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.

Tess Mann

My journey to becoming a couture designer began long before it was ever a profession. I fell in love with fashion the moment I saw the musical Aida as a young girl on a school field trip, the textures, colors, and grandeur left an imprint that never faded. Later, financial limitations nudged me toward designing my own gowns for the Miss America scholarship competitions, which deepened my connection to craftsmanship and creative expression. Even while serving over two decades as an FBI Special Agent, I never stopped sketching. That creative pull never quieted, it just waited patiently until I was ready to listen. When I retired, I didn’t “start over”, I returned to where I truly belonged. Read more>>

Dave Freeman

My Dad was a college professor at Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA and my Mom took a pause in her career as a pianist to stay home with me. We were Moravians – a protestant religion that emphasized the importance of music and singing as an important part of daily life. When I was three, they decided I was ready for my first church service, and instead of screaming or crying they were surprised to hear me singing all the hymns with the rest of the congregation. The organist picked out my voice and told my parents, “bring him to me when he learns to read.” A few months later I was taking voice lessons from the head of the music department. Read more>>

Kymani Minott

Our next goal is to scale Sentrica and take it to the level we envision. We had no idea 615Nav would become such a powerful brand and movement. Looking ahead, we have big plans for 615Nav not just to deliver news, but to help keep Nashvillians informed about their communities. Our mission is simple: get news out quickly and accurately. Read more>>

Eli Daconto

In Baltimore, I played in a hardcore band called Mindstab and was part of a project called Savior Own with Greg Puciato, who later fronted The Dillinger Escape Plan. That era was loud, fast, and real — a serious education in how to bring presence and power to a stage. I was also playing in multiple working cover bands during that time, which kept me busy and gave me the kind of experience you can’t fake — learning hundreds of songs, reading a crowd, showing up prepared, and making it groove no matter what. Read more>>

Luis Sura

My Name I LUIS SURA, Been in the Franklin area since 2007, I come here to star a church in the hispanic community, thought he years have seen a greater need in this community not only for God, but for information, education and resources. We stablished better Options TN. September 16 20016 with the intuition to minister and help our community. Read more>>

Britton Cameron

My mom was a successful dance teacher, and one of my early jobs was to clean her studio every day. Because of that, I got exposed to music I probably never would’ve heard otherwise — Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder, Anita Baker, Simply Red. That music stuck with me. Still does. I think that’s where any instincts I’m truly proud of come from. Stuff that grooves, soul, feels — that’s what keeps me grounded. Read more>>

Savi Savino

Having been at it for 9 years and seen a lot of the country I found TN to be one of my favorite places and Columbia was right on the verge of some great growth potential with good proximity to Nashville without the traffic. haha, Fast forward to today and my studio Ronin Tattoo LLC is the second oldest studio in town now. We have several very talented artist including a permanent make up artist and up and coming apprentice superstar! I was told growing up that if i could find something I love to do I would never work a day in my life. While I have to say that I have definitely worked very hard for this, I love that I can have a good life making others happy with the art I make for them and would not have it any other way. Read more>>

Eboni Funderburk

I’ll never forget sitting in his office, playing my demo tape on a cassette—yes, I’m dating myself! The songs were recordings I did with a singing group I was in during my college years. I had always prided myself on being a pretty solid singer. He listened attentively and encouraged me as I shared my dreams of breaking into the Gospel industry. He said he wanted to introduce me to someone—Demetrus Alexander, who was running Warner Gospel just down the hall. Read more>>

Ann Marie DiSalvo

When I’m not working at Lightwave Solar, I freelance in photography and marketing for those in the Nashville area. I specifically enjoy working with small businesses. I believe smaller businesses are what help communities grow and thrive. Most of them don’t have the funds to hire out an entire marketing team, so I specialize in offering discounted rates or trade deals for those who are in need of content for their social media, websites, etc. This way, I can continue to expand my freelance work, creating more and helping provide for these businesses I support. Most of all, I love connecting with others and learning and telling their stories. Read more>>

