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.
Alex & Amy White White
Word got out fast, and by 2019 we’d outgrown two different spaces. That led us to our current 10,000-square-foot facility, built for anyone who wants more than a gym membership. It’s for those high performers who desire a place where they can come either alone or with their family to train hard, learn to eat well, think right, and actually be part of something special. Read more>>
Harley Rose
My first introduction to tattoos was hearing about and seeing my parents’ tattoos at Designs by Dana in Northside. Immediately I got the itch. From that point on; anywhere I was, so was my sketch books. After extensive learning and a little elbow grease; I opened my first studio in 2019. I was able to independently expand in 2022, officially opening in 2023. Read more>>
Liza Harbour
The instructor asked me to look into to teaching and after reviewing the costs versus income I decided to branch out and try it on my own. After teaching a few years at various places, in the summer of 2010, nearly all of the venues where I was holding classes were having issues with my being able to continue teaching over the summer. I had a student whose husband worked at an inexpensive facility that offered studio space rental who suggested I check there for space and Salsa City was born! I became a licensed medical massage therapist and added that to what we offer after expanding to our current location. I am certified and licensed to teach: Read more>>
Liberty Riggs
I like to say that I learned everything I know about design and good taste from my two Southern grannies, and that is truly reflected in the homes we design at Morrison Gates. One of my grandmother’s had impeccable taste in art and antiques and created the most elegant home, while my other grandmother was a big personality who loved big jewelry and bigger hair and wasn’t afraid to make a statement. Our design work sits squarely in-between those two poles – traditional and elegant, but full of color and personality. I’d say we are really known for our fearless use of color, and our smart solutions for family like (AKA designs your kids can’t ruin!) Read more>>
Roberta Franke
We understand that flexibility and prompt responsiveness are key when working with different clients and projects. However, please note that we may not be available by phone or text from Friday evening to Saturday evening (Sabbath). Due to our Seventh-Day Adventist faith, we refrain from providing services from sunset on Friday until sunset on Saturday. We will, however, get back to you as soon as we can after the Sabbath. Read more>>
Christy Wulfson
In search of a big-city experience and warmer weather, I left for the West Coast, where I studied marketing, communication, and design, eventually landing in Los Angeles. I would spend the next decade cutting my teeth in commercial interiors with entertainment, tech, and creative clients like Disney, Universal Studios, and Hyundai Genesis, reimagining workplace strategy long before COVID made everyone reimagine the office. Read more>>
Ryan Boone
I would describe it as anything but smooth. Working in a creative field presents a number of unique struggles. For me personally, it’s the hours and non stop grind of the restaurant world. You have to show up with a smile every day and take care of folks…..there isn’t a lot of time off, and the hours are long and tiring. Finding the time to take care of yourself, nurture relationships, hold hobbies, is hard when trying to excel in any industry, but especially ours. Read more>>
Darcie Goodman
I graduated from Kent State with a degree in Applied Communication and started my career at a small advertising agency, where I was first introduced to food photography for local businesses. Around the same time, a few friends and family members were starting families, and I offered to take their maternity and newborn portraits. I instantly fell in love with capturing couples in this exciting new chapter of life. Read more>>
Jerome Jennings
During this time I began playing music any and everywhere in the tri state (New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia). I also was able to tour with master musicians such as Tim Reis and Hank Jones. After undergrad I was granted another opportunity to audition at The Juilliard School. This time, I got in. After graduating from Juilliard with a masters degree in music in 2007, I joined Sonny Rollins band from 2008-2011. Also, during this time, I served as music director for the pop group, Little Jackie. 2013, I made my off Broadway debut in the play, Lady Day starring Dee Dee Bridgewater. By this time I had travelled to over 30 countries abroad as a musician/ educator. Read more>>
Amanda Howland
I’ve studied yoga independently for many years and formally through the wonderful Yoga Central in Canton, Ohio, primarily with Michael Curtis. I have been teaching for six years, and earned my 500-hour certification in 2024. I teach yoga that is slow, deep, comprehensive, inclusive, and joyful! I also practice Reiki and am returning to school to study massage therapy so I can expand my offerings. I am passionate about mutual aid, building community, and wildlife conservation. I live with my husband, unschooling daughter, and two cats. I am crazy about them. Read more>>
Bryan Hambley
