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.
Lusayra Velasquez
During my junior and senior years, I worked diligently on my college portfolio, participated in local fashion shows, and continued developing sewing and crochet pieces. All of that effort paid off when I was accepted into UC’s DAAP program. Since then, I’ve continued to grow — networking, collaborating on bigger projects, and showcasing my work at Fashion at the Fountain 2024. I just completed my first year at DAAP, earning Dean’s List honors both semesters. I’ve also taken part in shows like Cabaret On The Runway, which helped build exposure for my own fashion business. My journey is just beginning, and I’m excited for what’s to come. Read more>>
Tina Marie Roberto
I worked with 3CDC, Linked Solutions INC and ARCX studio on the design and buildout of the space. The 2,300-square-foot beautiful salon features custom craftsmanship throughout with 9 foot archways black-and-white tiling a 9 foot antique wall mirror and panda quartz waterfall countertops to give it a true European look and feel. Read more>>
Brittany Gidley
The images… they’re SOOO GOOD. But what’s even better is the experience behind them! I want kids to remember how it feels to twirl in their daddy’s arms, to smother their mama with smooches and to hold hands walking with their siblings. We are making art, but really, we are really making polished memories. Read more>>
Mikhayla Hughes-Shaw
After writing that first story, I never stopped. After many internships and exploring different mediums of storytelling, I am now settled in Cincinnati as a television host and reporter for a show called Cincy Lifestyle. Personally, I also have a podcast called “The HOPE Mindset” through my mental health awareness nonprofit How About H.O.P.E., which is where I have found a burning passion for storytelling that makes a difference. Read more>>
Andrea Jackson
Opening a retail shop came with some very real challenges. Especially, because I started with almost no resources. I didn’t have funding or a Retail background. What I did have was a dream that needed to be fulfilled, I was determined to make Mommas dream a reality before she passed on. That meant doing everything piece by piece, from building the retail counter , painting the walls and building the brick wall. I sourced inventory carefully, within a very limited budget and continue to learn each aspect of running a boutique on my own from marketing to day to day operations. Read more>>
Jawad Tazari
Today, The Westside Venue stands as a private event venue that is deeply engaged in the community. On Mondays and Wednesdays, we open our doors to participate in the local dart and pool leagues, host a weekly Super Smash night and facilitate Chess Club as well as other local group meetings. We also organize a select number of public events a year which include original music showcases, comedy shows, and art exhibitions. While we may not be a traditional coffee shop, we still have espresso, pour-overs, and specialize in adult coffee beverages. As we move forward, we are committed to fostering community connections and creating unforgettable experiences. Read more>>
Megan Berkenstock
It has allowed me to combine my love for nature and gardening with my passion for art, all while being part of spreading joy to others through the beauty of flowers. My husband, Codi, has been my greatest support and even though he still works his day job, he spends a lot of his free time helping in every possible way he can to make sure the business runs smoothly and I don’t get too overwhelmed. I’m also lucky to have several friends and family members who always offer a helping hand during the busier moments. Read more>>
Levi Antoine
I grew up in the Catholic school system until 7th grade, and felt pretty stir-crazy for most of it, but I think all that time singing hymns is where my love of harmony and vocal-driven composition comes from. Despite very decisively leaving the church at 13, I still draw a lot of lyric inspiration from the Bible, and from other religious texts. My 2022 single ‘holywater’ is maybe where all that Catholic guilt started to reveal itself in my music for the first time. My friend Tom Khoi Nguyen and I filmed the music video at First United Methodist Church in Hamilton, Ohio, near my hometown. Making that song really helped me make amends with growing up Catholic, which I resented for a long time. Read more>>
Amy Casey
My travel planning business was born from a deeply personal place. In the spring of 2024, our youngest son was diagnosed with autism. Our oldest had been diagnosed with ADHD two years earlier, and suddenly we found ourselves raising two incredible, neurodivergent boys. My husband and I have always loved traveling and wanted to continue creating those special family memories, especially as our children were getting older and we hoped travel might become a bit easier. Read more>>
Danielle Ford
Alex and I always joke that we are riding a roller coaster in opening this business. There are days where we are at the top of the roller coaster and things are going smoothly and other days we have to just keep moving forward. We often say to each other and have adopted this sentiment that we just need to do the next right thing and that is how we stay the course. At the end of the day, we are so thankful we get to do it together and having that perspective has helped us to take a step back and appreciate how special the process is. Read more>>
EVAN DAIBER
