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.
Kalyn Vogelmann
I opened my home on Thursday for women to gather for fellowship and bible study. As that became a sacred space for those 12 women my calling to ministry began to grow in passion and clarity. We moved to the local Church so the children could have childcare and more women from the community could attend. The Lord asked me to host a 2 day Womens confercence in my community 12 years ago. Today that conference with the same framework hosts over 800 women annualyy including girls ages 5-85. Read more>>
Rebecca Trumbull
Here I am in 2025. I have been volunteering with dog rescues for six years, my photography business is turning 10 in the fall and I have just moved into my second studio space. (Oh and I have a partner in the business who also photographs and runs the studio with me). My business has become known as the one that works with pets. We have built our brand around the skills that working with those rescue dogs inspired. Read more>>
Sydnie Luchini
I grew up around Pittsburgh, PA, in a divided house situation and split my time between my mother and father’s houses – so naturally we had two of everything when it came to parties, holidays, birthdays, etc. From a young age, I loved and cherished these family gatherings and when I reflect on where my passion for planning and special occasions came from, that is immediately where my mind goes. Read more>>
Mindy Clark
I am a graduate of The Ohio State University with a major in Fashion Merchandising. I have always had a passion for the fashion business and was a buyer for The Limited for 15 years. Ever since the birth of my daughters, Avery and Morgan, I have been obsessed with taking pictures of them and capturing their special moments. I left my fashion career 14 years ago to open Relish the Moment Photography, with a focus on High School Seniors, family, and business portraits. I have studied photography and attended numerous workshops to hone my craft. Read more>>
Justin Gamble
I decided to study Commercial Photography at Ohio University where I received my degree and afterwards began working in the profession full time. After experiences in multiple studios producing a variety photos and videos – from in studio portrait sessions up to large scale commercial productions and even exotic car photography – I started Justin Gamble Photography LLC at the end of 2019 and by August of 2020 I left my studio job to pursue JGP full time and in April of 2022, I opened Justin Gamble Photography’s storefront studio located in the heart of downtown Cuyahoga Falls. Read more>>
Katie Lowry-Tisler
So I went all in. I quit the path that was draining me and poured everything into this. It was terrifying, but I had a great support system. Especially my mom, who helped with childcare while I built my dream from the ground up. I built this by testing, pivoting, and learning in real-time…no perfect plan, just determination. And when things didn’t go right, I didn’t see it as failure. I saw it as a growth opportunity. I saw what didn’t work, so hopefully next time will be better! Read more>>
Bethanie Meredith
My personal history is very relevant as the backdrop of my story and the making of who I am today. It’s a vital contributing factor of who I’ve become, the reason I became a yoga teacher, and the driving force of the community non-profit I founded in 2022. Backstory: Raised in East San Diego, CA, I was a really “bad kid” with no moral compass. My dad left our family when I was 2 and my single Mom worked up to 3 jobs at a time, unable to be home much. Child Support Enforcement Agencies weren’t really a thing then (the 1980s) so she was doing the best she could. She had 3 kids (I was the only daughter) and my rebellious, strong-willed nature was too much for my mother. Read more>>
Shawna Reese
This yoga studio is special. It is known for its welcoming and serene atmosphere. I am most proud of the comforting environment I’ve worked hard to curate. Each person is greeted with a smile and my classes are approachable yet challenging. Wild Yoga is a collection of the kindest people, who support each other and boost each other up each class. At Wild Yoga we offer yin, vinyasa, hatha, and restorative classes each week, along with special events such as sound baths, massage workshops, and themed classes (i.e. Pumpkins and Poses or Coffee + Yoga). Each class is filled with smiles and stretches. Read more>>
Kristen Kane
Eventually, I stepped away from that role to manage events at my family’s winery. I wasn’t sure what was next, but once word got out that I was no longer at the banquet hall, I started getting messages from past clients asking if I’d help with their upcoming events. One inquiry turned into another, and soon I was getting referred to their friends, coworkers, and family members. The demand kept building and what began as a few side projects quickly grew into something more—and that’s how Kristen Kane Events came to life. Read more>>
Andrew And CC
