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.
Leland Cummings
Over the years we have had the pleasure of collaborating with local companies that align with that vision and have had the opportunity to meet some of the most wonderful people the Cincinnati area has to offer. From those dinners, I have made relationships with agents, doctors and nutritionist who have helped me work with actors and professional athletes while they are in Cincinnati. Today, I enjoy a good mix of both in home dinners, and working with athletes/actors. My goal is do more travel cooking, possibly for groups attending major sporting events. Read more>>
Matt Sexton
While it did help me to really hone my skills in that realm, I did not get much exposure to, or practice in portrait photography. In the last few years, I’ve really challenged myself to learn that side of things. To collaborate more with other photographers and take on studio-style portrait shoots, which I still find much more difficult to this day. Read more>>
Jon Cox
Rubix Groove formed in 2019. It sort of spawned from another project Shannon, Jim, and I (Jon Cox) were in previously. We wanted to start a group where we could focus on writing/performing original music. There have been some lineup changes over the 6 years we’ve been a group. However, the last 2 years, we’ve had a fairly stable lineup and that has allowed us to really hone in on our sound and develop great chemistry. We’re sounding super tight and writing great songs right now! Read more>>
Brittany Jordan
So often times you have to find folks who are at least like minded and want to thrive in the same field to collaborate with. But even still with like minded people it still can be hard to rally up a group of adults for a whole year every week consistently. I can now say I have the perfect team and I am grateful for every co Host who has ever graced our show. As far as editing I have learned to not procrastinate, overload the video with edits, and it’s okay to ask for help when feeling overwhelmed. I myself handle all the editing of the video episodes which can be a lot on one person sometimes which is why the lesson of learning to ask for help is important. Read more>>
Otelia Vergez
He casually said during a lesson that I need to start increasing my practice time because soon enough it would be 12 hour days rehearsing and I felt like the world stopped. There was NO WAY I could do that. I knew I needed to find a career path where I could immerse myself for that long and be excited to do it day after day. The answer? Drawing. Two weeks later, I applied to art school, much to the shock of my immigrant parents who had invested in years of lessons. As immigrants I know that their dream for us kids was to give us everything they didn’t get a chance to have, so they supported me and 5 years later I had a BFA in Interior Design from the Cleveland Institute of Art, was dating my future husband and had a job offer in Los Angeles. Read more>>
Maggie Green
All things beauty is my niche. I feel like I have always understood it and it has always clicked for me! I have added on skincare and lash services and it’s the same feeling as makeup – the clients reaction to that extra glow on there face or how much more their eyes popped because of the lashes.. my clients are amazing and I can’t wait to continue to meet more of you. Read more>>
Lilyana Raej
The communication was poor and I learned nothing. After that I really started being selective with my time and my energy even with my business ventures. Since then a few years have passed and I feel like the only thing I really struggle with now is procrastination and trying to get my name out there still. I’m in my rebranding era, so this is a new time for me and all my companies / brands. I feel like being selective with your energy and where you go will really help you weed out a lot of struggles, even personal. Read more>>
Aaryn Carter
I started off editing for YouTubers then I bought my first camera (rebel t7) and I started creating videos my self but I realized I like being behind the camera so I started filming and editing for others and the first person who actually took a chance on my was my Good friend Alexander gurley and ever since I fell in love with capturing memories and core moments with life Read more>>
Quentin Pardōn
I became a journalist at my local community college while studying journalism and media communications. Not only did I interview and write the articles, taking photos came with the job. As I rose up the ranks to assistant editor, I would cover all the sections in the newspaper from sports to local businesses to events on campus. This expanded my range of photography to new levels as I was faced with unique opportunities to learn from and it taught me how to photograph a wide variety of different subjects. Read more>>
Tyler Vandervort
I’m a filmmaker and videographer and film photographer specializing in storytelling across a variety of formats. Whether it’s a corporate video, a personal project, or even a photograph. I’m most proud of work that has helped direct people to the kingdom! I have helped ministries with their marketing, which has helped them gain more reach! What sets me apart is my focus on both the artistry and the impact of storytelling, always aiming to connect with the audience on a deeper level. Read more>>
Amy And Olivia Difilippo And Zemanek
Definitely not, but never is! When we finally launched in February of last year, about a month later, Amy was in a very traumatic car accident. Other things took precedence, and getting back to a good frame of mind was one of them. It made the start lose some of its steam. But, with something like that, we both learned a lot. We already had a great relationship, but it hit a little too close to home how fragile life is. How in seconds things can change. It puts into perspective what is important, and it comes down to relationships and people who you love. And yes, celebrating…even the smallest of things. Read more>>
Liam Donafee
