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.
Danielle Rojas-Taylor
For me, some challenges along the way would mostly include caring for myself through rough patches. Compassion fatigue and burnout are real, and early on in my career I found myself struggling with the emotional load I would take home day to day. There are so many barriers that you run into when trying to help, and I found it really hard to come to terms with that. Still to this day, I will always go above and beyond to do what I can – but recognize now the importance of caring for myself at the same time. Read More>>
Emily Hitchcock
So when my financial aid package fell through the following year of college, it felt like providence that the director of the writers’ group offered me a job at a new publishing company he was starting. I took a chance, dropped out of college, quit my boring bank job, ignored the shock of my friends and family, and started working at the fledgling company. I made no money, I still wasn’t getting enough sleep, but it was the best decision I ever made. Read More>>
Todd Hostetler
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I’ve learned that the bumps and detours are where the real growth happens. Skipping college to teach myself design and audio engineering meant I enrolled in the ‘school of hard knocks’ instead. Early on, I dove headfirst into roles I wasn’t fully prepared for—like becoming Head of Graphic Design for a record label. I didn’t know nearly enough when I started, but I didn’t let that stop me. I leaned into the challenges and made every mistake a lesson. Those moments of struggle shaped me into someone who thrives on learning and adapting. Read More>>
Josh Eldemire
Through college and after I just spent time detailing my own rides. Something about it was just like a way to slow down the world. What I didn’t realize is it would become the therapy I needed. In 2015, my sister was tragically murdered. Losing Becca was the hardest thing I’ve ever faced and it sent me into a world of darkness and depression. When I was at work, keeping my mind busy, I was ok, but as soon as I got home and tried to relax the depression would set in. For years my wife encouraged me to fill my idle time with detailing for others as she knew I loved it. I pushed off that idea for a long time but finally came around. Read More>>
Amanda Webb
From there, I moved on to a second salon, where I joined the management team. In 2018, at 25 years old, I opened my own business at Salon Lofts. Since then, I have been building my clientele and business to the success I have today. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the constant love and support from my family and husband. They have been and always will be my rock and my reason! And I’m so happy to announce myself and my husband, Dan are expecting our first child this fall! We have both worked so hard in our personal and professional lives to get to this point and I am so proud of us! Read More>>
Nichole Lester
We tried to get pregnant multiple times afterwards going through 2 miscarriages, an ectopic pregnancy and 6 rounds of IVF cycles with the last round in 2022 resulting in a chemical pregnancy. I started having other issues from the IVF treatment and other multiple other surgeries that my doctor suggested the only way I could feel like myself again and be healthy was to have a hysterectomy. I scheduled the surgery which landed on the exact same date 11 years after I lost my baby girl. Read More>>
Jon Wood
When I started this business it was just an idea of how to pay bills that I enjoyed doing, that grew into what it is today. I always loved child when my grandparents would take us to thrift stores or antique malls. I guess that really devolved my passion for this job. It most certainly can feel like a labor of love getting started but as years went by I managed to find ways to organize and streamline my business. Once I was able to do that my business started working a lot smoother for me. Read More>>
Erica Vaught
Moving forward- as I continued this process, my sons got older, they are now ages 18 and 20, both graduated- one from Loveland high school the other from yours truly, I knew this was something that I wanted to continue to do! I wanted to make this my full-time passion, career, and business & due to a chronic health condition I was no longer able to work outside of the home Read More>>
Jimmy Haney
I asked him if I could learn the first part of Toccata (Fugue was seemed much more daunting as it required foot pedals in addition to the keyboard, something not easily accomplished with a Casio keyboard from the 90s) if he would give me the credit. Reluctantly, he agreed, and let me borrow a keyboard. I would spend an incredible amount of time learning from YouTube videos (I had not yet comprehended sheet music – I still don’t). I returned a week later and played it for him as a crowd of students huddled around; My first real performance. Needless to say, the points were returned, and a new love founded. Read More>>
Lindale Hinton
When my father was laid off from Ford Motors, we leaned solely on my mother’s income, garnered through her work as a custodian for the Cleveland Heights/University Heights Board of Education. There were occasions when we did not have gifts for Christmas, yet our spirits remained buoyant. Often, we would create our own decorations and exchange modest yet heartfelt gifts, like handkerchiefs, amongst ourselves. Read More>>
Shay Davis
In June 2022, my embarked on my professional journalism career, signing a freelance contract with the prestigious Akron Beacon Journal. Since then, I had made my mark across various media platforms, including 330ToGo, GCAC Network, Envision Made Magazine, and the latest addition to her portfolio, EGO Entertainment. My work ethic is defined by persistence, anchored by a steadfast commitment to ethical journalism and a profound interest in community reporting. It been an amazing journey! Read More>>
Frankie Berrios
