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.

Rachel Moore

I grew up right outside of Nashville in a family where the creative arts were encouraged. I studied classical violin and dabbled in dance and theater before settling on photography. Photography quickly became my creative outlet and the way I processed the world around me and responded to beauty. I was told in my teens that I had an eye for it, so I went into college to study photography. My decision was solidified as soon as I took step in a darkroom. Learning about the history of photography alongside the art and process of film was so inspiring to me. I spent the next few years learning, assisting other photographers through mentorships, learning from trial and error and building my portfolio. Read more>>

April Maria

My journey started as many others; from a small town in Southern Indiana. I grew up in poverty, raised primarily by a strong willed, single grandmother, Judy Kay. As one could imagine, a grandmother from Southern Indiana is quite conservative and opinionated. She was known as “Judge Judy” to the town locals. Use that reference in comparison to the day time talk-show “Judge Judy” and let that help you set the scene. Read more>>

Kristina Black

My love for all things beauty began at a young age being surrounded by a lot of makeup, hairspray and big hair. I grew up competing in Texas beauty pageants (my mom was also a pageant director). Getting my hair & makeup done & getting all dressed up was always so much fun for me! I’ve always loved makeup and girly things. I’ve also always had a passion for helping to build confidence in people and making them feel beautiful. I find that enhancing the natural beauty in my clients helps them to shine from the inside. Read more>>

H.n. James

It has definitely not been a smooth road. I’m a little suspicious if a creative person claims their road HAS been smooth – the struggles and roadblocks are how we learn. Getting around and through them is a creative problem-solving challenge. I have more tools in my arsenal, but I would say it’s still far from easy. I don’t always get the photo passes for larger/higher profile shows I want to photograph, I don’t always get the jobs to make promo photos. I keep trying and failing and getting a little better at what I do each day. Read more>>

Jessica Holman

I started out in graduation portraiture, which always makes me laugh because I’ve never really loved being in front of the camera myself. That’s exactly what drew me to it, knowing how vulnerable it can feel. I wanted to help others feel beautiful and confident in their own skin. There’s nothing more rewarding than showing someone a photo of themselves and seeing their face light up.  Read more>>

Vicki Woods

My journey into birth work began with my own experiences. When I was pregnant with our first child, I researched everything I could and felt confident choosing a home birth. We hired a midwife and doula, and laboring at home was a beautiful experience. However, after a long labor and some unexpected challenges, we transferred to the hospital, where I ultimately delivered via cesarean. Though it wasn’t the birth I had envisioned, I was incredibly grateful for the support of my birth team through it all. Read More>>

Michael Vitovich

Working in this career tends to lead you to a lot of moments of self realization and self actualization. This question of if I die tomorrow, would I regret anything? I asked myself that and after years of working in that industry. I walked away from working full-time and started dedicating myself towards the only thing that provided me solace and escape from the regular world. I went back to chasing a childhood dream of becoming an actor. Read more>>

Miriam Bracho

While studying journalism at Universidad Bicentenaria de Aragua, I got my first opportunity in radio in 1995. Two of the hosts, José Rafael Rodríguez and Tony Flores, wanted me on their show, but the main host, Luis Márquez Galindo, was not on board with the idea. However, they, along with the Sánchez González family, owners of Radio Latina, gave me a chance, and that’s how my journey in media began. Read more>>

Mario Eberhart

Meet Chef Mario, a culinary talent whose journey from the heart of Atlanta to the vibrant food scene in Nashville, Tennessee, is a testament to dedication, passion, and perseverance. Raised in Atlanta, Chef Mario’s love for food was nurtured in the kitchen by two incredible women—his grandmother, lovingly called Nanee, and his mother, Bunnie Smith. From a young age, he learned the art of cooking, absorbing the flavors, techniques, and traditions that would eventually shape his culinary identity. Read more>>

Kelsey Tomaino

I would love the readers to know that shopping small matters and it’s so amazing to create these relationships with my customers I want to know all about your event, the theme the location the details all inspire me and help me envision where this will be enjoyed. There’s nothing sitting on a shelf made for the week, we are 100% custom made to order. Which is nice because when you’re paying a premium you should be getting what you absolutely love and enjoy. I also love when my customers approach me with a new creative idea that I get brainstorm with them and create from scratch.  Read more>>

Mark Dowdle

I dropped my savings on a 2021 MINI Cooper S as a birthday present to myself after 7 months back with no vehicle of my own. In almost 4 years I have taken the car through several different phases from the visuals to the mechanics. The tipping point for starting Astro Aerodynamics was the underwhelming quality of aerodynamic parts offered for my car after repeatedly replacing parts from big name brands due to rough roads and debris. After completing the last rebuild the car has been through, I had a thought. I can do this for others and why limit myself to just mini coopers when there’s a whole market of drift cars, drag cars, and street cars that are smashed up on a daily but need affordable durable parts? Read more>>

