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.
KHILIK
Well I started making music when I was playing college football at bridgewater college. I was in the dorm room with my roommate and I was just playing around on bandlab making music. My first roommate brax was like my big first supporter in the music I was making on the phone. Read more>>
Amp Tha Hippie
I grew up on the west side of Baltimore in Edmondson Village, in the Seminole Apartments. That’s where my story started. Raised by a single mother who worked hard to keep a roof over our heads, I learned early that love and struggle could exist in the same household. Read more>>
Alex Manfredonia
After 18 years away from the East Coast, I came home again. Chuck, my father and also an owner, has been in the hospitality industry his whole life. By 2012, I had spent 18 years refining my skills and knowledge in multiple fine dining restaurants in northern California. Read more>>
Carlos Rodrigues
Born and raised in Brasília, Brazil, Carlos discovered jiu-jitsu in 2004 as a means to overcome shyness and manage anxiety. Little did he know that this decision would lead him on an extraordinary journey in the world of martial arts. Read more>>
Laura Houlihan
I started in the hospitality industry after graduating high school . I absolutely feel in love with all parts that create an amazing dining experience. Since I was a minor learning about wines and other alcoholic beverages was a challenge at first but as I came to age I fell in love with wine from the vine to the bottle . Read more>>
Maria Kolick
I got started in real estate at the age of 22 in 1984. It is an incredible journey. Today I lead a team of five. We are The Kolick Group. Read more>>
Ashli McCoy
I started in web design. I was building websites for other people’s businesses while also running an online boutique, and that combination taught me more than any classroom could. I learned what makes a business look good online, and I learned what it actually takes to move & sell product to “keep the lights on”. She Rich Digital started as a done-for-you solo agency. Read more>>
Raven Reid
This journey started when I moved back to Maryland from NC in 2016 and discovered my mom had dementia I was her caregiver while working until 2024! Read more>>
Olivia Taylor
I first began releasing music professionally back in 2018. I began to perform at open mics around my area in 2022. I formally announced my career launch on the WUSA 9’s DMV Soundcheck stage on national television. That performance was quickly followed up by a guest appearance at the Bethesda Theatre, where I performed for 93.9 WKYS’ 2nd Annual Women’s Empowerment Brunch. Read more>>
Dr. Melissa Derisca HHP, DDIV, DHUM
I’m Dr. Melissa Derisca, HHP, DDIV, DHUM, founder of Melissa Derisca Enterprise LLC and the Dr. Melissa Derisca HHP Office. My journey into holistic health and wellness began at a very young age through personal struggle, faith, and divine guidance. As a child, I battled asthma and was constantly on medication. Read more>>
ROBB DUNNE
Bearded Men Society of Ocean City Beards. Beers. Volunteers. The Bearded Men Society of Ocean City was founded in January 2014 by Robb Dunne. The inspiration for the club started long before that. Growing up, I watched my father dedicate countless hours to nonprofit organizations and community events. He always believed in giving back, and I spent many years helping him at his events. Read more>>
L’Erin Epps
As a young single mother, I spent years trying to determine what path I wanted my career to take. I began in the financial industry, working in a variety of administrative roles, until a corporate restructuring forced me to make a difficult decision: accept a layoff or transition into the mortgage department as a loan processor. Read more>>
Eric Lee
I started taking photos of my son when he was a baby, almost 17 years ago. At that time, I didn’t know I had an interest in photography since I had never owned a camera before. One day, I had the idea to document my son’s smile, and that’s how I began clicking photos. As time went on, I started traveling abroad more frequently. Read more>>
Irina Radzinsky
My journey to where I am today has been anything but planned, which is probably what makes it so meaningful. I was born and raised in Ukraine and moved to the United States in 1995 in search of new opportunities. For many years, I built a successful career as a Computer Programmer/ Business Analyst in the federal contracting world. Read more>>
Pete Kuhn
I have been playing music most of my life. 20 years ago I bought an acoustic piano for my daughter so that she could start piano lessons. We had to get it tuned periodically. During the 1st tuning of the piano I was mesmerized watching while the piano tuner went through all the octaves setting the proper pitch of each note. Read more>>
Adijat Adeyemi
My journey into mental health began long before I became a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have always been fascinated by human behavior and the factors that influence overall well-being. That passion led me to earn my first bachelor’s degree in Behavioral and Community Health, where I learned how psychological, social, cultural, and environmental factors shape health outcomes. Read more>>
Ashley Jones
My journey started in childhood and continued into adulthood through years of unexplained illnesses, blood disorders, chronic pain, cognitive challenges, and repeated hospital visits that led to no clear answers. Every test seemed to come back “normal,” and every symptom was treated as though it stood alone. Deep down, I knew something more was happening, but I did not know where to turn. Read more>>
David Hercenberg
I’ve always been drawn to storytelling and the power of visual media to capture people, places, and moments in a way that lasts. Read more>>
Genevieve Duvall
I’ve always been drawn to the intersection of creativity and business. I studied graphic design with a background in fine arts and marketing, and early in my career I worked in-house for companies where I learned the importance of brand consistency, storytelling, and designing with intention. After several years in corporate roles, I realized I wanted to build something of my own. Read more>>
Da’Method Love
I Started Photography In 2014, Im Self Taught so I Learned What I Know Through Trial And Error. I Was A Young Artist Who Wanted To Capture Moments for People. I Enjoyed The Smiles I Received After The Shoot. From 2014-2017, I Perfected How to Be A Studio Photographer. Late 2018, I Created My Business “D.LoveStudios” and We Are Here In 2026, Still Capturing Moments. Read more>>
Regina ORourke
My name is Regina O’Rourke, and together with my husband, Evan, we are the founders and owners of Gather, Catering for All Occasions. We’ve been married for more than 30 years, live in New Market, Maryland, have three wonderful children and two grandchildren, and both teach at West Frederick Middle School in Frederick County. Read more>>
Jazmyn Roberson
Sure, I can share this with you. It’s greatly appreciated that you took the time to reach out! Since it’s founding in 2016, Heart4SuccessPhotos LLC has expanded it’s creative footprint throughout the (DMV) region, with Baltimore serving as one of the areas where we have developed meaningful relationships and produced impactful visual content. Read more>>
Cosette Larash
My path has been a bit unconventional, but the common thread through all of it has been a mindset of growth and treating every pivot as an opportunity. I was very fortunate to have an amazing support system in my parents and coaches to play sports all my life. Read more>>
