Nashville’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.

Tresa Halbrooks

Before starting my own company, I spent 11 years directing public and player relations for the Tennessee Titans. There, I had the privilege of shaping the public image of some of the most well-known athletes in the country. I worked on everything from managing their community appearances to producing special events and foundation efforts. One of the most rewarding parts of that role was being able to guide these athletes not only in their professional endeavors but also in their personal growth to help them become better men, both on and off-the-field. Read more>>

Roberta Morton

My journey started as a little girl always wanting to have long hair. I am the only child so I used my imagination a lot. I would take a long sleeve T-Shirt and wear it on my head pretending that is was my hair. The sleeves were my ponytails and the body of the shirt was my hair out flowing in the wind (so I imagined). Most of the time when I would visit my cousin, I would usually do her hair. My goal was to make her hair nice and neat. So I knew I loved grooming and hair growth. It wasn’t until I was let go from a private insurance job, well into my late 20’s, that I said to myself, “let’s give cosmetology a try”. I thought that since I always love grooming hair and I always wanted long hair, why not go learn about hair. Read more>>

Abigale Matthews

There have been many ups and downs throughout the process of growing my photography business. I would say one of my biggest struggles is that things are constantly evolving in this artistic area. It can be challenging to keep up with that constant change at times, especially while managing every other aspect of owning a business. Read more>>

Dave Saunders

I looked at the books on my bookshelf and they seemed to add up to someone who would be a good therapist. I had been on my own mental health journey and many of my friends didn’t hesitate to tell me their deepest darkest secrets because they somehow felt I was a safe person. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. When someone tells me it’s too late to change careers or things about themselves, I tell them it’s seldom too late. Read more>>

Kayla Works

I started my career at Colonial Life in 2011 as Key Office Personnel, taking on various roles over the years. In February 2022, I joined Unum’s National Client Group Underwriting team. My Toastmasters journey began in August 2022 with Unum Toastmasters. I served as Vice President of Public Relations, Club President, and Area Director. Currently, I am the District 63 Club Growth Director for Toastmasters International, where I focus on expanding and supporting clubs across the district. Additionally, I co-lead Unum’s employee network, upLIFT, and serve as Vice President for the Arkansas NAAIA Chapter. Read more>>

Kathryn McGinnis-Jacobsen

When I moved here I struggled to find the brands that I loved. Bra buying is a bit like jean shopping, even within the same brand size and fit fluctuates. Shopping online felt like an expensive gamble, returns were much different than they are in post-covid retail. I kept waiting for a lingerie shop to open that offered what I was looking for in terms of sustainability, quality, fit, and style. Read more>>

Antjuan Johnson

He’s spent many years on the road, and he now wants to tell these stories through his music. Antjuan’s down-home Tennessee roots are seeped deep within his singing, songwriting, and playing. He draws from a variety of genres such as blues, soul, singer-songwriter, and hiphop, but the core of his music is heavily focused on emotional storytelling. \n\n2024 brings the turning of a page for Johnson, as he shifts his focus to captivating an audience and fan base who will appreciate honesty in his lyrics, passion in his playing, and a place to call home in his voice. Read more>>

Jake Larson

We have a broad spectrum of projects behind us at this point. We have built sculptures for local artists, made hand rails for both commercial and residential projects, made custom doors and life size horse sculptures, etc. Our work can be seen on Instagram @builtbyomo and on our website www.builtbyomo.com. Custom projects are our specialty, we love connecting directly with clients and working with them to bring their ideas to life. We offer repairs of all kinds as well. Read more>>

Elizabeth Beard

I am a Middle Tennessee native, living most of my life between the Hermitage and Lebanon area. I am a graduate of Heritage Christian Academy and the first 16 years of my life I would have told you that when I grew up I was going to be the next female vocalist of the year. We dream big but need to also be a little realistic, so I shifted to my next dream. I have also been passionate about event planning, the thought of starting with a vision for an event and bringing that vision to life was always exciting. While in high school and college, I had opportunities to plan dances, community events, church youth retreats, benefit concerts, and special promotional projects at the movie theatre I managed. Read more>>