My journey began in a place most wouldn’t expect. After serving time in prison and facing some hard years as a young adult, I discovered boxing behind bars. It became more than just a sport—it gave me structure, discipline, and a sense of purpose I had never felt before. That experience lit a fire in me to help others find the same kind of direction and strength, especially young people who might be struggling to find their way. Read more>>
Melissa Gould Michael Parr
However, Ohio weather was far from ideal that year and left us with very little excess produce and empty table space to fill. We stocked our booth with fresh and dried herbs, sea glass jewelry, fresh baked goods, and a small selection of homemade jams and barbeque sauces, along with whatever excess produce our garden had given us that week. Read more>>
Erin Rudy
It was a big decision to walk away from a corporate role that provided financial stability and structure. I believed in what I was building, but it was still a leap of faith to think I could replace that income on my own terms. As a solopreneur, managing client work alongside operations, admin, and planning is a constant balancing act. And while I initially missed the camaraderie of a team, I’ve found that connection again through local networks and partnerships with others navigating the small business world. The road hasn’t been without bumps, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. Read more>>
Megan Aleman
On top of that, I was also pregnant with my first child during that shutdown. Navigating the emotional weight of being a small business owner during a global pandemic, while also preparing to become a mother, was overwhelming at times. But that season really taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of giving myself grace. It also helped me refocus on what matters most—connection, care, and creating a supportive space for my clients. Every challenge has helped me grow, both as an esthetician and as a person. Read more>>
Trauma Illinois
We’ve created a recording studio in order to self produce, as well as provide these services to other local bands in our area! Our success has allowed us to fund merch made by local screen printing companies, a huge victory for us. We love the idea that fans helping us allows us to help our community. We now consistently tour within the regional area, engage with the music world on social media, and continue to self produce music in order to see the level of success we wish to see. Read more>>
Chef Jose Melendez
When Pandemic hit, everything stopped, I didn’t know what to do. Thank God for the government help for small businesses because thanks to them funds I was able to open “Twisted Taino Restaurant”. a Puerto Rican Restaurant that featured a modern take on traditional flavors from the Caribbean and Latin America. Today, we have re branded Twisted Taino to “Hot Nachitas Taqueria” the first Quick Service Taqueria in Parma, Ohio, Melendez Catering is still going strong catering Social Events, Corporate, Private Gatherings and more. Read more>>
Lori Falke
What started as a way to give back has turned into something so much more: a tight-knit crew of survivors who’ve become friends and share a whole lot of fun. Yes, we help with events, write birthday cards, deliver gifts, and spread the word about KWF, but more than that, we show up for each other and for every woman who needs a little more light in her life. We share breast cancer in common, but we’ve built something beyond that—connection, laughter, support, and the kind of joy that only comes when you know the hard stuff and choose to live big anyway. I’ve had the honor of chairing this board for over six years now, and together, we’ve grown it into something powerful. Read more>>
Kimberly Konvalinka
My favorite movie “Practical Magic” brought this idea into the modern day for me. Sally Owens, played by the amazing Sandra Bullock, is a shop owner, and local witch, who makes her own lotions and “potions”, a family tradition of sorts. I was enchanted and thought I could do that too! It felt so natural toiling away in my kitchen, crafting all sorts of concoctions to replace different items within my home. Over time I became more serious about creating these products as the sensitivities I had experienced throughout my life became too overwhelming to ignore. Read more>>
Avery Duncan
Definitely not, it took me a long time to figure out that this is where I wanted to be and to get the courage to branch out on my own. And once I got the courage I realized this is so much more than taking pictures. Running a photography business is 1/4 taking pictures 1/2 editing and then 1/4 being a social media influencer and learning how to keep up with every platform’s algorithm and staying current, in addition to simply running the business. It’s still a challenge that I keep working on. Read more>>
Rhea Vinson
As an entrepreneur and a person of color, one of my greatest strengths is resilience. I push forward no matter the barriers I encounter, continuously learning and evolving as a business owner. Despite the systemic challenges that Black women entrepreneurs often face—such as limited access to capital, underrepresentation in key business networks, and disparities in opportunities—I remain committed to growth and success. I embrace creativity, resourcefulness, and perseverance to navigate these obstacles and build a thriving business. Read more>>
Melissa Martin
After a bit of time to regroup, I began teaching (and currently teach) part-time at a homeschool co-op which I enjoy a great deal. And, when I began to be approached to tutor students independently, I found that I absolutely love tutoring! I enjoy planning fun and engaging lessons to fit my students’ needs. I find great fulfillment in connecting with families and children in a new and different educational environment. I love talking with, working with, encouraging, and instilling confidence in my students. Take Flight Tutoring has started to soar and I am very grateful. Read more>>
