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.
Nick Curtis
I have always been involved in sport, fitness, and health. I grew up and completed my undergrad in exercise science in upstate New York before going on to earn my Doctor of Chiropractic and Masters in Exercise Science in Minneapolis, Minnesota. My work has been greatly influenced by my diverse, lengthy, and deep understanding of the health, fitness, and rehab industries. Read more>>
Lee Howard
I am originally from TN and completed a general surgery residency after medical school. After residency, I moved back to TN, with my family, and I quickly realized that I needed medical help as a 35 year old man. I knew that the medical system I was part of couldn’t provide that advice. Read more>>
karl bremer
As a lifelong Texan, I was captivated by the energy of Nashville and decided to take the leap to move here over six years ago. Since then, I’ve dedicated my career to the field of mental health. I began my college journey at age 40, embracing my path as a late bloomer in therapy. Read more>>
Tim Elizer
Sure. My story really starts back in high school. I didn’t have some master plan at the time, but I found myself drawn to graphic design. I loved the idea that something you created on a screen could end up out in the real world on a building, a vehicle, or a storefront. Read more>>
Nick Irwin
I’m originally from Alabama, and I think my love for homes started before I even realized it. My dad worked as an electrician, wiring houses on the side to earn extra income for our family. I’d tag along to job sites, and watching those homes come together from the ground up fascinated me. That early experience planted a seed that never really went away. Read more>>
Mary Marr
Camp Wildernest Wildlife Center started about ten years ago. Our founder, Sherry Teas, rescued an American Robin after a bad storm left him in her yard. She tried to locate someone locally who could help with the tiny songbird and found that there was no one in the Chattanooga area rehabbing songbirds at that time. Read more>>
Alivia Campbell
Hi! I’m Alivia — a 27-year-old marketing manager and freelance social media strategist. I spent three years in Nashville growing my experience in marketing while working with incredible brands across the beauty, wellness, restaurant, and fitness industries. Since moving back to Illinois, my business has taken off, and I still get to collaborate with many amazing Nashville-based businesses. Read more>>
Leslie Murphy
We create beautiful spaces that consider sustainability in every detail. We are “elegant sustainable design”. We do things in quite a novel way to stay true to our mission. We’re not just creating spaces; we’re crafting environments that stand the test of time with sustainability woven into every detail. Read more>>
Tim Knapp
I sent my basic story, which started with personal experience dealing with mental illness within family, moving to NYC and working with the homeless, helping guys through addiction issues, moving to Nashville and starting work with the incarcerated and post-incarc., leading up to now moving into coaching. I dealt specifically with my drinking issue that developed during these years. Read more>>
Kamilah Sanders
As a global strategist and ecosystem builder I work at the intersections of sustainability, technology, equity, and creativity. Read more>>
Jamal Nesbitt
Growing up in a vibrant Bahamian-Haitian family, life was anything but ordinary. As the sixth oldest of eleven siblings, each of us with our unique quirks and perspectives, played a pivotal role in shaping my identity. Often unknowingly, they guided me toward paths I never imagined I’d embrace. Read more>>
Connor Swinney
Before moving to Nashville I spent most of my life in Boise, Idaho. Music had always been something I was surrounded with as my dad has always had a deep love for finding new music and going to shows. Read more>>
Jessica Hurst
I’ve always known I was meant to be in healthcare. I was accepted into nursing school multiple times, but each time, something inside me hesitated. I deeply respected the nursing profession, but it didn’t feel like my true calling. I wanted to help people heal — but in a way that addressed the whole person, not just the physical symptoms. Read more>>
Levert Jackson
My journey as a business owner began over 20 years ago, long before Gray Fox Bar ever opened its doors. Over the years, I’ve built, managed, and grown multiple businesses — each one teaching me something new about leadership, perseverance, and the value of community. Read more>>
Charlie Yarbrough
I was born in Atlanta but grew up in Richmond, Virginia, and I’ve always loved sports. I played football and baseball in high school and continued playing baseball in college. My junior year, I got drafted into the minor leagues and spent a few years traveling around playing pro ball. Read more>>
