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.
Torey Berndt 
My work has ranged from nonprofit marketing and communications and now, small business support and advocacy. I’m a community creator, educator, and author. This path has been forged through blooming where I’m planted, intentionally looking for the lesson, and staying curious. Read more>>
Steven Kennan 
The Story of 5th Avenue Cigars – Anchorage, Alaska Located in the heart of downtown Anchorage, 5th Avenue Cigars has become a destination for Alaska’s cigar enthusiasts and tobacco connoisseurs. Situated at 531 East 5th Avenue, the business carries on a tradition rooted in Anchorage’s tobacco history. Read more>>
Igor Dobrianskyi 
My entrepreneurial journey began in Ukraine, where I developed a passion for building businesses and finding innovative solutions to everyday problems. In 2016, I founded SizeCar, a car rental marketplace that eventually expanded to 40 cities across Ukraine, connecting thousands of customers with rental vehicles. Read more>>
India Johnson 
From Detroit Hustle to Kale Queen: My Kalelicious Journey 🥬 By India Johnson, Founder of Kalelicious Kreations My name is India Johnson, but many know me as the Kale Queen, owner and founder of Kalelicious Kreations. Read more>>
Carrington Allen 
This is actually something I love to share. I was living down in Houston where I went to college to be a journalist, broadcaster if you will and right after me graduating, I got my first adult job, my own apartment, and began to create a life for myself. Read more>>
Dan John 
Started moving as a college job in Boston. Always picked up work and frequently came back to moving full time when new ventures did not work out. Moved to Savannah in 2022 found myself between work about 6 months in. Started a moving company. Read more>>
Sarah Sievers 
I graduated from Southwest Acupuncture College in Santa Fe NM in 2017. From there my husband and I moved our family to Kansas where I opened a small clinic in Leawood before 2020 hit and decimated small businesses like mine. I was hired at Julie Bear Don’t Walk L.Ac in Lawrence that year. Read more>>
Michael Stephens 
I was mostly raised in Kansas City where my father was a Southern Baptist minister. We both felt called by the Spirit to seek out different faith communities that better fit our journeys. He ended up as an Episcopal priest. I found myself drawn to the Disciples of Christ and the United Church of Christ. Read more>>
Amelia Taylor 
My journey began in the kitchen at just six years old, cooking and baking alongside my mom and grandparents. What started as a childhood hobby quickly grew into a genuine passion. Over the years, I began experimenting with recipes, participating in competitions, and sharing my creations with others. Read more>>
Julie Cortés 
I’m nowhere I thought I’d be, yet everywhere I’m supposed to be. Early in my career, I lost my job. As devastating an experience that was, it ended up being a huge blessing in disguise. I started freelancing out of necessity and now—nearly 30 years later, it’s my identity. I started as a freelance copywriter. Read more>>
Nancy Rogge 
What makes our story stand out is that we did not start our wedding venue journey by simply building anew. We have taken our 82-year-old barns and outdoor space and restored it to create a refreshing rustic and charming venue space. But that is not what we planned 40 years ago… Read more>>
Anita Alexander 
Your story is such a big question, when I think about who I really am, it’s someone who wants to make a difference and live a life of helping others. I have been an advocate from a young age. I think most social justice folks can trace it back to childhood. Read more>>
Toni Berrie 
I have an immense love for books and movies, was an elementary school librarian for ten years and am married with four children. In 2019, during Covid, while my children were homeschooling, I was outlining an idea for a novel but kept envisioning it on a screen and decided to write it as a screenplay. Read more>>
Julia Radosz 
I’m an American-Canadian opera singer, voice teacher, and entrepreneur based in Bratislava, Slovakia, but one of the most important turning points in my life happened in Kansas. My training took me to Westminster Choir College and the University of Texas at Austin, followed by a professional career performing with opera companies around the United States. Read more>>
CJ Turner 
I’m Swagg2x, from the South Side of Chicago — and I’m the sound of ChiStyle. Raw energy, real stories, relentless soul. I came straight out of the concrete pulse of the city’s inner-city streets, and I’m not just chasing a dream — I’m carving out a new lane, paved with truth, struggle, hustle, and heart. Read more>>
