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.
Aiden Knowles
Wyatt and Maurice knew each other in real life, and it mostly went from there. Everyone else we met through a local non-profit music resource center. Wyatt met Aiden online on an app, and from there it all picked up. Read more>>
Linnette Owens
Starting at The Loft Boutique, beauty salon was a leap of faith as a pioneer hairstylist.. I walked in alone —-no mentor no support system just sheer determination and passion for my craft. Every challenge was mine to tackle every success mine to earn through long hours dedication, and unwavering belief in my talent. I’ve carved out a name for myself What once felt like it uphill climb became a journey of growth, resilience, and triumph.. Read more>>
Stephanie Reed
Stephanie, the talent behind StephanieisLive, began her creative journey on YouTube—gaining traction through original content and visual storytelling. She became a YouTube partner with Broadcast Media Network and later joined AwesomenessTV, sharpening her production and editing skills. Over time, her passion grew into a full freelance career. Today, Stephanie specializes in videography and photography for cooking segments, church video productions, commercials, and nature moments—capturing real stories with purpose and clarity. See more at www.stephanieislive.com. Read more>>
Karen Gerberry
My crochet journey started when I was just 7 years old. I had a babysitter who owned a dairy farm, and every day it was either help milk the cows—or sit and crochet washcloths. Needless to say, I chose the washcloths! Later, in high school, I learned how to knit, and my love for crafting just grew from there. Read more>>
Michelle McGoun
I have been a hairdresser for 43 years. It is my love and my passion I had worked behind the chair for many many years and became an educator for a company out of New York for many many years.. I missed being behind the chair, but the education for all the hair shows and educating I did was incredible. I just wanted to open a small space. I had many many contacts through stylist that I had educated through the years that wanted to come aboard so I ended up opening a large space.. We have had our ups and downs, but my passion for the industry continues to grow. I work behind the chair three days a week and then manage and train new stylist and apprenticeships.. Read more>>
Triple Creek
We really focus on crowd engagement. Playing songs that are tailored the crowd, getting them up and moving and singing along. Just bringing the energy in general so everyone can have a good time. We also play more laid-back gigs, but love it when the crowd is “in” it. Read more>>
Terrin McCullough
At first, I focused on restaurants that were doing takeout during Covid. I wanted to help people find good food while staying safe. As things started to open up again, I began visiting more and more restaurants and sharing those experiences too. In 2023, I started adding travel and fun activities to my page, not just food. Now, I get to share all kinds of cool spots in Cincinnati, all around Ohio, and even in other parts of the world. I really love showing people new places to eat and explore. It makes me so happy when someone tries one of my recommendations and loves it! Sharing these experiences is something I truly enjoy. Read more>>
Siya Charles
I started playing through trombone at age 13 after our high school music director (a brilliant jazz trombonist) opened auditions for the school’s wind orchestra. I played a jazz waltz for him on the piano that I’d learned by ear, after that he paused for about 3 seconds and asked, “Do you want to learn the trombone?” The rest, as they say, is history. After high school, I studied jazz trombone performance at the South African College of Music at the University of Cape Town and graduated with honours in 2013. In 2024, I graduated magna cum laude with a Masters in Music specialising in jazz studies at the world-renowned Juilliard School. Read more>>
Adrian Rodriguez
Sabana Coffee began as a shared dream between my wife and me during the COVID era. With a little extra time on our hands, we started looking for new ways to express our creativity. I thought back to my parents’ coffee farm in Venezuela, in a small coffee-growing town, and how magical and fascinating the world of coffee had always felt to me. That’s when we knew — this was the path we wanted to follow. Sabana Coffee is a small, family-run business with a big heart, excited to share the best of Latin American specialty coffee with our community here in Ohio. Read more>>
Jordan (Chriss) Puckett
We also play at an old folks home called storypoint in Troy which is super rewarding. Just focusing on writing music, having fun, meeting great people and seeing where it goes before we turn 40 years old as sort of an unspoken goal. Balancing all this with kids is very tough, I have two and he has one but we greatly appreciate the support we have from family to be able to chase our dream for a little bit. We’ve won some awards and participated in cool events with national acts such as Sponge and blessid union of souls. Going to continue to expand and reach more people. Read more>>
Marcus Johnson
It has not always been easy, still isn’t easy with traveling through different time zones and learning numerous of songs. Sometimes within a short timeframe with having to perfect the music which messes with your brain and your mind causing you to lose sleep. Read more>>
Michael Segrist Jr.