Hita Revilla-Kothen

In 2023, I met my partner and decided to take a step back from shows and entertainment. Even though it’s something I’m passionate about, I wanted to experience what it’s like to have and dedicate time to a family. I looked for balance, and although I tried to be a full-time homemaker, it didn’t quite work out—I’ve always been someone deeply involved in business and networking. Read more>>

Kaylee Haire

One of the biggest challenges has been balancing everything. Being a full-time student while running businesses, producing a podcast, and managing events at the farmers market? It’s a lot. There were nights I was editing episodes at midnight and mornings I was up at 5:00 a.m. for a market setup. Read more>>

Jessie Roddy

I started taking photos when I was a kid! I would grab my dads camera and find little nature settings or flowers to photograph. I got my own personal camera when I was 17 and I immediately started having photo shoots with whoever was willing (a lot of them being of my sister). Then J got my first professional photography job at 18 and would take photos and headshots for people throughout college. By my senior year, I took grad pictures and started to advertise more and use my social media platform for outreach! I now and going back and forth between Nashville and New York to fulfill my music dreams as well as my photography dreams! Read more>>

Greg Erwin + Taylor Lewis

We always dreamed of having a creative playground of our own to create art and music, be loud, get weird, and share it with our friends. That dream evolved very quickly into the idea of building out our own studio and starting a business to run it. After months of hunting for a location (and also learning WAY more about commercial real estate than we ever thought we would), we found a suitable space for what we wanted to do. Taylor was for sure the visionary here. What I saw was an empty, brick walled, tin roof, beat up old warehouse full of spiders and cat poop. What she saw was opportunity and a blank canvas. Thankfully we went off of what she was seeing. We committed to the location and were off to the races. Read more>>

360 Ville Enterprise LLP

Three individuals TY Hines, Daryl Barton and Lauren Palmer all had a similar business idea. We each have love for videography, technology and photography. We all knew each other from working on the same creative projects around Nashville. One day while talking, Lauren mentioned to Ty she wanted to start a 360 photo booth business. Read more>>

Sarah Scott

In addition to her new role as Owner & Editor of The Scout Guide Murfreesboro, Sarah owns Stones River Hydration and Wellness, Murfreesboro’s highest-rated IV hydration and vitamin infusion clinic. She is an active member of the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce and has been instrumental in supporting Main Street Murfreesboro, helping to preserve the city’s historic charm and vibrant local economy. Read more>>

The Band Waleska

After writing a catalogue full of songs, they decided to take things to the next level. They took their music to Wishbone Studios in the legendary music city of Muscle Shoals, Alabama where they recorded their first songs “Drinkin Again” & “Devil in my head” and “27” all written by Mr. Waleska himself. Followed by songs written by the other members such as, “Georgia Shine”, “Wildflower”, and “Caffeine & Nicotine”. Read more>>

Chandler Eggleston

I joined my first band in high school with some friends of mine. We honed our chops locally and even got to play over in Europe. After graduation I decided on attending the Berklee College of Music, and got my first professional touring gig around the same time. This ultimately made me decide put school on the back burner. Read more>>

Daniel Halal

I’ve been obsessed with music since I was a kid. I was a touring musician and tour manager for many years, and when I was home I would work in record stores and restaurants to make ends meet. My first record store job was 20 years ago in Gainesville, FL. I set up record fairs and sold online for all those years too, so it seemed natural to open a record store. The first store, Arrow’s Aim Records, was opened in 2012. We sold that store in 2019, moved around a bit, then opened Sunshine Records in 2023 (also in Gainesville). My wife got a job at Vanderbilt last year, and we opened Daydream Records in November of 2024. Read more>>

Anthony Pratt

My Dad ignited more than a spark in me when I was five as he cracked a walnut with the side of his hand. A Karate chop he learned in the Army. If anything Rockabilly Hall of Fame singer Vern Pratt taught me confidence. Read more>>