I just had to make better choices mentally physically. Surrounded myself with people with the same interest and goals. And right down on my dreams and ways to accomplish them. I had to be very disciplined, so I don’t get distracted and stay in my lane. Read More>>
Terry Forrest
Since I was a kid I had interest in build items and painting. My father was a carpenter by trade. So I watched and helped him as much as possible. I have been building crafts ,decks. barns, etc for alot of years. I worked in a factory for 25 years as a quality tech trying to find solutions to problems. I retired early due to the lost of my right eye. I always wanted a mom and pop store. One can open in town so I pursued to rent it. I have been fixing items for people and finding good used antique furniture to sell at a good affordable price. I’m living a long time dream of mine. Read More>>
Nathaniel Hawkins
After spending my first year of college three hours away from my family pursuing an International Business degree at Ohio University, I decided to transfer to the University of Cincinnati and come home to help with my brother’s care. During my time in college, I was honored to serve as the chapter president of my fraternity Phi Gamma Delta. After several years of being in the business of managing fitness facilities, I started my current job at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital two and a half years ago. Working here gives me the ability to help other families with sick children. Read More>>
Burshaun Walker
I started as a kid watching my dad practice and train for hrs wanting to be just like him. Watching my dad dance was like meeting Michael Jackson in my world because my pops had this magic about his movement that could shake a room.Growing up for me was super fast because of the struggles and tribulations I’ve gone throughout my life that made it super hard for me to be great at my craft .the pain the hurt that’s preservative the beatings the bruises the cuts the blood the tears the cry for help .. I’m just a kid with a dream . When my dad died .. a part of me died too . Read More>>
Timothy Funk
In 2014 Stockhands Horses for Healing opened it’s doors to serve children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities as well as create a unique Veterans program to offer peer support and guidance for Central Ohio Veterans. Ten years later, we have expanded our services and programming to support children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities, Veterans, First Responders and those struggling with mental health and recovery. Serving well over 500 individuals each year across all of our programs we strive to be a place of belonging in Central Ohio. Read More>>
Riann Taylor
I started practicing part-time in 2016 and eventually leaving the hospital system to work for myself full-time in 2018. I have found that many clients find me on google and appreciate my medical background. I am able to use what the body tells me through their hands, feet. or ears to assess their current issues and use my PT knowledge to make suggestions on possible exercises, stretches or activity modification to help manage their issues. Over the years, my practice has evolved to include reiki and distance healing services. Read More>>
Jordan Ouellette
Running a business is never completely smooth, but in the grand scheme we have been pretty lucky. Most of the struggles that we’ve faced have occurred while having to do and then redo a task in order to perfect it. Unfortunately, business management isn’t something we learned anything about in our training to become dietitians so it’s been quite the learning curve figuring it out on our own! Read More>>
Kevin Serey
I “discovered” music by going through my dad’s old records and listening to CCR, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Otis Redding, etc. I fell in love and would spend a lot of time spinning my parent’s records. At age 13, my parents gave me an old hand me down guitar. I practiced every single day and after a few years they upgraded me to a nicer guitar. I started playing in a local blues and rock band at age 17 and that band stayed together for 20 years, playing bars and festivals. Read More>>
Kerri Scott
Thank you for taking my story. So in 2012, After being a Stay-At-Home wife and mother for years, I found myself getting a divorce after almost 20 years of marriage. I knew I had a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, but I had not been in the Corporate World. So, with the change that was about to take place, I knew I was going to need to make a lot of money, and a lot of money FAST… So, I called my father, and I told him I was going to do what he did as his profession, you see; my father was A Professional Truck Driver. I knew my dad made a lot of money Driving a Semi-Tractor Trailer, and I knew I needed to make a substantial amount of money in order to take care of myself because now, I was going to be out on my own! Read More>>
Joseph Ford
I have received my first plaque for my single Rose Petals for being the #47 most played record on DRT and hope to gain many more one day I would love to have one or more gold albums I wish to make music that not only inspires but to touch the soul of millions with my singing Quote from the song: From the Kitchen to bed Rose petals led candles lit in the bathroom girl let me undress you Meaning of the song:Its a spontaneous romantic and elegant style song that tells how to show a lady the good time with so many surprises in store Read More>>
Jayaira Grhim-Harvey
The show is held every third Wednesday at a Black-owned and woman-owned art gallery run by Ludie Senatus, offering a safe, inclusive, and supportive space for creative expression. Say Word Wednesdays amplifies voices, nurtures creativity, and fosters connections by providing a platform for local poets, many of whom are performing for the first time. The name “Say Word” reflects the spirit of affirmation and authenticity we champion at each gathering. Read More>>
Jessika Zontini
