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.
Scott Page
The biggest obstacle we face today is deposit gathering, which has always been difficult with the amount of competition we have in this urban market along with the brokerage houses and now stable-coin and fintechs entering the crowded market. Without deposits, it is impossible to fund the needs of our loan customers and this is a real problem for not only Pony Express Bank but all small banks in general. Read more>>
Chelsea Scoma
The Grandview Chamber of Commerce has been part of the business fabric of the Grandview and South Kansas City region for more than six decades. The Chamber officially incorporated in 1962 with a mission that remains the same today: to strengthen local commerce, amplify the voices of our business community, and build a connected, thriving Grandview. Read more>>
Raven Rajani
I’ve always had a huge heart—and an undeniable pull toward helping people and pups. I’ve been a dog lover for as long as I can remember, quite literally since I was a baby. Life, however, had its own plans. My personal journey was difficult and arduous at times, shaping me in ways I didn’t yet understand. Then, in 2011, everything changed. Read more>>
Lacy Draznik
I’m Lacy Draznik — owner, director, and instructor at Miami County Dance Movement — and at my core, I’m someone who believes dance changes lives. I grew up in small-town central Kansas, training in ballet and tap from the age of four. My family didn’t have a lot, but they were supportive of my interests and encouraged me to pursue what I loved. Read more>>
Gabby Starnes
My journey started as a creative. I was a musician trying to figure out how to get my work in front of people without a big budget or industry connections. Through a lot of trial, error, and persistence, I learned how to use digital marketing to grow an audience, fund projects, and create real opportunities—including opening for major artists. Read more>>
Victoria & Richard Carmona
Our journey into travel began with a genuine love for exploring the world, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures firsthand. Travel has taught us that it’s not just about where you go, but the connections you make and the perspectives you gain along the way. We truly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience this for themselves. Read more>>
Adam Johnson
I’ve been in the wedding industry for over a decade and witnessed the stern eye of family members judging the antics of folks using photo booths. I figured people wanted something private, away from prying eyes, to explore their wildest ideas. Razzle Dazzle was born. Converting an old, E-350 Econoline bus into my vision I was able to create a one-of-a-kind experience. Read more>>
Adrianne Zendejas
I grew up surrounded by photographs. My maternal grandmother (Grandma Gladys) documented everything with her camera, while my paternal grandmother (Momo) made sure our family was always being photographed. As a child, I loved flipping through old photo albums, discovering stories frozen in time. Seeing how styles had changed and how my family had grown and changed. It was like a time machine portal. Read more>>
Stephen Homer
My path into ceramics was a strange, long, and non-traditional one. I grew up in Columbus, OH on several acres with my mom and my grandparents and from an early age I was in love with plants, nature, and art. All of these were encouraged by my family and so have been an integral part of my existence from early on. Read more>>
Sheldon Neal
House of Compassion (HOC) opened in 2012. The founder, Erika Peterson, had dreamed of a program that would improve lives and make a significant impact in the community. After 14 months from the time HOC opened, the founder lost her battle with cancer. Her family and friends, including her son Sheldon, committed themselves to carrying out her vision and legacy. Read more>>
Christine ‘Mooncat’ Ziemer
As a psychology professor at Missouri Western State University, I had a growing interest in the ways psychedelics were being explored in order to understand human consciousness and treat mental illness. I developed university courses to explore the topic of psychedelics and spiritual (transpersonal) psychology. Read more>>
Hao Quach
My journey with NAAAP Kansas City began with a simple desire to find community. Like many Asian American professionals, I was looking for a space where I could connect with others who understood the cultural nuances, family dynamics, and identity experiences that shape who we are. When I first discovered NAAAP-KC, what stood out immediately was the sense of belonging. Read more>>
Jeniffer Hutchins
When I tell someone I am an artist, they often respond with a self-defeating attitude. ‘Oh, that must be nice. I’m NOT creative at all!’ They then continue to tell me stories of how imperfect their straight lines are and their lack of skill at drawing stick figures. I listen and smile. Read more>>
Zack Bryson
Olympic Yardworks began in 2023 in Port Angeles, Washington, originally under the name Woodscavengers. At the time, my wife and I were preparing to welcome our son, and what started as a small firewood and occasional tree-removal operation was really about creating something stable for our growing family. Read more>>
Andrea Cleek
After my undergrad, I was an elementary school teacher for five years. During that time, I realized that teaching wasn’t the right fit for me as I was struggling with overwhelm wrestling with many other factors. So, I started going to see a Christian Counselor to seek help, and left the first session knowing that was what I was called to next! Read more>>
Heather Gallardo
My name is Heather Gallardo and I am the owner of Paw-Pup Pedicure & Grooming. But once upon a time, I was a 17 year old kid who really needed a job. I had the rare fortune of finding the perfect one straight away. I began working at Pampered Paws Grooming in the spring of 2000 and immediately knew I had found my career path. Read more>>
Derrick L. Wilmore Jr.
