Kansas City’s Most Inspiring Stories

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.

Margaret Norcross

I followed the social media page called Humans of New York. I’m a part time photographer who was working full time at a company downtown. So I thought this would be a great way to keep my hand in the camera. I would walk for an hour at lunch and walk up to strangers and ask if I could take their picture and if they had anything to share. It was their time. They could talk about whatever they wanted. From there it just expanded until Covid. I took a job down south and couldn’t really talk to people and stick my phone in their face. I started them to share sights sounds and events of KC on my page. Love being able to share my love of KC. Read more>>

Rhea LeGrande

My journey has always been rooted in education and equity. I grew up loving to read, but it didn’t come easily to me at first. That struggle shaped my passion for literacy and led me to pursue a career in education. Over the years, I worked in schools, nonprofits, and advocacy spaces, always centering my work on ensuring students, especially those in under-resourced communities, have the tools they need to succeed. Read more>>

Brian Imes

Hillbilly Fight Wear started in 2007 as a tribute to my brother, Brad Imes. The ‘Hillbilly HeartThrob’ competed as a member of The Ultimate Fighter 2 and had 21 total professional fights. HFW has advocated for combat sports while sponsoring its athletes. We have attended combat and rodeo events, trading our apparel, all while our founder, Brian Imes, has competed 30 times as a professional. Now traveling with my son and step sons, HFW is still active as a promotional tool for athletes, events, and sports. Read more>>

Melissa McGee

My creative work continues to evolve, and over the years, I have specialized in photographing pets, families, kids, sports, dance, branding, and headshots. One of my biggest passion projects is The Santa Experience, a total immersion-style experience with Santa for both kids and pets. It was the first of its kind in Kansas City and continues to sell out every year, with 99% of clients returning annually. Each year is a bit different, which keeps it exciting both photographically and logistically! You can check out recent photos at: https://thesantaexperiencekc.com/ Read more>>

Dose

My journey began in the underground scene, where I first shared my music on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X, building connections with fans and fellow artists. My passion for music, content creation, and raw enthusiasm quickly caught the attention of local music lovers and playlist curators. Read more>>

Monique Liggins

I went through domestic violence relationships that included criminal activities and a high speed chase… I even suffered drug addiction for 10 years… I take medication that really helps me with my mental issues…. Going through all that I still loved money… I grew up in a family that was very successful and hard working… They loved helping people and I started getting money at the age of 10… Now I am a contractor and I have my own business…. I make flyers, business cards, posters etc… I am also a house mom of the only after after hrs gentlemans club in my city… Read more>>

Lee Harding

So my first voyage with Virgin was setting sail from Miami ,I’d never been to America before so I spent a few days there before I got on board. My contract was for 2 weeks and was the best experience I’ve ever had ! It was on the 5th day that a girl from Kansas came into the studio and we connected straight away . Read more>>

Lori Woods

Candle making is an art and we take it seriously. By using the best oils, lead-free cotton wicks, and clean burning soy-blended and apricot-coconut wax, and handcrafting our candles in small batches we ensure that every product meets our high standards. We do not cut costs where oils are concerned because we want our fragrances to be as authentic as possible with no artificial undertone. We also blend several of our own scents so you will not find our exclusive candles sold by other brands or manufacturers. Read more>>

Jacob Taylor

My tattoo career began 11 years ago. I had a friend take over a tattoo shop and asked if i wanted a job. Which lead to a apprenticeship. Read more>>

Sierra Otto

There are always obstacles and failures. It is impossible not to have these in business. I have always been open to trying new things, hiring people who know more and are better at things than I am, and pivoting when something isn’t going correctly. You have to be open to change, learn from failures, and then make something better from it. Read more>>

Jordan Carr

While Oddities Prints as a for-hire print shop has existed for just over 10 years, Oddities Prints began as an entity about 5 years prior. In those early days, Oddities Prints took the form of a two-person poster printing entity consisting of Jordan Carr and Danni Parelman. We were honing our craft while making screen printed posters & record covers for the underground music scene. We approached all of these projects with an art-first mindset, letting technique be guided by the intricacies of each piece. Read more>>

