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.
Javier Villarreal
One hour before the competition was over, I broke the code. The game would not compile. It was a disaster. This was also before we had discovered version control so we were shit out of luck. For class projects, the rule the three of us followed was “you broke it, you fix it”. With little time left, this was a dangerous way of thinking. Zoe, who was by far the most talented developer but also the perfectionist of the group, insisted she needed to continue polishing the assets she was custom creating before the end of the competition. Read more>>
Jose Vasquez
I also developed an appreciation for Baroque and Modern music, particularly Schoenberg, thanks to the classical NPR station. I wasn’t a music elitist though. I enjoyed a mix of pop music — Rihanna, Black Eyed Peas, Beyoncé, Eminem, Kanye West, Britney Spears — as well as Houston rap and chopped and screwed, which I became familiar with both over the radio but especially through CD rips and compilations. Keep on Stacking pt. 3 had a huge impact on me. I was also definitely one of those MySpace scene/emo kids, completely immersed in discovering new bands and music through the platform. Interestingly, customizing my MySpace page also taught me the basics of HTML and CSS. Read more>>
Lieve Saether
Transitioning from interiors to fashion wasn’t just about reaching a larger audience—it was about making great design personal, giving women something they can put on and instantly feel more like themselves. Today, LIIEVE is redefining how we think about wardrobe essentials, proving that the right piece doesn’t just elevate your outfit—it transforms your confidence. Read more>>
Jasmine Sharp
Born and raised within the farmlands Central California, I grew up with gardens of tomato, mint, watermelon, squash, and peppers, as well as trees of peaches, plums, apricots, cherries, nectarines, almonds, and the freshest honeycomb honey. This is where my green thumb came in, I have my family to thank for that! I sprouted quickly, standing the tallest in my class, I proved back handsprings and ballet does not always stunt one’s growth. Pre-college, I focused on the sports where my height gave me an advantage. My stature helped me excel in volleyball, basketball, and swimming. Read more>>
Liv Toepfer
Yoga became a way of life for me. It opened my heart in a way that I could never imagine; a heart that now desired to serve humanity, the Earth, the animals and to relieve suffering and help awaken others to their own joy. I felt this interconnectedness with all life. I awoke a deep yearning to connect with spirit, and could feel God’s presence in my breath both as I moved my body, and when I sat and stillness. This experience connected me to my soul mission and in turn created a huge career pivot. Read more>>
Ana Waters
In 2019, Ana earned her Makeup Certification from Avenue Five Institute in Austin, TX, and decided to pursue cosmetology in 2020, with funding from the Texas Baptist Children’s Home. In 2021, she was nominated as a top student and moved to Dallas, TX, to study under Toni & Guy Salon, where she learned precision cutting. Ana was then given the opportunity to move to San Diego to study under NYC stylists from Bumble and Bumble, a leading salon known for its innovative razor cutting techniques. Over a year and a half, she trained under Reanne Mistretta and Brenda Barnaby, honing her skills and falling in love with hair cutting. Read more>>
Keli Moore
After high school, I pursued a degree in Merchandising at the University of North Texas, where I furthered my education and honed my skills in the retail and merchandising industries. As I built my career, I experienced both the highs and lows of the industry, learning valuable lessons along the way. Despite the challenges, I found a renewed sense of purpose and decided to bring an idea to life: Keli&Friends. This project is my way of creating an ecosystem where artists and creatives, especially in the Dallas area, can come together, collaborate, and showcase their work. Read more>>
Angie Jasinski
As a buddha’s woman, I am quite diverse, along with my cross-cultural experience. I was born and raised in Beijing and speak Chinese/English – I have a set of experiences and worldviews that slightly differ from those held by most Westerns. As such, I am certain that I can help immigrates with my finance and banking background, not only by sharing the experience and worldviews, also by helping to overcome financial disadvantage. Read more>>
Blake
No, it has not been a smooth road. The first eye-opener was the college senior thesis project. I ran into a former classmate from the advertising school (my first major). She mentioned that all the students who kept going in the media planning track had already gotten internships at GSD&M ad agency. GSD&M was known as the hottest maverick ad agency in the USA at the time. So, students from the program that I had abandoned were pretty much set and I was about to launch off on a production that would test my mettle and put me deeply into debt. Read more>>
Brittney Denson
