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.

Jason Warner

My partner and I make it a point to share the love in Leiper’s Fork as often as possible. We also own and operate GratiDude Ranch just down the road from Bubble Joy which serves as an event venue and lodging destination and boasts farm-to-table dinners, weddings, and other magnificent experiences. We run a non profit on the ranch that supports foster families and children called SAFE (Safe, Affirming, Foster Events), which provides a nurturing environment for foster children. Read more>>

Tequila Rose

Though my grandmother’s passing when I was 21 years old dimmed my dream of cooking for the world, my passion never waned. I continued to cook for my children and friends, keeping the flame alive. In 2018, a significant moment came when someone tasted my food and said, “You know, you could sell this food!” Motivated by his words, I found a space and began to promote my plate sales through social media and word of mouth. Read more>>

Wesley Carter

It hasn’t been smooth. In 2001 I was covering the Daytona 500 and saw Dale Earnhardt get killed. Although I didn’t know him, I had interacted with him and his team quite a bit including covering him in 1998 when he won the Daytona 500. 2001 was also the year Reuters went digital, and digital cameras were prohibitively expensive so there was a few years that I didn’t shoot much. Read more>>

Isaac Harris

I was raised in East Tn in the Appalachian Mountains, I come from a long line of pioneers and moonshiners. I grew up across from the mayor and his property where he would throw big bluegrass festival like parties through out the year. Growing up, I kept hearing in the distance the thumping low end from a doghouse bass from the front porch of our house but as I got older but finally got the nerve to finally walk over there and see what the noise was all about. Read more>>

Rachel Thomas

Rachel has worked diligently to propel Old Hickory Social & Marketplace into a widely popular merchant mall that serves as the go-to spot not only for a unique shopping experience, but for the many community events the store proudly hosts as well. Old Hickory Social is where shoppers can come take part in weekly activities like block parties, political meet and greets, fashion show kick-off parties, chamber of commerce events, classic car shows, and art classes, just to name a few. Giving back to the community is also something that Rachel is passionate about. What began as an idea, was quickly put into motion and became something where people come together to experience fun, shopping and most importantly, community. Read more>>

Zakiya Pruitt

It’s a text message club to recieve motivational texts weekly. It’s fairly new and needs a few more implementation as I go on but you can find the business by tiktok or instagram. In the future I am hoping to add more fun features like raffles for prizes and different teirs of membership that include fun things with it. Read more>>

Keegan Fioravanti

After leaving home in Washington State Keegan lived many places including a years long stint in Hawaii before ultimately landing in Nashville, Tennessee which became his most fruitful stop yet. Shortly after relocating, Keegan met his now wife and partner in business, Haleigh. Together they created his first business venture, Eternal Returns, a company with a focus on upcycling materials used in cabinets. Never one to sit still for long, Keegan also was involved in six other businesses at this time. Read more>>

Aaron Warren

Growing up, my friends and peers always wore the cool sneakers, the kind I dreamed of wearing. But for me, with my disability, it was nearly impossible to get regular shoes on without it being extremely uncomfortable, so I just didn’t wear them at all. Something as simple as putting on shoes became something that separated me from that feeling of fitting in—a feeling I’ve experienced more times than I can count. Every pair of shoes I loved felt like it was just out of reach, and I knew I couldn’t be the only one feeling this way. Read more>>

Trisha Crowley

Back at the SPCA, there were no kittens available that day. While filling out pre-approval paperwork for a future adoption, I saw a puppy that had just been returned to his kennel. The person meeting with him decided he would grow too large. Curious, I walked to the back and saw him—curled up, frightened, and cowering amidst the noise of barking puppies. In that moment, I knew he was meant to leave with me. I named him Titan. He was a handful—like most puppies—but he changed my life. Titan gave me a sense of purpose, and he was the reason I began working in animal rescue. Read more>>

Kara Faye Stevens

My photography journey started shortly after my son was born. I got my first camera, which was a Canon Rebel T5. My son truly was my inspiration to become a photographer. I knew it was my calling and what I was meant to do. I watched many YouTube videos starting out and shot a lot in auto. Slowly but surely I got better and better and understood more about the settings on my camera. There were times where I felt like giving up and that I wasn’t good enough but thank the good Lord I never gave up. The key for me was just always being true to myself and enjoying learning and growing. Looking back I never thought I would be here 9 years later as a successful and professional photographer. I thank God everyday. Read more>>