With no formal training, and a background in biology, Michael draws his artistic talent from his relatives on his mother’s side who are artists. He learned to draw when he was young but now sees his art as a day-to-day process that is constantly evolving, especially working with the abstract genre. In addition to painting, he is currently working on developing a signature portfolio and strong online presence for his work. Artistic wise, he is influenced by van Gogh, Matisse, Pollock and the works of Nietzsche. He encourages and welcomes feedback regarding his art. At this time, Michael is currently taking on commission work and working to build a signature style and outlook. All in all, Michael sees his art as a form of expression allowing him to connect with others and the surrounding world. Read more>>
Jessica Kent
From that point on, I have expanded my horizons to patterns ranging from animals, seasonal decorations, baskets, customized gifts and more! In 2024, I decided to start selling all the items I was making and from there, decided to try out selling at markets. Through the success of the markets I knew I wanted to do more. This June, I will start selling in store at Locally Spruced located in Legacy Village. I have and will continue to draw most of my love of creating from the joy it brings others and hope I can do the same for you! Read more>>
IB Fasakin
My journey into the photography business began thanks to my wife. She’s a fashion designer, and at one point we were working on rebranding her business. During the planning and budgeting phase, we realized hiring a professional photographer would be quite expensive. So, she decided to invest in a camera instead—a Canon 6D Mark II. That camera quickly became mine. Read more>>
Joyous Williams
The lessons are something you cannot fake. More than anything, I’ve learned about the importance of sustainable growth: balancing the needs of my clients, my supervisees, my children, my marriage/life partner, my pets, my friends, and my own wellness are all important. The biggest help is seeing my business as its own “living” thing separate from me (kind of like a garden) that works in its own unique way. Read more>>
Deysi Sanchez
Learning this craft has been a journey full of highs and lows. It’s taken late nights, lots of practice, and learning to be patient with myself. I’m still growing, still learning, and still perfecting my skills. Despite the challenges, I’ve never given up. My love for makeup and the desire to create beauty—even through the chaos—keeps pushing me forward. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and excited for how much further I can go. Read more>>
Kameron Pepera
Colors+ Counseling is a private practice committed to serving the underserved. Our mission is to provide a range of mental health and wellness services, resources, and education with a focus on cultural competence. We are committed to using our lived experiences to offer a deeper understanding and support to our clients, particularly in navigating minority stress. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our practice and essential to delivering the highest quality of care. We help people of all ages, orientations, abilities and identities meet the goals that they have set to succeed in life—whether young or old, LGBTQ+ or not, and from all racial and ethnic backgrounds. Read more>>
Jesse Baker
Our business model sets up apart. Arcade, media store, bar and food (coming soon). Family friendly environment. All ages all the time. All day game play on 100+ arcade and pinball games and consoles for an insanely low price. Very competitively priced items in the media store. Weekly events in the pinball and fighting game communities. We pride ourselves in maintaining our games. We rarely have more than a few games down at any time as we have multiple techs on hand during the week. I’ve been to a lot of arcades over the years, and I feel like we have one of the more unique setups you will come across. Read more>>
Gina Hardin
Here’s why I am glad I had breast cancer: It led me to the Karen Wellington Foundation for Living with Breast Cancer. It led me to find my WHY. After retiring in 2023, I started volunteering and fell in love with KWF’s mission to give families a break from breast cancer. When KWF asked if I’d like to be the Development Director – I immediately said YES. Yes to LIVING. Every day, I get to see families replace fear and anxiety, with smiles and memories. Read more>>
Shirley Williams
I specialize in health education and advocacy, particularly in underserved communities where language, cultural barriers, or a lack of trust in the system can get in the way of care. A big part of my job is meeting people where they are—literally and emotionally. That might mean making home visits, attending community events, or simply being available for a conversation at the local clinic or church. Read more>>
Alyssa Hertz
I took everything I learned from both my fashion and theatre program, and got onboard my first ship the Bliss as the Lead Wardrobe Supervisor for Jersey Boys and SIX The Musical. After I got comfortable with ship life, I sunk into making my own creations on the side. Seeing as I was in such beautiful places around the world, I decided to take full advantage and do my own photo shoots of what I was making. On my third contract on the Prima, I made some of my favorite designs, getting gorgeous shots of them in fields of flowers in Iceland and in front of waterfalls in Norway. Currently, I am on my fourth contract on the Prima, continuing to create my own designs while working with the incredible company Burn The Floor. Read more>>