Endometriosis is one of the leading causes of infertility and after giving birth to my son, the disease took me down in a way I could have never imagined. I would go on to have six surgeries, losing a piece of my reproductive organs each time, until there was nothing left. By 31, I had entered surgical menopause. My case was severe, endo had spread beyond my reproductive system. It had invaded my diaphragm (twice), my intestines were fused together, and both ovaries were adhered, one to my pelvic wall, the other to my uterus. The disease had even eaten away my lower back ligaments, which had to be cut and sewn into my vaginal wall by an expert. Read more>>
Abby Love
During my time at Dai Due, James Brown started running a mill in Dripping Springs and began showing up at Dai Due’s back door with Texas flours. The ultra-local sourcing practices at the restaurant had primed me perfectly for James’ pitch: heritage grains, organically grown, stone-milled, and delivered fresh. We formed a professional relationship that blossomed into a friendship and when I left Dai Due in 2017 to pursue a more bakery-style project, our friendship became something more serious. Read more>>
Anna Shaw
Troy brought years of experience in visual media and music, and I brought my background in academia, cultural studies, and social justice work. Together, we envisioned a space where documentary filmmaking could be both artful and impactful—where visuals and narrative could intersect to shine a light on powerful themes like identity, resilience, and environmental responsibility. Read more>>
Christian
Well lets just say he had all the right things to say, he told me that its was a great career with tons of potential to make money. That was enough for me to hear. I quite my job took out a small loan and began barber school full time. But i was forward thinker. because i already had some experience from cutting hair for the last few years of friends and family, i decided to apply for a barber position at a local shop. While not quite legal i was able to cut hair as soon as i was done with my day at the barber School. So my first day of school was also my first day of work at the shop. I soon received my license and in 5 yrs of hard work i owned my own shop. Read more>>
Tennessee Scanio
Eventually, I was introduced to plant medicine, which became a profound catalyst for my own trauma healing. The deeper I went into my own healing, the more I felt called to support others on their journeys. That path led me to Reiki, not just to experience it, but to learn and teach it – and after each attunement, something within me shifted. It opened me up to a whole new spiritual dimension—one I now hold with deep reverence. Read more>>
Lina Maggi
Everyone was struggling with the same problem: long daycare waitlists, not wanting to rely solely on family, and limited services tailored to the nanny search. That’s when it hit me. A couple of years prior I had met my husband on a dating app – we each entered our preferences, got matched, and took it upon ourselves to vet each other, ask the right questions, and meet in a public place. The app simply facilitated the connection. And that’s how Zuzo was born—a platform designed for parents and nannies to find each other and facilitate the connection. Read more>>
Doyla Burrell
Directly after high school, I joined the US Army, I served on active duty from 1988 to 1992. I worked not only as a soldier but also as a Bio-Medical Maintenance Repairman. I met my husband overseas while I was stationed in Germany. He was also a servicemember from Texas. Following my military service, my spouse and I relocated to Austin where he was from. As a Texan to live in Austin was always something I wanted to do. Read more>>
Cameron Rogers
I was born in Amarillo, Texas and have three older sisters. My Dad was a guitarist and lead singer in country bands. He shared the stage with artists like Willie Nelson, Bob Wills, Charley Pride, Hank Thompson, and Ray Price. I grew up going to see him play all the time. He never pressured me to become a musician. He did buy me a snare drum and a bass and bass amp at one point. But it didn’t stick. I was more interested in playing golf at the time. That’s what my friends and I loved. I played on the golf team all the way through high school. Read more>>
Tashala Ashby
In mid-August 2022, amidst the challenges of COVID, I launched my business, and I have been relishing the life of an entrepreneur ever since. Becoming a balloon stylist what it took to get started, and if there was a community that I could connect with. Once I found my tribe, which was all about balloons, I started to invest in classes and mentorship. So in mid-August of 2022, during COVID, I launched my business, and I have been enjoying the life of an entrepreneur. Read more>>
Lauren Keefer
I started hosting group workout classes to help people see and feel how effective the bands were—especially for targeting the glutes and legs. Those classes were such a great way to build community and introduce the brand, but like many things, they came to a stop when COVID hit in 2020. While the in-person aspect paused, our online sales actually skyrocketed. With so many people looking for home workout gear, our bands quickly found their way into thousands of living rooms across the country. Read more>>
Austin Burton
We’re our own biggest critics, and honestly, we’re usually our own biggest distractions too. Sharing any kind of art or creative work is vulnerable—it opens up this little window into who you are, and you have no control over how people interpret it.
