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.
Thérèse Prentice 
For decades, I have asked women, “How do you want to feel inside your life?” That question connects the many chapters of my story. After my husband’s death five years ago, it became a question I needed to sit with and answer more deeply for myself. My entrepreneurial background began in the wedding industry. Read more>>
Eboni Harbeson 
I don’t think I started with some big plan to build a media company or host a show. A lot of my story has been me following my curiosity and being willing to try something before I completely knew where it was going. I started creating content several years ago, mostly as a creative outlet. Read more>>
Amanda Robinson 
I came back to Richmond more than 20 years ago and founded Gallery5, a nonprofit visual and performing arts center built around the idea that art and culture should be accessible to everyone. I wanted to create a space where local artists, musicians, and enthusiasts could share their work, experiment, and connect with their community beyond the barriers of traditional arts spaces. Read more>>
Christina Harris 
Hi, my name is Christina, and I’m the owner of For Creatives! We provide spaces for people to create content, celebrate special moments, host events, and grow their businesses in Downtown Norfolk. We started with small beginnings that may be surprising to some people. During COVID, we started our business using our house, providing a creative space for people to still create in. Read more>>
Christine Holley 
My husband, Aaron, and I have quite a history together, and in many ways, Wasserhund Brewing Company is an extension of that story. We met at Kellam High School in Virginia Beach, both attended Virginia Tech, and eventually married in 2010. After college, we moved to Northern Virginia, where we began building our careers. Read more>>
Carolyn Covington 
My path into wine began with a love of travel, food, and bringing people together. I studied marketing at the University of Minnesota and spent time studying abroad in Florence, which helped spark my interest in the connection between wine, culture, and everyday life. Read more>>
arleth freitez 
My entrepreneurial journey began in 2019, when I founded Alfieyewear with a simple idea: to create a brand that would make women feel confident, stylish, and empowered. What started as a sunglasses business has grown into so much more than a product. Over the past seven years, I’ve learned what it truly means to build a business from the ground up. Read more>>
Jamie Eppig 
I started photography like most people my age- in a high school photo & print classroom. As a junior in high school I was fascinated by what actually goes into making a photo. We rented out cheap film cameras and got to develop our own film in the school’s dark room. After high school, I continued it as a hobby. Read more>>
Kumar Iyer 
Rangoli, is an Indian restaurant in Manassas in business for over 20 years. Opened in 2005 in South Riding, they moved to Manassas City in 2016 when the ten year lease ran out at the former location. Rangoli has won several accolades over the years including the best Indian restaurant in Northern Virginia and Best Retail business award from Loudoun Chamber of Commerce. Read more>>
Samuel Anderson 
My journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t exactly traditional. Before becoming a business owner, I spent about 10 years working in the mental health field. That experience taught me something incredibly valuable: how to understand people, connect with them, and recognize the power of communication. I didn’t realize it at the time, but those skills would become a huge part of my success in business. Read more>>
Tangee Augustin 
Melanin & Manuscripts started in 2018 with a pretty simple idea: I wanted to create a space where women of color could come together, read books by Black authors, and build genuine connections around the stories we were reading. In the beginning, we were much smaller and much more informal. Read more>>
Helen Bodde 
ArtesRVA is a project that was founded roughly a year ago by myself, Helen Bodde (she/her) and Gabby Valle (they/them). We are two Guatemalan-American artists based in Richmond, Virginia. Our goal with ArtesRVA was to create an art market that provided opportunities for local Latino creators to sell their wares and create connections. Read more>>
Robyn Blizzard 
It started with my husband losing his 6 figure job due to budget cuts, that left us just living off of his retirement. We had a 6400 sq ft barndominium we were in the process of building as our home, but it was only 70% complete. We were custom building it ourselves and paying cash for each new project. Read more>>
Ashley Cubbage 
Back in 2011 I was co-owner of a busy photography business. We did everything from newborns to weddings! I loved capturing special moments for families that would last a lifetime! Unfortunately, capturing these moments for families and weddings was taking time away from my own family. Time that I cherish very much! It’s the one thing you can’t get back. Read more>>
D’An Don Juan – Johnson 
My journey into fashion wasn’t necessarily something I planned. In fact, becoming a fashion designer wasn’t my childhood dream. Fashion was something I found myself doing, and what began as a natural gift eventually became a career that would take me places I never imagined. Read more>>
Emma Stoddard 
My husband and I met at his restaurant in 2008 which he owned for 18 years. We were married in 2015 and now have 3 kids. We talked about a thousand business ideas through our relationship but never jumped at any one of them. In 2023 a restaurant space in downtown Fredericksburg became available and we jumped at the opportunity due to its great location. Read more>>
Brandon Hatcher 
Honestly, the inspiration for the story came from a community service project that my fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Beta Gamma Lambda Chapter, was conducting with the Boys & Girls Club during COVID-19. Read more>>
