

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.
Colman Connolly’

I was born into a musical family. My dad is a world-class button accordion player from Ireland who has performed with Sting and others, and my mom is a flute player. My dad’s father made button accordions for a living, and his uncle is a renowned fiddle player. On my mom’s side, her uncle, Peter McCann, was a prominent Nashville songwriter. I grew up playing Irish music in pubs and bars with my parents and their Irish music friends, competing in Ireland several times. At 16, I won the International Accompaniment Competition. Read More>>
Friendstore

Our music combines elements of psyche rock, funk, disco, and 80’s new wave. It’s highly experimental, designed to make you do that puppy head tilt thing they do whenever they hear a new sound. We’re just trying to have fun, make some good music, and scratch an itch in people’s brain. Read More>>
Brandon Allen

I have been a lifelong drummer and started at young age. My first glimpse of a drum set was at my uncle’s house, who also played the drums growing up. I immediately fell in love with the power and excitement of the instrument, and haven’t looked back since! I grew up in Orange County CA, and lived there until moving to Nashville at the start of 2023. Southern California has a great music scene, and allowed me to work full time as a musician since age 18. Read More>>
Diego “Bull” Avello

As an immigrant, I had to face additional challenges. like learning a new language or adapting to a new country and culture. Also, besides the “regular” challenges of being a musician, I had to achieve notable goals to keep my Artist music Visa renewed and my Green Card finally approved. Without a doubt, that was my number one focus and priority. Lawyers are expensive, immigration processes are extremely difficult, and the competition in the music industry is very tough. Rock and Roll was born in the US, and musicians here are among the best! I work extra hard to stay relevant and competitive Read More>>
Rich Rossman

We have done a lot of private lessons, graduation parties, birthday parties, wedding parties, corporate events. We’ve been contacted by big names periodically to do events in town. Our favorite events though are ones that just get people moving and happy Read More>>
Emily Noel

Being in this industry is a wild ride and certainly not for the faint of heart. The highs are high and the lows are low. Sometimes the lows happen far more often, but the moments of success are everything. I think the most important thing for me in my moments of struggle, is to remember why I started doing this in the first place and what it means to me. I think it is also really important not to compare yourself to others doing the same thing. Everyone works at different paces and everyone’s idea of success is different. Your journey and your path is yours for a reason and it will lead you to where you need to be always. Read More>>
Sherria Hester

It takes one time to visit Middle and West Tennessee, and you will learn real quick smooth roads are rare. If you know, you know. You are guaranteed to find a pothole and construction site at every turn. Just like life, you learn to use caution, your navigation skills, and best judgment to get to your destination safely. Read More>>
Maria Murray

Most definitely it has been bumpy. Starting out being someone who was private and wouldn’t share much on social media unless it was to friends. Being able to balance a full time job and being an entrepreneur has been rough, some people don’t talk about not having support from friends or family and that is hard because you think they will automatically be your number one supported and that’s far from the truth. Finding balance between all of it was rough. I’m a mom of two girls and now a grandma for being pulled away had been hard because I’ve always been the foundation to my family. Read More>>
Robert Eidson

Definitely not smooth, but very rewarding. My biggest struggles were tech related. I came from the operations side of Brick-and-Mortar Business real-world old-school knowledge. Read More>>
Kelli Johnson

I started singing in church at the age of 4, and wrote my first song when I was 8. I sang in every church service, school program, and pageant that I could. After touring and performing as an artist and writing my own songs,I wanted to start writing songs for other artists. So, I moved to Nashville 8 years ago, and now have close to 100 songs that have been cut. Read More>>
Cash Daniels

That same day I saw a sea turtle and manta ray from the pier. I knew that the same trash I had just seen could negatively impact those beautiful sea creatures. Leaving the beach and returning home to a landlocked state was an odd feeling of hopelessness. How could I do anything from Tennessee? Then, I learned about how polluted and compromised our freshwater ecosystems are. I knew then, I could do something. I have often heard others say they are waiting on someone to fix a problem. At that moment, I realized I was that someone! I refused to sit back and complain, but took action instead. Read More>>
Dylan Wolff

