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.
Kayo Master
mi cielo creates handmade clothing for babies, toddles, and adults. We were born out of a love for creating unique clothing for our little one, Tristan. Through his inspiration, our creations turned into a passion to share these unique designs with the little and big citizens of the world. Read more>>
Alex Syedin
Despite my efforts, I wasn’t accepted into the first grade of the choreography department at the local arts school. The competition was fierce, and my plasticity still wasn’t enough. However, I truly admire the professionalism of my teachers. They noticed my strong sense of rhythm and kindly suggested I try studying music instead. That’s how my musical journey began. Read more>>
Thanos Willey
My interest in audio production began in 1998. Back then, my family and I visited my Uncle Robert in Port Arthur, TX. He had renovated his garage into a recording studio. He had a pearl drum set mic’d up with Shure SM57s and several Fender guitars hung on the walls by the sound booth. I was fascinated by the gear and the room. That’s where it started for me. Read more>>
Kaita Mrazek
It definitely hasn’t been a straightforward road. I’ve taken plenty of “side quests” along the way (including co-founding an activewear brand inspired by Chinese medicine!). Every detour taught me something important, and ultimately clarified what feels most purposeful for me: helping people reconnect with their bodies, listen inward, and unlearn the pressures or stories that pull them away from themselves. Read more>>
Tawana Mccou MS, PsyD(c)
Transitioning from dental assisting to nursing school presented both personal and academic challenges, balancing demanding coursework, clinical expectations, and family responsibilities. Yet, this experience strengthened my compassion and commitment to helping others. Over time, I realized that my true passion lay not in direct clinical care but in understanding the behavioral, organizational, and psychological dynamics that influence health outcomes. Read more>>
Alexander Rivera
I was born in Guatemala and moved to the United States in my early adult years, chasing the dream of better opportunities. In 2018, I decided to start over and moved to Massachusetts to live with my father. Those first years were full of change — learning a new language, adapting to a new culture, and finding my place in this country. Read more>>
Honorable Rachid Sow
My story is simple: I came from the people, I serve the people, I serve God, I am a citizen of this world, and I will continue giving everything I have to ensure no child goes hungry, no family feels forgotten, and no community is left behind. God’s love has no barriers. Read more>>
Sherazad (Sunny) Lokhanadwala
I’ve been in the jewelry business for almost 25 years, a journey built on passion, perseverance, and purpose. When I first started my company, I didn’t have a big team or outside backing, just a clear vision and the determination to build something meaningful from the ground up. I wore every hat imaginable, from managing finances and operations to handling marketing, sales, and client relations. Read more>>
Kimberly Wright
From the very first time I stepped into a spotlight, I knew performing was where I belonged. Music has always been my way of connecting — a place where my passion, my voice, and my experiences all meet. Looking back, every twist in my journey has led me to the artist I am today. Early Roots My artistic foundation began in the theatre. Read more>>
Kim Keeshin
I started out in the performing arts as a singer/songwriter and dancer and then moved into the healing arts acquiring certifications in massage therapy, Kundalini yoga, Sheng Zhen meditation and Qi gong and Integrative nutrition and health coaching. I have always been passionate about helping people feel less pain( physical or emotional) and more joy! It all started 10 years ago while doing a massage. Read more>>
Edward Petrik
I am a board-certified anesthesiologist with over 15 years of experience in medicine. I received my medical degree from the University of Nevada – School of Medicine in Reno, Nevada. I went on to complete a residency in Anesthesiology through Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine at Baylor Scott & White Healthcare in Temple, Texas, where I served as House Staff President. Read more>>
Mykeala Chowritmootoo
I bought a camera seven years ago, shortly after getting into a toxic relationship that left me feeling silenced. I used photography as a form of self-expression so that I had an excuse to get out of the house. Read more>>
Kristen Wilson
Biographical Story of Kristen Wilson Kristen Wilson, founder of KW Immigration Law PC, grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, in a home shaped by service, discipline, and deep patriotism. As the daughter of two Navy veterans, she learned early the values of commitment and integrity—principles that would later form the backbone of her work as an immigration attorney and entrepreneur. Read more>>
Janie Quisenberry
