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.
Alexander Novicki
Sorry to get so sappy but my goal has been wanting to help people for a long time and now I’m doing it and I’m doing a good job because there’s people that come to me in pain and now they’re out running marathons, working out, doing the things that they wanna do that they couldn’t do before. I’m sorry if I sound full of myself, but my job rocks. And I’m so grateful. Read more>>
Robin Jones
As electric transport is in the forefront of technology at this time and as accomplished petrol head motorcyclists with years of riding and racing under our belts, we were really interested by the new era of high tech electric off/on road E-bikes, We changed our company name and logos to Sterling Electric Vehicles in mid 2024 and now have multiple dealerships from multiple Ebike manufactures along with the electric carts. Read more>>
Alberta Genero
I’ve taken many risks—big ones. I left my country, my language, my comfort zone. I moved to a place where I had no connections and barely spoke the language. I started over from scratch—not just in life, but in business. I didn’t wait until I was fully ready, because truth is… you never are. I just showed up with everything I had. Read more>>
Chantel Pridgon
We hold meetings twice a month to go over the court proceedings for their case and accompany them at their court dates. In the 3 years in this position, I am very proud in leading my team to build relationships with the Travis Co. Managed Assigned Councils, some of the criminal court and family court judges, introducing participatory defense to the district attorney’s office and establishing other quarterly community meetings with other county entities. My most important goal in 2025 is to develop relationships with law enforcement because that is where injustice begins at the point of arrest. To be an effective participatory defense organizer it is essential that we have the courage to engage systems and passion to support people. Read more>>
Cassandra Klepac
I work a lot in the wellness, lifestyle, and food world — but I also love mixing things up with experimental shoots and personal projects that dive into deeper stuff like healing, identity, and connection. I’m probably known for being the one who brings good vibes to set, captures the in-between moments, and somehow makes everything look and feel effortless (even when we’re moving fast and making magic on the fly). Read more>>
Barry Rivera
This has been a theme in my life and now career through working in non-profits that are trying to solve essentially unsolvable issues like systematic poverty and environmental degradation. But it’s also a part of investing in relationships and trying to love and serve people through messy, hard times. It’s forced me to reconcile this part of me that only wants things to be easy and fun and confront my own propensity to stuff emotions down and run from hard things. This is all a lifelong work, but I feel so thankful for all the loving support I’ve received that compels me to do the same for others and give it my all in the face of immense challenges! Read more>>
Alina Tapia Romero
I currently service with insurance needs to the community who do not have a state license, we are an agency who shops them around with more than 15 carriers to find the lowest rate, we dont only sell to our customers, but make sure that the language barrier is not a problem and the fact that they are from another country they understand the importance of them to be property insured. Eazy Start Insurance has 2 main locations, one in Austin and one in Manor TX (my hometown). Being able to accomplis this task, this dream witht he help of my team is a dream come true! Our passion and our mission is to serve you and help you protect your assest with the adequate coverage. As this journey continues, my only goal, is to be able to serve all over the cities in Texas. One step at a time. Read more>>
Caryn Castillo
The extensive variety of patches, along with a fun party vibe, decked out in disco balls and music of all genres truly sets apart Oh Mother Trucker from its competitors. The diverse selection of patches including sports-themed, Southern aesthetic, humorous sayings, leather patches, and countless other options, ensures that every customer can find something they love and connect with. Read more>>
Ashley McCubbins
On top of that, I wasn’t feeling content with my editing style—it just didn’t feel like me anymore. And that made it even harder to stay motivated! So, I decided to make a change. I switched up my editing, refined my approach, and really focused on creating work that felt true to my vision! Read more>>
Kelly Dever
My true “why” has always been helping other moms. After leaving the workforce myself to raise children, I was surprised by the overwhelming feeling of a never-ending to-do list and a crippling sense of isolation. I knew I wasn’t the only one feeling this way, and I wanted to help others find moments of relief. I decided to open a membership-based brick-and-mortar business in Buffalo, NY, offering various self-care amenities under one roof. However, the pandemic forced that business to close, and my family relocated to Austin. Read more>>
Anushka Gaikwad
One of those new experiences is becoming a content creator. Austin is home to a lot of amazing restaurants and food trucks that I enjoyed eating at, and I wanted to share my love of cuisine with other people in Austin who might have just moved or wanted new spots to try out. Gradually, I started to make content on more than just food and I have now started doing lifestyle content for the same reasons I had when I first started my journey as a food content creator. Read more>>