The longer I had been in Nashville playing shows and experiencing the lifestyle of a blossoming country singer, the more clear it became what was setting me apart from my fellow up-and-comers. While everybody was always set on trying to blend in with the sound of the stars of our day like Morgan Wallen, I only had ever wanted to emulate my greatest idols, like Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and so on. I also had learned how easy it is to lose a rowdy crowd’s attention with ballads and plain concepts, so it became important to me to mix a few funny, lighthearted songs into my sets, like my fan-favorite song “Handyman” that’s coming out this February. Read More>>
Amanda Sweeney-Jones

Obsessed much- as I am, with design, architecture, and real estate and I realized I was wanting to learn and grow professionally. So I decided to get my real estate license in 2020, and it was a perfect fit. Now could I tie all of my past experience with interior design and construction, and use it to grow my million dollar real estate business. Wow! What a difference that has made! I can understand more than the average realtor because I have been a project manager on builds-knowing your product (houses) from the ground up literally. I have always loved people and they open up to me freely, maybe because I am willing to listen and share also. Read More>>
Nickola Magnolia

I think im primarily known for my voice and my tattoos. Folks are generally surprised to hear my voice and country music, when they see me they after think I’m part of a rock band because im so heavily tattooed. Despite my often perceived “tough” exterior, my voice is tender, and lyrics are vulnerable, and I think that really sets me apart from others. I’m most proud of my first Album Broken Lonesome, and it’s absolute authentic comment on life and love. Read More>>
Chasity Turbeville

Anything worth having doesn’t come easy, that goes for everything in life, but especially business. If you truly love what you do & pour your whole heart and soul into what you love, then you should keep going.. It’s not been a smooth road for me. I started my small business during a global pandemic. There was so much uncertainty & doubt in my mind if I was even cut out for entrepreneurship. Read More>>
Tala Shatara

I am a news anchor and on-air personality with K-LOVE Radio! I come from the world of communications and broadcasting where I spent the majority of my career in television. I started my journey of Broadcast Journalism at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN (if you don’t count the amazing productions I forced my parents to watch when I was a little girl! LOL). Read More>>
Chris Ewing

Our business journey has had many ups and downs! The first year, Ivory & Green grew so much faster than I had anticipated. It was a great problem to have, but I had to do a lot of learning on the fly. As the years have gone on, I have had to slow down and reorganize, refine, and refocus much of my business in order to reach my goals. I have learned so much through experience and the amazing advice of my business peers. Read More>>
Macey Korth

Like with any small business, you learn so much along the way—things you never expected. But honestly, the biggest challenge I’ve faced hasn’t been about creating or designing—it’s been about taking that leap to actually open the business and, every single day, choosing to keep going. It’s about staying committed to spreading that little bit of extra cuteness and joy, no matter what. That’s the challenge I embrace and love most. Read More>>
Tiffany Tynes-Gonzales

Comedy became my creative outlet. While waiting for auditions, I began writing and producing my own projects. Workshops and special collaborations with YouTube SpaceLA further fueled my passion, ultimately leading me to establish my own production company and become a full time content creator. Read More>>
Junior Padilla

One of my biggest challenges was more physical than anything else. For about 7yrs I was away from music. I was hit by a car while riding a scooter that nearly killed me and it took over a year to recover from it. A few years later, I had two car accidents (none of which were my fault, by the way). A year later I was bitten on my arm by a brown recluse spider in a shop I owned right while I was still recovering from the previous accidents. I could have lost my arm. Then, I was rear-ended by a truck 2yrs later while driving a golf cart right before I was about to go out on a cruise ship tour. Read More>>
Allison Odhner

In my personal life, I was also growing my family. We have 4 children ages 6, 5, 3 and 1! I always intended on starting a business so I could be home with my children, so I opted out of childcare. This was not nearly as easy as I had once thought it might be. There have been so many late nights, sweat and tears, but also such wonderful moments and extraordinary accomplishments. I relied on the angels that are my husband and mother, as well as many other friends and family to help along the way. Without their emotional and physical support, much of this would not be possible. Read More>>
Jude Toy

The Darlins toured and performed nationwide and internationally for years. We opened for many well-known artists such as Dwight Yoakam, Daryl Worley, Tommy Tutone, and Montgomery Gentry. I am now continuing my career as a songwriter and I have been blessed to write with some of Nashville’s biggest songwriters, including Doug Johnson, Danny Wells, Kirsti Manna, Tony Mullins, Bill Diluigi, Tia Sellers, Mark Narmore, Brian White, Ben Calhoun, Consumed By Fire and many others. In 2021 I started a publishing company with my husband Lee Lemon and partner Marc Driskill, Read More>>
Christina Fernández Guzmán