Lloralyn Floyd
The name was inspired by desire to create products that brought calm, comfort, and a sense of home to others, just like they did for me. I balanced this with my full-time job- a role that’s taught me the importance of compassion, resilience, and community. Today, I’m proud to see my candle business growing, reaching new people, and hearing how something as simple as a scent can brighten someone’s day or bring back a meaningful memory. It’s been a journey of faith, learning, and taking chances, and I’m excited for what’s still to come. Read more>>
Amy Durtschi
Together, they have dedicated their purpose to providing what they believe is missing from the current healthcare landscape. A place where ALL women feel supported and important. A place that considers the whole person, not a diagnosis or a body undergoing natural changes. Read more>>
Debbie D’Amico
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s part of what makes the journey so rewarding. Starting a business from scratch, especially in the event industry, came with a huge learning curve. I went from being behind the bar to having to figure out everything from marketing and licensing to logistics and client management. There were moments of doubt, slow seasons, and the pressure of wearing all the hats. One of the biggest challenges was getting people to take a brand new business seriously, but I stayed focused on delivering great service, and slowly, word-of-mouth started to build. Every challenge forced me to level up, not just as a bartender, but as a business owner. Read more>>
Brandi Sesock
The business began to thrive very quickly and by the end of 2024, it was time to move to a brick and mortar location. Forever 22 Med Spa moved to Valley City, OH and officially opened the doors at this new location March 8, 2025. At Forever 22 Med Spa, services include neurotoxin treatment/wrinkle relaxers like Botox, dermal filler treatments, weight management programs, Microneedling, PRP/PRF treatments and so much more! Forever 22 thrives on cultivating a welcoming environment to work with each individual to achieve their aesthetic goals. Read more>>
Kara Schlegel
My first active experience coaching women started in Fairlawn in 2018, where I helped start a women’s strength program – and this is how I built my reputation. Then COVID happened, and I made the decision to use this opportunity to start my own business out of my home. In time, I outgrew my little home gym and then expanded my services to Richfield in 2022, where I helped pioneer a women’s health and wellness center. This is where I not only continued to grow my clientele, but learned all the in’s and out’s, pros and cons, and success and failures of owning and operating a business. Read more>>
Mike Salone
I specialize in multi-genre DJing. I want to be able to be dropped in any place on the planet and still find a way to make people dance. My technical skills and hosting ability set me apart from others. Read more>>
Patrick Jackson
What I once thought was going to be just a high school job before a career in politics, my first job at Occasions Party Centre has turned hospitality and food service into a passion. I was thought the ins and outs of food service business by Occasions owner Lisa Jacob, Event Manager Tricia Harlan, Kelly Ruhlin, and Anika Okolish. After serving over one-hundred events with a smile, I was offered the position of event manager. This new position fueled me to not only serve the guests of events, but my community as well. Later in high school, I started Events by Patrick LLC. Being a hospitality professional at seventeen has taught me skills that will be used for the rest of my life. I have been able to sharpen critical thinking and creative planning. I later joined the staff of Honeymoon Grille, Kittles Pub and continued work for Events by Patrick to make everyday special for every guest! Read more>>
G Davis
I always loved listening to different types of music and I had an interest in breaking down the lyrics of famous songs. That eventually led me into trying it out myself and building a passion for it. Read more>>
Lee
I do a little bit of everything, but at the end of the day, I’m an artist, content creator, and youth advocate. I really making real, emotional music that tells my story and speaks for people who feel unheard. I’m known for being authentic whether I’m dropping a new song, interacting with my fans on TikTok and twitch, or speaking to the youth in my city, I always keep it real. What I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come from where I started. I’ve turned pain, losses, and setbacks into motivation, and I’m using my voice to inspire others to do the same. Read more>>
Larry Kennon
Since 2014, I’ve served as the Arts Department Head and Director of Bands at Troy Christian Schools, leading ensembles across grades 5–12. I’ve built everything from marching and jazz bands to private lesson studios, and have brought in guest artists and partnerships with incredible organizations like the Dayton Philharmonic, The Ohio State University Marching Band, and even pro teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Cincinnati Reds. In 2024 and 2025, I was honored to receive Grammy nominations for Music Educator of the Year — a humbling affirmation of the heart I pour into my students. Read more>>
