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.
Gregory Mayo
I was born in a small, industrial town in the Midwest – Warren, Ohio. I developed a great interest in show business from watching television and going to the movies at the local theater. After high school graduation, I went to college in Ohio @ Denison University and did another year of graduate study in philosophy @ The George Washington University. Read more>>
Nicki Johnson
The road continues to be winding, but I was warned as such when delving into the non-profit space. These kids and their families deserve better than what academic medicine and American healthcare are giving them, so I am trying to figure out a better way or at least ways to make improvements alongside the failing system. Read more>>
Josh Gilmore
My journey into the travel industry really grew out of something I’ve always enjoyed—helping people plan experiences they’ll remember. I’ve always been someone who pays attention to the details, researches the options, and tries to find that perfect balance between what someone dreams about doing and what actually works for their budget and lifestyle. Read more>>
Alyson Holland
I graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in marketing, so filmmaking definitely wasn’t where I thought my career would take me. In a lot of ways, this career path found me. In 2020, I started Kennedy Dynasty, a history podcast about the Kennedy family that really began as a passion project. Read more>>
Elizabeth Humphreys
Like many people, I never expected my career to take the path it has. My journey changed when my mother was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Over the next thirteen years, I became one of her primary caregivers, navigating the heartbreak, uncertainty, and unexpected moments of joy that come with loving someone through dementia. Read more>>
BRITTANEE HUGHES
Music City Protection was founded in 2018 with a clear goal: to provide professional, dependable security services while building a company rooted in accountability, integrity, and strong relationships with both our clients and our officers. What began as a locally focused security company has steadily grown into a full-service security provider supporting businesses, organizations, properties, and events throughout the Nashville and Middle Tennessee area. Read more>>
Dave Woods
I’ve been listening to country music since I was just a kid in Scarborough. That city may not be what people think of when they think of country music, but you can find a love for it anywhere, My Dad would play vinyl of singers like Hank Williams, Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynn. Read more>>
Cassie Benzinger
Mountain Ash Design Co. grew from my background in art and design, my love for creating meaningful spaces, and the unique path that eventually brought my family to Middle Tennessee. My husband is in the military, so for several years we moved around the country. During that time, I continued pursuing design and taking on projects wherever we were living. Read more>>
Michael Mullins
I began playing music at age 5, inspired by my father who has played music professionally, as a trombonist for Harry Connick Jr., George Porter Jr., and leader of the band Bonerama. Read more>>
Hannah McEwen
I got into photography shortly after my husband and I got married, when we quickly realized how expensive living expenses could be. I had actually just gotten a camera for Christmas, so I decided to start booking sessions around the Jackson, Tennessee, area. Read more>>
Jenna Brevig
My story starts in South Florida. I was born in Coral Springs and grew up in Weston, Florida, in a family where creativity and performance were simply a part of everyday life. My dad, Michael James Brevig, was a professional performer. Read more>>
Joanne Durann
Before diving into media publishing, Joanne built a background as an actress, singer, and educator. Her passion for the spotlight and for supporting local talent led her to freelance writing. She authored multiple books and entertainment articles, contributing to platforms such as Yahoo.com, Examiner, AXS, and Out on The Town Magazine. Read more>>
Ronnie Braxton
I’m just a kid from NY who loves Art and being creative. I played sports most of my life and when that life was over I studied theater and began to act and like most things that came to an end as well. Then along came bar industry. Read more>>
Darryl Jaye
From Murfreesboro, started djing in middle school, was a break dancer, graduated from Oakland Highschool, went to Draughns junior college for radio Broadcasting, started as an intern at 92Q in 1990. Started as part-time as announcer on 92Q from 1990-1997. Contiuned to dj and host events. Started producing mix-cd in 1996, then partnered with DJ Cwiz and started promoting our own events in 1997. Read more>>
3rdShift NA
Artist Story I started recording music at 18 years old, but my passion for music began long before that. Certain songs always had a way of warming my spirit and connecting with me on a deeper level. Singing is in my blood—my father was a gospel singer at his church, so music has always been a part of my life. Read more>>
