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.
Troy Breen
When I got my first camera at 16 years old, I never envisioned myself moving to Austin, Texas, attending a top film school, and working for one of the biggest brands in college sports. I feel that it is pretty full circle that my love for sports came from Kevin Durant, who played college basketball at The University of Texas at Austin. My main message to anyone reading this is that it is important to chase your goals and try new things. You never know how much one decision can change your life in a positive way. Excited for what the future has in store. Read more>>
Ben Baecker
After a few years in Hawaii, I ended up moving back here to Central Texas, and getting married. My wife absolutely loved the bees, but didn’t love how much time that was being taken away from the home with me beekeeping. After the birth of our first son she sweetly suggested that I either slow down or try to make bees into a business. That sounded like an excellent idea! So we ended up buying 10 1/2 acres in the small town that I grew up in. And now we have a bee removal business, and an agricultural business, where we help keep bees on other peoples property to help with tax agricultural exemptions. Read more>>
Rafael Figueredo
My Story started at the age of 15 In Miami, FL. I started working at a gas station car wash after school where I learned the basics of cleaning cars. Life took me in many directions after High School with Military service that concluded 8 years later. I relocated to Pflugerville after military service and decided to go back to something I was always passionate about: cleaning cars and making them showroom condition. I launched A&M Detailing Solutions soon after moving here. Read more>>
Megen Mundy
The last 3 years of ownership have been such a wild ride. There was a big learning curve for me. I had never owned a business before, let alone a brick and mortar in an expensive city like Austin. Everything from managing the employees, scaling for expansion and coming up with new products has been a trial by fire for me in a lot of ways. But I’m so grateful for it, and all the lessons that come with it. I feel like I’m slowly learning to trust myself, and accept the fact that there will always be something to do around here, and that’s ok. It’s certainly never a dull moment at the Herb Bar! Read more>>
Danielle + Andres Rizo
We needed a new way to party. We missed dancing for hours in sweaty nightclubs to amazing DJs, but we didn’t miss the drinking, the doormen, or the late night hours. We craved the wholesome day party culture we’d enjoyed in the Summertime in parks around New York. In 2017, we created that culture we craved when we converted a vintage 1969 Airstream trailer into a big, shiny, DJ booth dripping with disco balls and hosted a free dance party series in Historic Pearl Park in San Antonio, TX. For three fabulous Summers, our company, Sound Cream, brought DJs from all over Texas, the US, and Mexico to play music in the park for people of all ages, colors, sexual orientations, backgrounds, and abilities. That was the beginning of our journey as entrepreneurs. Read more>>
Nancy Aguirre
Cenizo started as an idea that had been brewing for years. We bought our home in Southeast Austin in 2020 and immediately noticed there was no good specialty coffee nearby. Just a few months later, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Harrison lost his job. Those days were filled with anxiety and disbelief, but during that time, we floated the idea of opening a community coffee shop because we saw the need as residents in the area ourselves. We ultimately put it on hold due to the high investment risk, especially with a new job opportunity that thankfully came up in Georgia. With so much uncertainty, we packed up and moved there in a matter of weeks. Read more>>
Sequoia Williams
My business provides notary public services to Austin and surrounding area with many different options whether in-person and/or online notarizations, loan signings for real estate transactions, as well as apostille notarization services to clients who need their documents authenticated for international use with the Secretary of State. I’m really proud of how far my notary business has come. Starting out, I knew Austin had a lot of competition, but I’ve been able to build something solid by staying consistent, networking, and learning along the way. Seeing my brand grow and knowing I’m actually helping people makes all the hard work worth it. Read more>>
Chanel Alderman
Another challenge has been navigating the business side of things. From legally registering my brand to figuring out the best way to market my products, there’s been a lot of learning along the way. I’ve had to research, network, and sometimes learn through trial and error. Funding and resources have also been hurdles, especially as a small business trying to establish itself in a competitive market. Read more>>
Kris Betts
It’s just as, (if not more) rewarding as my first career as a journalist. I love earning my client’s trust by listening to them and communicating clearly what our goals are throughout a project, from start to finish. I take my reputation very seriously, it’s what earned the trust of my news audience and now earns the trust of my design clients. They know that I’ll take care of any challenge in the remodeling and new-build process while working hand in hand with my incredible construction team. The absolute best part is seeing their faces once the install is complete. There’s no better feeling in the world than knowing I’m a part of creating someone’s home that they’ll be proud of for decades to come. Read more>>
