The Change-Makers: stories that inspire

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.

Heidi Roth

A couple years ago, I heard Jon Gordon talk about the importance of choosing one word to be the focal point for each year. So, in 2023 I chose the word “pivot” – largely because pivot seemed to be something I did often in my career (being a mom, then teacher, then business professional, then business owner). However, and maybe more importantly, I learned to pivot in my mindset, through challenges and the unexpected – to choose the positive focus of my thoughts and attitude. Read more>>

Andrei Ilyutsenka

Our very first program, Cosmos Journey, is a guided trip through the Solar System and beyond: the Sun, the planets, eclipses, the asteroid belt, Orion, nebulae, the Hubble telescope, and even a rocket launch. We began work in March, after months of sleepless nights, testing, and endless revisions. My goal has always been simple: to let people step inside a subject, so learning sticks—and wonder comes back. Read more>>

John Farnsworth

Things kind of fell into place as I was retiring from that first career I was introduced to a man by the name of Thomas Cooke who was looking to retire from his photography business. We developed a plan in which I worked for him the first year learning school sports and high volume photography. That was something I had never really considered. Now I have taken over the business end of things but he still works part time for me to mentor me as I continue on servicing his old clients and some of my own. Everything fell into place and I achieved my national certification of my first attempt which was quite the rewarding endeavor. Read more>>

Gina Washington

After the passing of my sister, my primary focus was raising my daughter, caring for my grandfather, and my great aunt while working for non-profit arts organizations, teaching, and creating programs. I got to where I am now by creating many relationships in many spaces in the arts ecosystem in Cleveland. I am a global thinker and thrive off of collaborating and manifesting. After my daughter graduated from High School, I hit the ground running, making the art that I had held in my head for years. But please note that I also made art throughout all of the caregiving,, while working for 5 different non-profits and more. Read more>>

Yamil Calderon-Tellitud

I started in the photography world when I lost my mom’s car a day that I attended to a photography workshop. I was just a student, didn’t had enough money for parking so just let the car on the street. That day the city flooded and I lost the car… instead of cry I promised myself that I was going to become a great photographer so I could renew the car. Now I’m one of the TOP 100 wedding photographers of the world according to Mywed and ISPWP Read more>>

Joseph Karadin

(ESI) and moved back part-time to Dayton Ohio and co-founded Tessellate. Since then we have been designing interactive and immersive experiences for Museums and Corporations. Like many small companies, we started small and have built up our client base over the past nine years and are based in Ohio and New York. Throughout the course of my career, I have always left myself open to possibilities and used my intuition and passion for design to help guide me along. I never had a plan or a detailed spreadsheet of how to go about becoming a designer but always left my mind open to new experiences and ideas as a way to guide me along my path. Read more>>

Darin Miller

In 2000, I checked out a particularly underwhelming mystery from the actual library, and I thought I couldn’t possibly do worse, so I decided to try my hand at writing fiction. I started by writing short stories, aimed squarely at fans of Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine and Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine. I was a big fan of both and thought my initial efforts weren’t half bad. They didn’t seem to agree, however, and soon, I had quite a collection of rejection letters. Undeterred, I started considering a longer piece of work. Read more>>

Ciara Williams

I got my start in makeup during my freshman year of college (2015/2016). It all started with me watching makeup tutorials in my dorm room. After consistently watching for some time, I thought to myself that maybe I could try doing makeup! I began to purchase makeup from the drugstore and practice on myself. It was at that time that I began to record YouTube videos and post to my channel. I did my own makeup just about every single day. I didn’t care about what people thought. I knew that I wanted to get better, which meant I had to continue practicing. Read more>>

Taylor Smith

I actually started college wanting to be an optometrist, but after figuring out that science was not for me, I took a sociology class as a gen ed course and LOVED it. I ended up attending the office hours of the professor and asked him what I would be able to do with a sociology degree and he said that I could use it as a launching pad to get my master’s and a license to practice therapy. I ran with it and got my MSW from Youngstown State in 2018 and worked in community mental health. In 2023, I started my private practice Monarch Mental Health Services and have been serving Ohio and Pennsylvania ever since! Read more>>

Alex Kirchgessner

Armed with a borrowed speaker, a lone microphone, and a playlist that was more chaos than curated, Queens Entertainment made its debut. Fast forward, and the Court has expanded—new Queens and even a King have joined the ranks, the equipment has multiplied, and our kingdom now spans 15 regular locations hosting crowd-favorite Music Bingo and Karaoke nights. Add in a growing lineup of weddings and private events, and you’ve got more than just DJs—you’ve got party starters, vibe creators, and memory makers. Read more>>