I grew up on a small family farm in a tight-knit community. Early on, I learned the importance of community and fighting for what’s right. This lesson came from my parents in many ways, but one of the biggest early examples was their work organizing in our community against an out-of-state group that wanted to get a riverboat casino approved in our small town. They worked with their friends, members of our church, and others from the community. This was the first time I saw true political organizing, and it stuck with me. Read more>>
Sadie Piper
Some had developed bad habits that risked vocal damage in pursuit of a desired sound, while others felt frustrated by what they saw as limitations in their ability. I worked with students who were hesitant to try new things, afraid of sounding or looking silly, and others who were eager for more creative outlets. At the same time, through my involvement with the homeschool community, specifically a learning-inclusive, secular, LGBTQ+ space, I saw these same problems and needs. Across all of these settings, students were seeking artistic opportunities that taught them foundational skills while remaining welcoming of their varied experience levels, respectful of their identities, and flexible with their learning styles. Read more>>
Kalyn Verbeke
At that time, I was just trying to figure things out. I was a single mom—I had my daughter in California—and life was a full-blown hustle. I was working two jobs: a little part-time gig at Michaels, and then sugaring at the salon whenever I had a client. I had no extra hands, no backup plan—it was just me, my kid, and prayers. But I loved what I did, and I knew if I kept showing up, something beautiful would grow from it. Read more>>
Franz Schrantz
What’s come from that moment is 2 CPT certifications, 1 Corrective exercise specialist certification, and a passion for fitness that has been firing on all cylinders since that moment back in the basement of my old house. I’m able to focus a lot more of the mobility, stability, and proper movement techniques/ queuing, but sometimes I’ll think back and question what would happen if I just used a lighter weight or said no to begin with. Read more>>
Mackenzie Johnston-Green
As an art teacher, I saw how much people wanted a place where they could work with clay and create. But the cost of owning your own wheel, kiln, and supplies is phenomenally high. I always dreamed of having a studio where I could work on my own art and build a little community of people who love pottery and want to grow and learn together. I really believe that closing the door to my previous job gave me the chance to open this one. Read more>>
Ayanna Fullum
Hi! I’m Ayanna. I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. My journey into makeup started in a really organic way. I used to watch one of my close friends do her makeup and work on others, and I became fascinated by the process. I began watching her YouTube videos and eventually found other creators who inspired me. I loved how they could use makeup to completely transform themselves. Read more>>
Justine Liptak
I’m a lifestyle photographer based in Ohio, serving Dayton, Cincinnati, Columbus, and beyond. I launched my photography business in the fall of 2023, and since then I’ve been intentionally exploring a variety of work. Right now, I love capturing it all—couples, families, branding, maternity and newborns, engagements, seniors, college grads, and even my first elopement, which I’d love to do more of, along with weddings. Read more>>
Jeremy Umansky
I went to culinary school in NY where I met my wife and business partner Allie. During this time I worked a chef, farmer, forager, and on food system safety and security. After spending some more years doing this work in NYC Allie and I decided to move to Cleveland where we eventually opened up Larder Delicatessen & Bakery. Read more>>
Anna Brewer
When I became a mother in 2021, everything shifted. As I prepared to return to my full-time job, I quickly realized that the 40-hour work week—with its demanding and unpredictable schedule—no longer aligned with the kind of life I wanted for myself or my son. I knew I wanted to be present for him, to really raise him, but I also knew I wasn’t ready to set aside my own identity or my passion for helping others. Read more>>
Kiki Tillis
Now, I run my own makeup artistry business full-time, traveling for weddings, events, and content creation. It hasn’t always been easy, especially balancing entrepreneurship, creative vision, and personal growth, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’m proud of the brand I’m building one rooted in love, authenticity, and intentionality Read more>>
Mia Shy
As an aspiring performer, I participated in and landed auditions for consecutive years at school talent shows. In high school, I began collecting and writing hundreds of poems that I planned on, one day, converting into songs, even possible albums. My love for music and writing went hand in hand. It got to a point where I could write a poem about anything in ten minutes or less. My mother told me that when you’re meant to do something it normally is effortless. Read more>>
Matt Hosner
Every new business has its struggles and growing pains, ours not excluded. Being a fully self funded opportunity, the biggest struggle I feel for us has been not being able to grow fast enough with concept upgrades to add to our experience. But August 2025 is our 1 Yr Anniversary of being in business and we’ve not only achieved our first year’s goals, but exceeded them. We’re proud of where we’re at and feel so blessed at all the new relationships we’ve built! Read more>>
Nay Reynolds