Rewon Shimray
The first painting I remember making was about entering sixth grade and feeling the growing pains of separating from my elementary school friend group. The bottom of the composition started with my hands looped at the thumbs, and, cascading from it, fingered forms evolving into a herd of butterflies, flying out into different directions. The composition revealed evolution from one form into another, and how what was once viewed as a unit can splinter into many different parts, each fractal complete in itself—uniquely beautiful and destined for a separate path. Read more>>
Mallory Richardson
I am proud of my sacrifices, would do it again as what is a true journey and story of success without challenges? Aside from that, learning who and who not to befriend and trust has also been an ongoing lesson learned and opportunity for me. You have to simply keep some people at bay. No title is always needed and expanding your faith based relationship helps, sometimes spirituality is more of what we need than the phone call we desire with someone who may or may not truly want to help and see you win. Read more>>
Cinthya Beltran
In 2016, I took a leap of faith and started my first business a cleaning company. For six years, I poured my heart into growing and managing it. I faced obstacles I never imagined, including the challenges of the pandemic, but I learned how to adapt, solve problems, and push through adversity. In 2022, I made the decision to sell the business, a step that proved to be one of the biggest learning experiences of my life. Read more>>
Rocio Cortez
My media career didn’t start until I made one of the hardest decisions of my life: dropping out of grad school. At the time, I swore I’d never go back to academia, but I found myself returning because I couldn’t see another way out of my small town. While there, I developed valuable professional skills, but what really interested me was storytelling. I kept gravitating toward creating—capturing visually striking photos and videos, crafting compelling narratives, and making people feel something through my work. I started filming my friends’ fights and jiu-jitsu matches just for fun, but soon, that passion turned into something much bigger. Before I knew it, I was live broadcasting for sports promotions like Tap or Scrap and Main Character Jiu-Jitsu. Read more>>https://voyageaustin.com/interview/check-out-rocio-cortezs-story
Asiah Spencer
One of the greatest struggles I’ve had along the way has been staying consistent, and not sitting on my work. As an artist I’ve always strived for my work to be “perfect” subconsciously, despite always doing my best and just wanting to express myself. I’ve always been told, “If you’re gonna do something, do it right the first time so you don’t have to do it again”. Not knowing that maybe my work is just supposed to inspire someone else to create, or just make me feel better emotionally. Art doesn’t have to have an end game or a point, it can just bring you joy – it doesn’t have to feel like an obligation to your audience. Read more>>
CJ
Eager to expand my horizons, I ventured into freelancing, partnering with clients across various industries. While I had a notable focus on restaurants and bars, each project was an opportunity to transform initial concepts into impactful visual solutions, deepening my passion for design and honing my ability to translate ideas into compelling visuals. Read more>>
Andrew Poe
We don’t just build houses, we build homes. Kitchens, bathrooms, patios, decks, fences, full remodels, custom builds, we do it all. But the big thing that sets us apart is we’re a turnkey operation. No juggling multiple contractors. No waiting on third-party services. Our team includes specialists in plumbing, electrical, concrete, carpentry, and more, so we can make sure our customers’ projects stay on track. Read more>>
Lisa Moguel
At 17, I left home with no safety net, just determination. I worked my way up through sales roles that took me across the border during the peak hi-tech era when the maquiladoras/Mexico divisions of US companies, like Zenith and Delco, experienced significant growth, becoming a major part of the industrial activity. I launched multiple businesses (including a gift basket company that pivoted during 9/11 and tripled revenue), and later co-founded a trades education company that trained thousands across Texas. Read more>>
Jess King
There is also lot of chemistry and math that goes into making candles (i.e., melting points, fragrance ratios, colorants, etc.). Which also means a lot could go wrong! It took me four months to figure out the flagship Archaeologist Collection, but even now I’m still learning new and different ways to streamline the process. Read more>>
Catalin Briciu
Each year since has been about evolution. From early-stage experiments to working with startups and enterprises across Europe and North America, our path has been shaped by one principle: validate everything. This mindset led us to develop our own Product Validation Framework, recognized now as a cornerstone in reducing innovation risk and accelerating time-to-market. Read more>>
Alejandra Agostini