Gina Di Maio

During this time, I made new friends and connections, and I spent the next year or so working on so many music video and live session shoots, photo assisting, and making so many friends that I may never have met otherwise. As soon as shows came back, I hit the ground running again. I started truly valuing my work and my artistry around this time, and landed my first paid gig! More and more of those came in, and by summer of 2021, I’d decide to drop out of school to pursue freelance work more seriously. I decided that I could always go back to school, but that I’d never get my early 20s and this time to build my career at full speed back. Read more>>

Kurtis Heck

I got along with the owner Earl so it worked for now. After a few months of working there he got diagnosed with cancer and asked me and the other employee to stay at least until his treatment was done to help things running. He treated us well and we had a good relationship. I learned how to weld and helped keep the shop going while he was out a lot getting treatments. Unfortunately, he passed in 2014. After that we were approached about buying the business from his wife. Long hard story short, we finally purchased it in November of 2016, over two years after Earl died. Read more>>

Billy Dutch

For much of the time I lived in my truck and campgrounds eating Dollar store clearance canned food, fish I caught and rabbits that occasionally would make their way into my camp site. After awhile of wondering I figured I’d better find some structure to my life so I found my way to a recruiters doorstep. Joined the Army as a Combat medic for 5 years. Throughout all this time music was always there, writing was always there even though I never thought of making it a career. After serving in South Korea I made the decision to get out and move to Nashville to do music full time. I now play out everywhere I can, write with everybody and continue to blaze my trail. Read more>>

Ava Ware

Without skipping a beat, my dad jumped on his drums, and I sang the lyrics into a microphone. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to be on stage. Throughout middle and high school, I participated in plays, talent shows, and choir, taking every opportunity to perform and express myself. Music is in my blood and songwriting is in my heart. I’ve always had a knack for catchy hooks and melodies, often coming up with new songs during family vacations or whenever I could, quietly humming them into my voice memos. It wasn’t until high school that I realized I could actually pursue music as a career. Read more>>

Vincent Baker

When I first arrived, I took a leap of faith and started working part-time at American Sign Design (AMSD), which was then sharing space with an automobile parts store. It was not long before I became the sole owner of American Sign Design and transformed it into an independent thriving business with its own location. As the owner of AMSD, I have had the privilege of using my graphic design skills and expertise to serve the community in many areas. From designing storefront signs and vehicle wraps to events, graduations, reunions and sports teams paraphernalia, my passion for helping people through personalized graphic designs is what gives me the energy to continue meeting the unique needs of each customer in the Franklin community. Read more>>

Tiffany Johnson

Like anything in life, there have definitely been struggles along the way. I’ve had my moments of not feeling comfortable in my own skin, but I truly feel like I’m finally coming into my own—becoming more confident and proud of who I am. I’ve always had a wide range of musical influences, and I love to shake things up creatively. Experimenting and trying new things is part of the fun for me. I never want to be known as someone who always sticks to the same thing, and accepting that wasn’t easy, especially in a world that loves to put people in boxes. Read more>>

Daniel

Dynamite DJ is a Nashville TN special event DJ locally owned and operated by Daniel and Allison and have been providing wedding DJ and event DJ services in the Nashville TN, Middle TN and Southern Middle KY Area. We have provided DJ services to all types of events. We are licensed, insured and have offered, professional, affordable and flexible DJ services for over 25 years. Read more>>

Harry Fryer

I wanted to re-discover it for myself so 2 years ago I decided to team up with an e-bike company called Super 73 and ride across the US from New York to LA as a modern Cowboy. Along my journey I encountered real cowboys and ranchers, spent endless days on the road discovering new towns and learning first hand that the spirit of the west is alive and thriving. So The Electric Cowboy was born. A brand with a mission to create epic western experiences and products and bring it to the world. I moved to Nashville in December 2024 to build on this mission and to surround myself with the best of country music and likeminded creatives. Read more>>

Justin And Brittany Morrison

By then end of the 2017 market season, they were able to secure a brick and mortar location for their juicing and hemp product business. They officially opened for business January 24, 2018. Since then, they’ve catered the Bonnaroo work crews, vended a variety of music events, private catered for Pretty Lights, had a booth at the Nashville Farmers Market on Rosa Parks Blvd, provided libations at ACME Bar on Lower Broad for the Southern Hemp Expo, and have continued providing fresh juices, smoothies, bowls, canna products and have helped dozens along their health journey! Read more>>

