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.
jason piggie
Photographer/Filmmaker/Curator My artistic journey began in August 1986 when I took my first photography class in high school. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I loved both the creative process and the artistry of photography. From that point on, I stuck with it, continuing to study photography throughout high school and into college. Read more>>
Blaqout
Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started producing electronic music as a teenager because I was fascinated by the idea that one person could create an entire world of sound from a computer. What started as a hobby quickly turned into an obsession. Read more>>
Bosede Iyewarun
People often see the runway today, but they don’t always see the journey it took to get here. Looking back, I can honestly say that none of this was my idea alone. I truly believe God placed this vision in my heart many years ago, and over time He continued to open doors, connect me with the right people, and strengthen me through every challenge. Read more>>
Devonte Mallory
My love for fitness was cultivated through my participation in athletics and sports growing up. I ended up heading to University of Nebraska-Lincoln as a preferred walk-on (PWO) in 2013, where my track career didn’t go as planned. Ultimately, leading me to contemplate the ‘next steps’ of my life. Read more>>
Kyra Summers
I’ve always had a keen ability for organizing and planning, and creating beautiful things has been a favorite pastime of mine for as long as I can remember. For many years, I planned and executed events for close friends and family: baby showers, anniversary parties, wedding showers, luncheons, etc. I really enjoyed planning these family-centered celebratory events. Read more>>
Katrina Igler
We are an active duty military family. My journey into breeding multigenerational Australian Labradoodles began when my son was turning 1 and my husband was deployed to Iraq. I wanted to surprise my spouse with a low-shedding dog and found the Australian Labradoodle (ALD). We purchased our boy and he was an AMAZING family dog. Read more>>
Ashley Tezon
What started as a simple and rather popular idea of sharing bread with neighbors; has now transformed into a family affair of providing for our community in a wholesome, decent and honest way. I believe the destination has become the journey we are on. My daughters have learned to bake cookies to be able to pay for their foreign language program. Read more>>
Terran Rae Smith
I am currently a full-time actor, singer, influencer, and content creator. I officially committed to my creative business about a year and a half ago, and it’s been the best thing that’s ever happened to my career. Read more>>
Lesli Barraza
I was raised in a small town in Chihuahua, Mexico. My parents were a huge inspiration when it comes to resilience, they always found a way, no matter what. I, on the other hand, lived more like a free little bird, just curious, relaxed, always exploring and trying new things just to enjoy the experience. Read more>>
Kindle Thompson
I am Kindle Thompson, an actress, model, and creative coach based in Kansas City, Missouri. My journey into the entertainment and fashion industries began with a profound passion for visual storytelling and performance. I started by immersing myself in the world of modeling, where I worked hard to build a versatile portfolio. Read more>>
TheBigSuede
I’ve always been doing music in some way shape or form. I started at local open mics sneaking into bars an clubs as a 16-17 year old performing at night while attending college during the day to get my certification in audio engineering. I been professionally doing music since 2018. Read more>>
David Babcock
Like most great stories, mine started completely by accident. About fifteen years ago, people occasionally told me I looked like Will Ferrell. I never thought much about it until my wife convinced me to enter a local Halloween costume contest as Ron Burgundy. I had no expectations whatsoever. Read more>>
Maddison Ogden
My story starts with a little girl, maybe 5 years old, walking onto the stage at church unexpectedly as she sings a song to the audience. I never had a doubt in my mind that I was gonna be a rockstar and if you’d asked me that then I would’ve said exactly that. Read more>>
Stephanie Hernandez
When PL, a touring emcee and stalwart in KC’s Hip-Hop community, and Jamel Rockwell, a well versed DJ and producer, were not able to perform in venues, PL concocted The Lawnarchy as an alternative to doing live performances during the pandemic. At the beginning of Season 3, The Lawnarchy added Jason ‘J-Ritoc’ Jefferson to the cast. Read more>>
Todd Burd
King Bee is not just about jams, pickles, honey, or mixes; it’s about family and a way of life that shaped America. Growing up in rural western Kansas instilled my passion for canning, a tradition passed down from my German grandmother and mother who preserved crops out of necessity. Read more>>
Emily Aull
For most of my career, I worked in education. I have a degree in journalism, a master’s in elementary education, and spent several years teaching before becoming a stay-at-home mom to my two kids. During those years at home, I found myself constantly organizing our house, helping friends with their spaces, and realizing how much I loved creating systems that made everyday life easier. Read more>>
Chacko Finn
My parents have always been big believers in the arts. As a young kid, they asked that my sister and I learn to play an instrument of our choice. Naturally, I chose guitar because what else would a 5-year-old with big dreams of being a rockstar choose. By 5th grade, I decided to join the band. Read more>>
Victoria Nesbit
Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve loved all things beauty. I was constantly cutting my own hair, my siblings’ hair, and even attempting to give our pets makeovers. Looking back, I guess you could say I found my passion pretty early. Sorry to my siblings and parents, but as they say practice makes perfect! As I got older, that passion only grew. Read more>>
Dewanna OGuinn
