor, and all kinds of intentional, hand-made products. I was creating content around the creative process and building community through that. Read more>>
Hannah Hasselquist
I’ve always known that my path would lead to owning my own dance studio. Six years ago, I sat at a meeting with my best friend, dreaming of what life would be like if we started our dream studio. The next day, we were looking at spaces and wrapping up loose ends from our current place of employment. It’s always felt right. Read more>>
Chris Santora
Hello, I’m Chris Santora — founder and CEO of Sands of Time. I originally started blowing glass in 2007, and like many artists entering the craft at that time, I learned by making glass pipes. That’s what my teacher made, so that’s where I began. Over the years, I built up my studio, my skill set, and a customer base. Read more>>
Brenda Busch
I got started by having a wine slushie at a winery in Weston, MO. I thought…this is amazing, different, and fun! Living over an hour away from Weston, and wanting to enjoy a slushie more often, I looked into slushie mixes, and learned how easy they could be made at home. Read more>>
Olaitan Ojeleye
My business partner Chris White and I created our company, SidelineStories, about a year ago to give ourselves a platform to create and share content freely online. We focus mainly on sports-related content, capturing the energy and emotion that make each game unique. Read more>>
Tia Smith
Hello. I’ve always had a passion for hair and making people feel their best. I was working at a job overnight and found myself laid off unexpectedly. I was a new Christian and was looking for my purpose. I asked GOD what my purpose is and he directed me to go to Cosmetology school. Read more>>
Khalia Davis Philp
As a California native, I discovered my love for storytelling at a really young age. I fell in love with literature and media and how those mediums would open my imagination to all the different worlds that could be created. Creative expression through the arts was how I showed off my individuality. Read more>>
Cydni Stanford
My story starts with my inability to conform and constrict myself into just one digestible category. People mainly know me as a Fashion Designer, Actor, and Model- I just hope that there isn’t much surprise if more titles are added to this list as my hunger for creativity is endless. Read more>>
Eric Reilly
I started doing drywall work the summer of my sophomore year of high school with my Dad. Over the years I have worked different styles of construction jobs but always came back to drywall. I’ve since incorporated the skills I learned from those jobs into my own business. Read more>>
MacKenzie Magwire
Events have always been in my blood. Some of my earliest memories are helping my mom with her event coordination company and volunteering at the Kansas City Irish Fest—running the children’s area and watching spaces transform for celebrations. I was hooked from day one, and to this day, I’m still proudly on the Irish Fest staff. Read more>>
Jonah Vandel
I love to eat food, and I really love to eat good food. I’m sure I was always a pain in my parents’ side every time we ate out at a restaurant because not only did I not know what ‘the kids menu’ was, but I typically ordered the largest (and likely most expensive) item on the menu. Read more>>
Sylvia Chloupek
I was a business major in college, and my father is a self-made entrepreneur who had to wait until later in his life to get started because he grew up in a communist system where small business ownership was not allowed. So I always had in mind that creating and running a business would feel the most fulfilling. Read more>>
Tiffany Killoren
My story, like the books that I have written, is full of twists and turns. A lawyer by education, I practiced law for 15 years until closing that chapter and dedicating my time to writing. Read more>>
Kayli Montoya-Huston
I’ve struggled with anxiety and eating disorders since I was a kid. In high school, sports became my escape and gave me a sense of purpose, but when my time as a college athlete ended, I lost that structure and identity. The weight crept on, my confidence dropped, and I remember feeling so uncomfortable in my own skin that I’d avoid mirrors and photos. Read more>>
Ms. Lisa Williams
I’m Lisa Williams, but most people in the community call me Ms. Lisa. Growing up poor in South Central Los Angeles meant constantly moving and starting over. I was a non-military kid who went to 10 different schools in 12 years. It was difficult. Read more>>
Nicole Schafer
I’ve always known I wanted to help people. Let’s just say I was a deeply feeling kid. I still remember in second grade when my teacher called my mom because I was so worried about another girl in class who missed her mom that I couldn’t focus on my own work. Read more>>
Catherine Huddleston M.Ed., Executive Director