Zak Hamadeh
Our story began during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which was one of the most uncertain and challenging times to start a restaurant business. Read more>>
Beatriz Leal
Growing up in Brazil, food was always a way to bring people together. After moving to the United States and becoming a stay-at-home mom, I found myself looking for something that would keep both my mind and my hands busy while still allowing me to be present for my family. What started as baking for family and friends quickly turned into something much bigger. Read more>>
Jenny Jackson
My story has never followed a straight line, and looking back, I think that is one of the things I love most about it. I’ve always been curious about people, places, cultures, fashion, luxury, storytelling, and creating experiences that make others feel special. Travel has played an enormous role in shaping who I am. Read more>>
Benny Cunningham
Hello, my name is Benny Cunningham a Nashville native born and raised and just recently I’ve challenged myself to release my music into the world. I’’m a former professional athlete playing 7 years in the NFL and retirement left me trying to figure out what I actually enjoy outside of the football field. Read more>>
Charlton Moore
Charlton Moore’s story starts on the road. As the son of a family entertainer, he spent his childhood summers living on a tour bus while his father performed with The Animal Band, a beloved act known for its musical storytelling and family‑friendly shows. Growing up inside that world gave Charlton an early education in performance, creativity, and the realities of life in entertainment. Read more>>
Caroline Hartley
I started Fiat Integrative Health after being fired during COVID. I was working at a private practice and once I was fired I had patients texting, asking me to start my own practice. The Lord opened the right doors and we were able to open Fiat Integrative Health 5 weeks after I was fired. Read more>>
Valeria Lopez
My journey has always been rooted in entrepreneurship, creativity, community, and service. I’ve always had a passion for creating experiences that bring people together, while also finding ways to make an impact in the community. A defining chapter in my journey came during COVID-19. Read more>>
Jacqueline Summers
My passion for health and nutrition really began through athletics. I grew up as a competitive swimmer and went on to swim collegiately, which sparked my interest in the connection between nutrition, performance, recovery, and overall health. That experience ultimately led me to study Exercise & Sports Science and pursue a career in health and wellness. Read more>>
Katie Hall
As an English Literature & Creative Writing major over 20 years ago, I completed a senior capstone course, reading a work by a different author each week and submitting brief one-page reflection papers. Read more>>
Ashley Tankard
God has truly been the foundation of my entire story. When I look back over my life, there are so many moments that did not make sense while I was living them, but now I can see how God was using each one to lead me here. Read more>>
Nicky James
Growing up in Omaha, Nebraska, music was always around, but I didn’t really find my own way into it until I picked up a guitar and started writing songs. I wasn’t the kid who grew up knowing he was going to be a country singer. It happened pretty organically, and somewhere along the way a hobby turned into an obsession. Read more>>
Danielle Bowden
Joyful Journeys Travel Co. is really a reflection of how my love for travel began. I started traveling to different cities across the United States when I was younger, and my mom always encouraged me to get my passport. When I was in college, I finally did and shortly after, my mom surprised me with a trip to the Bahamas for my birthday. Read more>>
Matthew Paige
I mainly play music and tour in my band DeeOhGee, and had always been crafty so I started making leather bags, by hand and all sorts of leather goods during my down time. Then the pandemic hit and my band wasn’t able to tour anymore, so I looked for another creative outlet on the more cost effective side. Read more>>
corey williams
A master at his craft to why Sir is in front his name, he is well respected amongst many members of the music industry on all status levels. Read more>>
Chelsea Mayes
From the first Saturday night I sat in front of my mom, as she did my hair for church in the morning, I knew hair is what I would do. The feeling of looking in the mirror when she finished and seeing the newly enhanced version of myself is something I could never describe. Read more>>
Shanden Simmons
Born and raised in Kentucky, early on it was apparent I had a proclivity for art and creativity. I see it as my first language. I began drawing as early as 3-4 and by 10 or 11 years old I got my first camera, and a pack of mini DV tapes. Read more>>
Brett Manning
I grew up, listening to my mom sing. She was a professional singer in Las Vegas and knew the rat pack. Discovered Elvis when I was 10 years old and entered a talent contest in my school at one. But then swore off Singing in favor of sports until somewhere around 14 or 15 whenever you discovered it. Read more>>
