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.

Javier Mendoza

Pure heart and soul. That’s how you can best describe Hobo Cane. Born as Javier Alberto Mendoza in the state of Virginia to a Spanish mother and Mexican/American father, Javier’s love for music burned bright from a young age. He started his musical career joining Warner-Chappell as a staff writer in Miami, FL. There he spent his time writing tunes for mega pop sensations such as Enrique Iglesias, Juan David, Ricky Martin, Rosario and more. The ever-winding path of life took him to Saint Louis: City of Miles Davis, Tina Turner and Chuck Berry, where he saw musical success with his new following. In 2014 Mendoza moved to Music City, Nashville, TN where he is embarking on a project as Hobo Cane. Read More>>

Lauren Kilgore

I grew up in Birmingham, Alabama in a home filled with music. My father, both a cancer surgeon and world-class fingerstyle guitarist, introduced me at a young age to guitar legends like Chet Atkins, Merle Travis, Django Reinhardt, and Jerry Reed. My parents also exposed me to a wide range of musical genres, and I grew up listening to everything from Billie Holiday and Fleetwood Mac to Muddy Waters, Dolly Parton, and Rage Against the Machine. Our home was a hub for jam sessions with many talented musicians, and I spent countless late nights listening to those stellar performances. I also attended many live shows, deepening my love for live music. Read More>>

Korean Harris

Covenant Keeper was born out of one of the darkest seasons of my life. I was trapped in an abusive relationship, feeling broken, unworthy, and completely alone. The weight of it all was crushing, and I didn’t know how to take the next step forward. In my desperation, I turned to God, the only One who could meet me in my brokenness and guide me out.At rock bottom, I cried out to Him, unsure of what else to do. Read More>>

Cordell Winter

With a highly anticipated new album on the way being produced by “Cage The Elephants” Lincoln Parish, Winter’s creativity shows no signs of slowing down. His upcoming projects promise to bring singer songwriter connection, ethereal sounds, punk rock undertones, and his signature blend of vulnerability and passion. Beyond music, Winter looks forward to sharing his thoughts and experiences as an author of his soon published books, further cementing his role as a poet pushing the ledge of the human spirit. Read More>>

Thomas Finch

I officially launched FDS Drum Services to meet that need, offering everything from snare cleanups and hardware refurbishing to full drum set restorations, repairs, drum curations for museums, custom drumheads, refinishing, and everything in between. It’s a full-service drum tech and service company. I’ve built the business on the principles of craftsmanship, transparency, and a genuine love for building up the drumming community around me. Read More>>

Sarah Sanders

As a hairstylist, starting your career over is not easy. It was a difficult decision to move 9 hours away from everything you know, but I knew God had a plan for me. I sadly said goodbye to my clients in Pittsburgh and moved down south in December of 2023. It was a rough start building from the ground up, but I have met and gained so many wonderful connections in Nashville. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else! This month I opened my own studio in Mount Juliet. Glory Hair Studio is a dream I’ve had since I started in the hair industry and I couldn’t be more excited. Read More>>

Declan Lawlor

In 2023 I left my job at a financial technology company in Nashville to enroll in IYRS School of Technology and Trades in Newport, RI. I had been working my job in Nashville since I graduated college and felt I was spending too much of my time inside, in front of a screen. I wanted a change of environment, to learn something new, and to challenge myself. When I found IYRS, I knew it would be the perfect fit. Read More>>

Taylor Hughes

However, as I got older, I became more shy and not as vocal about my dreams for reasons I’m not real certain of to be honest. I was always involved with school and church choir, singing for my friends whenever I could but never expressed that being a singer was what I wanted. I guess I hadn’t realized it could be a career yet! I was also heavily involved with athletics for many years. I played volleyball from middle school to almost the end of my high school career; it consumed all my time, but I loved it. I had plans of going to college on a scholarship until I suffered a career ending injury. Little did I know, this was a blessing in disguise! Read More>>

Ciciley Hoffman

I was involved in theater throughout my childhood, high school, and college years. I’m from Nashville, so I always had friends and boyfriends in bands who needed help styling for photo shoots and album covers, so I began doing that fairly young. After graduating from Oberlin College, I became more involved in film and television than theater. I participated in the 48 Hour Film Project many times early in my career, and that helped me gain a reputation as a creative, adept, and detailed costume designer. Read More>>

Melissa Kreis

2024 marked our 20th year in business for Tomboy Organic Skincare Co. We have bootstrapped the company and grown in our tiny hometown and now are building our Forest Formulary where we manufacture products that we sell all over the world. Next door, the Woodland Spa waits to welcome guests for a holistic facial, a Swedish-Thai massage and a trip to the sauna and cold plunge! Read More>>