Each new milestone can feel like staring down a cliff: your first art commission, your first brand collaboration, your first art show. They all feel huge—until you do them. And then you realize most of the fear was just in your head and, truthfully, no one’s watching you that closely. Read more>>
RJ Armstrong
In 1998 I founded the Riot Bread Art Collective, a group of artists, musicians, dancers, poets, punks and philosophers with the intent of bringing all of our intense energy to the world, the Riot, but making it sustainable, repeatable because anyone can bring the Riot but ya gotta make the Bread. We organized shows of visual art, live music, performance and zine publication for a few years. But we were all young, full of energy! and took off for other places across the country, and the world. I left Texas and carried Riot Bread with me, showing art and publishing zines under the Riot Bread name in California, Florida, and again in Texas, landing in Austin 2010. Read more>>
Alec Udell
I started racing go-karts when I was 5 years old, after my Grandfather bought me a kart. From there I spent my childhood racing on a national level, worked in a kart shop and later race car team as I made the jump into racing cars. In 2011 I became the youngest, at the time, pro driver in north america, racing in the Pirelli World Challenge, now SRO America racing series. Since then I’ve gone on to win 2 Professional Championships in both Europe and the US. I have created a nice racing career for myself, currently racing with a team based in North Carolina, racing a Corvette Z06 GT3R in the IMSA Weathertech Sportscar Championship, the highest level of sportscar racing in North America Read more>>
Loly Briceno
Being honest and doing my best to answer questions and concerns. Cannabis isn’t for everyone and it’s not a miracle flower. With the small micro doses we offer you will not be “flying high” but you will have a nice smooth relaxing ride. Read more>>
Jessica Price
That knowledge laid the foundation for what’s now called The DEEP Method™—our trademarked, fascia-first approach to massage. It’s a system built on precision, pressure, and performance. We don’t guess. We don’t pour oils and use sharp elbows. And we’re not your typical spa or massage chain—we’re the opposite. We’re forging our own path and creating something real that people need in their health and fitness routines. For our clients, it’s become essential—not a luxury. Read more>>
Carly Jo Jackson
I currently play guitar and sing/songwrite as a solo musician and with my own band- called the Carly Jo Jackson Band. I’m also a singer/songwriter in a band called Konzi based out of Austin, Texas. I’ve been so lucky to be able to play shows all around the country and sometimes internationally! I specialize in providing the sound track for the good times. When people come to my shows, they can always expect bright energy and my signature raspy voice! I love having fun on stage, and I often interact with the crowd—it helps open up the room and creates a more personal vibe. I feel like it gives me a chance to really connect with the audience, and that connection is something I think sets me apart as a performer. Read more>>
Tammy Miller
I’m originally from the Philadelphia suburbs and moved to Austin in 2008. As a young adult, I learned how to ride on public transportation in Philadelphia, Washington, DC, and New York. I developed a deep appreciation for how transit connects people—not just physically, but culturally. I’ve always believed that exploration is one of the most powerful ways to learn, and travel has played a big role in helping me understand and appreciate differences in the world. Read more>>
Juan Diego
Our concept is unique, so there have been plenty of obstacles for us to overcome as a team, as well as individually. From construction to robot communications, no two days are the same. Integrating technology with quality hospitality has been a learning curve for both staff and our clientele. Our aim is always to overdeliver in terms of service, so the robots add to the flow of delivery, allowing our front of house staff to spend more time catering to the guest experience. Read more>>
Lindsay Neuren
When I first started, it was just me. No assistant, no marketing team—just a lot of hustle. I remember juggling open houses on the weekends, late-night paperwork, and trying to build a name in a crowded market. There were months early on when deals would fall through at the last second, and you start questioning if you’re cut out for it. Read more>>
Alan Chen
Conner and I came up with the idea in January 2025 after a workout together, while discussing our mutual frustration with hitting our daily protein goals. We were each trying to consume around 180 grams of protein a day, relying on sugary protein shakes, chalky bars, and endless amounts of chicken. We knew there had to be a better way. I mused aloud that there had to be a high-protein ice cream out there—and we headed to H-E-B to find one. When we didn’t see a single high-protein ice cream option on the shelves, we knew we had to spring into action and create one ourselves. Read more>>