Tiffany Chan
My vision is to expand access to mental health, education, and community spaces that foster connection, all rooted in art, community building, and creative therapies, while also exploring the intersection of arts, wellness, play, and the brain. This journey has led to WitchyCrafts, an Austin-based creative coven. It’s a space for curious souls, artists, and makers of all ages who believe in the magic of creativity and intentionality. We’re building a vibrant community that values connection and play. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter, an experimental artist, or just starting out, you’re welcome here. We host crafting circles, participate in local markets, collaborate with creatives, and offer private events. It’s a place where we can all make magic together. Read more>>
Victor Dinaire
Music, programs and events have always played a major role in my professional life. Together with my long time studio partner Bissen, we founded the record labels “HalfwayHaus” as well as “Dinaire Force.” We’ve produced and remixed over 50 releases to date with several Billboard # 1 Dance hits. Our most celebrated remixes were for artists: P!NK, U2, Madonna, Backstreet Boys, M83, Snoop Dog. Read more>>
Veronica Guadan
It has not been a smooth road. I have two toddlers, a bonus daughter, a husband, and a needy dog to care for, all while working from home. If I said it was easy, I would be lying. I sometimes will stay up until 1 or 2 in the morning to film content, engage, and study the social media world. This is a lot of work! Many people do not realize what potential is out there and how amazing it could be. If I could clone myself x 5, I would. Read more>>
Amy Davis
Fast forward a few months, and the first CADEAU candle was poured. The first product of my very own and the result of a passion project I had been wanting to explore for years. After a long road of our kids battling respiratory illnesses as infants, a friend of mine introduced me to the layers of toxicity in fragrances that surround us – in our household products, laundry, and air that we breathe. We became a fragrance-free household for several years, until I found a way to make safe candles myself. Candles that are not full of paraffins, phthalates, carcinogens, and other toxins so commonly found in many of my favorite brands before. Each candle is still developed and hand-poured by me personally, a labor of love that I hold near and dear to my heart. Read more>>
Mercedes Banda
The journey has been full of learning experiences that have helped me grow both personally and professionally. I’ve gained valuable insights into what sells well and how to stay on top of fashion trends. Patience has been key in navigating online sales, and I’ve developed strategies to keep costs low while maintaining quality. Exploring different local markets has allowed me to find the best fit for my business, and I’ve continuously refined my online marketing approach. Managing every aspect of the business has been challenging, but it has also made me more resourceful and adaptable. Read more>>
Dahveed “skeez181” Flores
Unfortunately I was arrested in 1996 for painting a kaboose train. After my older brother posted bail and got a lawyer for me, I decided to be a good boy and just focus on legal works. In the same year I was asked to paint murals for a high school art program called “”The Art of Harmony” which was sponsored by Coca Cola Comoany. I painted for that program for 12 years. It’s funny because in my last year painting for the Coke company I was commissioned to paint a restaurant that was built inside an old-stand alone kaboose freight train car! It’s funny how my art came full circle from train yard to commercial art commissions! Read more>>
Jess Scott
I’d been doing comedy and theatre for years but had a heavy background in music as well. Music was a talent I ran from at age 20. At 17 I somehow was in a touring christian rock band? Yeah i said it. Christian rock band. Anyways. We played for 3 years then I quit the band. Our very last show was in Galveston with Mechanical Boy. My best friend who came with me to that show and who I dropped off after, was raped and murdered about 2 hours later. Read more>>
Gabbi Coronel
I found myself gravitating towards other entrepreneurs that needed creative help. I continued to enroll myself in web design courses, art classes, basically any class to help me gain more knowledge and skills. Since that first free logo project I launched MijaCreative, where I am able to become a creative partner with people and businesses that are looking for branding and web design help to get themselves started. I help others bring their vision to life and I get to share my creativity and art in a variety of ways. Its been the best and hardest thing I’ve ever done for myself. Read more>>
Rodrigo Moreno-fernandez