Ashlynn Cartwright
Grace & Order Home Co. really grew out of my own life experiences and my desire to build something that meant more than just earning an income. I’m a single mom of four, and I know firsthand how quickly life can become overwhelming. Before starting my business, I worked in the live production and entertainment industry doing everything from production technology to rigging. Read more>>
Mike Drew
I invested into a club/lounge in 2018 I hired one of my friends that’s a comedian to help me get the club going . We created a comedy night and eventually I couldn’t pay him anymore. So everyone at the club was like ‘Mike should do it’. So I tried hosting it, and became good pretty quick. Read more>>
Erin O’Connell
I graduated from Arizona State University with a Design Studies degree. After college moved back to Overland Park where I worked with different clients who suffered with Traumatic Brain Injuries, during that time I started going to Mitsu Sato Hair Academy. Read more>>
Charles Moffet
I started in the Nashville DJ scene as a producer and audio engineer working for a company called Altru Creative which was closely tied to Full Circle Presents. As someone who has been deep into dance and electronic music culture for over a decade I started attending the events that the locals were putting on and got involved with the scene here. Read more>>
Joshua Kuhr Lee
I am a self taught singer/songwriter and producer. I started with classical music learning Cello and moved on to learning other various instruments as I got older. Guitar is my main instrument of choice. I currently release music under my stage name Kuhr. Read more>>
Courtney Nicole
Beauty has always been more than just hair and makeup to me. It has always been a form of art, expression, confidence, and connection. Growing up, I was always drawn to creativity. Art class was one of the few places where I felt completely free to be myself. I loved putting my emotions and ideas onto a canvas through paintings and different forms of art. Read more>>
Dr. LeJoia VanHook
In August 2006, I arrived at Fisk University as a kid from Chicago with no idea just how much my life was about to change. I attended private Catholic schools from kindergarten through high school—and, by the way, my high school was an all-girls school! So, stepping onto the campus of an HBCU opened my eyes to an entirely new world. Read more>>
Hush Club (Liz Kantor & Alasdair MacKenzie)
We met and started playing music together in college––there weren’t a lot of people who wanted to play in bands at our college, so it wasn’t too hard to spot each other––and since then, we’ve released a bunch of music and performed all over the northeastern US. Read more>>
Erika Vanderlaan
Seven years ago, I packed up everything I owned, left my hometown of Muskegon, Michigan, and moved to Nashville completely on my own. I had just graduated from Grand Valley State University with my nursing degree and was ready to start a new chapter working as a registered nurse. During my second year as a nurse, the world changed when COVID hit. Read more>>
Bella Lam
I was born in Nashville, into an extremely musical family. My grandfather was a Chinese immigrant who wanted all of his descendants to be extremely well-rounded, so we were all raised playing instruments. Read more>>
Naomi Báez-West
My interest in business started pretty early, all the way back in middle school actually. I grew up surrounded by good music: my dad was a DJ & took me to my 1st concert in kindergarten. Shout out to early 2000’s Britney Spears. Almost a decade later, enter the Vans Warped Tour every summer. Read more>>
Georgette Green
I was working as a mental health therapist in Nashville before moving to Pensacola in 2016. Before long, I accepted a position with Indigo River Publishing. My role quickly grew into a full-time position as I began handling incoming author submissions while also seeking out potential authors for our nonfiction catalog. Read more>>
Chris Doyle Mysterion
I have always been a fan of magic. Growing up I would watch television specials by Canadian magician Doug Henning, The Paul Daniel’s show and of course reruns of mentalist The Amazing Kreskin. I enjoyed these programs and dabbled in the other shows of the day that were themed to the supernatural. Read more>>
Jeanne Carr
I started in a family act when I was 2 as the 6th child of 6 kids called The Carr Family Singers. I got my Actors Equity card at the youngest age of 5 as Gretl von Trapp in The Broadway National Tour of The Sound of Music. Read more>>
Joshua Arnoux
I began focusing on writing songs for other artists, producing records, and learning every aspect of the music business. I didn’t just want to make great music—I wanted to understand why some artists succeeded while others, despite incredible talent, never reached their potential. That curiosity led me to earn a bachelor’s degree in Music Business from Full Sail University and spend years studying publishing, royalties, marketing, branding, artist development, and the economics of the industry. Read more>>