Carly Olinger
I started at my first salon 17 years ago. I lived in Denver then, and the salon I worked for owned a non-toxic nail salon (wild idea) at the time. So I worked doing nails and waiting tables 7 days a week! I slowly grew my clientele and my footing behind the chair. I’ve been lucky enough to work with some incredible stylists and be part of fashion weeks, music videos, concerts, etc. This career has given me so much. I could never list it all here. Read more>>
Dagan Martinez-Vargas
After graduation, I spent a decade promoting global alcohol brands, networking at bars, restaurants, concerts, and large events. It sharpened my ability to “read the room” and spot opportunities to grow sales through authentic self-promotion. A few years later, I pivoted into the tech scene, promoting a mobile app in downtown Austin’s booming startup world and consulting on digital branding. In under two years, I appeared on local media, became a finalist to pitch at the SXSW Accelerator, and even advanced to the final round of casting for Shark Tank. Read more>>
Jarin Wadiwalla
I was drowning in grief from my divorce and seeking realignment and self-discovery. I decided to step away from my job as a Montessori teacher for a while to go on a sort of ‘eat-pray-love’ journey. While in the process of selling my belongings, my former husband (who lived out of state at the time) was in town for work and suffered a terrible traumatic left lobe brain injury by fainting and hitting his head on a garage floor. Read more>>
Maddie Scales
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped us into something stronger. Early on, we ran into a trademark issue that forced us to rebrand. At the time, it felt overwhelming — but looking back, it was a blessing in disguise. It gave us the chance to realign with a name and message that felt even more true to the heart of what we were creating. Read more>>
Ashley Hogans
But the dream didn’t truly begin there. Once I got to college, I decided that because I was “smart,” I should be a doctor. However, I soon abhorred the STEM classes and dreaded classes, tests, and labs. I was miserable and only got excited when I got to see my English professor, Ms. Pinchero. After many years, much prayer and reflection, I changed my major from Biology to English. I had never felt so relieved. This was where my life truly began. So, I dove into my English courses, raving over new writers (and some old), and quickly became obsessed with Medieval Literature. Chaucer and the Virgin Martyr stories excited me- Beowulf and the like awakened my adoration for writing. I felt like myself again. Read more>>
Justin Monroe
Along the path of discovering myself, I dove headfirst into the tabletop role-playing game, Dungeons and Dragons. I would sit at my desk for what felt like days on end creating worlds, nations, and myths. But, in between putting pen to paper, I would dance around my kitchen trying new coffee brewing methods and recipes. It didn’t take long to put these two pillars together, and thus, the concept of “Merfolk’s Specialty Coffee” was conceived. Read more>>
Mitchell Bowman
I’ve had some very different career interests and jobs over the years, from camp counselor to video editor to piano teacher to teaching artist, but I think that all of my experiences, and my nature as something of a creative generalist, gave me a strong foundation as an educator. I originally went to Ohio University to study film/media. Like many college grads, I adapted to any work that was available to me in my early 20s, which is how I ended up teaching piano for many years in Columbus. That reignited my lifelong passion for music, and I went back to school for music education only to discontinue that and work as a professional musician for several years. Like many others, music brought me to Austin, but it was through my work as a teaching artist at Creative Action that I finally found my focus in my 30s and realized that education was my “ikigai”. Read more>>
Lizzy May
Five months ago, I left my nearly decade-long career in corporate banking to do anything else. I have no idea what I’d like to be when I grow up–but I crave creativity. Five months after my departure from the corporate world, I am finding new passions and sharing my chaotic journey on IG and TikTok as “Lizzy.Tries”. The name came to my husband while we were in an Uber to dinner one night. He calls me a hummingbird. I like to bounce between 10,000 different challenges at a time. Recently, I started making custom hand-painted banners (check my IG). I love Austin. I consider myself very lucky to live here. The food, the people, and the access to nature are incredible. I’m just a native Texan, Austin transplant trying my way through this beautiful new stage of life! Read more>>
Dauss Miller