Emme Teller
Friends Life Community was founded in 2008 when four families and a community advocate saw a great need for their loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities after their graduation from high school. Read more>>
Jen Lambert
I moved to Nashville in 2001, fresh out of college with a degree in Vocal Performance, specializing in opera and classical music. I arrived with little more than my keyboard, back in the days of printed MapQuest directions and late nights at songwriter rounds. Nashville was a city of stories, and I was determined to write my own. Read more>>
Mark Rohrer
I grew up on the east coast in Ocean City, MD doing all the classic things a kid in a beach town would do. Being immersed in the culture of skateboarding, surfing, and 2000’s video games grew my affinity for all sorts of alternative music. Read more>>
Grace Poulton
I grew up in South Carolina in a very musical family, and after many early years experimenting with music and crafts, I found Visual Art and dove in head first. I studied painting and drawing at Anderson University, SC, for 4 years and fell deeply in love with the process of art making. Read more>>
Jordan Thomas
My story really began in the summer of 2005 during a freak boating accident. After losing both of my legs below-the-knee as a 16 year old, I was confronted with the reality that too many families face–the inability to pay for their child’s prosthetic device. The kinds of devices that kids need in order to be kids. Read more>>
Juanes Plascencia
Well, I’m an immigrant in this beautiful country, originally from Degollado, Jalisco Mexico I moved here about 23 years ago with a suitcase full of dreams. I always had the passion to travel, when I used to live in Mexico I used to travel there. Read more>>
Dave Fowler
My story actually starts with my mother. At the age of 13 she was shot at close range by a 5 year old boy playing with a shotgun in the mountains of Western North Carolina. She was over 30 miles from a hospital .. it was 2-3 hours before she could get any medical attention. Read more>>
Craig Hendricks
Raised up in the countryside of Sandersville, GA. Read more>>
Sandie Scott
I started Cherry Pie Vintage at the beginning of this year as a passion project! I’ve always loved vintage clothes and growing up my mom and sisters always loved going to thrift stores and garage sales together. I grew up in a really small town in southern Kansas, so I never though twice about selling vintage being a business opportunity. Read more>>
Richard Diaz
I am a recent transplant to Tennessee from California. My wife and I have been here for the past 4 years now. My business is unique, actually I don’t know any other business that provides the service I do. Read more>>
Hannah Crowell
While I grew up in Nashville, I lived in LA until I was five, and as soon as I could get back to CA, I did. I spent most of my 20’s in San Francisco and Southern California, pursuing my dream of being an actress. Read more>>
Rich (Mr. Singer) Singer
When I returned to Chicago, I heard about an opening for a music teacher at a kindergarten. From the very first day, I knew I had found my calling. The kids loved it, I loved it, and it just clicked. I began writing and recording songs with them, and one opportunity led to another until it became my full-time work. What started in one classroom grew into Mr. Singer and the Sharp Cookies, a joyful family music project that has filled classrooms, libraries, and festivals for more than twenty years. Read more>>
Jeff Crawford
I lived in a downward-spiraling tunnel, experiencing a sense of emptiness and loss of meaning in the pit of my stomach, compartmentalizing myself, dutifully playing the roles I had obligated myself to play in my work, my relationships, and in my family. Drudgery, depression, and confusion were the inevitable consequences—yet all the while, a part of me intuitively knew that there was more to life than living on this treadmill. Read more>>
Sam Coleman Dancer and Brandon Johns N/A
First off, thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us. We really appreciate the opportunity and are grateful to be part of what’s transforming here in Middle Tennessee. My name is Sam [Coleman-Dancer], co-founder of The Coleman Johns Group. Read more>>
Caroline Kimble
I’m originally from Ashton, Maryland, and moved to Nashville in the Fall of 2018 — totally on a whim. I didn’t have a job lined up, but it felt right, and it wasn’t too far from where I went to school at the University of Louisville. I played soccer there for four years and was captain my senior year. Read more>>
Amber Turner Lassan
