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.
John Thomas
Why not just buy it and get started learning. I bought the controller, rushed home, and instantly started practicing. I watched hours of YouTube videos, reached out to DJ friends, took every chance I could to watch other DJs, and practiced every single day. As time progressed, I just kept practicing my craft, taking it seriously, and getting better. Eventually, once I felt my skills were up to par, I began to book gigs and was absolutely rocking there. Now here I am today, staying booked and busy, traveling, and continuing to be a sponge. Read more>>
Michaun Elise Winborn
Honestly, my journey has been anything but linear and that’s the beauty of it. I’ve worked in retail management, property management, and financial services, leading teams as small as two and as large as twenty-one. Along the way, I realized how challenging it is to be a manager and how much harder it is to actually lead with intention, especially across difference. Read more>>
Amy Anderson
I have owned 2 art galleries and had my design studio in several locations in downtown Sandusky. Fast forward to November 2025, 18 plus years later, when I have just moved my design studio (along side my husband’s clothing store) to downtown Lorain, Ohio, where I have definitely found my creative home! I am also now an all-vinyl DJ: DJ Amy Asterisk. Have 2 turntables, will travel, because I am, after all, an analog girl living and working in a digital world! Read more>>
Lauren Michael
I don’t have the origin story most photographers have. I didn’t walk around with a Nikon Coolpix in my hand throughout my whole childhood, but I always knew I would be a creative someday. My mother was and is an artist and graphic designer. My childhood was filled with drawing and painting lessons, and I remember even completing 5th-grade school projects using Adobe InDesign. Read more>>
Erin Pritchard
Therapy was a second career for me after a brief time in marketing and event planning. I knew I specifically wanted to be a trauma therapist. I completed my Master’s at The Ohio State University, one of the top graduate programs in the country for clinical counseling. I was lucky enough to be introduced to EMDR Therapy early in my career. Read more>>
Serena Williams
The Lactation Clinic At The Well was founded by April Kline with a simple but powerful intention: to create a space where families could receive truly comprehensive, whole-person lactation care. After years of supporting parents and newborns, April recognized that families needed far more than quick assessments or surface-level guidance. Read more>>
Karl Gruber
Even as a little kid growing up in the Cleveland Ohio area I always wanted to be a disc jockey on the radio, and so that is what I did. I attended Ohio State University, got a degree in Communications, and then went on to spend 20+ years on the air as a DJ in the Columbus radio market. Read more>>
simone banks
How I started my balloon business is really simple, my daughters 1st birthday was approaching and I was looking for a ‘balloon-o-gram’ person to deliver her balloons, and results came up slim to none. Fortunately I create the opportunity to make someone’s day , because I knew I wasn’t the only mother going to experience this. Read more>>
Rachel Flores
Six and a half years ago, I was making a career change and had moved downtown. I had previously been traveling a lot for work and wasn’t sure what was next but was looking at hospitality. I love creating experiences and making connections with people. Read more>>
Mariah Roj
In 2013, founder Mariah Roj wandered into a charming toy shop in the French Caribbean that forever changed the way she perceived toys and the role of toys in a child’s life. The kind of toy shop she found herself in had once existed in the States but over time were vanishing. Read more>>
Jason Young
I have had a bit of a circuitous route to my career. I actually graduated with a Mechanical Engineering degree but decided before graduation that traditional engineering positions weren’t what I really enjoyed. I loved the problem-solving aspect of engineering, but also preferred a more collaborative client-facing environment. That led me to begin my career in a technical sales position in the medical device industry. Read more>>
Ted Reinhart
My dad started the DJ business. As a kid, I always looked up to him and wanted to be involved. I started helping him when I was in grade school, and eventually he passed the business over to me when I was old enough to drive to events. When I first started, I was mostly obsessed with speakers and gear. Read more>>
Kelsey Rhinelander
Before I was a dog trainer, I was a marketing strategist working on the implementation of digital marketing campaigns for Fortune 500 companies and later running an influencer marketing department that brought in hundreds of millions of views for companies around the globe. Read more>>
Sherri & Monica Borer & Nitschke
We have been friends for over 15 years and counting. During that time, we soon realized we shared a love for decluttering, bins, boxes, lists and all things organizing. We have kids, dogs, and spouses that have ruled our space for 20+ years. Yet, we have figured out how to take it back and make life simpler. Read more>>
Robert Perry
I started taking karate classes at 8 yrs old but didn’t stay very long.but at age 14 I joined a local Detroit Tae Keon Do class in October 7,1976 and have been involved in teaching and or competing in the Martial Arts now going on 50 years. I started teaching in Detroit at the Detroit YMCA on Detroit’s far southwest side. Read more>>