Fast forward to 2020, after 5 years of working a corporate banking job, I met a client that introduced me to the world of bridal alterations. Shortly after, I started taking bridal clients in my free time from home. I incubated my business while working a full time banking job for 3 years, then I took the leap and established Needle&Wand. I like to remark that: I probably would not have been able to create a successful stable business, had it not been for the half a decade I spent surrounded financial education at my corporate job and the countless interactions with my business owner clients that taught me that things take time and to always think from a business standpoint. Read more>>
Wes Evans Heidenreich
My best friend, Todd, noticed my new toy and suggested we shoot a music video for his band, Language Room / Kiona. So we went into the woods with a bunch of friends for 24 hours and came out with a really fun Ok Go inspired video. Then we decided to make a short film, so I wrote & directed my first short film, “Office Zombies”, that plays on “The Office” using zombies as a fun metaphor. Read more>>
Sydney Reyes
In 2017, I packed up my dreams and made the move to Austin, TX, ready to build a career in medical aesthetics. The change wasn’t easy—new city, unfamiliar faces, and the pressure to prove myself in a competitive industry. But I wasn’t one to shy away from a challenge. I dove into training, honing my skills in skin rejuvenation, perfecting my techniques, and earning a reputation for delivering tangible, life-changing results. Read more>>
Natalie Howe
You will often spot a room by Natalie Howe based on her signature use of wallpaper—always unexpected, always memorable. In a traditional dining room with a coffered ceiling, she might wrap the walls in a metallic bicycle print, a playful nod to the homeowners’ weekend rides. In another home? Bears roam a forest wallpaper alongside marble busts of women—because Natalie knows how to bring in edge without losing elegance. And in a recently refined entryway, she looked to Nantucket for inspiration, wrapping the walls in a custom Rebecca Atwood wallpaper—its dotted pattern gently evoking ocean waves. Read more>>
Tania
Since I was very young, I’ve been drawn to the arts. I started with dance and piano lessons and continued dancing into college, where I pursued a minor in dance. Dance has always been my biggest passion, and for a time, I considered making it my career. But I was also fascinated by something else—the magic of theater and the process of bringing a production to life. That’s why I decided to major in Theater Tech and Design with an emphasis in Costume Design. For me, this field perfectly combined my love for theater and fashion. Read more>>
Jules Ramirez
I’d like to thank Kicking It, an Austin-based sneaker boutique located in the Domain. They have helped us grow our brand through sponsorship deals and promotion. They also have the best sneaker selection in Austin! Also KAZI 88.7 Austin’s own community-based radio station who has been on the air for more than 40 years now. KAZI has been very supportive in all of our endeavors. Thank you! Read more>>
Richard Camastra
Around the age of 21, it got worse, and she was in and out of a coma frequently. I didn’t feel comfortable with the idea of leaving while she was in this condition. I didn’t know how much longer she had left. When she came to, I told her that I had decided to stay and take care of her. Without hesitation, my mom responded with “don’t ruin your life because mine didn’t turn out as planned.” She’s at peace now, but every day I’m reminded of that much-needed, selfless push she gave me. I have my entire career, partner, and life to thank her for. Read more>>
Dor Korngold
My journey in the electric bike world started over a decade ago when I began managing an e-bike shop in Israel. That store eventually grew into the largest e-bike franchise in the country, expanding from one location to 18 branches. During that time, I also started building my own bikes from parts I had access to and using them for my daily commute. That hands-on experience—combined with my background in running and scaling businesses—sparked the idea of creating my own brand. Read more>>
Or Koren
What we’re known for, beyond the music itself, is our unwavering commitment to honesty. In a world saturated with fleeting trends and manufactured emotions, we strive to create genuine connections with our audience. We’re proud of the vulnerability we bring to our music, the willingness to confront life’s complexities, and the dedication we have to our craft. We’ve spent 15 years honing our skills, not just as musicians, but as producers and storytellers. Read more>>
Nicolle Martínez-Rivera
During my childhood I grew up in a military family, this lifestyle exposed me to many cultures, cuisines, and experiences. Because of this I was passionate about the travel and tourism industry. after I graduated highschool I decided I wanted to study Tourism/Hospitality Management at the University of Idaho, in Moscow, Idaho specifically to become a special events coordinator, i Originally wanted to become a chef but was talked out of it because my family was worried about me not being able to live comfortably with that career, given that the job is long hours and typically the pay is low. Read more>>
Renato Raposo
The idea for Oca began to take shape after I spent several years living in the U.S. I found myself craving one of my favorite Brazilian snacks—Paçoca, a soft, crumbly peanut treat I grew up with. But here, it was almost impossible to find a version that was fresh and clean. Most of the ones I came across were overly sweet and filled with ingredients I couldn’t recognize. I wanted something simpler. Something made with just a few trusted ingredients—nothing extra, nothing artificial. Read more>>