Justice Byas

Then it hit me, skincare! I’ve always been asked how I keep my skin clear and I’ve always been asked for my regimen… so I decided to sell it. This is something that dates back to me watching my mom devote to keeping her skin clear. This was something I absolutely knew. This was the golden light bulb. I started a business by the name of The RXipe Cosmetics (pronounced ‘recipe’) where I sold bentonite clay masks, sugar scrubs, charcoal scrubs, beard oils, and post-wax serums. Taking a leap of faith I was determined to make this work because I was good at doing it myself. With help of friends, family, sorority sisters, and strangers, my first year did well! Read more>>

The Medium

Soon after, Michael decided to leave the group. We miss that guy! Our wonderful friend Peter joined the band again as session drummer and guitar man for two years, filling Michael’s shoes and expanding our sound. We self produced our third album, and in my opinion, our best so far. Sam and I currently live in Nashville still, but I am anticipating a move to upstate New York later this summer. Jared lives in Johnson city, Tennessee with his partner Joanna. We are currently tracking for our fourth LP and have an EP out March 5th. Read more>>

Eric Schell

By the time I was in high school, I was working as a laborer under my cousin-in-law’s business, and that’s where everything really started to click. I was a sponge, soaking up not just the hands-on skills but the business side of things too. I still remember the day I bought my first set of tools—I told the cashier to toss the receipt, but my cousin-in-law stopped me. “He’ll keep that receipt,” he said, and just like that, I got my first real lesson in business—taxes. That moment stuck with me. Read more>>

Hanna Johnson

I have struggled with feeling “unworthy” of the impactful life I aim to lead. I have struggled with my ability to cope with distractions and truly focus on what matters. The battle between instant and long-term gratification is one that I have had to face time and time again. I am always shown the same result: disciplined work, passion, and finding joy in the process are worth more than short-term pleasure and distraction. It’s something I know that many of us in our early 20s struggle with. Learning how to be fulfilled in the trenches of your purpose and your work will catapult you to the top of your very own mountain when all is said and done. Read more>>

Taina Escalera

I originally came up with the idea to have a boutique back in 2022. My initial goal was to create a brand that would make women feel confident and stylish. It turned out amazing! I was able to make connections, inspire, and create something that was truly unique. With cooking, I’ve always had the skills since I was younger. It’s just something that literally came so naturally and I decided to turn it into something greater. I’ve been booked for events such as: paint parties, brunches, sport evens,, car dealerships, birthdays, etc. You name it! Cooking from my soul has led me into amazing opportunities! Looking forward to seeing what the future has in store for both businesses. Read more>>

Octavia Rose

Before I opened I was scared to death. Being an Aesthetician and going out on your own is a huge risk, one my family and I were willing to take. We talked with our kids and I remember telling my husband “we need to be prepared to eat rice and beans for the next year or two while I build my clientele”. Thankfully, the Lord had different plans for us. After 7 months I was turning away clients and closing my books to make sure my core clients had appointments they could look forward to getting. While my books may be “closed” I still am open to receiving new clients that want or need transformational skincare services. Read more>>

Tj Milam

So in the fall of 2007, I decided to move back home to Nashville and start my new career in the fitness business as a personal trainer. I started working at a large corporate gym in October 2007 and became certified through the American Council on Exercise and then in 2008 began training clients. I stayed there for a little over a year, but the large corporate world wasn’t really for me. Then in April 2009 I began working as an independent contractor for a smaller personal training studio in downtown Nashville, where I learned how to train clients with the utmost efficiency and effectiveness using slower, more controlled movements during each exercise, and this was the perfect modality for the type of clients we were working with, which were mainly people with law firms and large banks. Read more>>

Laura Gifford

I began singing as a child, but I never worked at it—just did it for fun. So, music came first. I spent several years getting my Audiology education—a course of study I fell into because of learning how sound travelled—again, intrigued by sound because of music.I completed part of my education in Nashville, and a short stint in England. So, the travel bug hit early as well. On the side, I was always singing, catering, organizing events, etc. on a small scale. I’ve always had such a love of seeing new places and introducing other people to new places that I began posting travel stories and planning trips for other people. Read more>>

Alex Sachel

After spending a decade in NYC working in Luxury Retail Management and styling clients on the side, I decided to make the move south in 2014 for a change. After running a local boutique for a couple years I had the realization that a full service wardrobing agency was not only needed but truly wanted outside of the big city. I launched my business 7 years ago and never looked back. I have grown from working mainly in Chattanooga to now traveling monthly to Nashville & Atlanta for clients and launching virtual appointments to reach men and women all across the country. Read More>>

Kate Anthony

Ninety percent of my work these days is in luxury wedding photography. I specialize in documentary-style photography wherein I gently guide my clients to achieve a casual editorial feel, but with a heavy focus on the candid moments and genuine emotions- moments that spark *feeling.* The other ten percent of my work comes from freelancing as a photojournalist for local publications here and there. I think it’s important to have a bit of variety in your work just to keep your creative spirit from going into autopilot after you’ve been doing it for a while. Read more>>