I was asked to tell how I got here. I graduated UT and moved to LA to do research with autistic children at UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute. I then became a performer, singing. I recorded and booked out of LA. My first gig was at the Troubadour. My first recording experience was at Seals and Croft studio doing demos. Read more>>
Rockon Shawn
In 2012 I had 2 spare speakers. I approached a friend about building a simple box for these spare speakers I had, nothing crazy just something for band practice. He said, ‘yeah I can do that!’. Turned out he use to work for Webb Amps and the box came out really nice. Shortly after, I attended a Shadows Fall show in Sacramento. Read more>>
Tristan Young Mercado
Some of my earliest memories are of me as a child entertaining my family with stories I would create. I had a love affair with worlds and characters, and loved the ability to bring an audience to laughter or tears. Read more>>
Catherine Hair
I began as the second daughter to a biracial couple. My father was a Caucasian American and my Mother is South Korean. I was unwanted because I was a girl…or so I was told. From an early age I suffered extreme violence and terror from my parents. Not your average 1980’s spaking, but deep psychological and physical abuse. My parents eventually divorced. Read more>>
Holly Bentley
I spent more than 20 years in lending and finance, climbing the corporate ladder and checking every box of what I thought success was supposed to look like. Read more>>
Brian Hurd
My journey, similar to others, is one of navigating challenges, hardships, and adversities. From failing college three times, being on probation from being a ‘adventurous’ in my youth, being laid off from the government and Corporate America, as well as dropping out of my doctoral program, these bumps in the road still paled in comparison to the emotional and mental hurdles to overcome as well. Read more>>
Lizeth Katz Pallagi
The Story Behind Rhythm House ATX Owning a dance studio was always a dream—one that felt distant, uncertain, and almost impossible. Yet today, Rhythm House ATX stands as a testament to perseverance, community, and the belief that passion can build something extraordinary. My journey with my co-owners, Lisa and Travis, began in 2019 at a local dance studio in Austin. Read more>>
Hayley Plas
Ever since I was 13 I was fascinated with the beauty industry. As a young teenager in middle and high school, I was studying the latest beauty tips and trends on YouTube to implement into my makeup artistry. Read more>>
Brenda Ramos
My story begins with my parents’ journey. I grew up in an immigrant family, speaking only Spanish and watching my parents navigate a world that didn’t always make space for them. Those early experiences shaped me, they taught me humility, resilience, and the importance of helping others feel seen and supported. Truthfully, I never planned to start a business. Read more>>
Jessica Haley
Jessica’s Journey I grew up in Burnet, Texas, and married my high school sweetheart, who served in the Army. During our time in Colorado, I became a mother of two and even went to esthetician school while pregnant with my second daughter. After my husband returned from war, life took a difficult turn and we eventually divorced. Read more>>
David Macias
My journey as an artist began as a young child. I had two primary passions growing up, sports and art. More specifically, I loved drawing, sketching, and coloring, and I could draw for hours on end. I knew at an early age that I was fortunate to have a talent for drawing. Read more>>
Kristie Escamilla
My name is Kristie Escamilla. Born and raised in Kerrville Texas. I started my lemonade journey In June of 2025 briefly after my father passed on Mother’s Day 2025. He had been living with us for about two years battling cancer and a few other medical issues. Read more>>
Josh Jackson
The idea for Mr. Tees was born in the most unexpected place—my barber’s chair. I’d been getting my hair cut by the same stylist for a couple of years, and during one visit she mentioned she was branching out on her own and needed shirts and hats for her new business. Read more>>
Mimoza Hajmeli
My name is Mimoza Hajmeli. I moved to Austin, Texas twelve years ago with a strong desire to explore new opportunities in the United States. Before relocating, I spent many years working as a Quality Assurance Manager in the food industry in Rimini, Italy. Read more>>
Elizabeth Taylor
Witnessing someone’s a-ha moment is like an instant joy boost for me every time I see it. With over 20 years working in a commercial setting, I develop authentic and effective leaders to help shift the narrative on what it means to work in a corporate environment. My corporate adventure kicked off when I was just 16, with my very first job at Starbucks. Read more>>
Cassie Mason
After graduating from UT and learning under the best mentors in college athletics, I embarked on a journey that would not only transform my life but also the lives of countless others. Fresh out of college and armed with a passion for fitness and health, I quickly learned that optimal health, performance, and well-being extended far beyond the confines of the gym. Read more>>