What helped me most was leaning on my support system of family and friends and learning how to ask for help—a lesson that didn’t come easy but made all the difference. I also had to learn to give myself grace and stop being so hard on myself. I realized that things didn’t always have to be perfect, and neither did I. That shift in mindset was a significant part of finding peace in the chaos. Read More>>
Jamison Fox

Now, I teach music, specifically building a music production and songwriting program (similar to what I did at my first high school teaching jobs in NJ) and pursue music a lot more minimally or when I feel inspired. I went from actively teaching and pursuing songwriting on the side to actively pursuing songwriting and then full circle to actively teaching and bringing my love of songwriting and the music industry into my classroom and community. Read More>>
Curtis Weathers

I have worked in public education (in various capacities) for over 30 years and have a particular love for school reform in an urban setting. I have been married for over 40 years and I have three wonderful sons. I graduated from the University of Mississippi with a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and earned my master’s degree from Union University (Tennessee) in Educational Leadership. Read More>>
Stelle Amor

It’s always nice to visit my family and friends but Nashville really is a dream, the musical and creative community here is priceless. Producing is definitely my newest craft but I’ve really had a blast working with some amazing local artists on songwriting demos and recording pre production. There’s a song I’m working on with Kendra Chantelle called “No Grit No Pearl” and it’s probably my current favorite track in progress with its powerful message and her soulful vocals. Although it’s so much fun to help other artists grow their visions I also love being able to create my own records as an artist! I’m currently working with Dr. Dave at our home hub Electric Pony Sound Studio on our second EP with our first single coming out this Spring!!! Read More>>
Kendall Duffie

Deep Sea Vegan is a plant-based eatery in Nashville, TN established in 2019 as a pop up, We have now transitioned to a mobile food truck with a chain of Brick and Mortars being the next phase. All of our menu items are 100 percent plant based, made from scratch and themed after scuba diving, the beach or the ocean. Read More>>
Holly Clark Linebaugh

She was a massage therapist and gave each of us a massage, it was my first. The effect of receiving that touch was profound and deeply nourishing. A year later, I enrolled in massage school. The Chicago School of Massage Therapy was a school that offered a rigorous program. I enrolled in CST’s 15 month, 750 hour program and graduated in 2004. I am licensed and have been practicing for 20 years. I have worked in many different settings; spa, chiropractor’s office, marathon races, army base, massage studio, holistic mental health and currently, own my own practice, Melthouse Massage. Read More>>
Emmy Silas

From the moment that I made that choice up until the moment I am writing this right now (with a few exceptions that I will elaborate on later), I have finally felt a sense of security in myself and a belonging to a larger community. I had never felt a part of a group in middle school, high school, or even in my hometown community; how strange that as I move to an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar faces, I finally have a sense of comfort. The faith in God that I had throughout my life was being revealed to me now and I felt the strongest trust that I was exactly where I needed to be. I know it sounds cliche, but it’s true; this was the feeling I had been longing for. With this sense of confidence that I had acquired, I was in a space that allowed me to thrive. I loved my classes, I loved the people I was around, I loved the place I was in; everything was falling into place. Read More>>
Kai’rys Slayer

Growing up, I was quiet and self-kept. Was always interested in learning how anything worked. How people responded to words and rhythms was a huge mystery. Even though there were many similarities to the aftermath of it, the reasons that triggered them was the uniqueness. Not soon later did I understand how powerful words were and how a rhythm played a key role in how those words were received. And that moment of that knowledge began my initiative to write Read More>>
Anne Willingham

After graduation from graduate school, I move to Nashville to join family and set about looking for work. There wasn’t a lot of set design work, but there was A LOT of lighting design work, so I pivoted that direction. Working with light is magical. It’s so powerful. The lighting controls mood and action and ultimately determines what the show looks like. I’ve done everything in lighting from concerts, to events like weddings and parties, to opera, dance, and Shakespeare. There is such variety, and while the tools are consistent, each show is new and fresh and unique. I love that I constantly get to work with new people and new design criteria. Read More>>
Alyse Boleyjack

