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.

Teri Vroma

Hi, I’m Teri Vroma, the owner of Teri Vroma Photography. I have always loved photography and the creative outlook it brings to me. Many have told me, that I am a different person once I get behind my camera, it really brings out my true passion and love of capturing moments. I started my photography business in the fall of 2019, the knowledge and experience in running a photograph business that I have gained since then has been extensive. I have been published in almost 450 photography magazines from national and international.  Read more>>

Jamielie Tarrago

I’ve also dealt with people undervaluing photography in today’s digital age, where everyone has a phone camera. Setting boundaries and showing the value of what I do has been essential. But I’ve been fortunate to have a supportive husband, family, and an amazing creative community in Nashville. Other photographers have been incredibly helpful, offering advice and encouragement that helped me build my confidence and grow my business. Read more>>

Summer Roberts

Then when I was around 14 I joined this jazz band called Merchant Cool in Columbia, which is like a local swing band and that’s when I started singing jazz standards and making that shift of a classical musician too “I think I wanna sing”. I decided I wanted to go to Belmont because it was close to home had a great music program. I guess I always knew I wanted to be musician, but I guess I really settled into singing towards the end of high school. I knew that I wanted to study at Belmont and can now say that I’m a graduated out of Belmont, pursuing music full-time as an artist. Read more>>

Shemar Mckoy

After graduation, I joined Unum, where I’ve had the chance to grow through roles that blend strategy, analytics, and people. I’ve led internal initiatives, managed cross-functional projects, and served as an Employee Network Lead — all of which have stretched me both professionally and personally. Outside of work, I stay involved in community efforts and mentorship because I believe growth should never be a solo journey. Read more>>

Melpo Mankin

Eventually, I did land a graphic design role in the trade show industry and later transitioned into higher education after relocating to a small college town. I spent nearly a decade there, first as a graphic designer and then working in donor relations and stewardship. That role taught me so much – it required me to wear a lot of hats, from event planning to marketing to donor communications. Toward the end of my time there, I had the opportunity to help design a large alumni facility, working closely with architects, selecting finishes, furniture, and decor. That experience lit a spark. I realized how much I loved the design process and began to wonder if it could become something more. Read more>>

Michael Pos

Currently collaborating with Nashville artist Kara Frazier, Pos is working on new material and developing his latest project, Michael Pos – Direct, through the Sounds of Nashville podcast, backed by the Blue House Band. His artistic goal is simple but ambitious: to create music that moves both the body and the mind. He dreams of one day performing on legendary stages like Massey Hall in Toronto and the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville—a dream he shares with a smile, knowing full well that reality is the constant calibrator. Read more>>

Mia Reddick-Smith

Long before SunGlo Aesthetics, I was on my own journey to a more healthy lifestyle and that included skin. During COVID, I really dug in deep with Yoga and became a Yoga Instructor. But during one of my brainstorming talks with my sister, we started talking about skincare and becoming an Aesthetician. I looked at the program some years ago but timing options for classes were not suitable with my work hours. But this time was different. There was a part time program and at that point, I just decided to go for it. One thing I learned during those COVID years was to just take the leap and things will line up. So I enrolled in the program and completed it, took the state exam and became a licensed Aesthetician. Read more>>

Charli Crabtree

I worried about diving into an oversaturated industry, about whether there was space, or even a need, for another photographer. But I also believed in my ability to make people smile, help them feel comfortable, and create something meaningful in the process. The belief in myself and what I could offer, beyond just photos, outweighed any fear and eventually I decided to take the jump and begin learning more so that I could truly give my best. Read more>>

Laura Wessels

When 2020 hit, I really ramped up my entrepreneurial efforts, and what had been a slow burn grew faster. I began researching how to start an LLC and interviewed other industry contacts who had opened similar businesses to gain insight. Twelve years after walking the UTK campus dreaming of owning a design business, in June of 2022, I officially took the leap, and opened FACET Design. I had my first client that fall. Read more>>

Michelle Guerrero

In April of 2018, I quit my job as a Publix bakery manager and decided to fully invest in my bakery dream. At the time, the department managers were salaried, and I had been working 80hour weeks to fulfill the needs of a department that had been neglected by its previous manager. While I did love my job, I decided that if I was going to invest that much time into a business, I wanted it to be my own. Thus, Delicious Twists was born. I grew up around Mobile, AL. Before moving to Murfreesboro in 2013. I attended college in Gulf Shores, where I received degrees in both Culinary Arts and Baking/Pastry.  Read more>>