The journey hasn’t been easy—there were many moments of doubt, limited resources, and the challenge of being taken seriously in a very filtered industry. But consistency, community, and purpose kept me going. Today, over a decade later, LVMA is thriving with signature workshops, high-fashion shoots, brand collaborations, and a reputation for professionalism and power. And the best part? We’re still evolving. Read more>>
Tara Alston
I also provide one-on-one coaching/consultation, group workshops, and formal training on trauma-related issues, as well as subjects pertaining to healing, growth, resilience, and trauma-informed leadership. I have recently had the opportunity to start serving as the Founding Board President of 3D Living, a nonprofit dedicated to providing hope and balance in individuals and families by providing resources, safety, education, awareness, connection, and evidence-based mental health interventions to promote opportunities of healing forward for generations to come. I am grateful for the opportunity to walk with those who are in every stage of their journey of triumph over trauma. Read more>>
Beth Underwood
We truly love what we do. There’s something special about welding a beautiful piece of jewelry onto someone for a meaningful occasion — whether it’s a birthday, bachelorette party, the birth of a new baby, or just a little self-love treat. It’s amazing to know we get to be a small part of someone’s journey, and even more special when they glance down at their bracelet and it brings a smile to their face Read more>>
Jaime Steel-Potter
Aviation runs deep in my family, My father and grandfather were both pilots and my father worked for many years in the aviation industry. I spent most of my early years in an aircraft hangar. At the age of 21 I started Steel Aviation in the spare bedroom of my house and it just took off from there. I have always been interested in and had a love for business it did not matter whether or not it was a real estate company or a lemonade stand. I just like the challenge of creating something of your own and making it a profitable endeavor Read more>>
Carlotta Jones
My dad has been tattooing for over 40 years he’s always been my inspiration so when he came to Ohio I packed up and followed! I’m now at Beelistic tattoo west and have met some awesome people along the way who became more like family Read more>>
Miesha Wilson
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I’ve had to overcome some of life’s deepest wounds—growing up in environments where survival came before dreams. Those early years left emotional and psychological scars that I had to unlearn and heal from. Even as I started building NuLife Fitness Camp, there were constant hurdles—financial struggles, learning how to run a business without a blueprint, balancing motherhood, and fighting to earn respect in an industry where Black women are often overlooked. There were times I wanted to give up, times when I questioned if it was worth it. But I knew that my purpose was bigger than my pain. Read more>>
Ally Breeze
I first joined Global Gymnastics as a young coach, and quickly fell in love with the athletes, the community, and the culture the former owner had built. When the opportunity came to take over the business in 2019, I knew it was the right path. The gym was already thriving, but I was excited to bring my own vision — expanding programs, adding new training methods, and building an even stronger team culture. It’s been such a privilege to continue something with deep roots while also shaping it for the future. Read more>>
Anthony
After graduation, I became a special education teacher for students with severe behavioral needs. I continued working part-time at the residential facility and the Lucas County Youth Treatment Center. From the beginning, I felt a deep pull toward leadership, but I wasn’t quite sure how to climb that ladder. During my third year of teaching, my district created an administrative cohort for aspiring leaders. I enrolled in a two-year Administration and Supervision program, with a three-year commitment to the district after completion. Read more>>
Amy Hoover
I knew I wanted to be a physical therapist since I was in high school. In 2002, I finished grad school with my doctorate in physical therapy and started my career. My first professional job was in a large, level one trauma center health system in Chicago where I was living at the time. That experience really formed me as a clinician, and gave me so many valuable experiences and exposed me to so many different types of patients. I worked with trauma patients, burn victims, amputees, orthopedic surgery, joint replacement, pediatrics, and so many more. Read more>>
Janet Shailer
I have been a journalist for 55 years and the last 20 I’ve also become the author five books – both fiction and non-fiction. My sixth book will be published in 2026. I graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1971 with a degree in broadcast journalism. In my early years I worked for two NBC-affiliated TV stations and Warner Cable’s QUBE experimental cable programming operation as a broadcast engineer. QUBE is considered the first two-way interactive TV operation in history. It was the first time TV was hooked up with computers so you could touch a button on a QUBE box and see the results on your TV screen. Read more>>
Chantelle Luttrell
Fast forward to late 2023, I discovered the Spinal Flow Technique and everything just clicked. I knew right away this was the missing piece. It blended everything I loved: nervous system regulation, energy alignment, and the body’s natural ability to heal. I jumped in with both feet and haven’t looked back. Read more>>
