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.

Julia Brown

It is a change-your-life program. Over the years I have witness countless members regain control of their health, through movement and nutrition, and spread that change outside of the gym. I love it when I see members become mentally stronger, and they begin to tackle issues outside of the gym with the strength and resilience they have developed within our facility. Additionally, I love CrossFit because it truly is for everybody! While we don’t have these programs yet, we hope to add kids and adaptive athlete programs in the near future. CrossFit Tullahoma is a big part of our local Special Olympics every year and we love to see athletes of all abilities push their limits and pursue better health. Read more>>

Verónica Thames

During my childhood, my mom would occasionally borrow tape and CD audiobooks from the library for us to listen to while we were in the car. The first time I was allowed to choose an audiobook from the library to personally listen to, I chose Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls, narrated by Anthony Heald. I vividly remember staying up well past bedtime on a school night, huddled under my covers with my walkman, listening to Heald bring the story of Billy, Old Dan, and Little Ann to life through narration. It was a performance I will never forget. Read more>>

Wolf Mahler

My songs have gotten the attention of many artists, labels and publishers and I expect to have my first major label cuts in 2025. I am also finally starting my artist career as my first song release ever “TN in TX” comes out June 20th. I will be in Spain coaching my wife at an international track and field competition while the song comes out but I am so grateful to still be doing both professions I love. My songwriting is deeply influenced by my life experiences, blending the storytelling tradition of country music with the discipline of my athletic background. With a unique blend of personal history and artistic talent, I feel that I am poised to make a significant impact on the country music scene. Read more>>

Joseph McElravy

Cameron and I had worked together for 4+ years and the timing was right to venture off on our own. Our focus was building an environment that would attract artists while promoting artistic growth and a positive client experience. Argonaut started as 4 artists with similar tattoo ethics and respect for the industry, and has grown to 5 artists, a rotating guest artist, and a full-time piercer. Read more>>

Lee Saltsman

Where do I start haha. I never thought about being a barber. I love creating art/artsy stuff. I’m also a musician. So barbering and music for me go together very well because I’m creating art, for people to enjoy. But how I got to the point I’m at now. So let’s head back a few years. Shorty plater high school probably a year or so. I went to college to work in an operating room. In Nashville, Tn. I was a surgical technician. I did that for five years. Honestly I didn’t feel I was helping anyone out. I wasn’t making a difference. I learned a lot and seen interesting things.  Read more>>

Elizabeth Burch

Elizabeth Burch Interiors is a boutique interior design firm in Nashville TN. We specialize in residential interior design from new and ground up builds, renovations and remodels, furnishing and styling and virtual design plans. We love to incorporate color and pattern in our designs and we’re always going to suggest wallpaper! We have projects in Nashville and surroundings areas, like Franklin with quite a few in Westhaven. We are proud to have had projects featured in Nashville Lifestyles and StyleBlueprint. Read more>>

Christina Duran

There’s definitely quite a learning curve, especially with mobile retail businesses because there aren’t many of them out there, so there is significantly less information on the start up requirements for something like this. That means a lot of guessing work and research to figure it all out! Balancing entrepreneurship with being a full-time mom has also had its challenges—most of my brainstorming happens during car naps or after bedtime. There were moments of doubt, delays with the trailer build, and plenty of “am I really doing this?” But since the day of the grand opening I knew I was meant to do this, to connect with romance readers in Nashville and to create this space for the community. Read more>>

Drew Snipes

My interest in fitness grew steadily, and I found myself wanting more from my work. In 2009, I earned my personal training certification and began my career at the St. Thomas Hospital Wellness Center. I quickly realized how much I valued one-on-one time with clients—helping them set goals and work toward them became deeply rewarding. However, as I worked primarily with older adults, I began to notice gaps in my knowledge and felt the pull to grow professionally. That realization led me to pursue physical therapy. Read more>>

Laura Pearson

I’ve been a country songwriter for 12 years and a writer for as long as I can remember. My childhood in Michigan was crowded with journals, poems, story starts on loose-leaf paper, and contest submissions. I set ambitious goals for myself, including one to publish a novel in my teens, S.E. Hinton style. Never ticked that box! But I went on to study English in college and become a journalist and editor. I’ve always been involved in music, too—singing in choirs, strumming my guitar, harmonizing with my sisters around the piano—so it’s fitting that I eventually found a way to combine words and music. Read more>>