Our shop is known for eclectic, high quality supplies for sewing, knitting, crochet, and other fiber and textile arts. Many of our yarns are sourced from local wool and alpaca, and dyed and spun by hand locally. We strive to create an atmosphere that supports creativity. We are always willing to help with a project. Read More>>
Bisma Ali
I have always admired the craftsmanship from my place Kashmir It is so real and when you see some businesses selling fake products in the name of Kashmir products it made me both sad and anxious. That’s how it all started and wanted to represent actual work and dedication of our artisans who have hands of gold as they say. Read More>>
Rahmi Olgac
In school, my teachers found out I was a fast learner; they encouraged me to pursue higher education. I completed my four-year college degree in three years and started working as a school counselor in a public school. Meanwhile, my university offered me a full scholarship to study in the United States. Read More>>
Jimmy Hooper
While we have a fantastic location on the Loveland Bike Trail, it also means that our business is seasonal and weather-dependent. On a warm, sunny Saturday we will be slammed, but on a cold, rainy Tuesday we will be slow. It can be hard to staff appropriately and minimize waste as a result. We are completely self-funded, so we really have to capitalize on our busy season to make it through the winter. Read More>>
Sara Springhetti
Fast forward to 2020, when the world shut down. We had a decent amount of friends starting to get pregnant, and I wanted to create something for their new bundle of joy that that they can enjoy for a long time. I had previously taught myself how to make scarves out of loop yarn based on my experience with crocheting, but I wanted to learn more. First, it started with one baby blanket, then four, then started to make my chunky it throws. Read More>>
Saurabh Shah
The road to building InstaLend has been anything but smooth, but the challenges have been integral to our growth and success. Starting with limited resources, we had to establish credibility in a competitive market while simultaneously building the technology and infrastructure to scale our operations. Read More>>
Dana Atti
I’m a 3rd generation Realtor and have lived in Cincinnati since 2006. I literally grew up in the real estate business so you could say it’s in my DNA. As a full-time licensed Realtor in Cincinnati in 2012 specializing in residential home sales on the East side of Cincinnati and Anderson Twp, I love being able to guide and help my clients with all the steps in buying and/or selling a home. Read More>>
Kenneth Brown
I had spent a lot of time in the area growing up, but there was a significant difference in being aware of and familiar with the area and lifestyle and being truly immersed in it. Additionally, that meant that the path that was seemingly charted for me had taken a very significant detour. My new school had no sports and the move had cost me my job, so all that was left was academics and the arts in a new place with unfamiliar people and, from a dance perspective, no formal training. Read More>>
Jessica & Adam Moorman
It’s definitely not been a smooth road. We have had some bumps and bruises along the way trying to figure out the perfect coffee formula trying to maintain inventory when you’re busier than you expected to be always trying to keep fun and exciting menus plus the challenges of owning a business like hiring employees and maintaining those employees that you hired weve put our blood sweat and tears into this. Read More>>
Catherine McKinley
From there I received another week of training from another phenomenal photographer, Doug Gordon, in New York. Both had very different photographic and business styles that significantly influenced my approach and helped me streamline my business. Just four years later, my business was thriving. In 2010 I received an award of Beacon’s Best, as well as Best of The Knot. Over the last 19 years, I have photographed weddings and portraits, both nationally and internationally, had numerous works published, and expanded into commercial photography as well as fine art photography. It has been an incredible adventure. Read More>>
Hannah Clark
That experience led to something unexpected: our first wedding. What started as a favor for a friend quickly grew into a passion. One wedding led to three, and each year brought more opportunities to capture love stories. As we continued working together, we refined our skills with every project, turning a small passion into a thriving business. Read More>>
Dust By Monday
It has not been a smooth road – it took a very long time for us to get traction and start to build our fanbase and grow our brand as a band. We played numerous shows with very little attendance before finding our groove, which every band goes through to some extent. Recently we’ve been hitting our stride with social media engagement on Instagram and YouTube. We shot two music videos for our debut album, which were great learning experiences, and have been performing tribute shows at bigger venues – also great learning experiences! We are continuing to learn and grow as a band as we gain more momentum. Read More>>
Donna Harris
Deciding I wasn’t ready to give up working all together, I decided to look into working for a museum – a childhood dream. I got a certificate in Museum Studies from Northwestern and applied for a 2-year position with Americorp’s Ohio History Service Corps. I was placed at the Cincinnati Art Museum where I worked on evaluation and helped small museums in the region with things like strategic planning and volunteer management. I found that my skills as a Health Educator – grant writing, volunteer management, evaluation, and program development transferred really well to the museum field. Read More>>
Luke Heizer
