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.

Luke Zajdel

I don’t think any road is ever truly smooth, as mine certainly hasn’t always been, but it’s all what you make of it. I’ve lost gigs, turned gigs down that went on to become very successful, not landed auditions, all of which felt disappointing at the time, but I’d later find a silver lining in. I truly believe everything works out for a reason, and that I had a lot of growing and learning to do. I don’t think I was ready professionally or personally for a lot of the opportunities that came up early on. Read more>>

Jody Todd

A Kansas farm girl turned graphic designer and nonprofit leader, I have spent over 34 years combining business savvy and creative vision to serve others. Through personal experiences with trauma, motherhood, and mental health, she found healing in creativity and founded The Respite – Mindful Art Studio in 2022. The Respite is a non-clinical, non-religious space where individuals can pause, express, and reconnect—no matter where they are on their journey. Read more>>

Tosin Adegbite

The creative journey has its unique set of challenges and opportunities. I have enjoyed the process of discovery. Met some great people, artists, producers, and writers along the journey. I’ve encountered testimonials of people who were touched by my songs and I am humbled to soak in all the experiences along the way. Read more>>

Megan Phillips

My own obsessive planning of my family’s vacations sparked a desire to help lessen that burden for others. I love the research, the details, the mixing & matching to find the best value, and most of all I love saving my clients both time and money. I know that planning travel and dealing with in-destination hiccups can be incredibly overwhelming to families, to the extent that they don’t bother to plan anything at all. I alleviate that burden for them, assisting every step of the way. Read more>>

Shakti Chauhan

Based in Collierville, Tennessee, I have the privilege of covering events across Tennessee and beyond. Each wedding and portrait session allows me to weave together the narratives of love, joy, and connection that fill the air. As I look back on this incredible journey, I am grateful for the trust my clients place in me to document their significant milestones. Through The Wedding Pictography LLC, I aspire to continue creating timeless images that inspire nostalgia and warmth for years to come. Read more>>

Megan Pentecost

But our overhead is so huge, we had to learn who we are and what our value is. Figuring out on our own how to get our LLC, saving up our pennies to purchase unique apparatuses, figuring out the legalities of owning a business, helping people understand what we do and how hard it is, while still being creative to put together shows. That being said, we also put on full production shows. Every year we put on a Circus Nutcracker, which is a huge production and so much work, but we love it so we’ve made it an annual show. We are also doing “Through the looking Glass” an Alice in wonderland themed circus show, this July 11th and 12th! Read more>>

Jailyn Hicks

It hasn’t been a smooth road. For starters, I’m a natural introvert, so working in a very front-facing role was a huge adjustment for me. I used to be the kind of person who didn’t like to put herself out there—I would just hope and pray that people would somehow find me. I still struggle with that from time to time. I also used to care way too much about what other people thought of me and how to “impress” them. Read more>>

Brandi Carlock- Green

In 2023, I faced one of the biggest challenges of my life—open heart surgery to remove a Myxoma Tumor. That experience changed me. It reminded me how important it is to live with intention and invest in the things that truly feed your soul. That’s when I knew it was time to breathe life into something I’d always loved. I rebranded my company to Old Hickory Lake Soap Co., named after the water I’ve always loved and the amazing community I call home. It’s where my family spends time reconnecting, unwinding, and enjoying life. Read more>>

Kara Duke

Through consistency, collaboration, and staying rooted in my culture, I’ve built a brand that speaks to authenticity and empowerment, with the invaluable support of my audience. Whether I’m creating content, curating an event, or spotlighting local gems, my brand, Kara in the City, is all about inspiring others to show up confidently, live intentionally, and celebrate the beauty in their journey. Read more>>

Jessica Aydin

With four years of experience as a licensed esthetician, I specialize in acne care through a holistic approach. I consider a variety of factors, including lifestyle, diet, hormones, and skincare products, to address the unique needs of my clients. My practice is dedicated to treating acne and hyperpigmentation, focusing on non-invasive and straightforward treatments that effectively target these issues. I offer customized treatment plans tailored to each individual, recognizing that acne varies from person to person. Read more>>

Zach Broyles

After years of honing my skills with a soldering iron on a PCB, a fuzz pedal I had broke. Being me, I immediately opened it up and said to myself, “This doesn’t look too complicated…I’ll just make a new one!”. I did and it worked! From there I began making my own pedals for fun, and that fun turned into making them for friends and needing a moniker. Being from the little southern town of Sparta, Tennessee, I decided to name my “brand” Mythos after consulting with friends. I made pedals in my spare time for fun and hoped to make a little cash, but it wasn’t until I met my now wife and moved to Nashville that I really tried to give it an honest shot. Read more>>

