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.
Angelica Angarita
Hello and thank you so much for having me! For you to understand more about my current journey, I have to tell you that I’ve been sensitive to energies for as long as I can remember. As a child, I could feel the presence of unseen forces, and eventually, I began seeing transcended souls with my physical eyes. These experiences were overwhelming and frightening, so I prayed to God to block the abilities. My prayers were answered—the visions stopped when I was 24. Read more>>
Alyssa Simpson
I was that “weird” kid who talked too much about the metaphysical stuff, would spend more time in the new age section at Barnes & Noble than the CD section, listened to Art Bell, and watched bootleg alien abduction VHS’s I’d beg my dad to record for me. Mental mindset musings were my ultimate hobby, and thankfully my parents encouraged it even though no one else my age was into that lol. I was always told growing up by teachers, friends, parents, family members, and even strangers that I had an old soul. Not really knowing what that even meant, looking back, I can see it so clearly. I have always been the natural mentor for my friends, family, and peers. Read more>>
Maureen Jirikowic
I became a widow in October of 2023. My husband Pete was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer in January of 2021. After a year and half of fighting for his life, he went home, where his healing was complete with God. As a new widow, I decided to take my skills of being in the beauty world for over 20 years to a style/coaching business where I could help other women be transformed from the inside out. I meet with women to create a personality style, I do a color analysis and help them go thru their closet to create a 27 hanger seasonal wardrobe that takes the thinking and creating out of their everyday world. This process helps them to show up as their most powerful self. Read more>>
Jovonni Spinner
I often say that my journey into public health chose me as much as I chose it. Growing up, I saw firsthand how health disparities and inequities could shape the lives of people in my community, including my own family. While I was always interested in healthcare (dentistry to be specific), it wasnt until I finished undergrad that I realized that my true calling was public health. Since then, I have not looked back because I know that I can be part of the solution to improve the health of my community and beyond. Read more>>
Oluwatosin Akintan
These principles have been integral to my personal growth and consciousness, enabling me to navigate the complex systems that shape my reality. Embracing the intersectionality of my identities has been a transformative journey that influences how I live out my values. My upbringing was my first immersion into a system that operated for the greater good of the collective. This collectivist perspective significantly informs my approach to community support and is fundamental to my mission as a budding counseling psychologist fostering connections. Read more>>
Faye Nielsen
That unusual balance turned out to be a gift. The airline career wasn’t just a job—it was a window into cultures, styles, and environments across the globe. Every trip became a classroom, expanding my perspective and influencing the way I saw design. By the time I retired from the airlines, I didn’t just step into full-time design–I stepped in with a foundation enriched by life experience, discipline, and a world of inspiration. The path I chose was not the straightest, but it was the one that gave me depth. It taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of seeing beauty everywhere. Those lessons, combined with dedication and creativity, have lead me to win awards both nationality and internationally. Read more>>
Meagan Jiles
What’s been most rewarding is how my background as an educator naturally carries over into my work. I love walking clients, especially first-time buyers, through the process step by step, almost like a teacher guiding them through something new. From explaining the details to holding their hand through each stage, I make sure they feel informed, supported, and confident in their decisions. Read more>>
Rj Montoya
My parents’ taste in music lit the first spark. At first, I dreamed of being a singer, chasing melodies and stage lights. That passion led me to promote a small rap group called Texas Made Thugs. Side by side with my childhood friend Omar Delgado, I learned the grind—business, networking, marketing, and those long nights that never seemed to end. Read more>>
Amna Cheema
Starting my medspa business was not just about creating a successful venture; it was about making a positive impact on people’s lives. I’m excited for what lies ahead and look forward to continuing this incredible journey. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that with passion, perseverance, Consistence and faith, anything is possible Read more>>
Chancei White