Billy Gomes

As of now, Neon Halo Foundation is primarily funded through my film lighting company (Neon Halo Films) that I’ve had for 10 years, as well as some grants and fundraisers. We are still a young nonprofit, and as we become more established there are hopefully many more projects (both local and abroad) that Neon Halo will create to save lives and bring smiles to the faces that have endured massive hardships. I am also creating a Ukrainian-based sewing business in Odesa, Ukraine to help create well-paying jobs to help people earn a decent living while they are subjected to daily air alarms and rocket/drone attacks. Read more>>

D Boone Pittman

D Boone Pittman’s music has always been tethered to his roots. A product of Appalachia, Pittman’s songwriting captures the depths and majesty of his homeland while giving the listener a front row seat to the culture and history. Pittman writes and sings about this culture and history with an authority given only to those who have lived in the area. With now 4 studio albums and 2 live albums, Pittman’s catalog is growing exponentially. Recently awarded “Songwriter of the Year” at the 2024 Josie Music Awards, as well as “Best Original Song” at the 2024 Appalachian Entertainment Awards, Pittman is coming off a big year. Read more>>

Omari M Booker

Challenges finding gallery representation and getting into shows. Also navigating a prison sentence. The challenges all had a huge impact on where my career is today. Read more>>

Kelly Ehlert

Fastfoward several years, I played volleyball in college at Lipscomb University with some idea of wanting to get into more medicine or sports related care. My junior year I ended up having a stress fracture to my spine and something called a Spondylolysis. I was out for the spring season and did weeks and weeks of PT. I was a challenge for my physical therapist because I was so high level and she needed harder and more difficult challenges for me to do to strengthen my core. After several weeks of her care, I was able to play my senior year and keep my scholarship.  Read more>>

Seth Packan

My name’s Seth Packan, and I’m the host of the Podunk Perspective Podcast. Originally from the small town of Romeo, Michigan, I made the move to Nashville over three years ago. I’ve been a diehard country music fan since I was a kid. My parents, Lisa and Patrick, always had music playing in the car—artists like Kid Rock, Sugarland, Kenny Chesney, and more. That’s where my love for country music first took root. Read more>>

Jake Groft

I took a 3 year hiatus from playing live and didn’t realize how much play it affected my mental health until I stopped. Eventually in late 2022 I met my friends Heads or tails experience and Kenton Sitch. Watching those two perform made me realize how much I missed playing and singing and it’s been pedal to the floor board since. Since then I released my song Lovin’ on Overtime and have been playing acoustic acts every month. Currently working on putting together a band to help back me and my dreams of playing stadium shows. Read more>>

Jamie Floyd

I also was honored to write the theme song for the MAHA Inaugural Ball with Broadway star Carrie Manolakos. We were invited by RFK Jr. to attend the inauguration and the ball, where Carrie performed (and released) our song, “All Eyes On Us,” in January, before I headed to the Grammy’s to attend the ceremony for the first time! I’ve released new music over the last couple of years (my single “Sad Girls Do” was recognized as one of Spotify’s All Genre Best Independent Releases of 2023) and I’m currently working as the composer on 2 new musicals in development: “The King’s Wife,” and “Killin’ It: A Howdy Horror Murder Mystery Musical.” There have been so many highs and lows over my last 21 years in Nashville and I’m still finding new dreams to chase both as an artist and a writer! Read more>>

Clove Monson

The most significant challenges have been creating great tasting vegan recipes that I’m proud to share with others and building the finances to maintain and continue investing in my business while figuring out how I can best serve our community. My years of experience working in multiple bakeries were challenging, but has definitely helped sustain the drive needed to pursue my own endeavor. Read more>>

Rebecca Alonzo

Forgiving over and over when it’s an ongoing situation is a weary challenge at times. Waiting for resolve and then being ok if you don’t get it, either in the court system or in relationships, can be difficult. Also, on special occasions when we wish we could celebrate with our parents, we have to remember that we need to live from a place of healing and not heartbreak. As a friend of mine says, “You learn to make friends with the Grief.” Read more>>

