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.
Alandes Powell
In 2020, that purpose took visual form when I led the creation of the Black Lives Matter mural in front of Cincinnati City Hall. What started as a powerful symbol of protest and love quickly became the foundation for something much bigger — Black Art Speaks. We didn’t set out to start a nonprofit, but the need was undeniable. Today, we’re a collective of artists using our voices to heal, provoke, inspire, and transform. We create public art, build programs for youth, partner with institutions, and pay Black artists to do what they do best — lead through creativity. Read more>>
Marsha Parker
We are a survivor owned event floral design company. Corporations, professionals and brides understand that they are selecting one of a kind floral beauty with Refined Gatherings, while at the same time contributing to our social mission. We host Flowering Events & Giveaways for cancer survivors. This year, we have added teen floral design sessions, which also incorporates social & emotional learning. Last year I concluded my international teaching career. with my favorite people, teenagers. We hosted our first teen flowering session last month and the teenagers were all smiles. Read more>>
Logan Oleson
During my time at xavier i had a few internships in the marketing/advertising space doing content creation but it never felt quite right. After graduating in 2023 i found a job doing e-commerce/product photography full time which i still do. But in the summer of 2024 i fell in love with the queer underground dance music scene in Cincinnati and knew i hard to capture it. So i started bringing my camera with me on nights out and the fire was reignited. Since then ive met the most talented people and have got to work on projects that i dreamt about as a sophmore in highschool. Now i am trying to expand my horizons more into the fashion/nightlife space. Read more>>
Ricky Fontaine
Im a DJ but I also own a shoe cleaning and restoration business that specializes in cleaning and restoration of all sorts of different footwear. Specialize in suede and leather I’m also working on developing my own shoe cleaning solution so that people can buy what I use on the footwear. Read more>>
Niesa Gordon
After graduating, I took a leap of faith and moved to Milan, Italy for 3 months for an internship. It was the most out of body experience I’ve ever had. I was working with an influencer, attending Fashion Week, helping with brand events, and showrooms–but beyond the career milestones, it was a deeply personal journey. It stretched me mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. My time in Milan was so transformative– it challenged everything I thought I knew about myself, and helped shape me into the woman I am today. Read more>>
Shortie Vega Vanity Tattoos
I started my apprenticeship the next day- I was there faithfully Monday through Saturday- Wednesdays and Sundays were my days off. I would draw and trace, draw and trace, over and over again. when I wasn’t I was cleaning bathrooms, sweeping for the 8th time, I would go out in negative degree weather to get coffee for clients and artists, or go food shopping for the owner, paint the building, clean and scrub tubes for other artists, you name it was doing it. Read more>>
SP Youngin
Along the way, I developed a passion for food and became a chef. But when COVID hit, I moved back home to Cincinnati. That’s when I locked in and started releasing my current mixtape series, Cincinnati Youngin—a project that’s about introducing my work to Cincinnati, and Cincinnati to the Youngin. It’s available now on all streaming platforms. Read more>>
Bridget Penders
The first few times I made these cookies at home, it would take me 6 or 7 hours from start to finish. I started getting frustrated with myself for not getting the icing consistency right, and I couldn’t figure out the perfect cookie recipe. Spending half of your weekend making cookies that you’re not happy with can be disheartening, especially since I also work full time during the week. Finding the time to balance Whisk & Willow with work, friends, self-care, etc. can be difficult, too, but having something I’m so passionate about is definitely worth the occasional stress and under-eye bags! Read more>>
Rachel Layne-Schaffer
Parent Pathfinder strives to help parents find the right path. Our mission is to empower parents by providing an easy-to-use, comprehensive virtual directory that connects them to essential services, supports, and programs for their children and themselves. We are dedicated to making resources more accessible and helping parents quickly find the assistance they need. Through our platform, we aim to foster a stronger, more informed community where parents can access the right resources at the right time. Read more>>
Sangeeta Teegala
