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.
M.G. Herron
But I’m not a pilot—so I worked with military pilots and commercial aviators to make sure every flying scene was realistic, technically accurate, and vetted by the pros. Read more>>
Nick Ammons
I grew up in the industry, my dad was/is a builder so I grew up on job sites. I like to tell people it’s in my blood. I started working on job sites when I got my drivers license at 16. After high school I worked in a prefabrication shop where we built parts for homes. I worked there while going to community college. I went to college for year and then got a job building custom homes full time. We built most aspects of the homes ourselves so I’ve done anything from forming foundations to installing tile and hardwoods. I’ve literally done it all with the exception of the mechanical trades, electrical, plumbing and HVAC. Read more>>
Kaytee
That inner transformation sparked something in me—a pull to share this practice with others. After graduating from the University of the Arts London, I moved to Austin, Texas. In 2015, while working full-time as a graphic designer, I took a leap and completed my first yoga teacher training. What started as a side passion quickly became my life’s calling. Within a year, I left my corporate job to teach full-time, immersing myself in studios, corporate wellness programs, and private sessions. The more I taught, the more I witnessed Yoga’s profound therapeutic power—not just for my students, but for myself. Read more>>
Nicole Gaffney
I made the decision to give myself 2 holiday seasons to see if I could show actual growth, the first Thanksgiving (2018) I sold about 15 pies (not bad for having only been in business since September) the second Thanksgiving I sold about 65! So I definitely saw growth and saw I could do this. Read more>>
Natasha Kanevski
I create meta-modernistic wall sculptures and large-scale wall installations. I have had works appear and win awards in juried art shows across the US and Europe, shown with selected galleries, including Solo and Duo Exhibits. I am represented by six art galleries and exhibited in a museum. I have just had a SOLO SHOW at Art Gallery Artifact, Manhattan, New York, a SOLO SHOW at JCB Gallery, Austin, TX, and a SOLO Show at JCC Art Gallery, Houston, Texas. Read more>>
Celeste Hubert
It has been hard to know my worth in the workplace. The mindset of “If I pay you, that’s taking money away from our mission” badly pollutes the non-profit sector, including my own heart. Having phenomenally strong female CEOs like Mela Sarajane Dailey, Chair Emeritus Dr. Brenda Towell and Board Chair Dr. Alina Ramos offer me a top salary has given me the confidence to hold my head high and showcase Celestial Strategies’ accomplishments when negotiating fair compensation. Read more>>
Alyssa Walker
In my mid-twenties I began to develop a close relationship with cannabis after discovering CBD helped me immensely with anxiety and stress. I was determined to share the healing properties of plant medicine. I became a cannabis advocate and began Canna Chill in 2018. The Farm Bill had recently passed which allowed the hemp market to blossom in Texas. After spending so many years online, I am excited to forge new connections IRL through canna-centric events. Providing a safe space for individuals to discuss and take part in cannabis culture continues to inspire me. Read more>>
Grace In Motion
It all began with a group of friends who shared these passions, and before we knew it, we weren’t just dancing together—we were doing life together. We realized that beyond the dance floor, we had an opportunity to serve our city in unique ways. We realize that within our group, we all have very unique and distinct gifts to use to serve our community. So, we started hosting Latin dance socials, not just as a place to have fun, but as a way to create a welcoming space where people could come together, build friendships, and contribute to meaningful causes. Read more>>
Leslie Dadidakis
It was a community of kind women, giving me a social outlet without feeling like I had to be consumed by making plans and devoting hours to a lunch or coffee meet up that often would leave me feeling anxious because I hadn’t accomplished anything on my list. The transformation in my body also fueled my desire to keep showing up, feeling stronger, more flexible and leaner after the first few months of regularly taking classes. Read more>>
Karie Winfree
Starting a new business was definitely a departure from my prior life in education, but having a mentor and making friends in the small business community here in Austin has been so helpful. My advice to any new business owner would be to hire a CPA to explain all of the ins and outs and get you set up with a solid foundation to start your new venture. I took a couple of months to do this and was already starting to get busy and had a lot of catching up to do with my books at a time where I was slammed with new clients. Not ideal, but you learn and grow along the way! Read more>>
