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.
William Allen
My journey in construction started early by working with my father from middle school into adulthood. I spent years helping him on jobs after school, during summers, and eventually after high school. Later, my father, my brother, and I worked together as partners, which gave me hands on experience in construction, remodeling, repairs, and customer service. Read more>>
Alex Lu
I was born in Overland Park, Kansas (outside of Kansas City, Missouri), and lived in KCMO until I was 3 years old. Due to my dad’s career, my family and I moved to northern Virginia (Loudon County/Chantilly area) where I spent my elementary school years before moving again to the suburbs outside of/that make up greater Philadelphia. Read more>>
Davy Ruffin
Bryson Carr (@V3ganswol3 on IG) a fitness influencer, started recruiting his workout buddies around the DMV to work out at the outside parks. He settled on one park in particular eventually; Tucker Road Park in Ft. Washington, MD. About 6 to 8 guys started going to the park regularly and became serious workout partners and colleagues. Read more>>
Danton Whitley Sr.
Musical Expertise and Global Influence A classically trained vocalist with a foundation in opera and jazz, Whitley brings a unique and captivating sound to his performances. His versatility has enabled him to tour internationally for over 15 years, gracing stages in countries such as Ghana, Liberia, Italy, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, London, and various parts of Asia. Read more>>
Crystal Harmoenius
I learned early that love often looked like work. When I was a little girl, I would wake up at three in the morning to run newspaper routes with my dad. I loved those mornings with him. Looking back now, I realize the only way to truly be close to him was to meet him inside his work. Read more>>
Rene Kauder
My path to Savvy & Style was anything but straight. I spent 13 years in higher education, took a leap into corporate, and lasted exactly four months before I realized I’m just not built for someone else’s rules. So I did what felt right: I built something of my own. Read more>>
Mary Orzano
Thought it would be a great fit for the community. Had my 3 child late in life and wanted a place where I could work and also take my daughter with me. It worked for me and we have been open for 2o years now. Read more>>
Elsa Asghedom
My path into mental health really began during my 17 years as an emergency room nurse. In the ER, I met people on some of the hardest days of their lives, and it became clear to me that many of them weren’t just dealing with physical issues—they were struggling with their mental health, too. Read more>>
Grace Kathleen Burns
When I was in school I was a member of many extracurricular activities like theater, dance, choir, band and more. When I was in middle school, I was given the opportunity to advertise my school’s spring play through social media. There I realized that social media marketing was something I was interested in. Read more>>
Harvey Betts
I come from a Military family, My Maternal Grand-father was WWII Navy and my father was Korean War and Vietnam Air Force. I am a United States Marine Combat Veteran Desert Shield/Storm. I have lived in various places in Maryland for 45+ years.. I now live in Harford County (Edgewood). After leaving Active Duty I came home to MD. Read more>>
Keyvan Rafei
I originally trained and worked in traditional pediatric and emergency medicine settings, including pediatric emergency departments, urgent care, and academic environments. Early in my career, I noticed something that stayed with me over time. Certain children seemed to experience illness very differently from others. Read more>>
Christopher Enders
Founded on the belief that the best way to protect exotic animals is to stop poor husbandry before it starts, the store was created as an immersive, experience-based learning environment. Here, guests of all ages can engage with exotic creatures firsthand, ask questions, and discover the commitment required to properly care for them—long before bringing one home. Read more>>
Nikki Jewelz Smith
As far back as I can remember, I’ve always been drawn to shiny things. I loved the bling, the sequins, and the sparkle of entertainers’ outfits whenever I saw them on stage. My mother wore these classic silver bangles with the fists on them, and I always wanted a pair of my own. Read more>>
Michelle Morren
I was introduced to one of the property owners in 2013. I was part time help for about a year. In 2014 the venue coordinator, Erin Lord, asked if I would like to take over her position, and I accepted. Read more>>
Alicia Amos
I spent 11 years in the United States Air Force, and in 2018, during what would become my final duty station in Colorado Springs, I had a spark of an idea I didn’t yet realize would change my life. I was pregnant, raising my 7 year old daughter, caring for two dogs, and navigating a brand new diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. Read more>>