In November 2023, I officially launched my Bollywood dance classes and adults zumba sessions and name of the studio, San’s Dance Vibes. Dance has always been a deep passion of mine, and over the years, I found immense joy in teaching, choreographing, and sharing my love for Bollywood dance with others. What started as small community sessions soon grew into something more meaningful, as I realized how much happiness and connection dance could bring to people of all ages and backgrounds. Read more>>
Giovanna Knudsen
While studying Animal Science at Colorado State University, I unexpectedly found my passion in teaching barre classes. What started as a side job quickly became the highlight of my week. I realized that what truly lit me up was helping others feel strong, empowered, and connected through movement. After graduating, I asked myself the big question: What do I want to do every day that makes me excited to get out of bed? I kept coming back to fitness and wellness. Read more>>
J. Lee
After stepping away from GTC and 1913, I decided to pivot and put my degree’s. I have a Bachelor Degree in Business Marketing and a M.B.A. and used them to work in the corporate world. I landed a position at Honda as a Project Manager—which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The structure, strategy, and leadership experience I gained there gave me a new level of discipline and insight—things I didn’t even realize I needed. That corporate chapter sharpened my business acumen and laid the groundwork for how I lead, manage, and scale Moves Global today. Read more>>
Sarah Serda
Those changes led me to where I’m at today! I never had the goal of owning my own salon, but I was tired of working under employers who didn’t appreciate their stylists. Fast forward 15 years later, here I am owning my own place that means the world to me. It wasn’t without help and motivation from friends and family! It’s felt like a dream everyday, being able to love where I work and do what I love at the same time! I opened Mila Grey The Salon in November of 2024. Another awesome stylist joined me and I still would love to grow to one more stylist and estetician where then we would be complete! Read more>>
Sierra Millirons
At SM Golden Beauty I focus not just on skincare, but education as well. Skin care is overwhelming and I want each person that walks through my doors to feel more confident not just in their skin, but also making decisions regarding their skin. I offer a variety of services including Glacial, microneedling, dermaplaning, chemical peels and even an acne boot camp for those struggling with persistent acne. I’ve been a licensed esthetician for almost 6 years and a registered nurse for just over one year! I also have taken over 16 continuing education courses to stay up to date on products, ingredients. new techniques, etc. Read more>>
Joseph Nkubiri
From breathtaking commercial videos that elevate your brand, to heartwarming wedding photography and videography that tell your love story, our team is dedicated to providing exceptional quality. We also offer feature and short film production, bringing creative visions to life on the big screen. Read more>>
Natalie Korlatowych
In October 2024, I announced the reopening of my creative business. It’s been six months, and I have since booked a variety of photography and graphic design clients with projects including modeling digitals, brand photoshoots, and small business logo designs. I have expanded my personal modeling portfolio, and I started an artist blog on my website for self-portrait editorial photoshoots with corresponding conceptual essays. Read more>>
Laura Shaw
After almost five years in Medina, I needed a change. I had a couple of other random jobs, but didn’t feel fulfilled in the same way that event planning meant to me. I always had the pipedream of opening my own event planning business but always came up with excuses with why it wasn’t the right time. One day, I thought to myself, “If I don’t start today, I never will” and that’s how LES is More Events came to be. I had the name of my business in my head for so long just waiting to put it on a business card. Seeing it now is honestly so full circle for me. Read more>>
Tabitha Eideh
I am a licensed Holistic Esthetician. Expert certified Face Reality acne specialist. I am expert certified in several different product lines, and I have attained multiple certifications in skincare modalities. I believe in treating the skin holistically, so I also earned my certification in nutrition, because what you put on the inside absolutely effects the outside. Diet plays a huge role in the overall health and condition of the skin. I am always looking for ways to continue learning and growing in my skill set to better serve my clients. Read more>>
Radek Dockal
One of the hardest parts was balancing it all while still working my regular job and attending college full-time. There were slow seasons where I doubted myself, events where I barely sold anything, and product launches that didn’t go as planned. But each setback taught me something valuable and pushed me to grow — both personally and professionally. Read more>>