Brayan Aguirre

I’m a really artistic person with lots of goals and experience in the beauty industry. I enjoy working with women and make them feel beautiful and more confident with their selfs. For me beauty it really is art, I love creating beautiful things and expressing myself with my passion. I don’t get tired of learning something new everyday. And I also love inspiring other people. I don’t want to focus on how hard it was for me to afford beauty school. All I want to say is fight and push yourself to achieve your goals and dreams. Life is beautiful and I just want everyone to do what they love as much I do! Read more>>

Dakota Clark Pfeiffer

I would say it has not always been a smooth road. There has been a lot of ups and downs to being in the spotlight at such a young age, especially with how people view you on social media and I think that it’s very important for people to understand what you see on social media it is not always real And it’s not always raw and sometimes those real raw and real moments are the most meaningful Read more>>

Katie Wells

In 1984 The Loretto School decided to close in Kansas City. In response to this decision, six Loretto teachers founded the Kansas City Academy as the successor to Loretto. The school began at the Trinity United Methodist Church on Armour Boulevard. The school opened on September 4, 1984, with 39 students (grades 7-12) and a staff of nine. The school operated in this location for six years, growing in enrollment to 52 students, achieving fiscal stability, and deciding to expand to include sixth-grade beginning in the fall of 1990. Read more>>

Jason Atkins

Just to illustrate how serious I was about fishing, when I was around 12 my grandparents bought a place in Florida and my family down. They met us at Disneyworld and then we were supposed to go back to their place on the coast. Well I had checked out every book I could get my hands on about fishing in Florida and I was stoked about it! When we arrived in Orlando I was so upset we HAD to go to Disney first. I actually threw a fit and cried about it I was so mad…..Ha! Read more>>

Brandon Angel

We both specialize in song composure and producing but Angel specializes in songwriting and instrumentation and Brandon has an exceptional ear for mixing and building songs from the ground up. We enjoy creating music from scratch; it’s based on our truth. We recently joined the 1409 ‘The Vault’ crew and can’t wait to collaborate with everyone on the team as well. Read more>>

Jared Brooks

Though I was always around it, I didn’t take music seriously until high school. My entire life until that point had been sports. I was convinced that I would be a major league baseball player for the Atlanta Braves and that I would live a worry-free life. It wasn’t until my freshman year of high school, when I auditioned and was selected for the American Choral Directors Association National Honor Choir that I knew music was what I wanted to pursue. I spent a week in Minneapolis, Minnesota learning what it meant to sing with a group of people just as passionate about music as myself. Read more>>

Michael Chesney

I knew if I was going to live out my dream of being in an a cappella group in college, I was going to have to start one myself. In the spring of 2005, Mizzou Forte became the first officially recognized a cappella group at the University of Missouri. Interestingly, there were other students who also wanted to see a cappella at MU, who started another, now-defunct group at roughly the same time. Combined, the world of vocal music without instruments had come to Columbia. Read more>>

Shamara Allston

To kind of sum up everything I learned in order to give my son the life I would like him to have, I have to be happy. My son is the light of my life and has inspired me to be where I am today. Starting modeling social media was definitely my friend ! Through instagram I found a casting call for a show in downtown Kc called For the Love of Fashion coordinated by Duffy. I went to the casting call and was fortunately picked to model for space camp studios. I had such a great experience and met so many great models. After a year of many fashion shows , working with different photographs and making new friends in the industry I’m so happy I decided to pursue this career. I have learned life really is what you make it and I’m so excited what the future will bring ! Read more>>

Tasha Roberts

I started doing my homework—checking out Missouri’s licensing requirements, what training would cost, and what it would take to actually get started. Everything felt doable, so I decided to go for it. I signed up for a certification course in August, thinking, “Worst case, I do it long enough to make my money back. Best case? I’ve found something I truly enjoy.” Read more>>

Armando Vasquez

Anchor Island Coffee opened in March 4th of 2020. Starting with just coffee & teas. First tropical coffee shop in KC, focusing on bright colors to make it feel like you’re at the beach. Pandemic made so hard to continue but we kept going. Later on adding food items to accommodate the customers need. We now have delicious breakfast burritos made from scratch, French toast, bagels, along with some Latin inspired dishes. Read more>>

