The Most Inspiring Stories in St. Louis

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.

Aries The Artist

From choirs to theatrical performances to orchestra; immersing myself in the arts was all I’ve ever craved. I spent many days of my childhood building upon my writing ability and training my ears to hear every detail of a beat to create fluidity in my sound. At the age of nine, I began experimenting with cadence and merging my poetry with melody. This was the birth of a new flame. It was time that I became a child of rap culture. In the years to come, I’d soon realize that your voice, your craft, your passion is ever changing. Read More>>

Bria Thurman

I use skills learned through studying psych, sociology, creative writing, project management, and media fellowships to help up-and-coming creative entrepreneurs develop competitive marketing strategies. I have been in business for the last 3 months. Ive had clients here and there and growing slowely but surely. I am committed to growing my business and community over 2025 and am excited for all that is to come. Read More>>

Vallencourt

No, haha. We have had some line up changes. With those, there’s no bad blood. Dalena still lives in Springfield Mo and is finishing school. We all lead busy lives and crazy schedules, so sometimes it can be challenging to get everyone together, but we love what we do and have been patient with the process. Read More>>

Dylan Kennedy

My professor taught us drawing as a means of communicating ideas within our practice which flipped my reality of sketching as hobby. She enforced the idea that drawing and sketching is essential in architecture, and that by drawing –you are subconsciously, or consciously, learning how buildings work. I knew that I had to sketch my ideas to earn her time. Read More>>

Danielle Lee

From this current location, it offers classes and member open studio time in seven studios: blacksmithing, clay, fibers, glass, metals, print & paper, and woodworking. Craft Alliance’s community outreach programs continue strong, including ArtSmarts, Crafting a Future (CAF), Free Family Saturdays, and School Residencies. The organization also presents a robust slate of contemporary artist exhibitions, gallery talks, workshops, and lectures in its Staenberg Gallery. This programming ensures that high-quality arts education and experiences are more accessible to the St. Louis community. Read More>>

Nathan Loesch

I discovered my love of woodworking early on in high school. I enrolled in both wood and metal working courses and always had an interest in the arts. After high school I joined the Navy, but realized after I finished my contract that the love of woodworking and metal working still existed. I began working on projects out of my one bedroom apartment while continuing my education at Tulsa Welding School. The years went on and I became a machinist/welder all while continuing to do wood working on the side, but it started becoming harder to balance as more orders were coming in. I decided to take the leap into running my own business and the rest is history. Read More>>

Tyger Símone

It has definitely been a rough ride. Being a business owner in general is tough, especially a young business owner. You get a lot of “No’s” and alot of people don’t take you and your business as seriously. At times I thought about giving up.. I actually did give up. The slow seasons, long nights, tears, being under booked and over looked takes a toll on a persons spirit. Hair is where my heart is, so I keep pushing through, I have faith everything will work out for me and my business in the end. Read More>>

Perry Jermar

I moved to Saint Louis in 2016 and started working in school districts from Normandy, Parkway and SLPS. During that time I was at SLU where I received my Master’s Degree in Social Work in 2019. Three months after graduating my partner and fellow Social Work student, Bryant Antoine and I Co-Founded The Village PATH. Read More>>

Katie Cohoon

We are a small batch, from scratch bakery that specializes in custom sugar cookies, custom cookie cakes, a variety of drop cookie flavors and other fun bakery confections. We are known for our amazing chocolate chip cookies and cookie cakes and custom sugars cookies that are not only beautifully decorated but taste amazing. Read More>>

Cloudy Nguyen

Passionate and dedicated nail technician with a love for creating stunning nail art. With years of experience in the industry, I take pride in providing clients with top-notch nail care and unique designs. I am committed to staying updated on the latest trends and techniques in the industry to ensure that every client leaves feeling fabulous. My goal is not only to make nails look stunning but also to promote nail health and hygiene. I strive to provide a relaxing and enjoyable experience for everyone. Read More>>

Paras Rajpoot

At our company, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional premium and luxury events decoration services that cater to every need of our discerning clients. We foster strong relationships with our clients, treating them like valued friends, to guarantee their complete satisfaction and peace of mind. Read More>>

Isabella, Raven, Chass Gray-ross, Minor, Tiner

I was born and raised in St, Louis, MO. I knew I was creator as a young kid, making videos and making fun skits with my friends and cousins. I’m a music artist and photographer. I began making music in 2019 and have been expressing myself in an authentic way congruent to my self love and growth in spirituality. Photography has been my passion since 2017, but it was in the spring of 2023 that I began dedicating myself to it with focus and consistency. Since then, I have been refining my skills and building a foundation with the goal of becoming a full-time photographer, specializing in creative portraits, fashion, and editorial work. Read More>>

