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.
Brian T Wagner
That mix of creative work and technical background made social media marketing feel like a natural extension. I built the @AustinCurated Instagram account from scratch and grew it to a significant following in under a year. It taught me how to read the room, identify emerging trends before they hit, and guide content that actually lands. After that, I shifted focus to working with businesses and clients directly, helping them scale with fast-launch digital tools. Read more>>
Taylor Amstey
The story of Love Lamp Matcha begins back in 2018, when my husband and I started taking pottery classes together. Over the years, those classes became harder to get into, with fewer open-studio hours and limited availability. By January 2023, we started dreaming about what it would be like to have our own studio space. We also began imagining what it could look like to combine it with another passion of mine: opening a matcha shop inside the space. Read more>>
Wolfgang Burst
Along the way, I realized I wanted to do more than just create art. I wanted to help other artists thrive too. That is what inspired me to co-found The Art Newsletter, a weekly publication that bridges creativity and business. We spotlight emerging artists and creative trends while providing practical tools and insights for building a sustainable career. It started as a small project but has grown into something meaningful, with a growing team and community. Read more>>
Randi Childress
Whew—where do I start? Being a small business owner means wearing all the hats, often at the same time. One of the biggest challenges has been balancing creativity with the pressure to be constantly marketing, managing inventory, planning events, and keeping the lights on. I’m an artist first, not a business major, so learning the ins and outs of running a brick-and-mortar shop was a crash course in everything from budgeting to branding. Read more>>
Al Gonzalez
Transitioning from a salary-plus-bonus role to a 100% commission-based income came with plenty of sleepless nights. Selling only life insurance was tough, which led me to TD Ameritrade, where I worked on the bond desk during the Great Recession (2006–2009). It was a challenging but invaluable experience—I learned firsthand how to manage risk and build diversified portfolios. Being new to the equity side of finance, there was a steep learning curve, but it strengthened my expertise in navigating market volatility. Read more>>
Minnie Erickson
In August 2018, Minnie stepped away from the corporate world to prioritize her health and focus on building a family. During that transitional period, the spark reignited. While creating birthday gifts for two of her best friends—both busy working moms turning 40—she felt inspired to revive the idea. She wanted them to feel seen, loved, and truly celebrated. Read more>>
Ashly Gonzalez
I’m originally from McAllen and moved over here for more opportunity. Moving over here was not only a culture change for me, but a mental rewiring for everything I had to unlearn. For the new things I’ve gotten to learn and experience, the rave community has always been a big pillar in my life. One of the main reasons I created Moon Bounce Hollow was for my friends to have a platform we made together. We want to share the vibes of the community and the commonalities we have with one another. while also showing any new experiments with new friends. Read more>>
Olga Roberts
Having developed “Refined Pilates” I was able to train dancers, athletes, and professional teachers from all over the world. This has helped them achieve outstanding performance results with no injuries. I have shared my method with many Orthopedic and Physical Therapisand dance specialist throughout my career. Read more>>
Cesar Enriquez
Today, those early photographs are part of my archive which was very limited growing up as I knew nothing about archival photos. My passion deepened in high school when I received a point-and-shoot camera as a gift. This simple instrument soon became a catalyst for my artistic growth, prompting me to upgrade to a more versatile camera with interchangeable lenses. It wasn’t long before I was approached to photograph milestone events, such as quinceañeras and weddings. Read more>>
Viet Nguyen
In the summer of 2018, I invested $300 from my part-time job at a Vietnamese Hot Pot restaurant—a significant amount for me—into a stand-up comedy class. Initially, I was disappointed because the class emphasized writing more than the spontaneous talking I expected. However, the class introduced me to a community of new and experienced comedians, and I began exploring open mics across Los Angeles and Orange County with them. This community felt like a new group of friends, a chance to hang out, and an escape from school. Read more>>
Caitlin Diamond