Danny Martin
That journey led me to the Texas Master Naturalist program, where I found a way to root my passion for nature in tangible action. Through the Capital Area Master Naturalists (CAMN), I’ve had the privilege of working on ecological restoration projects, guiding others to see the world with new eyes, and advocating for the places that sustain us. My work—whether through illustration, writing, or hands-in-the-soil conservation—aims to restore both landscapes and the relationships we hold with them. Read more>>
Whitney Rice
Simplified Austin started as a side hustle while I was in the 11th year of my teaching career. A family whose children I had previously taught asked me to organize their walk-in pantry while they were on vacation. I had so much fun transforming their space and, noticing the work was peaceful and fulfilling, I decided it was time to start an official business. Read more>>
Elizabeth Flowers
I began Kitchen Elf when my first son was born. I was working at a local Austin bakery at the time with plans to return after maternity leave but the time came and I wasn’t ready to spend time away from my newborn. SO, I started Kitchen Elf and had another part time home gig rolling energy balls. Eventually, word of mouth took over and Kitchen Elf gained popularity. Now here I am, running my own Cottage Bakery that helps sustain my families financial needs! Read more>>
Austin Hormuth
Growing up I’ve always used art as a way to process life which made it easy to want to use my life to pursue it as a career. I grew up in Round Rock and was privileged to attend art school at The Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC and in that year realize art school wasn’t what I needed at the time to pursue life as an artist. After that and the pandemic (along with some relationships good and bad) I had thought it wasn’t going to be possible as a career because I had forgotten the joy of just simply creating things. But after a lot of deep dives into artistry in any medium I could absorb and process I finally feel like I’m at the point where I can put myself genuinely into my art again. Read more>>
Natalia Sanchez
I’m the most proud of …every session i’ve ever done to be honest! As cheesy as it sounds, I’m always so proud of my sessions because they are all so different that you really can’t just pick one. I’m proud of how creative my eye is, and how much of a fun experience I can provide for my clients! Read more>>
Amber Denison
For the past 10 years I have mostly sold commission pieces, both metal and painting and also participated in art shows in Los Angeles, Vancouver and Kelowna. In 2021 I moved to Wimberley with my now husband and not only did we start a small market farm, but also had a baby! Needless to say I haven’t made much artwork in the past few years but I have now started again, and showcased my work at some Dripping Springs and Driftwood markets. Read more>>
Eva Schöne Arnold
The realization that most awards were uninspired, mass-produced objects sparked an idea. With my background in architecture and design, I saw an opportunity to elevate recognition into a form of art, something elegant, modern, and deeply meaningful. In 2011, I took the leap and founded Trophyology, starting with a simple prototype. My first opportunity came when I approached the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Austin with this modern award design. They immediately saw the value and placed the first order. Fourteen years later, we are still honored to design the AIA Austin awards. Read more>>
Bill Pucci
My name is Bill Pucci. I’m the lead singer in an Austin browngrass band called Sour Bridges. Browngrass, it’s like bluegrass, but a little dirtier. We have been truckin’ and playing both locally and nationally for about 15 years. My brother and I moved to Austin from Pennsylvania a while back, looking for this Texas music scene that we heard so much about. We were not disappointed. We quickly found an eccentric circle of music friends, in an amazing city of Austin. Rumors are true; something IS going on every night, that you don’t want to miss… and you want to be a part of. And in no time, Sour Bridges was born. Read more>>
Savannah Aguilar
While we’ve been fortunate to experience significant growth and success, the journey hasn’t always been smooth sailing. One of the biggest challenges we faced early on was navigating the uncertainty of the pandemic. With constantly changing restrictions and guidelines, we had to be agile and adapt quickly to ensure our events were safe and compliant. Read more>>