Lex Williams
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s part of what makes the journey meaningful. Starting out, I was passionate but had to learn everything on the fly—how to run a community org, how to fundraise, how to turn a brand into a business. One of the biggest challenges was figuring out how to sustain the give-back work financially without burning out or stretching myself too thin. Read more>>
Camara Goodrich
I started humbly, selling my work at Jamie’s Flea Market in Amherst, Ohio, just hoping to connect with people and maybe make enough for new supplies. Today, I’m proud to say my work has sold internationally, I’ve won awards from galleries and museums, and I’ve built a career that continues to evolve. But what I’m most proud of is that I now get to give back. I mentor numerous emerging and professional artists, and I regularly lead workshops that help people struggling with mental health and addiction discover the healing power of creative expression—just like I did. Read more>>
Alexander Gayle
The road hasn’t been easy. Balancing the journey of becoming a full-time creative while working a part-time job and finishing college was incredibly stressful. As a beginner, it’s easy for insecurity to creep in, especially when you start comparing yourself to other artists. But I learned that you have to turn that insecurity into inspiration instead of letting it hold you back. There were plenty of long days and late nights, but those challenges taught me discipline, patience, and how to stay focused on the bigger picture. Read more>>
Delisa Vaughn
I’ve always known, even as a child, that I was here to help people heal—I just didn’t know what that would look like. It wasn’t until I began my journey of awakening and discovered the science and practice of energy healing that everything started to click. Through reconnecting with my soul and learning tools that helped me return to myself, I realized I could also guide others in doing the same, supporting them in remembering their divinity. Read more>>
Hilary Gent
I’ve spent the last sixteen years staging public art exhibitions, launching art walks, and planning elaborate receptions for individuals and organizations, all of which have transformed the way residents and visitors view the Northeast Ohio Region. In economic development terms, my motivation to present the arts as a vehicle for elevating a neighborhood has provided urban planners with prime elements upon which to build larger community plans, resulting in programming that has stimulated the entire Gordon Square Arts District neighborhood. Read more>>
Jessica Shely Green
It’s incredible to reflect on the journey now that GPD Creative Agency is celebrating 10 years in business. When I founded the agency, it started as a bold vision to bridge the gap between creativity and purpose, particularly for small businesses, nonprofits, and government entities that deserved compelling, mission-aligned branding but often lacked the access or resources. What began as a passion project has evolved into an audio and visual marketing agency that has impacted hundreds of organizations locally and nationally. Read more>>
Candice Zinner
At the time, salt therapy was still relatively new and not widely known here, so we dove into research and discovered that halotherapy has actually been used for hundreds of years in Europe to support respiratory and immune health. That history—and the peace we found in those salt rooms—inspired a dream: what if we could create a place where people could relax, unwind, and breathe easier, all while laying in a man-made salt cave? Read more>>
DJ Corbett
After high school graduation I moved into an apartment with my friends for the summer. One of my friends had a music program on his computer. That was my intro to creating music. I went to college the following fall to play basketball at Wittenberg University, but couldnt get rid of the music bug so after only 18 months I left and went to Minneapolis to study Music Production and Engineering at IPR(Institute for Production and Recording). Read more>>
Becca Pavlik
I graduated from Malone University with a degree in Cross-Cultural Ministry. After college, I spent several years working in the anti-human trafficking field—leading outreach teams into strip clubs, jails, and neighborhoods where women were being exploited, helping them rediscover their worth and take steps toward freedom. When my husband began working as a travel nurse, I transitioned into remote work, which led me to the world of insurance. Today, I genuinely love what I do—helping families protect what matters most, plan for retirement, and build a more secure future. Read more>>
Cleveland Chamber Choir Gregory Ristow, Artistic Director; And Kira McGirr, Executive Director
