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.
Nancy Lopez
El Zocalo Food Truck is a christian family owned business it began in 2022 with a simple dream: my husband and I wanted to build something together. We had always talked about opening a business of our own, and we decided to start small by creating a food truck that we could operate on weekends while sharing our food with our community. Read more>>
Linda Donaldson
The BariGirls are the support team after weight loss surgery. We are a mother/daughter duo who both had surgical weight loss 17 and 11 years ago. The BariGirls provide guidance through healthy recipes, one on one consulting, cooking demonstrations, exercise and healthy living tips. Read more>>
Jessie LeBlanc
It feels like I have always had one foot in the world of nursing and caring for others, beginning primarily with my faith. I truly cannot think of a more meaningful or rewarding way to serve people than through nursing. That passion for caring for others eventually led me to a second calling: entrepreneurship. Read more>>
Julie Moise
Ian’s Rainbow Flu Foundation began with the most devastating experience a parent could ever imagine, the loss of our son, Ian, to complications from influenza in 2003. Ian was a healthy child, and like so many people, we never fully understood how serious the flu could be or that it could take the life of an otherwise healthy child. Read more>>
Hannah Helverson
I started my journey as a photographer in 2019, when I was looking to combine my need for a creative outlet with my love for travel. I wanted to travel the world while capturing the candid, beautifully real moments that make a love story. My love for all things weddings started during my time as an event assistant at a local wedding venue. Read more>>
Pamela Seymour
I began with a career in banking where I spent ten years. I then moved to TX and started a new career in High Performance Computing where I spent fifteen years. After the company I was working for sold to a venture capital group, my job and entire department were eliminated. Read more>>
Jasper Mirabile
In 1954, my father, Jasper Mirabile Sr., started Jasper’s with my grandparents in the Waldo neighborhood of Kansas City. It was a little Italian restaurant with just 12 tables, but to our family, it was the beginning of something very special. Read more>>
Ashley Falzone
Before A|F SALON was a name, a space, a team, or a brand, it was an idea. And honestly, I didn’t have some perfectly mapped-out plan for how I was going to get here. I started where a lot of people in this industry start — at the bottom. Read more>>
Morgan Miller
I’ve always liked taking pictures, even as a child. In high school, I helped with the newspaper and yearbook, and even though we didn’t have an adequate darkroom (necessary equipment was lacking), seeing an image develop in a tray of liquid was pure magic to me. But, everything photography-related really clicked for me when I got to college. Read more>>
Mother of Ghost
When I originally purchased my first Tarot deck, I had no idea that I would one day start my own business from scratch. Each year brings new challenges and opportunities, but always with a little bit of magic along the way. Read more>>
Liz Levy
After becoming an IBCLC, I kept seeing families struggle with issues that were not easily solved. Too often they were offered quick, band-aid solutions to problems when no one had really taken the time to figure out what was causing the problem in the first place. They were sometimes given advice that addressed one small piece of the puzzle without looking at the full picture. Read more>>
Lesley Janssen
My story started young. I was always entranced by horses. I was able to start riding in Swope Park. My passion grew into owning horses and, ultimately, a boarding stable. I love teaching those willing to learn the art of riding, not just sit on a horse, but actually connect with the animals. Another favorite part of my job is teaching young horses. Read more>>
star allio
I grew up in olathe kansas though i’ve lived all over the kansas city metropolitan area as well as a few other states throughout my life. I grew up in a big family having six siblings. Unfortunately the household i grew up in wasn’t very stable and we moved around a lot as a child. Read more>>
Ron Bredemeier
July 1st 1997 I purchased Helen’s from Helen Warren. Helen had been operating here since the early 70s. I had been working for Harrahs Casino and would stop in after my shifts. The lack of craft beer motivated me to make an offer to Helen. We now operate out of a 100 year old building with a Brunswick Bar & Back Bar circa 1895. Read more>>
Heather Keafer
I’ve loved creating for as long as I can remember, working with whatever materials I could get my hands on — conventional or not. One of the most unconventional things I ever made was when I around 10. We were homeless at the time, and it was my dad’s birthday. Read more>>
Alicia Canizares
My story is one of hard work, reinvention, family, and recognizing an opportunity when I finally found the right place for it. I was born and raised in Colombia, and I have been a hardworking woman from a very young age. Before starting my own business, I had a background in radio, media, and communications. Read more>>
Sarah Deters
Callie Mae’s really started with a combination of my years of experience in the pet bakery industry and a desire for a fresh start. I had been in the industry for just over 15 years, and through some mutual friends, I was introduced to my now business partner, Andy Wiltz, who owns several pet-related businesses here in Kansas City. Read more>>
Chris Davidson
Harmony happens in the center of extremes. Live instrumentation and multilayered soundscapes come together in CHNNLL’s unique vision of hypnotic, organic indie. Chicago-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Chris Davidson tempers emotional subject matter with bold melodies, coating raw truths in hummable hooks. Read more>>