Karen & Heidi Morgan, Zager
We’d love to say it’s been a smooth road, but the truth is, like many healers, our journeys have been shaped by obstacles. Often, those called to this work have experienced their own hardships and periods of challenging growth. Individually, we’ve both navigated difficult paths since childhood, but we’ve always shared a deep sense of resilience, self-love, and optimism for life’s possibilities. Read more>>
Michele Spiezia
In July 2020, at the height of the COVID pandemic, we sold everything we owned, gave up our Hoboken, NJ apartment, sent the dog to my mother in law’s house, and headed to Europe to pursue electric motorsport. For four years we braved visa requirements, pandemic restrictions, schooling exemptions and the shark tank that is motorsport to pursue something totally new, make a name for ourselves, and take on a legacy industry, before ‘bringing the Renegade home’ in 2024. Read more>>
Jorge Mora
He has nearly two decades of experience in every aspect of our field and has been a major influence on me. It was through him that I discovered paint protection film. At the time, I was working in construction and noticed him working in a clean, air-conditioned environment, applying stickers to cars. I was fascinated because I soon realized it wasn’t just about stickers—the skills and knowledge required for the job were truly impressive. So, every day after work, I would stay with him in his workshop, watching his techniques and offering to help in order to learn. Read more>>
Jeff Taylor
When I’m not helping people with real estate, I’m a car, motorcycle, and aviation enthusiast. I love being outdoors and I love connecting with people from all over the world, whether through food, conversation, or just sharing our common love for adventure. It’s the connections we make along the way that make the journey worthwhile. Read more>>
Lianna Villarreal
My journey began back in high school where I experimented with simple beaded designs as a hobby. When I enrolled at UT Austin, jewelry making took a backseat as I immersed myself in my biology studies. The turning point came during my junior year when the intensity of my science courses became overwhelming. I craved a creative escape, so I reconnected with my passion for jewelry making and Villa Atelier was born. Read more>>
Ethan And Allison Boone
My goal with Boone Family Bakery has always been to bring real, nourishing bread to my community. And within just a year, I was able to reach a point where my husband (Ethan) could join me full-time, which was an incredible milestone for us. Today, Boone Family Bakery is run by my husband and I, and we are both fully committed to bringing you the freshest, most authentic sourdough we can bake. We’re so proud of how far we’ve come and are excited for what the future holds. Read more>>
Blake Beeker
Definitely not! When I moved to Austin I didn’t know why life lead me here. I was doing a job that I didn’t love and I didn’t know anyone. Once I got my feet on the ground, I began building my future brick by brick. The reason Be Social TX even became my full time job is because I was laid off! I have been so blessed by my community to have so much support for my small business. Read more>>
Brooke Sipos
Being a full-time artist comes with huge highs and frustrating lows. I’ve had to learn how to take full advantage of the busy periods, when the work is flowing in, and set aside enough to carry me through the quieter times. It’s all about balance, persistence, and not losing sight of the bigger picture. Read more>>
Denise Thornton
The company started as a side project. Matthew was teaching seventh grade during the day while moonlighting as a filmmaker at night. We built everything from the ground up—learning, experimenting, and evolving along the way. As our projects grew, so did our vision. We saw firsthand that no amount of expensive gear or flashy effects could replace a compelling story. That became our mantra: Keep it simple. Tell your story. Read more>>
Alyssa Morin
I’m a freelance copywriter and journalist, specializing in beauty, fashion, and wellness. I’m known for my cutting-edge reporting on the latest products and procedures, as well as my in-depth beauty reviews, fashion finds, and high-level interviews with celebrities and industry experts alike. My favorite thing about work, however, is to rigorously test products because I feel like I’m providing a service to others and helping them find items that will make them feel their best. Read more>>
Chamagne Williams