Corey & Misty Shadd

There was such a need for something like The Village Play Place for community and bringing families together that, after bringing the idea back up to Corey, we decided to move forward! Now that pipe dream has become a reality. Corey and Misty both have a passion to for children having served as Children’s Ministers for many years. Misty has a background in health education and is a nurturer by nature and Corey has a background in sales and marketing for Fortune 4 and 20 companies, as well as ministry and nonprofits. The combination of their experiences, plus their passion to serve families helps make The Village Play Place a special place. The programs offered are educational, fun and is rooted in their Christian faith. Read more>>

Vilma Moredo

Over the past four months, we have been introducing different pastries such as Ensaymadas (a Filipino brioche-pastry filled with purple yam, topped with buttercream and cheese, Enchanted Forest (Filipino delicacy with dates, walnuts and cranberries which are exquisitely crafted into pure buttery bliss), pecan roll dipped in rich caramel, rolled in the freshest fancy, toasted pecans, sans rival a Filipino dessert cake made of layers of French buttercream, meringue and chopped cashews, cream puffs, eclairs, and Mille Feuille from France to name a few. Read more>>

Dylan Haskins

We specialize in one-of-a-king pieces. I rarely go into a project with a design in mind. Instead, I let the shape, grain and natual inperfections of the wood guide me. Read more>>

Abe Watters

My family moved to Chapel Hill, Tennessee from Florida in 2011. My dad had a home remodeling business growing up so as a teenager I spent a lot of time on jobsites and helping my dad build cabinets in our shop. I learned a lot of important lessons growing up. Being kind to people around me, taking care of the planet that God gave us, and to never stop learning new things. When I was seventeen, I signed up for a mission trip to Cambodia. I was at the age where I was starting to question a lot of the things I had been told in life, and I wanted to start to develop my own relationship with God. While I was there, I got to meet some amazing people who helped me in my walk in life. Read more>>.

Maile Bartow

My internship with Bambino Sitters was the turning point in my career, as it was finally when I realized that social media was something that I excelled at and could see myself doing for the rest of my life. I created and produced the first ever viral TikTok video for the company, which is when I realized that this is something I’m really good at. From there, I’ve worked with so many different companies across a variety of different industries and created so many more viral moments. Read more>>

Jessica Wacker

I started working with metal clay in 2011, then I added copper electroforming in 2013 using the recycled copper wire we pulled out of our 1940’s home while remodeling it, and in 2015 I taught myself to metalsmith with sterling silver. It was also in 2015 that I started doing live markets and art shows and I was hooked. I now have 2 home studios-one is my main studio and the second is my classroom where I teach private metalsmithing lessons. I also started cutting my own stones and working with gold! I’m a big animal advocate and a portion of my sales has always been donated to a variety of animal rescues. I also only use ethically sourced, animal friendly, and fair trade supplies in all of my designs. Read more>>

Hush Money

Hush Money is a 4 piece southern rock band based out of the southern Appalachian. Our roots are planted firmly in just that. We we’re just a bunch of broke College kids who wanted to make music and found each other. We have become family since then. Litterally and figuratively. The band is made up of Greg Weaver(Drummer/vocal), his brother Seth Weaver(guitar/vocal), their cousin Nathaniel Newberry(Bass) and lead guitar player Caleb Logan(Lead guitar/vocals). Read more>>

Sami Harrell

I joined Nashville Women’s Rugby, the Stone Lions. I knew Nashville had a team because in college we used to come down to the big tournament they help host, Nash Bash. I remember that tournament always being a good time and have always been at home in the rugby community so I knew the team would be a great place to find friends, get exercise, and get out some aggression. That was 3 years ago, I became a captain 2 years ago. Read more>>

Jennie Stills

Last year, I decided to start a choir at the homeschool tutorial where our 3 kids go. It was one of the most life-giving experiences I’ve had in a while. I suddenly remembered how much I love teaching kids, and, specifically, teaching them to sing together. I love creating stories through choral music in expected and unexpected ways. And that brings me to where we are today. After my experience at the kids’ school I decided it was time to start a choir here in Franklin. A place where students can learn proper vocal and choral principles. A place where they can express themselves, while still supporting a group goal. A place where we make beautiful music and tell beautiful stories together. Read more>>

