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.
Tomi Fowler
But I’ve built my brand, “The Jew That Tattoos,” on authenticity, approachability, and a Texas-sized welcome. I’m proud to say most of my clients become repeat customers and friends, and I’ve been lucky enough to be voted “Best Tattoo Artist in Fort Worth” twice. Today, I work out of Sleepy Hollow Tattoos in the heart of Fort Worth’s Art Cultural District, surrounded by a great crew. My booth is a cozy, private space—think killer playlists, Lord of the Rings marathons, and plenty of Kosher Western Hospitality. My goal is simple: make every client feel at home and leave with a tattoo they truly love. Read more>>
Destiny Johnson
What I’m most proud of is just taking the leap of faith to start. It’s easy to second-guess yourself—especially in a space where so many other brands are doing similar things—but knowing that this came from a genuine place, and seeing others connect to it, has been incredibly rewarding. Every time someone tells me a design spoke to them or reminded them of their own walk with God, I’m reminded why I do this Read more>>
Dr. Dan & Michelle Lopez
Old Glory Pies is a dream that started decades ago in a tiny mountain town in Southern California. I grew up in Julian, where I learned to bake pies from master baker Liz Smothers at the Julian Pie Company. She taught me the magic of a good crust, the importance of fresh ingredients, the value of keeping things hand-made — and that pies have a way of bringing people together. Read more>>
Amy Jackson
Getting started was more complicated than I’d imagined. I didn’t have business experience, a network, or the type of personality I realized was required in this business. I was painfully shy and unsure of myself, and I struggled even more with feeling like I didn’t belong. Never mind that I didn’t even understand all the steps required just to start working or the expenses involved in getting into a field where you can work without pay. Read more>>
Nancy Corsaro
I was laid off due to restructuring and decided to do something close to my heart — healing work. I chose Traditional Chinese Medicine — acupuncture and herbology — so enrolled in Oriental Medicine College in Dallas. Armed with a Master of Oriental Medicine, I opened a practice and the rest is history. Have been happily healing people with natural medicine for the past 18 years. Read more>>
Abigail Stackhouse
In my experience growth and change come with struggles. I have had ups and downs in this field and have learned from them to continue to move forward and grow. I think one thing about this field is not having a typical “coworker”. I have had to be intentional about surrounding myself with people that will challenge me and continue to encourage me; and I them! Read more>>
Matthew Harris
We were always looking for supplement stores we could trust that sell honest brands, but it was a struggle. In 2020 we decided to make a big move and we started our LLC which led us to acquiring a store early 2021. The HercSupps brand was built on a desire to help people reach their goals in a sustainable way and educating clients on what they are putting into their bodies. I work full time at our Plano location, and soon will split my time between our Plano and Richardson stores. I love getting to work directly with our customers and getting to see this whole thing come full circle. Read more>>
Maddie Cady
I ended up at UT Arlington, fully diving into design. I learned a ton from the courses, but also from being part of the AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts) student group and dabbling in local music show promotion like designing gig posters, branding events, all the fun stuff. I even tried to organize a campus-wide art market and music showcase (we had everything ready, the graphics, banners, vendors… then COVID hit, because, of course it did). Read more>>
Matthew Karpoff
My journey in the construction industry began nine years ago in exterior sales, where I quickly developed a passion for the trade and a talent for leadership. That path led me to become Vice President of a Fort Worth-based construction company, where I played a key role in growing the business into a multimillion-dollar operation. From there, I broadened my entrepreneurial experience by launching a successful brokerage firm specializing in merchant cash advance and hard money lending. I later contributed to the development and growth of a software company and helped build another construction firm for a close friend. Read more>>
Cylie Bowery
Today, Shaker Bar & Bev Co. is a growing, thriving beverage catering company with a passion for excellence and service. We’re proud to be exclusive partners with premier venues such as The Gardenia Venue in Valley View, TX, On The Levee in Dallas, TX, The Astoria in Irving, TX, and most recently, La Maison Blanc in the Houston market. With every event, we focus on the details that matter—hand-picked and expertly trained staff, unmatched customer service, and drink experiences that leave a lasting impression. Read more>>
Becca Hummel
Everyday is a new day & some are harder than others. I really believe that action is the antidote to anxiety. So sometimes doing one thing at a time towards a common goal is enough. Also, I have a village. My mother is the only reason I get to live out this dream. She is there in any & everyway. I am very lucky to have her in my corner & she’s not the only one! Read more>>
Wendy Adamson
So I created Empowered Life: Ever in Bloom, a portrait experience that’s really about coming home to yourself. Yes, you’ll get pampered with hair and makeup, and we’ll create gorgeous images-but it’s so much more than that. It’s about helping women of all ages and backgrounds-whether they’re going through something or simply need to reconnect-see their beauty, their resilience, and their joy reflected back through my lens. Read more>>