As my grandparents grew ill, I felt called to be the one to carry their stories forward. That’s when I knew photography wasn’t just a hobby for me……it was a passion and a purpose. I still carry out this belif system today. I’m here to document memories that will soon turn into stories long after we are gone. Read more>>
Brandi Giles
A new chapter began when I started working as a resident American Sign Language interpreter at a children’s theater in Fort Worth. It was here that a simple question from a parent—”Have you ever taught American Sign Language?”—pivoted my career entirely. This opened the door to a thirteen-year tenure as an ASL teacher at a school for students with learning disabilities. In that role, I was able to truly grow into my identity as an educator. I experienced triumphs and learned from setbacks, always continuing to evolve. Read more>>
Bianca Ramirez
I kept feeling like I needed to do something different or to do something more in my life. I felt a calling but I kept pushing that feeling away because leaving a perfectly good job to purse a dream was not in the cards for me. It wasn’t that we couldn’t do it financially or anything like that. Its the fact that I was raised to get a job 9-5 come home and do it all over again. Owning a business just felt and seemed out of reach. Read more>>
Destine Drake
Not long after moving, my son began going down the wrong path and eventually ended up in juvenile detention. While he was there, he started counseling and began asking me questions to help him heal. The truth was I didn’t know how to answer them. So, I started writing. What began as a way to find the words for him turned into something much bigger. As I wrote, the Spirit tugged at me, showing me that my story could help someone else. At first, I ignored it, but the more I wrote, the more I realized I was on my own healing journey. If sharing my truth could help even one person, I knew I was doing what God called me to do. Read more>>
Latasha Draper
I love to experiment and the rewarding part of it all is when I see and or hear my clients tell me how beautiful or how great it was. That makes my heart smile the most. People don’t know the time and energy it takes to make treats and it’s not for the weak at all! But I love doing it and I can’t wait to open up a storefront or small bus actually for my business and see where it takes me from here! Read more>>
Softly Softly
I’d say our journey has been very similar to any other musician. In this growing age of social media, throughout the past 5 years of trying to make something happen we’ve always struggled with dealing with social media while simultaneously making music. But as we’ve gotten older we’ve slowly grown into handling it all. We have a great deal of support from friends in the Fort Worth area, that help keep our dream alive. We’re always very great-full for the opportunity’s we’ve had so far. Read more>>
Becca Waugh
Hi, I’m an artist living and working in Fort Worth, Texas. I grew up here, studied art at UNT in Denton, and later spent seven years in Denver, Colorado, where I worked and explored creatively before returning home in May 2020. A year after moving back, I launched Sleepy Panther Design Co, a graphic design and illustration studio where I collaborate with businesses and startups on visual marketing projects. Through Sleepy Panther, I’ve also created a line of locally inspired coloring books, including The Fort Worth Coloring Book and a Texas alphabet coloring book as well as greeting cards. Read more>>
Emily King
As I tried to heal from everything—physically, emotionally, mentally—I realized that missing piece hurt more than I expected. Lauren experienced some developmental delays early on, and at the same time, I was raising my three-year-old autistic daughter. I knew I could do the advocacy work, the therapies, the appointments—everything that comes with being a special needs parent—but I also knew I needed something for myself. Something that gave me joy. Read more>>
Karina Ramirez
I enrolled in community college to gain a deeper understanding of art—not only in a general sense, but also to explore innovative ways to enhance my creative practice. During this time, I had the opportunity to learn from several supportive and inspiring professors, including Professor Seibert, Professor Deborah, and Professor Scaggs, who each played a significant role in my development as an artist. Read more>>
Kathy Elliott
First, I loved teaching and interacting with the students and faculty. Also, I taught high school math. These two statements are essential to understanding my techniques and methods. As a teacher, I am also curious and a lifelong learner. I continue to explore and experiment with materials and techniques. Then there is the mathematical part of my brain, which an interested observer recently nailed when they said this about my work. Read more>>
Alexandra Griffith