Neel Sinha

The songs I wrote were often about the drive I had to become a professional musician, what it was like to chase a dream regardless of what people say, and later the struggles with self-doubt or anxiety about how the world works and the instability socially and financially in people’s lives. After graduating from Berklee, I moved to Nashville following a trend of music school grads moving to the city to start making more long-term connections. I’m still new and feel like I’m just starting the artist path, but I have many songs planned for release this year, and I’m always hungry to learn more about how I can improve as an artist. Read more>>

Aaron Williams

I grew up in a semi-rural part of Southwest Virginia, in a creative and somewhat “academic” household. My dad is an architect and carpenter, and built our family’s house when I was three. My mom is a writer and reading teacher who taught me to value words and the power of clear communication. And my older brother is an accomplished electrical engineer and “tinkerer” of the highest order – so there were always a lot of ideas floating around the house! From an early age I was surrounded by creativity and craft, whether it was reading, drawing, designing, fixing things, or working with my dad on construction sites. I didn’t fully realize it at the time, but I was already gaining a deep, hands-on education in building. Read more>>

Sam Angel

My early freelance career was a slow build of food photography, art documentation, and a lot of random events. I worked for Eater Nashville photographing the interiors and food of new restaurants entering the scene. I photographed over 80 restaurant interiors over the course of four years. I went on to photograph for publications like Nashville Lifestyles, Okra Magazine, and continued to do food photography for various locations around Nashville. In 2017, Watkins brought me on as their rebranding photographer. I was to be the visual interpreter of the school’s identity and photograph the facilities, various events, and most importantly to make editorial portraits of the students, staff, and professors that would accompany interviews of their art making practices. Read more>>

Dr. James Bush

Early adulthood was marked by real-life lessons—working at McDonald’s, marrying young, and navigating the struggles of self-discovery. Later, I spent over a decade working in a metal fabrication plant, an experience I now see as formative. Surrounded by men whose lives had been touched by incarceration, addiction, and redemption, I began to understand the depth of human struggle—and more importantly, how true healing begins with understanding. Read more>>

Daniel Reed

If you’ve never heard of it, I encourage you to read “Overcoming The Imposter” by Kris Kelso. But here’s the definition, “the persistent inability to believe that one’s success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one’s own efforts or skills.”. This is a very real struggle for someone stepping out to accomplish something meaningful to them. I’ve found that having the right support system in place (i.e. faith, church, family, friends, etc) has kept me in a mostly positive place when facing challenges. The greatest encouragement I receive often comes from people I trust to give me the truth, good or bad, and in a way that I know will help me be successful. Read more>>

Hiren Dandia

I grew up in Mumbai, India, in a family where science wasn’t a common pursuit. No one in my family had ever pursued science before. I come from a background where most people go into commerce or business, and science was seen as an uncertain, risky path. I was the first in my family to take it up. Naturally, that came with a lot of hesitation, fear, and pressure. Many family members urged me to take a safer route—get a local job, settle early, and not take unnecessary risks. I often wondered: What if I fail? What if this leads nowhere? Read more>>

Javier Aponte

By the age of 14-15 I was playing with different musicians and singers that were invited to our church, and that led me to my first professional gig at the age of 15. I was given a check with an amount of money that I couldn’t believe! That’s when I said to myself: “I think I can do this for a living!” Everything snowballed after that gig! Those musicians that I played with that day would recommend me for other stuff like live gigs, recording gigs and tours as well. And now here we are! Read more>>

Kim Liles

But my creativity didn’t stop at the treatment room. Listening to women share their frustrations sparked an idea that would take me from nurse injector to inventor. The result was The Ladies’ Lounger — the first pool float designed specifically for breast comfort while lying on the stomach. What began as a practical solution quickly became a product embraced by women who wanted comfort without compromise. Read more>>

GABRIELA

Not long after, I met my now-producer Scott at SXSW and decided to fully commit to my artistry. That decision brought me to Belmont University in Nashville, where I studied music while creating my debut EP, OUTTAKES, released in 2023. Since then, I’ve graduated and continued developing my sound through new music, curation, and live shows. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with incredible talents like Warner Music Group’s Scott Cupolo, Jacob Richards (protégé of Jaycen Joshua), and Grammy-winning mix engineer Tre Nagella. I’m currently at work on new releases and more excited than ever for what’s ahead. Read more>>