Marlisha Ross

I have an obsession with hair growth and its transformation. This inspired me to create my own hair and scalp serum, Trvth Serum. It’s designed to treat the scalp and promote healthy follicles needed for hair growth. I love Learning my clients and what their hair needs to thrive and Promoting a healthy lifestyle that’s deeper than hair. An experience is something I am to give each client alongside my coworkers turned family in the salon every day. Read more>>

Brad James

I started music at an early age. Playing piano at 5 years old. Picked up the guitar in my teens. Graduated from college with my music degree and proceeded to start my career in professional music, Been a life of incredible ups and downs, and everything in between. Travelled to so many new places I can’t even remember them all. And I look forward to a million more. Read more>>

Josh Ferris

The biggest struggle I have gone through is everything that comes along with being self employed. I don’t have anyone to do my taxes for me, I don’t have anyone making sure I get payed on time, I don’t have any of the security that some of my friends now have in their 9 to 5 jobs, and that is honestly terrifying at times. It can be so hard to focus on becoming a better filmmaker when you’re worried about paying rent, or building a career that can generate a real income someday. Read more>>

Tyler Bertola

I believe that human connection is the foundation of publishing. When an author feels supported, they write better books, and when their story is told with authenticity, readers connect with it in a way that lasts. In 2023, I moved to Austin, and by 2025, after parting ways with the agency where I started my career, I finally launched my own. With Era Entertainment, my goal is simple: to foster those connections, to stand behind the authors I believe in, and to help them build careers that are not only successful but deeply fulfilling—both creatively and financially. Read more>>

Gaylea Mcdougal

Two years later I had a home birth with my second child. That experience completely changed my perspective regarding birth, women’s health, and the way informed decision making is offered and exercised in the typical mainstream maternity care system. That shift of perspective is what inspired my passion to enter into nursing and shortly after, I began graduate studies at Vanderbilt University, while enrolled in their Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Program. Through this program I gained a lot of very valuable didactic and clinical experience in a wide variety of conventional/mainstream settings. Read more>>

Duquesne Rahm

The family behind Rahm Roast consists of 3 generations of coffee lovers. The Rahm family dynamic plays a significant role in the business, with each generation bringing their unique contribution to the company. Whether it’s roasting techniques, customer service, or marketing, the family works closely together to maintain the quality and integrity of their products. Dr. Christina Rahm was the brains behind the product that allowed Rahm Roast to boast a mold-free, low acidity coffee thanks to her patent-pending cleaning process. The mission of bringing such a high-quality coffee to market, while maintaining the delicious flavor one hopes for from a cup of coffee was picked up by her son, Duquesne. He continues to push forward with that goal in mind. Read more>>

Amber Moore

Leaving an established career for something new wasn’t easy, but with the support of my husband, family, friends, and local Certified ISR instructors, I was able to take the leap. My 8-week training took place over an hour from home, requiring significant sacrifices from my family so I could fully commit to the process. I’m especially grateful to my husband, as well as my family and friends, who stepped in to help with childcare along the way. Read more>>

Priscilla Whitlock

My name is Priscilla Whitlock my nickname is Pooh, I started doing hair about 10 years ago. I started my business in 2021, LocsbyPooh. I started barber school in March 2023. My goal with this is to uplift individuals one style or haircut at a time. People don’t understand that getting your hair done or cut can help your confidence so much. When I finish school I wanna get my own suite and continue to uplift the community one style or haircut at a time. My dream is to do JaMorant and GG Jackson Locs. Read more>>

Robert Waugh

After all of this inspiration and experience I had over the years, there was only one thing that was holding me back from really digging deep into creating my own project: I couldn’t find the consistent motivation to grind it out and give it my all every chance I could get. That obstacle was immediately gone once I met my beautiful fiancée in 2020, then had our wonderful daughter in 2023. Having them to wake up to every day has been my motivation to do the thing and never stop doing the thing, no matter what. Read more>>

John Cureton

Absolutely! My journey into the cannabis industry has been a long and evolving one, shaped by both my creative background and my deep appreciation for craftsmanship and quality. I actually started working with cannabis years ago in Los Angeles, balancing my passion for the plant with my career in the film industry. Storytelling and world-building have always been at the core of what I do—whether in film or in business. Read more>>

Hayley Gregory

Continuing professional education, asking questions specific to understand the client’s goals and paying close attention to non verbal cues is critical to making sure what clients see in the mirror is a success. Learning to do those things is a challenge for every new stylist and you have to hang in long enough to overcome the struggles every artist faces. Mastering those skills builds confidence and creates a space where clients can talk openly about the hair goals, hair health and hair challenges emerges and makes the mirror less scary. When the mirror started to reflect success after success, I realized the struggles were all learning opportunities. I am so glad I kept going. Read more>>