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.
Steven Schiff
I am a dynamic Sales and Marketing Executive and Entrepreneur with a proven track record in business consulting, community engagement, strategic planning, process optimization, and leadership development. My passion lies in partnering with organizations to help them achieve their goals, accelerate growth, and drive measurable, bottom-line results. Read more>>
Linh Nguyen
I have owned American Blue Diamonds, a retail fine jewelry business in Austin, Texas, since 2005. I earned a decent living income and obtained additional degrees, including a Graduate Gemologist certification from the Gemological Institute of America at Carlsbad, California, an AAS in Jewelry from Austin Community College in Austin, Texas, and an MBA in Business Administration from Texas A&M University at Kingsville. Read more>>
Brittany Merida
My journey into the world of events wasn’t by accident—it was purpose-driven. From a young age, I found myself naturally drawn to organizing, leading, and bringing people together in meaningful ways. Read more>>
tony Grasso
I started working out at 18. My neighbor Don Horn had a gym in his house. But I did not really get serious until I went to college. MY first 2 years I went to Indiana Institute of Technology and built a strong foundation of strength. Read more>>
Rudy Rexx Canales
Started my Jiu Jitsu journey in Feb 2005. After being a competitive bboy traveling worldwide for competition and judging. Also, touring with Local Legends Grupo Fantasma/Brownout Band, I was a percussionist in training and found BJJ kind of by accident. Shortly after 3 years I started teaching Muay Thai and BJJ at a local academy. Opened our own academy in Jan 2020. Read more>>
Jorge and Isaura Koussa Cristini
La Voz Texas is a project we started on February 13 of 2025 after realizing that there’s was no real Hispanic media outlet that helps the Hispanic community to be informed, and to amplify their voices. Read more>>
Manuel X. Zamarripa
Really, this all began for me was when I was a college student. I was in the library doing research for some paper and I accidentally came across a book titled ‘Chicano Psychology.’ This was the early 90’s and I had never heard of this book before. I was already interested in civil rights, educational rights, and social justice movements. Read more>>
Ashlie Scott
Happily Ever Inked started very suddenly and organically. My then fiancé and I were planning our own wedding and having a very difficult time finding a tattoo artist that specialized in weddings! Anybody that knows me knows that I enjoy being a little extra when it comes to aesthetics and occasions! Read more>>
Ethan & Timkeydia Smith
Mr. P.I.E.N. LLC is a faith-driven smoothie business founded by a husband-and-wife team in Cedar Park, TX. My husband, a 15-year Army veteran, began making smoothies seven years ago to support his health during fasting, later sharing them at work to boost morale. The enthusiastic response inspired us to launch the business in December 2024, and by May 2025, we both transitioned to full-time entrepreneurship. Read more>>
Tiffany Sipos
I’ve been practicing yoga since I was 15; I’m now 39. I started teaching yoga, pilates and boot camp at 23, the same year I quit dancing and started bodybuilding which I competed in professionally for 10 years. Once retiring as a 4x World Champion Bodybuilder, in 2017, I needed to change how I was moving my body due to various intense injuries. Read more>>
Craig Marshall
Moved to Austin from Upstate NY in the early 1990s to pursue music as a full time profession. Played with country band the Delta Rays and solo gigs for a couple years writing/recording (mostly demos) as well as live shows. Read more>>
Cheryl Reed
I had always found horses to be magical creatures with wild hearts. For many years I have always wanted to create items with horseshoes but never had the chance. I met a friend who is a Farrier and I got to talking with him, next thing I knew he brought me buckets of used horseshoes. Read more>>
Austin Rodriguez
My wife and I launched our fitness business in 2021, starting with a small group of online clients with whom we’ve built strong, lasting relationships. Both of us hold degrees in Exercise Science, reflecting not only our academic background but also our lifelong passion for delivering quality coaching to the fitness industry. Read more>>
Ben Morgan
In West Philadelphia, born and raised, on the playground is where I spent most of my days. That’s where my story began learning early about teamwork, rhythm, and drive. Traveling around the country and East Coast playing basketball to sold out arenas from. Several hundred to several thousand. Growing up in a family business taught me the value of hard work, responsibility, and genuine relationships. Read more>>
Adam Yoo
I was the oldest child of a disabled single mother with 3 boys. At the age of 10, I wanted to help my mom out by getting a job but no one would hire this 10 year old quirky boy. I then decided to go door to door asking neighbors if there was something I could do to earn a quarter. Read more>>
Erin Smith
When I finished my graduate counseling program, I messaged my mom to let her know. I remarked on how quickly those years felt like they had just gone by. And how I wasn’t sure I had enough training to actually be someone’s therapist. Her response was, ‘I think you have been training your whole life for this.’ Which felt true but surprising. Read more>>
Brad Hodgson
I have always created art and video… ever since I was a little kid. Whether it was making movies with the big old-school VHS camera, painting, or fumbling my way through early 3D and animation programs, I loved it all. Read more>>
Caleb Fingel
Wow, where do I even start… I guess it begins about two years ago when I moved to Austin—but maybe we should rewind a little farther. I was born and raised in northern Idaho. It was a small town tucked between a ski mountain and a lake, so naturally, I grew up outside—waterskiing in the summers and snow skiing in the winters. Read more>>
Cynthia Ramirez
My story really began during a season of starting over. After going through a difficult divorce, I became the sole provider for my four children. It was a time that tested me in every way, financially, emotionally, and personally, but it also gave me the push to reimagine what was possible for my life. Read more>>