Nicole Dederer

But I am so glad I gave it a shot because it has pushed me in so many ways to be a better artist and person – even just in boosting my confidence and making me a better communicator (as it takes a lot of clear communication to get what is in someone else’s head out on paper). Now I feel like I’ve found my home. I’ve found a career where the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. It feels like a place I can learn and grow forever. I’ve been in this place now since 2017 and I still feel like I have so much to learn. I am so thankful for the guys at Golden Yeti Art Collective for giving me this shot and continuing to pour into me since then. Read More>>

Ners Neonlumberjack

These adventures are rarely smooth! Always some unknown, unexpected, unwanted happenings that announce themselves. Which at this point have just made other opportunities present themselves. A tire blowing out leads to a break in a hotel with a hot tub. A valley road being closed leads to swimming in turquoise waters in the presence of river otter. Power going out in town shows off the vastness of the Milky Way galaxy. Being able to see the high elevations from below sea level makes one wonder what is next and appreciate the little things that could very well change quickly and without warning. Having lived in a place called Death Valley makes this quite apparent in literal ways. Read More>>

Edible Ed

I really have no idea. I’ve lived a very charmed Life. It would definitely make for one heck of a film. But when I was younger, I would have game plans for how I would approach my Life. If Life wanted to play rough, I’d be prepared to pivot, no problem. But that all changed with surgery after surgery. It’s hard to plan anything when your body doesn’t want to cooperate. But I have a choice and I will always choose to do my best. Always. That’s why I have made the connection and impact I have made. When you see Edible Ed, you see me. Not a character. Read More>>

Justus Haye

When I was in middle school, I attended a charter school where we had to wear uniforms. It was a lot different from what my friends wore in public schools because they could wear whatever they wanted. Seeing the freedom they had to express themselves through their clothing really inspired me. Even back then, I knew I wanted to be my own boss and create my own path, so I started taking steps toward that goal at an early age. I then started the brand when I was a sophomore in high school! Read More>>

Stacey Rhodes

My retail business grew organically as I learned about my customers and their interests and needs in fashion. As my business grew I listened to my customers and curated my boutique around what was best for them. I was always looking for new and different lines and kept a staff that catered to my customers. Because I grew my business slowly I really didn’t have any struggles along the way. When I eventually closed my boutique it was a natural transition for me as I continued to be involved in the fashion, art and design community and supporting other businesses. Read More>>

Shannon Woodworth

Realizing how much I wanted to follow my heart and make a meaningful impact led me to a professional transition into the nonprofit space, where I now work on the marketing team at Susan G. Komen. Every day, I have the privilege of helping to market efforts as a part of a team where the mission is to help find cures for breast cancer, faster. This work is deeply personal, as both of my grandmothers passed away from breast cancer, exactly one year apart, on New Year’s Eve. In many ways, this career feels like a full-circle moment — a way to honor them and help make a difference for others with the most incredible group of people I have ever had the privilege of working with. Read More>>

Halee Sprinkle

I spent over a decade in corporate marketing, working with diverse organizations on initiatives like fundraising and outreach, as well as a corporate movie distribution company where I specialized in creative strategy and large-scale promotional campaigns for our regional teams and loyalty programs. While I loved the work, I often felt that something was missing. The fast pace and demands of corporate life left me little time to connect with my roots or fully explore my passion for integrating community impact into my professional life. That realization kept nudging me to do something different. Read More>>

Justin Loretangeli

Pro Country is a lot of work. A lot of the time, I come home from my day job and then start doing Pro Country work. There’s certainly been times where I’ve gone through some serious burnout periods, and it took me a while to learn how to navigate them. And I’m still working on it, honestly. But at the end of the day, I love being able to talk to the musicians that create the music that I love, and I take the responsibility of sharing their art very seriously. And I know there’s people out there, like me, who appreciate in-depth looks at these artists and their music, which is what I aim to provide. And I think that is something that both sets Pro Country apart and keeps it interesting for me; there’s always great music coming out, so there’s always new stories to tell. Read More>>

Dori Gronich

I really found myself and my style in college. Both in art and friends. Even after failing basic mathematics twice, I graduated from State University of New York at Oswego back in 2017! I’m so grateful for my time there. 3 years after that would be the start of the pandemic. After realizing working at a childcare was not making ends meet, I moved back with my parents to Nashville, Tennessee. 2 years ago I met my boyfriend and we are happily living together at an apartment complex in Bellevue, Tennessee! I’m grateful for my friends and family for shaping me into who I am today. To all the bullies, I’m successful and the happiest I’ve ever been. Read More>>