Peachtree Restaurants have been in operation since July 19th, 1996. So Peachtree has been in the community for 30 years and it was established by my grandmother, Vera Willis. In the mid 90’s, my grandmother had an idea to open a business for the community but didn’t know which way to take this idea. Read more>>
Kathryn Grote
My journey into audiology began long before I ever knew the word for it. In high school and early college, I started babysitting for a young boy who was deaf and communicated using sign language. Read more>>
Brittany, Ashley Margolies, Held
We are a twin sister team! We went to art school at KU where we got our BFA in Visual Arts and Design. We continued on to get a Master’s degree at UMKC in Education: Curriculum and Instruction. We have always loved children and when we were growing up, we worked at various preschools. Read more>>
Shannon Tobaben
My journey to becoming a therapist began with a love for working with children. I spent several years as a nanny, where I found meaning in being a steady, supportive presence and naturally became someone others turned to for understanding and support. Read more>>
Meredith Howard
I started working as an assistant teacher in a preschool classroom in 2019 and I loved it. I then decided to pursue a Master’s degree in early childhood education and early childhood special education and became a certified teacher. I was a classroom teacher for three years before leaving to start my own school. Read more>>
Cameron Symansky
I was born in South Korea but adopted at age of 3 by a family who lived in Olathe, KS where I was raised for the majority of my life. I graduated from the Kansas School for the Deaf (KSD) in 2017 then moved to Washington D.C. Read more>>
Arthur Dachiardi
Greetings my name is Arthur Dachiardi and I created the company VRBE! I developed a prototype visually explaining what VRBE is on my website at www.VRBE.com. VRBE stands for Virtual Reality Bible Experience. It is designed to help us develop a better understanding of the words of God by being able to fully immerse ourselves virtually within the King James Bible. Read more>>
Jocelyn Malagon
The Lash Studio, formerly known as TOR Beauty, began in a small one-bedroom apartment. What started as a quiet side hustle—simply a way to afford formula and diapers for my daughter—soon became something much bigger. It became my path to financial independence and the means to leave an abusive relationship. In a short amount of time, that small operation grew into a brick-and-mortar business. Read more>>
Martin Jimenez Diaz
I came to USA on 1996 , started working as a temporary worker at Nappco , on Riverside Missouri. The first week I was offered a full time work, 3 years later I was the men on charge of the cnc manufacture area 9 I. i move on 2002 to WD machinery . Read more>>
Kyndal Romero
Hi! My name is Kyndal, and I am the founder of K’s Auto & Boat Spa, established in June of 2025. As a female-Latina-owned detailing business, K’s Auto & Boat Spa was built from both passion and experience. I previously worked at multiple shops, where I developed my skills and discovered how much I truly loved the work and impact it had on customers. Read more>>
David Perry
In 2014, my brother and I started with two simple camera’s and a vision: to tell the stories of Hawaii’s local businesses through content creation. But as we worked across the islands, we noticed a recurring, frustrating pattern. Amazing small biz entrepreneurs to bigger companies were creating incredible products and services, but they were invisible online. Read more>>
Taylor Brown
I struggled with addiction for a long time before my parents finally kicked me out of the house and I was homeless for a couple years. I was given a chance to attend an high quality program in Texas, but I did not follow direction and stay sober afterwards. Read more>>
Mallory Barnes
Mallory Barnes was born and raised in Columbia, Missouri, and was first introduced to pole dance years ago. What started as a fun challenge quickly turned into a full-on passion. Pole became the place where she could push herself physically, creatively, and mentally. Nearly eight years later, pole is woven into every part of her life. Read more>>
Patricia Everett-Lee
As the daughter of a dedicated military professional, Growing up surrounded by the values of discipline, hard work, and service. My father’s commitment to his country and community has been a profound influence in my life. With a childhood marked by frequent moves, I’ve had the opportunity to adapt to new environments and cultures, from various states in the US to international locations. Read more>>
Anita Burke
Lake travel has always been part of my life. My husband grew up at Lake of the Ozarks, both sides of our family retired and now live on different lakes, we ended up living on a lake here in Lees Summit too and we spend most of our free time in the summers on the water with our two young boys. Read more>>
Jeremy Smith
Putt Around KC was born in 2025 with one simple goal — to bring unforgettable, interactive entertainment directly to people instead of making them come to us. We saw that parties, schools, churches, corporate events, and fundraisers all wanted something different than bounce houses and DJs. They wanted an experience. Something hands-on, something competitive, something people of all ages could enjoy together. Read more>>
Alyssa Dinges
I began my journey in the beauty industry by shadowing in salons during high school to determine whether hair was truly my passion. I quickly fell in love with the salon environment, the nature of the work, and learning the many behind-the-scenes details that go into each appointment. That experience motivated me to pursue formal education at Paul Mitchell The School in Overland Park. Read more>>
Paulie Serrone
My story begins about 15 years ago in the restaurant industry, where I spent many years working, including time at La Bodega—still one of my favorite restaurants in Kansas City. While I loved the energy and creativity of that world, I always had a strong pull toward art and working with my hands. Read more>>
Jason Jones
I grew up in Indianola Iowa with parents who got involved with hot air ballooning helping run an event in my hometown. Once my mother got a ride, someone has been flying balloons ever since. I received my license in 1992 and have been flying for fun and for hire ever since. Read more>>
Ye Ye Iyalode OKIKIOLA The Mystic Diva
Ye Ye is Psychic, Medium, Ifa Priestess, Astrologer, Mentor, coming to you with 30 years of studied experience. Ye Ye has dedicated her life to creating a sacred space for clients and spiritual family, bringing a truly unique blend of wisdom, hope, while inspiring clients all over the world. Read more>>