Throughout high school, I ran my cake business from my parents’ kitchen, and I knew that one day I wanted to open a full-fledged bakery. It was a big dream, especially at 21, and there were definitely challenges. Securing funding and finding affordable equipment was tough, and some people didn’t take me seriously because of my age. But that just fueled my determination to prove them wrong. Read More>>
Liz Ashlee
My love of writing, however, came from one of my teachers. I was one of those kids who cried every single day at school or pretended to be sick; it was so bad one of my teachers threatened to flip my card to black if I didn’t stop crying. For a rule follower like me, that was a horrific idea! But the first time I remember truly enjoying school was in second grade, in Ms. McGrath’s class. While all of my other teachers had been wonderful, she was the first one who really took an interest in me and made me feel special. She and I would often write letters to each other and I don’t think I would have been a writer without her. Read More>>
Alex Smith
When the pandemic happen is when I had so many people reach out about taking pictures of families, senior pictures and a few sports. In 2020 is when my photography company became real and with a large following crowd. From there my family bought me a Professional camera and my business just grew by word of mouth and sharing my work across various media pages. Present time I’m now shooting pictures for local sports, for local events like the Lebanon Horse carriage parade in Lebanon Ohio. Read More>>
Kim Bele
I am currently working on recording my third cd and I travel the country sharing message and music at spiritual centers and more. I’ve also won awards for my music and in 2020 I was asked if I’d consider being the spiritual leader of New Thought Unity and accepted that offer. I am currently working toward becoming a licensed minister while being the spiritual leader. Something no one would have thought would ever happen, including me. Read More>>
Ryan Osterkamp
Not at all. There is always the struggle of finding good employees. Employees stealing from me or starting their own company and trying to take my customers. I do feel we have a really good group at the moment. Another struggle I had, as the owner, is wearing all of the hats in the business. It was very stressful and made for long days and nights. It put stress on my family and I missed a lot of my kids’ games, because I would be working 7 days a week. But making that sacrifice has put me in a better position today. Read More>>
Joseph Simonetti
The most valuable lessons I’ve learned have been through my failures. Learning the importance of patience has by far been the most difficult task in running this business. Having the ability to stay focused through error has not only helped me succeed, but has opened my eyes to a new perspective of life. Read More>>
Shaura Rodgers
t age 22, she revisited her interest in doing hair and nails for family & friends & decided to take a leap of faith and pursue the cosmetology field full time. She had the opportunity to work, attend school, care for her small children while being self-employed. After being in the cosmetology field for 8 years, she decided to pursue another dream as cheer coach! Since 2008, this dream has blossomed into a wonderful growing organization coaching and mentoring children aged 3-18. With that being said she now has a Nail Academy, Cheer and dance Gym and Full-service salon while still serving clients with the real estate and credit restoration needs. Read More>>
Mike Carvajal
Bringing on a full time chef in Chip Singer (former pop-up customer I might add) has made transitioning from a small pop-up to a full blown pizzeria that much easier. Chip’s incite, talent, and understanding of the brand we are trying to build has been invaluable to the success of Mike’s Pizza. Many of the monthly pizza specials that have garnered so much love from our regulars were conceived by Chip and would not be possible without his unique spin on what makes a great pie. Read More>>
Jennifer Acus-Smith
My background in art is a BA and Masters degree in art education from Miami University, with a concentration in painting and printmaking. I was an art teacher for several years after graduation, then began working as Education Coordinator at the Fitton Center in Hamilton in 2008. I also managed a custom art business with my husband, specializing in pet portraiture, for many years. I currently manage the StreetSpark Mural Program and also co-own a mural business called Bright Wall Collective, founded in 2017. Read More>>
Mandy Heth
I run Double Decker Vintage (DDV). DDV is a semi-permanent shop housed in a vintage double decker bus known as Dobby the Double Decker. Dobby is a yellow, 1990 Leyland Olympian double decker from Manchester, England where he served as a route bus in the city for over 20 years. There are very few double decker buses in the US, especially vintage ones, and Dobby was the only mobile double decker that had been turned into a vintage shop in the country. There was one other stationary shop at the time in either Seattle or Portland, but nobody was driving one of these bad boys around as a mobile shop. Read More>>
Cammy Ripley And Sandy Horvath, Esq
She joined the Sunrise Board in 2014 and she currently serves as Treasurer. In 2015, Sandy moved next door to Sunrise and is currently the primary caretaker which involves coordinating the many professionals that help care for the Sunrise babies, feeding them, coordinating the many volunteers that come to help keep their space clean, comfortable and safe. There are so many other wonderful, dedicated individual and corporate volunteers, supporters and donors that allow Sunrise to exist. Read More>>
Tionna Barksdale
Along the way, I discovered how much I loved celebrating milestones and helping others do the same. Whether it’s a wedding, birthday, or a private event, I take pride in bringing a vision to life, down to the smallest detail. Family has always been my foundation, and their support inspires me to bring the same warmth and care to every project I undertake. Read More>>
