It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them the fundamental questions about who they are and how they became the person they are today. Understanding and empathy are essential building blocks for a better, more compassionate world. We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to ask these questions each week through our interview series. Below you’ll find inspiring interviews from in and around Ohio.
Trinity Full Gospel Church
Today Trinity Full Gospel has a congregation size of about 200 people and is growing. Lives are being changed and people are making decisions to follow Christ at Trinity Full Gospel Church. Trinity Full Gospel has a desire to make a positive impact for Christ in the Y-City of Zanesville. Read more>>
Janelle Phillips
I grew up in Republic, Ohio — a tiny town where everyone knows everyone and hard work runs deep. My parents owned a little restaurant called Fathead’s. I worked there part-time until I was 38, even while growing my own dreams. Being raised by entrepreneurs shaped me completely — I learned early that when you want something, you don’t wait for permission, you build it. Read more>>
Teresa eklund
I started making paper dolls and designing their dresses when I was about seven or eight years old, and that’s when I fell in love with fashion. When I was ten, my mom got a new sewing machine, and I taught myself how to sew. Read more>>
Tanfa
I still remember sitting at my old PC, listening to music on Windows Media Player. Probably my earliest memory of how music got me. Back then it was mostly R&B, hip hop, and electronic stuff blasting through those old speakers. A few years later, I got into breakdancing, and that completely changed how I felt about music. Read more>>
Jeralyn Boyd, MA, LISW-S
What first inspired me to become a therapist was my deep desire to help families work. I’ve been married for 37 years, and together my husband and I have six children, a blended family that has always functioned beautifully. Seeing how love, communication, and effort made our family thrive inspired me to help other families experience the same. Read more>>
Vera Camden
Today I work as a Training and Supervising Psychoanalyst at the Cleveland Psychoanalytic Center and am in private practice as an analyst and psychotherapist. But I started as a Professor of English at Kent State University. These two identities are not as disparate as it may seem at first glance but are inextricably woven together in my vocations. Read more>>
Scottie Nelson
I’m not sure where to begin to be honest I’ve always wanted to perform, but never had the support or opportunity to do so it wasn’t until my divorce several years ago that I decided to stop making excuses and just look for opportunities. So my first venture into performing was open Mic stand-up comedy. Read more>>
Jason Rutushin
My passion for food all started in my childhood, having both sets of grandparents growing gardens in their backyards. Then making amazing dishes incorporating all these ingredients into these scratch meals. This created for me a ideal that would be ingrained in my subconscious that I didn’t rediscover until well into my 30s. I have been working in restaurants and bars since I was 15. Read more>>
MELISSA WERBRICH
Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been obsessed with creating beauty from whatever I had. I was constantly rearranging my bedroom, begging my parents for a new rug, or saving up for artwork so I could change things up. I loved walking through art stores and imagining what I could make next. Read more>>
Lolli Nicodemus
So, my story’s kind of wild! I grew up in a super strict religious environment, like deep in purity culture, kind of strict. Being the daughter of an ‘elder’ meant I didn’t ask questions; I just did what I was told. Dating? Off-limits. Talking about sex? Absolutely not. For a long time, I thought that’s just how life was supposed to be. Read more>>
Jon Slater
Casa Nueva is an innovative worker-owned cooperative based in Athens Ohio. We are dedicated to strengthening the environmental, economic, and social well-being of their community by promoting wholesome products, democratic participation, and responsible practices. We opened in 1985 after the previous owners left town unexpectedly. We currently have around 60 employees operating our restaurant and bar. Read more>>
Jaclyn Perkins
Hi my names Jaclyn Perkins licensed massage therapist , graduated from medical massage school in 2012. Shortly after I received my Ohio state medical license to practice massage. Starting my massage career I knew I wanted to focus more on the medical aspect of the practice. Massage is so much more than the occasional couples massage you receive on vacation. Read more>>
Michael Barlion
Fresh out of high school I didn’t know what I wanted to do for a career and I got a job at a local landscape company working in commercial landscaping. With in a year, I was promoted to landscape foreman, I was 19 years old, and I had been promoted over guys that were more than double my age. Read more>>
Jenna Sulser
I’ve always been drawn to living just beyond the invisible lines—dancing between the worlds of what’s seen and what’s felt, what’s said and what’s understood. Read more>>
