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.
Dominique Paul
Then the pandemic hit. During lockdown I was forced to face the reality of what life in Los Angeles had become. Frankly, I was burnt out. I had only been to Nashville once–in 2016, the weekend Prince died–and I remembered driving to Franklin during the Main Street Festival, standing in the square and thinking, How odd. I feel like I’m going to live here one day. In 2020, when I prayed about leaving LA, that memory came back to me like a sign. So, I packed up and moved to Franklin. Read more>>
The Band JAREN
We are The Band JAREN! Our core is made up of two sisters, Jaren and Jade LaGore, and we are backed by an all female girl band. We, as sisters, grew up in Flushing, MI and could read music before we could read English. By the age of 5, we were playing our first instrument – classical piano. By the age of 6, Jaren was also playing guitar and Jade was playing violin. Read more>>
Emily Roose
During my education, I completed a six-month internship with Sarah Barnard in Los Angeles, who specializes in LEED and Historic Preservation. That experience was transformative. Sarah showed me that designers have a responsibility beyond aesthetics—we have the power to improve lives through intentional, sustainable design. That philosophy became the foundation of everything I do. Read more>>
Lacie Thorne
I grew up here in Nashville and attended University School of Nashville before leaving for SMU in Texas, where I earned my business degree in Marketing. After college, I moved to New York City to study Fashion Design at Parsons School of Design, and spent the next ten years working in the NYC fashion industry. Early in my career, I led design development and product launches for celebrity brands at major national retailers- working on collections for Jennifer Lopez, Nicki Minaj, and Adam Levine, under the leadership of Tommy Hilfiger. Read more>>
gerald gattis
Mine has been a long road. I grew up in the country in the ’80s, with an active imagination and an inability to concentrate on anything that didn’t immediately interest me. I discovered Dungeons and Dragons when my sister brought it home from college when I was 12. I was immediately taken by the playground of imagination that the game is. Read more>>
Hannah Corn
Redemption Ranch started as a mission and desire when I was young. I wanted to be able to help people using horses as a tool for hope and healing during tough seasons of life. For 8 years for this dream and fully planned organization layed dormant in my heart until God felt like it was the right time. Read more>>
Brian Edwards
I was raised in Nashville, Tennessee, as one of six children and attended Father Ryan High School. Like many young people, I wrestled with questions about my future. At one point I was convinced that my path was to the priesthood, so I entered the seminary with the hope of becoming a Catholic priest. Read more>>
Deric Jackson
We will come to your home or establishment and treat that area or areas with minimum prep work , from 7:00Am till 1:00 pm and this kills all stages of bedbugs with a 30 Day warranty and a 90 day warranty for those who need that extra protection , like my Airbnb or nursing home establishment. If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call at 615-426-8021. Read more>>
Marlow Mowery
I’ve always been a sensitive, intuitive, and curious person. Growing up, the unspoken information people shared felt as important, sometimes more important, than the things they said out loud. I remember being enthralled in my high school psychology class and wanting to understand what made people think and perceive things the way they do. Read more>>
Shanna Hall
⸻ My story started long before Spraytans by Shanna ever existed — over 25 years ago, with one single spray tan that changed everything for me. I still remember the exact feeling: the color, the glow, the way my confidence rose in an instant. It wasn’t just a tan… it was a transformation. Read more>>
Kait Feriante
My work in dyslexia began long before Redwood existed. It really started when I was teaching and kept meeting incredibly bright students who were falling further and further behind in reading and writing. They were creative, insightful, verbal, and capable, yet the traditional systems around them were not designed for the way their brains learned. Read more>>
Haley Ahern
I was born in sunny Southern California and had been a part of the Hollywood circus since a young age. From working as a professional dancer as a teen to starting my own independent production company at 19, I always had an inherent love for storytelling. Writing short films and shot lists slowly transitioned to writing my first ever feature length film. Read more>>
Ty Graham
I am a 36 year old singer songwriter born and raised in Tyler, Texas( an hour east of Dallas in a somewhat smaller town. At the age of 6, my mother came into my room and asked (more or les told me) if I wanted to take piano lessons. Read more>>
JOHN NTIBONERA
John Ntibonera “Congo Cowboy” is a country artist, singer-songwriter, humanitarian, and storyteller from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Blending country, Americana, folk, and traditional Congolese sounds, he creates a unique musical style that resonates across cultures, In 2025, he was named Songwriter of the Month at Nashville’s legendary Bluebird Café for his song Congo Cowboyand earned the prestigious Golden Pick Award. Read more>>