Allison Weeden

When I launched Kinderwoods, the doors opened, and the most wonderful families appeared. The children we started seeing last summer are still with us and plan to stay for this summer. The journey has been truly magical. Starting Kinderwoods is the best thing I have ever done. Branching out into art workshops has been the icing on the cake. It’s as if two aspects of my soul came together in perfect harmony. Read more>>

Kimberlee Yarbrough

I am a native of Memphis,TN, and was born to stellar award winning radio personality Sherry Mackey on June 06,1993. I was blessed with two fathers Earl Yarbrough and Robert Eafen, who is the father of my sister Courtney. I was raised in a loving, Christian, church going family that believes in prayer and the power of JESUS Christ. Read more>>

Phoenix Knox-Washington

I’m the 4th generation of crocheting, I use to sit and watch my great grandmother crocheting before she got ill and passed away. She made the most extravagant blankets for all of the members of our family. At age 10 I finally picked up my hook and yarn and the took off! I started with only crocheting bracelets selling them for 25 cent then upgraded to crocheting over headphones to keep them from being tangled. My biggest and most popular item became my hats when I would customize and put names in them! I just loved that it was rare talent back then especially for a young black teen at that time! Today I crochet for the community as well as still sell my work. Read more>>

Justin Wright

This started with a different name and a different product. It began as Bibbelbubs and I made Bible story bath bombs that had a specific toy in each bath bomb that went along with a Bible story from the book that was included in the set. The stories are narrated by Bubbee the Bear and after telling a Bible story he connects the toy (usually some kind of animal) to a moral from the Bible story. People loved the bath bombs and the stories but I ran into a major problem. Read more>>

Venom Clothingg

Venom clothing would not be what we are today without our loyal customers. They have been our #1 supporters in Memphis, TN, and their unwavering dedication has shaped our journey. I often reflect on our very first customers, whose trust in us laid the foundation for everything we have achieved. It all started off as a vision—a dream of creating unique fashion that resonates with people. Over time, this vision became a reality, turning into a thriving brand thanks to the incredible support of our community. Read more>>

Christina King Rogers

Her adept use of social media to empower homeowners with educational content has built her following, positioning her as a trusted advisor in the real estate industry. In addition to her professional achievements, Christina is a respected faith-based speaker and author, where she integrates her industry knowledge with her spiritual beliefs to inspire and motivate her audience. Her corporate professionalism, combined with her dynamic approach to real estate and personal faith, makes her a distinctive and influential presence in the field. Read more>>

Kristie Stultz Shannon Cook

The steps that lead us to open LifeCycle are nothing short of a miracle! We had been working at another indoor cycling studio that we thoroughly enjoyed. Unfortunately, that business never recovered from Covid, and closed. We were extremely close with the members and other instructors, so we asked if they would come with us if we opened in a new location. Luckily, they agreed! Unfortunately, the tornado that struck Hendersonville in 2023 damaged a key building for us and prevented us from moving into the location we planned. God opened a door and we are now in the back of Gold’s Gym under the big LifeCycle sign. We give them a great product and they give us a great location! Read more>>

Audrey Lothenbach

It hasn’t always been a smooth road—life has brought its fair share of challenges. Losing a parent two years ago was a heartbreak that shifted everything, and the shutdown of the fashion and events industry during COVID created an unexpected pause in the work I love. But through it all, I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about avoiding the hard moments—it’s about finding new ways to stay connected to your passion. Whether it was reimagining creative projects, shifting focus to digital platforms, or simply showing up each day with purpose, I’ve held tightly to what inspires me and found strength in continuing to create, even when the path looked different than I expected. Read more>>

The Koneyo Project

And that’s how we met Eli. The four of us jammed some that night and the energy was just right. About a week later, we’d all decided to go to the parking garage on campus to play together again. Beforehand, we stopped by the dining hall to grab dinner. While we’re all sitting there, Eli starts playing rock paper scissors with some random guy across the room. Eli ended up winning and invited him to come sit with us. We started talking to him and Elizabeth asked if he happened to play drums, as that was who we were missing for the band. And that’s how we met Brady, our drummer. The way we all met is one of our favorite stories, as it was all so random and coincidental. Read more>>

