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.
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>>
Hazel Rakes
I’ve always had horses and spent years riding and competing, so animals were a big part of my life long before I started a business. Read more>>
Lora lee Jones 
First off, I’m basically a theater kid who ended up working in restaurants forever (you know how that story goes!). So floralee LIVING really came out of a desperate need to find my way back to nature, groundedness, and who I really am. I was just so completely burnt out after running a tiny coffee shop out in rural Tennessee. Read more>>
Andrea Tobias 
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved writing and doing things that let me see my active imagination come to life. That didn’t change as I got older; it just took the form of skills, opportunities, careers, and what I like to call “lucrative hobbies.” I went to cosmetology school and spent years doing hair and nails—another way of bringing my imagination to life. Read more>>
Sergio Palacios 
Born in El Salvador, I was drawn to the world of gyms, healthy nutrition, and a fitness-oriented lifestyle from a young age. Unfortunately, it was very difficult for me to pursue this path in my home country, so in 2019, I made the decision to move to the United States to start a new life—just like any other immigrant. Read more>>
Guwap Baby 
I’m Guwap Baby, a female rapper from Newport News, Virginia, aka Bad News. Music has always been a way for me to express myself and tell my story. I started by chasing my passion and creating my own opportunities, eventually performing on bigger stages, opening for established artists such as ; Queen Key , Scar Lip and Jucee Froot. Read more>>
Heaven Clark 
My name is Heaven Clark, but you may know me as Starr Burss. My story began with my dad’s love for music and a moment with my mom that started everything. Soon after my Dad return from overseas he always told everyone he was going to start his music career he just retired from the navy! Read more>>
Mahogany Fawn 
The Mahogany Fawn Mobcast actually started because of my mom. She opened an independent radio station, LJDN Radio, and needed podcasters and content for her new network. So, here I was, a Black woman trying something new simply because I wanted to do something for my mother. At the time, I didn’t know what it would grow into. Read more>>
Soomin Kim 
I was born and raised in Busan, South Korea, and came to the United States in 2012. After settling in Northern Virginia, I found myself wanting to share more of my culture with the people around me, especially through something that has always brought people together: food. Read more>>
Emily Thomas 
From my childhood years introduced to acting and singing, being artistic was in my blood! As I got older, I loved being in the content/Beauty space and just took that & ran with it. I became a licensed cosmetologist in 2018 and have been doing hair in the bridal industry as well as working behind the chair to now. Read more>>
Erica Gamble 
Daphne Hill grew out of a dream to create something beyond the traditional floral design business — a place where people could slow down, connect with nature, and experience the beauty of the changing seasons. For more than a decade, we’ve been creating beautiful spaces and experiences through Sophie Felts Floral Design. Read more>>
Zenobia Cardwell 
My story has always been about resilience, reinvention, and finding purpose in every season of life. I’m Zenobia Cardwell, a Richmond, Virginia native, creative and community advocate. Much of my life has been spent pouring into others through my career, community involvement, and creative ventures. I’ve always believed in showing up for others and making an impact. Read more>>
Tracey Love 
I’ve spent the last 17 years working in wine, hospitality, and marketing, and somewhere along the way, what started as a love for wine became a passion for the people, places, and communities behind it. Much of my career has been rooted in Charlottesville and Virginia wine country. Read more>>
Danielle Talley 
I started Sky’s The Limit in 2017 with community classes in parks, breweries, coffee shops, and other unexpected places. The goal was to build a brand and a community and to “take yoga off the mat.” In November 2021, I opened Sky’s The Limit Yoga Co. in Norfolk with Sun Studio in the Railroad District. Read more>>
Andrew Harnois 
My story begins at Longwood University in Farmville, where I earned my BFA in Graphic Design in 2021. Right after graduating, I dove straight into hands-on work across different corners of the industry. I spent time in corporate packaging and later moved into an agency position, leading creative direction, publication design, and campaign strategy. Read more>>
Nicole Roberts 
When I was 16, a family friend asked if I wanted to help out delivering flowers for Valentine’s Day for her shop. I lived in Pennsylvania and the roads had not yet been plowed and I totaled my Dad’s Cherokee on the way to work. Rolled it and everything (Sorry, Dad). Read more>>
Allyn Sheffield 