Sheana Harville

It hasn’t exactly been a smooth road. In August 2023, my husband left his job of 7 years, and shortly after, we bought a local frozen yogurt shop. We opened the doors in January 2024, which was exciting but also came with a lot of challenges. I’m a mom of four and I homeschool, so between that, everyday parenting, and navigating major life changes — all while running a brand-new brick-and-mortar business — it’s definitely been a wild ride. We’ve faced a lot of bumps along the way, but we’ve learned and grown through each one Read more>>

Amber Reda

It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but I’ve been incredibly fortunate. As a stay-at-home mom of 5 years, and entrepreneur, balancing family life with building a business had its challenges. However, my husband has been my rock, supporting my dreams every step of the way. Because of that, I’ve been able to fully embrace and enjoy every part of this profession, turning my passion into something truly fulfilling. Read more>>

Arian Zafari

My journey in real estate has been relatively smooth. I’m grateful to have been introduced to a niche within the industry that allowed me to build my network and clientele quickly. By offering a free service to renters, I was able to establish strong relationships and grow my business early on in a new city. The biggest challenge I faced was relocating to Nashville in September 2023 because at the time I didn’t have an established network or familiarity with the local market and submarkets. However, by putting in intentional effort to learn the area and build connections, I was able to position myself as an expert in the space. Read more>>

Honey Eyes

We would be lying if we said it was smooth! The biggest struggle we came across was the unknown. A few years ago there was a lot of uncertainty if we would ever be able to finish our first album. At the time each of us had different plans where we saw ourselves in the future, and with school still in the picture, life got in the way of us finishing the project. While we still had big dreams for Honey Eyes, that uncertainty put a roadblock in the way and was pretty discouraging at times. Coming back together last fall and reminiscing on those tough moments put even more fuel in the fire for our mission now. Read more>>

Bailey Gower

It’s been a rough and exhausting road at times. As usual in an art community, you’ll have people who might not be willing to help you out due to you being so green. But the ones who go out of their ways and give you opportunities definitely gave me the confidence I needed. Also, learning to have thick skin was something that took me a while to obtain. Read more>>

Robert Levine

After 10 years of tremendous success and impact in Baltimore, I was inspired to expand our programs to serve the children and youth of Nashville, TN, where I recently relocated to grow my career as a music producer. I started with a very successful drum clinic event for Nashville youth, followed by an impactful after school music production club at Independence Academy High School in Antioch funded by Tennessee Arts Commission. The rest is history! Onward and Upward from here! Read more>>

Rachel Deeb

Over the last 10 years in Nashville I have developed close relationships with those in the music industry. It has been fun growing along side my peers while looking up to those who have shaped the industry before us. I have worked hard to develop trusting friendships with clients and creatives. I like to describe ELEKTRIK Haus as a music industry “matchmaker” – designed to connect the music industry with top-tier visual artists. I am excited to continue the growth of ELEKTRIK in this community. Read more>>

DeShaunta Lane

I began my journey in the beauty industry with a hair salon (De Lane & Company), and over time, I expanded my vision to include Beauty, Health, and Wellness. That evolution led to the creation of Wellness Body Bar — a Hydrotherapy Colonic Spa and Herbal Supplement store focused on colon and gut health, as well as disease prevention. At Wellness Body Bar, our mission is to support overall wellness from the inside out. Read more>>

KeErrica Smith

I’ve always had the eye for photography , but didn’t start to invest in it more until the pandemic hit . I had so much free time on my hand so why not . I picked up a camera and never put it down , I even gotten with locals that guided me on how to work my camera . So I was at a point of prefecting my craft and I did just that and as the days went on I had gotten better and started investing in myself and my new business . Here I am today with a whole studio and all the things you’ll need to bring your vision to life . Read more>>

Lainie Stubblefield

Lainie Stubblefield was raised in Brentwood, TN. Shortly after receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, she decided to start her career in Atlanta, GA. After living in Atlanta for five years, her interest was brought back to something she had only read and studied about a few years prior. That interest was in the area of alternative healing. It was this interest that took Lainie to the Academy of Somatic Healing Arts in Atlanta. Read more>>