Clelia Stefanini

My husband and I moved to Nashville in 2015 with no real plan — just a sense of adventure and a hope that I could break into the world of CrossFit. At the time, I didn’t have a job and couldn’t afford a gym membership, but I knew I wanted to be part of that community. So I sent a bold, cold email to a local CrossFit box offering to help with anything administrative in exchange for membership. Thankfully, they took me up on it — they were overwhelmed on the operations side and welcomed the support. I jumped right in and started helping organize and manage the day-to-day. Read more>>

Autumn Miller

l set my sights on becoming a nurse from a young age, and I worked hard to make that dream a reality. Throughout high school, I focused on medical-related studies, joined healthcare-focused clubs, and earned any certifications I could at the time. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I worked as a tech, which only deepened my commitment to pursuing nursing. Today, I’m proud to work as a nurse in an emergency room setting, where I help people through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Read more>>

Ashlyn Johnson

That’s when I got my first camera (a Canon T7i) and everything began. I quickly fell in love with the craft, and my background in film translated naturally into photography. From there, I started photographing everything I could—my church, my family, and friends. What started as a passion soon became something I couldn’t imagine not doing. It took me a few years to build my website, grow my social media presence, and develop a client base, but I was committed to the journey. Today, I’m a full-time photographer. I’m still growing and refining my craft, but I truly love what I do. Read more>>

Taylor

The dream is to build a bridge between creatives by holding workshops and events. These workshops aren’t just about learning a skill. They’re about creating a space where you feel seen, equipped, and inspired. A space where seasoned creatives can pour back into others, and where those who feel stuck, small, or unsure can find the courage to begin anyway. Read more>>

Zoya

Music became more than just a passion or hobby when I started performing and recording seriously in my early 20s. In 2018, I had the chance to go through the judges’ round on American Idol Season 16, which was a pivotal moment that gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward. My breakout single “So Far Away” organically blew up on TikTok, with over 170,000 video creations and led to collaborations with brands like Dove, Jay Shetty, and Benefit Cosmetics. Read more>>

Morgan Shone

I’ve been fortunate to travel the world, and even circumnavigated on a boat in 108 days. Along that journey, I noticed that I would be deeply impacted by a well designed space, subconsciously learning how spaces shape our emotions. From sensing the way light made a room come alive, to how moody colors created intimacy, and how poorly designed spaces could make me feel unsettled. This strong intuitive sense was building inside me that would guide me going in designing intentional and beautiful spaces. Read more>>

Lily Hart

When my father got sick, I was overwhelmed. The conventional medical system gave us little direction, and I found myself lost in a maze of conflicting advice and fear. That helplessness pushed me into action. I began studying herbs, healing traditions, and detox pathways—not as a hobby, but as a lifeline. Every formula I created came from that urgency, from a place of deep love and desperation to help someone I couldn’t lose. Read more>>

Matthew Piper Camilla Alvarez

Both Camilla Alvarez and I come from painting backgrounds. Our fathers were both painting contractors, so this line of work has always been a part of our lives. I started working with my dad at Piper’s Painting when I was just 15, spending every summer learning how to prep, paint, and treat clients with respect. That hands-on experience built the foundation for the standards we hold today. Read more>>

Joe Tjosvold

A lot of our early growth came from word-of-mouth, a great team, and staying scrappy. I’ve always believed in hiring people who are not only talented but also team players who find a way to get things done. Today, Chezy works with organizations across the country, from small nonprofits to major brands like Amazon and Ralph Lauren, because we’ve kept our promise to make video production simple, high-value, and personal. Read more>>

Rachelle Hutt

Yeah! Back in 2018 I had some plans fall through that left me with a couple of bucks to hold on to. I was inspired by my last job, and an idea to start something that felt good to eat, and that was also quick. I had just had a baby, also a five year old running around, so i wanted something that nourished everyone. Short story, we started a food truck that was well received, and shortly after, opened a store. It’s been me my husband, and a small crew for the last 5 years. Read more>>