My company was started in 1987 by my late Father. He was a front end tech/tech at a Ford dealer and as things at the dealership were changing, they got bought out, he saw the writing on the wall as a chance to get out. Read more>>
Steven Hu 
My wife and I both kind of grew up in Northern Virginia and met in DC, but we ended up doing a boomerang out to San Francisco in 2020 to pursue careers in tech. Read more>>
Monica Foley 
My journey began in PA at my family-owned salon, where my love for wedding hair first started. As our clients, family, and friends began getting married, we found ourselves hosting large wedding parties, and I quickly fell in love with being part of those special moments. After moving to VA, I realized how much I missed the wedding side of the beauty industry. Read more>>
Marc Witasea 
About 4 years ago, I was at a local game store, Hashtag Gaming Arena in Herndon, VA, playing Magic: the Gathering with friends. The game store had a bar in it, so you could play tabletop games with friends and have adult beverages as well. Hashtag began hosting GeeksWhoDrink trivia on Wednesdays, and my friends and I would play the game. Read more>>
Cree Myles 
My content journey was inspired by my love of reading. The first video I put up on the internet was about The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. I loved the book so much I just wanted as many people to know about it as possible. Read more>>
Jill Mandichak 
Love Runs Wild Photography has grown into so much more than I ever imagined. What started as a love for capturing real moments has turned into a business built around connection, storytelling, and the belief that the most meaningful photographs are rarely the perfectly posed ones. Read more>>
Spencer Stewart 
My journey has always been rooted in creativity, entrepreneurship, and a desire to build things that have a lasting impact. I’ve always been someone who sees potential in ideas, people, and brands, and over time, I’ve learned how to turn that vision into something tangible. I started by immersing myself in entertainment, nightlife, and event production, working across Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, and the DMV. Read more>>
Christian HOEFFEL 
I’m an educator by trade and an international traveler at heart. Over the years I’ve visited wineries across six continents, and what stuck with me was how easy and welcoming the best wine regions abroad made it to explore. Read more>>
Tamika Jones
My journey as an artist and entrepreneur has been one of growth, creativity, perseverance, and discovering purpose along the way. Creativity has always been a part of who I am. From a young age, I was drawn to hairstyling and enjoyed finding ways to express myself artistically. Read more>>
David Bass 
For over a dozen years I practiced the kind of physical therapy most people picture when they hear the words. Somebody comes in with knee pain, I give them exercises for the knee. Stretching, strengthening, heat, ice, ultrasound, electrical stim. I put my hands on a patient for maybe five or ten minutes of a visit. I was good at it. Read more>>
Sarhand Sarnosi (Hasan)
I grew up in a small village in Kurdistan and moved to the United States in early 2013 to pursue my education. When I first arrived, I began by taking English language courses. Over the years, through hard work, determination, and perseverance, I earned two master’s degrees and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Read more>>
Mallory Macher 
When I was very small I used to sell little finger paintings and marker drawings at my Mother’s yard sales. I was accepted to ODC Visual Arts program in Middle School and Governor’s School for the Arts in High School. I went on primarily in ballpoint and pencil as my own best collector. I became a professional drafter as part of an architecture degree. Read more>>
Dulce Hernandez 
My journey into aesthetics started with my love for skincare and helping people feel confident in their own skin. I originally wanted to become a dermatologist, but life took me in a different direction, and I decided to pursue esthetics instead. Looking back, I’m so glad I did because I truly found something I’m passionate about. Read more>>
Cassie Lane 
I actually never set out to own a med spa! My background is in anesthesia. I’m a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) with a doctorate in nurse anesthesia, and I spent years working in the operating room, including providing anesthesia for open heart surgery. Read more>>
Shamera Stewart 
My story brings together two things I love: fragrance and bringing people together. Professionally, I work in meetings and events, so creating experiences where people can connect has been a big part of my life. Through my own interest in fragrance, I found another way to do that. I began sharing fragrance reviews, layering combinations, and recommendations online as @vafragrancegirly in August 2024. Read more>>
Sulaymaan Alkarriem 
My journey has really been about turning challenges into opportunities and finding ways to create opportunities for others along the way. I’ve always been drawn to leadership, creativity, and entrepreneurship, but my path wasn’t always straightforward. I’ve experienced setbacks and difficult seasons that shaped how I see people, business, and community. Read more>>
