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.
Gabriella Kreuz
Like many young people, I found myself in a toxic cycle of abuse that had escalated to physical violence. I was just a senior in high school when the relationship started and it was my first relationship. Not only did I lack life experience and the education to recognize all the early red flags, I also grew up in a somewhat chaotic environment. I come from a blended family and all of my siblings have struggled with addiction. My half-brother, Kevin, overdosed when I was a freshman in high school. Addicts are inherently compromised in their ability to build and maintain healthy relationships. Subconsciously, I associated love and some unhealthy behaviors together because it was just what I was accustomed to from my home experience. Read more>>
Anita Boutros
I learned alot from the previous owner and didn’t want to make any mistakes when I took over. Some of the struggles were hiring good talent. I wanted to make sure they were a good stylist and helped them train. Covid was the biggest struggle for me because we were shut down mandatory for 8 weeks with no business but had to still pay all the bills while being closed. This was probably the worst time for me while having my business. Once opened, we were right back at it at full capacity. Read more>>
Megan Altman
One of the biggest challenges I faced when starting out was the decision to go out on my own without any clientele. After graduating from esthetics school, I found myself in a toxic salon environment that left me feeling unfulfilled. Realizing I wanted to embrace my passion on my own terms, I took a leap of faith with the unwavering support of my husband, parents, and mentor, Carrie Manser. Though starting without a client base was daunting, it only fueled my determination. This journey taught me that significant breakthroughs often come from the courage to step into the unknown. When you believe in yourself and stay true to your passions, you can create the future you desire. Read more>>
Mary Jo Huelskamp Deb Bagley
Mary Jo has been teaching yoga since 2004, and Deb has been teaching since 2012. We both are extremely passionate about the practice and have found it to be an essential part of our lives especially as we’ve grown and experienced all of the stresses of life. For us, yoga isn’t just a practice, but a way of living. When the studio we both taught at closed down in 2021 following the impacts of COVID-19, we found ourselves and our yoga community at a loss. The practice of yoga was a big part of our lives, and we wanted its impact to continue. We had the thought to start our own studio, unique to our personalities and our practice styles. We’ve created a community that’s full of compassion and care with the desire for each individual honoring their own unique practice. Read more>>
Scott Paris
It was always difficult balancing between the art I wanted to make and the kind of music work that made an income. As the leader of a cover band, I made enough to otherwise be a stay home dad as my children were growing up. As an original artist, I’ve barely made enough to buy decent coffee, let alone earn back what it took to make the art or try to pay bills. The conundrum of whether or not to consider that “success” is the premise of my book Read more>>
Zack Humphreys
After about 1 year of working with different personal trainers I lost roughly 40lbs and dropped a big portion of my body fat. I was so happy with my transformation I decided I wanted to start a gym so in order to learn more about owning a gym I worked at several of them. After roughly working at them for 3-5 years I realized that gyms are extremely expensive and not very profitable…. So a few year later after starting my first business and it being successful I finally decided to start my fitness training business in the hopes of helping others to change their lives for the better just like my trainers helped me. Read more>>
Christopher Maurer
There has always been a tension in balancing our public interest work with work to pay the bills. It’s usually only the affluent who can afford the services of an architect, and we struggle to do what we at redhouse are passionate about which is leveraging architecture for environmental justice. Over time, we’ve gotten better at securing foundation grants and leveraging our market-based work to fund the research and humanitarian efforts that we believe are most impactful. Read more>>
Patti Andrich
After several years in the field, I decided to return to school to become an occupational therapist. I graduated around the same time my husband and I started our family. Together, we combined our expertise—his as a neuro-optometrist and mine in occupational therapy—to open the Andrich Eye Clinic. Based on feedback from the clients we served, we rebranded as The Vision Development Team to reflect our collaborative, team-based approach and commitment to meeting the individual needs of each person we work with. Read more>>