Hannah Parker
Following high school, I pursued a degree in Carpentry and Construction Management at Hocking College. Although it was a valuable foundation, I recognized it was just the beginning of my professional journey. I gained extensive hands-on experience working in various roles within the industry, ultimately specializing in high-end custom residential painting. I spent a decade working alongside my brother-in-law, which was both rewarding and educational. Read more>>
Emily LaPorte
I want to be present for my students, my kids, and my husband, as well as my other family members and friends. But I also want to be a successful photographer for myself, and that is important too. It’s taken a lot of patience, communication, support, and learning to figure out how to find time for sessions, editing, marketing, show prep, and all the other little parts of this business. It is really hard and can get overwhelming, but knowing when to step back and regroup has helped me as I continue to work through those challenges. Read more>>
Kate Rawlings
Coca Athletics, my gym, started as a place to train hard. Over time, it became something more—something deeper. I realized that no amount of reps, macros, or sweat could heal the parts of us that feel unseen or unworthy. So I pivoted. I rebranded. I built The Becoming Co., a mindset-first wellness brand with one mission: to help people remember they’re not broken—they’re becoming. Read more>>
Ravea Thomas
It has not been a smooth road. Some big struggles I’ve faced mostly on myself like procrastination and consistency on shooting or even getting inspired for new ideas. Keeping up with the standard that’s out there and exceeding it aswell. Technology is constantly growing and when you’re small and up and coming that can be very challenging sometimes. Read more>>
Rachel Rhoton
I was extremely fortunate to have met two great friends, Courtney Brewer and Cheyenne Simpkins, during a photography retreat at Yosemite. Their passion for not only work, but also people, really stuck with and inspired me to want to do more and really give my dream of being a photographer a fair chance. I continued working while living out in Arizona, but dedicated more time to photography, taking landscape pictures and taking on wedding gigs. I have recently moved to Nashville, where I have accepted a Scientist position at PACE and where I hope I can continue to grow my business and take photos of both places and people. Read more>>
Raymond Friend
Our shop is located in Leesburg, a small town in Southern Ohio. When we were growing up there used to be a dairy bar right downtown. It was very small with three picnic tables tucked into a corner between two buildings. I remember as a kid that after baling hay or playing basketball we would go get ice cream cones and visit with people from the town at those picnic tables. It was a community hangout and a great place to get lunch. It even had a signature burger, the Leesburger. Read more>>
Chelsey DeMatteis
In 2019, my podcast Living with Less launched into the world. Which soon after led to my first written pieces being published with Salem Media, YouVersion Bible App, and Lifeway’s Journey Women Magazine in 2020. In 2021, my first devotional book, More of Him, Less of Me: Living a Christ-Centered Life in a Me-Centered World, was published by Arabelle Publishing. Then came my most recent book, an Advent devotional titled A Thrill of Hope, which was published in 2024. I’m currently working on my third book, Mercy in the Margin, which is scheduled for release by B&H in August 2026. This 52-week devotional is designed for moms to encounter Jesus in the most unlikely places of motherhood. Read more>>
Robyn Riddick
I have been styling hair since I was in high school. It has always been something that I love to do. Once I graduated from high school, I enrolled in Cleveland State University. I received both my bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in social work. After working in the social work field for a few years, I decided to begin a second career. After the sudden and untimely passing of my favorite aunt, who was one of my biggest supporters, I decided that I wanted to pursue what I was passionate about. I transitioned into the beauty industry and became a full-time hair stylist. Read more>>
Phillip O’Rourke
There were seasons when doubt and fear had a louder voice than confidence. As many entrepreneurs and creatives know, imposter syndrome is real, and for me, it was often crippling. My gifts always made room for me, but I would sometimes let myself get just far enough before fear would talk me into shrinking. That lingering question—Who am I, really?—kept showing up in quiet moments and big decisions alike. Read more>>
Adam Benner
I started brewing at home in 2010 with a friend and my wife in our small Chicago coach‐house kitchen, tinkering with a basic kit and refining recipes whenever we could. As our batches improved, my college roommate Walt, who is a great graphic designer, offered to create labels whenever we had a beer we liked. By early 2012, we decided to turn that hobby into a business, launching a $30,000 Kickstarter under the name “Oval Brewing Company.” After hitting our goal, we quit our corporate jobs (mine at Walgreens) and spent the next 18 months scouting brewery‐sized spaces in Columbus. Read more>>
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>>
