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.
Chauncey Scott
In middle school, our family moved to a small country town in Eastern Oregon called Enterprise. It was vastly different from the cities I grew up in, but it became a dream I didn’t know I needed. I fell in love with my new home. My stepfather, also an artist, focused his craft on wood carvings, large eraser-drawn paintings, and surreal 3D contemporary pieces. He showed me an entirely new way of life in our new home. Read more>>
Min Choe
That’s when we decided to propel our TsoGiving Initiative forward, starting by feeding our service industry friends who had lost their jobs overnight. We fed hundreds of families and quickly realized the need was even greater, so we opened the program up to the entire city. Today, we’re proud to continue using the TsoGiving platform to fight food insecurity in our community. Read more>>
Holly Downs
Nestled in the heart of Lakeway, Texas, Hill Country Hot Yoga is the vibrant realization of Holly Downs’ burning passion: to create a premier hot yoga sanctuary right in the community she cherishes. Fueled by a shared vision of transformative wellness, Holly teamed up with her friend and fellow yoga instructor and co-owner Tracey Sledge—a seasoned pro who previously co-owned Destin Hot Yoga. Read more>>
Juliana Weiss-Roessler
I created my marketing agency when I was pregnant with my first child. I had already almost a decade working in digital marketing, including spearheading the creation of the web presence for Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan. I knew I didn’t want to stop working. I knew I was good at my work. But I didn’t want work to be my whole life anymore. Read more>>
Dede Johnson, LCSW
My path to becoming a therapist didn’t begin with a single defining moment, but with a growing curiosity about people-their stories, their pain, and their resilience. I found myself drawn to listening deeply, asking thoughtful questions, and wanting to understand not just what people were experiencing, but why. Read more>>
Korri Bindl
I first started this mission after picking up a fun summertime, part-time job at our local animal shelter. I quickly became attached to so many of the dogs and truly fell in love with them. Sadly, I saw many pets surrendered simply because families could no longer afford to care for them. Those moments stayed with me. Read more>>
Dominic Carrera
I started cutting hair in 2005. Doing edge-ups on myself with a straight razor only and that got the attention of my friends who’s started asking to fix their hairlines up too. That ended up turning into $2 edge-ups until I could save up for a pair of trimmers that turned into $5 edge-ups. Read more>>
Ashley Wilson
As far back as I can remember, I’ve always had a passion for helping people. Growing up, I saw how much it mattered to have a neutral, safe space to talk, and that naturally led me toward the mental health field. I earned my Psychology degree from Texas A&M University, and that’s actually when I started going to therapy myself. Read more>>
Zahia Tawil
What began as a long-standing goal for Michael Casey and Zahia Tawil ultimately became their reality in the summer of 2025. The married couple had always dreamt of opening their own shop together that would focus on classic cars with a strong emphasis on quality and doing things the old school way. Read more>>
Nigel Paxton
I’ve been in the telecommunications industry since 2006, but my path to founding Aries Advisors wasn’t linear. Early in my career, I represented large wireless carriers, analyzing long-term cell tower leases and negotiating from their side of the table. Later, I moved into private equity, helping acquire wireless lease revenue streams. Read more>>
Stephanie Floyd
I graduated from Texas State University in the late 90s with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and stepped straight into what I thought would be my long-term career in retail. But even early on, I could see how online shopping was about to reshape the entire industry. Read more>>
Michelle Jedlo
Before Rouge Edge Images, I was a police officer. I spent years protecting others, working long hours, and carrying the emotional weight that comes with that responsibility. Over time, I realized I was pouring into everyone else and neglecting the creative part of myself that had always been there. Photography started as therapy. Read more>>
Donna Dugone
In many ways, I grew up in an idyllic home with hard-working and loving parents who wanted their children to succeed in life. I don’t know exactly “when”- but somewhere along the way, success translated in my own mind to overdrive, performance and measurable achievement, leaving little room for self- expression, creativity, art, or complex emotions. Read more>>