My biggest struggle was internal, just facing my fears of inadequacy. In one of my last semesters of grad school, we practiced a therapeutic technique called Sandtray, in which the client creates a depiction of their internal experience by placing different symbolic items in a tray of sand. Our prompt was to create a tray that told the story of our grad school experience, and in mine, I placed a knight before a fire-breathing dragon. The more I looked at it, the more I realized the dragon had been slain already, so I laid the dragon on its side and let the knight stand triumphantly over it. Graduate school felt like an insurmountable task when I started my program, but by the end, I had shown myself what a courageous knight I could be. Read more>>
Jessie Lewis
After several years in the hospital setting, I spent four years in a group practice before opening my own private practice in 2022. I now work with teens and adults through a holistic, social justice lens. I believe therapy is inherently political—clients don’t exist outside the systems that shape their lives. A key part of my work is helping people name and challenge those systems and the harm they can cause. Read more>>
Dani Lawrence
Today, I’m a mother, wife, grandmother, HR professional and recently regarded as an award-winning children’s book author. I got here by faith. in God. It’s not about perfection, but about how to stay focused even after setbacks, rejections or negativity. My grandkids have been my inspiration to write and share with others. They are hilarious and although things don’t go as planned– there are ALWAYS learnings tucked into the “adventure”. To me, true happiness is lasting joy, learning from all of my experiences and then being able to share those lessons with others. Read more>>
DJ Lorraine Von Strange
I had my first vinyl gig in 2015 when local DJ and friend Tropicana Joe so graciously hired me on for a guest spot. One taste, and I was hooked. By 2019, I had begun a vinyl residency called Dark Entries, an all encompassing goth night. By 2021, I had started spinning at the local goth club, Elysium, via digital format. Becoming one of the resident DJ’s for Austin’s longest running goth night, Haven, was a pivotal moment as I had frequented the club often and danced so many nights away there. I also had the opportunity to DJ and open for many touring bands including some of today’s top acts like Lebanon Hanover and Traitrs and 80’s Synthpop legends, Anything Box. Read more>>
Eric Finger
We’re a mobile physical therapy practice based in Austin, TX, and we specialize in delivering one-on-one, expert-level orthopedic physical therapy right to our clients’ homes or offices. Whether it’s a nagging shoulder injury that’s limiting your golf game or a stiff back from too many hours at the desk, we come to our clients so they can get better without missing a beat in their busy lives. Read more>>
Nicola Deck
From the moment I entered the world of esthetics, I knew I had found my calling. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of learning from incredible mentors who helped shape my skills and fuel my passion for this work. Rather than rushing into business ownership, I chose to take my time—refining my techniques, growing intentionally, and truly mastering my craft. When I discovered the art of brow design, everything truly clicked. Read more>>
Edgar Rodriguez
Like everything in life. everything has its struggles low points and high points. starting out and now I’m still trying to grasp on balancing my main job. And this new venture and I’m currently proceeding trying to get a website and portfolio going has been a small struggle .I”m a pretty introverted person so a big struggle for me is reaching out and creating new contacts . But with the support of other photographers I have met I have and will continue to try and contribute to the local music scene in Austin. Read more>>
Vanessa O’Rourke
I started knitting in high school, for an Agatha Christie play. I learned to knit backstage, in the dark with pencils as needles, from a castmate. After that production I actually forgot about knitting, little did I know it was going to become such a part of my life a decade later. I went to school for theatre, received a BFA in Acting, minor in Dance and moved to Austin eager to join the performing arts community. Within in a few years I was running a yoga-based preschool, teaching after school classes and performing in productions around town. It was during this time that I started to notice my body was slowing down. Read more>>
Tanezha Guilmet
My journey into photography started when I was a little girl. I’ve always had an eye for aesthetics and naturally gravitated towards creating beautiful visuals through drawing, painting, and styling. During my first year of college, I bought my first DSLR camera and used it for a photography course I had originally taken just as an elective, not realizing it would spark the start of my career. I still remember my professor telling me, “You have an eye, and that is something I cannot teach.” That moment gave me the confidence to trust my creative instincts, and it’s a quote I’ve held onto to this day. Read more>>