Karl & Jan Heinrich
Farm to Fashion – Long Hollow Alpacas We started this adventure in 2002 with the purchase of 4 Suri alpacas. We chose Suri’s because of their ‘Look’ They had an elegance that we just could not get away from. Also there were fewer (more rare) and we loved the fleece. Read more>>
Celine Edondson
I began dancing at the age of 12 & later went to the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. While I was a freshman, I decided that I would be working professionally before I graduated. I auditioned for the Brooklynettes NBA Dance Team and made it! I became the captain in my 4th season and danced on the team for 7 seasons. Read more>>
Cayce Smith
I moved back to Nashville after graduating from college in 2017 and jumped into a career in public relations. I loved the work and the fast pace, so it felt like a no-brainer that this was the path I’d stay on. Then COVID happened, and I temporarily relocated to Colorado while working remotely. Read more>>
Steven O’Riley
I met a young man when I was 25 years of age. ‘Kirt Konyha’ We became very close friends and I knew he studied karate. As we became friends I watch him closely and I liked the way he presented himself. Strong yet peaceful… This was different for me! Although he was (6) years younger than I, he earned my respect. Read more>>
Devon O’Day
I believe that doors open when it’s divinely planned for you to walk through them. Growing up in Louisiana and being on a winning speech team in high school, something that used my speaking voice was a logical career path. At sixteen I applied for a job at the top country radio station in my hometown and got the job because I could type. Read more>>
sungdoo yun
I majored in Hotel Culinary Arts in Korea and immigrated to New York in 2010, where I truly began developing my culinary skills. I worked at several restaurants alongside outstanding chefs, learning and growing through those experiences. In 2022, I decided to leave New York behind and start a new chapter with greater challenges and opportunities, which led me to settle in Nashville. Read more>>
Dean Carnegie
My story began as a kid, 8 years old. Back then we used to have these afternoon movies that came on once week around 3pm. I had just gotten home from school and this movie came on called HOUDINI starring Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh. The movie was made back in 1953, long long before I was born. But it was awe inspiring to me. Read more>>
Sheila Harper
When I was 19 I had an abortion. It was one of the greatest life-altering and horrific moments of my life. I spent the next 7 years abusing drugs, alcohol, and I even attempted suicide. When I finally found help, it was through a local womens center who advertised ‘abortion recovery.’ I had no idea what that meant, but I knew I needed help. Read more>>
Jack Costigan
I moved to Nashville in my early twenties without a network or any background in real estate. I just knew I wanted to build something long-term and meaningful. I got licensed, started learning the business from the ground up, and quickly realized how much consistency, discipline, and patience this industry really takes. Read more>>
Vee Smith
I’ve always been a coffee person. Before anything else in my day made sense, that first cup of coffee did. I even picked up a part-time job at Dunkin’, eventually working my way up to a lead. During that time, I tried every type of coffee you can imagine—different roasts, different blends, wild flavor combos, you name it. Read more>>
Byron Stithem
My career in hospitality began when I graduated from Belmont in 2007 with a Music Business degree. Turns out there weren’t nearly enough entry level music jobs for the number of graduates they were churning out so I got a job at a bar. Read more>>
Martheus Wade
My name is Martheus Wade and I am a graphic designer and comic book creator based in Tn. My company, MAW Productions LLC, started in 2021 by producing comic books, graphic novels, brand identity and advertising for comic book companies, entertainment and nonprofit organizations. Read more>>
Sammm
I grew up with an incredible love for music. I grew up playing piano with my grandma, making home made music videos on the family recorder, putting on makeshift concerts, and always singing around the house. I have been through a lot in my life and the one thing that has always gotten me through everything – is music. Read more>>
Bobby Hansen
THE ORIGIN STORY OF BAE’S BUTTERS How a chef’s curiosity turned into a movement. I didn’t plan on becoming the founder of a stone-ground nut butter company. My journey started long before the storefront, long before the unicorn, long before the jars lined up in perfect rows. It began in a kitchen—small, a little chaotic, always smelling like roasted nuts and creativity. Read more>>
Markee Carter
How I got started in the business world. It started when I didn’t get a promotion at a job where I was overqualified for. When I didn’t get the promotion I started working on my company “We Legit LLC.” My company was established in August of 2021. Four years later still thriving, growing everyday, and being consistent with producing content. Read more>>