Mallory Beckwith
My mental health journey began in 2016 when I got sober from drugs and alcohol. During this time, I struggled with psychosis, mania, and depression. Over the course of a few years I stayed sober – however my mental health continued to decline. This is when I got diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Read more>>
Lauren Hansell
How It All Began: A Calling That Took Root in Bastrop My journey into healing ministry began decades ago, long before Bastrop Prayer and Healing Rooms had a name or a building. I was trained through the Vineyard movement in McKinney, Texas, and equipped with a master’s degree in health education, along with professional life-coaching certification and chaplaincy training. Read more>>
DANIEL MAREK
I have been in the business almost 20 years owning 2 wineries at one time. Now owning just one winery with a brewery and distillery onsite. We grew this business from a homewinemaking project to a very good profitable business which we also make wines for 32 other wineries in Texas Read more>>
Nathan Allen
Clavier-Werke roots began with family music going back more than 100 years and across multiple generations. The director, Susan Allen started teaching piano lessons at the age of 14 when her piano teacher had an overflow of students. After completing her masters degree in piano performance and a minor in pedagogy, her residence had become a home-based school with multiple rooms converted to piano studios. Read more>>
Emily Startz
What is my story? I’ve been asking myself this for a while. I’m a recent widow again. I failed in my corporate career; I took my job too seriously and didn’t smile enough, I guess. I am now on a creative journey. I am exploring my artistic talents, both in painting and in creative writing in fact, I’m writing my first romance novel. Read more>>
Jeevan Babu Bhattarai
After serving Indian cuisine for several years in North , we began exploring other parts of Texas to continue our business and Kyle & San Marcos were at the top of our list. Based on a couple of independent surveys and few feedbacks, we decided to start our small venture in the heart of San Marcos. Read more>>
Robert Potts
When people ask how it all started, we tell them it goes all the way back to 1869. That’s when Col. H. M. Cook opened a small mercantile known as the Cook Mercantile Company. It began in Centerville, Texas, but like many early Texas businesses, the store followed opportunity—and the railroad. Read more>>
Brianna Antonetti
My path into marketing and building my small business wasn’t linear, it was something I discovered by paying attention to what consistently pulled me in. I originally began in the beauty industry through cosmetology. I was drawn to it because I’ve always been creative and detail-oriented, but I quickly realized that while I loved the industry, I didn’t necessarily love performing the services. Read more>>
Julie Leverett
Llano Parks Project began in 2012 with a simple Facebook post. One of our founders, Vivian Wooten, asked if anyone would be interested in updating the playground equipment at Robinson Park. That post led to an initial meeting of more than 20 community members. Read more>>
Chris Davenport
My architectural journey began as a young boy in Iowa City, Iowa. My family’s shared interest in art and design resulted in many meandering drives through known or unknown neighborhoods in search of interesting and well executed home design. It was a favorite hobby then and continues to be one I enjoy today, albeit with a bit more critical eye. Read more>>
Cody McGrath
My wife Katelynn and I started Uplifted Movement & Performance Therapy in September of 2023. We had both always talked about one day opening up our own practice but for years that dream seemed far off. Read more>>
Ryan Heller
I began my time in Austin in 2009 when Chorus Austin conducted a national search to find their next Artistic Director. I was living in Portland, OR and decided to throw my hat in the ring, and the rest is history! In the early days, I commuted back and forth from Portland to Austin, until finally moving to Austin in 2013. Read more>>
Jose Rangel
Born and raised in Austin, Texas, Jose Rangel grew up surrounded by the construction and real estate industry, developing a strong understanding of building, development, and hands-on craftsmanship from an early age. Working alongside builders, developers, and homeowners across the city, he gained real-world experience that shaped his approach to quality, reliability, and problem-solving. Read more>>
Lindsey Smith
I have always been drawn to horses, since before I can remember. My parents have a video of me as a two year old on Christmas morning delighting in my gift of a rocking horse. Read more>>