Sarah White
I grew up near Akron, Ohio, as an only child. I went to Lippman Day School for a few years, and then Mogadore Schools from 5th grade on. Life was pretty normal for me. I had two parents, some animals, and got to do activities I loved. I started singing at a young age, and picked up dance soon after. Read more>>
Erica Gordon
From the time I was five years old, I was absolutely captivated by a show on TLC called A Baby Story. Read more>>
Derek Mullins
My family and i started a small takeout and delivery pizza shop back in 2007 called Genova’s Pizza. At 23 years old Genova’s Pizza is where i got all my managerial and business knowledge from. Working and running a pizza shop was fun but it was hard work, but that hard work paid off. Read more>>
Mary Roden
So, for a good 17 years, I was actually a Registered Nurse. Hard to believe it’s been that long, right? But even while I was busy in the healthcare world, my heart always had a special place for all things beauty! My journey into nails really kicked off years ago when my nail tech dropped the bombshell that she was moving to California. Read more>>
Amy Bush
I was born and raised in the farthest corner of Northeast Ohio. Growing up I thought that I wanted to be a Thoroughbred horse racing jockey, but had soon figured out that it was a pretty tough game. So, when I had the opportunity to enter into the high school vocational cosmetology program, I took the chance. Read more>>
Danielle Housel
I’ve always had a love for the beauty industry- specifically eyelashes. I tried college and it wasn’t for me. I spent my first 8 years of being in the work force as a manager at McDonalds. At about 23 years old I made a career change to a loan company but eventually the company closed. Read more>>
Angela Casey MD
As a double-board certified Dermatologist and Dermatologic surgeon, the most common sentiment my skin cancer patients share is “I wish I had taken better care of my skin when I was a young.” The first two decades of life form the foundation of lifelong skin health; when we don’t have the right products and habits on board, skin damage starts to accumulate. Read more>>
Stephen Hayes
Stephen K. Hayes “A legend. One of the ten most influential living martial artists in the world” – Black Belt Magazine Stephen K. Hayes spent his adult life in pursuit of perfection through the Asian martial arts and spiritual traditions. He traveled throughout Japan, Tibet, Nepal, and India seeking the best teachers. Read more>>
Coach Mike D.A.
These past 49 years of life have been a true roller coaster. From losing my father to medical negligence when I was 10 years old, becoming active in gang activity and drug dealing in my teens, and serving a total of 11 years incarcerated (juvenile and federal) during my 20’s to transforming into a community volunteer, wellness specialist, and business owner. Read more>>
Gilberto Esparza
After being medically retired after 15 years of active-duty service for injuries received during the Gulf War, I became a civilian and had no direction and felt stuck and disconnected almost immediately. Struggling with (PTSD), self-medication, and isolation, I was in a bad place mentally. Read more>>
Makaila Beckhusen
When I chose to stay home and be the best mom I could be, I knew I still wanted something that was just for me — something that kept my creativity alive. That’s how Stick it Babe was born — a way to bring the magic of creativity right to your doorstep, without the need for a brick-and-mortar studio. Read more>>
Chris Chase
My journey with MST started when I was bartending at the original location while finishing my master’s degree at Tiffin University. I fell in love with the energy of serving people, the conversations, the friendships, and the way food can bring joy even on tough days. Back then, I never imagined I’d own the place one day. Read more>>
Randy Hardenbrook
At 15, I started working at a local garden center after school and on weekends. This first, part-time job ignited a passion for plants, landscaping, learning, and design that is still going strong to this day. Along with many years of hands on experience, I have also been personally trained by some of the top designers in the industry. Read more>>
Buffy D’Amico
When I was a child, I was a competitive Irish Dancer before Riverdance made it cool. I realized my love for dance at a very early age and I got quite good at it. I have many medals and trophies to show for it. In High School, I switched dance styles to drill team at Westerville South and Mayfield High Schools. Read more>>
Rick Amari
Now in a select group of companies that succeed for 25+ years, Columbus Consulting is a boutique consulting firm for retailers founded by a former C-suite retail executive, Rick Amari. From the first client (American Eagle) to now over 350 retailers/brands, Columbus Consulting has served the industry providing strategic and tactical expertise across retail disciplines (Unified Commerce, IT, Inventory, Planning, Merchandising, Finance, Data/Analytics and more). Read more>>
Chelsie White