With with the current economic and political shift, people are allocating funds for areas of necessity and skin care doesn’t always fall in the category of necessities, so staying relevant and continuing to provide quality skin care at an affordable price while the prices of our supplies are going up is a challenging space to be in. So to summit up, I have had smooth parts on this journey as well as a few struggles, but at the end of the day, it has all been worth it. Read more>>
Dustin Dwiggins
My response to those negative Nancies is if it’s just common sense, how come we aren’t all doing it already? I think one reason is that we’re bogged down in misinformation. I want to help pull patient’s heads out of the onslaught of baloney. I don’t think people are lazy. I think for the most part folks work incredibly hard and feel overwhelmed. I want to empower patients and simplify the process. Read more>>
Jenesy Claire
Deep in my heart I knew that I wasn’t finished designing and illustrating, so I returned to the core of what I love – painting and exploring visual concepts. Friends began to ask for my designs and patterns in fabrics and homewares, in bedrooms, nurseries and playrooms. Piper and Fox Designs was born out of my passion for design, and has evolved continuously to meet the demand of consumers. Read more>>
Kelsey Adams
Today, I’m proud to be part of Ladybird Society on South Lamar, where I specialize in blondes, dimensional color, and effortless styling. I’m also passionate about event styling, creating stunning looks for weddings, editorial shoots, and special events. I continue to grow, create, and help my clients feel their absolute best. Fourteen years into my career, my love for hair is stronger than ever. From Rayville to Austin, every step of my journey has shaped me into the stylist I am today—one who believes that hair is more than just a look; it’s an experience, a confidence booster, and a way to make a lasting impact on people’s lives. Read more>>
Alan Boyce
Wow! Where to being? I think my musical journey started when I was very young – probably 2 or 3 years. I remember listening to the music of my parents in our house, car, everywhere. My mom being from Mexico was playing Latin artists like Enrique Iglesias and Luis Miguel but she also really liked songstresses like Celine Dion and Mariah Carey. My dad’s taste in music was a bit more eclectic. He loved the Beach Boys and Genesis but also in his vinyl collection, he had Gregorian chanting, outer space soundscapes and classical music. All this music from my parents opened my world to the magic of music. Read more>>
Eddie Gamez
Originally from El Paso, I went to UTEP for college, studied history, and planned to be a teacher/ football coach. During my senior year I took an internship in athletic administration and for 10 years after college I worked in sports and entertainment sales and marketing for UTEP Athletics, the KC Royals, Arizona State Athletics, and the Arizona Diamondbacks. I did marketing, game entertainment, ticket sales, and sponsorship sales. After completing an MBA at Arizona State University, I decided to move to Austin. I decided on Austin because I had always loved the city’s casual culture, music and bar scene, and emerging tech ecosystem. Read more>>
Eleana Estrada
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but the challenges have only strengthened my resolve to help others. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it brought a wave of obstacles that made things incredibly difficult. The agency I worked for wasn’t operating at full capacity, which limited the resources and support we could provide to families. On top of that, many individuals were struggling financially and didn’t have the means to invest in their futures, even though they needed protection more than ever. The pandemic created a lot of fear and uncertainty, and families were worried about their health, their homes, and their livelihoods. Read more>>
Nicholas Ross
The creative process is rarely smooth, especially when you’re refining your taste and honing your skills to match it. The advertising industry, in particular, is comically volatile—shrinking budgets, AI, and holding company monopolies have completely reshaped it in just the last decade. The road ahead will have bumps, but creativity is ultimately about problem-solving, and there’s always room to experiment. Read more>>
Brigid Shaw
We want to highlight to consumers that you’re probably already enjoying Honduran coffee – you may not realize it. Major roasters in the US are buying it, but not telling you where the coffee is from. Honduras is the 3rd largest coffee producer in Latin America boasting a quality and flavor we all enjoy in our coffee. Our goal is to make Honduras synonymous with coffee and introduce it to everyday coffee drinkers. Read more>>
Joshua Perez