Dr. Raven Aleman DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC
My path to where I am today has been a blend of passion, purpose, and a deep belief that mental health care should feel human, accessible, and truly supportive. I started my career working within larger healthcare systems, gaining invaluable experience but also seeing firsthand how easily patients could feel unseen in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. Read more>>
TJ Wright
“My story really started with a simple drive to build—build a better life, build things, and eventually build a business that could truly serve people. I didn’t come from a place where everything was handed to me, so I learned early on that if I wanted something, I had to create it. Read more>>
Gabrielle Gore
My husband and I launched Kickstand Mobile in 2019, serving handcrafted cocktails to the Austin and Hill Country community, everything from intimate backyard gatherings to large corporate events. What started as a simple side gig serving drinks out of a two-horse trailer quickly grew into a full-scale operation with staff support and partnerships with local event companies and suppliers. Read more>>
Jamie Saverin
My fitness career began in 2016 when I was pregnant with my first child. I was a special education teacher in San Francisco and spent my summers as a director at an outdoor adventure sports camp. Read more>>
Amar Bhuta
Dhaba Cafe was a Covid project and a long time dream to own a coffee business. As someone who loves gatherings and coffee I thought it would be a fun project to embark upon. Initially we acquired a little 1974 Cushman Trucksters which imitated Tuk Tuk’s (Rickshaw’s) in South Asian countries. Read more>>
Lorn MacDougal
Following childhood training in ballet and modern dance leading to college as a dance major, I became a professional dancer based in NYC. I also began to teach and choreograph as well as perform in my own dances and in those of a number of choreographers important in the contemporary dance world. Read more>>
Selikem Nelson
Coming home one day after a ARD meeting at my daughter elementary school, I pulled my car over because I was in tears. After years of going to doctors and not finding answers, the school had reached the conclusion by that she needs special education services. Read more>>
Donald Thompson
Today I serve as the Executive Director of His Joshua House a non profit drug and alcohol treatment center for men. His Joshua House has had a profound life changing effect on my life. Read more>>
Marlene Jorge
My journey as an artist has never been a straight line — it has been a series of awakenings. I was born in the Dominican Republic and adopted into an unconventional life story where identity was something I had to piece together quietly, instinctively. Long before I understood trauma, belonging, or the complexity of where I came from, art became my first language. Read more>>
John Avritt
I spend the first 15 years of my professional career as a high school basketball/track coach and teacher. As I evolved as a person, a husband, and a father, I realized that the thing I valued the most about that profession were the great relationships I was able to build with the people I came into contact with. Read more>>
Bonnie Palmer
I am Bonnie Palmer, native of Austin, Texas. I have been practicing yoga for about 13 years but when I started I was in Atlanta going to big inner-city studios. Read more>>
Tyler Ingersoll
My journey to becoming a Reiki Master Teacher has been a lifelong one. I’ve dealt with many trials in my life that could have, and almost successfully, derailed my belief in our connectedness to the greater world of humanity. A few years ago, while on a trip to the Shangri-La music festival, I had a transformative experience when I received a Reiki session. Read more>>
Brett Wagner
Our story really started back in Missouri. I grew up there, and my wife and I were living in the Lake of the Ozarks for a few years — which is actually where we met. At the time I owned a heating and cooling company called Ozark Air, and life was good, but we kept feeling pulled toward something different. Read more>>
Xander Psathas
I’ve always been interested in health and fitness and really started my journey during the pandemic. I had been working in retail and real estate and was ready for a change. When the pandemic hit and i wasn’t able to leave the house, I had a group of friends that I would Zoom with daily and we would practice yoga together. Read more>>
Valentina Febres Alvarez
My journey has been one of curiosity, presence, and following what truly calls me. I was born in Venezuela and studied Graphic Design, later working in education, psychology, marketing, and translations — all of which taught me how to communicate and connect deeply with people. Read more>>
Naomi Mendoza
My name is Naomi Mendoza I am a 25 year old cosmetologist I graduated in 2019 with my cosmetology license. I have been a wax and brow specialist since 2019 starting in the corporate field I left in 2021 to be with Ilume and now 2025 I am officially my own boss! Read more>>
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