We are a father daughter duo who started practicing yoga together regularly a few years ago, it quickly became a grounding and meaningful routine for us-but something special started happening. We kept seeing the number 22 and 722 EVERYWHERE! On licence plates, clocks, receipts…. It became a very meaningful sign to us. One day after a small (but classic) father daughter disagreement,we made up and decided to buy a lottery ticket with the number 722, we WON! it wasn’t millions of dollars, but it was enough to prove a point-there was something powerful about our connection and that moment sparked the idea for Yoga-22- a space rooted in connection, intention, healing and the strength of family Read more>>
Elise Burnett Boyd
Definitely not a smooth road, but I don’t think it was supposed to be. I’ve navigated burnout, self-doubt, financial pressure, and the growing pains of shifting direction when it would’ve been easier to stay where I was. For a long time, I felt torn between all the parts of me—stylist, educator, visionary, strategist—and it took time (and a lot of inner work) to realize I didn’t have to choose. I could integrate them. Read more>>
Kelly Thompson
I have since launched a website and created a social media presence to open my teachings to the general public. I have been teaching professionally for 2 years next month. My classes are currently online only, via web calls. I offer private one on one sessions, tailored to each student’s unique needs. I absolutely love getting to know each student as an individual and watching them progress on their journeys as they get to know themselves and their own bodies on a deeper level. It is so rewarding to see the growth with my own eyes, and the joy when they realize how capable they truly are. Read more>>
Carlos Crespo
Capitalizing on our competitor’s nationwide closure, Picture This acquired a few engraving machines and remaining inventory, solidifying its position as the largest personalized gift store in the country, offering over 2,500 customizable items with a wide array of personalization techniques, from laser and metal engraving to sublimation, DTF, UV printing, and embossing. Their unique approach involves live design consultation and on-the-spot personalization for customer approval. While our website is currently under construction, customers can conveniently place orders by phone (440-638-4226), text (440-732-2270), or email picturethis520@gmail.com. Read more>>
Shelby Harlan
I stay relevant and fresh on the latest trends and products. This year I will be licensed 10 years in the industry and I don’t see any sign of slowing down! I have such an amazing clientele I want them to know without their support I would not be where I am today. And same goes for my friends and family’s support though these last 10 years. My husband has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and believe in myself to become independent. I am forever grateful to Lynn and the women at Salon Halo for welcoming me with wide open arms. The atmosphere in the salon is what makes me thrive. Read more>>
Sarah Pick
But the property’s greatest advantage is the outdoor beauty for photographs. Through this business, our clients and our family get to enjoy acres of beauty with landscaped porches, patios, entertainment spaces, firepits, etc. My brothers and I have split up the management of the property with David leading on the farm management, William being lead on construction, maintenance, local issues and Sarah (me) as the lead on remote business process owner, finances, and payroll. Every year our families (2024 had over 40 people in attendance) descend and we reap the benefits of a special entertainment venue. Read more>>
Larry A Lesley
Definitely not a smooth road—more like a roller coaster. One of the biggest challenges has been building a solid, trustworthy team. Finding people who not only believe in the vision but also have the same level of drive and work ethic takes time. Another challenge is staying consistent through life’s unpredictability—creative blocks, financial hurdles, and just the reality of wearing multiple hats every day as a business owner. But all of those ups and downs have taught me patience, resilience, and how to pivot without losing sight of the bigger picture. Read more>>
Grace
I didn’t wait for an opportunity—I created one. I walked into a local business, pitched my social media management services, and landed my first client on the spot. From there, word spread. Businesses started reaching out, referrals kept coming, and I quickly realized I had something special. What started as a single pitch turned into a growing network of small businesses trusting me to elevate their online presence. That momentum led me to officially launch The Grace Edit, where I now help businesses craft bold, strategic, and engaging digital content, along with physical marketing services. Read more>>
Chelsea Cohagen
Chelco Painting was born out of both necessity and passion. I come from a family business and started working for the company when i was 15. It wasnt a serious thing at the time, it was more like i was the extra hand and it was a summer gig. For the next 15 years, i ventured off and dabbled in other career moved, but i always kept going back to painting when things got tough or i was in transistion. Read more>>
Quinton Moss