Brooke O’Connell 
My journey with Positivi-Tea LLC began with a dream — one that became a reality much sooner than I could have imagined. At the end of July 2023, I remember waking up one morning after dreaming so vividly about obtaining my business license. The dream was so clear that it stayed with me throughout the day. Read more>>
Carlyn Menser 
Carlyn Menser is a real estate professional and community advocate who has served Hampton Roads since 2006. A co-founder and co-owner of RE/MAX Connect, she brings experience in residential, commercial, luxury and corporate relocation real estate. Carlyn puts her emphasis on client education, compassionate service and a collaborative brokerage culture that supports agents’ professional and personal growth. Her commitment to service extends beyond real estate. Read more>>
Makayla Purvis 
After graduating from Florida Atlantic University in 2020 with my Bachelor’s degree in Multimedia Journalism, I launched an entertainment blog called the Unrivaled Gypsy, during the COVID-19 pandemic. I wanted to create a platform where I could share my thoughts and reviews on television shows across different genres and streaming platforms while helping audiences discover content they might enjoy. Read more>>
Stessy Jones 
From Fire Trucks to Stained Glass Keeping History Alive, One Piece of Glass at a Time My Story — Bluebird Stained Glass Studio I’ve always believed that life has a way of taking us down roads we never expected to travel. Sometimes we choose those roads, and sometimes life chooses them for us. Read more>>
Kristy McCormally 
Let me be clear at the outset: I did not come from cocktail people. Lake City, Florida, was not a martini town, and ours was not a martini house. My mother worked, and she had no patience for fuss, but no one left our house for a trip home without a cooler packed with enough to share with their friends. Read more>>
Daniela Cox 
I’m actually a Registered Nurse. I’ve been one for 15 years now. I’ve also been an Artist my whole life. In 2016 I really started an inner healing journey that allowed me to paint again. Read more>>
Laura Ritchie 
I grew up between Great Falls and McLean Virginia and went to college for Fashion Merchandising at Radford University. I was always the planner of the group, the one plotting the logistics and dictating the dress code. This parlayed perfectly into a career in event design and planning for luxury weddings across the nation. Read more>>
Mckenna Carney 
I’m orginally from Orange County, went to school in Dallas, then lived in New York City for almost 10 years. I moved to Virginia Beach in 2024 from New York City. I worked at a branding agency for about 7 years and then went in-house at brands like Soft Services and Sakara, running the creative operations. Read more>>
Cory Brown 
I’ve taken a few turns in life that I certainly didn’t see coming. Starting a cooking show about mental health is probably near the top of that list. I grew up in Alabama, where food was always about more than just eating. Read more>>
Marta Kovalova 
My story has always been shaped by creativity, curiosity, and a desire to experience the world beyond what I already know. I’m originally from Ukraine, have lived in three countries, and have always been drawn to exploring different cultures, places, and ways of life. I started creating content around 2020, initially as a creative outlet alongside my studies. Read more>>
Jamey Garrett 
Growing up, I was taking clothing a part and putting it back together in a different way long, before I knew what “upcycling” was. I loved art, and wanted to be creating all the time! Read more>>
Sydnee Martin 
I have always been someone who loved to be creative, but I credit a lot of it to my love of reading growing up: being a dreamer, creating fictional stories in my head, even self-publishing my book when I was 15. Read more>>
LaSandia Holmes 
My journey to starting Diamonds & Jewels Medical Transport LLC began with seeing a need in my community for safe, reliable transportation for seniors and individuals who need assistance getting to their medical appointments. The inspiration behind my business is deeply personal. Read more>>
Alina Zubanova 
I was born in Vladivostok, Russia, and took my first trip when I was just two weeks old, to Sakhalin Island, where I spent most of my childhood. When I was almost 10, my family moved to Kazakhstan, and in 2013, I came to the United States as a student. 13 years later, Virginia is still home. Read more>>
Dan Kim 
My Parents started by buying a Korean Grocery Store, HANA ORIENTAL MARKET, in 1998, The grocery store was a social hub for the Korean community since the 80’s renting K-Dramas on VHS tapes, selling Korean Goods, and making homemade Korean Food Staples. My mom and dad made everything in house, the bulgogis, kimchis, and banchan (side dishes) everyday. Read more>>
Sarah Wells 
I’m Sarah Wells, founder of Sarah Wells Bags and founder and Executive Director of the Center for Modern Commerce Policy. I live in Fairfax, and both of my organizations started here in Northern Virginia. My career began in policy, not retail. Read more>>
Veniesha Davis 
My name is Veniesha Davis, and I’m the owner and makeup artist behind ArtistryByVey. My journey in the beauty industry started during my junior year of high school, when I discovered my passion for makeup. I initially went to college to study criminal justice, but along the way, I realized I wanted to take a different path and explore entrepreneurship. Read more>>
Kalina Radeva 
My journey into floral design began unexpectedly when I watched Full Bloom, a floral competition show. I was captivated by the creativity, artistry, and freedom the designers expressed through flowers. I had always considered myself an artist, but I never realized floral design could be such a diverse and expressive art form. Read more>>
Precious Chew 