Jamie Fiore
At PureFyx, our journey began with a simple yet profound belief: that true wellness starts from within. We recognized that mental clarity and emotional balance are deeply connected to what we put into our bodies, and this idea sparked the creation of PureFyx Health Bar & Juicery. From the beginning, we set out to offer more than just food and drinks—we wanted to create a space where nourishment could be as transformative as it is enjoyable. Read more>>
Ben Kim
We believe that every custom piece carries a story, a purpose, and an emotion—whether it’s a memorial that honors a loved one, a gift designed to make someone’s day special, or a branded item that sets a business apart. We pour passion and craftsmanship into every item, ensuring that it reflects the care and creativity that went into making it. Read more>>
Krissy O’Malley
Every day, I feel immense gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate life and create music with our senior community. Their wealth of wisdom and history is truly inspiring. I find great joy in selecting songs that help them recall cherished memories, find strength through pain, and experience happiness, especially during their final days. Read more>>
Shamika Johnson
It wasn’t easy. I had no roadmap, just a passion for helping people and a deep desire to build something meaningful. Slowly, I began to grow—one client at a time. And over the years, those clients became the heartbeat of my business. I don’t just provide a service; I get to connect with people, see their lives change in small ways, and know that what I do matters. That’s what keeps me going. I genuinely love what I do, and that joy makes every long day and late night worth it. Read more>>
Copia Farm
It has all come with a lot of bittersweet blood, sweat, and tears as they say. All the difficulties have also been quite the rite of passage and definitely an adventure. I feel like I have been buffed like a shiny penny. We have become finely honed and full of grit. The goodness and purity comes through in what we produce. Through the years, the farm has taught us so much… and it’s still so hard! We haven’t had a vacation all these years later; we’re always going through the pains of growing. Read more>>
Carolyn
I would have been mortified if they heard me though, even though I was already pretty sure singing was my favorite thing ever. I tried auditioning for church and school plays in my youth, but was actually too shy to ever sing loud enough to ever get any kind of solo part. In 2003 I went on a student ambassador trip to Australia for a month, and the other students in the group discovered I could sing. They soon began volunteering me to sing on the spot at any opportunity, and there were a surprising amount of opportunities to sing. I got to sing in Cathedral Cave and the Sydney Opera House, and when I got home that was all I wanted to do. Read more>>
Lyle Rupp
This lead us to find a stationary location and then to take out a loan to purchase two additional stands – one for events and another for the stationary location in a shopping center that we would just leave on site for the entire summer. We took every penny of profit that year and reinvested it into the business. It might be worth noting that my wife was rather vocal that we should be happy with the one stand and didn’t want me expanding – that my focus should be on the insurance agency only. That second summer season, the business not only paid off the original investment, but the entire loan for the additional equipment. Read more>>
Jena Gallego
After earning my Nurse Practitioner degree from the University of Cincinnati, I followed my passion into aesthetics, beginning my practice in Lexington, Kentucky. From there, I honed my skills in Cincinnati, working with a diverse clientele and deepening my understanding of the art and science of aesthetic care. Eventually, I felt called to create something of my own—something personal and intentionally designed. That’s how Hūe Aesthetics in Beavercreek, Ohio was born. It’s a place where patients can feel heard, valued, and empowered—where natural beauty is enhanced through a thoughtful, customized approach. Read more>>
Bianca Felicia Maria Olivo
I ended up transferring to Kent State to pursue a degree in graphic design that following year. I was working at REI at the time as a cashier, so I took every opportunity possible to tell anyone and everyone that I wanted to learn how to tattoo. After 1 month of starting school again, I finally said it to the right person which lead me to getting a real tattoo apprenticeship. I didn’t even touch a tattoo machine for the first 3 years of my apprenticeship. It wasn’t until after I graduated college (May 2021) my mentors gifted me my first set of coil machines. I made my first tattoo on skin ever on September 24th 2021. Read more>>