Jaden (Beth) Terrell

I toyed with the idea of leaving the classroom to pursue my writing dream, but as a special ed teacher in a self-contained classroom, I always had some of the same children from the previous year. Some of them were with me for five years! I couldn’t bring myself to leave them, but I continued to read good books, study the writing craft, and write when I had the energy. It wasn’t until the school system was restructured in such a way that I wasn’t going to have any of the same students that I took my retirement early and threw myself into learning to be a professional writer. Read more>>

Grace Good

Over time, my performances grew from small local gigs to international tours, major NBA halftime shows, festivals, corporate galas, and even on the biggest stage in the world, America’s Got Talent. That momentum inspired me to start my own entertainment company, Goodness Gracious Creative, which now books high-end cirque-style acts all over the country but is home based in Nashville, Tennessee. I went from spinning one hoop in my backyard to a full time circus performer traveling the world living my dreams, leading a team of world-class performers, creating immersive shows that merge circus, fire, and fantasy. It’s been a wild ride full of sparks, sweat, and a whole lot of hustle, but I’m so grateful for every step! Read more>>

Elizabeth Snellings

Each piece features carefully selected semi-precious gemstones like Rose Quartz, Jade, and Howlite, each chosen for its unique properties to inspire love, confidence, and tranquility. Whether it’s a wire-wrapped pendant, statement earrings, or a custom bracelet, every creation is a wearable affirmation of self-worth and individuality. Read more>>

Shauvik Sharan

I started playing guitar seriously first which was my entry point. Over time, songwriting became more important to me than just playing or performing. I got obsessed with not just how a song sounds, but what it says; the emotion behind the sound. That obsession pushed me to develop my voice as both a writer and an artist. I’ve always been genre-fluid; I like taking the emotional honesty of singer-songwriter music, the polish of pop, and the edge of alternative or electronic production, and blending it into something that feels personal, but also shareable. Read more>>

Dutch Bryant

I’ve been a Drag Queen entertainer for over 13 years now. Took a brief break and returned as a Bearded Queen and haven’t looked back since. I have been crowned Miss Gay Indiana Newcomer 2024 as the first bearded Queen to win a regional prelim and compete at the National level in Dallas, Texas. This year I am 1st alternate for Miss Gay Illinois newcomer and will be competing again this July in Texas at the legendary Rose Room. Read more>>

Becky Bayne

Now, with my own experience as an author under my belt, I am thrilled to bring a new level of understanding to my work with clients. Having navigated the challenges of publishing and marketing a new book firsthand, I am uniquely equipped to empathize with and guide authors through the process. This personal experience has enriched my perspective, enabling me to offer even more valuable insights and support to those embarking on their self-publishing journey. Read more>>

Cordelia Witty

I never set out to become a healer, but I’ve always been someone who felt deeply, listened closely, and held space for others with care. My educational background is in psychology. I’ve spent the last five years working as a school psychologist, supporting youth through emotional and behavioral challenges. Then, somewhere along the way, I started to feel a quiet nudge that there was something more I was meant to explore. Read more>>

Todd Caughey

The chiropractor took X-rays, revealing spinal instability, and taught me about the body’s remarkable ability to heal itself when interferences in the nervous system are cleared. After just a few adjustments, I felt relief. Through treatment, I learned how to support my body’s natural healing. That experience ignited my passion, launching my 25-year journey to become a chiropractor dedicated to helping our community thrive. Read more>>

Mary Grevas

What I will say is this – every roadblock, every mountain, has turned out to be such a blessing, even when it does not seem like it at the time. Life has brought its share of hardships, but it has also been rich with grace, marked by growth, and guided every step of the way by a faithful God. Recognizing that even the smallest of ideas can be used to impact others has been a game changer for me. What started as a childhood fascination and then a college passion, has grown into a business rooted in faith, heart, and creativity. And I’m just getting started. Read more>>