At Northland Therapeutic Riding Center, we believe in the incredible power of horses to heal, empower, and inspire. Since we opened our doors in 2000, we’ve been a place where children, teens, and adults with physical, emotional, or behavioral challenges come to find strength, build confidence, and experience joy through their connection with horses. Read more>>
Daniele Collard
My journey with Denture Crafters began with a deep passion for helping people smile again. I started in the dental field 14 years ago, and over time, I saw how much confidence a well-crafted prosthetic could give someone — that realization inspired me to go further. Read more>>
Kim Komorek
After years of working in Business Management and going through the ups and downs of the economy and layoffs, I took some time to research where there seemed to be more resiliency. I discovered pets were a huge thing and the care for them was important to their owners. Read more>>
Jordahn Hullaby
I have always wanted to run a business. I would sit daydreaming of the day I would make that a reality. Once I went off to college at Kansas State University, I knew I was suppose to be at the school of business. Read more>>
Kirsten Sundell
I started The Red Apron in December of 2011. I wanted to have a little vintage/antique store in the Northland that was open one weekend a month. 14 years later our loyal customers have become friends. We love seeing them each month and hearing how they are doing. Read more>>
Karina Gabrielli
I made my first batch of soap in 2010 and absolutely fell in love! Not only could I create something with my two hands but I could combine my passions of science, art, and nature into one single hobby. I think the name Temple Earth really embodies the essence of my craft. Read more>>
Ryan Kuhnert
Kuhnert’s Candles LLC started in 2021 when I, Ryan Kuhnert, became tired of the corporate lifestyle. Working myself into the ground and always admiring creative people from a distance. I, too, wanted to create things and make a living! Well… I poured my first candle and started a revolution! Read more>>
Matt Hopper
Started Jazz and music theory studies at Shawnee Mission Northwest under Doug Tally. Continued studies at UMKC with Bobby Watson and Doug Niedt. Private lessons with Danny Embrey and Rod Fleeman. Performing with Everette DeVan group. Read more>>
Tiffany Downing
I had been a massage therapist for about 15 years when I started feeling like I needed to look for another career path, because I knew I wouldn’t be able to do massage forever. During the lock down in 2020, I had a lot of time to do some soul searching and inner healing. Read more>>
Stacy Jimenez
My professional journey began somewhat unexpectedly while I was pursuing a degree in Liberal Arts and taking several music courses. During my final semester, I enrolled in an Anatomy and Physiology class to fulfill a core requirement and that experience changed everything. I found myself deeply fascinated by the material, often studying simply out of curiosity and excitement rather than obligation. Read more>>
Kelly O’Neill
I’ve always been an artist. It’s simply who I am. Over the years, I’ve explored it all: drawing, sewing, painting, photography, pottery, and sculpture. My earliest inspiration was my dad, a lifelong creator whose curiosity seemed endless. My first memories are of his bold abstract oil paintings, then the glow of his darkroom where he developed black-and-white photos , usually of his kids. Read more>>
Hayley Tiller
I started receiving chiropractic care at a young age after experiencing pain from playing multiple sports growing up. I wanted to stay active and perform my best, but the discomfort started to hold me back. That’s when my dad first introduced me to chiropractic care. I still remember my first adjustment — the immediate relief I felt and how much better I performed afterward. Read more>>
Great Plains Circus Center
Great Plains Circus Center (GPCC), a nonprofit originally founded in 2021 by a group of Kansas City area circus students and coaches, began as a scholarship fund for other aspiring circus artists in and around KC – especially those experiencing financial hardship that otherwise prevented them from fully pursuing their love of circus and aerial arts. Read more>>
Chris Harlan
My chiropractic journey began with a deep belief that the body is designed to heal — that health doesn’t come from the outside in, but from the inside out. Before I ever opened Harlan Chiropractic in Overland Park, I experienced firsthand how powerful natural healing can be. Read more>>
Juan Paz
After years of working across small businesses and large healthcare systems, I saw a troubling pattern: care often felt transactional, and people—especially at their most vulnerable—were treated like numbers. As a physical therapist, I’ve met individuals at some of the lowest points in their lives: injured, unable to work, sidelined from the activities they love. Read more>>
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>>
