The Change-Makers: stories that inspire

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.

Porothea Dennis

My name is Porthea Dennis and I graduated from Dayton Dunbar in 1989 when I graduated. I was a mother of 2 and I graduated third in class with a good support system both community and family. From the time I can remember I’ve always wanted to be a nurse so I started my journey with 2 children at the age of 16 and adding on 2 more by the time I was 22. I grew up in the West side of Dayton mostly and lived in Parkside Homes. Dunbar Manor, Hilltop Homes, and Lakeview Estates.  Read more>>

Sarah Puskas

Though she had always dreamed of motherhood, the reality was far harder than expected. Postpartum depression, isolation, and financial stress left her feeling disconnected and overwhelmed. Everything shifted when Sarah discovered free community programs like library story times, nature centers, and other free and affordable activities for children, that helped her son thrive and gave her a much-needed sense of connection. For the first time, she felt supported, inspired, and able to create joyful memories without worrying about cost. Read more>>

Mark Schwenn

I’ve been a musician since the age of 9 playing guitar and had played in bands since the age of 18. Read more>>

Levarine Graham

In 2019, about a year after your mother passed away in, you were struggling with grief. A friend suggested Reiki, which I was initially skeptical about as a Christian. I prayed for protection and went anyway—and the experience was transformational in helping me process my grief. I eventually took classes to learn it for myself because it was so effective. Read more>>

Fright Reels The Jims

The Jims work their day job together in their ‘normal’ public life. After realizing how much they have in common, regarding art, music, and especially HORROR, they decided to try their hand at doing a podcast. In the fall of 2024 they started with audio podcasts reviewing horror movies, and soon added video – creating a YouTube channel to compliment their RSS. Read more>>

Kristyn Smith

My story really started with a mix of curiosity, purpose, and a desire for balance — in life and in business. I’ve always loved numbers, but what I love even more is helping people find clarity and calm around them. After years of working in finance and accounting across different industries, I wanted to take what I’d learned and create something of my own. Read more>>

Amanda Hale

I’ve always been a lover of animals of all kinds. When my kids were little we had three dogs and it was difficult to take the kids out for an entire day with no one to look after our puppies. A friend suggested I start pet sitting to help other families with the same situation and because I love my pups so much. Read more>>

Shanell De Arenque

My journey began with a passion for creativity and connection. I started out exploring graphic design and marketing, realizing early on that visual storytelling could truly shape how people see a brand. That passion led me to launch Bag Chaser Graphics, where I specialize in bringing brands to life through design and strategy. Read more>>

Max Swartout

By day, I’m an elementary music teacher down in Kent, Ohio, fostering creativity and learning. But I live in Lakewood, and as I travel across Northeast Ohio—often on my way home—I step into my role as a mobile notary public. I established Northeast Ohio Notary less than a year ago, driven by a need I saw in the community. Read more>>

Mykish Summers

My journey really started long before I launched the company it began with a simple belief: when life feels chaotic, organizing both the space around you and the thoughts inside you creates room for something beautiful to happen. For more than 20 years I have worked as a social worker, walking alongside individuals and families through some of life’s toughest seasons. Read more>>

Jessica Cliff

Our entrepreneurial story wasn’t sparked by a single event, but rather by a unique opportunity that felt meant to be. My partners, Craig and Daniel, attended culinary school together years ago, and all of us have extensive experience as entrepreneurs. This foundation allowed us to recognize the potential in acquiring this business and building something truly special together. Read more>>

Jacob Henson

My journey into massage therapy began when I was younger and received a trigger point massage session for the first time. That experience left such a lasting impression on me, not just physically, but emotionally. That I knew I wanted to help others feel that same sense of relief and rejuvenation. It became the foundation of my career and purpose. Read more>>

Jessica Murphy

I worked in social services prior to my role as a health and life insurance broker. I worked with children and families who were facing multiple different kinds of hardships and struggles. This schedule and work life balance became difficult after 10 years. I decided I needed a change that would allow me to put my family and myself first. Read more>>

Dan Hood

Fresh out of high school I got a job at Forest City Auto Parts as a part salesman. Worked my way up to store manager of the Rt615 location. They started closing down other locations and so fear of my store being one I resigned and went into HVAC as my best friend suggested. Read more>>