Christian Key
The road has not been smooth at all. But it hasn’t been totally tedious either. I have been blessed with a tremendous support system and people that truly believe in me. I have people that desire to hear me, my music and my ministry and that is always a blessing! One of the primary struggles that I experience to date is having the resources to do everything that I would desire to do, one the scale that I want to do it. I am a dreamer and I dream BIG. So when you have ideas in your head, you want to see those ideas executed on the scale that you envision it. But oftentimes, resources are limited. Read more>>
Mandy Albert
Establishing our blood bank was no simple feat. What began with just the two of us—Courtney Kindler and myself (Mandy Albert)—quickly became a mission to create a life-saving resource for veterinary care. With limited guidelines and regulations governing animal blood banks, we had to develop our own processes from the ground up, ensuring that the health and well-being of our blood donors remained our highest priority. Read more>>
Addison Jones
But honestly, product photography got boring real fast. Around that time, a friend needed help with wedding photography. I figured, why not? But weddings are a whole different beast—everything moves so fast, nothing stays the same, and you have to be quick with your settings while still being creative and making people feel natural. It was chaotic, but it was exactly the challenge I needed. I dove in, and eventually, I mastered it. I even became a Top 30 Wedding Photographer nominee. Read more>>
Gerald Brubaker
Also, The Cedar Lodge, directly across the street from The Cedar Coffee, opened in 2024. The opening of The Cedar Lodge includes multiple outdoor spaces for your reception, reunion or retreat, with several options for overnight stays including the main lodge and a cozy lakefront cabin overlooking our private spring fed lake, and a floating tiny house on the lake! The lodge and cabins are listed on airbnb, making it the perfect weekend getaway, all at The Cedar! Read more>>
Elizabeth Wood
Fitness expert Denise Austin incorporated yoga into her 30-minute Daily Workout TV shows, which I tuned into regularly to build strength and flexibility and improve my cheerleading skills. I made the team and forgot about yoga for a few years. I also practiced yoga during college because it helped me feel peaceful. Read more>>
Nathan & Carolyn Snoke
Pataskala Customs started in 2018 with a simple idea and a relentless drive to design custom gear that people actually want to wear, and make the process easy and customized to each client. Our “Mom & Pop” business began in a small home office with a single heat press, a vinyl cutter and a whole lot of late nights, taking on local orders for schools, teams, and small businesses. By the end of 2020 we moved into our current shop and store front. What started as side hustle quickly grew into a full-service print and design company trusted by clients across central Ohio and beyond. Read more>>
Makenzie Bowman
I love helping others and piecing outfits together for them! My true joy comes from from meeting each and everyone who walks through my doors, I am a people person, I love learning and chatting with others and learning their stories! I attribute Much of my success as a small business owner to my parents, watching them work hard for everything instilled the same work ethic and determination in me at a young age. I am excited to continue to share my passion with others! Read more>>
Christy Rice
As a person who has often felt that way, I focus on creating an easy going, relaxed atmosphere for my clients that is more like catching up with old friends. We meander around our location, letting the kids be kids, laughing and being goofy while I capture authentic moments of connection in my lens. We’ll give some direction for natural, organic interactions and poses and help them get comfortable by finding funny words or songs that make them laugh. My amazing friend and assistant Sarah has been known to sing Disney or Broadway songs while sometimes adding in the dance moves! Read more>>
Leann Blose
The road to building Lea Photography LLC hasn’t always been smooth—but every bump along the way taught me something important. Like many small business owners, I started with a dream and a camera, but no roadmap. There were moments of self-doubt, financial hurdles, and the challenge of balancing life, education, and entrepreneurship all at once. Read more>>
Tara Hedges
Fate is funny and I ended up giving a massage for what turned out to be a job interview before I did my full body practical. This was one of the best things that could have happened to me because I landed in an environment where I could express my curiosity and pursue learning about the techniques that genuinely called to me. It brought me into community with a variety of therapists were are also interested in growing and learning and sharing with each other. Read more>>