I started my career as a photographer, picking up a camera as a kid and quickly realizing it was my passport into people’s stories. Over time, I grew that passion into a thriving photography business, shooting everything from luxury weddings to global commercial campaigns. But what really lit me up wasn’t just the beautiful images — it was the transformation I witnessed in my clients when they felt truly seen. Read more>>
Ryan Taddia
Ed could fix anything, build anything, and always had an answer or a plan. Ryan states, “I’ve learned a lot from my dad starting at a young age. Whether it was building construction or rebuilding a carburetor, Dad knew what he was doing.” Ed was also involved in many civic and charitable organizations while in business. He would bring Ryan along to Sertoma meetings and service projects, reinforcing the importance of community service. In 1990, Ed and his wife Georgina decided to sell their Florida business and move their family of six to Dripping Springs. Read more>>
Kerry Cavender
My name is Kerry Cavender. I was working in the flooring and design industry for ten years. I have three boys. When they went to College I decided to open a flooring and tile design center in the heart of Dripping Springs. It has been about two and a half years since I took a leap of faith and opened the doors. It was one of the scariest things I have ever done in my life. Not to mention I am a woman in my 50’s. It has been very rewarding and challenging. The first year I set a goal for myself. If I did not reach it I was going to rethink the whole thing. Read more>>
Alexandra Aguilar
I specialize in balloon and event decor. I offer full backdrops, balloon arches/garlands/columns, custom centerpieces, custom props and custom labels. I am known for my small-town, heartwarming, and helpful demeanor. I am proud that my brand is growing and spreading out of my small town. My tagline is “Making your events come to life!”, and that is exactly how I approach the event and following my clients’ vision. Read more>>
Letha Brown
Turns out, I didn’t love chatting for hours on end with clients, which made the traditional salon route tough. I started reaching out to classmates from cosmetology school and eventually found my way into men’s grooming—despite barely learning more than a basic fade in school. I applied at Sport Clips, and while it sometimes gets a bad wrap, it was the perfect place to start from scratch. The training and growth opportunities helped me quickly move up to manager within a year and a half and I worked for the Corporate stores in Austin and was afforded the opportunity to do some pretty cool things like going to Vegas for the annual conference. Read more>>
Annmarie Hatfield
Around year 3 or 4, we realized that most of our business now was coming through referral, we started focusing on other marketing channels and we left other jobs to focus solely on our business. Year 6, we hired our 1st employee and I was able to start networking and serving on boards to help grow the business. Year 14, we hit our 1st $1M year, work with students all over the world and have 39 employees now Read more>>
L. Dolphin Brown
My path has always been about seeking stillness in motion—both literally and metaphorically. I started my career over 30 years ago in video production, long before I ever thought of myself as an artist. Back then, I was fascinated by how images and sound could shift emotion, tell a story, or simply create a moment of pause. Over time, that curiosity evolved into something more intentional and personal. Read more>>
David Valdez
Stepping out of my comfort zone into an entirely new field was daunting, but the more I immersed myself in the work, the more I discovered a deep passion for the industry. I found fulfillment not only in the tangible nature of construction but also in helping clients develop and bring forth their goals and visions. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with both small and large-scale construction firms, experiences that have prepared me to now lead a business I take great pride in. Read more>>
Lauren Mata
Since having obtaining my license, I have adhered to my own strategy of working next to the best in the industry and staying current at all times. This has driven me to take balayage classes in Paris, work at one of the most prestigious salons in the world in New York, learn the greatest and possibly most challenging extensions systems, and use the best products I can possibly source from around the word -in haircare, tools, and extensions – and now in my salon. I have dreamt of opening my own salon for about 15 years, however the timing was not right until this year. My husband and son and I moved constantly for several years due to his career in the military – once my son became school age, we decided to buy a home, build my dream salon, and place him in the school that he can stay at for the next several years in this beloved neighborhood. Read more>>
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