Jackie Smith

In November 2024 we opened a second location in Cottleville at 3917 Mid Rivers Mall Drive where fresh baked cookies are available through drive thru only. What used to be a drive thru coffee shack is now lovingly referred to as The Box for it’s small footprint but don’t be fooled, cookies are being baked in that little space daily for maximum freshness. Read More>>

Katie Forbis

In addition to photography, I’ve always had a passion for home design and antiques. In early 2024 I decided to expand on this and open an antique booth as a side business. I absolutely love sourcing unique objects and artwork, and I sell some of my own artwork in my booth – mostly paintings. It’s been a really fulfilling addition to my photography business. Read More>>

Jane Fitzgerald

I was no longer able to attend dance classes with 2 small children, but eventually took a yoga class at the studio and fell in love with yoga. I began taking yoga classes and then teaching it at the bank where I worked (during lunchtimes and after work). 10 years later, the bank was sold and I found myself out of job. I decided to become an independent yoga teacher and began renting space at The City Studio to hold classes. Over time I studied in India and received my certification to teach Iyengar Yoga – a yoga based on the teaching of BKS Iyengar in Pune, India. Read More>>

Ryan Reeves

I started as a part time cleaner in 2016. During that time, I slowly worked my way into a full time position, and then into a supervisor position. The supervising position included 4 car dealerships along Manchester road in Ballwin and some office buildings in Des Peres. Once the pandemic started at the end of 2019/early 2020, business for the cleaning company I worked for started slowing up big time. Read More>>

Kimberly Tadlock-Peluso

This decision shaped my parenting style – to raise my boys to be good men, compassionate partners, and resilient individuals who always find the silver lining in tough times. I am proud to say that I have accomplished this goal. As a single parent, I worked three jobs to provide for them and ensure our basic needs were met. It was challenging but also incredibly rewarding. My sons and I made quite the team. Amidst all the struggles, I faced and overcame breast cancer. Not long after one of my boys battled and defeated testicular cancer. We had our tough days, but they were outweighed by the countless amazing moments that gave us the strength to keep pushing forward. Read More>>

Jonathan Williams

Nothing is ever really a smooth road and I don’t expect it to be. I like to follow God and what He has planned for the journey ahead of me. Some struggles you face through what I do could be mental or even financial but if you love what you do that stuff gets smaller and smaller as you continue to grow. Strive through the adversities Read More>>

Kasandra Tinajero

That was a lot of fun! Those videos can be found on YouTube under Mountain Crow Tarot. I have collaborated with other Tarot readers and businesses as a means of getting my services out to the community. Networking with others is a means of growing and strengthening a business. I have met loyal customers at the various witch events every October who come back to see me year after year! I value the people that I have met and the experiences they have shared with me over the cards. If anything, all of the obstacles have taught me from experience how to run a business that I continue to grow and expand in. Read More>>

Nicole Parsons

Not long after that, I started adding “big fancy camera” or “big fancy” to wish lists, yearly. While my family couldn’t provide me with that, they did provide me with the best digital cameras they could. When I was 22, I got my first “big camera” (a Canon Rebel) and immediately started photographing anyone who would let me! I took years to learn, explore, and practice before eventually trying to pursue making my favorite hobby into a career. Read More>>

Alonna Gibson

The confidence i gained after climbing my way to chamber choir and thespian president really solidified my passion. So I continued to do anything I could when I started at community college. I came from a pretty broke family so balancing school theatre and work when I started college was rough. I ended up having to take some time off to save up and that’s when modeling was presented to me. I did my first photoshoot for a jewelry company with my big sister and fell in love with a whole new aspect of performing. Ever since I have worked to find any and every modeling opportunity possible while still maintaining a full time job to keep me afloat. Read More>>

Kennedi Martin

The road has not at all been smooth due to me being so young and naive of the talent i have. I grew up with a lot of people telling me “doing hair was not a real job, it was just a side hustle” & i carried it as such as a teenager. I was in high school, i worked at McDonald’s, & i did hair. With everyone in my ear about going to college and getting a “real job” i treated it how everyone tried to put it in my head. So i always put doing hair off for fun, or sleep, or McDonald’s. I didn’t hold my talent as high as i should’ve when i was a younger. Read More>>

Jamie Sweet

I picked up my first camera at a young age, but my story is a little more than just pursuing that dream. My parents would tell you I loved horses before I was born. Which is how everything for me really started. Sometimes in life you just know where you are supposed to be, for me that was and always will be tied to the equine industry. I started showing horses when I was around the age of 5 thanks to my parents and god parents. Read More>>