Hello! I’m Chelsie- owner of Bloom Yoga! I was drawn to yoga in my early twenties when I leaving a toxic relationship combined with years of horrible decision making and zero self awareness had made me feel so far withdrawn from myself and my life. Read more>>
Nicole Sims-Richardson
My name is Nicole Sims-Richardson. I am a wife to a wonderful husband Leonard Richardson and we are a big beautiful blended family of 12 children and 11 grandchildren. For as far as I can remember I have always loved family and get together and bringing everyone together was a joy for me. Read more>>
Allen Conti
My entrepreneurial journey began when I was in grade school and had a paper route. Getting to know my customers and neighbors enabled me to discover what they needed; snow shoveling in the winters, grass cutting and car washing in the summers. And the mentoring of Mother Saint Joan, my third grade teacher at St. Read more>>
Garrett Compston
Our Story: How Sit Happens Grew It all started with a simple belief: that every dog, and every owner, deserves a positive, rewarding, and successful training experience. Based in Warren, Ohio, Sit Happens Dog Training was founded on the passion for helping owners build a stronger, happier bond with their furry companions. Read more>>
Charlie Harrell
We started cookin up some family heritage in a bottle and making grand dad’s wines. Started to share some with friends and family. Read more>>
Olivia N Atley
While in school at Bowling Green State University I realized my deep interest in other cultures and women’s health as I was rounding out my degree in Dance Performance. I knewI would invest my time into the work eventually. I did not know when or how…I just knew I would. Read more>>
Dr. Emma Schmidt
My husband and I have been married for 19 years. When we first got married, sex was really painful for me, and sometimes penetration just was not possible. I went to different doctors, but no one could tell me what was going on. That went on for years. Read more>>
Nikki
It all started rather unexpectedly. An old friend invited me to officiate her wedding — something I had never done before in my life. I had no idea what to expect, but the experience completely lit me up! I realized not only how much fun I was having, but also how deeply meaningful it felt to be part of such a sacred moment! Read more>>
Kathy Carr
I grew up with eight sisters and brothers, one of whom was an individual with special needs. My father was a WWII veteran with PTSD and my mother did not work outside of the home. My father died when I was 13 years old. My father taught me resilience. My mother taught me compassion, giving grace, and Christian love for others. Read more>>
Zsolt Dvornik
Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started by singing and taking up the violin in school, and when I discovered the acoustic guitar in my teens, its sound felt like home. Jazz drew me deeper into music, leading to formal lessons and a degree in music. Read more>>
Scott Doland
The idea of every great song begins with a spark and for me, that spark was rhythm. After years touring the country as a drummer, I came home to Cleveland with empty pockets but a head full of music. I decided to return to college to study music seriously at Cleveland State, though making ends meet was a challenge. Read more>>
Shannon Roberts
We started our business in the winter of 2015 by building our first trailer. We registered and were a part of several festivals in Ohio during the season of 2016. We had a vision of wanting a concession trailer that was a simple process but offered an experience to each customer. Read more>>
Elena Nikitina
My name is Elena Nikitina, and I am the proud founder and owner of Cold Board Gourmet Charcuterie — a company dedicated to making your next gathering truly memorable. We specialize in creating stunning and delectable charcuterie boards and grazing tables that are works of edible art. My path to entrepreneurship is deeply rooted in resilience and survival. Read more>>
Tom Carver
Been playing guitar since I was 14 years old. I’m now 54 years old and no longer playing in a group or touring with a band. So I decided to take classes in doing repairs, maintenance, and modifications on guitars. Read more>>
Jeff Ochester
The Dayton Bujinkan Dojo martial arts school, located in Dayton, Ohio, traces its roots to Moraine and a dedication to Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu martial arts from Japan. The Bujinkan, or ‘Warrior Spirit Hall,’ is led by Masaaki Hatsumi Soke of Noda City, Japan, and draws from nine historical martial traditions. Read more>>
Bailey Hendrix
I started my dance journey in 2002 at the age of 3. I loved dance from my very first class. As I got older, I participated in a variety of styles (Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop and Contemporary). I joined the competition team at the age of 8 which fueled my love for dance even more. Read more>>
Allyssa Powers
I went to school to become a therapist. I current own a private practice as well as a continuing education company called Allyssa Powers LLC where I teach therapists how to start, build and grow their private practices all while earning continuing education credits. Read more>>