Denise Parton

In 2013, I returned to Murfreesboro after several years in San Diego. By 2015, I had become the Director of Education at a local community theater where I launched a theatrical education program for children. What began as an after-school program quickly grew into a thriving year-round initiative, serving over 800 children annually. Read more>>

Ray Casias

When you’re young, you make mistakes. Sometimes those mistakes cost you relationships, and I don’t think anyone is immune to that. Losing friends along the way is something I wish I could go back and handle differently. But the friendships I’ve made over the last 15 years—through the military and through our gym—mean a lot to me. I try to see those earlier relationships as part of a season in my journey. Read more>>

Matt Clarkson

I picked up a guitar at 16 years old. My whole family played music and above all my father (Scott Clarkson) is who I idolized, and it was he who taught me to play. Once I was getting the hang of singing and playing, I fell in love with writing my own songs. at 19 years old I decided to do an open mic to test my stage fright and that went horribly but the crowd was very polite! I booked small acoustic shows here and there, but it wasn’t until 4 years ago that I ever decided to form a band. Lead guitarist, Kelly Bush, and I had previously competed in a talent show against each other and we are the original founders of MCB. From there we added my cousin William Deckle (Second Lead Guitar), Spencer Barnett (Bass) and Ryan Fyffe (Drums). I myself cover acoustic rhythm and lead vocals. Read more>>

Trina Arrieta

In 2017, my family & I moved from Southern California to Spring Hill, TN. We had no family or friends here, so we had no one to help us with our children when we needed to attend an appointment, look at homes, or visit schools. A friend of mine introduced me to a facility in Franklin, TN that provided “casual drop-in childcare services”. I had no idea anything like that even existed at the time. I became friends with the owner and told her how great it would be to start something like that in Spring Hill. At the time, she was not looking to expand her business, but she was kind enough to tell me all about how I could start one of my own. Read more>>

Frederico Tonete

Then, at 40, I did something wild: I pivoted. I jumped headfirst into the world of public relations—no safety net, just passion, curiosity, and a whole lot of grit. Starting over in a new industry was terrifying and thrilling, but it’s been the most rewarding risk I’ve ever taken. Today, I’m proud of the momentum I’ve built and the incredible stories I get to help bring into the spotlight. The hustle looks a little different now, but the fire’s the same—and honestly, it’s only getting stronger. Read more>>

Corrin Hein

I must say that God has truly blessed my business as it is founded in Him. As women, we are Fit to Reign because we are daughters of the One True King. We are created in God’s image! I always keep Christ at the center of everything I do with Fit to Reign, and I believe that is why my business has been successful. The most important thing for me to remember is that I was created for a purpose, and if I keep my eyes on God, He will lead me along the right path, bringing honor to His name. That is what I strive for in life, and I feel privileged to be able to pursue my passion for pageantry while fulfilling my purpose! Read more>>

Cortina L. Seward

I’m a passionate photographer who lives for capturing emotion, connection, and joy. My journey began in the small town of Covington, where teenage me could always be found with a disposable camera in hand snapping family moments, candid smiles, and everything in between. If someone needed to relive a memory, they came to me. I had the photos. I had the moment. Even back then, I knew the power of freezing time. Read more>>

Brian Booth

His hustle paid off. Biggz landed a full-time engineering position at *Thomas Crown Recording Studios*, working under none other than super-producer Timbaland. At 25, his passion for the mic reignited, leading to the formation of *World Order* — a rap group that shared stages with Trae da Truth, Little Debbie, Stylez P, Slaughterhouse, Ginuwine, King Los, Twista, Mystikal, Scarface, Kirko Bangz, Stitches, and Slim Jesus. Read more>>

Kirsti Morrow

Alongside running my business, I work full-time in finance and also serve on the Young Professionals Board at The Next Door Recovery, a local women’s addiction treatment center that’s incredibly close to my heart. I’m passionate about helping women feel empowered – whether that’s through beauty, financial confidence, or healing, and I feel lucky to get to do a little bit of all of that in my work and community. Read more>>