Noa Belillti
Each member truly is the ‘Goodest’ on their instrument, some of the best Austin has to offer, and at being authentically themselves. (If you’ve met any of them you know immediately and exactly what I’m talking about.) We have guests here and there but The Goodest Ones is made up of D-Madness on bass, Michael Longoria on drums, Ry-Dog on guitar, and Marcell Coleman on keys. Read more>>
Sofia Villanueva
There has been bumps along the road, impostor syndrome is real. I have struggled feeling like my work is not as good as other artists. Especially since I am newish to this, but every time I am feeling discouraged someone comes along the way to remind me of how talented and creative my work is. I am very grateful for all those people who come into my life that appreciate my work and remind me how talented I am. Read more>>
Christian Miller
That said, the long hours and time spent in front of a screen have definitely pushed me to dive even deeper into endurance sports in my personal time. For me, it’s about balance. I believe everyone should have personal goals and passions they pursue outside of work — something that challenges them, keeps them grounded, and helps them grow. Endurance training has been that outlet for me. Read more>>
Maira Montes
The biggest challenge I’ve faced as a professional dancer is having to prove myself constantly. The arts are not as highly recognized or valued as much as other careers, making it hard to make a living, especially in a popular city like Austin. Read more>>
Kristy Battani
Growing up I loved art, but I didn’t actually know any artists. My grandmother was a creative of the pack-rat varietal. I adored spending time in her converted garage that was stuffed to the ceiling with drawing books, paints, patterns, materials, buttons, fabric and yarn, alongside canned goods, hammers, nails and one very large vibrating, fat-reducing machine. Maybe that’s why I still associate making art with a bit of chaos. Read more>>
Logan Cannon
Back in the States, I moved west, living in the mountains of Colorado and later in Jackson, Wyoming. I fully embraced the rhythm of seasonal work—guiding in the summer and winter, then traveling and exploring during the off-seasons. In the fall of 2015, I traveled to India for my first yoga teacher training, which deepened my connection to wellness and healing. I returned to work at a guest ranch just outside Yellowstone, where I taught yoga and guided fly fishing trips. Read more>>
Jyoti Lohman
Before launching the beauty way, I attended FIDM in San Francisco to study product development and marketing. I then embarked on an amazing journey to Paris where I studied trend forecasting and fashion styling, which led to a successful 12-year career in upscale fashion in the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. After falling in love and deciding to get married after our third date, I had the opportunity to travel the world with my husband. As we explored the world, I gathered endless inspiration and invaluable knowledge for what would one day become the beauty way. Read more>>
Lydia
With a background in design, I made the bold leap from a stable office job to pursue storytelling and filmmaking full-time. It was a risk—one fuelled by the deep need to create art that speaks from the soul. There have been times where survival came before passion, but I’ve never regretted the pivot. Every project, even in struggle, brings me closer to the purpose I believe in: creating work that empowers, uplifts, and truly matters. Read more>>
Eva Rahman
I realized that I have never been an “adult” in my home city, and I have been figuring out what to do with that. In addition to this, my age has been staring me in the face. I know that passions and careers know no age, but it is one of those things that is definitely easier said than believed. At the time that I am writing this, my 26th birthday is in a month. Sometimes it feels as if I am not where I am supposed to be at this “number”. I think my problem is that I want to do big things for myself, and it is not happening at a certain rate. However, I know that there is absolutely no one else but yourself who can tell you that you can not accomplish what you want, no matter when that happens. Read more>>
Robert Gayle
In the early days, it was all trial and error. I had to quickly figure out how to manage tight event timelines, juggle multiple vendors, and stay calm when plans shifted at the last minute—which, in this industry, happens more often than not. Those experiences taught me how important it is to stay flexible, think on my feet, and always have a backup plan (and sometimes a backup for the backup). Read more>>
Bibi Kemper