Concierge was founded over 20 years ago with a passion for bringing people together through exceptional hospitality and memorable experiences. What began as a small event planning and catering business has grown into a full-service company offering catering, event planning, floral design, décor, bar service, and event management. Read more>>
Wende’ Seals
I’ve always believed our lives are shaped just as much by the moments no one sees as by the milestones everyone celebrates. Looking back, I can now recognize that every season—whether joyful, uncertain, or heartbreaking—was quietly preparing me for the work I’m doing today. For more than a decade, I served students, families, and my community through education. Read more>>
Russell Reynolds
I started out investigating the paranormal at the age of 13, after a paranormal experience at age 6 in a house we lived in. So, fast-forward to just after high school, a buddy of mine and I would go out on the weekends to investigate cemeteries and houses. Read more>>
Angie Judy
I started my career as a High School teacher, and that experience shaped so much of who I am today. I loved building relationships, helping people, and guiding others through important moments in their lives, when I decided to stay home with my little man, that eventually led me into real estate, a career where I could continue serving people, just in a different way. Read more>>
Nerissa Ocean
My cooking journey began in 2017 at a small soul food restaurant in Junction City, Kansas, called Cynthia’s One Bite Delight. The late Ms. Cynthia saw something in me that I didn’t yet see in myself. She poured into me, encouraged me, and helped ignite a passion that would eventually change my life. Read more>>
Jan Reckers
I made a major shift in 2011 from working with clients as a Holistic Nutrition Counselor to pursuing art. Burnout and being in a very left brain space pushed me to dive into something totally different. I took a few art classes but am mostly a self-taught artist. Leaving a field devoted to wellness to play with paint and canvas was a big move! Read more>>
James Lewis
I started by creating simply because I loved it. Over time, photography, videography, graphic design, and storytelling grew from personal interests into Boiled Teeth LLC. Through consistency, collaboration, and hands on experience, I’ve built a career focused on helping people and brands bring their ideas to life. Read more>>
Benjamin Smalley
I didn’t take a straight path into becoming a therapist. In my twenties, I was working for a small business, and around the age of 26 I started asking myself a question that wouldn’t go away: “What would it mean to live a meaningful life?” The more I thought about it, the clearer it became that what I wanted to do was help people. Read more>>
LUKE Haynes
I came to art through making things with what was available to me. I grew up without much money, and that shaped the way I understood materials from the beginning. I learned to see possibility in things that had already lived a life, and that instinct has stayed at the center of my work. Read more>>
Jessii Rosales
Looking back, I realize makeup has always been part of who I am. Even as a little girl, two years old, I was drawn to all things beauty and creativity. I was the kid who could spend hours playing with Barbies, fascinated by colors, style, and self-expression. Read more>>
Linda Lee
Some would say that my career in the sewing industry grew out of my career as an interior designer. I think it goes back further than that. To me, the seed was planted when I was a child, sewing doll clothes. Creating tiny garments with scraps of fabric, a needle, and some thread awakened a creative path in me that never waivered. Read more>>
Brynn Everist
Medicine has always been about relationships for me. I grew up in Kansas City, studied at Boston College, returned home for medical school at the University of Kansas, completed my pediatric residency at Mayo Clinic, and eventually came back to Kansas City for fellowship training in Allergy and Immunology. Read more>>
Zach Bauman
I’m a Kansas City based commercial/editorial photographer with over a decade of experience. I use photography as a vehicle to connect with others and as a way to explore the midwest and beyond. My photography journey started when I was a freshman in high school and I needed on elective course to fill out my schedule. Read more>>
Mark Freeman
Mark Freeman is a self-promoted, self-taught, multifaceted abstract artist. Freeman exhibits an array of artistic styles, constantly experimenting and growing his creative techniques. Freeman started successfully showing art in 2018 in galleries in Leawood and Overland Park Kansas. Read more>>
DaMiana Wells
My journey has always been rooted in creativity, self-expression, and creating something from nothing. I’ve always had a passion for beauty, fashion, and entertainment, but I didn’t realize at first that those passions would eventually become the foundation of my career. I started my entrepreneurial journey through nails, building my brand Shmoneysets. Read more>>
Jeno Black
I started off about 7 years ago now with a $23 tattoo kit and taught my self through YouTube videos I was underground for 3 years i finally got my shot at getting my license and I took it I worked at Northeast tattoo And Supply shop were I received my tattooing license after completing my apprenticeship I stayed there a while left and went to a bigger shop were I could learn more now I’m in my own again it’s been a journey but I love it I love what I do it’s brought me along way in life Read more>>
Tanner Wilson
My passion for healthcare began long before I entered clinical practice. I grew up in a family that valued nutrition, exercise, restorative sleep, and a proactive approach to health. As a third-generation chiropractor, I saw firsthand the impact that personalized, patient-centered care could have on people’s lives. Read more>>
Angela Believes
I got my start when I was asked by two gentlemen to emcee an event. That experience led me into radio hosting, where I strengthened my communication skills, before returning to live event hosting. Today, I host music festivals, fashion shows, mental health forums, corporate events, and awards galas and more throughout Kansas City and abroad. Read more>>