Nikole Rosaria-Manieri
Since I can remember, I’ve walked in the world with a sensitized, empathetic, and wonder-filled embrace. I had a need to make sense of, and to contribute to the healing of the fractured world I felt around me. I found refuge in writing, song, dance, nature, and spiritual devotion, with a deep curiosity about the imaginal worlds of my vivid dreamscape. Read more>>
Tuezday Henson
I started my tattoo apprenticeship in 2020, but tattooing is a very difficult industry to get into. Not only with a very saturated and diverse community of artists, but lots of shops and people aren’t necessarily ready to take on someone to teach. Read more>>
Dave ‘Laundromat Millionaire’ Menz
Dave Menz: From Broke Kid to Laundromat Millionaire I didn’t grow up with money, connections, or a blueprint for entrepreneurship. What I did have was a relentless work ethic, a deep desire to build a better life for my family, and a belief that ordinary people can create extraordinary outcomes when they bet on themselves. Read more>>
Brandi Price
I’ve been in the healthcare field for about 15 years—10 years as an RN and five years before that as an LPN. My experience includes home care, acute care, case management, radiology, med-surg, and even working as a travel nurse during COVID. Read more>>
Kyle Anderson
My parents, Scott and Trudy Anderson established Advent Christmas Tree Farm about 19 years ago in 2006. They were not farmers originally, Scott served in the Air Force for about 28 years and bought the farm upon retirement. Scott learned everything about growing Christmas trees from scratch while working full-time post-retirement as a contractor. Read more>>
Koose Campagna
INTERVIEWER: So, let’s start at the beginning. Koose Confections has a pretty mystical origin story. Where did the idea really take root? KOOSE: Well, the poetic version is that I came down from the mist-covered mountains with a sacred book of recipes and some shade-tree philosophy. And honestly… that’s not too far off. Read more>>
Mamta Mishra
I arrived in Cincinnati in May 1992 after marrying my husband, Pranav, who was training to become a physician at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati quickly became dear to me, especially as it was where my elder son, Ankur, was born. Later, our family moved to Northport, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where my younger son, Parag, was born. Read more>>
Justin Sanford
Justin Sanford, I started doin concrete in 1996 as a laborer. I got into the union in 1999 I worked for big industrial company for 15 years. I started my company in 2012 Went full time with it in 2020 because of the pandemic I do mostly residential flat work, which includes driveways, patios, sidewalks, garage and basement floors. We do decorative concrete as well. Read more>>
Christopher Hearn
I’m born & raised in the City. My mom had me at a young age and that meant I was right there with her as she was growing up. Read more>>
Lance Robinson
Grateful Griddle is more than just a food truck — it’s a celebration of great food, great music, and unforgettable moments. Founded by Lance Robinson, a former stock and options trader of 24 years, the concept was born from his passion for backyard barbecues, entertaining friends, and creating amazing meals that bring people together. Read more>>
Monica Hally
I lived in Ohio back in the 80’s, two of my daughters were born in Ohio and my third born in California. Read more>>
Josh Quinn
I was living in Los Angeles while my wife (and Ohio native) was attending OSU. We started a wholesale accessories company together out there. Honestly we just got super lucky. We landed a couple of pretty influential stores as our first accounts. Those accounts allowed us to quickly transition to doing that full time. Read more>>
Brandi Pelley
GoodyGram started as a very real problem I was trying to solve from 1,200 miles away. I was living in Texas, my mom was back home in Ohio, and I was searching online for a local birthday gift that didn’t feel like the same old flowers, a virtual gift card, or something shipped last-minute from Amazon. Nothing felt personal enough. Read more>>
Jeremy Brown
My path into tattooing wasn’t traditional. I started out in construction, but I always felt pulled toward art. In 2010 I took the leap into tattooing, and once I picked up a machine, everything clicked. I became obsessed with mastering black and grey realism and surrealism, pushing detail, depth, and storytelling further with every piece. Read more>>
Kathryn Wilson
I got started with my dance studio by taking over from a previous owner. I love dance and the wonderful things it does for the kids. I was a teacher for about 5 years before owning but I have been dancing since I was 3 years old. Read more>>
KITRAEL CHIN
There was a beautiful symphony concert years ago in which there was a little girl with developmental disabilities who was clearly moved by the music. This young lady excitedly clapped with joy at the end of the beautiful concert and loudly proclaimed to her parents that she was going to perform music on stage just like the orchestra members. Read more>>
Philip Foster
In 2000, I started my first business. Despite having a business degree and over 10 years of experience in the marketplace, I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I hired a business coach and joined a mastermind group. It helped me go from struggling entrepreneur to success. After 4 years, I sold the business in 2005. Read more>>
Charia Mam
