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.

Victor And Madisen Picazo

Definitely not a smooth road! Creating a small business takes patience and consistency. What started as a passion project and something fun for us to do together quickly became something we wanted to make work full time for our family. We have had so many ups and downs, including a cross-country move from Los Angeles to Nashville where we had to completely rebuild our business, but ultimately, focusing on creating strong relationships with our clients is what we have found to be the most sustaining way of doing business. Read more>>

Lavendine

We’ve been singing for as long as we can remember, with music woven into every part of our lives. It’s always been more than a passion—it’s an obsession. At 19, we made the decision to seriously pursue a career in music, and by 22, we had packed up and moved to Nashville. Not long after, we started writing songs and quickly realized our true calling: creating music that speaks to others and helps them through whatever they’re going through. Read more>>

Ashleigh Newnes

Over the years, my photography interests have grown, but at my core, I’m a moment-catcher. That passion naturally led me into music photography – something that still feels like a dream come true. As a British kid obsessed with music – playing guitar, being in a band – the idea of photographing dream shows in Nashville would have seemed impossible. Now, whether I’m in the pit at Bridgestone Arena, the Ryman, the Basement East, or covering music festivals like Bonnaroo and Pilgrimage, I can’t help but grin. I often think about what little Ashleigh would say if she saw me now. Read more>>

Kevin Bickford

It has not been an easy journey. Funding a business startup is difficult, and I spent years in a career field that does not pay well. I had to save money over the years in hopes of being able to open my own company. Once I had the necessary funding, the licensing process went smoothly enough. As a new business owner, the challenges I face are building a client base and establishing a reputation as a respected and trustworthy Private Investigator. Read more>>

Kat Riel

In my early 20’s, I left the scene entirely to pursue school, marriage, and motherhood. I felt there was more to who I was than my traumatic childhood and the “Kat Riel” persona. I went to school for Business and Theatre, but ended up grabbing a degree in Communication. Then I embarked in an entrepreneurial journey with my husband’s businesses, real estate, and the stock market. It was great but I lost sight of who I originally was. Read more>>

Dizzy Mavis

Let me introduce you to my drummer, Adam. He’s also my older brother.. though don’t hold that against either of us. He picked up the drums as a teen, banging along to Green Day and grungy punk like his life depended on it (and maybe it did, emotionally speaking). At some point, he developed a musical ear, which sounds fancy but really just means he could pick out a sick beat and play it louder than anyone told him to. Someone handed him a guitar eventually because clearly, he needed more ways to annoy the neighbors. But Adam was up for the challenge and started shredding along to Metallica and whatever 80s riff-rock he could get his hands on. Read more>>

Tom Davis

So, I started somewhat small — a single top-of-the-line cannon and a full professional setup which helped book a number of gigs for local daycares, churches, and neighborhood events. The reaction was overwhelming in the best way. Kids (and adults) were loving it, parents and staff were thanking us, and pretty quickly it turned into something real. We invested in more equipment, added large event packages, introduced glow-in-the-dark foam parties, bubble parties, snow events, and even foam machine rentals for folks who want to DIY. Read more>>

Kyle Erickson

We specialize in country dance instruction, including line dancing and partner dancing such as two-step and country swing. Whether it’s a one-on-one lesson or a crowd of a hundred, our job is to make people feel comfortable and have a good time. Even the ones who swore they couldn’t dance. Read more>>

Steven Boo

I started playing golf when I was 17 years old. I progressed quickly and got my handicap down to low single digits with in 2 years. I went to college at MTSU and tried to walk-on the golf team my junior year but was not good enough. I kept working hard and knew I’d like to work in the golf industry or be a coach one day so I tailored my degree in that direction. I was fortunate enough to have internships with the 1st Tee Program in Middle Tennessee and another with the Tennessee Section PGA. Through those connections, some luck and a friend,  Read more>>

Jen Le Coguic

I created Nashville Pelvic Health to be a warm, private, and intentional space where people feel seen, heard, and truly supported as they address their health concerns. Too many women have dealt with medical issues for far too long where their concerns have been minimized, ignored, or dismissed as something they just have to live with. I want to change the narrative and help people advocate for themselves and make the most informed decisions on how to care for their bodies. Read more>>