Jake Yoder
Wait, didn’t your dad die young?” I said “yes, he was 39. Wait do you mean he could have had life insurance?” He responded, “dude, I knew I made the right choice of asking Traudt to hire you, get that license, you’re going to kill this job.” To this day, I remember my drive home. I was pissed. Pissed no one talked to my mom and dad about life insurance. Pissed there was something that could have been done to help the burden my mom, my brother and I went through. So pissed that when I walked in the door, I told Lauren (my wife), I NEED to be a State Farm agent. Read more>>
Ethan Seifert
During this time in college, I had picked up photography for fun as a little side hobby. It gave me something creative to focus on when a lot in my life felt uncertain. To be honest, I sucked at it, but it gave me something to enjoy learning and a way to see tangible improvements when most of my life felt like I was behind those around me. Still, during that year, I struggled a lot with my mental health and depression and shelved photography for much of 2020. There were many days when I couldn’t even bring myself to get out of bed, let alone go take photos of anything. Read more>>
Emily Winter
Now, over three years later, Artist for a Day is still going strong under our mother-daughter ownership! We love collaborating on new ideas and creating fun, engaging events for our community. What makes it even more special is that it’s become a true family affair. Emily’s sister, Annabelle, is a part of the team, and her children often pitch in when extra help is needed. Our husbands, Andrew and Sam, are behind-the-scenes heroes, helping with everything from maintenance to building props and designing fun seasonal window displays. And as the oldest of six siblings, Emily is lucky to have extra helping hands from her brothers and sisters, who jump in when needed. Read more>>
Atlas Stone
Between Andrew making sick mid-set, and my catalytic converter getting stolen afterwards, we have stories. I’m not sure anybody has been tested harder than Nate. He powered through my first proper gig with the band with a broken nose, and a leg in bandages from a dirtbike accident. Read more>>
Briana Thomas
Fast forward to now it’s been a year and 3 months since I’ve launched my business. It’s definitely been a struggle being an entrepreneur. Especially, when it comes to gaining consistent revenue, promoting your business, going through the slow seasons, networking etc., pretty much doing everything yourself. But, this is a passion of mine and I believe my business will thrive if I continue to be consistent and faithful. Read more>>
Nicki Schneider
The Galactic Oasis was born out of a desire to create a non-restrictive community-centered space with an emphasis on bringing together educators and facilitators working towards shifting our current consciousness to one of personal sovereignty and accountability. To grow through the limitations of a capitalist economy, to an economy of interdependence and support. Brigid Hopkins, Lisa Harris, and Nicki Schneider have worked together and independently for many years exploring numerous eclectic healing and wellness modalities. The Galactic Oasis chose this location to redefine the generative power of a community working for the greater good of the whole and not the individual. Read more>>
Jay Holdgreve
I was lucky that my PCP was not only my doctor, but friend, as we worked together while I was a student athletic trainer and he was a team doctor at The Ohio State University. Dr. Pongonis made sure I received the best care in a very timely fashion. The day after my initial appointment with him, I was getting an Ultrasound and blood work. A couple days later at 8:20 on Saturday morning he called me, letting me know all results were pointing toward Testicular Cancer. He assured me that he would get me the best care possible at the James Cancer Hospital. In 6 days I went from living a normal life with my wife and 3 kids, to now living with cancer. Read more>>
Erin Bergant Harrod
I moved on to a growing construction company in which I was their first designer and progressed to VP of the company. After losing touch with the day to day of the design, I decided it was best to take a job with an Architect. This gave me a different perspective of the industry. While working there, I started Heartfelt Homespace, Inc. on the side until I was ready, confident and had enough business to take things full time with Heartfelt Homespace, Inc. Read more>>
Emily Barbarita