Amanda Lomax

My most recent series is called “I Project What I Reflect”. This series delves into the concept of psychological projection, illustrating how individuals unconsciously project their inner psychic material onto the external world. The artworks feature abstract compositions reverse painted on lucite blocks affixed to mirrored glass, exploring the interplay between internal and external reflections of self. Read more>>

Karla Pedersen

It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Working with animals requires a lot of scratches, bruises, patience, and a whole lot of emotion. Every pet has its own personality, but the human who loves that pet has their feelings as well. Some are excited, nervous, some are grieving, and some are doing everything they can to keep their pet healthy. I know that to them, that animal is more than just a pet, it’s family, their baby, a companion, therapy, and love all wrapped in one. Read more>>

Pittura

Through a mutual love for Rock and Metal music Kris (vocals), Caleb (guitar), and Oliver (drums) began playing together during the height of the pandemic in the San Francisco Bay Area. Caleb and Oliver relocated to Nashville and eventually Kris followed to start writing new music. After some time, we landed on the name Pittura, and the band lineup was completed with a last minute addition of Jordan on bass. Pittura made their live debut at the legendary Nashville venue, The End, in September 2024. We recently released our first EP, Reflections, on May 21st. Read more>>

Kristen Mancini

As I began giving away more and more loaves, my entrepreneurial husband encouraged me to start selling them. For about a year, I baked on a small scale, offering loaves to nearby friends and neighbors. Eventually, as I gained confidence and felt like I had truly honed my craft, I decided to focus on growing my customer base. I was amazed by the support I received and how my business began to grow organically through word of mouth. Read more>>

Cole McRae

I, Cole McRae, started Prestige Landscape Company back in high school as a simple way to earn extra money to support my passion for racing motocross. I continued adding loyal clients during my years in college while studying buisness and marketing. What began as a small side buisness gradually grew over time, evolving into the full-service landscape maintenance company it is today. Now, Prestige Landscape Company proudly serves both residential and commercial clients, offering everything from routine maintenance to custom design-build services that create beautiful, functional outdoor living spaces. Read more>>

Lizzie Tucker

For July and August 2025, we are offering $75 day passes for Tennessee residents who have never visited The Farm and want to see what it’s all about. For local guests, day passes are a great way to experience The Farm. We offer them on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Included in the day pass experience: all programming, lunch and afternoon snack and access to the property from 9AM CT to 5PM CT. Day pass guests are welcome to use our pool, hot hub, sauna, spa spaces, along with all gym and recreational spaces. Read more>>

Whit Gammon

We talked about it, prayed about it, and talked about it some more. I confided in several close friends, parents, mentors, etc to figure out what the future would, could, and should look like for the Gammon family. My wife Callie is a real estate agent and also takes care of our boys (one of which has special needs). Real Estate came to a halt as well so making ends meet became more and more on my shoulders. Providing financially didn’t bother me at all; it was a matter how to provide after taking a huge pay cut almost immediately when travel was restricted. Read more>>

Dr. Paige Prather

I’ve always been a bit of a continuing education junkie. When something sparks my interest, I dive in fully—attending every course I can, shadowing experienced doctors, and building strong mentor relationships to deepen my knowledge. I’ve completed more tongue tie training than I can even count, along with education in many other areas—some of which I don’t practice directly, but still find valuable in helping me understand the full picture and guide patients toward the best care for their unique needs. Read more>>

Michael Gillis

After New Orleans, a career move took me to Nashville where I have resided and loved life since.  Most recently, the music I have been making is orchestral in scope.  Recorded my first string quartet in 2023 with the amazing La Vie Quartet and am currently finishing a new album that will be released in 2025, again where I tracked most of the parts solo, but also there are several strings, horns, and winds parts added by the plethora of incredibly gifted local musicians I have been fortunate to meet and work with in Nashville. Read more>>