Catie

I got my training 15 years ago at Paul Mitchell the School, after obtaining my Bachelor’s Degree in Theater and Film (Hair and makeup emphasis) from KU in 2007. After working at a salon right after Cosmetology school, I returned to be an Educator for 3 years. In 2016 I missed working behind the chair and opened my own salon suite and have been my own business owner for almost 9 years, currently at Sola Salons. My services include blonding, color, short and long haircuts for all genders, up styling, and volunteering for a local children’s youth theater doing hair, makeup, specialty makeup, and wigs backstage. Read more>>

Emahni Carr

Now, I’m in film school working toward becoming a film director, so while my time as just a photographer is slowly winding down, I’m stepping into filmmaking and expanding what I create. I’ve also been diving into the marketing world through my work with KIN—the first Black-owned seltzer brand in the U.S., founded in Kansas City by Joshua I. Lewis. Helping with their marketing and graphics made me realize how much I enjoy that side of things too. So now, I’m leaning into not just visuals, but full creative direction—photo, film, and branding all rolled into one. Read more>>

Krysten Haas

He has shown me through parents and a brother that shows up even if they do not fully believe in what I am doing. A husband who loves me when I am broken and needing care. He has given me two children and one on the way. A church that felt like family and a supportive community from day one. A job that has so many challenges but continues to show me I am where I am supposed to be and I have never felt stronger or more confident as an educator than I have through the past three years which have been the toughest teaching years I have experienced. Read more>>

Hannah Mortimer

It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I’ve had multiple knee surgeries that tested me physically, mentally, and emotionally. Just when I was gaining momentum, I’d be sidelined again including another major knee surgery while I was at Wichita State. Coming back from those setbacks took everything: long hours in rehab, relentless patience, and a deep belief that I still had more to give. On top of that, I was a walk-on at WSU. Nothing was guaranteed I had to earn my spot, my scholarship, and the respect that comes with both. That experience pushed me to develop a strong mindset and a work ethic that still drives me today. Read more>>

R’Monté Law

Since high school I was a soccer and basketball player. Junior and senior year I was an automotive mechanic half the school day. Once I got to college I was majoring in automotive restoration before switching to graphic design my sophomore year of college. I left college after the first semester of my junior year and wanted to add something to my graphic design skills. New Year’s Day 2016 I bought a camera and now by the grace of God I’m 9 years into filming/photography. Read more>>

Ashley Pummill

After becoming certified, I opened my first aesthetics practice in Clarksville, TN. In 2023, when my husband retired from the Army, we returned to our hometown of Sedalia, MO. I started small, with a one-room shop inside Bloom Beauty Bar, but shortly after, I was offered an opportunity to merge with MyMedSpa. MyMedSpa partnered and rebranded as Rejuvv Luxury Spa, which has since expanded to five locations: Sedalia, Marshall, Warrensburg, Clinton, and Overland Park. I love being able to boost peoples confidence and provide natural aesthetic treatments. I truly believe that aesthetic community is shifting to less is more and wanting the natural look. Read more>>

Morgan Taylor Bradley

I focus on the genuine relationships I’ve made along the way, and try to stay fresh in my craft. The last few years the industry has been slower than ever, which can make for some long periods of time between projects. While this still makes me a little squirmy, going freelance has helped me learn to embrace these times to stay inspired. My husband is also a freelance artist in the industry, so we focus on making and taking in art and travel during those times. Read more>>

Jacob Larison

While traveling full time for 2 years, we visited 35 states and 2 countries and documented all of our adventures on Larison Lifestyle YT channel. We’ve posted 134 long form videos throughout our journey on Larison Lifestyle. All of our upgrades, fixes and product reviews were documented on Jacobs Upgrades TY channel. Jacobs Upgrades is currently at 167 long form videos and I’m posting videos weekly. While my Ozark Floating website took a backseat, it has served as the parent company to the quickly growing YouTube channels. Read more>>