As I got older, I became the friend who always had a little digicam in hand, taking photos just for fun. When I was 19, I got my first DSLR and began taking portraits of my college friends while studying Speech and Hearing Science—an entirely different path. But everything shifted when a friend, who was already a full-time wedding photographer, invited me to second shoot with her. I fell in love with weddings instantly—the emotion, the artistry, the storytelling—and from there, it took off. Read more>>
Joanna Pavlak
The pivotal moment came when I was 32 weeks pregnant, attending a pelvic health conference in Atlanta. I heard Dr. Yeni Abraham speak about the powerful role physical therapy can play in supporting individuals facing infertility. Until that moment, I hadn’t realized how much of a difference we could make in that space, but the idea immediately resonated. I followed up with her, enrolled in Triggered PT’s 12-week Pelvic Rehab Fertility Specialist program, and traveled to Nashville for the lab component. That’s where it all clicked: I wanted to bring this level of care back home and create something truly unique. Read more>>
Isaiah Revels
I started Step Higher because I saw a gap in how young athletes—especially those from underrepresented communities—were being positioned. They’re not just players; they’re brands and future leaders. What began as small, local showcases has grown into large-scale events that feature top high school programs, attract national attention, and create real brand opportunities for athletes. Read more>>
Tuwan “Mr.LIONH3ARTED” Spencer
I began transforming my mindset, writing, studying, and building a vision of who I could become if I chose purpose over pain. After I got out, I didn’t just want to survive—I wanted to help others break their own mental and emotional chains. Life didn’t become easier because of this revelation so I still had to deal with HEAVY emotional tragedy after that. And still have my battles. But those battles refined me. Broke me and allowed me to rebuild me into a better, stronger version. I’m thankful. Read more>>
Danielle Hurles
At my very first vendor show, I almost completely sold out—I kept awkwardly smiling and pretending I knew what I was doing, and somehow, people kept buying! The success snowballed from there, with local markets becoming my weekend hangout and Greenhaus Coffee (my favorite local coffee spot) proudly carrying my books on their shelves—like, right next to all the plants and amazing aesthetic items they sell! Read more>>
Brandy Kreider
As we worked closely with couples, we identified their biggest challenges and steadily expanded our services to meet their needs. What started as a small, heartfelt operation quickly grew into a full-service event support company. Today, Affinity Event Rentals proudly offers a wide array of services including décor rentals, bartending, a horse trailer turned mobile bar, wedding planning and coordination, decorating, setup and teardown crews—and most recently, party and corporate event planning, along with stunning balloon arches and décor. Read more>>
Guanhu Yang
No, it hasn’t always been a smooth road — and I believe that’s true for most meaningful journeys. Throughout my career, I’ve faced multiple challenges, especially in navigating cross-cultural academic environments and balancing traditional Chinese medicine with modern biomedical expectations. Early on, transitioning from China to Japan, and then to the U.S., required me to overcome language barriers, adapt to different research cultures, and prove the scientific rigor of acupuncture and herbal therapies in systems that were initially skeptical. Read more>>
Brittany Boateng
I started this journey 10 years ago while I was in college. At the time, my natural hair was breaking off badly from constant leave-outs, and I was desperate for a protective style that still felt cute and put-together. One day it clicked. I was always wearing u part wigs anyway, so I decided to sew a closure onto one to mimic my leave-out. That moment sparked something. I had officially made my first wig. Read more>>
Akaash Chandra
Piano was different, because I never practiced. I couldn’t read the sheet music, I could only play by ear. One day, my teacher brought out a full-size MIDI keyboard and asked me to plug it into my computer. We opened GarageBand, and my teacher showed me the stock orchestra sounds the software came with. After a couple of months, we were creating weird arrangements of songs we liked. I stole my dad’s iPad to use the mobile version of GarageBand, watching YouTube tutorials on recreating popular songs. Towards the end of sixth grade, I began my journey into producing music. Read more>>
Kimberly Archibald Russell
Since 2018, MY VILLAGE YOGA has also established a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga School 200 hour yoga teacher training program. We specifically share our yoga experience to prepare individuals passionate about sharing the practice in their communities. Our training is unique as it is owned, operated and managed by certified yoga therapists. Read more>>