Sabrina James

Being a one woman show definitely has its challenges, but I truly love what I do and the freedom it allows as a mom! Transitioning from jewelry maker to bookkeeper, photographer to shipping manger, and social media manager to customer service rep, can be exhausting for sure! But I have the best tribe of customers, so they keep me going and keep me inspired to keep creating and wearing all the hats. Read more>>

Adrienne Myers

That brought me to a new career field and a new home in Nashville. Along the way I had so many friends and family encouraging me to step out and take the leap of having my own bridal makeup business. God blessed me in so many ways to make my dream a reality. I had no idea how to do it, I just knew I was going to do it. I went and got my certification and just put one foot in front of the other in creating Adrienne Dawn Artistry. I love working with my brides, to be part of making their big day beauty dreams a reality is such a blessing. To be trusted by them to do that for them is not lost on me. I hope to continue to grow and that every woman that sits in my chair knows they are in good hands. Read more>>

Carachele Carter

My work has appeared in television, film, and top print publications, and over the years, I’ve developed a reputation as a trusted colorist, extension artist, and beauty expert. I currently split my time between Los Angeles and Nashville, working with clients in both cities who have entrusted me to bring their vision to life. Read more>>

Deori Crutchfield

I figured… why not bring something like this to the city that I live in? A few months later, I took a body contouring specialist course, and got certified. I love what I do and I love making people feel better in life. Not only do I work on women, but I also work on male clients as well. So not only am I changing women’s life, but I’m also changing men and soldier‘s life as well. Being a business owner is not for the weak and it takes time, consistency, and hard work/dedication. I am still working and thriving to continue to push my business and reach my full potential. I am where I’m at because of hard work and dedication. Read more>>

Devon Greig

More recently, I was faced with my biggest challenge yet. In May 2024, my dominant hand was broken in a car accident. I was terrified that my now decade-long career would come to a screeching halt. Fortunately with an excellent surgeon and months of physical therapy, I am already back to working full-time. Over the past year I’ve probably experienced more personal growth than ever in my life, which may not have happened without such a difficult challenge to overcome. For that I am grateful. Read more>>

Dave Moraata

Not really but I think all forms of growth are supposed to be challenging. I moved here with my wife and kid. He was only 2 when we moved here so I had to hold a full time day job while playing drums as much as possible. Daycare was to expensive so my wife picked up a job at a daycare so that my son could have a place to be all day around other kids to socialize. We lived over an hour away from Nashville too so driving back and forth after working all day was a challenge as well. I’m also self taught so there were a lot of “painting by numbers” that had to be done as well. I taught myself a lot just by hanging around other musicians. Read more>>

Sean Kaye

From then on, I acquired my first guitar and drum set, listened to diverse genres of music, and essentially underwent training and grooming from a tender age. Fast forward to when I obtained a guitar and decided to learn how to play it. I sat in front of my computer, using Windows 98, and discovered tabs, which enabled me to teach myself how to play the guitar. Subsequently, I honed my skills by participating in several metal bands, transitioning to solo performances, and eventually helping form the band Sound Mind. Read more>>

Allen Shepherd

This is one occupation where the reward isn’t guaranteed. Heck, compensation isn’t promised, but the satisfaction of doing what you love is priceless. I have been homeless, an alcoholic (sober for 6 years, January 15, 2019), and depressed. Along this journey, I highly recommend you surround yourself with a strong and solid support system. There will be thousands of “No’s”, but that one “Yes” is worth it all. I tell anyone if they are looking to get in this industry to get rich, STOP. Work and dive into your craft and take it seriously. You can’t appreciate the sunshine, if you don’t go through the storm. Every TESTimony has to have a TEST. Read more>>

Mitchell Wilson

After several months of very hard work putting everything together, our original SBA lender turned us down at the finish line because “Dickson wasn’t ready”. That was devastating and I desperately wanted this to happen. We rallied after a few disappointing weeks and kept going searching for funding and finally got it to work with a different SBA lender. It was all a huge risk of course. I quit my job the day the funding hit the bank and haven’t looked back. Tons of stressful days, nights, tears, the whole shabang. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. Read more>>

Jacob Bailey

My story has alot of ups and downs that has pushed me to keep doing what I do. The dream began before the vision was set ,so every night after school I was home rapping in my room instead of going out with friends. After a while I started to realize that some of my friends shared the same dream as me, and the best part is we didn’t even need to right it down we just said what came to mind and the path opened making us feel chosen. As time moves on so does friends and family. I do this for the ones who can’t be here and myself. If it wasn’t for the inspiration I got from my friends and family I wouldn’t be rapping today. They helped build me up so I can carry on there memory. Read more>>