Jim Mathis
My first job out of college was selling cameras in a camera store in downtown Kansas City. Soon I was the manager of a brand new store in North Kansas City. As the store manager I was privileged to attend many conferences, trade shows, and classes about the latest equipment and techniques. Read more>>
Rae Corn
Hi, my name is Rae. I started my love for photography back in highschool when I was able to process film in a dark room. Once I saw a blank piece of paper turn into an image I was hooked. Now, with everything being digital, the process is .much faster but my goal is the same. Read more>>
Dani Romay
My path to becoming a muralist was definitely not a straight one. I spent nine years as a high school English and theatre teacher. I have a degree in English Education and a master’s in leadership, and while I loved teaching, creativity was always a huge part of my life. Read more>>
Ellen Hyslop
The idea for the GIST came together over dinner with my two college friends, turned co-founders, Jacie DeHoop and Roslyn McLarty. It was 2017, we were all in our mid-20s, and The Toronto Maple Leafs were unexpectedly heading to the postseason in what was supposed to be a “rebuild” year. Read more>>
Amani Alexander
Music became more than just a creative outlet for me it became a turning point in my life. Growing up as a teenager and young adult, I went through a lot personally and was known for being argumentative, getting into conflicts, and sometimes fighting. I carried a lot of emotions and energy that I didn’t always know how to channel in a positive way. Read more>>
Justin Kensinger
Meat Sweatz BBQ was established in 2022 and really started from my passion for backyard barbecue. I began by cooking BBQ in my backyard for friends and family, experimenting with different techniques, recipes, and flavors. Before long, people started asking me to cook for their events and gatherings, and through word of mouth, it continued to grow from there. Read more>>
Rachel Dicke
Clothes Mentor offers a variety of women’s apparel, shoes, handbags, and accessories at prices up to 70% off retail. The Lee’s Summit location opened in 2010 as a women’s resale franchise. I bought the store in 2024 after spending 15 years in marketing and advertising agencies leading strategy and delivering campaigns. Read more>>
Maurice Bogart
From growing up in North Kansas City to then moving downtown (after finishing Hair school) , I’ve always had a passion for visual aspects. Originally, I decided to move downtown to chase a broader clientele base, which was true, but the clients that I’ve grown up with since I started in high school (Winnetonka) still followed me everywhere. Read more>>
Jake Daniels
I’ve been touring around the world for the last 11 years doing stand-up comedy. My show is a big variety show. I do stand-up, perform magic with audience members and also play the saxophone. Every day I’m learning new things about how to grow my act as well as how to be more relatable to audiences. Read more>>
Mirella Martinez
My story really started with my daughter. She has always been my biggest inspiration, and she’s actually the reason behind the name **Magical Rainbow Sloth Creations**. During COVID, I started making hair bows and faux leather mini purses. At the time, I honestly didn’t know how far it would go. Read more>>
Brooke Mertz
I am a 20 year old singer songwriter born and raised in Kansas City. I started singing as a kid, and I knew as I was growing up that music is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. So I practiced a lot, I took piano lessons, taught myself guitar, and sang any chance I could get. Read more>>
Sarah Nolan
I have always felt the call to write, but I never in a million years thought I would write a book! My parents got divorced when I was young and I always looked to other people for my worth – men mostly. It wasn’t until I really sat down with Jesus that I realized my worth and identity is found in only God. Read more>>
Casha Mills
Little Casha dreamed of being an artist even when all she could draw from human were heads and legs. As I got a little older the idea of being an artist never left but kind of just hung out in the background. Read more>>
Claude Harris
My name is Claude Harris III and I grew up making art and drawing for most of my life in Kansas City, Missouri . It’s been a passion of mine to draw and express myself. I started professionally when I was 23 years old but I’ve been trying to sale my art since I was in middle school. Read more>>
Lindsey Morales
My journey has been one of growth, reinvention, and learning to fully embrace who I am. I was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, and my multicultural background shaped the way I see people, identity, and the world. I earned my degree in Psychology with a minor in Spanish, followed by a Master’s in Organizational Development. Read more>>
James Masters
My husband and I recently moved back to Kansas City after being away for about 10 years. We always knew we’d be back. So many of our major life events took place here. I originally moved to Kansas City in 2005 because of a conversion therapy program. Read more>>
Naabi Smith
I was born August 15th 2000 . I was raised in a era where music and culture had meaningful balance. I was always fascinated and inspired by the greatest artists of our century Michale Jackson was the start of something for me that became more than just recreating the moves and saying “hee hee “. Read more>>
Beaux Moduno
I got my artistic start as an illustrator and painter. When I was younger, I was taught by my grandmother how to draw and paint. We would use Bob Ross tutorials, grabbing all the paint and brushes I could muster to carry, and we would sit for hours. Read more>>
Andrew Seligson