Building a business always has its bumps — that is part of the process. My sister was growing at an explosive rate back in 2022 and then announced her pregnancy and the birth of her son, and her sales disappeared. She had to let all of her employees go and drastically reduce her own salary to stay afloat. I wasn’t on the team back then, but she’s my sister, so obviously I heard all about this as it was happening for her. It was a really hard time. But she learned a lot from the experience and was able to slowly build the business back up. Read more>>
Amanda May
One of the biggest struggles has been learning how to scale whether that’s scaling a national medical group, a regenerative medicine company, or a skincare brand. Each requires a different strategy, and there have been plenty of lessons in hiring the right people, setting up systems, and learning to let go of things I once tried to control myself. Read more>>
Bethany Bourland
I grew up in Katy, Texas, where theatre quickly became both a passion and a calling around the age of 15. I started directing and teaching youth theatre at the Katy Visual and Performing Arts Center, and I knew right away that helping young performers discover their voices was something I wanted to dedicate myself to. After earning my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama with an Acting Emphasis from the University of Oklahoma, I found myself drawn not only to the stage but also to the behind-the-scenes work of helping others shine. Read more>>
Kathy Womack
With much success, I opened another in River Oaks, Houston. For the next decade I enjoyed running two successful gallery businesses that thrived. Needing a change of pace, my two boys played hockey and we closed the galleries and moved to Dallas so they could play competitively. I still do art festivals, but the slower pace was much welcomed. Read more>>
Erik And Morgan King
We met and began dating 5 years ago and when you find “the one” it does not take long for decisions to be made! We married shortly after and along with our daughter Abby, began to build our lives together. I already owned 17 acres with cattle and a small flock of chickens. Morgan and Abby may have grown up in the suburbs, but they quickly caught “farm fever”. The number and breeds livestock we began to raise seemed to grow by the day. Eventually, we felt in our hearts that we wanted our slice of heaven to grow into something more and this is where King Cross Farms began. Read more>>
Natalie Martin
With more than a decade of experience in corporate talent acquisition for one of the world’s leading tech companies, I’ve always has been in the business of connecting the right people with the right opportunities. Today, I applies that same strategic mindset to real estate, helping families, investors, and professional athletes find homes and build wealth that lasts generations. Read more>>
Kazai Drew
In my last semester of college, my car engine failed and I was living in a bug-infested apartment. So, I was carpooling to work and being loaned cars when they were available while using insect foggers almost weekly and keeping all of my non-perishable food in plastic storage containers. At the same time, I was photographing products for large supplement companies, assisting undergraduate and graduate students with their essays, and creating social media content and campaigns for various businesses. It was difficult, but it was worth it. I learned so much about myself, my capacity, my strengths and weaknesses, and my wants and needs. Read more>>
Karan Bindra
Someone may come to me with chronic back pain. But often, that pain may be the surface expression of something much deeper — years of suppressed emotion, limiting beliefs, energetic blockages, unprocessed experiences, and inherited qualities. True healing doesn’t isolate the problem to the physical symptoms— it takes a multifaceted, holistic approach and addresses the root cause of disharmony in the person. Read more>>
Rick Johnson
I was put into foster care when I was 8 weeks old then adopted at 6 months old by a wonderful family and was raised in the Los Angeles County California area. However despite being in a loving environment I became an alcoholic by the time I was 16 years old. I started listening to punk rock music and ran away from home when I was 16 to the streets of Hollywood in 1978-79. I graduated from high school in 1981 and joined the U.S. Army as a medic. I served in the Army from 1981 to 1983. Read more>>
Yary Díaz
I’ve also had the opportunity to help clients navigate some of life’s more challenging transitions, such as selling due to divorce or avoiding foreclosure by quickly connecting them with investors who could step in and purchase their homes. In addition, I support clients relocating to Texas from other states or countries, walking with them through the entire process even while they’re still living miles away. Beyond residential real estate, I also work with buyers and sellers on land, mobile homes, ranches, and commercial properties. Read more>>
Davian Jackson