Joren Rapini
Initially after receiving a bachelor’s degree in web design from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, I worked at a couple local agencies in Ohio. I went from lead designer to managing an agency’s production staff, while building up a small reputation on the side and working weekends with freelance clients. Read more>>
Angela Foster
Honestly, this became a full-time job right away. I thought I’d just do real estate part-time, but it took off faster than I ever expected. These days, my life is nonstop between real estate, kids, after-school activities, and still trying to make it home in time to cook dinner. It’s a lot, but I love it. Read more>>
Justin Soluna
Soluna Garage is a team effort by Justin and Marley Soluna. We began as a shared hobby project to provide both our local and online communities with a trustworthy resource for education, repair, revival, and restoration services for outdoor power equipment of all types – gas, diesel, and electric – but we’ve grown into a meaningful and sustainable source of self-employment. Read more>>
Shawna Horvath
I opened Liberty Farm of Lambertville, LLC in 2017 and it took off like a wildfire. After a few years, my husband and I felt it would be a good idea to look for a second venue. That’s when we found the house that is now known as Liberty House of Waterville. We opened Liberty house in the spring of 2021 coming out of Covid. Read more>>
Nathan Ruffing
I was a military helicopter pilot from 2007-2015. I flew the CH-53E helicopter, which is a transport helicopter. We used sun and moon software to determine how lighting would be at night. I always thought our software should be better. Read more>>
Ryan Ware
From a young age, I was certain I knew exactly who I would become. I was fascinated by buildings, bridges, and the way a space could make you feel the moment you entered it. I chased that passion into architecture, believing my purpose was to create the kinds of places people would remember. But once I was in the profession, something unexpected happened. Read more>>https://voyageohio.com/interview/exploring-life-business-with-ryan-ware-of-connective-consulting-group-connective-coaching-dba
Adam Giriunas
I started Ace Consulting Digital Marketing at 19, building websites for small businesses while figuring out my own path. Those early years were tough — facing rejection, tight budgets, and a lot of self-doubt — but staying consistent and learning from every challenge helped me grow. Read more>>
Amneh Taye
I started my holistic integrative work, after I broke my back working with the military in Iraq serving in war. When I got back to the states, surgery was the only option to recovery, I was told. At the time, I walked by a place called the Open Center in NYC. Read more>>
Sensei Matt Zahand
I began martial arts kicking in the womb lol. My father, and the founder of our business, Zahand’s Martial Arts, was 1987 Olympic Sportsman of the Year and a 2-time Pan American Champion in karate. I grew up doing it and began teaching at the age of 8, assisting with preschool classes and working specifically with behavioral students; autistic, ODD, and ADHD mainly. Read more>>
Don Ballard
Our story starts back in 2015. I was working as a contract consultant and could not find jobs local in Ashtabula county. So when the contract I was on ended we scraped up everything we could to start a business. We had seen indoor play centers in Alaska where we lived before so we thought we would bring that to our community. Read more>>
Matthew Corbett
I became interest in psychotherapy from my high school teacher Dr Joseph Tedesco at Villa Angela Saint Joseph High school. He was going to graduate school at the time and would discuss theory, cases, and was just a very inspiring person. He was really good at identifying people’s strengths and then putting them to work using them to better the school. He died in 2016. Read more>>
Stevie Patterson
I then did some research and found a apprenticeship a week later by the grace of God. My first shop wasn’t the best, but I am grateful for the opportunity. I eventually found an amazing shop “Total Immortal” where I worked with a lot of amazing artists, who I learned so much from. I am now at Green light tattoo & art gallery. I am surrounded by greatness. I am slowly learning very important lessons and working my way up. My parents, great grandparents, grandma Monika, aunt Jennie and my art teachers are the main people that gave me a space to grow & learn as a artist. I am very grateful and excited to see what the future has in store for me Read more>>
Shay Hill
We also built a retail café, not just as a space for families to gather, but as a way to support small businesses. I wanted to create opportunities for local makers to pop up and sell their products—especially for those who dream of a storefront but can’t yet afford a brick-and-mortar space. Just like someone once believed in me, I want to be that person for someone else. I found my niche is supporting woman owned businesses. We work together to host networking events and a support group for women in business to chat. Read more>>