Jennifer Arnett
It seems I have always done pet sitting and dog walking but never for pay. I just loved helping out my friends and neighbors with their pups and kitties! But in January of 2008 I decided to make it my full time career. I started JenniFurrr’s Pet Sitting and Dog walking by my boot straps and kept chugging along. Read more>>
Dan Mages
My path to Old Coyote Café began in the classroom. I have been a teacher and professor for nearly 25 years, teaching philosophy, religion, and critical thinking across educational institutions. My journey in academia has led me to approach hospitality as an ever-evolving practice grounded in ecological sensitivity and philosophical reflection. That same spirit of inquiry carries through beyond the classroom. Read more>>
Sandra C. Fernandez
I am a mixed media visual artist, a mother of two amazing human beings, a daughter, a fiancé and a friend. I was born in Queens, New York, to Ecuadorian parents, but when I was still a baby my mom and I moved back to Quito, where I grew up. Read more>>
Sophia Valerio
I began my massage therapy career over 15 years ago and quickly fell in love with the field. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to providing exceptional wellness experiences that leave clients feeling restored and renewed. My journey has taken me across New York, New Jersey, California, and Texas, where I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients. Read more>>
TJ Thompson
From the moment he could toddle, TJ Thompson was immersed in the world of pool construction as the son of Cascade’s founders. Job sites became his playgrounds, where he absorbed creativity, craftsmanship, and meticulous attention to detail. For over 20 years, TJ has built a reputation as a leader in pool design and construction, with award-winning projects recognized internationally. Read more>>
Lori Triba
I was born in Omaha Nebraska – youngest of 5 children, and I now reside in the heart of Texas – for over a decade, I’ve been an artist since about the age of 3 . . . or earlier. Studying Fine Art at The University of Nebraska at Lincoln and Omaha, I switched gears to learn Graphic Design. Read more>>
Jamie Rodriguez
I started college as a government major at UT Austin. That didn’t go well… So, after 2.5 years suffering in the Liberal Arts College (no shade, it just wasn’t for me), I successfully switched in Advertising, which is in the College of Communications. There, I met my co-founder Hua Liu. Creative sparks flew and we knew, eventually, we’d start an agency together. Read more>>
Melissa Thaxton
Mila & Me started during the height of COVID, when I was a new mom looking for a creative outlet that brought comfort and joy during uncertain times. I began hand-dyeing pieces in my kitchen, creating garments that felt uplifting and full of life. What started as a small project quickly grew into a brand built on family, resilience, and community. Read more>>
Felipa Lopez
The Dream Behind **Sequins Alterations** In January 1991, a young Mexican immigrant arrived in the United States from the State of Mexico. She came from a humble family, but she brought with her something more valuable than any possession: determination, hope, and a big dream. Read more>>
Mary McRoberts
I am originally from Dallas, TX, however my family moved to Richmond, VA when I was 5 years old. I was raised in Virginia by Texans – the best of both worlds! Read more>>
Nicole Lee
LearnLee’s story begins in 2020 with the school’s locking down. When told, ‘Bring your computer home,’ during SPRING BREAK, all teachers knew something was wrong. The months to follow tested me in many ways. Ultimately, as a parent and a teacher amidst a crisis – I knew what I needed to do. I chose to resign from Leander ISD in the summer of 2020. Read more>>
Richard Hernandez
I feel that my father help me a lot. He was my biggest supporter. He was always praying for us always keeping me motivated. He saw everything he saw where we’re at now before I could see it unfortunately, he passed a few years ago so he’s not able to see how far we’ve come. Read more>>
Russ Sison
I started our DJ company because my daughter learned how to DJ quickly & got good at it. I decided to quit my job (former LE) & start a DJ company with my daughter to teach her how to be independent/responsible & spend more time with my family. Read more>>
Heza Litteken
I knew I wanted to be a doula the moment I learned what one was. The first birth I attended was while I was doing my doula program, I was so excited, but nervous. I hadn’t been present for a birth before. Read more>>
Alexis Cardona
My fiancé and I (girlfriend at the time) first started Forty Five Boxing out of a small studio-like room in Kyle TX. The idea to open a boxing gym had always been rooted in my mind since I started boxing 14 years ago. Read more>>
Simone Rogers
My godmother was the cake lady for our family. While in school getting my master’s, I did event coordination while still working full time, so she and I discussed going into business together with her creating the cakes for the events I would coordinate. Read more>>
Francisco Rodriguez
After serving our country in the USN, I wanted to continue giving back to my community, this time through public service. I went on to serve for 26yrs with the Austin Police Dept. As I approached retirement, I knew I wanted to keep working, but I was ready for a new chapter outside of law enforcement. Read more>>
Mott Leonino
Apprenticeship at “Tragicomica” Mask Shop in Venice, Italy, learning the Ancient Tradition of Papier Mache’ Mask making techniques. Other duties included Artwork, Sales and Set Decoration at a famous Palace on the Grand Canal for their annual Masquerade Ball for Carnavale Venezia. Read more>>
Doug LaRue
LaRue worked as a Medical Illustrator for the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. His education continued in media design, illustration and photography through workshops offered to state agencies including the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators Advanced Airbrush workshops at the Smithsonian Institute of Natural History in Washington, D.C.. Read more>>
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