Rodrigo spent seven years as an illegal immigrant until he managed to secure deferred status during the Obama administration, allowing him to stay in Texas and work. Married with a three-year-old child with no papers or money, Rodrigo could not attend film school. He taught himself to film and tell stories by reading everything he could get his hands on and by listening to other filmmakers discuss their processes. Despite his struggles, he saved enough money to buy a second-hand camera, and he started making videos; for himself and later for those that might hire him for commercial work. Through this, he learned (by trial and error) how to light, shoot, and block actors, and he also learned to write scripts. Eventually, his commercial work began winning awards. Read more>>
Elsa Moreck
At the time, I didn’t think much of it. I was having fun, observing, and learning. But after graduating from university, I started noticing a pattern—people were reaching out to thank me. Some had finally left toxic relationships, others had met their person because of something I said. That’s when I realized…maybe this was something bigger Read more>>
Tamara Russell
If you had told me two years ago that I’d be running a spray tanning business, I would have laughed. But life has a way of leading you exactly where you’re meant to be. After 20+ years in recruiting and HR, working in industries from fitness to luxury fashion to tech and aerospace, I found myself unexpectedly laid off in June 2023. It was a devastating moment as I’m a single mom, that enjoyed the work that I did in the early career space. But deep down, the universe was clearing a path for me to do something different, however I did not know what that was at the time. Read more>>
Estefania Colamarco
I used to sell cupcakes during high school to have some income for myself; once I finished HS I started culinary school in Ecuador and that’s where I finally got the recipe for my Alfajores. Ever since I got that recipe back in 2016 I haven’t stopped making Alfajores. I moved to the USA in 2021 and officially moved to Austin in 2022 where I started classes in Auguste Escoffier for a Pastry degree, this is where I started learning even more about pastry and baking and just loved every minute of it. In 2023 an idea struck, what if I sell my alfajores? I sold a few alfajores throughout the year to my classmates and friends but in 2024 is when I decided to start my cottage bakery. In 2024 I was focused mostly in my Alfajores but currently I’m doing cakes as well. I can make lunchbox cakes as well as 6″, 8″ or 10″ cakes and custom Alfajor cakes too. Read more>>
Delaney Schafer
I love to watch them grown throughout their senior year and support them in any way I can. For my reps that are involved in sports I photograph their senior night games and I love how excited they get. I think what sets me apart is I truly care and think everyone deserves to have their special moments captures. Last year there was a senior who was pregnant that I met during a basketball game I was photographing and offered to gift her a maternity & newborn session. I didn’t want her to look back in 20 years and regret not having any pictures of that time in her life. Stuff like that is really important to me so I try to help people as much as I can. Read more>>
Darian Washington
I started this business because my son loves oatmeal. I was working for Whole foods when I brought home a sample of oats for my son to try. Derrick politely declined and asked if we could make our own. I was looking for a simple & delicious breakfast option, when we created our first batch of overnight oats using spices and dried fruit from our pantry. The next morning, he took one bite and said “Mom, I think we’re on to something!” Read more>>
Mychelle Hoang
Working hard and consistently got me to where I am. We just opened another business recently and I am hopeful I can continue to open more! Read more>>
Justin Muckle
My struggles started with trying to rapidly learn how to navigate social media platforms so that I could start a designated business page on Instagram and Facebook. While navigating these struggles I reached out to Angi Leads/HomeAdvisor and started paying for leads to get my name out there, start building my brand, and gaining trust from the community which lead to misinformation and debt. About 3-6 months later and still needing to make money to pay down the debt incurred, I was told by family and friends about Thumbtack a much smaller lead generation company similar to Angi Leads that allows you to hide your business for a month or more if needed depending on how busy I was. About two years into my business I started getting more clients contacting me and it happening more frequently. Read more>>
Carollin Cavil
I was still working my lessons as a side gig when I started renting a facility in Taylor. It was not until 2019 that I was able to go full time with lessons. I grew as a coach, my business was expanding, and we did not have to worry about the weather. During this time I was also coaching select ball and coached my own team with my husband. In 2023 we reached a goal of getting my own facility built. I am very blessed to be here and excited to see where this journey takes me! Read more>>
Sitthiphat Phosuay
Economy: The broader economic landscape has a huge influence. Whether it’s inflation, recession, or just shifts in consumer spending, these factors affect both the costs of running our businesses (e.g., raw materials, wages) and the purchasing power of our customers. During tough economic times, people might cut back on spending, which directly affects the sales. Read more>>
Ryleigh McGraw