I started my pet care journey when i was young and at the house like most people, had a few dogs growing up, had the oppertunity and privilage to work along side them while i was in the military as well. i eventually got out and started doing the App Rover. i still currently do actually but in may of last year decided to make my own business with it, now im pet cpr certified and and certified pet nutritionist, 2 things i never thought id be. Read more>>
Adiba Chowdhury
Fast forward to today, The Board Bae ATX is a thriving, female-owned and operated small business. We prioritize sourcing from local Austin makers, collaborating with fellow small businesses, and striving for zero food waste. We proudly work with organizations like Keep Austin Fed to ensure that nothing goes to waste. Read more>>
Jordie Ammons
Breakfast Club was founded by four friends, who would meet on Saturday mornings to ride bikes, but only as an excuse to eat breakfast and hang out after. The love of coffee, community and consuming more calories than burned always outshined the time that spent climbing hills. Breakfast Club was started as a way to break the group ride norms: we like to ride hard, we like to ride slow, we like to ride flats and we like to ride hills, but most importantly we like to ride with others. Everyone starts and finishes at the same place, regardless of speed and distance, and everyone from first time riders to world tour all stars are welcome. Bring a bike, a helmet, a couple bucks for breakfast, and leave the ego at home. Read more>>
Valerie Ruiz
It definitely has not been a smooth transition. I started by making shirts in my mom’s house using her bathtub and back yard for pretty much everything. I have moved around Houston and Austin so much that I find myself working in any bath tub or back yard I can find. It definitely is a struggle to maintain your own business especially being a one man show. I do love what I do though so even though it hasn’t been smooth. I am so happy. Read more>>
Jeanette Reyes
Motherhood has a magical way of changing how you view yourself, the world, and the women that make it go round. I began to understand how important this calling was and how my impact would be greater as a mother than any career title. I also learned how easy it is for us moms to put ourselves on the back burner. I think any good mom tries to give her best to her kids and family, but it’s still important to take care of ourselves and keep our own hobbies and interests alive. Read more>>
Taylor Billingsley
I began my business by telling a close circle of (very supportive) friends. I had two of them hire me right away, and they began to spread the word. From there, I have grown my current referral based business into my dreams. The Home Ops now offers home organization, interior design, moving packages, custom built-in storage, and Fall porch decorating. It is a company with home organization and function at the foundation, and then offers layers of support for home operators. Read more>>
The Queen Diva
The first time I stepped into drag is a memory I hold close to my heart because I received so much love and support from friends, family, and audience members. I was still discovering what kind of queen I wanted to be and what this new persona was to me, but I knew I wanted to make an impact. I am heavily influenced by the pop divas of the past and present, which has helped refine my aesthetic and performance style to reach new and diverse audiences. Over time, I began finding more inspiration from professional and local drag queens, which helped me develop a growing eye for activism and advocacy for LGBTQ+ communities. To name a few milestones, I have been a returning performer for the annual Loud and Proud Pride Fest in San Marcos, TX, I have walked in the Austin Pride Parade and was also featured in a campaign by ASHwell promoting sexual health awareness. Read more>>
Candice
Introducing it to people with mild palates came with all the challenges. I’m happy to say, we conquered and won won quite a few competitions in Washington state and here in Austin Texas as well. We win first place in our first year in Austin at the “Austin food truck festival” and also at the “Sould food festival” Read more>>
Cassidy Baumert
From a young age, baking has been more than just a hobby for me; it’s a deep-rooted passion that began in my childhood. My father played an instrumental role in nurturing that passion. He wasn’t just my dad; he was my best friend. I cherished every moment spent in the kitchen, whipping up his favorite treats for birthdays, anniversaries, and even just because moments. Those surprises brought us both joy and created lasting memories. Read more>>
Dane Krager