My journey with Grace & Grind Fitness is one that is rooted in faith, family, education, and a passion for helping others become the best versions of themselves. First, I have to give credit to my parents. They have played an important role in my life and helped shape the woman I am today. Read more>>
Lionel Victor 
I started my creative journey back in 2012, working with embroidery and exploring different ways to bring ideas to life. In the beginning, I was doing pop-ups alongside other creatives, connecting with people, sharing our work, and just enjoying the creative community. As time went on, things naturally grew. Read more>>
Acara Miller 
My business started in 2011 right out of high school doing art shows and selling at stores. I was then known for my enameled copper washer jewelry. I did this through college and then decided I needed a ‘real’ job and became a teacher. I taught for 6 years at a Title 1 school and during this time I had two children. Read more>>
Dr. Michele Cole, PhD, LCSW 
I started my practice in 2007. Growing up, I was voted friendliest and most talkative in high school, so no one was surprised when I left accounting to earn a Master’s in Clinical Social Work to help others. Prior to entering private practice, I worked as a guidance counselor, which taught me the importance of flexibility. Read more>>
Joshua David 
I’m born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. I’ve lived in New York. Maryland and Florida. I was raised in a caribbean household that always did things collectively and the youngest of 4 siblings that has put God first in all aspects of our lives. My maternal grandmother always taught me to do things wholeheartedly and thoroughly no matter what. Read more>>
Samora Tweneboah 
Hi I’m 9 year old Viral performer. I have been performing professionally since age 4. Lately I have been doing showing locally at festivals and other events. I’m excited about my upcoming performance October 24 with Timbaland Read more>>
John Cosgrove 
John Cosgrove is a seasoned hospitality leader and business owner with over 25 years of experience in food, beverage, and event production across the DMV region. A native Washingtonian—born in D.C., raised in Maryland, and now a proud resident of Loudoun County—John brings a customer-first philosophy and a deep commitment to community into every venture. Read more>>
B1G R3D 
I started making music in 2017 as just a hobby after I got hurt from a non football related injury and I had to stop playing. Which after that I really didn’t start taking music serious until about 2019 and then my friends started to encourage me more to make music. Read more>>
Alton Jamison 
Alton originates from Hopewell, a small town in Central Virginia. He grew up in a single-parent home while his father was in and out of prison. His mother struggled to take care of him while he tried his best to become a man despite his father’s absence. Throughout his life, he faced numerous obstacles and challenges. Read more>>
Erica Dye 
I am originally from New York. My earliest ballet training was received at the Dorothy Singer School of Dance in Bay Shore, NY. My later training was with Andre Eglevsky and Leda Anchutina Eglevsky at the Andre Eglevsky School of Ballet in Massapequa, New York. Read more>>
Michelle Farmer 
Willow Woods Equine Sanctuary & Farm was started with $25 and a free horse from eBay. We rented an old barn from the church and started rehabbing it and slowly filling it with rescue horses that were headed to slaughter.. Read more>>
Christina Collins 
Brown Sugar Delights is a small-batch custom bakery based in Lynchburg, Virginia. I started it because I’ve loved baking my whole life and realized I could turn that into a business. For me it was never only about the dessert. I wanted to make something that brings someone joy, even if just for a moment. Read more>>
Cynthia Peterson 
For most of my life, I would have told you that I wasn’t creative. I’ve always been a lover of the arts, enjoying museums, poetry, and, live music, but I never saw myself as part of the creative community. In my mind, creatives were painters, poets, musicians, and other artists. Read more>>
Kevin Lemmon 
After over 30 years in the corporate world (software sales), it just wasn’t fun anymore. I worked for security software start-ups for most of this time. Some companies did well, and some, well, not so well. There were a few times when we were all called into a conference room, told to leave our laptops, and our employment just ended, like that. Read more>>
Samuel Sarkodie 
My journey into dog training started with my first dog, Stride. He knew his commands, but knowing commands and behaving well in everyday life were two completely different things. I couldn’t understand why a dog who knew what I was asking of him still struggled with certain behaviors. Read more>>
Aisha Ortiz 
My story begins in Puerto Rico, where I was born and raised. Fashion, art, music, and culture have always influenced how I see the world. I’ve never viewed clothing as simply something to wear. For me, personal style has always been a form of storytelling, a reflection of identity, culture, and individuality. Read more>>
Coquina Requina 
I’ve always been crafty 🙂 I love to be creative. We’re a military family and we have two boys. I work full time. But I’m a hustler at heart! I have a very determined and spunky spirit😅. It’s become my own little girly space🥰 I love making spunky designs and ribbons and sparkles. Our boys love to make cool little creations, or spunky science experiments. Read more>>
Huma Sikandar
My path to where I am today—as a therapist and the founder and CEO of two mental health practices—actually began in the Fortune 500 world. Read more>>
Dana Wright
I have been a fitness enthusiast and professional for 35 years. I stumbled upon fitness by ‘accident’. Newlywed wife of a US Marine and bored so I started going to the gym and fell in love with aerobics. I started teaching aerobics classes, owned a Jazzercise franchise, taught step, cycle, cardio kickboxing, Zumba, strength training, yoga, Pilates, aqua, etc. Read more>>