Cari Riker

I studied Food Science and Human Nutrition in undergrad with an emphasis in international nutrition, focused on serving underserved communities. My dietetic internship at Vanderbilt University in Nashville broadened my perspective on how deeply nutrition impacts both individual health and public health. After graduation, I worked in research and education before transitioning into corporate wellness, where I gained valuable experience helping people apply nutrition in real-life settings. Read more>>

Michael Goorevich

I then started my own studio fourteen years ago, primarily working on custom homes. Prior to Nashville my wife and I lived in Toronto, Ontario/ Boston Mass./ Rome, Italy and Cleveland,Ohio. We like to think we have been around the block a few times. I went to school for my Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Cincinnati and followed that up with my Master of Architecture at Harvard’s Graduate School of Architecture. I am also a Fellow of the American Academy in Rome. I have wanted to be an architect my whole life and I credit my exposure to great buildings as a kid in Buffalo for starting me down this path I am still traveling today. Read more>>

Ambur And Kyleigh LaTourrette / Ballard

My oldest daughter Kyleigh and myself work together daily side by side and embrace all the challenges and hurdles that come our way as business owners. My youngest daughter helps out as much as she can and will join our team when she finishes school next summer. We have a very talented and amazing team of 8 that we get to collaborate and grow with daily. We feel so blessed to have the opportunity to learn and grow together. We look forward to many more years in this fascinating town to be as part of such a rewarding industry. Read more>>

Nahed Zehr

I committed myself to learning what it takes to perform at a high level—to be what I call a True Contributor: someone who shows up with presence, builds trust, and operates with excellence. I applied these learnings in my own leadership roles, with measurable success. Eventually, I launched True Contributors to share these tools with others in a way that is practical, accessible, and results-driven. Read more>>

Shauna Casale

For the most part, it’s been smooth. However, the biggest challenge that I’m still working on mastering is time management. I get excited to say “yes” to every opportunity that comes my way, but sometimes I hinder myself by doing so. My goal throughout the remainder of 2025 is to master my daily schedule so that I go into 2026 feeling more confident in my workload! Read more>>

Tara Silvestri

It’s never really smooth sailing for an entrepreneur. Some endeavors take off, and others fall flat—but that’s where the real learning happens. The road to building and growing a business is full of pivots, tough decisions, and moments of uncertainty. One of the biggest challenges I faced was during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many, I had to adapt quickly. Some clients pulled back, budgets tightened, and the future felt uncertain. But with creativity, resilience, and a deep belief in the value of what we offered, we pushed through. In fact, as the world shifted online, the demand for smart, strategic digital marketing became more important than ever—and that gave our team the opportunity to step up and help businesses not just survive, but grow. Read more>>

Kathy Bogardus

Then came another big change: our family moved to Tennessee in late 2020. It was a great move personally, but I didn’t have the same built-in support I had in New York. Rebuilding that sense of connection took time—but thanks to the flexibility of this business model, I was able to stay consistent, stay connected, and continue growing while settling into a new season. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that navigating change doesn’t have to mean starting over—it can be the start of something even better. This business gave me the tools, the flexibility, and the community to grow through every season—and it’s something I love helping other women discover for themselves. Read more>>

Solomon Belhu Sarah Peters

In this poor state of health, running – especially marathon training — became nearly impossible. She tried every store-bought running gel, but they triggered severe GI symptoms. In desperation, Sarah stopped using fuel entirely, and pushed through 16 to 20 mile runs on nothing but water. This gave her relief from gut pain during runs, but led to intense malnutrition. Her blood work showed that her body was failing and she had several nutrient deficiencies. Read more>>

Stefan Konstantopoulos

I started working a little on demos for a few artists and doing technical consulting for some home-studio owners. I was hired on as the Artist Relations Rep for an equipment manufacturer called PreSonus Audio and that opened a few more doors for me before leaving Portland in 2009. I dabbled with sync and some commissioned custom music and then finally settled down again in Nashville in 2014. Read more>>