Ben, Hannah, and Emily

It all started in 2022 when Ben dreamed of a way to explore the Renaissance Faire in a new way. He and his wife had spent years going together, and conceptualized an idea of turning the entire festival into a game board. They then recruited Emily’s old roommate Hannah, who is an experienced game writer, and we then created Roll Your Destiny. We are a group that creates immersive experiences for people in various festive settings. We write Quests at various Renaissance Festivals in the country, we have also written Quests in museums and historical downtown events. Read more>>

Damien DiVincenzo

Rae’s Safe Haven started as a vision born from both personal experience and a deep desire to create a supportive, affirming space for our community. Named in honor of my Aunt Rae, who embodied love, acceptance, and resilience, the organization grew out of a recognition that too many people—especially LGBTQ+ individuals, youth, and those navigating hardship—lacked places where they could feel truly safe, seen, and supported.  Read more>>

Aneasha Muhammad

So moving forward i did leave my job! But before I left I heard God say the name Blessed beyond Measures and he tells me that it will be a boutique a womens boutique and that’s how my business came about and one year from leaving my full time job I started my women’s clothing boutique! I love what I do I love serving the community the women o get to encounter and even encourage there’s such a beauty in it! It’s more than just selling clothes for me it’s the beauty within than the outside Read more>>

Kathy Vogel

Then, my plan was to build a career around the theater. That also changed when my dad suggested I do something perhaps more practical. Radio became my new career path, though I don’t know how practical any job in entertainment actually is! But spending my career in various aspects of the entertainment business– from radio, TV, video, podcasting and writing has been rewarding. We make plans, but then God has His own. Through all the ups and downs, I know that I’ve been exactly where I’ve needed to be. Read more>>

Kristin Bodendorfer

Oh no, we have had a lot of bumps, from the very beginning, from purchasing racks with money I made by selling things on Marketplace that I found on the side of the road that others were getting rid of, to losing our location during one of our busiest Prom seasons and having to move in a month when my mom was in Hospice. One of the biggest obstacles we are facing right now is raising enough money every month to pay for our rent. We are grateful to Believers Church for allowing us to continue our mission every year. But raising the funds to do it is always a struggle, and we are all volunteers. So there are no paychecks being cut, it all goes to our DIVAs and our Program. Read more>>

The Twisted Willow Spa

The Twisted Willow Spa is Ohio’s newest spa offering everything from massage therapy to: esthetician services, reiki, IV hydration and more! We may be a new spa, but all of our incredible service providers are at the top of their field with years of industry experience under their belt to deliver the best services to our guests. We believe in the power of nature, tranquility, and self-care. Our mission is to create a peaceful sanctuary where you can unwind, recharge, and reconnect with yourself. We have created a beautiful haven for you to come and focus on YOU.  Read more>>

Donise Coleman

Born in Los Angeles, California, and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, I’ve always carried a passion for modeling. For a long time, though, I let fear and self-doubt hold me back—focusing more on my flaws than on my potential. Three years ago, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and into the world of modeling, fully committed and determined to see where it would take me. From that moment on, I have not looked back. Read more>>

Anna Ferguson

Being introduced to and the consistent practice of meditation, yoga, and mindful living has made and continues to make the greatest impact on my life. It is hard to imagine what my life might be like without my meditation or yoga practice. Without a doubt I have less stress and more joy as a result of these practices. Read more>>

Silkworm Tattoo

The landlord stood by the tenants and refused to let them fall victim to gentrification. The City is much more supportive of the efforts of the shop to be included in commerce activities, and it feels like home. There was also the pandemic. Like so many businesses, shops were closed in the state of Ohio, and among some of the last industries to be allowed to re-open. The tensions were palpable. Tattoo shops centralize around cleanliness as a tenet of day to day operations, so it made little sense to keep them from going back to work. Finally the doors reopened, and the guys got back to doing what they do best — tattoos! Read more>>

Kristi Pittman

Another challenge was earning trust and establishing credibility in a competitive industry without the advantage of an extensive portfolio in the beginning. Through excellent communication, delivering on my promises, and going above and beyond for each client, I was able to turn those challenges into opportunities, steadily growing my reputation and inventory while staying true to my commitment to affordability and quality. Read more>>