When I moved to Austin, I wrote my friends in India, who sent me beautiful things to start selling at pop up markets, and bought a truck retrofitted to a sweet mobile store parked on East 11th St. Because I only work in parts of the world I’ve either lived in or traveled to for at least 10 years, I can go on sourcing trips and hit the ground running. I’m already super comfortable with the people and cultures, and I know what to look for to confirm products are well made and people are treated fairly. Read more>>
Sydney Planka
I now work primarily with acrylic, watercolor, and oil on canvas. Over time, my creative process has become deeply intuitive — unlocking what I believe are sacred gifts and transforming them into visual portals for others to experience. Each piece is created with intention, guided by visions that I receive from Source energy. I see myself as a channel, and I believe it’s my purpose to bring these unseen realms into light. Read more>>
Paris Mccall
I started the clothing brand Lafe clothing in 2021. The meaning behind the brand, is (LOYALTY AIN’T FOR EVERYBODY). Loyalty plays a huge part of our lives. Rather it’s a relationship, friendship, or even a situation. I felt like Loyalty Begin to lose it’s meaning to people. You can’t have love without Loyalty or Loyalty without love. They both play hand to hand. Lafe clothing is a movement. It’s not just a clothing brand. We want to bring back the meaning of Loyalty back into the world. We won’t stop, until are message is clear and people understand Loyalty is important. Read more>>
Andrew Baird
I went on to study at Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory, earning a Master of Music degree. My journey then took me to New York City, where I pursued music professionally—touring the country, performing at festivals across a range of genres, composing music for commercials, and beginning what would become a lifelong passion for teaching. Read more>>
Jordan Brunes
I have always been a maker, a creator in some way or another for as long has I can remember. It wasn’t until I was a single mother in my early 20’s that I found embroidery. It was a fun and challenging medium that I could pick up and put down as life allowed. I quickly became addicted to it, wanting to learn new stitched and techniques. Over the years of stitching, family and friends stated to ask for custom orders and started to spread the word of how unique and not typical embroidery can be. Read more>>
Niki DuBois
The path has not been an easy path, I first had to recover from my eating disorder before I could pursue my career in the eating disorder field. Actively choosing to work against what your eating disorder might be telling you is no small feat! In today’s culture of thinness at the cost of health, it is a radical act to stop pursuing weight loss and to work on accepting your body as it is. I would be remiss not to add that accepting my body has been made easier from the privilege I have of being in a thinner body, society is not actively trying to get rid of my body type and that is a privilege that I own. Read more>>
Stef Cimini
Later, I became Opening Manager for one of Rome’s largest and most innovative food venues, combining bakery, deli, and Michelin-level dining under one roof. But my biggest leap came when I moved to the U.S. I saw opportunity everywhere, and over the next decade, I founded a hot sauce company, launched two restaurants, lead new hospitality projects, raised two beautiful children, and adquired what is now Dolce Bacio Gelato. Read more>>
Alicynn Fink
When my husband and I moved to Austin in 2014 to open Emmer and Rye, originally, I was not planning on joining him. We thought it would be too complicated for a husband and wife to work together. I instead was lucky enough to work at Antonelli’s Cheese. Watching the way that Kendall and John complimented each other and made their business stronger together gave me confidence that we could do the same. Read more>>
Emma Zeck
“I sing for the little girl in me who was shamed for being a truth teller, I sing for every human who feels as if their voice has been taken from them, I dance for every human who feels the fire burning within to reclaim their souls for themselves from systems of oppression and disconnection. I create for the dreamers – for the complete and total reclamation of us all.” Read more>>
Miriam Hogans
After undergrad, I pursued grad school and obtained a Master of Jurisprudence degree in Business Law and an MBA. I have always considered myself to be a “forever student” and have always expressed myself in the arts regardless of where I was in life. My eldest sister and I lived in front of the camera when we were kids. We pretended to be talk show hosts and constantly had a camera in our bags to capture moments of people and each other – amongst other things. Read more>>
Hatice Lance