Taylor Love Peterson

In sharing all things wellness, beauty, styling, and positivity with my audience on a daily basis, the goal is that women of all ages will be reminded that putting just a little intention into these areas actually makes a huge difference in the way we feel — and ultimately, how we show up in the world. The small things are actually the big things! Read more>>

Brian Siemers

My story … I am a creative-analytic and process-oriented individual that is always looking for ways to make things better – whether that’s in the process, the surrounding environment or the room that a piece of furniture resides. Combine all of that with a bit of ADHD, mixed with a smidge of OCD and you arrive at a struggling artist and craftsman that refinishes furniture. Although my adventure into woodworking and furniture-refinishing officially started in 2019, the path really began more than 35 years ago, and was not a typical, straight line or “normal” path. Read more>>

Jon Truman

Going into 2022 I didn’t really have any work so I took that opportunity to explore music and art for myself, not to try to get a gig, and I discovered I really do love it! I just needed to refocus my intentions. So, that’s when I started really prioritizing recording myself. I got an opportunity soon after coming out of that darker period to help produce and record an album for an artist named Thad Cockrell. We spent 2 months together making it. He had just lost his dad and I was coming out of this “I’m going to quit music” phase so we had some really good talks. It was therapeutic for both of us I think. Read more>>

Juli Iannelli

I am typically a very shy and private person. I often stay quiet and can take a while to warm up. However, with those I’m most comfortable with I am my true self and feel so brave! It feels like you are holding your breath and finally have a chance to take that first breath of air, such a relief! This is when I am at my happiest. I guess I’m realizing that when I’m in my magic “zone” of painting, it’s extremely similar to that feeling. I can be my real and unedited self and that feels amazing! Read more>>

Mallory Waterman

My experience also definitely shapes the way I serve clients moving to Nashville from out of state because I did it myself and know what kinds of things they may miss from larger cities and can help fill that gap. I specialize in some of the most in-demand neighborhoods—East Nashville, Wedgewood Houston, Franklin, Brentwood, The Nations, Mount Juliet, and more. What I bring to the table is more than just helping clients buy or sell—it’s about giving them a true market edge through detailed analysis, sharp negotiation, and a thoughtful strategy. Especially when working with investor buyers, I’m laser-focused on identifying smart opportunities that lead to strong returns. Read more>>

Bailie Davis

My family loved to watch me sing and dance in my pretty little dresses, and would always try to encourage me, but I was entirely too scared. Therefore, my mom would have to hide the video camera on the table in order to film me so that I wouldn’t get too nervous and run off in tears. Yes, I was that baby that would cry at her own birthday party because I would be embarrassed that all the attention was on me as everyone sang Happy Birthday. Still to this day I absolutely hate the pressure of having to open gifts in front of people. Not that I’m not grateful, that’s not it at all. Of course I love receiving gifts from friends and family, it’s just that uneasy feeling of everyone in the room having eyes on you waiting to see how you react as each gift is opened. It still just makes me nervous. Read more>>

Ericka Fizer

Since the age of 16 years old, Ericka has always been employed in the hospitality industry. She began working in fast food, later stepping into the world of serving. While taking a break from serving, she began her career as a bartender. While bartending, she decided it was now time to elevate her career so she founded Status Event Catering. After a few years of catering, this journey culminated in the creation of Roasted Nashville (formerly known as Roasted Salemtown), a restaurant that embodies her vision of providing healthy, flavorful food that nurtures both the body and soul. Read more>>

Lourdes Carrasco

I wanted to build a community where faith and fitness collide, where spiritual health is just as important as physical health, and where community is the priority – not the afterthought. Fit + Faith is a space for like-minded individuals to come together, grow stronger, and be reminded that God cares about every part of who we are – body, mind, and spirit. Read more>>