Robert Jason

I entered the control room, and introduced myself to the producer, Ron Hicklin, a longtime fixture as Studio vocalist and producer in LA. I was sent a copy of Elvis’ recording of “It’s Now or Never” to learn. In those days, these sessions were called “Sound Alikes.” I happened to do a pretty fair job impersonating “the King” back then. The session took about 30 minutes. They seemed pleased…a fact I learned when I was invited back dozens of times the following years to do more sessions, as Elvis, and several other vocalists including Tom Jones, Johnny Mathis, and others. Same with Laverne and Shirley,. a “sister” show produced by Garry Marshall. Read more>>

Katrina Lynn Whetsel

She continues to be featured and perform on TV and Radio shows broadcasting world wide! Not only does Katrina have a powerful voice that can cause goosebumps and bring you to tears but she has the down home heart, drive and faith that anything is possible while also having the mind of an entrepreneur who knows how to make you stop and take notice. With new music in the works, more music award nominations and out of state performances, Katrina is one singer on the rise to great things!  Read more>>

Kensie Coppin

We moved when I was 13 years old when I quickly picked up the guitar and started writing songs solo and co-writing at Sony ATV. I graduated high school a year early to get a “head start” on my musical career. I moved back to Texas and went to Austin Community College for 2 years for Business Administration, and was a nanny, pre-school teacher and new born mothers helper. I then got asked to sing harmonies with William Clark Green in Texas on his Ringling Road tour, performing on stages like Lone Star Jam and Billy Bobs Texas. Read more>>

Alyssa Broaddus

My grandmother (Lolly <3) lived very close to us and was able to give us lots of love, stability, a home, and support as well. From a young age, I experienced two paradoxes: feeling grateful for the love, support, and community every time I felt grief or major loss from divorce events or my father’s passing, feeling very ostriziced that this wasn’t happening to any other kids/families in my community, but also at the same time wanting to understand what would bring a human being to want to leave this earth. It was from this moment I knew I wanted to be a teacher to provide others the support and love my teachers provided to me. I knew and felt from a young age that the impact was such a crucial part of my development, and my love for people and life. Read more>>

Bubba Harper

Over time I realized I needed to change up some things or my lifestyle was going to be detrimental. I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren that is watching me. So, I turned to God and put my total trust in Him to get my life back on track. Where today my influencers are Ken Peterson, Gerald Crabb and the Crabb family, Gary Sweatman. Read more>>

Lucy Lovecraft

I was literally just walking in to every tattoo shop in Nashville with only my little portfolio and a dream. I just kept thinking that if someone could show me the basics, as an artist I was sure I could figure out the rest myself. I finally got my apprenticeship in 2017 in Gallatin at a tiny little street shop called Cardinal Tattoo. Goodness I was so excited. I didn’t even realize I had basically joined a cult haha. I was still living in Huntsville, driving up and couch hopping on weekends while I worked for free at the shop. Eventually 8 months later I had started tattooing enough where I was able to move there permanently. Then I was in the middle TN area ever since. Read more>>

Lisa Garcia

My interest in opening Cleanse began many years ago while I watched my mother get diagnosed young with Lupus. This chronic condition diagnosis came out of nowhere it seemed, and the way it was managed through Western Medicine did nothing but create a dependency on narcotics for pain management. She never seemed to get any better and instead got progressively worse. I finally figured out that lifestyle change was a huge part of what would increase her health and life expectancy, not pharmaceutical interventions that did nothing more than manage symptoms.  Read more>>

Ashley Brooks

I’m proud of my farm- pigs, goats, chickens, my professional job in healthcare (I work remotely) and winning Georgia female artist of the year twice, now up for another award with Josie awards at the Grand Ol Opry. My new song leaving side of you has hit 100,000 streams in a week and that’s been a blessing. Read more>>

Lisa Mergen

While creating custom couture for well-traveled clients who were searching for unique, luxurious fabrics, things we couldn’t find in stores, I decided to start creating my own. This was long before the internet, so I spent a full year in the local library absorbing everything I could about silk painting. Decades later, I’m proud to say I’ve been a self-employed fiber artist for over 40 years, a recipient of 39 fiber art awards, including “Best in Show” and “Best in Fiber”, and I still love every part of it, from the creative process to the personal connections that come with wearable art. Read more>>

