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.

Sophia Roselle

I also found community and belonging in video creation. I used to vlog around the house and film singing and dancing videos, and was engulfed in the world of content creation as I began watching my favorite artists on YouTube and following my favorite YouTubers– I loved the YouTubers I watched and artists I listened to so much because they provided such amazing communities, and their art helped me get through the hardest periods of time in my life. Read more>>

Andy Mead

Fast forward a few years and not only am I working full time office hours and events for an entertainment company, but also playing 3-4 hours a night 5 /6 nights a week. Read more>>

Mia Logan

Mia Logan, Country singer/songwriter, grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She ventured to Nashville in 2018 to pursue a career in music at Belmont University. Mia studied vocal performance with a minor in bassoon. Her first debut single, “Day One Sober,” was released in September 2023. Mia’s true passion for music is displayed through multiple lenses, as she enjoys playing various wind instruments in addition to singing, like: bassoon, clarinet, saxophone, and flute. In her free time, Mia enjoys hiking, photography, and fitness. You can enjoy Mia’s latest release, “The Villain,” on all streaming platforms, and stay up to date on new music and shows on her instagram and facebook pages @mialoganmusic. Read more>>

Dean La Grange

Dean committed to mastering the intricacies of digital advertising — diving deep into platform algorithms, testing creative strategies, and staying ahead of industry trends. This expertise became the foundation for campaigns that consistently deliver measurable results and high ROI. Read more>>

Jen Vogus

Jen sought to share his interests and strengths in a more permanent and visual way. So her solution was to photograph the things Aidan relished and all that he was capable of doing. This opened up Aidan’s world! Teachers and peers learned about his favorite superheroes, extra-curricular activities, and the people he loves most. “This is so cool, Aidan! I like those things too!” his students said. The pictures helped people realize that Aidan is more like, than different from, other kids. These photos, which Jen began organizing in books, were a catalyst for him to build lasting and meaningful relationships with teachers and peers. Read more>>

Kingdom Come Worship

Scott and Abbey Kunkle are South Texas natives are musical missionaries, primarily helping in churches in both English and Spanish in cities across the Texas Triangle as well as in the Rio Grande Valley. Just coming off of a church tour in Mexico, they also plan to release a Spanish version of their latest song for international audiences. Their unique approach to ministry reflects their commitment to spreading hope, encouragement, and the message of Jesus Christ. Always eager to use their gifts to show God’s love, they are sharing their music on mission for the kingdom. Read more>>

Jason Sorbet

I was at Barrel Proof for a little over 3 years when Covid hit, which prompted a move from Barrel Proof to The Chloe, a boutique hotel we opened in 2020, as the opening beverage director. I was active as the F&B Director and then the AGM of The Chloe when my current partners, Liam Deegan and Robert Leblanc of Barrel Proof offered me a partnership in Barrel Proof Nashville – the tradeoff being that I had to move here to handle the day to day operations and management. It wasn’t long before I knew this was the path I should take to take my career to a new height. Read more>>

Nicki Willis

But as much as I love makeup, I started to feel a deeper pull toward skincare. I wanted to help people feel beautiful not just with makeup on, but in their bare skin, too. In 2020, I took a leap and enrolled in the aesthetics program at Rend Lake College. That experience deepened my knowledge and gave me the tools to create a space where clients could feel safe, relaxed, and truly cared for. Read more>>

Sugar Hysteria

Running a band can certainly be challenging as it is also a business. We are completely self managed and are not currently signed to a label which means we handle all of the booking, promoting, traveling, merchandise, etc. on our own while maintaining our day jobs. We do it because through the thick and thin, at the end of the day, playing music is our passion and we will happily take everything that it entails. Read more>>

Madison Gunn

I graduated college in 2020 (unfortunate timing, I know). Coming out of college in the midst of Covid was a challenge. Theatre was mostly not happening, and the amount of uncertainty was palpable. But during this scary time, I was given the gift of moving back in with my younger sisters for the first time since high school. While we were isolated from the world, we had each other, and I connected back to the imagination of my youth. Stuck inside, my siblings and I had dance parties, had dress up days, made funny videos, and had fun just being silly. Through this time, I started writing again for the first time in years. I got involved in Zoom play readings and performances. I made sure I was still creating. And then finally, in 2022, I found myself in a new job: Voice teacher. Read more>>