We tirelessly sought donations, sold popcorn and candy, and eventually funded everything out of our own pockets. I work a regular 9-5 job, and while I may not be extravagant, I am passionate about giving back to the community where I live. I grew up in similar communities where no one gave us a helping hand. There were no outlets to keep me out of trouble, and I am tired of seeing the youth in these communities facing the same challenges I once did. I firmly believe that it takes a village to raise a child, and I am dedicated to getting the community involved. However, I often face challenges in achieving this goal. Read more>>
Antwain Shaw-Huff
I am a cincinnati-based artist I am working with a local Middletown kitchen called Frazier’s kitchen…. helping them come up with their own style for their restaurant…….Basically how I’ve gotten started doing murals working with new and upcoming businesses restaurants clothing stores I’ve always been the type of artist to expand and work with different businesses to help them grow and create a look and style for themselves through ART…….. I always make sure I include my signature style and look so that people can see and recognize my artwork from first glance……… Read more>>
Tammy Toth
My story began when I was about 8 years old and my Grandmother took me to Sweet Surprises. This is when my love for baking and chocolate making was born. I got my very first chocolate mold and a pound of chocolate. That Thanksgiving I started making chocolate trays for my parents friends and my little side gig started. Over the next 42 years I in one way or another kept my hands in baking and chocolate making. I have worked for some of the most well known local chocolate companies. So when the opportunity came to purchase a long time staple of the baking community I had to take my childhood dreams to the next level. I retired from my corporate job and jumped into the retail world of cake and candy supplies. Read more>>
Jameel Benson
Once Coach jones left Withrow he was offered. A position at Middletown high school as the head football coach. I was Offered a position out there. A little nervous I took It and Also was able to keep Withrow because of the relationships I had From there. Now I currently run a Videography Outsource company called Loonatic Cinema where I send Videographers to schools I have under contract. At this time I have 2 schools sealed and 4 in the works and I have Enough people to outsource to all. I’ve come a long way and am now entering my 7th year as a videographer. And I’m still learning and getting better each and every year which is great because I havent Plateaued yet. Read more>>
Rickey Pryor
I finally got the chance to grow my craft as a teenager when I joined the Firestone Theater program, my first play “Black Girl” was the start, then “The Color Purple” ignited what would evolve into my passion for music today. I began to strengthen my singing voice, I began to learn different instruments, by the time I was 18 I knew 10 different instruments (piano, lead guitar, drums, bass guitar, violin, cello, viola, double bass, organ, acoustic guitar) and I created a band with my friends called “KidControversy” thus the name “Kidd” Read more>>
Savon Bass
Though gospel is my foundation, my love for music refuses to be boxed into a single genre. I’ve always been drawn to the rich melodies and timeless rhythms of soul, Motown, jazz, and pop. You can often find me performing at local venues, jumping on open mics, or working with professional tracks—what I like to call my “unsuspecting practice sessions.” These spontaneous moments keep me sharp and connected to the music and the people who love it just as much as I do. From the songs of Mary Wells, Gladys Knight & The Pips, The Supremes, and Sade, to the powerhouse vocals of Whitney Houston and Tina Turner—I bring their stories to life in my own voice. Read more>>
Cha’Nice Gunn
At the time, I was just executing custom pieces I knew I could make. Keep in mind, with the little materials I had and could afford, that also played a part in the progress of self-teaching certain designs. As of today, my focus is on leather and denim designs as my vision for Chanique Boutique has expanded. The representation that I seek for Chanique Boutique today is now beyond the measures of what I visioned years ago. It is more extraordinary than before, and I am so excited to share it with the world! I’ve learned so many new techniques and designs overtime. The rebrand of Chanique Boutique this year is going to be great! Read more>>
Lateal (Tia) Hudson
Absolutely not. This journey has been anything but easy. I’ve faced a lot of self-doubt along the way. It took me years to build a steady clientele, and there were times when I questioned whether I made the right decision. In the beginning, I didn’t fully see my worth—I stayed in a commission-based setup far longer than I should have. It wasn’t until a fellow nail tech friend sat me down and said, “You’re already problem-solving, calling the shots, and running things like a boss—it’s time you start being paid like one,” that I finally considered switching to booth rent. Read more>>
Austin Milvet