Tycho Bergquist

For me, it all started with drumming. At 13 years old, I was a young teenager who didn’t enjoy structured athletic pursuits. I had tried rock climbing, white water rafting, track, soccer, Ultimate, football and basketball but nothing piqued my interest, consistently. When I landed on that drumset, I felt my body moving like a dance—four limbs coordinating and pulsing, my head bobbing to the beat and my heart feeling the entire experience. And I knew I was in my body and my mind, simultaneously—both physically and creatively. Read more>>

Alyssa Stanford

I grew up playing soccer, so I was in and out of a physical therapy clinic with multiple injuries. My PT was so amazing at his job, and he introduced me to the idea of becoming a PT myself. I have always had a heart to was pulled toward serving others, and this job has allowed me to dive deep into serving. I have an amazing community and family who has supported me through my career, and there is no way I would be where I am not without their continuous encouragement. Read more>>

Christina Kelly

My journey has been anything but linear. It has been shaped by life’s beautiful moments and unexpected turns. I’ve worked in various fields over the years, but as a mother balancing parenthood and life events was difficult. I found that working independently offered the flexibility I needed. That path led me to start an in-home childcare business, which was both fulfilling and aligned with my lifestyle at the time. Read more>>

Michelle

I’m looking forward to graduating this summer in August. Having that degree and being done with school will be a huge weight off my back. I’m also looking forward to recording 2 more singles for this year! One will be co-produced with pop producer Kory Shore and the other will be produced entirely by me. I know I’m in the very, very beginning stages of the career, but 2 years ago, I thought a music career would be impossible for me. Now the doors are wide open in Nashville! Read more>>

Twinnie

I started performing when I was about four years old, growing up in the Romani Gypsy Traveling community in England. Music and storytelling were always a huge part of my life – it’s just in my bones. I went on to perform in West End musicals like Chicago and Rock of Ages, and had the chance to work alongside legends like Glenn Close, Christian Slater, and Alan Menken, which was such a surreal and inspiring experience. Read more>>

Suha Dabit

She was admitted into the PCICU, and days later, as her condition worsened, none of the medications that could have helped her heart recover worked. We were told that a heart transplant was the only solution, but Nadia was too sick to wait for a donor heart. We were given two choices: either we do nothing, or we attempt a high-risk, never-before-done procedure at our hospital—implanting the Berlin Heart to keep her alive while she waited for a donor heart. Nadia became one of only a handful of single-ventricle patients in the world to undergo this procedure at the time. The odds were terrifyingly slim, but with the skilled surgical knowledge of her amazing surgeon, Dr. Bret Mettler, and his then-equally-amazing team, she pulled through. Read more>>

Micaela Fox

Entrepreneurship has been my passion and natural bent since I can remember. I live with a belief that anything is possible and to risk, is a gift. I am driven by the insatiable need to discover potential. I see potential in everything. Taking vision, dreams, ideas and seeing them come to life through innovation and creativity for the purpose unlocking potential, is the core of what I love to do. Read more>>

Lyn Stevens

This journey has been a long and winding road, with a few “S” curves thrown in along the way! I fell in love with the mystique of radio, while I was still attending grade school. After high school, I enrolled at a radio broadcasting school in Madison, WI and then went full-time into radio after graduating. Over the years, I worked a variety of radio jobs from telemarketing, to copywriting, to being on-air. Eventually I felt like I had stagnated at my job and that there really wasn’t any more room to grow, so I decided to move to Nashville, TN to pursue the artist management end of the music industry. I fell into music photography, something that still kept me around music. Read more>>

Kortney Toney

When I started my career post-college graduation in 2011, the housing market crash, aka “The Great Recession,” happened. I came fresh out of college with high hopes but no job to apply for. This was devastating and it took about 2.5 years for me to officially find a full-time job in my field. Those were incredibly stressful and heartbreaking times. Additionally, I have endured layoffs in an ever-changing business, such as during the pandemic. As millennials, we have been through a lot, but we have shown incredible strength and resilience. These obstacles are not our fault, but we have no choice but to get up and keep moving. Read more>>

Robert Warren

My kick was losing a long-standing job, which created a financial hole. I worked for a company for over 15 years as their Director of Technology, and for the last 5 years, I have been working part-time remotely as their system admin. Then, one day, out of the blue, they decided they didn’t need my services and laid me off without warning and with no type of severance at all. After losing my job and part of my income, I realized I didn’t want to be reliant solely on someone else for my financial security. So last year, I embarked on a new endeavor, being a content creator on a couple of different YouTube channels that I created. Read more>>