I think for me the biggest struggle was trying to get exposure for my books but often being told no or just no response. I tried to go to a couple of bookstores for a reading or to just have a table set up for a day and the response would be a no. However, it’s alright because there are always other opportunities. Also, it was a challenge trying to balance school, work, and creative ventures. I had to learn to be patient because not everything has immediate results. Read More>>
Judy Goldie And Melanie Davenport

Our prayer is we are known for our amazing customer service. We get to know our customers and build relationships with them. The one on one service our customers receive keeps them coming back. We hand select all of our merchandise in all four stores. We have been able to secure brands in our stores that makes shopping special. The Marketplace and The Backroom have many one of a kind pieces of furntiure, lighting, art, decor and gift items. We consider ourselves refined-rusted which makes us different from other stores. The thing we are most proud of is the longevity of many of our staff members. Their hard work and loyality has made it possible for us to run locally owned and operated businesses for 36 years. Read More>>
Elisha Havard

When I made the decision to turn my passion into a business, I knew I had to take it seriously. I always say, if you don’t take your business seriously, you can’t expect anyone else to. From day one, my focus wasn’t just on providing high-quality services but on creating an experience where every client feels valued, respected, and cared for. I treat my clients the way I would want to be treated, and that approach has been a game-changer. Read More>>
Jay Farrell

In 2018, I became a first-time published author with Fonthill Media, showcasing collections of abandoned treasures from specific regions. As these forgotten places took me farther from home, my travels expanded, ultimately leading to multiple journeys along historic Route 66. Two years and several trips later, I’m proud to have released my first self-published hardcover coffee table book, Route 66 Roadscapes: Stories Through the Lens. Read More>>
Crystal Joy

Crystal gives all the credit for her accomplishments to God. She knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that her gifts, talents, education and hands-on experience in an array of industries was orchestrated for her to utilize in glorifying God while serving His people. She conveys this through her passion for the arts and compassion for people. Read More>>
Bri McClure

The following year, I was accepted into the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning’s Fine Arts program, determined to pursue photography more seriously. My first co-op with the program was with a local online magazine that spotlighted small businesses and individuals around Cincinnati. It was here that my love for storytelling truly solidified. Building on that experience, my next co-op took me on an unforgettable journey living on the road for four months out west. During this time, I focused on storytelling within national parks, exploring conservation efforts, and capturing the breathtaking beauty of these protected landscapes. Read More>>
Fresh Cracks

Through many backyard hangs, they soon discovered that both the hobby of collecting and “good ole times” were shared by many across the world. In turn, they began broadcasting highlights from their tasting sessions with the intent to not just enjoy sharing whiskey and the community around it, but also proving that the culture is welcoming to all whether a new whiskey drinker or a seasoned expert – oh, and it doesn’t have to be taken too seriously either. Read More>>
Jayden Eastman

Dealing with P.T.S.D., anxiety, major depression, losing relationships being friends or as serious as potential marriage. I never gave up, and never plan on it. There’s so much I’d like to accomplish within music. I’ve been forced to achieve everything in my journey so far by myself. I will say this though I’ve been slowly gaining, and finding like minded individuals who have been a great help on my journey thus far. With no paid promotions I can proudly say I’ve achieved over 130,000+ natural streams in under the corse of a year and a half with a catalog of songs not even exceeding 80 tracks with many more to make so long as the world will let me. Read More>>
Soren Bortnem

I feel I’ve been very fortunate in many ways and I know I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the countless people that have supported me throughout my life. I think that my biggest challenge was convincing myself that I could pursue my passion. It wasn’t that long ago that I wasn’t even considering music as a path for my future, and even after I had made the decision and drove down to Nashville I still wrestled with whether I had made a good choice for myself. I am beyond grateful for the wonderful people back home and my new people here in Nashville that continue to support me. Today, I feel confident that I am where I am supposed to be. Read More>>
Derek James

It’s been an incredible journey so far. I’ve landed some indie cuts as a songwriter, been a finalist in major songwriting contests, performed at some iconic Nashville venues, and have been consistently releasing original music that I’m really proud of. I’ve been working with an amazing producer, Zach Manno, who’s collaborated with artists like Lady A and BRELAND, and I’ve had my music featured on playlists like Spotify’s “All New Country” and “Fresh Finds.” It’s been a wild ride so far, and I’m excited to keep making “Coastal Country” and connecting with people through my music. Read More>>
Scott Elam