Jess Ford

It cost me my fiance’. It almost cost me my home, my Mom had to bail me out a few times. It cost me financial hardship, credit card debt, it was a struggle but I was growing and unstopable. I played every writers round, I wrote songs with the worst and the best. I played the music row game when music row was actually “music row” and not demolished Publishing Companies and high hotels. I made some of the best friends I’ve ever made and we are all still friends today. We did the grind and suffered together. Read more>>

Sweet Desire

In 2024 we released 3 singles and started playing in more states for more and more crowds. In 2025 we released 2 singles, The Dealer and Too Much to Please, played our first show in Nashville, and signed with a management company Bald Hippie Productions, who have been booking us shows in places like New York and Florida. We’ve just finished a very lengthy recording process in the studio and are planning to release more music and play as many shows for as many people as possible this year and for as long as people continue to show up and buy the merch or download the songs. Read more>>

Catina Parrish Clark

Putting together a process to take care of our congregants across the city, state and globe whether they were in person or virtual pushed me to think outside the box for sure, but I also faced challenges because of the newness of the role I held. Being one of two of the first female pastors in the history of Mount Zion caused the staff and the church at large to have to wrap their minds around how to now be subject to leadership being shared with our senior pastor. That was new to our church because traditionally in the Black church, leadership typically comes from only from the pastor of the church. I can honestly say that each challenge has produced a greater level of awareness of my strengths, and has also built me up for the next leg of the journey. Read more>>

Tara Holt

That class changed everything for me. It helped me see how the skills I already had could be monetized, and that’s how *ElevateNow* was born. ElevateNow is a Learning and Development Consulting Firm that offers both soft and technical skill training for small business owners, entrepreneurs, churches, and anyone wanting to sharpen or expand their skill set. What makes us unique is our authentic, people-first approach to learning. We create spaces where individuals feel safe to grow as they build their confidence, credibility, and efficiency in business and life. Read more>>

Jessalynn Hakanson

Donelson Hot Yoga began with Kim Corwin in 2018. After a long career as a professional dancer, she understood the importance of maintaining a working relationship with your body, mind, and spirit. A year later, Jessalynn Hakanson began working with Kim to develop immersive Teacher Trainings and adding to the studio’s offerings. In 2024 Kim asked for Jessalynn to engage in full ownership of the studio with devotion and care. Today, Donelson Hot Yoga is a community of heart forward human beings and place where people of all bodies, ages, and backgrounds come to share in their passions for yoga, whole health, and community spirit. Read more>>

Becca Fox

Working part-time has also allowed me to discover that I love volunteering and investing in our community: we foster dogs with Critter Cavalry Rescue, I help lead a Wednesday Night 3rd grade girls Bible Study at our wonderful church Brentwood Baptist, get to serve on the PTO Board at Crockett Elementary School and most recently learned more about local politics by being on the re-election committee supporting Rhea Little for Brentwood Commissioner! Read more>>

Jonathan Sachar

Bob Titley, the Manager of Brooks & Dunn and Kathy Mattea was also trying to help us push in the right direction. We played some decent shows and traveled all over the country. I started multiple bands and did very well which eventually led me to playing for a girl that came off the show The Voice. We open for Kansas, Marshall Tucker band and played some really amazing shows around the US. Read more>>

Joy Allyson

From that point on, Whiskey Love, my debut novel published by The Wild Rose Press, took flight. I must have visited ten different distilleries in TN and Ky, doing research and interviewing distillers and historians. The premise of Whiskey Love is that the heroine inherits her grandfather’s whiskey distillery in 1892 before women were even allowed to vote. Being a native Tennessean – I had the mountain lingo down pat (x…). There was no need to replicate Outlander and all the other Highlander romances flooding the market with their Scottish brogue. Read more>>

Kenny Bennett Jr

This passion followed me to college, where I fell in love with the field of Exercise Science. During that time, my good friend Shawn Conley and I set a goal to open a strength, conditioning, and rehab facility in our hometown. We wanted to create something unique—especially for the Black community—since we hadn’t seen anything like it locally. The plan was for Shawn, a future physical therapist, to focus on rehab, while I would handle personal training and sports performance. Read more>>