Alexandria Simmons

Imposter syndrome was also real for me, especially in the beginning. I found myself questioning whether I was really good enough or deserving of the opportunities coming my way. Over time I’ve learned to quiet that voice and remind myself that I’ve earned every bit of this. Still, it’s a constant practice to stay grounded, focused, and true to myself. Read more>>

Daves Highway

Charlie then brought us to Lipscomb University in Nashville where he started the commercial music program. We met and worked with Brown Bannister, Amy Grant, and Ron Fair. All are still lasting connections and friendships. We recorded and were mentored by Ron Fair who quickly became one of our greatest supporters. He introduced us to so many people which led to our current management relationship with Jake Owen and Keith Gale at Good Company Entertainment. Keith introduced us to Geoff Sprung (Old Dominion) and we recorded an EP at Blackbird Studios that will be released August 15, 2025. Read more>>

Emma Langley

He was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in late 2023 and passed away on May 16, 2024. I had never experienced a loss this deep before. I had lost my best friend and the only person that I trusted to talk to, knowing he had my best interest at heart. After he passed, a note he had written to me resurfaced, and a part in it especially stuck out to me. In it, he said, “Go chase your dreams, don’t be afraid to fail, and just make sure you figure out how to keep God in the center. God has given you a gift not only to sing like an angel, but with His anointing. You can reach people with that gift that I could never reach. Don’t let that gift go to waste.” Read more>>

Irakli Gabriel

I got to work, both in music and video, with the artists and people I grew up admiring, like the Waterboys, David Olney or Mary Gauthier to name a few. During my time in NYC I was frequently at Saturday Night Live with my photo/video mentor Mary Ellen Matthews who is the main photographer and videographer at SNL and got to watch her and the entiire cast work, learn and in the process meet a myriad of my heroes and artists that I deeply respect. That’s been a very special learning experience, to see how much work goes into being an artist, aside from talent Read more>>

Suzie Pfeil

Suzie thrives on the intersection of creativity and connection. Whether she’s designing a brand, directing a photoshoot, or guiding someone through their first yoga class, her work is infused with presence, purpose, and joy. When she’s not hitting deadlines or building visual systems, you’ll find her on the mat—breathing deeply, moving mindfully, and helping others discover their own inner alignment. Read more>>

Jake Rye

We tracked that record at a private location outside Bon Aqua TN in the woods. We wanted a place that wasn’t too far outside town but just enough to give us some focus and solitude as well as peace and quiet for magic to happen. I have a knack for finding remote locations to record albums at. Theres just something about going on an adventure somewhere that isn’t someones studio… Theres magic about unfamiliar places and creating an atmosphere that people can bond in. People are truly themselves when they aren’t bombarded by the stress of the familiar. Read more>>

Mayra Frias

I hold a Bachelor’s in Social Work from MTSU and spent over a 10 years in mental health and advocacy services, supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. That heart for service now shows up in my creative work, where I aim to bring beauty, color and transformation to any space. Read more>>

Kat Isom

My love for cameras turned into a passion for preserving all of life’s beautiful moments in still form. I started my small photography business offering free photo sessions to all, meeting such beautiful souls along the way, learning their stories and capturing their special life moments. What I didn’t anticipate is that meeting so many different people would end up being my favorite part of photography. Many of my close friendships today started from a photo session. When meeting fellow photographers or capturing a new friend, it is such a God given gift to connect in the community I live in… I am thankful for that every day! Read more>>

Emilee Dee

When I moved to Hendersonville in 2021, I was bummed there wasn’t a Lagree studio close by. I kept thinking about how much this community would love it if they just had access to it. So I sat with that for a while… until eventually I realized maybe I was supposed to be the one to bring it here. Fast forward to now, I opened D LAGREE STUDIO in April 2025, and it still feels surreal. It’s been really special watching this idea that once lived in my head become a real space where people are showing up, moving, growing, and genuinely loving it! Read more>>

Mallory Huffstetler

My career in art began in 2012 when I enrolled in cosmetology school to become a hairstylist, a path I chose because I knew I wanted to integrate art into my professional life.. My artistic pursuits are quite broad, encompassing not only my work as a hairstylist but also a lifelong dedication to writing and painting. Last year, I advanced my writing by publishing a book of poetry with Walnut Street Publishing named “Her Saturn Return.” I view all these artistic expressions as essential elements of my ongoing creative career. Read more>>