Gina Peterson

My little sister was going to prom so I decided to use her boyfriend’s camera at the time to do their photos. I absolutely fell in love with photography. After that day I went and bought a camera off of eBay for about $200 and started there. I did my first photoshoot for some senior photos and now have moved onto doing engagements and weddings and well, I absolutely love it and am such a people person. I also have started doing videography is some of my sessions and the cliental have loved it so far! I say if you have an idea always follow it, because you never know where it could lead you to. Read more>>

Candice Brashear

Margaritas and More is a mobile frozen beverage company. We provide machine rentals with 20 different flavors. We also can provide slushies and snow cones for youth events. We are known for providing a great experience and product with us being most proud of our specialized flavors that has created many repeat customers who want Margaritas and More to be part of their parties and events!!! Read more>>

Esther Velazquez

This was also around the same time that birria became viral online. The pride in my father’s face motivated me to keep going and bring ideas to the table. Despite his traditional views on Mexican taquerias, he was open to anything I wanted to try. Unfortunately, he passed in February 2023. It was hard taking over the business completely by myself but I knew how proud they would be of me continuing to achieve their dreams. They taught me the value of hard work and dedication and I will always be grateful. Now we’re a fully mobile taqueria, and you can find us at breweries in the Nashville area or doing events. Read more>>

Jen Buckner

I truly believe that God was preparing me for this next big step in my life. I had to quit my job at the church because my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and I needed to go back home to Indiana to take care of him until he passed away. After my dad had passed away my friend Candi Sowers, who owned The Southern Cup with 3 other partners decided to put the Coffee Shop up for sale because Candi and her husband Josh were moving back to Oregon.. I knew then that this was the opportunity that God had placed in my path to purchase The Southern Cup. Read more>>

Bob Bernstein

I thought the hardest part would be raising money. I had about $12,000. I went to banks for a loan, but they basically laughed at me. “You going to try to compete with Krispy Kreme?” one banker actually asked me. Maybe I could have had family cosign a loan. But I was determined to do it myself. Getting investors was a compromise. Looking back, I don’t know how I opened that store with a total of $80,000. Yet, it somehow I did and it worked! Read more>>

Jack Nahigian

I love filmmaking because I believe it to be the most empathetic art form, because it allows people to walk in the shoes of others, if only for a few hours. Movies help us understand the world around us. It is also the most collaborative art form that requires everyone in their respective fields to operate at the highest level to create one singular vision. And I believe that is what draws me the most to filmmaking. In the end, I want not just to create my own worlds and stories but also to inspire others the way my heroes did for me. Read more>>

Russ Pollard

It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. Like a lot of creative paths, there were stretches where I questioned if I was moving in the right direction or if I should play it safer. Early on, it was a hustle—building a name, investing in gear, saying yes to anything just to get experience. There were long nights, technical mishaps, and times when the crowd wasn’t feeling it the way I hoped. But looking back, those challenges shaped how I approach things now. They pushed me to refine my style, stay adaptable, and trust that consistency and authenticity would carry me forward. Read more>>

Bee Smith

Growing up, my family had the opinion that singing ‘wasn’t a proper job’ and ‘I should pursue journalism’. Of course, as a kid you do as your told so I went to university to study that but that longing to write, sing and perform never left me. It’s in my soul. So last year I decided that it’s time to start living my truth. I posted a few videos of me singing online and here I am now! It’s never too late. Read more>>

Shenita Haynes

On the business side, stepping into entrepreneurship was not easy either. I had moments where I doubted myself, where money was tight, and where people didn’t believe in what I was building. There were times I had to work late nights, invest money I didn’t really have, and keep showing up even when things didn’t move as fast as I wanted. Read more>>

Angela Hensley

In 2000, I found a pinkie baby squirrel in the mouth of its dead mother. The mother had been hit by a car trying to move her baby to a new nest. I took the baby to work with me and spent much of the day trying to find someone to care for it. I was able to contact a local wildlife rehabilitation facility, but they were full. I continued to research and was able to contact a squirrel rehabilitation specialist in Florida who was willing to walk me through how to raise this youngster. I later found out that it was illegal in Tennessee for an individual to keep and raise native wildlife! I knew I had to find out what I needed to do to qualify for a permit. Read more>>

Nicholas Del Rosso

One of the biggest hurdles for me came during the pandemic, when events came to a complete halt and I relocated the business over 800 miles to middle Tennessee. That period forced me to re-evaluate, adapt, and find ways to keep the business alive until gatherings resumed. It was also a time of personal and professional growth – learning how to build a stronger brand, improve systems, and better connect with my clients. Read more>>