Gerally and Stefani Ortega
Seven months ago, we—Gerally and Stefani Ortega—felt called to create something more than just a store. We envisioned a place where faith and community come together: a space where people can shop, donate, and experience the presence of God all at the same time. Read more>>
Dr. Morgan Rodriguez, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT
I was born in Long Beach, CA and moved to Dripping Springs, TX right before my sophomore year of high school. I spent my time in high school studying, swimming, and riding horses. I went on to Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY where I competed in Division III swimming and majored in Biology and English on a pre-med track. Read more>>
Meredith Jakovich
After moving to Lockhart from Austin in 2016, I began volunteering at the local food bank. My son had started pre-school and I was looking for an opportunity to give back. I worked at the front desk assisting clients twice a week. My favorite part of the job was connecting with clients. Read more>>
Cheryl Durgin
I began my career in education. When working in a private school with children with special needs, I was introduced to Applied Behavior Analysis. From there, I transitioned into the ABA field. I decided to open my own clinic and help children who needed ABA and educational services. I first opened in 2017 and have served children on the spectrum since then. Read more>>
Anja LaGrange
I am born and raised in Austin but a few years ago moved a little further north to enjoy a little slower paced life and be able to have livestock. My husband Frank and I started on a smaller property with a flock of chickens as most homesteaders do. Chicken match took hold and we soon had chickens, ducks, peacocks and geese. Read more>>
Keri Zimmerman
Hippie Wicks Candle Co. was born from a simple desire to try something new, use my creativity, and make something meaningful to share with others. What began as hand-poured candles made as gifts for family and friends soon turned into a passion that grew into something more. In the beginning, every batch wasn’t perfect. Read more>>
Greg Cantwell
My name is Greg Cantwell. I was born in Dusseldorf, Germany where I lived for the first 12 years of my life. Then moved to the States where we moved around for a few years then settled down in Potomac, Maryland where I went to high school. Read more>>
Tina Coba
I’m Tina — a proud veteran, retired teacher, and the founder of CobasCreative. CobasCreative was born from something deeply personal. Over the years, I received appreciation gifts that felt impersonal and, honestly, thoughtless. Instead of feeling valued, I felt unseen. That stuck with me. I knew I never wanted anyone else to feel that way. Read more>>
John Arcovio
For the past 40 years I have served as an apostolic leader and prophetic voice. My life has been divinely guided by God to build several ministries that are now recognized worldwide under the banner of Spirit Led Family. Read more>>
Robert Kizer
We got started by buying a piece of land in Bastrop using the proceeds from the sale of a ranch in Manor. Originally we started using this land to sell tiny homes. I brought another large building from this ranch in Manor with me when we relocated. I first put up this 125X125 building for the purposes of manufacturing tiny homes. Read more>>
Eloisa Zamora
My journey into this work really began with motherhood. When my daughter Luna was born, I fell in love with the early years and the way children learn, move, communicate, and discover the world with so much intention. That curiosity led me to start studying Montessori at home because I simply wanted to create a more peaceful and respectful environment for her. Read more>>
Bob Peck
I wasn’t born here, but my family has been in Austin since at least the 1930s and I moved here when I was ten. I’m so grateful that this city gave me the space to explore. It’s Willie Nelson’s city—creatives, weirdos, and spiritually open-minded people. I went to UT and got a bachelor’s in Religious Studies with a specialty in the New Testament, alongside Radio-TV-Film. I studied everything that called to me: Indian philosophy, Sufism, Shamanism, in addition to that loving master from Nazareth. Read more>>
Manan P
In the beginning, we had no office, no funding, no portfolio, and no connections. We were in grad school, living on student loans, and figuring things out as we went. We talked to every local business we walked into, sent thousands of cold emails, and heard “no” more times than I can count—sometimes quite literally getting hung up on mid-sentence. Read more>>
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