Lance Cowan

The struggle has been one of confidence. Even when I put my debut record out, I worried about what peers and critics would say. I sent the record to critics I know are willing to pan a record (if they are not willing to do that, what’s the point of a review; that’s part of what makes their opinion worth something). I sweat every time a review came in. Guess what! I didn’t get a single negative review, and my album even topped a few critics’ “best of 2024” lists!  Read More>>

Third Dagree

They have never seen or heard anything like me and more so I’m better than who they’ve banked on and that can be threatening and frightening! I don’t compete, I coach and all that I’ve asked since meeting these people that are in the way or them hearing of me, is for them to move out of the way, since it’s clear and apparent that they have no clue what they’re doing! The big plus in all of this, is that the movers, shakers, and fans in all of the major markets tap in, rock, and purchase my product! So, I don’t get involved with the local subpar antics! Perseverance is key and good product will sell it self, and the proof is definitely in the pudding! Read More>>

Debbie Meritsky

Today, EMG has 8 standard blends on the menu with 2 seasonal options and a new R.A.D. blend coming out next week at the opening of the Winter Farmers Market at Historic Market Square. We are incredibly proud of the way we are continuing to build this little food production company… We source as much organically as possible, we NEVER use seed oils or processed sugars, offer you the opportunity to build your own via our website link https://eatmygranola.net/collections/make-your-mix and we sell on line, in person at a multitude of markets because we love catching up with our fans! We also offer some custom gluten free desserts (Maple Pecan Bars and 7 layer bars) Read More>>

Taylon Hope

Another highlight was performing at the Grand Ole Opry House, where countless legends have graced the stage before me. Each performance there is steeped in tradition and history, making it an unforgettable experience every time. Additionally, I’ve had the pleasure of singing at The Bluebird Cafe, renowned for its intimate setting and focus on songwriting excellence. It’s a venue where many famous artists have been discovered, making it an honor to share my music there. Currently, I’m also hosting monthly shows at The Listening Room Cafe—a space dedicated to showcasing original songs from both emerging and established artists. Read More>>

Gina Carrillo

I started writing in my early teens. It started with a diary and then evolved to Poetry. I wrote about love, loss, strength and resilience. About overcoming deaths, beating stage 3 Breast cancer, domestic violence and grief. When COVID hit, I had to work from home. This game me the opportunity to indulge in my passions of Poetry and Art. I started performing virtual events and zooms and then live shows consistently since 2020. Read More>>

Kiersten Rae Lasley

I’ve known since I was a little kid that I wanted to be a musician. My parents tell me I was constantly writing songs, singing in the backseat of their car and always gathering up the family to perform little shows for them. Fast forward to high school, where I started to take the writing side more seriously. During that time, I felt so strongly that I needed to apply to Belmont University for their Songwriting Major. While at Belmont, I learned so much about the craft of songwriting as well as the music business, and discovered I had a passion for writing for other artists. Now I write songs 5 days a week and love it! Read More>>

Anna Dicarlo

For LBN I handcraft, research and test all my products which I believe sets it apart just on its own. But on top of that, I also produce these products only when ordered. Making the product as fresh as it can be when you receive it. Read More>>

Brianna Jones

A major obstacle that I’ve had at times is confidence. Sometimes I’d have the tendency to compare myself to others because either I didn’t look like them or I wasn’t where they were when it came to modeling. I learned that was such a bad train of thought. Because it’s ok to be different and it’s certainly alright if you aren’t where you wanna be yet. You still have time to get there eventually. Read More>>

Ash Taylor

I didn’t pick up a guitar until I was 17, but once I did, I was hooked. I taught myself how to play, spending hours learning chords and writing melodies, and it quickly became my way of expressing everything I couldn’t put into words. After high school, I decided to dive deeper into music, so I went to audio school and started working in numerous studios after graduating. It was there, surrounded by so many talented musicians and creatives, that I discovered songwriting. That was when everything clicked for me—I realized songwriting was my true passion and the path I wanted to follow. Read More>>

Gemma Downes

Music Of The Future started over 10 years ago now. I created it for unsigned or independent artists/bands who are looking for feature opportunities to showcase their music but with the global recognition we also have some signed artists to bigger labels often wanting to feature. All features are free as I feel especially for those who don’t have the financial backing of labels or working multiple jobs to fund their music career. Read More>>