Tiffany Jefferson-Kearse 
My journey with Jay Kay’s Tutoring started with my passion for education and my belief that every child can learn when given the right support, encouragement, and opportunities. As an elementary school teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference individualized attention can make in a child’s academic growth and confidence. Read more>>
Brea Sargent 
My story begins at home in a region near and dear to my heart known as the “DMV”. I am a proud multi-disciplinary artist from Chesapeake, Virginia who brings forth dreams into this reality. Read more>>
Terri McClain 
My journey began with a simple desire: I wanted to provide care services for my step-grandmother. I have always felt connected to older adults, and some of my most meaningful memories are of doing her hair, spending time with her, and enjoying those little moments together. I found joy in being there for her. Read more>>
Meghan Freeman 
Born and raised just outside Los Angeles, I was familiar with the world of therapy even as an adolescent 30 years ago. I knew going into college that I wanted to work in psychology, and I also knew I wanted an experience vastly different from the world I came from. Read more>>
Sarah Aksoy 
Madam Amina was born from a passion for Turkish fashion, elegance, and cultural heritage. Our vision was not only to bring beautiful, modest, and high-quality Turkish clothing to women but also to preserve and pass down traditional Turkish motifs and designs from generation to generation. We believe clothing is more than fashion; it is a reflection of our identity, history, and culture. Read more>>
Kristy Good 
I’ve always worked in creative fields in one way or another. I have a degree in digital art and graphic design, and over the years I’ve also worked in photography, fine art, and visual communication. Photography eventually became the thing that brought a lot of those interests together for me. Read more>>
Michael Sison 
I never set out to start a tutoring company. Over fourteen years ago I was a young civil engineer looking for some extra income, so I applied to tutor with two private tutoring companies in the area. Neither seemed to mind that I had no teaching background. What mattered was that I knew the material and could explain it. Read more>>
Colleen Sorey 
It all started with my father Alan Merullo. He began his journey with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 1993 and later opened his own academy called Bushido Mixed Martial Arts in 2004. It was there that my grandfather (Carl Merullo), my brother (Sage Saunders), and myself fell in love with Jiu-Jitsu as well. Read more>>
Chesler Dorsey 
Consensus and Direct was born in the midst of poor leadership. I was looking to provide customers with a roadmap on in demand leadership skills. It has since evolved into, hopefully, training businesses and governments on subjects that i have become well versed over the past 13 years. Read more>>
Angela Tilley 
I came to pottery after a very different career. I served in the United States Navy for 26 years and retired in 2017 as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. During that time, I spent more than nine years overseas, including tours in Italy, Bahrain, Germany, and Iraq. After returning from a deployment to Iraq in 2010, I discovered pottery. Read more>>
Crystal Burton 
My passion for cooking began at a very young age. I used to cook alongside my great grandmothers and grandmothers in the kitchen on both sides of the family. As I grew older, my first jobs were in restaurants when I purchased my first car at 16 years old. Read more>>
Slappy Mcpatty 
I broke my way into this world kicking and screaming through my mother’s ribs with a hole in my heart and death nipping at my heels. Low and behold to me death became my forever companion, The Slappy saga begins, My tumultuous beginnings was something I would learn later in life was a foundation that gave me a zest and a fight for life. Read more>>
Kylie Fagnano 
Like a lot of people in the health field, my journey started while trying to find answers for myself. I was really sick, I wasn’t getting answers from any doctors or testing, I was exhausted beyond belief and ‘nothing was wrong’. Read more>>
ANDRE BROWN 
Creating Spectacular Ink Comics in 2004, Andre Brown built a detailed universe with a cohesive foundation that made things self-explainable and quite enjoyable. publishing the first comic with Motion Man, that started the idea of creating a cinematic universe with characters brought to life by actors/actresses that strongly represented them in streaming shows, voiceover work for dramatic podcasts, action figures, and more! Read more>>
DJ Colson 
My name is Dylan, though most people know me as DJ. I was born and raised in the small town of New London, North Carolina. I grew up surrounded by a family of helpers; most of my relatives worked in helping professions, so being there for others was instilled in me from a very young age. Read more>>
Lindsay Bennett 