Fast forward a few years, I reached out to a wedding venue in my hometown and joined them as they were building a new space. I started as an assistant but quickly became the person keeping everything organized and handling whatever was needed. That role evolved into building a catering department, leading sales, and managing a growing team. I did it. I found my niche. Oh young naive me, as five years later, everything was yanked away from me, which, at 24, was devastating. But looking back, that moment brought me to where I am today. Read more>>
Johnny Dixson
Johnny’s journey began after a corporate career when a trip to California introduced him to the emerging coffee movement. Inspired, he set out to open a coffee bar but first immersed himself in the craft, training as a sales rep for an Italian espresso equipment manufacturer. Selling espresso machines to local restaurants proved challenging—many saw coffee as a passing fad. So, Johnny pivoted, designing his own mobile coffee cart with the idea of renting it out—though he insisted on being the one to operate it. And just like that, Johnny Beans was born. Read more>>
Addie Oscher
Because my bookstore operates at the intersection of an independent creative practice and a business, it’s helped me to embolden myself by recognizing that being creative risks rejection. Putting something out there means someone might not get it, might dismiss it, or might outright criticize it. But that’s also how you find the people who *do* get it—who resonate with what you’ve built in ways you might not expect. This is a truth that working artists, and designers know well. So drawing insight from art making and the community I found around it has helped me to step out of certainty, into experimentation, knowing that doing something from the heart will land on another heart. While that approach may not be the most profitable, that’s what feels most authentic for me, and I think what makes the store a special place to visit. Read more>>
Sally Jacques
For many years, Jacques traveled the world for social justice, attending United Nations Conferences and World Social Forums in Brazil, Vienna, China, Mumbai and Spain. . She participated in peace talks in Germany, Malta, and Italy, and attended the United Nations Environment and Development Plenaries in Florida. Jacques worked with the Everardo Foundation to raise awareness of Mayan genocide in Guatemala and worked with the American Committee to Save Bosnia. She traveled to rape camps in the former-Yugoslavia collecting medical supplies for the refugees. In 1993, Jacques performed a dance-monologue at the United Nations Conference on Human Rights in Vienna. Read more>>
Gene Griffin
When my dad earned his degree, our family moved to a duplex in the Houston area, a slight “upgrade” as we called it, where he embarked on a new career path. It was during this time that I veered off course. Like many teenagers, I rebelled, but perhaps a little more intensely than most. My grades slipped, I tangled with the law, and I lost sight of the values I had been raised with. Two nights in juvenile detention served as a stark, jarring wake-up call. It was in that cell, I had a profound realization: this wasn’t me. This wasn’t the person my parents had raised. I knew I was capable of so much more. That experience became a pivotal moment, a turning point that forced me to confront my choices and chart a new direction. Read more>>
Juliet Maggio
It was during this time that I met Max, my partner—both in life and work. Max is an expert field producer and director, specializing in reality and documentary television production. While the pandemic and unprecedented strikes hit our industry hard starting in 2020, we were incredibly fortunate to maintain our work through a network of amazing connections and sheer determination. Watching so many colleagues struggle made us realize that, as our family grew, we needed to adapt in ways that would allow us to continue doing what we love. Read more>>
Kevin Young
Around this time, I met Heather Carroll. She was a serial entrepreneur renting a room in my house, and we instantly connected—talking about business, growth, and ideas. She loved Fasted Athlete’s mission and believed Lift was a game-changer, especially for women looking to improve focus, strength, and brain health. Read more>>
Tiffany Banks
I grew up in a very modest house hold. I was always encouraged to walk a certain path and to do it modestly. Bold makeup and different color wigs were not welcome. I feel like I had to fight everything and everyone I was surrounded by to just be adventurous. I always knew if I wanted to be daring it was going to with backlash from the people closed to me. Read more>>
Saleha Patel
Opening Buns on the Run was a huge leap of faith. Honestly, the biggest hurdle was overcoming the initial fear of failure and actually taking that first step. We spent countless hours planning and strategizing, but it felt like we were frozen, unable to translate our ideas into action. But we finally pushed past that fear. We took the plunge and invested in having our food truck custom-built. That initial commitment seemed to unlock everything else. Of course, there were still challenges – permit delays, scheduling inspections – but once we’d gotten the ball rolling, we were much better equipped to handle them. And now, a little over a year later, we’re still going strong and excited for what the future holds. Read more>>
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