Cherelle VanBrakle
Out Tha Box Productions was born from a vision planted by co-founder Leola Smith, who dedicated her life to creating opportunities for Black and Brown youth in the performing arts. Alongside her daughter, Melanie Smith, they began building a space where young artists could thrive. After Leola’s passing in 2020, I took up the torch, working to expand this dream from a single-page vision into a fully realized nonprofit. Read more>>
The Big Little Print Show
Behind the scenes, it was a true team effort. We leaned on each other’s diverse backgrounds and past experiences to bring the show to life. From managing sales tax through retail experience to handling sponsorship outreach rooted in marketing, and building the brand using our graphic design foundations, every detail reflected someone’s unique skill set. Even elements like art installation, screen printing, packaging, and logistics were supported by knowledge gained outside of our day-to-day roles. It was a collective effort shaped by the full spectrum of what we’ve learned along the way. Read more>>
Haya
Nothing is ever a smooth ride. No matter who you are, no matter what you do, you will always be faced with hurdles along the way. Cooking through the night to avoid daily distractions and divided attention is my biggest challenge. I am determined to give my children all of my attention during the hours they’re awake, hence, I wait until they’ve turned in for the night to start preparing orders. That means there are nights where I don’t sleep at all – it also means that my husband must solo-parent for a little bit while I catch up on sleep. But, even with these challenges, I choose to push through with every order and deliver the best I can. Read more>>
King Bunny
We started playing together out at open mics as an acoustic trio. Our first time playing on stage together was an open mic at Kick Butt Coffee. We had to fill out the sign up sheet and realized we had never actually created a band name. Our singer, at the time, went by Bunny, and my stage name was King Richard. So, in that moment I mashed the two together, and we became King Bunny. From there we began getting noticed at The Water Tank, Anderson Mill Pub, Opa!, and The Buzz Mill. It began setting in, we knew we had something special, and we wanted to grow past just the trio. Read more>>
Rachel Giberson
I’m still making art regularly and now that all of my children are in school I’m exploring new career ideas and creative projects. Currently I’m writing a weekly newsletter about Austin. It’s really casual and I try to write it as if I’m just reaching out to a bunch of friends about the things I’m enjoying about the city. I grew up in San Marcos and spent a lot of my time as a teenager meeting friends in Austin (including my future husband)–it’s been interesting to see the city change and grow, and I am enjoying having a reason to explore and write about the things I’m finding. Read more>>
Jaime Mattox
But what I’ve learned is that struggle can be a powerful teacher. Every challenge forced me to look inward, to heal, and to grow. I had to unlearn a lot of what I thought I needed to be, and start reconnecting with who I actually am. That process wasn’t easy—but it’s been the most important work of my life. Read more>>
Mikaela & Jordan Burchill
We were best friends all throughout school but never dated. After graduating, we moved to Austin, Texas with a bunch of friends. Within the first month we ended up dating, and a couple years later, we got married. Right when we started dating, we began writing songs together and decided to form our duo, Beth // James. We’ve been releasing music for a while now, had a song in Spike Lee’s Academy Award-winning movie, BlacKkKlansman, and get to tour all over together (USA, Europe/UK). Read more>>
Shannon Buth
It’s definitely not always a smooth road juggling the business and raising 4 kids! We also re-located from Chicago to Austin in 2021 and that was a big change for our family and business. I think we experience a lot of the same ups and downs of any small business owner and entrepreneur, some days its the best thing ever, and other days it feels like the hardest thing in the world! Our pledge to d0nate $5 from every order always helps keep me more on the positive side, and when we send the money at the end of every month to our charity partner it reminds me that its all worth it! We’ve raised over $130,000 for various women and children charities since 2020! Read more>>
Charlie Mac
Definitely not a smooth road and honestly, I wouldn’t trust one that was. The journey’s been full of detours, delays, and straight-up brick walls. I’ve faced self-doubt, financial strain, people who didn’t believe, and moments where I almost didn’t believe either. I’ve had to unlearn survival mode, heal in real-time, and create opportunities where none existed. Every setback tested if I was serious about this path and every time, I chose to keep going. The scars gave me perspective, the pressure gave me power, and the struggle shaped the voice I have today. Read more>>
Juli Brinkley
The road has not been as smooth as I’d have liked, but I figure there are lessons to be learned through all the ups and downs. I was laid off from my job a year ago and the job market has been — and still is — atrocious. There are so many people who are hurting, depressed and hopeless because they’re experiencing the same things that I am. Where once I would get interviews and offers super quickly, now they’re virtually nonexistent. I’ve been ghosted by recruiters and potential employers who promise a second interview. The number of employment scams out there is ridiculous. Read more>>