I’ve owned Press 626 Wine Bar, which is housed in a beautiful Victorian home in Norfolk, Virginia, for the past 18 years. I’m a sommelier, and I’ve spent my entire career in the hospitality business, so creating memorable experiences for people has always been a big part of what I do. Read more>>
Chris Hague 
Personally I have been managing in Retail for 16 years. I was in corporate retail for the first 14 years, and I have been the Store Manager for The Clothes Rack for the last 2 years. The store itself has been operating for decades prior to me taking over. Read more>>
Debra Wright 
I’d rather talk about women’s history in this industry than my own. As a woman artist, I learned very early on just how stark the disparities are. I found my place in the feminist art movement and now serve in several leadership roles advocating for all of us. Read more>>
Andy Roberts 
I founded the Remote K9 Foundation in August of last year after retiring as a K9 handler and trainer with the Virginia State Police. For 21 years in 2021 I served as a lead trainer and handler for patrol dogs, training state police officers as well as members of local sheriff’s offices and police departments. Read more>>
Jalisa Williams 
Jalisa is a creative artist loves makeup and loves creating skin like clean application. Read more>>
Susan Ritchey 
After I retired from corporate accounting, I found myself looking to do something more fulfilling. I tripped upon pottery, took it on as a hobby, and quickly discovered how important it was to the people around me. It was a form of therapy they used to escape and deal with the hardships of life, and provided a place to build meaningful friendship. Read more>>
Scott Kulman 
SpeechLess Music was founded by Scott Kulman in 2011, originally starting as a small instrumental group focused on creating unique and interesting covers of familiar songs. The concept began with a combination of jazz and acoustic strings, bringing together talented musicians to reimagine music in a way that felt fresh and different. Read more>>
Chef Groove 
Absolutely. Allow me to reintroduce myself. Since the last time I was here, my following has grown and so has the business. My name is William, but I go by Chef Groove. I’m a classically trained chef with about nine years of experience in the culinary field. I specialize in private dining, catering, and pop-up events; where I get the opportunity to showcase my creativity. Read more>>
Asyia Jackson 
My journey into birth work has been one of growth, faith, and learning to trust the path unfolding in front of me. Becoming a mother myself deepened my understanding of how much care, education, and support women need throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. That understanding became the foundation of my work as a doula. Read more>>
Elizabeth Allen 
I grew up on a farm in rural Virginia, where I learned early on to be practical, resourceful, and a problem solver. I’ve also always had a strong desire to help people, and that ultimately shaped the direction of my career. Read more>>
Jo Oliver 
My journey in public relations began 21 years ago, in 2005, when I started as an intern in the Public Affairs Department at the Virginia Department of Social Services. I had no idea at the time that the experience would shape not only my career but also my passion for public service, storytelling, and supporting women in leadership. Read more>>
RK 
My mother was a housekeeper when she was not a full time homemaker, my father was a superintendant, a handyman of sorts, so they both instilled a foundation of unwaivering work ethic and technical knowlegde of how to actively upkeep and care for my environment. I think they also helped me learn to be able to make something out of nothing anytime I need to. Read more>>
Jill Therkildsen 
My love for photography actually started before I ever picked up a camera. Some of my earliest memories of photography are from looking through my grandparents’ wedding photos. I never had the chance to meet my grandmother, but there was one portrait of her that always stuck with me. Read more>>
Tamika Jones
I’m Tamika Jones, the artist and founder behind Craftee Studio LLC. Before becoming an artist and entrepreneur, I spent many years working as a cosmetologist. Although cosmetology was my career, I’ve always been creative at heart. In 2019, I began combining my hairstyling skills with canvas art, and that was really the beginning of my artistic journey. From there, my creativity continued to grow. Read more>>
Rodtranece Mumpfield
My story really starts in education. I have spent most of my career as an elementary educator and have also served as a grade-level leader. Earlier in my education career, I held a separate position as a technology coordinator, where I introduced new tools and helped teachers and staff use technology more effectively. Read more>>
Raven Jae
I started writing songs before I knew I could sing them. I was about 8 or 9 starting one of many songs books. I was incredibly shy. I witnessed a lot growing up, and the one place of safety was with a pen and paper. I had a great childhood but my perception of love was distorted. My parents fought a lot, verbally and physically and music was the escape as cliché as that sounds. I learned from a young age how writing out your experiences can heal. Read more>>
