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.

Marcel Rozek

I started painting everyday, visiting galleries, and posting my work on social media. Slowly I started to notice that others saw what I saw in my paintings and began to have some success. Eventually I decided to move to the Los Angeles area with my wife in search of a strong art community and more opportunities to show my work. I’ve been in California for 4 years now. Today, I have a good studio with plenty of room for my largest paintings and a few upcoming shows. I feel really grateful to be able to do what I love every day and the ability to focus on painting entirely. Painting gave me a purpose in life. Read More>>

Chelsea Johnson

Fast forward to 2007, I was invited by the Head Coach of the Columbus Comets Women’s Football Team to tryout, when I returned home from Central State University where I participated in Track & Field (Shot Put & Discus). Read More>>

Blair Castro

In 2017, I didn’t just start a PR firm—I set out to disrupt the status quo. Founding **Shook PR** in my hometown of Pensacola, Florida, I was determined to bridge the divide in a world where politics felt more polarized than ever. My mission was clear: to champion diverse voices and foster inclusion, all while building meaningful connections in the community. From day one, I was committed to shaking things up, and I haven’t looked back since. Read More>>

Megan Piccione

That November evening, asking my dad if he would take this journey with me to change my life was the best leap of faith on myself I ever took. I went from making my first necklace in the basement of their house to opening the doors to my very first high jewelry boutique within a span of 4 years. Now, I work full-time for myself doing my dream job. Back in college, I wanted to be in this industry but I was scared of the risks. Once the risks of my “secure” job reared its head, I realized the only bet worth taking is the one on myself. Read More>>

Andre Davis

I am from Detroit, Michigan and I have been making music since I was 17 years old entering my senior year of High School. I was heavily inspired at the time by the underground rap scene and I would experiment with my sound. I now live my life to serve God and to use my talent to inspire and impact this generation, in hopes of being a voice to lead people in the right direction. Read More>>

Rachel Brooks

My journey began with a deep desire to create something more—a life where purpose, freedom, and authenticity were at the forefront. I started my career in retail, where I learned the significance of leadership and personal responsibility, later transitioning into digital marketing and entrepreneurship. Over a decade in that environment taught me how to balance operations and marketing with human connection, laying the foundation for what would become my calling: empowering women to cultivate confidence, self-love, and authenticity. Read More>>

Anna Kleman

My journey into makeup artistry began when I was really young, playing around with makeup and falling in love with how transformative it could be. However, it wasn’t until after becoming a mom that I discovered my true passion for it. I had originally gone to school for Sign Language Interpreting and Psychology, but the creative outlet of makeup artistry drew me in, and I realized it was something I wanted to pursue more seriously. Read More>>

Anna Hurst

November 2023 I was on my average daily prayer walk praying for my usual things when the Holy Spirit spoke clearly asking me to host a praise concert to unite the church and call His children to Him. I thought I was going crazy and looked around to see if maybe it was meant for someone else. I went home and told my husband and he agreed that I must be crazy. I am not in music of any kind nor is my circle of friends and family musicians. This seemed so out of left field Read More>>

Chris Mcneill

Too many struggles to list but I pushed thru them all. Tattooing is all I know how to do and I push myself to the limits doing it. Quitting was never an option. If it’s one thing I’ve learned growing up in Cleveland it’s how to overcome obstacles thrown in your way. The city will make you hardcore. Read More>>

Armand Sollaku

I start working in Restaurant Industrie since I was 16 years old in my country in Albania. At age 25 I moved to USA and in 2010 I got hired by the owner of Gahanna Grill, Genc Staravecka he give me the opportunity to work at his restaurant and is there where I learn and had the chance to share my passion about food. Later on Genc Stravecka in 2021 purchase the building on South High Street that used to be an old KFC store, he renovated everything and because of my passion and dedication I had about kitchen he decided to make this a restaurant and he give me chance to be a partner with him. I am so happy that today we share our dedication about food and make everyone happy at the first bite. Read More>>

Michael Wright

I was all in on becoming a Marine. All through high school I was in JROTC determined to become a soldier. It wasn’t until the last semester of my senior year that I had an art teacher who changed my life. I was very regimented and by the book. She truly opened my eyes and showed me you don’t have to live in a box to get results. She basically unlocked my creativity and I never looked back. I have been designing luxury interiors now since 2000 and am truly passionate about my career. Read More>>

Kevin Phillips

I am a photographer and videographer and also a former classmate of Tia. I saw a Facebook post from Tia asking for recommendations for a videographer, so I responded, and we connected to shoot an episode of her podcast. Read more>>

Chris Hartway

I was born in May of 1968. My artistic journey began at age 4. I had an uncle who was a gifted artist who would sketch the mosting intimidating beasts, and I would copy him. It wasn’t long that I felt I was better than him (being a child, I wasn’t very realistic). My parents realized my inclination for creative things and every Christmas and birthday was an easy task; paint sets, play dough, building blocks, puppets. I developed a natural knack for anything artistic. At age 6 I was enrolled in a youth program at The Columbus College of Art & Design, and I remember my first project was with paper mache. I hated it because the program was Saturday mornings. I did not enjoy missing my cartoons! So I quit the program. Read more>>

Hansen Bursic

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, I broke into filmmaking directing documentaries in rural Pennsylvania with local advocacy organizations battling some of the first anti-transgender legislation and school policies targeting youth in the state. My experience working with powerful voices largely ignored by news outlets and Hollywood taught me the importance and value of documentaries to change the narrative and elevate underserved communities. Read More>>

D’Ajah King

My name is D’Ajah. I am 26 years old & the owner of D compressed Beauty I have been passionate about hairstyling since the age of 13. Following my junior year at Garfield High School, I embarked on a formal cosmetology program. Although my initial attempt at the state board exam in 2015 was unsuccessful, I remained committed and passed. In 2019 I started to do hair full time. I started working at Hair Doc Total Image Salon under the mentorship of Asia Williamson; during my time there, I learned so much as a stylist, things I thought I had already known. I am grateful for the mentorship and expertise of the fellow stylists who have contributed to my growth and success. Read More>>

Dom Campbell

At the age of 13, I picked up my first camera at a summer camp, unknowingly stepping into my life’s purpose. As I grew up, I developed a love for creating videos with my neighborhood friends and eagerly shared them with my family. Throughout high school, my involvement in theater inspired me to pursue a college degree in the field. Although I didn’t finish college because I started my family earlier, I eventually returned to film and taught myself everything I needed to know through YouTube.I began with a few short films and music videos, gradually moving on to feature films. After achieving some success in the indie film world, I expanded my business and relocated to Los Angeles from Ohio to further my mission of amplifying other artists’ voices. Read more>>