Aimee Tenaglia
My career has been anything but linear, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I started with a BA in theatre and worked in the acting industry from 1990 to 2014—though acting was something I did alongside other professions throughout those years. It was a world I loved, but eventually I was ready for something different. Read more>>
Rob Richey
Pro Resume began more than 30 years ago as a small Memphis-based resume writing service dedicated to helping local job seekers stand out. As demand grew and technology reshaped hiring, we expanded our capabilities, modernized our processes, and became one of the first resume firms in the country to design content specifically for digital screening and ATS systems. Read more>>
Christopher Hodges
I Started off as a Producer and DJ for my friends that were rising artist. The Beat List a Nashville beat battle helped with networking in the Nashville area. I’ve worked for various clubs and promoters until slowing down to private events and mentor work. Read more>>
Benjamin Seevers
As a child I preferred to be in the back of the line. In 4th grade, I remember looking out the open door of our 2nd story classroom, over the balcony rail, and towards the trees of the neighborhood. Hardly a breeze. The green of the leaves looked slightly dull and very two dimensional, and I thought to myself, “that looks like a painting”. Read more>>
Dimestate Don
I am from Nashville, TN. Out north, raised me, Madison broke me in. I’m a big church kid; my dad was a musician and worship leader in his own right, prompting me to always be involved in choir. I was 14 when I recorded my first demo. It wasn’t good, but it had such positive feedback. I had to keep trying to get better. Read more>>
Carnelian Clinique
When I was 12 years old my favorite band was Nirvana. I was a shy kid, bullied, and awkward. Music was my safe place. I remember seeing a picture of Kurt Cobain and RuPaul holding a baby Francis Bean. I was enamored by this ‘giant lady’ and set out to find out everything about her. Read more>>
Jason Adams
In truth my story cannot be told in brief. My story is a story of fierce grace, the journey from hell to heaven, from guilt to innocence…a journey from fear to a heart wide open, from broken to whole. I was born here right outside of Nashville and grew up in Mt. Juliet. I played baseball throughout my childhood which provided me community and purpose. Read more>>
Jason Schrantz
It was a dark and stormy night. 3:20 am Monday race at The Brickyard. Left bay village, Ohio at 5:50 am Friday for the Big Machine 400. Scrolling through Facebook marketplace, there it is. The motorcycle I’ve been looking for!!! 1979 Yamaha 750 Checkerboard print! It was available Buy now….. Little did I know I just purchased the Muse for BadToiletRacing…. Read more>>
Dr. Roneisha Simpson
My journey into forensic psychology is personal and shaped by the people who supported me along the way. I grew up with my great-grandmother, who progressed with Alzheimer’s, and those early experiences taught me empathy, resilience, and how to advocate for others. I was blessed to have a village that stepped in. Read more>>
latisha colburn
My journey into holistic nursing really began at home as a mother of four. Working in Med-Surg, the ER, and later in home health specializing in wound care, I saw firsthand how many patients were cycling through the system without anyone ever addressing the deeper ‘why’ behind their symptoms. Read more>>
Jack Lare
I began playing drums when I was 8 years old but never took it too seriously – I’d just play for fun and learn songs I liked with my teacher. Read more>>
Jett Edwards
I was born in a small town called Kings Mountain, North Carolina, where I grew up in a house household full of music. My father taught myself and my other brothers how to play instruments. He was a renowned gospel quartet singer over a group called the southern Crusaders.. I performed my first recording on my father‘s record at the age of 11 years old. Read more>>
Dondi Iannucci
I grew up on the island of Kaua’i, HI. Hawai’i has a very unique musical culture, and my family was particularly musical so music has played a foundational part in my upbringing; I began playing guitar and songwriting around the age of 12. Read more>>
Heidi Howard
I grew up in Michigan, and at 21, I packed up my courage, a couple of suitcases, and my big dreams, and headed to Southern California. It was a bold move at the time, but it became one of the most formative chapters of my life. Read more>>
Aden Gray
I am from a small town in Western Massachusetts, called Deerfield. I did the same things most other kids did, however with my intense ADHD and unusual tendencies in social situations, I think a lot of my teachers were both annoyed with me, and a bit worried. Read more>>
Denise Montrose
No one is more surprised that I opened a nonprofit cow rescue than me. Never having lived on a farm or owned a cow before, it wasn’t even something on my radar. Then, one day, on my 50th birthday, I met a cow. This spring, we will have been at the new farm for 5 years. Read more>>