My most viewed videos of all time are a series where i would cover myself in condiments, a food hack series called “foods you’ve been eating wrong” & a few other comedic videos. i also am known in the food space for making different types of creative recipes than most. Overall food and comedy is the niche i lie in. im most proud of the content ive made surrounding mental health, story times and eating disorders. i believe this helps others which is my ultimate goal. Read more>>
Shauna Henderson
Royal Hair Extensions started after I bought some horrible hair that didn’t last a month and costed me an unseeingly amount. I spoke to my husband and expressed how I wished that I could provide people with affordable extensions but still a great quality. But it was a thought that passed but it continued to bother me that companies where getting over on people who wanted the looks of celebrities but really couldn’t afford it. But the thought passed as fast as I paid for some more hair to make it to my appointment on time. But when on vacation I meet my former collage who stated that this was a realistic thought if I was serious. All I can remember thinking that night was that it had to be a sign because here was a stranger telling me my vision was possible if I wanted it. Read more>>
Brewster Rhoads
I was introduced to kayaking by my brother-in-law who was the world’s top rated canoe racer during the 1980’s and on the U.S. Olympic whitewater team in 1992 in Barcelona and in 1996 in Atlanta. So I guess you could say I married into the sport. Over the past 45 years, I figure I kayaked over 30,000 miles, mostly on the Ohio River and its tributaries. One year I recorded 326 days of paddling – often times at night after work – trying to set a personal record. Talk about compulsive! Read more>>
John “DJ Johnny’ O” Horton Jr
Johnny O’s love affair with music started in 1977. Picture this: a young Johnny, mesmerized by his neighbor “DJ Dougie,” who had just returned from Germany with Two stone-made Kenwood turntables and massive speakers. Dougie’s outdoor sets captivated the neighborhood, and it wasn’t long before Johnny asked to learn the art. That first spin on a professional DJ system was all it took—DJ Johnny O was borned and hooked. Read more>>
Emmy Jeffries
I got to where I am today by being scared that I’m not qualified but doing it anyway; you can learn how to draft or how to select the perfect fabric but being brave enough to try is the only way you can get ahead. I didn’t know how to run a business, I had no idea what made a contract legally binding, and I certainly wasn’t a financial genius, but I kept learning, I keep growing and getting more confident in myself. Sometimes being successful isn’t the salary or awards, it’s being proud of yourself; even if the biggest accomplishment of your day was something small, you made the effort and that is something to be proud of. Read more>>
Bea Balmaseda
Owning a small business is challenging because, in the end, I am responsible for everything that happens. I am determined to make each and every customer happy with their experience at Bea’s Flowers. Sometimes that means problem solving and learning how to make an arrangement that will make someone’s dream come true. At other times, that means driving all over Cincinnati and Dayton to find the perfect flower for an order. Those challenges can be the most rewarding to overcome. After a long day, I can sit back and know I’ve helped make an occasion special for someone. Read more>>
Lara Kahn Aquino
LeKa Bliss is a boutique known not only for luxe, thoughtfully chosen products, but also for exceptional customer service and a memorable experience. By offering a unique collection of jewelry, home + hosting accessories, and products for the mind and body— my goal is to provide things that elevate any space, style, and spirit. From the moment someone discovers my brand—whether online, at a pop-up, or in the studio—my intention is to make them feel seen, valued, and inspired Read more>>
Sami Nowlin
In 2024 I moved into my studio space at Essex Studios and it opened up even more doors for me to expand. I invested in my business even further by getting a second larger laser printer and a UV printer to take my business to the next level. At the beginning of this year I hired on my brother to join Muddy Lotus to help with larger wood builds and custom woodworking projects. Now we are working together to bring small and big projects to life. Between our skills, and the new printers, it truly feels like we are unstoppable. We love taking on new projects and figuring out how we can bring our customers dreams to life. Read more>>
Nancy McFarland
We also support WEB, Where Everyone Belongs in the middle school and Girl’s Rox in elementary schools and middle schools. We help with the cost of Twinkle, a certified Canine Companion therapy dog that goes to school everyday at Westerville South. WEC can provide these wonderful programs due to our fundraising efforts each year. I have also been involved with starting The Big Bus non profit in Westerville. The Big Bus is a mobile tutoring bus that goes into underserved areas and tutors kids from PreK to 12th grade. I have really enjoyed working with the students and seeing them grow academically and socially. I have worked with the summer program the last two summers and it has been fun to see the students enjoying book clubs, Lego building, water color painting and solving math mysteries. Read more>>
Cori Wade
Photographing people’s wedding days is a feeling that is just indescribable. These people trust me to capture there most precious memories of the best day of there life and that is something I am so grateful I get to do for so many wonderful couples. There is just something that brings me so much happiness being able to capture the love shared between the couple as well as the love shared between all there friends and family who show up for them on there wedding day. Read more>>
Nadeen
Since last summer, things have been growing faster than we could’ve imagined. Honestly, it’s been kind of crazy. Our page has grown in ways we never expected, and that success just pushes us to keep improving. We’re always learning, experimenting, and working to create content people love. The messages we get from people who appreciate our work. They mean the world to us. When someone calls us “talented” or says our work inspires them—it’s honestly surreal. It’s the kind of thing that makes you stop and think, “Wow, this is really happening.” Read more>>