Aaron Hopkins
Our family bought the farm 100 years ago. David Hopkins has been farming the land for the last 40 years, eventually opening Hopkins Produce featuring the areas best sweet corn, tomatoes and assortment of fruits and vegetables. In 2016 David’s son Aaron began malting barley for beer production on the farm, while starting a career in Brewing. Read more>>
Krys Lemieux
With a background in hospitality, i have always wanted to own a wedding venue. Creating a special experience to celebrate big moments brings me so much joy. However, owning a large venue with so much overhead felt incredibly overwhelming as a stay-at-home mom with two littles at home. Then one day, im scrolling on tiktok, and this beautiful woman comes up on my feed. Read more>>
Marvin Pena Martinez
Pro Solutions LLC was born from my years of hands‑on work and a simple belief: people deserve a contractor they can trust. I started out doing renovation and repair projects myself — learning every trade, solving problems on the spot, and building a reputation for showing up and getting the job done. Read more>>
Andrew Darby
I began my career in clinical social work with a focus on mental health and substance use treatment, drawn to work that helps people heal from trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, and relational pain. Over time, I moved into leadership roles, including clinical direction and supervision, where I became increasingly passionate about building systems of care that are both clinically excellent and deeply human. Read more>>
Jay Stilipec
James ‘Jay’ Stilipec is a nonbinary femizenter who was Assigned-Male-at-Birth and uses they/she pronouns. She is the creator of Better Backtories, a card-based inspiration system for creatives. In 2019, Jay developed and ran a Kickstarter for Better Backstories, originally asking for $3000. After 45 days, she had been promised more than $25,000 from more than 1300 backers from all over the world. Read more>>
Tracy Yang
I grew up in China and always liked traditional Chinese art, especially calligraphy and painting. After moving to the U.S., I started sharing Chinese culture through face painting, calligraphy, and art at schools and community events. What started as a hobby slowly became Mrs. Nie Art Studio. Read more>>
Patty Hurwitz
My story began in 1999 when, at the age of 44, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Because there was no comprehensive breast care program in Frederick, I made the difficult decision to drive to Balimore, an hour away, for my treatments. I still had kids at home, so it wasn’t easy to do. Read more>>
Jada Williams
I’m Jada, originally from the small Caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago. I moved to the U.S. during high school about 14 years ago. After graduating high school, I pursued the beauty industry. I attended The Temple Annapolis a Paul Mitchell Partner School , where I earned my cosmetology license. Read more>>
Monisola and Obinnemaka Akintunde and Iweh- Popoko
Anumee Aesthetics was started from passion, experience, and the desire to create something better. After working in the commercial medspa industry, Obinne and I (Moni) saw firsthand where the patient experience was lacking. Treatments often felt rushed, education was missing, and many clients especially those with melanin-rich skin were not receiving personalized care or treatment plans designed with them in mind. Read more>>
Quadir Yussuf
TheCapableMC honestly started by accident during the pandemic while I was finishing my senior year of college. At the time, I was a Biology pre-med major preparing to take the MCAT, and entertainment was never something I viewed as a realistic career path. Read more>>
Tynisha Thornes
I became a mentor at the age of 19, working with the youth from my church. Even at a young age, I always had a passion for seeing young women excel in life and become the best versions of themselves. Read more>>
Tolu Keys
I started baking from home out of passion, using quality ingredients to create cakes that not only looked elegant but also tasted amazing. After experiencing disappointing cakes myself that looked good but weren’t enjoyable to eat, I wanted to create something better. As a self-taught baker, I started with a few customers, and through repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals, the business continued to grow. Read more>>
Ibrahim Max
I started my journey with a passion for creativity, culture, and storytelling. Growing up, I was always drawn to music, visuals, fashion, and the way media can shape how people see the world. Over time, that passion turned into creating platforms and ideas that reflect both identity and community, especially through an African and Tanzanian lens. Read more>>
Erin Ragheb