CJ McCoy

I grew up switching between things I wanted to do. I never stuck with something for a long time because I never clicked with anything when I was little. I started theater and everything changed Ive been doing it for 5 years now and it has changed my life in ways I cannot name. The thing that held me back though was my Spine surgery. I had to wear a neckbrace for 3-4 months, and it kept me from doing what I love. I got this injury playing football and I saw it as god putting me in the right direction. Theater was one of the only things I could do now. It was a sign that theater was meant for me. Read more>>

Mary Sullivan

There is a lot that goes into establishing and maintaining a business that is predicated on manufacturing and selling goods in a trade that most consider an obsolete and dead or dying art. While I myself and my interest in my work are very much alive and thriving, the atmosphere of grind culture and the constant maintenance required to carefully curate an online presence has become an exhausting battle between authenticity, boredom, and burnout. Read more>>

Bettina Robinson

My journey toward becoming a mental wholeness specialist really began in childhood. I was always the kid asking “why”—why someone behaved a certain way, said what they said, or responded the way they did. People of all ages naturally opened up to me, and I noticed they often left our conversations feeling a bit lighter. Looking back, I can see how that attentiveness and empathy were early indicators of my path. Read more>>

Cas Cleo

I think the biggest struggles have been confidence and missed opportunities / disappointments. When you’ve been working towards your passion for so long, there will eventually be big career opportunities that pop up. But an artist career can be a strange and unsteady one and too many times so many opportunities have fallen through no fault of my own. It can be hard though and did take a hit on my confidence for a long time. I just had to keep reminding myself and start believing that if something was fleeting it was because something better was waiting. Even if I didn’t believe it at first, I eventually started to when I would say it to myself everyday. Read more>>

Len Silverman

Then, the world caught up with me. Fruit of the Loom had been in bankruptcy for 3 and a half of the 4 years I worked there and finally had a massive marketing layoff when they were bought by Berkshire Hathaway. My first thought was, “well, I don’t want that to happen again.” The best way to prevent it, in my opinion, was to go into business for myself. Read more>>

Dana Maize

What I love most is designing florals with soft, natural movement that are a reflection of what grows organically in nature. Seasonal, foraged, textured, wild….those words make my heart shimmer. I am currently taking a sabbatical from my own work and freelancing with other florists and wedding vendors. It’s allowing me to gain new design techniques and a broader skill set. It’s an exciting challenge! Read more>>

Kimberly Johnson

For over two decades, I feel I have been a driving force in human resources and recruitment—an unwavering advocate for individuals striving to build better futures. With an infectious passion for placing people in the right jobs, I have made it my life’s work to create opportunities that not only benefit job seekers but ripple outward to families and communities. Each placement is more than a transaction—it’s a transformation. Read more>>

Megan Schorgl

After college, I began my career in sales at a payroll company, where I stayed for seven years before transitioning to a PEO. I eventually moved into account management, which is the space I still work in today. My professional background has given me such valuable experience—especially in client relationships, problem-solving, and business operations—all of which have played a huge role in preparing me for entrepreneurship. Read more>>

Paige DeLozier

I started saying a little poem to her about love each day. About how the only expectation her dad and I have for her life is love. That each day she could recognize the love that is present in her life and show love to others. No career would matter quite as much as that. We don’t have these lofty hopes and dreams for her that she’d have to strive for. Just love. And that would be enough. Read more>>

Dan DeFigio

When I first started coaching nutrition, I assumed that educating people on the right foods to eat would be the primary focus. Boy was I wrong! I soon realized that emotional eating and sugar addiction were huge problems for people. Everyone pretty much knows how they should be eating, but they’re not doing it. I started learning WHY we have such reactive eating urges and compulsions towards foods that we know are no good for us. I started developing ways to help people with sugar cravings and stress eating, and began writing about it in magazines and online in the early days of the internet. Read more>>