Jeff & Terri Miracle

From Auctions to Ownership – what started as a love for auctions and collecting turned into a full-blown adventure. After retiring early, we began selling treasures on eBay, showcased at antique shows, and eventually landed a booth in River Village Shoppe. In August 2022, we took the leap and became proud owners of that very Shoppe. Read more>>

Ashley Aya Ferguson

I have been writing since I was seven years old. I loved and still love books and magazines. I used to want my own magazine, but by the time I graduated college, a lot of great magazines were folding, or shutting down operations. I wrote for a trade magazine for a while before pivoting into a more secure marketing role. Read more>>

Valerie Tran

Pochettely began from a small idea of making pouches for my friends to them to be my bridesmaids. The name comes from the French word pochette, meaning “little pocket,” which perfectly captures what the brand has evolved into: a little pocket of things you love. I recently left my corporate job to follow my dream of building Pochettely a home of its own. Read more>>

Troy Shealy

Our family has always been surrounded by people who understand the importance of honoring life from those working in human funeral care to those devoted to pet memorial services. Growing up in the quiet rural town of Bucyrus, Ohio, we shared our lives with nearly a dozen pets. Read more>>

Janelle Ball

My first experience in dermatology was working the front desk, I enjoyed welcoming patients and getting a birds eye view of how the entire office flows. I moved into different roles over the years, back office, Derm tech, assisting in surgeries. Then I landed as the Biologic coordinator. I had no idea that this role would prepare me for where I am today. Read more>>

aba essilfie

I am not only a real estate agent, but an investor and property manager. My story starts in 2014 when I moved back then with my mom after college. She was given a notice that her rent was increasing again. I had told her it would be a good idea and to look into home ownership with how expensive things were getting . Read more>>

Carrie Scarff

I am a landscape architect and planner for Five Rivers MetroParks, a conservation-based park agency that takes seriously its responsibility to connect people in the Dayton region to nature. We particularly step up to the challenge of connecting people to nature in the area. Read more>>

Nate Smith

Grew up living with my Mom, grandma and aunt in a trailer park in Massillon OH. I was a very creative kid. Putting on song and dance productions for my family, making movies with my action figures, drawing and painting on every piece of paper I could find. Read more>>

Amanda Plataniotis

My husband/business partner and I are animal lovers, we have had cats and dogs for years and also have been fostering dogs for a few years. Read more>>

Megen Leigh

My name is Megen Leigh, I’m an artist living in Westerville, OH who has grown up in the science fiction and fantasy community. As an artist working primarily in watercolor and fluid inks, I create whimsical, imaginative landscapes and playful abstracts that often reflect that upbringing. Read more>>

Annette Horn

My dream began back in 1992, when I couldn’t afford a wedding dress—or even a wedding. My fiancé (now my husband of 32 years) and I were starting our life together with a pre-made family. My dream dress cost $400, which felt like a fortune at the time. Read more>>

Jason Davis

Oracle Antiques and Vintage is a combined approach to antique/vintage, by myself Jason Davis and my business partner, Todd Dugle. I have a lifelong love of antiques and art and have been selling antiques for over 10 year. Todd has extensive background in Jewelry and owned The Gilded Age in Mt. Adams, as well as antique mall retail for the last four. Read more>>

Carol Moye

It first started with a christmas gift of polymer clay from my daughter. A strong attempt to cure the boredom of empty nesting and its intoxicating side effects of chronic afternoon naps. With that clay opened up an enormous box creativity that I didnt know I held. From earrings, to badgereels, to bracelets all sculpted with my hands, only with clay. Read more>>

Kourtney Anderson

I had been diagnosed with sever anxiety and panic disorder, ocd, when I was 21. This is when I turned to fitness mainly running. It was my outlite and what really started my journey into the health and wellness field. It all started in my back yard. Read more>>

James and Johanna Norris

James Norris began training martial arts when he was 11 years old in Washington State. When he read books about ninja by legendary martial artist Stephen K. Hayes, as a kid, he told all he friends he would one day be a student of his. Read more>>