I’ve always loved art and nature. Academically, I pursued a career as an ornithologist and worked from many years studying endangered birds. Last year, I decided to bring my interest in art to the foreground. I started a small art business called Dendroica Studio where I specialize in commissioned house, landscape, and classical car paintings. I also love painting birds whenever I get a chance. Read more>>
CATHERINE MBARGA-HOSEIN
My journey into accounting and tax services started while I was working at the DC Department of Corrections. At the time, I was preparing taxes for family and friends on the side. One day, an inmate asked me, “Ms. Mbarga, you’re so young—why are you here?” I jokingly said I was there to have fun and make money, but that moment stuck with me. Read more>>
Claris Nkwenti
My journey has been one of resilience, rebuilding, and purpose. I came to the United States as an immigrant, and like many people starting over, I faced many personal, financial, and emotional challenges while raising my children(who were still back home in Cameroon) and trying to create stability for my family. Read more>>
Leah Boston
My life has taken me through many different identities, and I can proudly say each one shaped the woman I am today. But to really understand my journey, I have to start with the first entrepreneur I ever knew on my father’s side of the family, my grandfather, Herman Boston. Read more>>
Julie Jonas
As a child and teen I was friendly, sensitive, and smart, but would get hit with waves of depression and loneliness. As I got older, I eventually went from selling drugs, having multiple arrests for substance abuse, and being completely lost… to realizing I was a wounded healer, largely experiencing things that weren’t even mine. Read more>>
Chinonyelum ‘Chi Chi’ Udoye
I built a great life and still wondered whether that was it. Married to my God-ordained spouse, mom of toddlers at the time, and building a career at a leading consulting firm. Nice life. But something inside kept asking: Is this all there is? So, I asked myself one honest question: in an ideal world, what would I do? The answer came fast: teach. Read more>>
Nina Rollins
My story is not one of a straight path or easy victories. It is a story shaped by resilience, faith, survival, and an unwavering belief that people deserve compassion—especially in their hardest moments. I was raised by a determined mother who became one of my greatest inspirations. Read more>>
jaime windon
Nearly 13 years ago I moved to Saint Michaels and founded the first full-production distillery in Maryland in over 40 years. As a true cane-to-glass operation, every day we transform Louisiana sugarcane (& molasses) into a distinct and unique American rum by hand, in small batches. Read more>>
Lala Economides
I started making cakes as a teenager for my 8 siblings birthdays. then I started a career in marketing a typical 9-5, I would come home on weekends and just make cakes for fun. one day my sister forced me to make a cake instagram and it took off. I had my first order the next week. Read more>>
Caitlin Adams
* i have been a trainer since I was 16 years old. * It was intended to be my job in high school and college to help me to pay for college * I attended UMD and studied kinesiology and economics * During this time I fell in love with my training- the defining moment was when I was working with my client Val. Read more>>
Colleen Quinn
I have a very roundabout story! I tested out several different careers in my 20s, from banking in NYC, to graphic design in Boston, to account management in San Francisco. Clearly, I love big cities and wound up earning a master’s in urban planning and having a meaningful role in planning for many years. Read more>>
Amanda Wisley
I started Bubbles Productions back in 2010, but the funny thing is, I did not start out planning to build a children’s entertainment company. At the time, I was working as a government contractor processing contracts for the government. It was steady work, but I quickly realized it was not mentally stimulating for me. I needed something more creative, more energetic, and honestly, more fun. Read more>>
Rezia Braza
My husband, Jamal, and I have always been interested in capturing memories with cameras. Jamal first honed his craft in photography, so I modeled in many of his practice portraits while we were in undergraduate together. After we both graduated, he transitioned to videography with music videos, corporate shoots, and live broadcast, while I found myself getting freelance modeling offers. Read more>>
Ciarrah Fittro
I fell in love with the beauty industry early on. Growing up in competitive cheer, I naturally became the go-to for prom hair, styling right out of my house. What started as a fun passion quickly became something I knew I wanted to turn into a career and choosing to do so was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Read more>>
Carlene Levy
A little girl from Jamaica who moved to New York City with ambition and a vision bigger than her circumstances. I carried a deep desire to become a phenomenal woman who inspires others, and as I grew older, that determination matured into purpose. Read more>>