Alexandra Bustamante 
Ricuras Pechy began at soccer event, where we shared delicious popcorn, with families, prepared with care. what started as a samall venture soon caugth the attention of people who wanted to enjoy our products at their celebrations and event. that when we realized we could bring joy and flavor to many more special occasions. Read more>>
Nevaeh lowen 
Sometimes I think about how I got to where I am today, and I realize this dream has been shaped by so many incredible people along the way. My dad opened so many doors for me while chasing his own career, giving me opportunities and experiences that helped shape the path I’m on today. Read more>>
Bret Miller 
Back in April 2003, I was just a typical 17-year-old high school senior getting ready to play football. One day while watching TV I stretched and scratched my chest and found a lump behind my right nipple. We didn’t have health insurance, so I asked the doctor at my upcoming football physical to check it out. Read more>>
Jodi Brassard 
Hi, I’m Jodi Brassard—an all-around horse trainer and bodyworker based in on the Western Slope in Colorado. My love for horses started early, thanks to my mom, who introduced me to them when I was a little girl. I’ve been riding ever since, and for the past 25 years, I’ve been bodyworking, training, showing, and giving lessons through my busy practice, Brassard Equine Services, LLC. Read more>>
Matthew Kissinger 
My journey in real estate started six years ago, during the uncertainty of COVID-19. At the time, I was working as a server at Rancho Grande, saving every dollar I could to pay for my real estate license. I didn’t come from a background in real estate, and I certainly didn’t have everything figured out. Read more>>
Adrienne Waggoner 
My husband and I both decided a few years ago we were done working for other people. We decided to take a few chances and risks, and a few started working very well, until Covid hit. Then we pivoted to residential and commercial remodeling, which allowed us the freedom to start investing in other ideas. Read more>>
Stacy Spangler 
Ever since I was a little girl, my playtime always included creating. Whether it was sewing Barbie clothes with my grandma, painting salt dough ornaments with my mom, illustrating books with my aunt or just drawing or writing alone in my room, creativity has always been something that brought me joy. Read more>>
Sara Gaddy 
The Holy Spirit gave me a dream that lead me to Kingdom Way Ministries. They rent the building from Living Stones Community Church on Sunday evenings to hold services. Shortly after I began attending, God opened the door for me to work Administration for Living Stones. Read more>>
Chanya (Pim) Ruby 
I think my story began when I moved to Egypt to start 8th grade. I was always interested in art but never really had the chance to explore it much growing up in Thailand. I had a lot of time to kill while waiting to start school in Cairo. So I started drawing. Read more>>
Floice Kemp 
What do I know a out photography? Back in 2021, I was asked to manage the social media account for the company I worked for. ‘Oh take a few photos, write a newsletter no big deal’ my boss down played. It evolved into so much more than that. After six months I moved into a new position but I missed managing a camera. Read more>>
Aziza Balitic 
I have over 3 decades of experience in the hospitality and food service industry. Born and raised in Bosnia, I discovered my drive and passion for cooking at an early age. Sharing food and cooking with love was a family tradition, with her mother and grandmother feeding not only the family, but anyone who came to their door. Read more>>
Betsy Miller 
Betsy Miller: Building a Business with Purpose and Passion Leading the growing team at 2B Organized® keeps Betsy busy, but her passion for the business has never wavered. She launched her own organizing business in 1997, building it into a highly successful local company at a time when the professional organizing industry was still in its infancy and social media didn’t yet exist. Read more>>
Mikayla Jacobs 
Cherry Blossom Botanicals began with a simple belief: the products we use every day should be made with intention, care, and ingredients we can feel good about. Founded by Mikayla and Ariel, Cherry Blossom Botanicals grew from a shared desire to create natural, sustainable alternatives to everyday personal care and household products. Read more>>
Jamie Schuman 