Darius McDonald

I was born on a U.S. Air Force base in Georgia while my father, an Airman and Aeronautical Engineer, was in service. From there, our family (my mother, father, and older sisters) moved to the Florida panhandle when I was just 1, and that’s where I spent my formative years, attending private and preparatory schools. My father was deliberate in my upbringing — instilling discipline, ethics, and education. At thirteen, that structure was shaken up when my father passed away. And literally overnight, my mother became a single parent of three, working three jobs. We moved a couple of hours down the road to be closer to my sisters, who were in college at Florida State. My uncle was (and still is) a role model in my development, ensuring that my commitment to education, leadership, and excellence did not get lost in all of the change. Read more>>

Roger Trent

The hardest part has been getting owners to see that hiring a pro for resident events is an investment, not an expense. For years, onsite staff have been expected to do everything leasing, reports, social media, even parties after hours and it burns people out. Just like maintenance techs no longer paint or clean carpets, event planning should be left to specialists. Add in the steep insurance requirements and cash-flow risks for small businesses, and it’s a real uphill climb starting out. Read more>>

Dana Troglen

Growing up, I spent all my summers in the Pocono mountains with my Nana and she was always camera happy. I definitely inherited my love of taking photos from her. She had a 35mm film camera and I still love the memory of dropping film off at the local drugstore and going to pick it back up a few days later. I now also own my own vintage, 35mm film camera which I love. In 2013, I worked as a photography assistant to a photographer outside of Nashville and taught myself the in’s + out’s of editing while playing around on Lightroom. I was also in marketing at the time and that helped a lot when it came to building my own business. Read more>>

Janine Le Clair

I decided to pursue those and set up camp in Music City. I secured a recording and publishing deal with an indie label on Music Row. Ironically it wasn’t in the plan to re ignite my vocal coaching here in the USA, but upon much encouragement and what appeared to be demand, Music Row Voice vocal coaching company, was born. Without any advertising it has sustained a full roster of 20+ clients per week for fifteen years so far. I’m blessed to help so many amazing artists with their craft, from all my years of experience. Read more>>

Emily Tingley

The road hasn’t always been perfectly smooth, but each challenge has shaped me as an artist. I often wrestle with confidence in valuing my work, but those moments are teaching me how important it is to stand behind what I create. I care deeply about giving clients a meaningful experience, which sometimes leads me to go above and beyond. Over time, I’m learning that this dedication is a strength, as long as I also give myself the same care and boundaries I give to others. Those lessons are helping me grow not only as a photographer, but as a person. Read more>>

Kyler Wilson

I started out as an actor, taking every class I could find—Meisner training, Ivana Chubbuck technique, improv at Second City in Chicago, and The Groundlings in Los Angeles. I juggled auditions while waiting tables, eventually booking enough work to meet a circle of filmmakers I could call friends. Along the way, I began working in production—a path that felt almost fated, since my very first job in the industry had been purely accidental. At just 17 years old, I was working at AC, Inc., a camera rental house in Nashville circa 2005. Read more>>

LaTasha House

’ve always known that I wanted to be in real estate,not just as a Realtor, but also as an investor, someone who understands land, property development, contracts, and the many ways to build wealth through real estate. After I had my daughter, I asked myself, What’s going to carry us through life? What will take us to the next level? And that was the turning point where I decided to fully commit. Read more>>

Alexandria Rowland

I knew mushroom coffee was trending, but everyone complained that it didn’t really taste like coffee, and since I’m always on the go, I don’t always have time to get out a kettle and frother. I also knew that speciality decaf is just as delicious as regular coffee, so I thought we could make a canned decaf coffee and add mushroom extract for the same benefits, but with all of the flavor. After that, I set out to find a way to make this idea a reality. Read more>>

Tess Monpere

Music has been my world ever since I can remember. Starting at 4 or 5 with piano lessons and vocal lessons and then doing choir in school. I constantly posted singing videos on my Instagram, you tube and Facebook and when I was 16 a talent agent from LA saw a video of me singing “You Are The Reason” by Calum Scott which later led to me getting signed by my old record label. At 17 I moved out to LA by myself and released an album and two singles with my old label for about 4 years. Upon becoming an independent artist I moved to dream city, Nashville and have been performing at writers rounds and other events. Read more>>

Hollie Ray

When envisioning the experience that we want for our customers, we aim to fill our racks with high-quality merchandise that can help her lay the foundation for a long-lasting wardrobe, but we also make an effort to offer styles that are on-trend and express her personality. Most of all, we strive to provide the great customer service that comes with shopping small! Shop our collections from home or in-store, follow our social media, and reach out to us with any questions. We have literally poured our heart and soul into this company and we appreciate you supporting our small business! With love -Erica & Noelle Read more>>