Ryan Hall

We started off with very limited resources but as the years went on we were able to put more and more into our business to make it what it is today. Our biggest challenge is our space is small but we love our location so we make it work. Remodelling our store to maximise our space was the hardest thing we have had to do but it dramatically changed our business for the better. We are more efficient and aesthetically pleasing. We went from a closed kitchen to an open kitchen concept. Read more>>

Tamra Braase

In 2024, encouraged by family and friends, I launched Tennessee Springerle. My goal is to share this beautiful, historic cookie tradition with my community. The most rewarding part of this journey has been witnessing the joy on people’s faces—especially those encountering Springerle for the first time. But my heart truly rejoices when the cookies spark memories in those who grew up with them. With tears in their eyes, some have thanked me for bringing back a cherished memory of a grandparent or sibling. That, to me, is the most special part of what I do. Read more>>

Samantha Kunz

Later, I took that same love for storytelling into a totally different world—door-to-door sales. I did it for four years, and it completely changed me. I learned the art of talking to anyone. I learned how to network, how to build trust quickly, how to carry a conversation in random front yards and living rooms. You can experience a lot just by showing up alone and choosing to connect. Read more>>

Sierra Carson

A music teacher I had in high school, Mr. Singleton, was the first to tell me there were college programs where you could actually study songwriting and composition. I was accepted into Belmont’s program and a few others across the country, but my whole plan was put on pause when Covid hit in 2020. When the world stopped spinning, I spent a year writing songs in my bedroom and posting them on TikTok. That’s when everything changed. I moved to Nashville in 2021 and Belmont was my home for the next 3 years. Read more>>

Joanna Parkinson

What we knew for sure is that God is in control and if we felt a prompting to step out in faith we were going to do it. On any given day it felt like we might need to sell the house and all of our belongings and become nomads. However, slowly business increased. We were sustained every single week and now, 5 years later, we are SO GLAD we took that leap of faith. We now get to do what we LOVE and help people we would never have gotten to connect with otherwise. We set our own schedule and have flexibility and freedom that we never had before. We have learned so much and we are so grateful! We are getting to help other people get healthy and become all that God has called them to be. Read more>>

Whitney Miller

Shipping cookies and doing special events was fun but I always wanted a retail store. In 2023, a retail space became available in downtown Franklin and I jumped on it. It is such a sweet spot and I love seeing people’s faces light up when they see all the cookies in our glass case. We offer 10 cookies in an assortment of flavors including a vegan and gluten free chocolate chip option. We also offer mini cookies that are the perfect little sweet treat. This year we will be expanding into Nashville with a downtown location. Stay tuned! Read more>>

Carrie Crawford

Carrie didn’t just want to start a company; she wanted to create a family. A place where employees weren’t just numbers, where work wasn’t just a grind. She wanted a workplace where people could laugh, dance, and genuinely enjoy themselves. And that’s exactly what she built. Whether she’s dancing around the office or playfully messing with Staci and Monica, Carrie makes sure her workplace is as fun as it is productive. Read more>>

TriplePlay Squeek

One of the biggest lessons I’ve taken from this journey is the importance of putting myself first—investing in my craft and making sure every lyric, every performance, and every move I make is a true reflection of me. Consistency while navigating real life is a beast, but I’ve learned to become an even bigger one. Balancing a professional career with chasing your dreams isn’t glamorous—it takes grit, sacrifice, and a deep love for what you do. There have been moments when the pressure felt overwhelming, but my passion for this art and the belief in what I’m building have kept me pushing forward. Read more>>

Carlos (C.M. James) McNeely

I was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas. After leaving the University of Kansas in 2000, I moved to Tennessee and haven’t looked back since. My recent story really began during the pandemic. When the world paused, I decided to build. I launched a virtual assistant company to help others stay organized, start their own businesses and build their credit. It was a way to stay focused while everything else felt uncertain. During that period my mindset shifted. I wanted to create, to help others, and to build with intention. Read more>>