Ne’yanna Williamso

Years four through six I have added a plethora of life lessons. I became a salon owner and a master loctician. I learned that feelings doesn’t belong in business. I learned to stay consistent even when things get hard. I experienced burn out for the first time and learned how to include me time to keep me balanced. Regardless of what life brought to my front door I remained resilient, I kept my fluidity in sight so i could shift accordingly. From year four until currently my business has been earning six figures. You asked me how I got here ? I got here by remaining focused on what I wanted for myself. I got here by overcoming. I got here by putting out in the world what i wanted in return no matter how i’m treated.I got here by trusting God. Read More>>

Tamara Gentuso

And then it happened: I started carving out times to be creative AND even began to earn a little something for it by working as a freelance photographer. Accepting pretty much any gig, I eventually found my way from soccer, senior photos, and weddings to photojournalism and it was there that I felt great peace and fulfillment — especially when shooting overseas for several non-profit organizations. Read More>>

John Quillen

I started organizing beginner mountaineering trips after participating in several myself. I learned what is important to those who are interested in getting their feet wet at altitude and having all the safety rails in place. My company uses our decades of experience in South America and across the globe to employ the best local guides and lodging. Read More>>

Maya Perez

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned since COVID-19 is the value of adaptability and resilience. The pandemic forced me to rethink how I work and connect with clients. It taught me to embrace flexibility, whether it was rescheduling events, offering smaller, intimate sessions, or adapting to virtual consultations. Read More>>

Cosy Murphy

I started my podcast, Weekdays with Murph, back in 2012 as a way for some incredibly talented people to come, share their stories and just be heard. In 2014, I made the switch to covering music, which is my real passion. As for how I got into podcasting, I had (and still have) a few friends who were in the podcast space before me, and I thought to myself “If they can do this, so can I”. Read More>>

Marty Lamain

One struggle I think all artists have is a desire to prove they’re worth something, that their art has meaning and value. So we become chameleons and try to fit in whatever space will have us, diluting our taste and meeting some arbitrary expectation. And we do it out of a pure desire to make art and be successful, but we end up sacrificing ourselves in the process. That’s something I’ve struggled with in a town with such eclectic musical tastes. Read More>>

Anna Shinholster

When I first started performing, I was fortunate to be surrounded by an incredibly supportive music community that I could learn from and share my music with. I was encouraged by so many artists that I now consider my music family. I started performing at open mics around 12-13, frequenting Madlife Stage & Studios, a venue in my hometown of Woodstock, GA. I played in two Undiscovered Artist Competitions there and started playing professional gigs around the age of 15. I have been performing regularly across the southeast ever since, and have performed on my own, with bands, and in songwriters festivals. Read More>>

Lilli Grace Barden

One morning, I woke up to about 20,000 followers after a video I posted went viral. In it, I had written a guitar riff in the time signature 11/8, which I guess was enough of a hook to draw people in. Once that happened, my life was a whirlwind of responding to comments, fielding partnership requests, and crossing my fingers hoping to go viral again, all the while posting even more videos. It felt like what I was supposed to do. Read More>>

Rose Browne

My parents started a family very early in their life with little to no support. My mom had my oldest sister when she was 14 years old and they continued to grow our family unit until it was six of us, as I am the middle child. Growing up in a large family, we experienced a lot of adversity. We spent a lot of time in and out of homeless shelters and relocating throughout different schools in New York. In spite of those experiences, our family foundation was always rooted in love and unity. Read More>>

Mason Solomon

I grew up on the Upper Eastside in New York City raised by two parents who, while they did not play any instruments themselves, were extremely musically inclined. They did all they could to immerse my younger sister and I in all different styles and genres of music ranging from The Barenaked Ladies to Green Day, Run DMC to Taj Mahal, and Broadway to Mozart. Music was omnipresent in our household at all hours and always on for car rides of any duration. Besides a (very) brief stint with piano lessons and a short entanglement with the clarinet in elementary school, I didn’t truly start playing music until I got to high school. Read More>>

Cody (filbert) Ayers

My mother and stepfather, Chris, began to share why they had been attending so many hospital visits. They told us that Chris had been diagnosed with Stage 3 pancreatic cancer. As a sixth-grader, I didn’t understand much about the disease. All I knew was the word “cancer” and the fear that accompanied it. Pancreatic cancer was especially cruel, with a five-year survival rate below 4% at the time. Despite the grim statistics, I clung to hope and was determined that Chris would beat the odds. Read More>>