Lambrini Palmieri Schwartz
I’m a high-end interior designer specializing in custom residential projects. My work blends classic structure with a modern point of view—tailored, layered, and a little unexpected. I don’t believe in cookie-cutter anything. Every home I design is rooted in the client’s story and how they truly live. I want their space to feel elevated but personal—not like a showroom or something plucked off a Pinterest board. Read more>>
Jewel Carter
My journey started long before I ever called it a business — it began with a calling to help women see themselves in a new light. In the early days, I thought I was simply offering beauty services, but I quickly realized I was holding space for transformation. Every client who sat in my chair wasn’t just there for lashes or skincare; they were there for confidence, for peace, for that reminder that they were still worthy of being seen. Read more>>
Althea Jones
Part of me moving to Akron was to achieve a lifetime goal and get my Art degree. As a nontraditional art student it is can be difficult to balance the demands of adulthood with school. It is also very interesting managing an actual art career while still being in school. Luckily the faculty and staff at Myers art school are ever motivating and accommodating. Because all of the professors at the school are also working artist they are able to offer me mentorship and point me in the right direction inside and outside the school. Read more>>
Ebimoere Yinkere
It hasn’t exactly been a smooth road, but it hasn’t been tough either. I think most of the struggles are in deciding what to cook, deciding on the pricing of the food, deciding on you know the contents to create. I am also trying to register the business so that is also overwhelming. Read more>>
Dana Enrico
When searching for my artistic niche, I thought back to my past and what I truly enjoy. I grew up with an excitement for art because my dad is an artist. I made an angel mosaic with fish tank pebbles in grade school and I still actually have it today. I have fond memories of my mom letting me play with real chinaware up in the rafters of our barn with my friends and many tea parties with real chinaware. Read more>>
Emily Laurance
When we moved to Cleveland, I began to pursue the idea of presenting my own festival. While teaching at Oberlin in 2022, I organized a Winter Term project for Oberlin student musicians to learn how to assemble scores to accompany silent films, coaching with Mont Alto’s music director. At the end of Winter Term, students performed their scores to film scenes they selected to a full house of film goers. To help cover the costs of bringing Mont Alto to Cleveland, I booked them for several more events at the Cleveland Institute of Art’s Cinematheque. The resulting multi-day series—which included four films, panel discussions, and a chamber music concert—I ambitiously called the “First Cleveland Silent Film Festival.” It came together so beautifully that I was inspired to make it an annual event. Read more>>
Jeff Smith
Jeff pursued many endeavors alongside his career including promoting the only rib burn-off at Midway Mall, Elyria Ohio, real estate sales and rental, his passion for BBQ in 1970. Serving friends and family, local events and competitions all over. Opening The Rib House in 1989 Lorain, Ohio for 7 years. Continued with mobile service and catering at various locations in Elyria/Lorain. Tapping into an open market, he launched his food truck ‘By The Slab Catering LLC’ with his newlywed in 2014. His passion for BBQ has been a respectable business and now a local staple in the community. Sharing the lost art of charcoal grilling and smoking his quality meats from scratch with all who appreciate good food cooked with love! Read more>>
Steve Bower
By our 6th month, we’d had to repair our main design room cooler and replace our primary delivery vehicle. During our first summer we saw a drastic economic slowdown that other florists said was the worst they had seen since 2020. With funds drying up and expenses piling up we had to get creative to keep the wheels turning into year 2. Overall, by the end of year 3 we will have replaced 2 delivery vehicles, completely replaced 2 of our 3 coolers, and had major structural projects completed to repair our bathrooms, air conditioner, garage bays, chimney, and roof. Read more>>
Ebony Wynn
I went from hosting a show, to hosting events to promoting, marketing, and having my own events. To being a brand ambassador for small businesses and influencer for companies all while being a media personality this is how I became known as “The Host That Does The Most.” That’s when I launched Ebony J Media I told no sooo many time. I interned in college but directly after college I got the opportunity to produce for russ parr, Rickey smiley morning show, I’ve hosted future concert for too short to Ashanti. Then started doing marketing and media campaigned with politicians like Alice Reece. Yvette simpson and vice mayor Jan Michelle. Read more>>
Ayana Crump
We are a custom design floral studio. We specialize in customizing unique floral arrangements for home decor, events, corporate, and weddings! We also offer private “create your own” arrangements where we bring the party to you! What sets us apart from others is the fact that each arrangement is made UNIQUE and made with love. Our clients find comfort and excitement in knowing that each experience is truly one of a kind. Read more>>