Steven Rogers
Starting my own roofing and general contracting business wasn’t easy. I had the experience, but building something from the ground up takes more than that. Finding the right crew, guys who share my work ethic, values, and take pride in their work, that was one of the toughest parts. But when you find them, they become like family. Read more>>
Xiomara Hospital
Two years ago, my heart grew heavy. I loved my students and loved teaching, but I constantly felt like I wasn’t giving them enough. I never had enough time to sit and play when they asked. Even with a supportive team and assistants, I felt more like I was managing a learning center than truly connecting with my students. I was always racing the clock, always feeling behind. My teaching felt rushed. My heart felt strained. I saw the frustration on my students’ faces when it was time to rotate to the next center, but I had to stick to a packed schedule. Deep down, I knew there had to be a better way. A way that allowed children to explore, to grow at their own pace, and that allowed me to truly be present with them. Read more>>
Ryan Otto
I started college studying biochemistry and took a part-time job at a hotel doing accounting, just to pay the bills. Pretty quickly, though, it became more than that. Within a year, I had taken on multiple roles in their accounting department and was promoted to Assistant Controller. That’s when I realized I’d found my lane in accounting and hospitality. Read more>>
Pilates For The People
Pilates for the People started in March of 2024 after we (founders Sabrina and Yesenia) met at Pilates Teacher Training. During one of the training sessions, we randomly sat next to each other and as we chatted, we found out we both had an interest in community based fitness. A few weeks later, Yesenia reached out to Sabrina to pitch her on the idea of starting Pilates for the People. Sabrina was fully onboard and armed with social media expertise. By March of 2024, we had our first class for Friends and Family and April was our first community class at Whose Books. Read more>>
Jordan Allsup
Today, CleanUP has evolved into a multifaceted organization with a broader mission to redefine the essence of being a neighbor and to foster a sense of community like no other. Throughout our journey, we have continued to expand and evolve and we now serve all neighbors, regardless of their circumstances, through our uniquely designed mobile units. Read more>>
Tia Ola
That same feeling of personal growth and building confidence is what led me to create Confident Smiles—a way to help other young people feel empowered in their own skin, starting with their smile. Before I even entered third grade, I had four cavities in my baby teeth, and before middle school, I chipped my two front teeth. Those dental mishaps really affected my self-esteem, and for a while, I completely lost my smile. Luckily, I was able to get those issues fixed, but I realized not everyone gets that same chance. That’s what inspired me to launch Confident Smiles, a community initiative that teaches the youth about dental health and how to prevent things like cavities and tooth decay. At the same time, it spreads the message that every smile is beautiful, and you deserve to feel confident showing it off, no matter what. Read more>>
Joanne Zipay
She has also taught acting and directed theatre productions for a wide variety of programs and theatres across the country including Pace University, Stella Adler Conservatory/NYU, City College of New York, Dallas Theatre Center, Richmond VA Shakespeare Festival, Old Globe Theatre, National Shakespeare Conservatory, Princeton NJ Repertory Shakespeare, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Theatre for a New Audience, Children’s Shakespeare Theatre, SUNY Orange, and numerous other colleges and universities. Read more>>
Samyukth Ayyar
Hi! I’m a rising Junior from Frisco, TX with a passion for Mental Health Advocacy, history and music. I’m the President of ‘Commit to Break the Stigma,’ a youth-led nonprofit dedicated to breaking the stigma around mental illnesses. We focus on creating safe spaces where mental health is openly discussed and supported. I’ve personally seen how stigma can silence those who need support. This journey has taught me that every conversation matters, and I’m dedicated to breaking down barriers and promoting acceptance. Read more>>
Chance Harris
Solus: Lost was the first title released under Wolf-Boy, and bringing it to life was one of the most creatively fulfilling experiences I’ve had. I spent months developing the mechanics, storyline, and visual direction. Since the game has a more serious tone, my usual illustration style didn’t quite fit. Instead, I collaborated with two talented artists to create the card illustrations. The first edition launched in September 2023 and completely sold out. We’re now taking pre-orders for the second edition, which is scheduled to release in August 2025. Read more>>
Daniella Prado
But over time, I’ve learned to appreciate the people who’ve been there for me, watching both me and my art grow up. The support I get from my closest friends, family and my boyfriend is something I know would still be there, no matter what the numbers on instagram look like. Ironically, once I allowed myself to fully embrace my bunnies, I started seeing more growth than ever before. It also opened doors to explore new forms of content, like YouTube and TikTok. I realized my followers actually appreciate the original stories and characters I once doubted so much. It feels like I’m finally being seen for who I truly am. Read more>>
Anthony Ryles
Once he seen me, he approached me and called me a “champ”, I was truly shocked because I wasn’t a champ (yet) but he seen it in me. Next I met my good fighting coach Steven Wright, he asked me what did I want to do and I answered plain as day “I want to fight” he looked surprised gave me the info needed and ever since then we have made that happen. Now I am a 2X National Muay Thai Champ, getting ready to make my debut with K1 then compete in the WGP in Japan to become a K1 WGP Champion. Read more>>