Bex Adams

Prior to becoming a yoga teacher, I experienced years of chronic pain. After countless specialist visits, physical therapy, and epidural shots in my back, I was at a place where the pain darkened so much in my life. I thought that ease and comfort in my body was not possible anymore. I felt a sense of betrayal and anger toward my body, it was a relationship in desperate need of attention and love. Read more>>

Christine Poythress

Born during, what at the time was called, the “Storm of the Century,” a category 5 cyclone that froze the Southeast, I was a handful. As my mother once said, “You were harder to control than the others,” I was number three of four. We lived on a dirt street in a working-class neighborhood in Savannah, Georgia. I longed to play the piano, but there was never any money for lessons. Read more>>

Ashley Crawford

This journey took off in 2017 after the viral #MaskOffChallenge. No one knew who I was in the video, and dubbed me “FluteBae.” I thought, “Oh wow! That’s cool!” I took it and ran with it. Ever since, my now trademarked brand has taken me to the Staples Center performing the national anthem for both the NBA and WNBA, the Grand Ole Opry, Historic Ryman Auditorium, national and international conferences such as the National Flute Association and MIdwest Band and Orchestra clinic, being a featured artist in publications such as “Flute View,” “The Flute Examiner,” the 2023 “People Issue” of the Nashville Scene, “Urbannite,” NPR, and WPLN. Read more>>

Lindsay Warhurst

I’ve always seen myself as a bit of a dark horse- I grew up in a fairly poor neighborhood, and felt isolated for most of my formative years. I have struggled with an eating disorder since my early teens, have had a complex relationship with religion and family, and had someone close to me attempt suicide, which disrupted many of my ideals. A lot of my written work deals with grief, frustration, helplessness, abandonment, and a deep sense of displacement. It all came together in a really fascinating way to make me the person I am today! Read more>>

Carley Steeples

Since high school, I’ve dreamed of opening a boutique on the Square in Pulaski, Tennessee. I vividly remember the excitement—and if I’m honest, the heartbreak—when the very first boutique opened there. I had always hoped I’d be the first. But now, at 31, I can finally say I’ve turned that lifelong dream into a reality. I may not be the first, but I am currently the ONLY women’s boutique on the square! Read more>>

Natalie Hanemann

Being an “insider” in publishing for so long gave me the credentials to grow a robust writing and editorial business that expanded into an LLC in 2024. I expanded the business further to include the spiritual side of creativity, specifically storytelling, whether it is through the written word, song, or some other shape of art. At Be/Wilder Writer, the goal is to explore the intersection of creativity, wilderness, and spirituality. Our creativity doesn’t originate with us, but it is communicated and grown in the interior space of spirit, mind, and heart. The best way I’ve found to get in touch with this part of ourselves is by going into wilderness. Read more>>

Kristen Haire

Today, I’ve built Beauty By Kris into something I’m so proud of! I offer a variety of treatments including neurotoxins such as Botox and Dysport, dermal fillers, lip filler, biostimulators, chemical peels and more! I primarily work out of my cozy home studio in Franklin, TN and one day a week I inject at SknShack in Tollgate Village. I still offer concierge in-home services for those who prefer the convenience and comfort of treatments brought directly to them. My approach is focused on natural results, client education, and creating a space where people feel seen, supported, and confident! Read more>>

Taylor Hungerford

With music you accept that hard work does not always equate to success. Art is a subjective field, and sometimes what you’re putting out will not vibe with some folks – and that’s okay. I’m two albums and God knows how many shows into this and still have yet to amass a strong local following. But, to quote Bob Dylan’s grandma, “there is no road to happiness, happiness is the road.” Read more>>

Erin Dugan

I did a lot of freelance work and continued to keep my eyes and ears open. One day, while chatting with a friend, I happened to mention that I had been visualizing a creative hub where individuals could come together to create, collaborate, and get guidance and tools to bring their ideas to life. I mentioned to her, “just let me know if you hear about a building that you think could work.” She said she would let me know if she heard of anything. And that was that. Read more>>