Janaye Roberson
I’ve always been infatuated with music since I was a kid. And I know that everyone loves music, but for me, it felt slightly different. I was interested in not just the songs, but the stories, the arrangement and the production behind it. I’ve been playing music since I was in elementary school. Read more>>
Maureen Mahoney
I moved to Nashville about three years ago from Chicago, where using the sauna at my gym was a daily part of my routine. It supported both my physical and mental health in a really consistent way. When I moved, I suddenly lost access to that, and I realized how much I depended on it. Read more>>
Wykisha Johnson
I’m a Michigan girl at the core came down to Nashville for college in 2006 thinking it was temporary, just a quick chapter. But God clearly had bigger plans, because this city ended up shaping my entire life. I built my foundation here, became a mother, and married the wonderful man I met in this very place. Read more>>
Recey Oglesby
I’ve always been an active person, but 18 years ago, life threw me a curveball. After having my first child, I didn’t fully understand postpartum and, without realizing it, I let myself go. For years, I faced setbacks and challenges, but eventually, I reached a turning point: it was now or never. That decision changed everything. Read more>>
Terry Lee
On my 12th Christmas Santa put a guitar under the tree for me. That Gibson became my buddy and we spent endless time together. I jammed with friends and eventually began writing songs for a hobby, and playing small venues. Life then took turns that swirled me in and out of music for various periods of time. Read more>>
James Erby
Sensory Space was inspired by our oldest daughter, who is autistic and non-speaking. For years, family outings were a struggle because there was nowhere for her to go when sensory environments became overwhelming. We realized how isolating it is to have to leave events early—or avoid them altogether—simply because the world isn’t built to accommodate your child’s needs. Read more>>
Steven James
Started my first company at 16, grew that thru highschool and college. Sold that to private equity at 22. Graduated from MTSU with a degree in Computer Information Systems. Bought a van and travelled the entire US during covid (46 states). Moved to Tampa for a year while trading full-time. Moved back to Nashville to take over a giftcard tech startup called BizGift. Read more>>
Gina Kelley-Troutt
Art has always been a central part of my life. When I was little, I was always doing something with my hands: drawing, sewing, baking. If it had anything to do with the Arts, I was all about it. I was involved in Band, Drama Club, and the Art Club. Read more>>
Kayleigh Clark
I grew up in a family full of musicians. My mom and dad grew up singing, my uncle played in a band, and my grandmother played piano for her church. My dad has struggled with addiction his whole adult life, so I used music as an outlet. I have been singing my whole life. Read more>>
Gina Blair
I am originally from CA, but graduated from The University of KY, with a BS in Special Education. I was a teacher for a combined 23 years, prior to opening HOMEstretch in October of 2024. I have coached basketball and still coach track and field for The Tennessee HEAT, a Christ-centered organization of homeschooling families, that focuses on instilling Christian values, building strong character, and glorifying God through the power of athletics. Read more>>
TaMecca Dansby
That passion eventually became my calling. I pursued certification as a Life Purpose Coach and a Spiritual Life Coach, which allowed me to merge my testimony with tools that empower others to overcome limiting beliefs and step into their potential. I began writing and providing workshops to help women embrace self worth, the power of their words and renew their mindsets. And from there came WOMAN 2 WOMAN a 501c3 nonprofit birthed from my desire to give women and youth not just encouragement, but real resources, real support, and real hope. Read more>>
Melissa Sheridan
It was Mrs. McNaughton, my second-grade teacher, who once pulled my mom aside and said, “I think your daughter is going to be a writer someday.” At that time, I was an undiagnosed dyslexic student, struggling to navigate school and often feeling like I was just getting by. Having moved around frequently as a child, I found my connection with pen and paper rather than with people. I began writing poems and songs in elementary school, creating orphan monster characters and crafting bio cards for them, hoping they’d find adoptive homes. Read more>>
Jacob Boyer
I first came to Nashville about six years ago. I’m originally from Washington, Illinois, a small town outside the city of Peoria. I grew up the youngest of three, surrounded by a wide variety of music from my siblings and parents, which I quickly began to absorb and pick up on. Read more>>
Olivia MaDan
I have always been ambitious, but my motivation has never been about volume. It has been about impact. I grew up in Charleston, South Carolina and went on to study at Clemson University and the Medical University of South Carolina. Those years shaped my curiosity and commitment to patient centered care. Read more>>