Throughout my band years, specifically with my band Take Off Charlie, I was gaining experience playing and repairing guitars and was always working the odd job to pay bills. In 2017, I ended up really getting into the recording side of music and went to Tri-C in Cleveland for Recording Arts and Technology. While working as a server in a fine dining Italian restaurant, I would commute to Cleveland from Akron for school and received an applied science associates degree in recording technology from the program in 2019. After graduating, I started working for a construction company while doing audio work in my basement. I was recording, mixing, and mastering music for friends and people I knew but it was not bringing in the money I needed and it was next to impossible to get a steady flow of work. Read more>>
Ira Gerhart
All of that has posed many unforeseen struggles but we hope that is behind us now as things seem to be getting back to some kind of new normal. One of the benefits of being a smaller scale brewery/ business is the fact we can be more nimble and pivot when we need to, though it requires a lot more creativity, effort, and uncertainty. We will always put quality and craftsmanship first no matter what, but we’re also not afraid to test out new products on the market and take feedback from the community on what they want to see at their local brewery and taproom. We have the ability to keep things fresh and have close ties to our costumers, which is not just an advantage but a great joy. Read more>>
Drew Keller
My journey started in nonprofit leadership, where I spent nearly two decades recruiting, training, and supporting hundreds of volunteers and staff across various community-focused roles. Along the way, I developed a passion for helping people grow—not just professionally, but personally and financially too. I found myself constantly guiding friends, church members, and coworkers through money decisions, helping them tackle debt, set goals, and build a plan. Read more>>
Morgan Wright
At 25, I stepped into the world of marketing professionally, working for an investment firm. That’s where everything clicked. I found myself fascinated by branding, storytelling, and especially the emotional side of real estate—how a home can represent a fresh start or a lifelong dream. That passion led me to specialize in real estate marketing, and eventually expand into helping small businesses craft their unique brand voices online. Read more>>
Nimisha Mishra
Hey Voyage and all you fabulous readers! I’m Nimisha Mishra—originally from India, I moved to Columbus, Ohio in 2014 after getting married and it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with this vibrant city and all the opportunities it had to offer. After earning my MBA from Ohio Dominican University in 2018, I dove into the world of IT project management. I’ve worked with a variety of tech companies, and currently I am in mason Ohio and putting my skills to work at a nonprofit organization—because mixing purpose with project plans is kind of my thing! Read more>>
Elizabeth Siegle
That doesn’t mean there haven’t been struggles. One of the biggest has been visibility. Being in a college town, it’s tough to promote directly on campus, so I’ve had to rely heavily on social media. As a 44-year-old woman who didn’t grow up with this kind of technology, it was intimidating at first. Before this job, I had never posted on Facebook, and I didn’t even have an Instagram account. That learning curve felt like a mountain. I’ve always known how to build relationships one-on-one, but learning how to do that online, through a screen—it was a whole new world for me. It was scary, but I pushed through it. Read more>>
Matthew Howe
Initially, my physical and emotional states were shattered. A roommate suggested I try Reiki, and I naively accepted, unaware of how transformative it would be. During the session, my practitioner confidently told me, “Your arms won’t hurt anymore.” Skeptical but desperate, I surrendered to the moment. Afterward, I could feel my left hand—something I couldn’t do before. It felt miraculous. That was when I decided to delve into the healing arts. Read more>>
Susan Lash
It wasn’t long before I had a camera, the first of many. I got my first “serious” camera in my twenties, a Ricoh SLR. I learned to develop film and print photographs, further developing my love of photography. When the world moved from film to digital, I did too. It wasn’t until seven years ago that I began entering juried exhibitions and selling my work. Then, just last fall, I was in Little Italy and stopped by Murray Hill Galleries. That was the first time I ever considered that I could get a space and display and sell my photography. As luck would have it, a small gallery would be available soon; I took one look and thought, why not! Read more>>
Nehal Patwa
With in-person gatherings no longer possible, I used the sudden downtime to completely reimagine my business. I began developing virtual event experiences, creating engaging digital environments where clients could still connect, celebrate, and make memories—safely and meaningfully. Through the relationships I had built, I was fortunate to secure my first virtual client: the Columbus Museum of Art. They entrusted me with the incredible opportunity to take their iconic Wonderball event online. Read more>>