William Tate

I started out my construction career at 15 years old, working with a friend of my families doing flooring. My dad was a jack of all trades and believed in doing things the right way. He instilled that into me and pushed me to find what I was best at and make that my career. I worked in many trades and loved learning as much as I possibly could about each one and loved teaching it to others. Inspecting felt like the perfect move being that I can always learn more and I can teach people at the same time. Read more>>

Collin Reynolds

I’m more known these days for painting professional wrestlers, so I guess you could say I’m good at painting portraits. If I had to guess, I’d say my level of detail is what sets me apart (maybe speed these days as well). What I’m most proud of honestly is how fast I’ve been able to pick up digital in the past 2 years and how each medium really blend into one another. Read more>>

Tanner Haas

There were plenty of times I screamed out of frustration, cried, and felt like a failure. But I’d say the one thing I had going for me—something anyone can develop—is persistence. I don’t quit. It’s just not an option for me. And it’s amazing what anyone could accomplish if they just worked a little harder, a little longer, and didn’t quit. It’s okay to change your route, tweak what you do, but don’t change your destination. Read more>>

Kazmyn

I’ve prioritized songwriting more over the last few years specifically, and have worked with some lovely individuals with stories to tell. As of Valentines Day here, I am finally moved into a humble little room in Nashville, Tennessee. I have new friends here and many more to meet, and I’m excited to break into the scene. I’m thankful that my dad is so supportive and my siblings stay in touch, but for the first time in my life, I am not scared to be across the country on my own adventure. Music is a comfort, like a hug, and I have clung to it with my life. Read more>>

Rich LaMonica

In service, my biggest hurdle was physicaly healing from being wounded. Once I Retired from the Army, the hurdle was huge trying to find my purpose. I was knocked down many times, but kept pushing forward and gaining grit and resilience. Through that pivotal 365 days trying to find work, I found myself reading a lot of books to help me grow as a person. One was “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek, another was “Mindset: The Psychology of Success” by Jack Summer. I was filled with doubt, my confidence was crushed. Those books along with others helped be to learn and grow into a much better person. Read more>>

Melisa Majdancic

I think for me the biggest hurdle I had to face was imposter syndrome. As much as I would love to say it doesn’t impact me or affect me, that would just be a lie. Switching from one industry to another in my professional career, came with much fear of “what do I actually know” and “how do I lead a team if i’m still learning?”. Then in my writing career it became, “Will people even want to read this?” and “what do I know about writing a book?” Read more>>

Terry Warren

As they advance, feedback and accountability can become challenging. I provide direct feedback and guidance to help them unlock potential and find solutions. Often, people know what to do, but they need help uncovering it. Through questions, active listening, and evaluating demeanor, I assist CEOs in making critical business decisions, accelerate the development of emerging leaders, and guide retirees in pursuing their dreams. Additionally, I am an accomplished landscape painter. Studying art allows me to view situations from a holistic perspective, acknowledging that, like in painting, progress may require adaptation rather than starting over completely. Read more>>

Kenny Wright

It has not been a smooth road. Trying to make a living as a musician that plays music you create yourself is a very difficult journey. It’s hard enough to get a job as a “side guy”, so trying to sell your own wares and make a living doing original material is tough. Traveling is fantastic, but the grind can really take a lot out of you. Being away from your family and that sort of thing. There are a lot of distractions when you’re on the road. A lot of people looking to take advantage. Sycophants, etc. It’s not for everyone. Read more>>

Daniel Carr

The Storytellers in Songwriting Showcase began in 2022 as a listening room, where local artists featured original music. A combination of selecting good locations, and incredibly professional performers, came together to create magic. Growth happened quickly because good music tells good stories and we were able to include nearly anyone that could develop their talent. After more than 2 years, we’ve played 88 shows and continue to add artists every week. Read more>>

Amore’ Dear

More recently, I’ve begun exploring another exciting avenue—interviewing. My work has always centered on human connection, and interviewing allows me to dive deeper into people’s stories. I love creating a comfortable space where individuals can share their journeys, passions, and insights. Whether I’m coordinating an event, performing on stage, or leading an interview, my mission remains the same: to craft meaningful experiences that leave a lasting impact. Read more>>

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>>