Jackson Winum

My story began in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Fresh out of high school, and with dreams of seeing the world, I enlisted in the United States Air Force. For the next four years, I served as an active duty firefighter at an air base in North Dakota. While it wasn’t exactly the global adventure I envisioned, those years were invaluable. I gained a ton of experience, learned a lot about myself, and made lifelong friendships. Education has always been a priority for me, so alongside my required training, I spent evenings and weekends earning a degree from the Community College of the Air Force. Read more>>

David Amezaga

At the heart of it, I’m passionate about making songs—taking a simple voice memo and carrying it all the way through to release. I specialize in full-service production: from tracking and arranging to vocal production, mixing, and mastering. I also often collaborate with artists on songwriting or shaping the overall vision of the song or album, depending on what best serves the project. Read more>>

Casey Meeks

My practice is a telehealth clinic built on more than 20 years of extensive experience in neonatal, pediatric, internal medicine, and oncology nursing. This diverse background has led to a crucial realization: the most effective medicine lies in prevention, nutrition, and education. What sets Outreach Wellness apart is my commitment to addressing the often-overlooked aspects of health. I focus on preventing illness before it starts, supporting my client’s nutritional needs, and guiding them through successful weight loss journeys. While conventional healthcare models commonly address issues after they arise, I take a different path by empowering my patients with the knowledge and tools necessary to stay healthy and active. Read more>>

Candice Morgan

It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I work full-time and I’m also a mom to three amazing kids — 15, 6, and 4. My significant other is incredibly supportive and such an important part of this journey, but with our schedule and everything going on at home, it can still be challenging to juggle cookie orders and family time. It takes a lot of late nights and early mornings, but I love what I do, so I just keep pushing forward. Read more>>

Chaka Dorcean

That’s how Kingdom Indulgence Soul Spa—affectionately known as KISS from Heaven—was born. It’s more than a business; it’s a ministry rooted in 3 John 1:2, which reminds us that we are meant to prosper and be in good health, even as our souls prosper. Through coaching, healing courses, prayer gatherings, and tools like the Soul Wellness Survey and our Healing Blanket Collection, I help people address the hidden pain in their mind, will, and emotions so they can emerge into their God-given purpose. Read more>>

Maria Ayala Jones

Going back to school while I was still in the midst of postpartum depression was rough. I doubted myself. I called it my quarter life crisis. But I’m so glad I did it. I’m so thankful my husband supported me every step of the way. My front desk job allowed me to be part time so I was still working and going to school full time. The road was bumpy but it has been so worth it. Read more>>

Tina Cornett

I started with photography in high school, doing photography for the yearbook. I majored in photography at the University of Alabama and after graduation was able to do an internship with Southern Living Magazine. I was so fortunate to begin working for them and eventually became a senior foods photographer. After the adoption of our second child, we moved from Birmingham to Orlando for my husband’s job and I became a full time mom. After moving from FL to SC, then from SC to IN, we finally landed in Franklin 10 years ago. I started working for Studiobuell, a real estate and architectural design photography business, 7 years ago. Read more>>

Robbie Ricucci

I started making songs with my friends just messing around and a few years later and I was pursuing a degree in Music Business with an emphasis in Audio Production and Engineering at Belmont University in Nashville, TN. In June of 2022 I started producing for as many of my friends as I could in the Nashville Area and haven’t stopped since, working in genres including Pop, R&B, Folk/Singer-Songwriter, Indie/Alternative, Rock, and Country. I have been working as a producer and engineer in Nashville for around 3 years, and I want to continue helping creatives share their stories and visions forever. Read more>>

Haley Wright

After high school, I went to DePauw University, where I graduated with honors and made the Dean’s List. From there, I made the leap and moved to Nashville in 2020. I didn’t have a sphere here, but I was determined to build something from the ground up—and I did. I started by focusing on relationships and referrals, leaned into marketing and social media, and built a brand rooted in trust, strategy, and client advocacy. Read more>>

Tyler Lechtanski

I have been in restaurants my whole life. I have worked every position from busboy to cashier to server to grill cook to dishwasher. I worked for J Alexanders Restaurant on their management team for 13 years with 7 of those years being the GM of their Cool Springs location. I have learned so much about quality and hospitality over that time and I feel like it can be used in all levels of restaurants not just High end. I enjoy cooking and creating, I like taking foods and making them into something different. Jambox is fun because sandwiches are extremely universal. Anything can be done to them and skys the limit. Read more>>