I’m a designer, marketing consultant, and entrepreneur with nearly two decades of experience. While studying design and marketing at Austin Peay State University, I started freelancing and eventually turned that into my full-time design firm, January Creative, in 2012. With a background in both design and marketing, I focus on helping clients create beautiful, strategic designs that drive real business results. Read more>>
Jeri Davis
I was living in a townhouse in desperate need of more space for my daughter. I was tired of renting and wanted to buy my first home. If I’m being honest, I almost gave up. Two different mortgage lenders told me I didn’t qualify for much because of my student loans. I remember feeling embarrassed, defeated, and questioning if homeownership was even possible for me. Read more>>
Jim O’Brien
We started Journey Biker Church in 2014. We are a non-denominational Church meeting people where they are at (as Jesus did). In September, we just celebrated our 11th year! We saw a need in the Church of people being real, people doing life with people. As an avid Motorcycle rider. Read more>>
Juwante Vaughan
I was born and raised in Virginia, and music has always been a big part of my life. I’ve always had a deep love for music and the way it moves and connects people. What started as playing music for friends at small gatherings slowly grew into something much bigger. Read more>>
Shirene Douglas
The idea for educate | HR began while I was serving as the Director of Talent Acquisition at Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools. In that role, I witnessed firsthand the complexities that come with managing large, fast-moving organizations where priorities shift, resources are stretched, and compliance never stops evolving. Change management in HR is never just about policies or systems; it is about people. Read more>>
Brooklin Graves
My name is Brooklin Graves, and I’m a 25-year-old real estate agent with Benchmark Realty, proudly serving Middle Tennessee. I’ve lived in Mount Juliet nearly my entire life. My family moved here when I was five, and I instantly fell in love with the community. It’s truly home, and I don’t ever plan on leaving. Read more>>
Roland Abma
My dream and life goal to become a veterinarian started in my childhood, when I was around 9 or 10 years old. My grandparents had a dairy farm, the best play ground for a kid, and there my love for animals started. I am born and raised in The Netherlands, went to vet school there, and graduated as Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2008. Read more>>
Jessica Mansell
I would attribute the start of my mental health career to my training to become a certified yoga teacher in 2014—albeit, I didn’t realize that until nearly six years later. At the time, I leaned into yoga as a vehicle for self-discovery, which contributed to many of the decisions I’ve made throughout the last decade. Read more>>
Stephanie Miller
I am a local hair stylist. I studied cosmetology in High School in Pennsylvania. Where I am from, they have full tech high schools, so I was able to graduate with enough hours to take my state board exam. Read more>>
Robert Wynder
Being a kid born in North Philly but raised in Bridgeton , New Jersey I was blessed to be exposed to alot of music. In my mom’s house she listened to everything from Smooth Jazz, Rock n Roll , Soul Music , Country etc. She said thats how you learn the world and understand the World around you . Read more>>
Senika Lenise
Honestly, my story didn’t start with a business plan or a big “aha” moment . it started with serving people. I’ve always had this deep pull to make people feel seen, cared for and valued, whether I was working in customer service, ministry, dance, or just being the go-to problem solver in my family. Read more>>
Melissa Sterling
I didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a real estate broker — I grew into it through years of hard work, leadership, and a genuine love of helping others succeed. My background in sales and management gave me a strong foundation, but real estate gave me purpose. Read more>>
Misha Bleymaier-Farrish
My story has been defined by pivots, many of them unexpected, with each one an opportunity to pause, reimagine, and relaunch with greater clarity. I have learned to see every pivot, even the unwelcome ones, as a chance to learn and to view life through a lens that is half full rather than half empty. Read more>>
Robin Sallee
Aurora Functional Healthcare began as a locally-based practice in the Chicagoland region, serving patients in-person across several locations including Aurora and downtown Chicago.  The practice was built on a philosophy of functional health—that is, looking beyond symptoms to identify root causes of illness, and treating the body as an integrated whole. Read more>>
Todd Rodarmel