Kathryn Holmes

One of the biggest challenges we face at Down Syndrome Innovations isn’t a lack of interest—it’s the growing need for services. When I first joined the organization, I oversaw just one program: our ACE Full Day service. It was a strong and comprehensive offering, but it quickly became clear that there were more adults with Down syndrome—and their families—seeking meaningful opportunities for continued learning and growth than we could serve through a single, full-day program. Read more>>

Matthew Bires

I started smoking cigars 25 years ago, and I genuinely enjoy smoking cigars. It is great for relaxing and a good conversation piece. A year and half ago I decided to embark on starting a mobile cigar bar. Starting in Oklahoma, I went to learn how to roll from master rollers and learned the techniques of the craft. As well as what events can be good pairs. After getting set up, we started reaching out to people at pop up events, which generated business in weddings and private events. We continued to build on this as we created our website including bachelor/ette partes, camping trips, social outings and more. We started selling cigars on the website and adding photos and update blogs on past events. We also expanded to accessories and provide accomodations to events if possible. Read more>>

Erick Felix

I graduated in 2016 and began doing live printing out in the city, one of the first events was printing art at The Nelson Atkins Museum for Day of the Dead the same year. I think this is where I fell in love with making art with the community, For the last 9 years I have been up and down Kansas City printing with the community at different events and spaces inviting my friends as well. Today i am part of Viva La Tinta which is a community printmaking group that celebrates the legacy of printmaking. Read more>>

Taylor Fuller-Sims

Launching my own business wasn’t easy. I’ve had to navigate motherhood, full-time responsibilities, and entrepreneurship all at once. There have been plenty of late nights, lessons learned, and moments of doubt, but I kept going. I taught myself the business side as I went, all while staying grounded in my mission: to create meaningful, flavorful experiences that people remember. Read more>>

Rachel Motley

That space offered us the opportunity to do two separate concepts, so we reopened the Arrow Cocktail Lounge and added a full dinner menu on one side, and a cafe/market concept on the other, which we call Arrow Cafe and Bodega. The Bodega has most of the same offerings as our original location, but with a highly curated grocery and gift section that has a heavy focus on wine, N/A spirits, and local art and goods. Being a husband and wife team gives us two unique approaches to how to operate, and I sometimes think that the Cocktail Lounge is a reflection of Ben’s brain, while the Bodega is a peak inside of mine- and the original location being some combination of both! Read more>>

Taylor Schoonover

This eventually led me to watching the anime adaptations of my favorite graphic novels; Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, Studio Ghibli films; too many to list. From there, my hobbies started to bloom into passions. On weekends, you could find me watching my favorite shows and drawing all the characters I loved so much from them. I even started to make my own comics using notebook paper and markers; binding the pages using my trusty ol’ stapler. I wanted to tell my own stories, and in High School, I began writing and working on my own characters. Read more>>

Latricia Bradley

Oh, it has not been a smooth road. One of the biggest struggles I faced was trying to do everything on my own. I didn’t ask for help when things got tough, and that made my journey even harder. Starting a business without knowing anything about business was overwhelming. It took me a lot longer to get here because I was afraid of failure- I didn’t want people to see me fall short. I am grateful for my partner though; he always was there to motivate and push me to continue to move forward. Read more>>

Kathy Feist Vescovi

As it turns out there was a need for the Martin City Telegraph. The Red Bridge and Martin City areas were in an economic slump. Once very active retail areas, both were now losing consumers and retail tenants to the newer shopping centers across the state line. Neighborhoods and city officials pulled together and were successful in their efforts to revive both areas. The bi-weekly Telegraph came in the midst of these efforts, which was an exciting time. After the telling of new development plans, came the stories of new tenants. It was a Cinderella story playing out before our eyes. Read more>>

Glenn North

Just the other day I walked out of Quick Trip headed back to my car and I tripped and fell while holding two bottles of Calypso Lemonade which ended up shattered on the ground along with my ego. So I fully understand that the struggle to find balance in a chaotic world LOL. But seriously, I struggle with attempting to write good poems. I struggle trying to figure out ways to monetize writing good poems. — not in a capitalistic way but in a survival way. I struggle with the powers that be not seeing the value in the arts and culture. And when it comes to confronting struggle, as a Black man currently surviving in America, I believe poetry and the arts are effective tools for liberation. Read more>>