Madeleine Steele
For the most part, the journey has been smooth, but it hasn’t been without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was relocating from my college town back to my hometown. I had built a solid network in school, so starting over and rebuilding my client base from scratch was tough. It felt like I was hitting the reset button. But over the past year, I’ve worked hard to make new connections, and I’m proud of the growth I’ve seen. Every new client and collaboration is a step forward, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to watch things build momentum again. Read more>>
Ashley Kelley
I knew I had to do something for Beau, as treats were a relevant part of his day because I used them for rewards and training. I took it upon myself to heavily research dog-friendly ingredients and I had conversations with my vet. I played around with various recipes and started crafting my own treats with my own recipes. I failed a few times, but that comes with the trial-and-error process. I was determined to make treats Beau could eat. Read more>>
Amber Blackston
One of my professors once told me, “As a therapist, you are called to the story of people’s lives.” That stayed with me. It’s a sacred responsibility—to sit with someone’s truth, to witness their pain and resilience, and to hold space for what’s been buried, broken, or forgotten. And I’ve learned that in order to be entrusted with that responsibility, I must do my own inner work—tending to my wounds, confronting my patterns, and healing the parts of me that once felt silenced or unseen. The deeper I have gone within myself, the more present, attuned, and trustworthy I have learned to be for others. Read more>>
Vanessa Rodriguez
I was working as a teacher’s assistant for several years before deciding to go back to college to pursue a degree in Fine Arts in Education. Becoming a full-time student was a big step, and while my husband took on two jobs to support our family, I still wanted to contribute financially and ease some of the burden. That’s when my best friend suggested I start selling my spooky-themed art at local pop-up markets. Read more>>
Tristyn Donihoo
Onyx Moon Baking Co. is a small-batch, custom-order bakery where everything is made with intention, creativity, and a whole lot of heart. I specialize in French macarons, custom cakes, decorated cookies, and curated dessert boxes — the kind of treats that make people say, “this is almost too pretty to eat” (but then they eat them anyway and go back for more). Read more>>
Dezman Lehman
Not at all. One of the biggest challenges has been navigating the industry as a Black queer male artist who doesn’t fit into the box that society often tries to place queer artists in. I’m a pure musician—a singer-songwriter and performer—and I’ve always wanted to be seen and respected for my artistry first. But that respect hasn’t always come easily. Read more>>
Lindsay Walden
What began as a passion soon grew into a portrait business centered around newborns — and eventually expanded to include maternity, family, and the underwater maternity work I’m now known for. I’ve always been someone who wants to make things easier, more beautiful, and more memorable for others, so building a luxury photography experience came naturally. It’s not just about creating stunning images — it’s about making my clients feel seen, celebrated, and cared for every step of the way. Read more>>
Gaylynn McBrayer
I started La Montage over 20 years ago spinning off my family’s art/gallery business in Tulsa. Our goal is to service the interior design trade professional with all aspects of art while supporting local and regional artist. La Montage is a full service art and custom framing showroom. We make the art selection process easy and love supporting the local DFW art scene. If we don’t have it in in stock in our vast 65oo square foot showroom….we will make it for you!! Read more>>
Tierra Henderson
From intimate celebrations to large-scale productions, I’ve planned events across the globe—from Munich Germany, Rome, Italy to Taipei, Taiwan—and have orchestrated high-profile gatherings involving celebrities and tens of thousands of guests. Whether managing logistics for global conferences or designing unforgettable weddings, I bring a deep understanding of hospitality, flow, and visual impact. Read more>>
Andrei Tone
What sets us apart among other Plano video production companies is our commitment to innovation and client collaboration, which has allowed us to grow steadily and earn a strong reputation in the community. Today, as one of the top Plano videographers, I continue to expand our services and push creative boundaries, always aiming to be the go-to choice for anyone looking for expert video production in Plano and the surrounding areas. Read more>>
Yvette De Oro
My expectations (of myself) increase with each book and that apparently doesn’t do great things for creativity. Writing is a joy (except when it’s not) – ha! – but if even one person (not my friend or family) read it – and like it… that’s a pretty dang awesome feeling! Read more>>
Subrina Nicole Deloach
This diverse background has equipped me with a unique perspective that I channel into my consulting practice. At SN Consulting, I provide tailored financial guidance, drawing on my expertise to help clients from various industries tackle their challenges and achieve their goals. My commitment to creating meaningful experiences for my children fuels my passion for making a positive impact in the world, and I am excited to share my journey and insights through the Inspiring Stories series in VoyageDallas Magazine. Read more>>