Chantel Janay
My journey with music started in Cincinnati, OH, where I grew up surrounded by it. My mother was in an R&B group before I was born, and hearing her stories made me fall in love with the idea of making music. What truly inspired me was how effortlessly artists could hold a note while expressing emotions in a way no one else could. Over the years, I’ve worked to develop my own sound—one that blends confidence, class, and authenticity. The biggest challenge has been staying true to myself in an industry that often tries to define you. But I embrace my versatility, and that’s what makes me unique. Now, I’m working on my next album, set to release late summer/early fall, and continuing to grow into the artist I’m meant to be. Read more>>
Anthony Turner
Absolutely not! Dreams and reality clash on a daily basis. Making decisions on which can be allowed to come first is difficult. In the journey of my dreams, I lost a lot people that I thought was on my side forever. Read more>>
Val Gaspar
He eventually helped David Spiccia (son of John and Marie) open and manage “the new” Pizzazz Fairmount, at University Heights, in 1992. Hang around Mark for a short time and you’re sure to hear him say, “I just love making pizza and I’m the best!” The dream to have a pizza shop of his own one day was no secret, and for him the opportunity to operate Pizzazz is the ultimate dream come true. Read more>>
Laura Yeager Smith
Today, whether my team and I are designing coastal, traditional, modern or rustic homes, we apply the fundamental design principles of proportion and scale before considering ornamentation and decoration. On each project, I employ a curated individual approach and strive to perform storytelling through design. I believe our clients’ homes should reflect who they are, and I enjoy extracting that essence to create authentic enduring spaces that are both functional and personal. Our team just celebrated ten years of being headquartered at our campus in Hudson, Ohio. We provide full-service interior design on projects coast-to-coast. I look forward to the continued expansion of Laura Yeager Smith Home & Design, featuring special design events at our home furnishings showroom SMITHS CURATED, and eventually, writing a book. Read more>>
Leah & Michelle Svensson
From there, in 2003 we sold everything we owned and took a phenomenal 3,000 mile bicycle trip across the country. We camped along the way, and each carried about 60lbs of gear on the back of our bicycles. This trip was very transformative and made us realize just what life is really about- interacting with new people- sharing, and receiving kindness. We realized that God created us to need far less than modern America tells us we do. For a few months, we only had a few changes of clothes, a few dishes, a light-weight pot, and often cooked over a fire at the end of a 75-100 mile day of riding the beautiful countryside of the US. Read more>>
Sydney Miller
Then I went corporate… working nearly three years at The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company as an Acquisition Marketing Lead and Digital Media Analyst. In these roles, I gained extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in both organic and paid marketing strategies, as well as in developing and executing effective branding campaigns. While at Goodyear, I was involved in employee resource groups such as the Goodyear Pride Network and the Goodyear Black Network which both support and encourage inclusion and diversity. Read more>>
Grace Van Niel
I have always been a determined person and once I want something I work very hard to get it. Part of the reason why I waited to start my business was because I did not have a good phone to take quality pictures. I worked hard during the summer to buy myself a phone that had good photo quality and that I could use to help organize my business better. I had no idea what I was doing when I first started. I did not know if I should design my own website or if it was cheaper to open up an Etsy Shop. I ended up doing a lot of research and calculations to see which one would be the best option for my business to get the right exposure. I have also done a lot of research of editing reels and looking professional but also showing my personality online. Read more>>
Meaghan Beech
The process quickly became a passion, though my time to pursue it was limited by my 9-to-5 corporate job. Evenings and weekends were spent honing my craft, but a series of undeniable signs nudged me toward making a bold decision. In October 2023, I took a leap of faith, leaving my corporate career behind to pursue stained glass full-time. Since then, I’ve been running my small business, and I haven’t looked back! Read more>>
Erin Wervey
After only 6 years I have managed to double my size, I have gone from 5 service providers including myself to 15 and growing at a rapid pace. As far as how I got here, lots of twists and turns, a love for the industry and always sharing whatever I can with my team so they can be the best in this industry too, at the end of the day, I am making people beautiful with my craft and I’m surrounded by strong woman that make everything I do worth every minute so I can see them grow and be successful. Read more>>
Rando Morgan
With a lot of hard work, ingenuity, sacrifice, and faith, I was able to survive with a benevolent leadership style, I surrounded myself with the right people, to pioneer new innovative methods and services to grow and evolve. Today, we are healthy and thriving as River Rangers International, Inc. This legacy will live on for many years, impacting the lives of future generations. Read more>>
Vanessa Rife
One quick step into a modern store and I see replication after replication of something made in the mid century. Of course, I prefer the original! The great stuff always comes back around. Perhaps one day, I’ll have a brick and mortar store but for right now I am throughly enjoying selling vintage through amazing platforms such as Etsy and Instagram. You can also find me at Eclectiques Antique Mall in Clintonville Ohio! My goal is that everyone can find an appreciation in vintage and hopefully fall in love! It feels great saving a treasure from the wastelands. Read more>>