It is probable that my entrepreneurship story started as an adolescent while watching my parents own and operate their own small businesses. My dad, a general contractor, and my mom, a boutique hairdresser, both were very hard workers that added value to their clients lives. I experienced the positive feedback they would get for their work and I was very proud of them. This ubiquitous experience was drawing for me, I felt that there was a deep sense of care and honor involved in their work. I loved witnessing that. Read more>>
Maria Orozco
Once I returned to Austin, I decided to run the Austin Full Marathon in February 2025 and convinced one of my best friends to run it with me (it was her first). I learned from my mistakes from the first time by not neglecting strength training, taking less electrolytes, fueling properly before/during long runs, and hydrating. It was such a different experience training with a friend than training alone. Read more>>
Audrey Guerrero & Angie Egea
One of the biggest struggles was finding studio spaces that were both affordable and available. On top of that, getting visibility in the local dance scene and making connections with promoters was an uphill battle. Austin’s Afro-Latin dance community has traditionally leaned toward a more Eurocentric perspective, whereas our mission is to elevate the African roots within Latin dance. At times, this has led to resistance, but it has also sparked important conversations and inspired many. Read more>>
Michele Zayla
I continue to struggle with the aspect of making a living- paying for my needs- mixed with keeping the creative work going, which feels pretty vital to feeling vital for me. Making things requires a lot of open time to fiddle around, be relaxed, investigate, focus and dig and spark stuff. Yet it also requires a comfortable and safe place to exist without constantly stressing, which requires money, which requires time doing something to make that money, which might drain! Tricky. I keep my life and needs as simple as possible and live with very few belongings and overhead to prioritize having the open space to create and feel inspired. Read more>>
Rafael Marquez
However, life tested me in many ways. In 2007, I lost my father, and in 2009, my mother. That was a turning point for me. I lost everything and had to start over. To support my daughter, Valeria, I began selling grilled food outside a bar owned by an acquaintance. He rented me the equipment and gave me a space to work. Thanks to the quality of my food and my daily effort, the business quickly grew, and the grills became a success. But when the bar owner saw my progress, he decided to increase the rent for the equipment and space by almost 600%. I was forced to abandon the business and look for another way to move forward. Read more>>
Neer Patel
The heart of our strategy is Direct Primary Care (DPC) which helps employees and their families get the best care they’ve ever had while steering unnecessary claims away from our health plans so that we can refund unused premiums back to our employer clients allowing them to reinvest into their health plan and improve it year over year for employees from both a cost and quality of care standpoint. Today Virtuous Benefits has grown to a full-service benefits agency serving employers of all sizes across the United States. Read more>>
Lynn Yeldell
Today, Seventh Scout is thriving, and I continue to evolve as a leader. Our agency focuses on branding, strategic marketing, and digital storytelling for businesses. Looking back, my journey has been shaped by resilience, community, and the willingness to rethink what success looks like. Seventh Scout isn’t just a business—it’s a testament to the power of great storytelling, strong leadership, and the ability to navigate change with intention. Read more>>
Jay Huang
I took a deep dive studying the culture, history, and cuisine. I traveled there several times to understand how to best use the local ingredients like recados, habanero, and sour orange. The heart of Yucatecan cuisine is its balance of spice, sourness, and smoke, which resonated with my philosophy of highlighting natural flavors and respecting the integrity of each ingredient. I have carried my philosophy of sustainable sourcing to Nomade and have created deep connecting with fisherman in the region to highlight the bounty the Mexican coast has to offer. This project sparked new creative passion within me, and I am excited to explore and share all the history and flavors of the Yucatan with all my guests. Read more>>
Haley Plotkin
I’ve lived in Austin basically my whole life! Went to Westwood High School, left for college in DC and then moved back home right after. I had gotten into photographing live music while in school, and traveling for concerts led me to a love for traveling in general. As Instagram started booming, I decided to start a dedicated travel page in those early days and grew with the platform, and @readysetjetset was born! Read more>>
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