My Story I was a pastor in California for over 30 years. I led a church through seven moves to different facilities and finally landed in a permanent facility just before the pandemic. Trying to lead a church through such a divisive time eventually led to me rethinking my life and calling and eventually making a change in 2022. Read more>>
Ciera Farley
As the intern back in 2016, I started my career unpaid and at the bottom of the totem pole. I’ve worked very hard by doing everything the designers asked of me. I took the time to learn our products, our fabrics, and how to read the price guides. Through all this work, I was promoted from one title to the next. Read more>>
Sosanna Will
My story has always been rooted in touch, creativity, and connection. I’ve spent most of my adult life working with my hands—first as a licensed massage therapist, later as a photographer, and now as an educator helping other bodyworkers deepen their craft. I opened Exhale Massage & Wellness in 2016 with the goal of creating a space where clients could truly exhale—physically and emotionally. Read more>>
Jamie Steelman
I started in the Mortgage business almost 30 years ago. Read more>>
Matthew Baber
All my life, I have loved all kinds of magic and knowing how it’s made. Growing up, the most magical mystery I regularly encountered was the work of my hometown’s high-society florist. In high school, I worked in his shop. After college, my first adult job took me to Washington, DC. Read more>>
Michelle Klemm
I have a master’s degree in elementary education and taught for several wonderful years. Eventually, I chose to stay home with my own kids, fully embracing the joys and challenges of motherhood. As my children got older and began attending school, I realized I needed something meaningful to fill my days. Read more>>
Steven Bentley
I am originally Baltimore’s Maryland go to New York City in 2014. I went to a school car focus Personal Training Institute were I was able to get certified I hold 4 other Specialist certifications NASM PES NASN CES and Nutritionist specialist I started working at Equinox in 2021 and starting my business Maximum Athletic Fitness in of August 2024. Read more>>
Hannah Potts
Originally from Central California, my interior design journey began at Cal Poly, where an early focus on architecture evolved into a passion for interior design. During my studies, I worked alongside established designers in Southern California, gaining invaluable on-site experience in both high-end renovations and new construction projects. Read more>>
Ray Patel
The Story of Deerfield Inn & Suites My story began in 1999, when I migrated to the United States from England in search of new opportunities and a better future for my family. Read more>>
Shayla McClendon
My name is Shayla McClendon, I was born and raised in Knoxville, Tn but I moved to Nashville, TN in 2013 and I’ve called this place home since. I first developed my passion for the beauty and skin industry during college, I was working at all the makeup and skin counters in Macys and doing my peers makeup. Read more>>
Kipp Hockin
My desire for guitar building was actually one of necessity. Anytime I had an issue with a guitar I was at the mercy of a local repair shop to get anything done. That’s when I decided to see if I could do it myself because I was tired of waiting days, sometimes weeks to get my guitar repaired. Read more>>
Roger Bayne
Some time ago, someone asked me how I developed the skills necessary to be a woodworker. To this day, my honest answer is “by the grace of God.” I am grateful for this gift because, on my own, I often doubt my patience when it comes to building. Read more>>
Casey Lauritsen
I’ve learned that strength isn’t just about what your body can do — it’s about how much your mind and spirit can endure. As the daughter of a chiropractor, I grew up surrounded by anatomy charts and conversations about movement and healing. It was no surprise when I followed a similar path and founded Therapeutic Hands Massage, LLC. Read more>>
Fatimah Awad
I was inspired by a little 8 year old boy named waseem in 2016. I sponsored him and took care of him while he was in Seattle. He is a refugee from Gaza and was living in a tent with his Family. He had a deformity and couldn’t walk. He came to Seattle to get treatment. Read more>>
Ray Clark
Fatguy’s Story: From Truck Stop to Tennessee’s Heart Ray Clark’s barbecue journey began decades ago at a small truck stop in lower Alabama. Hungry and looking for a meal, Ray asked the owner, Miss Apple Lee, if she’d give him something to eat. Read more>>
brett bauer
I have been in business for 13 years. My services include mowing, weed control and fertilization, and aeration and overseeding. I am transitioning for riding on a mower to being a dealer for Sunseeker robotic mowers. I have built my business on being accountable and proving a good service to my customers. Read more>>