I am a woman shaped by grit, faith, and an unwavering belief that our stories can become our strength. I came to this country as a political refugee from Cambodia, with every unimaginable barrier stacked against me. Read more>>
Ashely Franklin
My journey into marketing and brand strategy began long before I had the language for it. I have always been drawn to creativity, storytelling, and helping people present the best version of themselves and their work. What started as supporting local entrepreneurs and community events slowly grew into something much bigger. Read more>>
Darius Anderson
My journey into this role wasn’t a straight line, but every step prepared me for the work I do today. I actually started out managing a SnapFitness gym part-time in Ashtabula. It was a small team, but it taught me the basics of customer service, consistency, and what it means to support people in reaching their goals. Read more>>
Zack Bell
My passion for detailing started from my love of all things with wheels as a kid. During high school and college I started investing a lot of time and energy into my passion for cars and my need for them to always be looking their best. Before I knew it, many friends and family members started asking me to get their vehicles detailed. Read more>>
Maggie Palmer
I’ve spent more than 20 years working in communications, and in many ways, it feels like the career found me long before I realized I was building one. I started out fascinated by the way stories shape perception—how the right message, shared at the right time, can create connection, spark action, or even change someone’s mind. Read more>>
Joshua Goldstein
We started out in June of 2019 as a property preservation company, hence the name 1918 Preservation. We primarily serviced bank owned home doing everything from roof replacements to yard maintenance to cleaning the trash out of properties. Read more>>
Patty Abrigo-Naidenoff
I started to realize there were people in my own community that were seeking alternatives to what their doctors and other physical therapists were offering to treat their pain and mobility problems. I was introduced to other like minded professionals that are now in my “wellness network.” These people and professionals inspired me to use my degrees, knowledge, skills and experience in traditional healthcare, to deliver physical therapy in a non traditional way. Read more>>
Musca domestica
Born and raised in central Ohio, with formative beginnings on Hilltop, USA, I’ve moved around 25+ times, went to 10 different schools, and eventually made my way into the city in my teens to discover a broader range of sub-cultures. I’m a multidisciplinary artist with 30 years of professional tattooing experience; the longest working female tattoo artist in Columbus, Ohio. Read more>>
Lisa Kovac
My history in the Photo Booth industry consisted of my daughter’s wedding. She came to me with this idea of a photo booth rental and I told her it was a waste of money. I had not seen or experienced one, but we were trying to keep the budget down. My daughter being my daughter, she rented it anyway. Read more>>
Destin Grayson
I started creating content in 2018, taking the classic blogger style photos. At the time, I knew I wanted to be more intentional because I wanted to create space and inspiration for men of size. The photos worked for a few years, but eventually I hit a plateau. Everything shifted in 2022 when I leaned into video, especially the GRWM format. Read more>>
Dan DeCarlo
Having played in several cover bands for decades and a couple tribute projects as well. I wanted to remain a part of the incredible tribute scene in the Cleveland area and surrounding states. I started putting this project together during the summer of 2024 with the intent and sole purpose in building a John Mellencamp tribute show like no other. Read more>>
Keith Minier
I grew up in Northeast Ohio with my older brother and younger sister. Life revolved around family, school, and a deep love for Cleveland sports—no matter how heartbreaking the seasons often were. I loved playing sports and eventually basketball became my passion. I poured countless hours into the sport, eventually playing through high school and into college. My faith journey began early as well. Read more>>
Rick Hoefling
Grew up in Elizabeth, NJ. My father died when I was seven, but was a bit sick for a long time. My Mom was a superstar and raised us, but we were not well off. We lived in a four-family house. My sister and I slept in an unfinished attic. The house had no HVAC. Read more>>
Jessica Minesinger, CMOM, CMPE, FACMPE, BBCC
I have been invited to speak at professional medical and surgical associations, as well as organizations for medical students, surgeons, and physicians of all specialties. I am an independent MGMA (Medical Group Management Association mgma.com) Consultant specializing in provider compensation. I serve on the ACS H.O.P.E. Committee on Global Engagement’s Domestic Subcommittee, and I am a BBC-Certified Executive Leadership Coach through the Neuroleadership Institute. Read more>>
Monique Rogers-Dogbey
Growing up in a large family, gatherings were more than events—they were an expression of love, filled with vibrant dishes, laughter, and stories. Over time, I discovered my passion for bringing people together and creating moments that feel as beautiful as they are meaningful. Read more>>
Arcola Creek Tattoo
Arcola Creek Tattoo opened in 2012. At that time, Ryan was eleven years into his tattoo career. He began tattooing at “Tattoos by Buzz Jr.” in Jacksonville, North Carolina—just outside Camp Lejeune, where he was stationed as a Marine. Read more>>