Stefano Pinzon

For over 140 years, the shop flourished under three generations of dedicated leadership. In 2023, a new chapter began when the next generation, my mother, my uncle, and I, acquired the business as the previous owners transitioned into retirement. While honoring its rich heritage, we are committed to carrying Peter Gregory Florist into the future with the same family values and personal service that have defined us since the very beginning. Read more>>

Hank Kornblut

It sounds easy but there were some lean years. In addition, we got lucky. The advent of the food channel and the rising popularity of meat smoking were of great assistance to Mister Brisket. Adding deli sandwiches brought new people into our shop and they began buying cuts of meat in addition to corned beef sandwiches. We also became the first business in north east Ohio to sell a variety of cuts of Wagyu beef. By reinventing our physical store as a destination, we were able to grow back meat sales. And by utilizing email, the internet and e commerce, we were able to rebrand ourselves successfully especially on a national level. Read more>>

Lydia Campbel

I asked that same photographer if I could shallow her and she said yes. I went on to be her second shooter for a few years and learned so much from her. I shot my first wedding at 15 years old. My mom sat in the parking lot the entire time, since I was so young. I went on to continue shooting weddings and engagements and just fell completely in love with it. I loved the whole affair of a wedding – the dress, cake, flowers, all the family coming together to celebrate love…I truly loved every aspect of it. Jumping forward after shooting for nearly 17 years and over 500 weddings + engagements my love for the day just keeps growing. Read more>>

Joe Fischer

I scheduled my CrossFit L1 immediately and let them know I wanted to coach. I have continued learning and growing as a trainer since. Two years ago the owners pulled the staff into a meeting and told us they were going to sell the gym in the next two months or close the doors. While they were explaining the situation to everyone, I was texting them asking how much and how soon. There was no hesitation. February of 2024 we made the transition official and public. I have been the owner of the gym that changed my life for almost 2 years, and come January we are celebrating 10 years of Towpath Fitness being open. Read more>>

Carissa West Jessica Koch

Getting to where we are today hasn’t been easy. We started from scratch, with no savings, no clientele, and many people advising us not to take the risk. Through all of this, we kept each other grounded and continued to trust our vision. What started as a dream has grown into a thriving business. We’re continuing to grow, welcome new clients, and create the kind of space we always envisioned. Read more>>

Kathy Pugh

Rod Meadows served as chair person and I served as vice chair of the Juilliard Arts Center until March of 2022. In March of 2022, Mr. Meadows passed away unexpectedly and I moved up to chair person to carry on the mission of our organization. We had been housed in the first floor of Mr. Meadows building in Canton that housed his architecture business for 10 years prior to his passing. Three weeks before he passed, I had purchased the building next to where we were located and with his passing, I moved our organization into my building. Read more>>

Michael Easter

As new entrepreneurs, we had the highs and lows of any new business owners would. Additionally and most notably, when you deal with live animals as your inventory, knowledge and care is of upmost importance. This isn’t always easy to find in regard to employees and the management needed to help things run smoothly. We’ve are very fortunate at the moment, as we have a crew that is extremely knowledgeable, caring, and passionate not only about the business, but the animals that fuel the success of the business, from top to bottom. Read more>>

Julie S

It has very much not been a smooth road. I came into the business knowing *nothing* about running a float center, other than I love to float! There’s been so much to learn; from financials, interviewing and hiring to technical aspects of fixing and maintaining equipment. There’s no “Floats ‘R Us” on every other corner that I can call to come diagnose and fix a float pod that consistently trips the circuit breaker. Again, the original owners and the Float Community have been invaluable! Read more>>

Tara Striet

Then, a good friend mentioned that the salon her aunt worked in was for sale. The owner was retiring and the other ladies didn’t want to have to move salons again. The location was perfect, the idea of only remodeling instead of doing a full build out was lovely, and there were already employees bringing in some money. It was a no brainer. Since then, we have turned it into Striet Style, a comfortable space to welcome all people and have a healthy work environment so everyone loves being there! Read more>>

Owen Fox

We began as a small group in late 2024, brought together by a shared love for cars and a passion for community. Throughout the winter, we hosted frequent meets and charity events, building something bigger with every gathering. Over time, we’ve grown into a movement that gives back more than we ever imagined. As we look ahead, we’re more driven than ever to continue growing and creating unforgettable experiences for our community. Read more>>