Joshua Stout
I worked for a University as an Academic Advisor for 8 years. Burned out in the office life, I pursued my passion for the arts. In 2017 I curated and managed the BLINK Festival’s light-based installations and parade along with Marie Krulewitch-Browne. That event brought in muralists from around the world via Agar. I had just enough ego to think I could make murals as well, so I pursued it aggressively. Started offering murals at cost, and slowly turned that into a career. Read more>>
Austin Fields
It definitely has not been a smooth road. With traveling and moving a lot comes with a ton of lonely nights spent drawing and missing my family and friends. Read more>>
Tianna Stazzone
On a personal level, I’ve struggled with ADHD and anxiety—especially panic attacks that made me feel like I was drowning in my own mind. There were days I questioned if I was capable, if I was moving too slow, or if anyone would even care about what I was creating. Living far from family, facing grief after losing multiple family members and friends while navigating adult life with all its weight has tested me in every way. Read more>>
Julie Yarkony
We have learned countless painstaking lessons along the way after opening in 2018 . Many of our first challenges were due to being much busier than we originally anticipated. We had no idea the community would embrace us in the way that they did. It was incredible to see and a “good” problem to have. We quickly learned how to train up, create new processes, and how to effectively manage in the food industry. Read more>>
Christopher Bueker
It has not been a smooth road for me. I have had plenty of ups and downs. My real struggles began early, at the age of 19, when a relationship ended, not by my choice, and it devastated me. That heartbreak sent me down a path of seeking fulfillment through non-Christ-centered meditation, psychedelics, post-shamanism, and other counterfeit life philosophies that, ultimately, produced no real fruit. I was searching for truth and healing in places that could not provide it. Read more>>
Christopher Rutledge
I learned to fly drones for my day job, which is in public safety. I wound up purchasing my own drone and continue to fly frequently, both for enjoyment and work. I have years of experience in heavily regulated physical security of critical infrastructure, which familiarized me with thermal camera systems and high definition, high tech, security cameras. With additional training in photography and drone operations, I come to the market with a solid background in digital imagery. Read more>>
Rawn Chislton
Fitness professional with licenses and certifications in personal training, aerobic class instruction and nutrition. I’m also a bodybuilding competition coach. Coaching has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. As a former amateur bodybuilder/competitor, it’s beyond satisfying to help athletes reach their goals and beyond in the sport I’ve loved since I was a young child. Read more>>
Tom Momenee
However that third photo booth was a bit different. It was Salsa Booth which is a fully digital photo booth where guests can take Pictures, GIFs or create a Boomerang. Then in fall of 2019 I made the decision to “retire” from being a DJ. I had started selling real estate the year before and wanted to shift my focus to growing that career. We also had our second child on the way and most of our weekends were tied up since we were a part of 50-60 weddings and events each year while I was working as a manager for a gas station as well. And of course, little did we know 2020 had a pandemic headed our way. I then spent 2020 and 2021 finishing out contracts and contract date changes to ensure all of our clients had the DJ they wanted. Read more>>
Shauna Wilkinson
Lash extensions were slowly making their appearance in Ohio, so I decided to look for a position. I was hired at a lash salon in Lakewood, and worked there for about seven years. After starting a family, and getting my roots down here in Brunswick I needed a change. I needed to be closer to my family. So, I decided to become a self employed lash artist. I opened up Serenity Lash Boutique in 2024, and continue to lash inside Salon Ethos in North Royalton. Here I provide lash extensions, lash lifts, and spray tans. I absolutely love what I do, and since going solo I can spend more time close to my family. It’s priceless! Read more>>
Pamela Argentieri
It has never been an easy path but I truly love so many parts of the creative process. My first commission after graduating from art school was to design an evangeliary cover and pair of holy water fonts for a university chapel in my community. With any project, it’s necessary to understand the object, its function, traditions and meaning before coming up with a design. I have grown to value the research and the conversations that take place before picking up that first hammer or piece of metal. Whether I’m working on a piece of jewelry or a teapot, my goal is to make a meaningful object for someone. Read more>>
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>>