Nashville comics have been performing at venues built for music or for serving food, or coffee, or beer. The locals never had their own place. Third Coast Comedy was the solution, a home for all local comedians, a place that would produce every form of comedy: stand-up, sketch, improv, comedic plays, variety shows, live podcasts, and talk shows. Any type of comedy Nashville wanted, Third Coast would see that it got on stage. Read More>>
Giovanni Pagano

I created Level Up with a simple mission: to help people transform their lives through fitness, discipline, and personal growth. As a former college athlete, I’ve always been passionate about health and self-improvement, and I wanted to share that passion with others. I envisioned a platform that could make expert guidance and personalized support accessible to anyone, no matter where they were. Level Up is an online training platform designed to empower you to take control of your image, surpass your goals, and unlock new levels to the game of life. Today, I currently have over 300 members of the Level Up community. We are truly a family. Read More>>
Mike T. Lewis

The Twangtown Paramours are an award-winning husband and wife Soulful Folk duo from Nashville. We are three time Kerrville finalists and and winners of Texas’s Wildflower Contest. Recently, other artists have started to record our songs. Lead singer, MaryBeth Zamer used to sing background vocals for Eva Cassidy. Writer, producer, and guitar player, I am the author of a #1 platinum selling hit in Korea and sometimes plays upright bass for Jimmie Dale Gilmore. The last Twangtown Paramours album was #11 on the UK blues charts. Our last Folk album was #2 on the FAI Folk DJ Chart. The newest Twangtown Paramours album was released to US and UK radio stations and to the public on January 3. It has gotten rave reviews. Read More>>
Laura Lea Chalhoub

After 2 years in my home studio, I felt the Lord close that door and open another one. We decided to take on a commercial space and I brought in a business partner, Charlton Kelley. She’s been the glue that this business needed, especially while in the middle of it all, I had my first child! We’ve recently moved into that location (1015 Westhaven Blvd suite 100) in November of ‘24. Exciting and terrifying! Read More>>
Jodi Marr

In Desmond’s studio and under his tutelage, I learned how to make records from the songs up. I eventually started writing songs with him and many of the other songwriters artists and producers that came through the studio. I learned the magic of creative collaboration, focused artist development and the rigor of an intense work ethic. That ‘s what it takes to make a career in any field. Desmond set the bar high. Read More>>
Ron Block

For the rest of my teen years I worked for Dad at the store and played bluegrass. At about 17 I started loving all the music the guys were playing at the store – rock and blues and jazz, everything from Leslie West, AC/DC, and Pat Metheny to Ray Charles, James Taylor, and Bonnie Raitt. I got into electric guitar at that point, and every day in my practice I’d roam from banjo to bluegrass guitar to electric and back again. Read More>>
Patricia Faulkner

I have survived emotional and sexual abuse, being displaced from my home, starvation, dissociation, manipulation and intimidation in the workplace. I’ve come to find that being odd to others is a superpower and even at 31 I am still accepting myself radically for what I couldn’t handle as a teenager.. I deeply believe that I have experienced these things in order to help others integrate lessons from their hardships that I’ve learned from mine. We are mirrors for a reason. Not to blind each other, but to lift the veil that divides us from seeing the truth and lessons hidden in the suffering. Read More>>
Katie Charna

Music Together is an international program that offers early childhood music education programs for children 0-8 years old. At First Notes Music, I offer Music Together Mixed-Ages classes for children 0-5 and their caregivers. We sing, dance, play instruments, use props like scarves and parachutes, move, get silly, and explore music through play! Yes, it is a fun class, but I am also in the business of helping children begin their music learning journey, and hope to help families connect not only with each other, but with other families, and create a joyful musical community in our corner of Tennessee. Read More>>
Craig Wayne Boyd

Born and raised in Mesquite, Texas, I grew up with a deep connection to music, particularly country and southern rock. I honed my craft over the years, performing in bars, songwriting, and working tirelessly to make my mark in the music industry. Following my win on The Voice, I have been honored to play the Grand Ole Opry 25+ times, I have shared the stage with Charlie Daniels, Travis Tritt, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Marshall Tucker Band, Kelsea Ballerini, Blake Shelton etc. and continue to tour the world sharing my country music. Read More>>
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