Luiza Reingatch
My book is called “Higher Nutrition”, the art and science of healthy living. In 111 pages with colored images, and a self selecting workbook as the last chapter, it’s intended for you to learn about and take control of your health, physical, emotional and mental Highlighting Chinese and Indian ayurvedic, preventive and functional medicine as well as esoteric and ancient knowledge. Read more>>
Spencer Arnold
I’ve been making music for about 7 years now and I’m just now finding my sound, and starting to find success and sound professional and polished. Between a ton of determination, using rejection as positive fuel, and never forgetting that I love what I’m doing. I made it to where I am now, and it finally feels like it’s working. Read more>>
Hannah South
Having a community across the country from New York to Texas is so inspiring and beautiful to me. I think what sets me apart from others is the way I see the world in the way that I’m open to the challenge that is put in front of me. I think a big contributing part of this is having parents so young. My parents had me in high school and they are my biggest inspiration, my biggest push in my life. They’ve always been extremely real with me. They taught me that the world is not easy. Just seeing how hard they have worked to give me a life that is stable. They are my biggest inspirations. Read more>>
Mercedes
Trying to reach for the stars is always a test. I truly love my work and building towards something however I have to admit, that the road to success has been bumpy! The firm has seen many iterations, from having a large staff, working in offices, to overcoming financial instability and downsizing to a one women show. But through it all I’ve learned to keep the focus and strategically move forward by putting my energy and time into meaningful relationships. Read more>>
Brieana James
Building my business has been both a smooth and challenging experience. While there have been moments of uncertainty, especially starting out during the pandemic, every challenge has pushed me to grow in ways I never imagined. Without those obstacles, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Each step both the easy wins and the tough lessons—has shaped me into the business owner and artist I am now. I’m grateful for the journey and excited for what’s still to come. Read more>>
Nicholas
And Ive been at One&Only maybe almost 2 years now and I haven’t been this happy in years. I get to do what I love and love every second of it. I breath sleep and eat art and my goal is to leave art for generations to see. It took everything for me to get here but it was all worth it and this is just the beginning. Now I’m a full time tattoo artist and I do graffiti work/murals on the side along my pokemon business Elite4ever. I haven’t been this busy in a while but I’m here for it and I’m glad to see where this journey takes me. Cause I promise. This is just the beginning of my story Read more>>
Christopher Vetere
A year ago, during one of the most difficult times in my life, I traveled to Peru. I went deep into the Amazon, hoping to see the world—and myself—through a new lens. What I discovered was a way of living that honors the land, the body, and the spirit as one. I learned that everything in our lives can be ceremonial. From how we prepare our coffee in the morning to how we breathe before a meal, intention changes everything. Read more>>
Anastasia Shimansky
One of the brand’s standout collections, “Alice in Wonderland”, captivates with its vibrant color palette, vintage-inspired accents, and imaginative design choices. The dresses in this collection go beyond fashion — they serve as powerful symbols of mood, confidence, and inner strength. Special attention is given to accessories, such as oversized rose hats and elegant gloves, which tie the looks together and highlight femininity, refinement, and the “power woman” concept — bold, self-assured individuals who express themselves fearlessly through fashion. Read more>>
Natalie Forget
Creativity has always been a core part of who I am, especially when it comes to music. I grew up playing piano, singing, and expressing emotion through writing songs. At nineteen, I joined a southwestern indie band and played local shows, but eventually, I turned inward to focus on my solo work, using raw voice memos as the foundation for my electronic tracks. These days, I produce, sing, and am teaching myself to DJ. Read more>>
Danielle Foster
At Dwell In The Details, our philosophy is rooted in the belief that aesthetic and functionality should harmoniously coexist. We aim to build enduring relationships with our clients, starting with their weddings and continuing through various life milestones—be it homeownership, business ventures, or family expansions. Our goal is to be a trusted partner, ensuring that every space and event we touch is both beautiful and meticulously organized. Read More>>
Michelle Lowe-christensen
My YouTube journey began in the early days of the pandemic when so many of us were overwhelmed by the chaos of daily life. As a mother and grandmother, I had long relied on routines to create a sense of peace and order in my home, and I knew others could benefit from the same approach. So, I picked up my camera and started sharing simple, practical routines for cleaning, decluttering, and organizing. Read More>>
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