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.

Noelle Morovich

I founded Paws in the Land in the summer of 2019. I had previously been helping run another pet sitting business for a few years and had done pet sitting on the side prior to that for many years. Read more>>

Jessica Johnson

I have always been very maternal, always knowing that I myself wanted to be a mom and being referred to as the “mom” of my friend group for as long as I can remember. I have always felt a longing to care for others, a love for babies and a strong calling to birth work. Read more>>

Charlotte Budimlic

We got married and moved into our home in the summer of 2020, which was the height of Covid. The majority of furniture stores in the area or online had longer than wanted lead-times, with many of them not providing exact delivery dates. Needing a place to sit, we decided to see what our local neighbors were selling on Facebook Marketplace. Read more>>

Lily Mack

My Journey: From Part-Time Pourer to TapTender Founder When I was just 17, I got my start in the world of food and beverage, working for a local catering company. Even back then, I felt like I was less about ‘work’ and more about genuine human connection—it just felt social. Read more>>

Amy Breinich

My journey in community and downtown revitalization has been one deeply rooted in connection, collaboration, and a love for seeing people gather in places that feel alive. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to help bring that sense of vitality and belonging to two incredible downtowns; Sidney and Troy, Ohio. Read more>>

Ashley Rose Marcum

I was in full swing of training to become a professional ballerina (at Cincinnati Ballet – top level of Otto M Budig Academy) and in the process of setting up auditions for companies. When my life took a turn at 18. At 20 a friend of mine, Lydia, gained ownership of a small dance studio in Oxford, Ohio. Read more>>

Bee Hollyn

Walking the path of the Unconventional has been essential to my path of healing and calling all parts of myself home to wholeness after the personal and cultural impacts of much of our systemic design in this country. Read more>>

Ryan Schultz

I started dancing in 2010 at a studio in Sandusky, OH. named Dance N Style. I originally started taking lessons to impress a girl I was dating, and instantly got hooked. The relationship didn’t last long, but my passion for dance did! Read more>>

Sharon Roberts

I started preparing taxes in 1985 for H&R Block in Maumee, Ohio Read more>>

Emily Jasenski

My journey started 25 years ago while I was in college getting my degree in Mass Communications. I met my now husband, and together we moved back to our small hometown where he pursued a career as a restaurant entrepreneur. I was commuting back and forth to college to finish my degree. Read more>>

Liz Post

In early 2020, pre-covid, my now husband & I launched @platesbypost from our Cleveland apartment, showcasing kitchen creations sourced via the West Side Market runs. We started advertising some of my bakes, and our friends & family proved to really be interested. I baked, Jason delivered. It kept us fairly busy while the world was in disarray. Read more>>

Jodie Skillicorn

I started my career as a photojournalist. I was fascinated by people’s stories — especially their strength and resilience in the face of challenges. At the time, I didn’t realize that same curiosity about human resilience would eventually lead me into medicine. When I read Christiane Northrup’s Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom, something sparked in me. Read more>>

Yonni Crutcher

My love for food started early. Growing up in a Cambodian household, I learned to cook the traditional way — no recipes, no measurements, just heart, intuition, and a lot of love. Every dish carried a piece of our family’s story, and that spirit still guides everything I make today. Read more>>

Nyesha James

I began my journey as a therapist in Missouri in 2009. When my family and I relocated to Ohio in 2012, I faced an unexpected setback — Ohio did not offer reciprocity for my Missouri license. I felt defeated and uncertain about my next steps. During that time, I explored other paths, working in Vocational Rehabilitation and becoming a certified yoga instructor. Read more>>

Derek Goldschmidt

I started Cincy Bros Computer Pros back in January of 2024 with my close friends from High School. In April of 2024 my friends and I went separate ways because I wanted to focus on selling services and they wanted to repair old gaming consoles. Read more>>

Ellen MacMaster

I love stuffed animals, but didn’t like the price or quality of many of them, so I decided to start my own ‘EmBears business and make a good-quality stuffie that most people can afford. I started out with just bears in 2000 and have expanded my line to include many animals, including: lambs, pigs, bunnies, penguins, cows, horse/unicorn, otters, sloths, flamingos, cows, turtles and puffins. Read more>>

Jon Youngn

I’m originally from the Cincinnati area but have only recently moved back this year after living in the Pacific Northwest since 2009. My opportunity to get into tattooing came from doing caricatures at a zombie themed convention where I met my mentor . Read more>>

Adriana Bruno

My Journey as a Cake Decorator My name is Adriana Bruno, and I was born and raised in Uruguay. My father was Italian, and my mother Uruguayan. Since childhood, I have been curious about many different fields — biology, computer programming, and office administration, to name a few. Yet, beyond all those interests, I always loved making cakes. Read more>>

Wade Nichols

I own Starsound Studios, one of the top studios in Ohio that has the only Dolby-certified Atmos Mixing Studio. I teach audio in video tutorials on my YouTube channel, which is growing daily, and I started The Cleveland Recording Summit. The CRS is a series of masterclasses on how to record. I grew up in Lakewood, Ohio. Read more>>