Olaoluwa Olunloyo

So from there I had to learn myself how to market using a new business I started with photography and videography. To take it even further I didnt only use it for myself, but for other people who were just as passionate about the business as well! Today I consider myself a Professional problem solver. I use my experience and skills to help people get started in there business and I still help people reach their fitness goals. If I can help it, I like to be there person that someone can look to as a mentor, or friends, or even business partner! I very passionate about helping people reach their goals in the gym or out. Read More>>

Daniel Leach

Fast forward again 3 years and I found myself working as an associate at a busy pediatric practice in St. Louis. I wasn’t satisfied with working for someone else as it did not allow me to be the doctor I truly wanted to me. After a little less than a year and a whole lot of prayer, I finally opened the doors to Whole Life Chiropractic where I see patients from hours old to 90 years old and every age in between. I specialize in pediatrics and perinatal which is where my passion lies. Every day is a challenge and I grow as a doctor and small business owner each and every day. Read More>>

Julie Jordan

I don’t think any road is smooth when you work hard and strive for the best. I am never satisfied, I always want to learn more, do more and be more. My guests deserve the best version of me and that version is always evolving and changing. I have autoimmune disorders to include Crohns and Ulcerative Colitius, I have had multiple surgeries, emergencies and medical ups and downs that have created many challenges for me and myself behind the chair. It has also showed me how to be humble and empathetic as well as how to persevere. Read More>>

Eleanor David

My academic pursuits led me to the University of Arkansas where i received my bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminal justice. The original plan of becoming a forensic psychologist was flipped on its head. After withdrawing from my graduate program, I moved to South Carolina where I read and studied new disciplines of understanding people. Read More>>

Kennedy Fitzgibbon

I’ve trained in various styles for over 15 years, with nearly 15 of those years dedicated to Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do under Master Blevins. I hold a 2nd degree black belt and am working toward my 3rd. In August 2023, I opened Blue Wave Foundation, my own school. Since then, our community has flourished, and we now offer Adult Tae Kwon Do, Kids Tae Kwon Do, Pre-School Tae Kwon Do, and Self-Defense Courses. Read More>>

Alexia Simone

I can’t even count how many rehearsals I’ve sat in, just listening: perfecting harmonies and enunciation, directors correcting people’s pitch and helping them find their note, learning how to read music as a singer, and musicians practicing, which led to impromptu jam sessions. People often joke about how they remember my mother coming to rehearsal super pregnant and how I was already tuned into the music in the womb. As a baby, I was passed around the room and would sit in each section for a bit, therefore I knew everyone’s note. I feel like my ear for music was developed and nurtured very early because of the environments my mother was in and even the different singers, composers, and musicians I was able to learn from. Read More>>

Josh And Lindsey Mullins

Josh graduated from Webster University in 2011 with Magna Cum Laude and Department Honors for Electronic and Photographic Media with his bachelors in film production and a minor in screenwriting. He was always interested in telling stories, especially stories about real people. He even won a few awards for his short documentary “Hammond’s Books” – St. Louis International Film Festival – Best Direction of a Documentary film and Best Documentary Less than 20 Minutes. And the Reel East Film Festival – Best Documentary Short. You can view the documentary here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyBagUTwG4A&t=3s Read More>>

Ginka Mateva

When I first arrived in the United States in 2011, the challenges seemed immense, everything was unfamiliar. Simple tasks, like grocery shopping or communicating with neighbors, became daunting hurdles. The weight of starting over in a new country meant sacrifices, sleepless nights, and relentless determination to build a foundation from scratch. Read More>>

Allie Steil

My family lost her to cancer a few years ago, and anytime I feel like giving up or compare myself to others, I keep going and remember what she told me. I offer a variety of sessions including but not limited to events, couples, seniors, family, and maternity. I know that not everyone can afford photography services so I always like to work with them because everyone deserves to have their memories or accomplishments captured. Another passion of mine is counseling/psychology. I graduated with my Bachelors in Psychology at UMSL and I am currently in a Masters program at Mizzou for School Counseling. I love being able to capture such special moments in peoples lives and seeing their joy when they receive their galleries. Read More>>

Gina Schuster

It has not been a smooth road. There have been a lot of tears and struggles along the way. I was dealing with my own grief as well as the grief of my 3 children. I have had to learn a lot of new things that my husband normally took care of like yard work and house repairs. In the early days I felt anxious, depressed, and overwhelmed. I feared I would never truly feel happy again. For a long time I did not recognize myself. I was so sad and I did not have the capacity to help others which is normally part of who I am. It seemed as if my pain was palpable and I could see the sadness in other people’s eyes when they looked at me. Read More>>