Vandale Gentry

Gentry Investment Properties was founded in 2017 and has since grown into the company we are today, serving several low-income families with quality, affordable housing. We’ve used a variety of investing strategies along the way to support our growth and mission. Read more>>

Tony

One of the most difficult experiences was the personal loss of my parents in 2013 and 2015. The grieving process was overwhelming, and I had to take a break from the arts and entertainment world. But my mother’s words before she passed away, encouraging me to keep performing and sharing my gifts, motivated me to return to acting in 2018. What has kept me going is the wisdom of understanding that it’s a journey, not a destination. When you learn to accept and embrace the present moment, the experience becomes much more enjoyable. And I’m beyond grateful for all these moments. Read more>>

Kennedy King Odimba

knowing this, however made me even more determined to be the first person to break that limit, which I finally did in 2011 when I became the first person in my family to obtain a college degree, it was not easy, but I did it through courage and a belief that nothing is impossible when you set your mind on it. And today we have over 10 family members who are all college graduates, but it took one person to prove that it was possible irrespective of the prevailing family circumstances. Read more>>

Stephanie Mitchell

There were seasons of uncertainty, especially during the pandemic, when weddings were being canceled or postponed. But every challenge pushed me to grow, adapt, and refine how I operate. Now, with a strong team and systems in place, we’ve built something that feels both sustainable and fulfilling. The road hasn’t always been smooth, but it’s absolutely been worth it. Read more>>

R.J. Ronquillo

I also do vintage guitar features for Carter Vintage Guitars here in town, as well as collaborate with many of the musical instrument companies based in Nashville. Recently, I performed the game opening Guitar Riff for a Nashville SC soccer game, on API Heritage night. It was a great experience and an honor to represent the Asian American and Pacific Islander community here in middle Tennessee. I’m most proud of being able to do what I love for a living. Read more>>

Sika Smith

I was the middle child of four in a household led by a stay-at-home mom and a father who drove a cab. You could say poverty had our name tattooed on it. As a child, I remember never having anything new—everything was handed down or given to us by someone from church. I didn’t realize then how deeply that could affect a child: to never experience the joy of having exactly what you wanted, and instead be taught to settle and be grateful for whatever you received. Read more>>

Michele Lambert

Becca is a potter, Michele is primarily a painter, and together they represent approximately 40 local artists. Shimai Gallery of Contemporary Craft is an intimate little jewel box filled with handcrafted jewelry, textiles, stained glass, paintings, books, lighting, and herb-infused candles, bath salts, teas and tinctures. We know all of our participating artists personally and love each other like family. Our youngest participating artist is 16 and we love that our elder potter is 91 years old. Read more>>

Jannelle Means

In 2018, I co-founded with drummer/artist Louis Winfield Soul Vibes GLOBAL (Global Love of Building Arts’ Legacy), an entertainment group (www.soulvibesglobal.com) that focuses on performing, celebrating and educating the community on soul music through different events and projects. In 2021, I co-founded along with artist Rachel Rodirguez Magenta Expression, a music performance and life coaching company. In 2024, I started Soul Vibes Radio in partnership with Acme Radio Live. I hope to continue to expand Soul Vibes Global through different entertainment and educational ventures, continue creating music, and get back into teaching in higher education with creative music and performance courses. Read more>>

Austin Schulenburg

Inventing board games and drawing and writing stories as a kiddo eventually led me to a passion and a career in graphic design & website design. I got my professional start as a production designer on a corporate creative team, while also taking on my own clients as a freelance graphic designer. For the freelance work I used the moniker Pen & Mug, and hoped to someday turn my one-man studio into something bigger than just myself. 5 years and 1 awesome business partner later I was able to take the leap of faith and make Pen & Mug my full-time career, and in the following 3 years Pen & Mug has grown from a “garage band” creative studio to a team of 9 awesome people! (https://penandmug.com) Read more>>

Staci Buford

My personal training career taught me that physical fitness is not a sufficient enough approach to health. Addressing the complex challenges that we face in our daily individual and relational experiences requires a more holistic approach- which ultimately led me to pursuing a career in mental health. Mental, physical, spiritual, and relational health/human connection are all crucial components of optimal well-being. Read more>>