Vocal Fusion

Vocal Fusion™ began as a bold idea among a small group of passionate singers who wanted to reimagine what a cappella could be. What started as a few voices blending for the love of music has evolved into a 17-member powerhouse ensemble that’s become one of Northeast Ohio’s most exciting vocal collectives. Read more>>

Morgan Warnecke

I started my career in pharmaceuticals, where I worked for nearly ten years. While it was a stable career, I knew deep down it wasn’t where my true passion lived. As aesthetics began to emerge as a field, I felt called to pursue it—even though it meant starting over. I enrolled in a 10-month night program while still working my corporate job full-time. Read more>>

Caressa Joyce

I’m Caressa Joyce, a Yoga-Massage-Energy Therapist, Life Cycles Celebrant, Artist, Activist, Mom, Life Partner, and Somatic Coach. I live on the unceded territory of the Erie People, now known as Cleveland, Ohio and I am a grateful steward and protector of this land. Read more>>

Todd Maki

It’s an incredibly long, winding story. I did not set out to be in music in any capacity whatsoever. In many ways, I was somewhat proactively heading in the opposite direction. It was something that I enjoyed and was something that very much found me as opposed to the other way around. Read more>>

Dwain Thomas

I discovered his love for photography while living in Atlanta, What began as curiosity soon became a calling to document stories with honesty and soul. Now based in Columbus, Ohio, I built Dwain Thomas Photography into a studio known for portraits, headshots, and event work that blend artistry with authenticity. Read more>>

Cassandra McCloud

I have always had a desire to help people, but I’ll be honest – I never planned on being a massage therapist. I went to college for Psychology with the intent of becoming a ‘regular’ therapist. My dad had been a therapist for many years and it seemed like a wonderful way to help people. Read more>>

Nick Herold

The Rainbow Alliance of Fairfield County started as a small group of individuals with a singular mission: To provide all individuals who identity within the LGBTQ + community, including organizations and allies, a place to access support, awareness, education, events, and understanding within their county and own society while simultaneously promoting equality, empathy, and respect through care, concern, commitment, and contribution. Read more>>

Hassan Hercules-Barnett

With respect to my family, I’ve decided to only share the impact of our story on me. I grew up in Los Angeles, in poverty and hardship, exposed to violence, pain, and discrimination, but always had family and community. I initially turned to therapy, because I was hoping to support other children in navigating the pain and hardship that I did – more efficiently. Read more>>

Annie Frost

https://www.wapakdailynews.com/news/the-only-pink-door-downtown/image_211efe42-7fd9-11ed-a5a9-8f21166abebb.html https://www.pressreader.com/usa/wapakoneta-daily-news/20230411/281492165599575?srsltid=AfmBOoqd44CLVXzxEHsE4rsf72n_vgBcp2c5jRfJ2d4vMjm0rWC7ufSa 2 great articles about us! I can answer anything else outside of this!  I now wholesale across the US and outside of it. I have Frost Retail (storefront) , Frost Wholesale (Frost Tees line), and Frost Branding (designing and rebranding businesses) Read more>>

Dan Leber

Berardi’s started at Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio in 1939 having won the bid to pave the midway. Al Berardi stayed at Cedar Point and started selling skee ball tickets in the penny arcade working 60 hours a week for an $11 weekly paycheck. Read more>>

Jennie Anahata

After working as a paralegal for 22 years, I found the courage to go back to school. I had been living in my version of paradise, the US Virgin Islands for 9 years when I felt strong inner guidance to ‘go back to Ohio and go to school.’ As much as it broke my heart to leave St. Thomas, I trusted and listened. Read more>>

Sarah Kay

I knew I wanted to be on the radio in high school. I loved listening to morning radio and it just clicked one day- that is what I should do! I went to Kent State University and got a degree in Radio Broadcast Journalism and quickly realized news was not for me. I wanted to chat, not report. Read more>>

Daria Sherman

In the summer of 2012, the world tilted. A phone call, a siren, a silence that split the sky. My 19-year-old son—my beloved, my muse, my mirror—was taken in an accident that no mother should ever have to survive. Time fractured. Breath became a ritual. The ordinary became sacred, because it was all that remained. Read more>>

Lesley Jones

It all started with my aunt. She was young — too young — when she was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. During her treatment, a woman gave her a small silver pendant and told her it had been worn by others before her who had needed strength too. Read more>>

MARILYN M ZEIDNER

I was the Executive Director of the Lorain County domestic violence shelter for 24 years. We used music in several ways at the shelter. And I also was booking bands at the Savannah in Westlake, a blues club. So that helped me balance from my daytime. At the shelter, we had several innovative programs (at the time) for people with disabilities and abuse. Read more>>

Tabathia Porter

I am sending the link to my book Broken Pieces with a brief synopsis of my story Tabathiaporter.com Dr Tabathia Victoria Porter has a 501c3 non-profit agency who assists and supports victims of minor sexual abuse. Read more>>