Rafe Carlson

It hasn’t been the path that’s most popular lately. My fans are in the Midwest. They come to my shows. I tour. I’ve played a couple hundred shows a year before. I’m active on social media, but I always will bet on the power of authentic, real-life experiences. That’s why I’ve built my career and brand the way I have. Face to face. Read More>>

Jenna Jane

My name is Jenna Jane, I have been involved with music as long as I can remember, I grew up in it. Music was definitely an outlet for me, especially after the loss of my mother at a young age. My father was a drummer, and my uncle is still actively playing bass in his band. They really were the ones that pushed me to sing and then start learning other instruments. My dad bought me my first acoustic guitar when I was 12 years old. While I got help from my musical influences around me, I was determined to be self-taught. I had my dad drive me to Walmart and I picked up a poster that had pretty much every guitar chord on it. Read More>>

Ramon And Jennifer Alvarez

It’s been an amazing journey. I’m not the only one who loves the boxing gym. Elijah Jewson stayed on as head coach. Member Alex Hampton signed on as our Marketing Director, and our family friend, Katie Frye, immediately offered to become our Gym Manager. We’re lucky to have a talented team of people who have the same dream: to make Legends Boxing & Wellness Center Columbia’s premier full-service boxing gym and wellness center. Read More>>

Misantropia Miscelanea

My specialty is underground hardcore rock, with some sparkles in math rock and punk and, with influences and some touches in death’n’ roll, metalcore and contemporary stuff Read More>>

Shannon Briggs

Like many professional beginnings, I waited tables throughout my college experience. What was supposed to just be a job to pay the bills while in school became a winding professional journey that led me to where I am today. During a summer break in between graduate school years, I reached out on a whim to one of the owners of this local, family-owned restaurant and asked for a marketing internship. She said yes and hired me immediately as the company’s first Marketing Intern. That internship turned into a part-time Marketing Assistant role, and then after my graduation became a full-time Marketing and Events Coordinator role. Read More>>

Gia Orozco’

It hasn’t, only because like any business, it’s always slow starting it up. It’s really hard to put yourself out there and build up clientele when no one really can vouch for the work. It definitely takes a couple years to get to where you want to be and can officially say, I made it! With every business you have slow and busy days, so it’s really never a set thing. Read More>>

Leo Duke

The future seemed very unclear after I graduated, but someone I knew recommended I move to Nashville as the rock scene was really starting to develop. After studying guitar building at Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery, I moved to Nashville in February of 2023. I came to the city with no money and few connections, but luckily I was able to build my way back up thanks to my job at Gibson Custom Shop. I was able to work mornings and go out and search for musical opportunities in the afternoons and evenings. After two years of hustling, I was able to leave Gibson and focus on my music full time! Now I’m in the midst of writing and recording more new music, that I am looking to release in the spring! I can’t wait for you to hear it! Read More>>

Lii

It all started for me when I heard my first tune. Growing up I’ve always had an attraction to sound. It’s a part of me. To me , creating is an essential piece of my life that I carry with me daily. Forwarding through time , I’ve realized along my journey I have had the privilege to meet so many different creators and people, who have helped shape the appreciation I have grown to love in understanding the value in music, as a beautiful expression of art. Read More>>

Brandon Boyd

As I grew older, my passion for audio and technology only intensified. I decided to pursue this passion academically and earned an associate degree in Audio Production. While working toward this degree, I supported myself by working in hotels, where I discovered a new love—hospitality. This newfound passion led me to further my education and earn a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management. Read More>>

Adam Sanner

I would light for some pretty cool shoots. In the meantime I was still shooting on my own and learning new things. My gear progressed and my lighting progressed. My career in photography was very unexpected, but God has plans beyond our understanding. As of now, I shoot for families, weddings, headshots, album covers… anything involving people. I shoot for two magazines, Real Producers and covers for YOUR Williamson. My absolute favorite shoot was at a CMA after party at Ronnie Dunns house. When you get People Magazine and InStyle using your photos, it really means something. I’m just a guy that fell in love with the art of photography. The ride is always a rollercoaster but it’s worth it to feel like I never work a day in my life. Read More>>

Mark Brown

For me, the magic was the easiest part of the journey and the business side of things was the most difficult. I had to learn how to build and maintain a website, SEO, google ads, contracts, pricing, sales, and so much more. I am very blessed to have some incredible mentors and friends in my life that have helped me along the way. Nashville is also the type of city that will help you succeed. I get a lot of business from word of mouth. The people around you want to help you succeed. Read More>>