Lee & Jane Callewaert

With our move to Tennessee, the program will be held this fall at the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation headquarters (also just recently relocated to Nashville). After 42 years as a tile craftsman, it was time to get Lee “off his knees” so our business will transition from contracting and tile art to a focus on artisan tile creations. Dragonfly Artisanal Tile & Mosaics will be dedicated to personalizing spaces with handcrafted tile designs. Our shop, in Williamsport, TN, will be opening in October of this year. Our work can be shipped for installation anywhere with installation consultation also available. We will also remain active in our professional organizations including our leadership in the Tile Artisan Movement. Read more>>

Ellie Smotherman

My style and way I shoot has evolved and there has been so much growth I think looking back. The hardest part has been being confident in my art and craft while also approaching it from a business standpoint. I think photography is such a creative and personal skillset and while the saying goes “it’s just business, it isn’t personal” everything about this type of work is personal to me. But I also have to balance the concept that it is business too and my livelihood to provide financially for my family. That is the hardest part is that dance between making money and honoring the art that is capturing these fleeting moments for clients who really are friends after so many years. Read more>>

April Mosher

When we moved to Waverly in Humphreys County, I saw that there was a need in assisting children who didn’t have the basic supplies that many children take for granted. I believe that children can learn more efficiently when the have higher levels of self confidence. Some of that confidence comes from feeling good about themselves and it is much easier for that to happen when they are not going without. That was my “a-ha” moment and I decided to create The Caring Cabinet. Read more>>

Morgan Milliken

Growing up and learning about other artists was a huge part of where I’m at now. I saw how artists of the pop art movement became historians, documenting their life and the world around them and I simply couldn’t get enough. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend college and learn even more about those and other artists while expanding my own style as a result. I’ve always had so much encouragement from my family, friends, and teachers, and couldn’t imagine being where I am now without all of those people. Read more>>

Kendré Streeter

Back in 2016, I had a modest side career & income performing as a musician in Nashville. Many knew of my abilities as a Basses, Drummer and Keyboard player.. However few were aware that I had begun to hone my singing and artist development skills.. As I was learning the ropes of transitioning from musician to Headline Artist, I realized that the genre I was focused on (Urban RnB / inspirational Pop) was not popular in Nashville, TN. Read more>>

Krystol Wade

Freshly post-grad, I moved to Nashville in 2015 searching for a creative community and a place to grow and develop my own artistry. Like many Nashville creatives, I spent years working several jobs at once to make ends meet. The common denominator has been teaching music and piano lessons. Through these avenues, I have developed and taught several songwriting camps for high school students, led a student original rock band program, and taught many budding singer-songwriters. I absolutely adore guiding a young creative in writing their first few songs. Seeing their confidence grow and helping them find their voice is so inspiring and rewarding! Read more>>

Roz Malone

The journey hasn’t been easy. Like many women in music especially Black women , I have faced my share of obstacles, from being underestimated to navigating industry politics and unspoken cliques. At times, I had to deal with jealousy, closed doors, and environments that weren’t always welcoming. Still, I kept showing up, playing, singing, and speaking my truth. Read more>>

Jamie Jacobsen

It hasn’t been a smooth road—and honestly, I’d love to meet the artist who’s had one! Ironically, it all started pretty smoothly: Our first EP came together without a hitch, we made it with friends at home, on no budget, just having fun and being creative. Things began falling into place for us pretty naturally: we landed a great booking agent, started playing shows, and our first single received far more streams than we ever expected. Read more>>

Michael Mcdade

Hi! I’m Michael, the chef-owner of Sunobani Shaved Ice! We are all about Shaved Ice! We are becoming known around Nashville for our unique flavor concepts. Flavors such as Strawberry-Rose or Cherry- Dill pickle. We push the boundaries! Currently we’re an event-based business, but we are known to do pop-ups! Gotta check out our Instagram to keep up! Read more>>

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>>