Rafi Rodriguez

Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico and a Distinguished Graduate from the Air Force ROTC program, Rafi Rodriguez obtained his commission as a Second Lieutenant in February in 1978. He served 26 years in the Air Force working on Ballistic Missile Operations, Military Weapon Systems Acquisition, Research and Development, Military Intelligence, Foreign Military Sales with U.S. Allies worldwide, and Command & Staff Assignments. Read more>>

Johanna Riggs

My name is Johanna, and I’m the owner of For Heaven’s Cake. I grew up on my grandparents dairy farm in Dalton, OH and have always enjoyed baking sweet treats with my mom- my favorite being Christmas cookies; we would bake dozens each year for parties and our churches yearly cookie walk. After I married my high school sweetheart in 2017, we moved to Wooster. Read more>>

Jennifer Hunter

started Poppin Cocktails because bartending has always been something I genuinely love. There’s just something about the energy of the bar, the music, the conversations, the creativity of mixing drinks, that’s always felt like home to me. After years of working in hospitality, I knew it was time to take that passion and build something of my own. Read more>>

Mary Toney

I taught elementary art classes at Sandusky City Schools for 34 years and I have been a longtime member of Grace Episcopal Church. When I retired, the Thrift Store was in the process of moving. I volunteered to help paint the new location. Read more>>

Stephen Hrosar

I’ve been holding a paintbrush for as long as I can remember. My dad was a painter, and I grew up working by his side. I was scraping, sanding, and learning what hard work really meant. He taught me early on that painting isn’t just about making something look good. Read more>>

Joe Murphy

I started The Real Social Company back in 2002 — long before “social media manager” was even a job title. At the time, I was just helping small businesses in Columbus figure out how to show up online. Most of them didn’t have marketing budgets, but they had passion, and I wanted to make sure people could find them. Read more>>

Emily Kovach

Intro Boutique opened in 2016 in the 5th Street Arcades in downtown Cleveland. The idea came from my sister (co-owner) who owns a blow dry bar, Style House Beauty Bar, in downtown. So many of her clients would ask where to find shopping in town and she had no where to send them. Read more>>

Therese Vogel

I always knew that I wanted to be a hairstylist as I was growing up. When I was in high school my guidance counselor told me I was too smart to pick this career, I should go to a 4 year college and really get a good job. That just made me more determined to be successful at what I wanted to do. Read more>>

Maria Penler

I’ve always been drawn to a creative spaces. In college and early in my career, I taught art classes at the local YMCA to elementary-aged kids. That experience really sparked my love for helping others express themselves through art and design. Read more>>

Keith & Victoria Jastram

Keith came to dance because of his mom. She had been taking lessons at Fred Astaire, and asked Keith to be her guest and take a lesson. If he took this guest lesson, then his mom would get a free private lesson as a thank you. Being a good son, her obliged her. But realized that he actually enjoyed dancing and continued to take lessons. Read more>>

Laura Sailer

I am primarily a music teacher. I used to teach lessons after school as a second source of income, but stopped after my kids were born. Then, I realized it was stressing me out to teach more after teaching all day. I needed something that came naturally to me and relieved stress. For me, that is organizing, and the OCD Company was born! Read more>>

Timothy Barron

My journey into counseling and mental health really began with a simple desire to help people. After completing a masters in Theological Studies at The University of Dayton, I wasn’t entirely sure what direction I would take, but I began working in campus ministry. Read more>>

Sarah Debevec

If you had asked me a few years ago if I planned to run my own business, I would have laughed. People had mentioned it more than once over the years, but it always felt too risky with a family. I was happy where I was, part of a great team, managing projects, building relationships, and bringing ideas to life. Read more>>

Allison Ryan

I’ve always had a passion for helping and supporting people through their mental health challenges. From early on, I found it really fulfilling to work with youth and see how the right guidance and connection could help them overcome obstacles and build resilience. Read more>>

Charita Wimberly

I am a Toledo Native and Graduated from the University of Toledo in 2011. I have been in the insurance industry since 2012. I originally began my career as a life insurance agent. Over the years, I have worked in sales and leadership roles. I began my journey as an Agency Owner with American Family Insurance in April 2023. Read more>>

Jen Zale

Back in 2018, I was teaching Zumba at a location that suddenly decided to discontinue offering classes. Read more>>

Porothea Dennis

My name is Porthea Dennis and I graduated from Dayton Dunbar in 1989 when I graduated. I was a mother of 2 and I graduated third in class with a good support system both community and family. From the time I can remember I’ve always wanted to be a nurse so I started my journey with 2 children at the age of 16 and adding on 2 more by the time I was 22. I grew up in the West side of Dayton mostly and lived in Parkside Homes. Dunbar Manor, Hilltop Homes, and Lakeview Estates.  Read more>>

Sarah Puskas

Though she had always dreamed of motherhood, the reality was far harder than expected. Postpartum depression, isolation, and financial stress left her feeling disconnected and overwhelmed. Everything shifted when Sarah discovered free community programs like library story times, nature centers, and other free and affordable activities for children, that helped her son thrive and gave her a much-needed sense of connection. For the first time, she felt supported, inspired, and able to create joyful memories without worrying about cost. Read more>>