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.

Alexander Boom

Power Boom’s purpose is to make electric vehicle (EV) charging more accessible by making it simpler and more rewarding to set up and manage EV charging sites. Read more>>

Alex Holt

After graduation, I found myself working for a local landscaping company, and I started to enjoy things. We will create so shortly after our branched off with a close friend and started a lawn care service.. highlighter decided to grow my own company and make it a Lawn Care land scaping focused business around 2011.  Read more>>

Andrea Kramer

I grew up in the apparel and uniform business. My family built a company rooted in relationships, service, and integrity, and those values were never optional in our house. They were modeled daily. I didn’t set out to do something different. I set out to amplify what I was taught and carry it forward in a way that reflected the world we’re living in now. Read more>>

Milan Dayalal

How VirtualVetDoc Started VirtualVetDoc was born out of a simple but urgent realization: pet owners were waiting too long — and paying too much — to access basic veterinary care. Like many families across the country, I saw firsthand how difficult it had become to get timely appointments. In many communities, especially rural and agricultural areas, veterinarians are booked 10 days or more in advance. Read more>>

Lisa Falkenstein

Lisa graduated from Kent State University with a BA in Family Studies. After working in various social work positions and working with many families in various capacities, she found her calling. Lisa’s love for families, motherhood, parenthood, and breastfeeding/chestfeeding led to her career choice as a postpartum doula in Cleveland. Read more>>

Ashley Morrow

My journey into this work wasn’t just professional, it was deeply personal. For over 18 years, I’ve worked in the field of mental health and addiction, walking alongside individuals and families navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, and life-altering challenges. This has been both volunteer-based and professionally. My passion for this work comes from overcoming my own battles many years ago. Read more>>

Nandita Srikumar

My journey as a brain health advocate began in 2024. For me, it started off as a usual Sunday afternoon and I was at the local medical center dedicating my time back to the community. However, during my volunteer shift I witnessed a dementia patient continuously calling for help and his face was filled with constant confusion, and I knew I had to take action. Read more>>

Meranda Middleton

Honestly, I kind of fell into the wedding industry — but looking back, it feels like it was always where I was meant to be. I spent a lot of time in hospitality early on, working in restaurants and country clubs, and during college I had the opportunity to intern with a wedding planner in Cincinnati. That experience really sparked something in me. Read more>>

Lauren Connolly

Wild Developments Studio began as a personal healing journey before it ever became a business. I’ve loved wildlife and art for as long as I can remember. I studied Maritime Studies, became an Open Water S.C.U.B.A. Instructor, certified naturalist and interpretive guide, worked in conservation settings, and spent years photographing and painting the natural world. Read more>>

Wesley Ryan

Performance Dogs of Ohio started with one dog, one frisbee, and a simple love for the human-canine bond. What began as a hobby quickly turned into something much bigger. I started training and competing in disc dog events just for fun, never imagining it would grow into a full-scale entertainment company. Read more>>

Aidan King

I first got into making music back in 2011. Messing around with rapping and making simple rap beats. That hobby continued on and off until early 2022 when I found a passion for making electronic music, UK influenced dubstep to be specific. I served in the Army as an Airborne Infantryman from 2015-2020 and was really searching for something to be passionate about again. Read more>>

Marija Srdic

I started permanent makeup back in 2021. I was a senior in college and pursuing a medical path. I always had an interest in beauty – specifically makeup, and became really good at doing makeup on myself and for others in my teenage years. Read more>>

Sahar Shouman

With over 12 years of experience behind the chair, I’ve built my career on hard work, passion, and a commitment to staying ahead of the latest trends. From taking new clients late to making sure every person who sits in my chair feels confident and cared for, I’ve always believed that dedication is the foundation of great results. Read more>>

Viraj Parikh

I started my my professional journey starting 1985, when I immigrated to this country and wanted to do something special. I started offering beauty service doing eyebrows threading , waxing from our home with very limited resources. Through my dedication and perseverance I turn my skills into a small business. I steadily expanded my service to different offering like facials and bridal hairdos, makeup. Read more>>

Erin Grove- Eckelman

Listening to my tea kettle whistle after having taken my dog to be spayed and my daughter her bookbag to school that she forgot, I sit down to write my story for Voyage Ohio and wonder what can I say that will tell my story well. I am late getting this in, I have a terrible cold and I have work to do. Read more>>

Allon (Retro Pharaoh) Shockley

I’m Retro Pharaoh, a Cleveland based recording artist. I recorded my first song at the age of 3 and knew then that music is my calling. 2012 – 2015 I started my first local campaign dropping my first solo EP THC Relations along with 3 visuals. 2015-2021, I succumbed to my ailing mental health, which resulted in me quitting music. Read more>>

Shaughnessy Curry

So here’s the thing. I got tricked into doing cosmetology. God definitely has a plan that goes far beyond my understanding. I wanted to be a fashion designer. They closed down that program at the career center the year before I was able to apply. All my friends chose a career path so I just landed on cosmetology. Read more>>

Adam Niec

I got into Merchant Services on Valentine’s Day of 2014 and immediately fell in love with the industry. I love small business, helping people, and see massive upside and potential in this industry. The company I started working with got acquired, and after that, they went downhill. Read more>>

Pamela Mills

I began as and administer in Long Term Care but felt I could work more for the individual as a therapist/Social Worker. I completed my Master in Social Work at St Louis University. I then moved into Hospice Social Work in central Illinois. I moved to Ohio in 2008 after the Hospice Program I was working for closed. Read more>>

Lindsey Gabriel

I was a Registered Nurse with a master’s degree in nursing administration and leadership for 11 years. I found out I was pregnant with twins , Cooper and Conrad, smack dab in the middle of the Covid Pandemic. I had the twins in November of 2020 and both had extended NICU stays. Conrad was born with Spina Bifida and had surgery at 2 weeks old. Read more>>

Steven Crane

My journey begins with my service in the United States Marine Corps, where discipline, resilience, and responsibility were forged through real-world challenges. Like many veterans, my transition back to civilian life was not easy. After leaving the military, I faced serious personal and financial hardship and even experienced homelessness. Read more>>

Cassandra Troyer

My love for photography started before I even knew what to call it. My grandmother was always running around with a disposable camera in her hand, documenting everyday life, and as soon as I was old enough she started buying me my own. I still have those photos— and looking back, I think that’s where it all began. Read more>>

Jake Thomas

I grew up in a small town in southern Ohio. I’ve been an entrepreneur for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I sold crafts I made to adults at my church and my art projects to my siblings — at a family discount, of course. I’ve always been fascinated by creating something valuable and finding ways to share it with others. Read more>>

Chazz Hawks

I’m Chazz, a self-taught fashion designer and the founder of House of Chazzly. My journey began from a need to see more representation in the fashion industry, especially for LGBTQIA2S+ individuals and those from diverse backgrounds. I’ve always believed fashion should be for everyone, which is why my collections showcase people of all shapes, sizes, and genders. Read more>>