Sebastian Cortes

Fast forward 2019 I played my first big show at The Cowan in Nashville for support with Bear Grillz. The pandemic hit and I began to re-brand the Sudz logo. I had my first label release in 2019 for a remix competition for Recall Records. Later getting another release on their sub label Rekondite records for a collab with GDLK. Following that release I would release another collab with Mizter Bonezz on Shlumped Records. Shortly after, I would go on to release 3 more remixes. Then the pandemic hit and I stopped music. Read more>>

Carmen Wagner

A close family member was drinking a LOT of coffee (read ‘living on creamer and coffee, very low actual food intake!’) He was struggling to kick the habit because as he put it, “you don’t understand, there’s nothing like it!” Always up for a challenge, I searched and quickly realized, there WAS nothing like it on a lot of levels. The options were inconvenient, outdated, and left a LOT to be desired in taste and benefits. “It couldn’t be THAT hard to come up with something better, why hasn’t anyone fixed this?”, I wondered. I started tinkering in my kitchen and a few weeks later, I realized that creating this ‘new cup of Joe’ was my passion.  Read more>>

Lilliana Leurs

Gymnastics has taught me so much more than tricks and skills. It has taught me to be tenacious, to be consistent, to persevere, and to do hard things. At one point in my gymnastics career, I developed a mental block and I was terrified to do anything backward. I wouldn’t do skills I had done for years, even do a backbend, because I was in so much fear all the time. During this part of my journey, I learned that my identity was not in gymnastics but in God. Eventually, I was at a competition and got the courage to do a back handspring on the floor again. To this day, that is one of my most valuable core memories. I think back on how important it was that I pushed through the fear, overcame that huge obstacle, and persevered. Read more>>

Zach Halfhill

I’ve always been a punk and a hardcore kid so starting something like Guerilla Bizkits makes a lot of sense looking back, but if you would’ve told me 10 years ago that this is what I would be doing I would’ve laughed in your face. I mean really…a vegan bizkit shop that sells hardcore records, has a strong focus on mutual aid, supports the queer community, and gives out free condoms – hilarious. It’s crazy what a natural disaster followed by a pandemic 10 days later will do to a person’s idea of reality and what they can or are “supposed to be” doing. Read more>>

Katie Domschke Becca Richardson

Becca and Katie first crossed paths in a local songwriting group called The Pizza Collective, whose only membership requirement was submitting a song a week to the group. For nearly two years, they honed their songwriting skills through keen creative discipline, rarely missing a week. During that time, they occasionally collaborated on each other’s solo projects, building a natural musical chemistry. Eventually, both began to feel the pressure of carrying their respective bands as the sole songwriters. That shared experience led Katie to ask Becca to join her band, Riley Parker, marking a new era for the band. The duo is currently working on their debut full-length album, set for release in late Fall 2025. Read more>>

Blaine Fuhs

He’s spent his career working across industries, partnering with brands like Adidas, Google, Delta, and Land Rover. He’s also collaborated with top talent in the music world — from the Chainsmokers and Marshmello to Odesza and Justin Bieber. These experiences have given him a broad and unique perspective on business, culture, and what drives people. Read more>>

Marianny Ramirez

Upon arriving in Nashville, I began to explore new possibilities, including the world of makeup. I was captivated by the way makeup could transform someone’s appearance and make them feel more confident and empowered. When I did makeup, I fell deeply in love with designing eyebrows and the way I could make each face unique. My goal was always to achieve healthy and radiant skin for my clients. Read more>>

Gabe

Throughout my career, I’ve prioritized giving back to the music community that has nurtured me. I take great pride in sharing my experiences and insights with aspiring producers and artists, particularly in areas such as music theory, songwriting, and the intricacies of the music business. Teaching these fundamentals not only fuels my passion for music, but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration within the industry not often found. I’m happy to do it. Read more>>

Clare Cunningham

Some of the career highlights that mean the world to me include my Grand Ole Opry debut in 2023, sharing the stage with legends like Garth Brooks and Steve Earle. Winning Female Entertainer of the Year at the 2024 Josie Music Awards (held at the Grand Ole Opry) was another major milestone, as was performing at bucket-list venues like the CMA Theatre, The Bluebird Cafe, and many more. Signing a major record deal with Warner Sweden in 2013 with my then-band THUNDERMOTHER (after they discovered me on YouTube) was also a huge moment in my journey. Read more>>