My first production was our freshman show, Curse You, Otis Crummy, where I played the villainous (and hilarious) Diabolical Bill. From there, I was accepted into the advanced performance class as a sophomore—one of only four underclassmen chosen that year. That same year, we mounted one of the biggest productions in DeSoto High School history: High School Musical. I had the honor of playing Ryan, and was the only underclassman cast in a principal role. That role—and that show—shaped my future. During that production, the school’s choral director approached me and asked me to join choir. She didn’t ask if I wanted to—she insisted. I’m glad she did. The years I spent in both theatre and choir were transformative. They molded me into the artist I am today. Read more>>
Kathy Beck
Retail is difficult in these times, definitely opening a brick and mortar store was a huge risk as more and more people are shopping online, but we know that community is important and a much needed aspect in our lives and . others, especially after covid. Opening a new store is very scary in terms of will it work, will people come? But with all the amazing staff we have and hard work we all put it in, it has gone very well. Read more>>
BJ Oliver
All Over Solutions went from design-only to full design-build. That leap set the foundation for who we are today. We’re driven by a love for the details that truly matter, from aesthetics to craftsmanship. Quality control is a cornerstone of our process, ensuring every project is built to last. We’ve built a strong team by partnering with the best local contractors who share our standards. At the heart of it all, we strive to create spaces unique to each client’s lifestyle while delivering excellence in every step of the journey. Read more>>
Kemi Akomolafe
On the technical side, I began consulting and coaching individuals who sought to secure roles as project managers or Scrum Masters. I created a career guide, a workbook to help people identify their skills and map out a clear path toward their dream job. It’s something I believe can really help students and anyone looking to pivot careers without all the guesswork. Read more>>
Jamie Thompson-Griffin
In the beginning of my pole journey, I knew I want to do this for as long as possible, so I need to set my body up for success to continue to train how I want. This led me to getting a Sports Nutrition Coaching certification through NASM. I wanted to learn more about how to fuel myself to continue doing what I love! I spent my athletic life not knowing what combination of food on my plate would help me stay active. Read more>>
Charles Gibbs
I’ve done it all, music, visuals, paintings, sculptures you name it I’ve tried and done it. I proud of all it but if I had to pick one it would be the music library I’ve built over the years. The difference between me and most I would see I can see the talent in most and have the audacity to dream bigger than everyone else. I know making big sounds outta nowhere. Read more>>
Patricia Rodriguez
Fifteen years ago I got serious about my art and art business and decided to quit my day job and see what the freelance art world had in store for me. My day job was as a shipping and receiving manager at the Dallas Museum of Art – but despite the location there was no art happening in my life and it pained me. I really felt like I had more to offer the world than just hauling boxes around. Read more>>
Vy Rosa
I began my photography journey in 2018 with just an iPhone 6. I couldn’t afford a camera, but I reached out to one of my idols in LA, and she told me to practice every day and be patient—a phone lens is still a lens. I took that advice to heart, shooting and editing every day on my phone. Those images became my first portfolio and led to my first official job in photography at an advertising agency. Even though I had to drive more than 100 miles each day, that job gave me valuable connections and eventually led to my first publication in The New York Times. Looking back, I realize that every sacrifice can pay off when you stay patient and work hard. Read more>>
Sara Terry
What changed everything was the support of my father-in-law, William Terry, a professional photographer based in San Antonio. He saw how much I loved taking photos of my daughter and encouraged me to pursue that passion. He signed me up for my first online photography course — and that was the beginning of my journey into the world of photography. Read more>>
Jordana Bistany
I actually started in the wellness space with a blog I created called radiantlynourished.com – it was my little corner of the internet where I could share my love for nourishing food, mindful routines, beauty tips, and living in alignment with what makes you feel your best. That blog lit a spark in me, and when short-form video content really started to take off around 2021, I fell in love with that medium. It gave me a way to show up more personally, casually, and consistently for my audience and connect in a more real-time, intimate way. Read more>>