Hi there! My name is Andrew, I am a professional music composer, producer, engineer, DJ, and performer from Kansas City! I started off very young playing the guitar and idolizing the likes of Jimi Hendrix, John Frusciante, Nick Drake, Bill Evans, among others. Read more>>
Kirsten Tretbar
It’s my belief that almost everyone can benefit from some kind of therapy, for some period of time, at some point in their lives. Therapy can be fun, fulfilling, scary, deep, weird, wonderful, profound, creative, relaxing, challenging and, sometimes, literally lifesaving. Therapy rocks! Hi everyone. I’m Kirsten Tretbar, and I’m so happy to be included in this publication. Read more>>
Carolyn Ullrich
I was always an intuitive kid and definitely wise beyond my years. I questioned everything, which occasionally meant getting kicked out of Sunday school or arguing with adults because my belief system didn’t necessarily match what I was being taught. Read more>>
King Dari
I grew up in Kansas City during a time where finding your identity was difficult as a different kid in classrooms that looked different than you, so for me I spent my early childhood learning what I wanted to do. Everyone is so unique and talented, and for a while I struggled wondering what I could bring to the table. Read more>>
Athaviah Shane
I’ve been working in social work for a while, and I’ve always felt that every social worker has a population they’re especially drawn to. For me, that has always been refugee youth – individuals who have been forced to flee their home due to war, violence, or persecution and whose parents are often English Language Learners and new to navigating life in the United States. Read more>>
Ivan Qiu
Initial started in Kansas City in 2017 from a genuine passion for sneakers, streetwear, and the culture around them. What began as a sneaker and streetwear resale business has continued to evolve over the years as both the market and our customers have changed. Read more>>
Megan Hockett
I have always had a desire to be crafty starting at a young age. You could always find me doing some sort of craft project. My amazing husband bought me my first cricut for Christmas just before our son was born (2019), I dipped into making signs and shirts and really stopped after our son was born. Read more>>
Scott Runnels
My first adjustment was at 14 years old. I was in severe low back pain with burning going into my right leg which caused me to be unable to participate in wrestling practice. My Mom scheduled an appt with my local chiropractor and after the adjustment, was able to go back to wrestling. Read more>>
Dylan Van Gerpen
My path into real estate wasn’t exactly traditional. Back in 2008, I was living out of my car for a while, and the job that turned things around for me was in property management on the south side of Kansas City — it’s actually what got me my first real place to live. Read more>>
Jeff Owens
I grew up on the land that is now Hobby Hill Park in Gladstone, Missouri. Born with strong creative and mechanical abilities, I explored several different occupations, attended college, and served six years in the National Guard. Following my service, I began building sets and special effects for the film and television industry. During that time, I started purchasing buildings to use as workspaces. Read more>>
Olivia Tarkowski
What started as a dream quickly turned into a reality. My parents immigrated to the States from Poland about 30 years ago and started a business almost immediately to support our family. I grew up surrounded by entrepreneurs, so I always knew I wanted to build something of my own one day. Read more>>
Ericka Howill
My career didn’t start in a design studio—it began at the Sundance Film Festival, supporting independent artists and filmmakers through a platform that championed raw, original storytelling. When I transitioned into interior design, I realized I hadn’t left that world behind at all; I’d just changed mediums. Read more>>
Leigh Murray
KC Contemporary Dance began in 2004 as KACICO Dance, under the artistic direction of Michelle Diane Brown. The company performed contemporary choreography, but was also well known for impromptu dance events, ‘Dance Happens’, where performers would improvise movement in an unconventional setting–such as a bookstore on the Plaza, or the lobby of a restaurant. Read more>>
Maquille Gatlin
I’ve always been curious when it comes to technology. I started PC gaming as early as elementary school, and one of my favorite games was SimCopter. The more I used computers, the more curious I became about how they actually worked. Read more>>
tara@tararenze.com Renze
My career began in corporate sales and leadership, where I spent years learning what truly drives people—not just to perform, but to feel connected, confident, and fulfilled in the process. In my 30s, while navigating motherhood and career, I also built a successful direct-sales business. Read more>>
DBANDZ KC
I’m DBANDZ / DBANDZ KC of Wyandotte County Kansas. My dream as an artist started many years ago when my pops taught me how to rap at 8 years old. From there my dream slowly became reality when I began releasing music with my neighborhood friends around 16. Read more>>
Stephanie Davidson
I received a degree in graphic design in 2007 from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia and quickly moved back to my hometown, Belton, Missouri. I went to work as a graphic designer for a small, family-owned toy company. In 2010, I took a design position with a local startup seeking to build a presence within the gifting industry. Read more>>
PK Mitchell
To put it briefly, I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember. But I started getting more serious around 2024 when I decided I wanted to break into the art world, sell my work, and explore my personal style. Pretty early on in that year, I found my would-be art mentor, DINKC, through one of his last ‘How to make a T-shirt’ classes. Read more>>