Luke Somerfield
Well I was born and raised in the foothills of the smoky mountains, in Sevierville, TN. I came to Middle TN to attend college at MTSU from 04-08, where I studied psychology and business. Read more>>
Jennifer Pierce
My story starts in Shelburne Falls, a tiny town in western Massachusetts. Quiet. Shy. Focused. Kind people. Forced to be creative because there wasn’t a lot going on. Things that were going on were quality though. The work, art and mindsets. Looking back, you had to train your eye to see beauty around you. It was in the small things. You had to find it. Read more>>
Tony Zuazo
I have been in and around the game of basketball since I was in grade school. From playing as a youth to an adult. Basketball referee for over 10 years up to the high school level. Additional coaching youth and adult basketball teams for over 11 years. I have a passion and respect for the game. Read more>>
Gideon Klein
I grew up in a musical family and started playing bass when I was six years old. A year later I got a cello for Christmas and also began playing electric guitar that year. Fast forward to high school, I was performing at local churches, venues, and bars – basically anyplace that would let me play. Read more>>
Danielle Taylor
Brian and I have been in the Taylor Street building for a few years. I started attending and sharing art as a beginner watercolor artist in 2018 and from there eventually had my own art studio and moved around the building in a few different spots. Read more>>
Robert Hendrick
From 1993 to 2012 Robert was a startup tech and healthcare technology executive. With some of the success of those ventures, he bought an existing railroad contracting business in 2001. From there he realized that the seasonality of the railroad construction business wouldn’t keep food on the tables of his employees every week. That’s when Rail Yard Studios was born. Read more>>
Jody aka ‘Bon Jody’ Underwood
Mixtape – 80’s Tribute Band was born of 7 friends and professional musicians who just wanted to put on a single show, featuring their favorite (and best) decade of music: the 80’s! No sooner had that first, oversold show concluded, fans were asking ‘when is the next show?!’ We really hadn’t thought that far ahead. Read more>>
Claire + Kristi Whitcomb + Monte
Southern Strings started as a natural collaboration between two friends and musicians who share a deep love for weddings, live performance, and the artistry of string music. We met through a mutual colleague and quickly realized that not only did we have a strong friendship, but we also had complementary experience running our own respective music businesses. Read more>>
Michael Ubaldini
Glad I met them. Talking with most of them they all wanted to know about The States excited to hear what it was like-It all finally got cleared up and I got into England – funny when they drove all us Immigrants to lunch it was in a type of van & bus with a cage. They fed us bad TV type frozen dinners & a loaf of bread being passed around. I decided I wasn’t hungry. That was more of an adventure than a struggle but you had to keep your eyes open. Read more>>
Arunima Orr
Art & Soul was started in 1988 and has had many homes throughout Nashville. The intention of the studio space was dedicated to artistic growth, creative development, and healing and transformation through the arts. It has been and is a place where the journey of art-making is honored and cultivated. ‘I (Arunima) moved to Nashville during the changing times of the 1960s. Read more>>
Chelbie Engle
What I didn’t know was that my name had circulated around middle Tennessee and when I announced full time availability I wasn’t able to keep up with the messages for people to schedule! Since that time I’ve expanded clientele into both Kentucky and Alabama, also traveling to other states for work when requested. I’ve also added PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Frequency) to my business for both horse and rider, but also find myself doing dogs, sheep, etc as well. My personal animals (especially my dog) LOVES it! Read more>>
Morgan Lima
I have been a nurse for nearly a decade, but I still had to go through the official steps to become certified to teach. I even reached out to another nurse who had walked this journey, but did not receive support. I spent a majority of free time during my maternity leave researching the process of how to become certified, consulting with a business attorney, watching training videos, and building my clientele. Over the course of a year, I went from having zero clue how to start a business to a fully formed LLC, a couple of clients, and my first investor. Read more>>