In 2017 I decided to take my photographer journey to a next level. Signing up with a mentor was the best decision ever. I reconstructed my whole business model and never looked back. My work was constantly sent in to get judged by international judges and won multiple merits. Today I am a Master Photographer and still striving to learn and grow artistically. I specialize in portraiture and Personal Branding for business owners like myself. Read more>>
Shirley Franklin
Some things that fueled my passion for writing include an Intercollegiate Press Association Award for Journalistic Excellence for an article that God blessed me to write while in college. God blessed me to win an award for a series of short stories. I used to work for Texas Medicaid, and a precious Christian co-worker and someone in authority who read my Quality Assurance report of findings complimented my writing and encouraged me to pursue higher education. Soon after this, God made a way for me to start college and was I blessed by God’s grace to earn both an Associates in Radio, Television and Film and a Bachelor’s in Communications within a span of less than 3 years. Read more>>
Alli Holland
Within the first week of being there, I landed my very first job as a production assistant on a Dell shoot thanks to that producer. I mentioned how I was interested in editing, so he connected me with the editor and I got to sit in on the whole post production process and learn as much as I could. From there, I quickly got more and more gigs as a PA on any shoots I could, from other commercials to music videos to reality tv, and even some feature films. I also started getting small gigs as an assistant editor which eventually led to me getting small gigs as the main editor. Read more>>
Jordan Adams
As senior year approached, it was time to find an internship. I was working as a hostess and helping with marketing at Mama Fu’s Asian House when my manager recognized my potential and asked where I wanted to take my career. He introduced me to a few key people in the industry, who encouraged me to join the International Live Events Association (ILEA). The timing was perfect—the president of ILEA at the time happened to be the owner of the company I had applied to intern with. I started attending ILEA events, which opened the door to two internships, two full-time roles, and some incredibly valuable connections. Read more>>
Michael Flores
My story started off when it came time for me to start a new life in a brand new city. States a way from any family or friends to see if I could find a new place to call home. First transferred with the help of the company I had been working for at the time, and once I had arrived here to Austin, TX I realized there were far more opportunities and quickly found myself being drawn to service industry work. Started off as a server for a local restaurant, from there I seized an opportunity to work for some amazing people who taught me a lot about working behind a bar and now that’s were I am still today. It may not sound like much but for me its exactly where I want to be. Read more>>
Marissa DiSimone
What I have learned through my own journey is that the more I trust, the more doors open. I do not plan what’s next, I am guided to create it, and it’s the most liberating and beautiful experience. When I open the door the ideas flood in — like my monthly free group readings or my Source our Soul Retreat this September in Mexico designed to support women in tapping in deeply to their own intuition. What I have learned along this journey is that every single one of us has access to the exact same messages, we just have to begin by listening and trusting. Read more>>
Tiffany Chaney
I am the eldest of five children not knowing that parent-pleasing will be converted into people-pleasing. After learning and experiencing divorce, I had to unlock and acknowledge childhood traumas that made me susceptible to an abusive marriage. My journey of healing started with forgiveness and knowing who I am. Read more>>
Daniel Wiebe
My writing career started 11 years ago in 2013. I was in the Marine Corps and part of the crew on the Naval carrier called The Bonhomme Richard. I worked 12 on/12 off shifts, and I was on night shift. During the day I ate, showered, and racked out. In my rack I would write. Little did I know that book I started then eventually evolved into what is now “Blades of the Night,” the first book of my grimdark fantasy trilogy! Read more>>
Neha Aziz
I also began working at the Austin Asian American Film Festival (AAAFF) and Cleveland International Film Festival as a film program. Fast Forward to 2025, and I am now the Artistic Director at Austin Asian American Film Festival, still program for CIFF and now have added Big Sky Documentary Film Festival to the list. I completed my first short film in 2023, which is still on the film festival circuit and developing some other creative projects. Read More>>
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>>
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