Dalton Higdon

Feeling lost with no real direction working dead end jobs I was at an all time low in my life. I had my son, Bray at the age of 17, I was a teen parent and felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders. Being from a small town everybody judges you. As soon as the word got out I was going to be a parent, a teen parent at that, nobody gave me a fighting chance. So with that in the back of my mind always I felt like I had to do something and fast. I felt like a bumb most of the time. I’m not by any means but it’s just how you feel when people make assumptions about you.anyways I had to pick a career it’s not a big deal it’s only the rest of your life. Not a big decision at all right? Read more>>

McKenna Faith Winters

There’s been some bumps along the way. You quickly learn that not everyone has your best interest at heart. There are just some bad people out there that will take your money but not follow through on any of the things you paid them to do. You really have to know who you are dealing with and what their reputation is-sometimes it’s easy to get excited that someone wants to help you and you learn the hard way. That definitely happened to my family and I. Read more>>

Britt Simmons

Originally from New Orleans, I moved to Nashville in 2001 to attend Belmont University. Along the way, I studied art history in Florence, sharpened my copywriting skills at an agency outside London, and earned early recognition from the American Advertising Federation. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to lead award-winning work across media production, creative direction, and writing – receiving Addy, Telly, and Parthenon awards along the way. Read more>>

Betsy Jayne

For about four years I went to NEMS meetings and would announce at each meeting that I was looking for a synth player. Many people there encouraged me to just learn synths myself, and finally in 2000, I bought my first synthesizer, then another, then more. After things opened up after Covid, I started getting gigs, this time playing my synths and singing, with no guitar. In 2024 I released my EP, At the Synthesizer Meetup. Most recently, I began taking piano lessons. I also recently bought a looper, and now loop my vocals, using harmonies and vocal effects. I am set to release a 14-song retrospective album, to be released this summer. Read more>>

Justin Turner

After some time to reflect on our first release and gaining some momentum, we had finally put together our first album titled “Surely We Will Fall” released in November of 2021. With songs like ‘Fixated’ and ‘Only to Comply’ we took on a more emotional approach to our writing style emphasized by melodic and dynamic influences from The Mars Volta and Circa Survive. This new, refined sound helped improve our sound even further. With more opportunities presenting themselves for the band’s direction, we took some time to evaluate the future of the group and what it would take to reach further successes. Read more>>

Derrick Solomon

Spending over 15 years with the organization from an active volunteer to Executive Director, the journey hasn’t always been easy. Affordable housing is a tough field — especially in a place like Williamson County, one of the wealthiest areas in the country. The average home is now $1.2 million dollars. The average median sale is $805,00 and the median $115,000. But every time we hand the keys to a first-time homeowner, every time we watch a family put down roots in a neighborhood full of history and hope, I’m reminded why we do what we do. Read more>>

Terrikous Smith

When you are learning something new, it won’t always be smooth. When I started photography, I knew little to nothing. My biggest struggle was going into my shoot being confident. When your job is to please your customers you always want to make sure that you do a great job so confidence was a big thing for me. I also had to figure out the type of photography I like doing. When I figured out my niche is when my confidence shot through the roof! Read more>>

Jason DeMeo

Now, I create large-scale artwork, speak on Artistic Intelligence, and build experiences like my upcoming show Embassy that invite people into wonder, imagination, and connection. I believe creativity isn’t just for artists — it’s a vital force for how we lead, connect, and shape the world around us. My work — whether it’s on canvas, on stage, or in a room full of leaders — is about awakening that creative spark in others. Read more>>

James Berrian

Becoming a full-time therapist has definitely had it’s struggles. Since the pandemic, I have essentially rebuilt my entire life. My career, my relationships with myself and others, my faith… it has all changed. While I am grateful for the direction my life is headed, I do find myself at times feeling the weight of grief for what was. As a professor of mine at Trevecca said, “change is loss, and loss is grief.” Read more>>