Bale and Ash began as part of our retirement plan, built around something we genuinely love—the intentional pause a good cigar demands and the meaningful conversations it naturally creates among people from all walks of life. Cigar lounges have always held a unique place in the culture of connection and relationship-building. There’s something truly special about that. Read more>>
mooji mooji 
I began my professional career as an IT developer in my early twenties. At first, I was focused on building my future in the field of software development. However, around the age of 22, I unexpectedly developed an interest in drawing, which gradually began to change the direction of my life. Read more>>
Shana R. Puckett 
Hello! I am Shana R. Puckett, a holistic healer, leadership facilitator, and founder of Wayfarer Consulting. Growing up on my grandparents’ farm in central Illinois, I developed a deep connection to and relationship with the natural world. Read more>>
Shelby Jackson 
I’ve always had a passion for esthetics and actually went back to school at the age of 28 to pursue my dream in esthetics. I was working full time and going to school in the evenings and weekends and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made for myself. The esthetics industry is certainly my passion and my calling- such a rewarding career. Read more>>
Tina Branine 
# From Building a Business to Building a Life I Love ### The Real Estate Journey of Tina Branine, Founder of Elevated Home Team My journey in real estate began in 2001 when I earned my real estate license and developed the first transaction coordination department in Kansas City. Read more>>
Angela Harris 
My journey really began with a love for people, a fascination with the human body, and a belief that nature has so much to offer us if we’re willing to slow down, study, and understand it. Read more>>
Julie Bear 
Three antique vendors (from the same mall in Olathe, Kansas) happened to find ourselves at the same garage sale and were standing in the driveway talking. All three of us had operated booths for many years and were either pursuing or thinking about other ways to sell outside of that traditional mall booth environment. Read more>>
Ashley Williams, RN 
Nursing wasn’t my first career. I graduated from the Missouri School of Journalism at Mizzou and spent two and a half years in advertising. I loved the people I worked with, but I eventually realized the work itself just wasn’t for me. My sister suggested nursing, and I was fortunate to be accepted into an accelerated BSN program. Read more>>
Carolyn Walker 
If you had told my teenage self that something as simple as doing my friends’ makeup for school dances and prom would eventually become a career spanning more than a decade, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. My love for makeup artistry began in high school, when friends started noticing my interest in beauty and asking me to do their makeup for special occasions. Read more>>
Devon Belanger 
My journey into Whole-Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) began as a personal trainer, working directly with clients and seeing firsthand how this technology could change the way people approach exercise. The more I worked with WB-EMS, the more fascinated I became by the science behind it. Read more>>
Dee Milton 
My love for candles actually started at a very young age. Growing up, I always had some type of decorative candle in my bedroom. As I got older and moved into my own place, that love only grew. Candles became a staple in my home, not only as part of my decor but also because I loved the warmth, ambiance, and comfort they created. Read more>>
S. Kennedy 
What I have discovered in this journey to fulfill dreams and grow is that we must be prepared to pivot and have an unwavering commitment to build in the light no matter the obstacles before us. Read more>>
Jenna Groves 
My story began with a dream, a little creativity, and a whole lot of heart. I have always been someone who believes in the magic of bringing people together and turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. For me, there is something special about the little details, the unexpected touches, and the feeling you get when a room full of people is celebrating something beautiful. Read more>>
Anthony Evans 
My journey into healthcare began at Pittsburg State University, where I was studying pre-med with plans to become a medical doctor. While working in an emergency room during college, I developed a deep respect for conventional medicine, but also realized I wanted to approach healthcare differently. Around that time, I was introduced to chiropractic and its philosophy of supporting the body’s natural ability to heal. Read more>>
Kris Taylor 