Alvin Mantey
It’s costly and difficult and not worth the emotional turmoil. But if you do want to be a doctor, it’s probably close to the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done. Despite hours of lectures per day and rigorous training with long hours, seeing a patient get well is so worth it. It is these experiences I build my content off of, as I have learned to manage my mental health and want to help people do the same. I’m not a master or anything, but I do think I have some nuggets some people will find helpful. Learning social media was also another hurdle. I barely have time to do anything let alone research, prepare a script, film, edit and post multiple times a day. So I don’t Read more>>
Michael Kunz
I’m a filmmaker, cinematographer, and Editor with numerous projects to my name —three of which are rolling out this year. Recently, as director of photography and editor on The House of Crow: Legend of the Melon Heads, I earned a Channel 19 interview, guided its local theater run to three sold-out shows, and helped build its grassroots buzz. Most recently, my film Meat premiered at Cleveland’s Capitol Theatre to a sold-out crowd and received shout-outs in Scene Magazine and on Fox 8. Read more>>
Lee Wilcoxon
Lee’s Roofing Inc. will celebrating 40 years of business next year. In 1986, I bought a seamless spouting machine running approximately 2000′ of spouting per week. Which aloud me to grow in to the roofing buisness. In 1995, I installed my first commercial EPDM flat roof . In 1999, we started doing Duro-Last flat roofing system. In 2000 we incorporated to Lee’s Roofing & Spouting Inc. We currently run 3 resdential crews a day and 3 commercial crews day. The Duro-Last roof get graded on. We are an elite and master contractor for sales and our workmanship. Our quality and our dedication to detail has given us the oppurtunity to finally give back to the community. This year will be our 4th year of giving a veteran a new roof. Read more>>
Adrienne Marmon
Eventually, I knew I wanted to build something of my own that felt more soulful and personal. In 2016, I launched my studio, Studio Black Ink, with the vision of creating spaces that are deeply tailored to each client, layered with meaningful details and materials that age gracefully. I’m not interested in chasing trends – I believe great design should last for generations. Today, we’re fortunate to work on high-end residential and hospitality projects, and I feel so grateful for the trust our clients place in us. It’s been a winding road of growth, lessons, and beautiful collaborations – and it still feels like we’re just getting started. Read more>>
Brittney Smith
My story began in Cleveland, where my lifelong love for people took root. This passion led me to pursue and complete a bachelor’s degree in social work. I’ve always held a deep belief in the transformative power of mentoring and community, especially when it comes to supporting children. My heart particularly goes out to girls who are often misunderstood, and I’m dedicated to helping them find their voice and reach their full potential. Read more>>
Kelli Graibus-Ruic
In 2016, I became a mother and wanted more control over my time, and my life. That’s when I launched a small cleaning business and became a self-funded business owner. Cleaning is humble, honest work, and frankly nothing teaches you about human nature like scrubbing a stranger’s shower while they casually eat chips in their robe nearby watching you clean it just so they can immediately take a shower after you’re done. Through cleaning other people spaces, I saw everything: the clutter, the chaos, the quiet shame people carry when life gets messy. I saw, but didn’t judge, I sat with the information I was gathering. Read more>>
Cindy Petitti-Walton
Cindy has made other changes as well like making it an organically centered greenhouse and Gardencenter. Changing our name to Anthony Petitti Organic Greenhouse. Then added an organically based mini food store with Hartzler Dairy, Paint Valley Dairy and other shelf staple organic products, pastured/organically raised beef, pork, free range chicken & duck and eggs. All raised on the farm right behind the greenhouses! Read more>>
Sammi Young
I would bring a huge pile of books to my Grandma & ask her to sit & read them all to me. As I got older, I started getting into makeup & beauty more. Now, I’m extremely lucky enough to have a beauty career where I continue to create while making others feel beautiful. That has helped me build such a warm & loving community where I truly feel heard & accepted. I plan on continuing to venture out with my second business, which is clothing, & other creative projects I want to pursue. I feel like my flow will never end with creation. Read more>>
Emily Imbus
Getting here hasn’t been easy. Every booking, every client, and every challenge has shaped me into the esthetician I am today. I’ve spent countless hours learning not just techniques, but how to truly listen—to the skin and to the person behind it. I’ve dedicated myself to ongoing education so I can offer treatments that are both results-driven and deeply restorative. Read more>>