AJ Stafford

There were lots of factors to get me where I am. I grew up with a dysfunctional childhood. Kicked out of High School my senior year and my freshman girlfriend who is now my wife of 21 years and 25 together told me her future kids father would not be a highschool dropout. That got me motivated and I was able to go to a new high school for one semester and graduate with the help of my guidance counselor. In that one semester 9/11 happened and that motivated me to join the Army. Ended up color blind and couldn’t be a truck driver so I had to choose Human Resource. While in the Army at Ft. Drum New York I deployed to Afghanistan in August of 2003. I returned home in March of 2004 to watch my first of 3 children be born. Read more>>

Stephanie Roberts

Since 2002, I have been a Christian minister/ speaker for 20 + years . For four years, 2018-2022, I went through severe anxiety. During this time, I dealt with leadership abuse and narcissism and went through a major breakdown in my marriage. In 2022, I came on the other side of it. In 2023, part of my healing journey was to tell my story of what led to that, what was revealed during that time and what to look for in these types of relationships. This led me to be a content creator / blogger to share my story to help others who may be walking through something similar. Read more>>

Latora Taylor

Though I am an aspiring Artist and Actress I also work as a Child Support Professional job title : Customer Resolution Specialist which I love as well because I have the opportunity to help Children and parents facing challenges and what sets me apart I would say is my compassion for others and my big heart I absolutely love helping others I also want to start my own business helping the homeless as I am no stranger to hard times so i understand and my heart goes out to those in need I just want to make a difference in the world and it starts with giving love I truly believe love conquers all and with more of it we can make this world a better place Read more>>

Victoria Hood

Being a small business owner has some fantastic benefits and some that are not-so-fantastic. It has not been a smooth road. I have experienced ups and downs with staff, growth, and finding a new location for my office. I strive to keep my team happy and energetic all while trying to maintain everything else in the office. I am the HR department, the cleaning department, the clerical department, marketing department, and the list goes on. So sometimes that can be stressful but what keeps me going is the fact that I get to help people every single day. I get fulfillment from helping others! Read more>>

Sara Warren

I continue to work as a nurse practitioner part time while raising my kids, but am passionate about growing my kolache business and bringing more delicious kolaches to my fellow Nashvillians! It has been such a joy to connect with so many fellow former Texans living in Nashville, as well as fellow foodies who are new to kolaches. The more I dive into the food business in Nashville, the more I have realized what an amazing community we have and have truly enjoyed watching how food brings us together. Read more>>

Ricardo Barrett

I had a few detours along the way: I was drinking more and wallowing in pity, I was vaping more as my “only” comfort regardless of the real damage I was doing to my body; and my emotions were still very unbalanced so my communication was messy with many people. I hurt some people I really care about and others hurt me. I also supported others in their spaces and others began to support me so this time was beginning to take form. Read more>>

Cynthia Cahill

After much prayer, I felt called to bring this model to my hometown of Livingston, TN. Initially, my husband was hesitant, but he also felt confirmation that this was where God was leading us even though larger, nearby towns like Cookeville might have made more financial sense. We bought a building in June 2022, renovated it, and opened our doors just two months later. Read more>>

Carolyn Linder

Carolyn started out in the jewelry industry in 1971, operating and managing several local independent jewelry stores before making the decision to open Lindell’s. Carolyn’s passion and enthusiasm to connect with her clients is remarkable. She designs pieces from the heart for any occasion to meet her client’s needs. Carolyn is well known in the local community for donating to charitable causes in the area that help benefit others in need. Read more>>

Victor Gonzalez

Victor’s dynamic career includes collaborations with iconic artists such as Dream Theater, Evanescence, Jacob Collier, Terence Blanchard, Tigran Hamasyan, Nobuo Uematsu, among others, alongside studio recordings for major video game soundtracks including Super Smash Bros. and Destiny 2. He actively performs with ensembles like Bella & The MisAdventures, The Senie Hunt Trio, and TKO Jazz, continually shaping Nashville’s vibrant musical landscape. Read more>>

Winslow Dumaine

I was also pursuing stand-up comedy, doing all I could to have both the serious and humorous sides of my personality represented. I spent ten years on stage, touring, drawing, and working on bigger and more expansive ideas. I finally feel as though I have a good sense of myself now. For so long, I was understandably ignored by an overstimulated public, but by creating games, I can invite people to experience the oppressive, overwhelming, panic-inducing emotions that have haunted me my entire life. Read more>>