Shy 38 began with the cows on the other side of our fence. In 2013, my family moved to Tonganoxie, Kansas, next to a pasture where a herd grazed each spring and summer. I had always loved animals and was vegetarian at the time, but getting to know those cows personally changed my life. Read more>>
Latasha Randle 
I’m an Atlanta girl at heart, and growing up there shaped so much of who I am today. I grew up witnessing ‘Black Excellence’ firsthand. It wasn’t just a phrase; it was something I saw reflected in the people, businesses, leaders, and communities around me. Read more>>
Sasha Bult-Ito 
I grew up in Fairbanks, Alaska, and started piano at home with my mother when I was four years old. I loved the sound of the piano, having listened to my mother play at home, and was fascinated by all aspects of the instrument. Read more>>
Laura Mariani 
My story starts in northern Italy, in a hospital administration office, where I realized I couldn’t imagine spending the rest of my working life behind the same desk. It was 2012, and I had a stable nine-to-five job, but I wasn’t happy. I wanted to create something, meet people during joyful moments in their lives, and see more of the world. Read more>>
Heather Knearem
Array was born during a season of rebuilding in my life after my divorce. I found myself rediscovering who I was, and what I wanted my life to look like moving forward. Creating candles became a way for me to heal, find purpose, and reconnect with my creativity. Through that journey, the inspiration for Array was born. Read more>>
Paemon Aramjoo 
After high school, Paemon and Ashley pursued their law degrees and developed a shared vision: one day, they would open their own law firm. They were driven by a common belief that many people face difficult legal challenges without the help they truly need. They knew they had both the passion and the skills to make a difference. Read more>>
Kaylee Studna 
My story with Eternity Productions really began when I was 14 years old. I felt like the Lord spoke to my heart and gave me a calling: that I would raise up a generation of young people who knew their talents and gifts and used them to glorify Him. Read more>>
Sadie Krueger 
I’m a third-generation Northern California local, born and raised in Redding, with deep family roots in Shasta County. Growing up surrounded by mountains, rivers, lakes, and incredible natural beauty, I developed an appreciation for the outdoors and the stories that make our region so special. Read more>>
Veronica Black 
I was introduced to entrepreneurship at an early age. My dad was what we now call a serial entrepreneur. He had a snowball stand, a food truck (before food trucks became popular), was a property investor, a landlord, and a general contractor. In all of his endeavors, I was right there helping where I could. Read more>>
Pierre Yancy 
My journey has been shaped by a genuine love for Kansas City, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a lifelong commitment to serving others. I’ve always believed that success isn’t simply measured by what you accomplish personally, but by the opportunities you create and the lives you positively impact along the way. Read more>>
Ashley Whisler 
I was born and raised in the heart of Kansas City in a single-father household, with my grandparents playing a significant role in raising me. I was given responsibilities at a young age, including helping care for my younger siblings. In many ways, I learned to take care of others before I had fully figured out how to take care of myself. Read more>>
Yoni Banayan 
My path into this work was not linear, but it was consistent in one respect: I kept being drawn toward people whose suffering did not fit neatly inside a standard model. Before founding Earth’s Edge Wellness, I worked across outpatient clinics, schools, community settings, and residential eating-disorder treatment. Read more>>
Joseph Nybyk 
My name is Joseph Nybyk, also known as Joseph Neibich, and my journey has been anything but conventional. I grew up in Arizona with a love for storytelling, comedy, and entertainment, and eventually took a leap of faith and moved to Los Angeles in 1997 to pursue my dreams. Read more>>
Aspry Jones 
I’m a writer of fantasy and kids books. As of now, my three works are ‘Protectors Of The Light Crown,’ its sequel ‘Beware The Golden Tigers,’ and my first children’s piece, ‘AJ Learns Self-Love.’ After 25 years working in broadcast television, I have happily transitioned to writing novels and I love every minute of it! Read more>>
Amy Steinhour 
My journey to founding GiftWellSoon started long before I ever imagined becoming an entrepreneur. I’ve spent much of my career in healthcare as a physician assistant, helping patients navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Read more>>