The choir was named the “Choir of the World” by the World Choir Festival (2021); and won second place in the 2022 American Prize Competition for both the Choral Performance Professional Division and the Ernest Bacon Memorial Award for the Performance of American Music. In 2023, the Choir was one of 37 ensembles selected to perform at the National Conference of the American Choral Directors Association, and was the only professional ensemble selected to perform at the Ohio Music Education Association Conference in February 2025. We are named Artists in Residence at Trinity Cathedral, Cleveland, a residency that will continue for our 2025/26 Season. Read more>>
Emily Geist
So, I decided why not start helping other people like myself? I have always been passionate about small businesses, and the idea of providing a valuable resource to others at a price that is reasonable just seemed like a no-brainer for me. I have become very burnt out and tired of just making my products and when I started trying to think of other ways to fill my time while bringing in some income, it hit me that offering product photography and creative services was the way to go. Read more>>
Heather Rymer
It’s wild to think I am in my third year as city owner. I feel great knowing that I really am putting my whole heart into these events, bringing women from all around the Cleveland area together, helping to make it easier to meet other like-minded women! It can be so hard to find and meet other women for friendship who like similar things (we are all about health, wellness, supporting local businesses, supporting women-owned businesses, nature, animals, supporting each other!) and our community comes together to help make that easier! Read more>>
Jason Toth
In just over two years, I’ve gone from creating artwork in my apartment to opening a full-fledged gallery and studio at 78th Street Studios in Cleveland. I’ve been featured on local news, interviewed by NPR, and exhibited across the region. My art has been collected by individuals, companies, and even design firms looking for bold, meaningful artwork to elevate their space. Read more>>
Bruce
To say this program saved Zillo’s life is an understatement. It is what brought me to be so dedicated to keeping dogs in happy homes and out of shelters or being euthanized. From my experience, I’ve been there on the last option. If I can help keep a dog in a happy home and bring the peace of mind to the owner, then that’s what it is all about. I want to provide the same feeling of comfort, peace, and gratification I had from my personal experience with my dog and the program. Read more>>
Kelly Collins
After retiring in 2019 and buying a house on a lake, I decided to start a business to train people on how to operate their boat. The name of the business is Buckeye Lake Boater Training. I offer free seminars; Buckeye Lake Women and Boats and Buckeye Lake Boating for Beginners. I host the seminars in the spring before people are getting their boats on the lake for the season. I teach the basics on boating along with boating terminology, rules/regulations, presentation of the different types of boats and navigational tips for Buckeye Lake. Read more>>
Robert Roth
I’m somewhat obsessed with skies—particularly stormy ones—so I started there, focusing on the relationship between atmosphere and light, an exploration that has continued to evolve over the past 15 years. Feeling creatively reenergized, my work has, in many ways, brought me full circle—back to the shores of the Island where it all began for me. I currently reside in an 1850s farmhouse in Hudson, where I paint in my barn studio, just steps from my home. My wife, artist Cheryl Roth (a talented RISD grad), and I travel to the island of Martha’s Vineyard each summer to recharge and soak up the salty air. Read more>>.
Kay Smith
It has not been a smooth road at all, trying to figure out pricing that would benefit me plus benefit my clients was the hardest really because I am a college student and money goes fast for books, food, and etc. I have struggled with learning how to french braid for years but I can sometimes get it right but it is still a work in process. Learning how to save money was a hard struggle to because when you invest into hair gel, braiding hair, braiding racks, and more can get costly but I found a balance by taking 20% of what I make, I invest into my buisness and the other 80% goes towards everything else Read more>>
Loaai Omar
It wasn’t a smooth road, but at the same time, I wouldn’t call it struggles, I’d say I had some challenges since I arrived in the U.S I started learning photography along with Design, my first challenge was learning English as it’s not my first language, Secondly, how to find my kind of photography that I like. And I found that working with people as a portrait & event photographer is my passion, and last but not least is how to find the clients, as much as I was getting blended more with the community, I was building my portfolio and client base. Read more>>