Tom Bentley

Our Story: Wild Axe Throwing & Level Up Pinball Bar It all started with a simple idea — to help people escape reality through fun. What began as an axe-throwing facility quickly grew into one of the most unique entertainment destinations in the Miami Valley. Read more>>

Lea Wechter

As a child in the 90’s the sitcom Friends was a huge hit. I always dreamed of owning my own business one day. I went to BGSU and finished my undergrad with a Bachelors in Business Administration. I worked in retail right after college and quickly realized I needed to work for myself. Read more>>

Kimberly Althouse-Villa

Professional Experience I became a Mortgage Loan Originator because I’m passionate about helping customers achieve the dream of homeownership. At Fifth Third Bank, I’m proud to offer a wide variety of mortgage options tailored to meet your financial needs. With competitive rates and flexible terms, we provide some of the most effective solutions available. Read more>>

Shawn Sherry

I’ve been interested in hair since high school — shout out to the brave souls who booked their prom appointments in my bathroom. I actually played soccer at Ohio State and earned my degree in Business of Fashion, but I always knew I’d end up behind the chair. After finishing hair school, I started my career at a salon where I had an amazing mentor. Read more>>

Leigh Harris

Several of us who are in ministry together and retired found that there is a need for a convenient way to provide fingerprinting and background check services. With our combined experience in Human Resources, Engineering and Finance we found that employers are now requiring background checks where once it was not so much part of the onboarding process. Read more>>

Frank Estremera

My girlfriend and I began brewing beer as homebrewers in 2009 in my kitchen. After advancing and improving my skills and developing over 20 of my own recipes, we decided to open our own brewery in 2018 in downtown Canton, which began with 6 beers on tap. We named it Muskellunge after my favorite fish. In 2021, we were married at the brewery. Read more>>

Tammy Hodges

I’ve always been a helper by nature — someone who enjoys giving, connecting, and being there when people need a hand. For most of my life, I’ve worn many hats, from raising my three children (and now cherishing my five grandchildren) to exploring my passions for art, crafting, genealogy, and hosting family gatherings. Read more>>

Leigh Hepperly

My story in construction began when I was just 12 years old. Growing up, I was always fascinated by how things were built — the process of taking something broken or incomplete and turning it into something strong and lasting. In my neighborhood, I started by helping wherever I could — doing roof repairs, drywall, painting room, painting fences, for a neighbors construction company. Read more>>

Nori Muro

I’m Nori Muro, 50 years old, and I’ll celebrate 8 years of sobriety on Christmas Day. I’m a mother, a mentor, and a woman who has walked through fire and found love on the other side. Read more>>

Chris Faulds

I wanted to be in the medical field so in the guidance councilors office in 1992, I ran my finger down the career list and decided on Physical Therapy. The wage was good and I tore up my knee playing basketball and recovered from various other injuries and kept on playing at a high level so I thought I would be good at that vocation. Read more>>

Deborah Lajara

I am a Puerto Rican educator, speaker, author, and certified pastoral counselor. My greatest passion is to empower women, inspire them to recognize their worth, and help them live with purpose. After major changes on our island, my family and I decided to broaden our horizons and begin a new chapter in the United States. This step marked a turning point in my life. Read more>>

Tristan Pons

I grew up in a small village in the south of France. I went to boarding school quite young and became independent very early on. I completed a master’s degree (Bac+6), studied a lot, and tried different office jobs in sales and marketing, which allowed me to support myself, pay for my studies, and keep a roof over my head since I was 17. Read more>>

Orion Jones

My story begins about five years ago, when I hit rock bottom and nearly took my own life. At the time, I was 44 years old and thought I had everything figured out. What I discovered was that I had been living a great “Facebook life”, one that looked impressive on paper, but behind the façade, I wasn’t the man I portrayed to the world. Read more>>

RJ Ingram

I never expected to make money writing poetry or selling books, but I kept applying to residencies, part time poetry teaching positions & bookstores in & around The Bay Area until the Covid Pandemic shuttered public spaces. In 2020 my husband & I relocated to Portland, Oregon to be closer to Michael’s family. Read more>>

Loreal Holt

I am a self taught photographer who never thought in a million years I would become a photographer and a successful one at that. Read more>>