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.
Scott Mueller
Owning your own business always presents challenges. I quickly learned how to repair Drycleaning equipment to facilitate repairs in-house to keep production running instead of waiting for a technician. I was young with little experience in running a company which presented plenty of learning experiences along the way. My best advice is like the Nike slogan that I will date myself with “JUST DO IT.” Read More>>
Audrey Abbonizio
I’ve been creative my whole life. I was always doodling or singing. Growing up, my cousins and I would spend our time immersed in creating videos. I started making my own little movies and taking pictures as well on my own devices. I noticed pretty quickly I had an eye for setting up a camera. My parents gifted me my first camera around the time I was 17/18 years old, and I practiced a ton. My love for photography quickly grew from there. I started shooting for my friends for fun up until recently, I started taking it more seriously. Now I’m the designated photographer for Living Hope Ministries. Read More>>
Renee Reed
I had no plans on becoming a real estate broker at all, but it was hard for me to find a good honest agent that was willing to work with small commission payout. I got my real estate license to eliminate the search for any agent and was able to use the systems to find investments. While starting my business I decided to help some people buy and sell real estate to make money to fund my investments and I fell in love! The joy that you get from helping others is with more than Gold! The time freedom I have gained leaving my nine to five to pursue a full-time business selling real estate is priceless! Read More>>
Jaliyah Ross
I was now doing makeup and pictures in the same threshold, which was not only great money wise, but convenient for my clients. Fast forwarding, I am now hosting my own poetry nights and I’ve also stepped into the role of creative directing photoshoot projects, while also being the makeup artist as well. Sometimes I model and sometimes I gather models myself. To get to where I am now it took a lot of trial & error, change of environment, personal growth, and getting into the right places so networking could be made possible and naturally. Read More>>
Bobby Atwood
Around 2010 my uncle Mike started buying Lego lots of bulk online because his oldest son was really into Star Wars Lego. Doing that he found that he could pick out what they wanted and sell the rest after cleaning it for a profit that would fund purchasing the next lot. Mike worked as a software engineer during the day and sorted, organized and listed the Lego. My aunt Kelly took care of the shipping and packaging so it turned into a family thing to make some extra money while showing their boys how to make a little business. Read More>>
Aria Monique
I am a mom of a 3 year old son who has always had a passion and dream to use every creative gift that God has given me. From singing, song writing, modeling, dancing, acting to playing instruments. Singing has always been my number one gift as well as song writing. I was definitely on the shy side, so I sung any chance I got to be alone. Eventually I did start to sing lead or solos at church and school talent shows, but I was still fearful and had a lack of confidence. Despite those feelings I auditioned and got the role to act as an orphan in the play “Annie” at my now alumni high School. Read More>>
Artica
ARTICA was founded with a vision: to create an open and welcoming space where artists of all disciplines could showcase their work in an environment unbound by commercial pressures. Unlike traditional art fairs, ARTICA has remained commerce-free, embracing a spirit of generosity and communal participation. The festival’s foundation is built on the principle that everyone is a creative being, and its guiding ethos encourages radical self-expression, participation, and cooperation. Read More>>
Jerry Miller
I learned to frame on the go. Bruce, myself and the staff turned a failing business into a profitable store within a year. Bruce would advertise and drum up new corporate business, while I managed the shop and reach out to my contacts. We expanded a few years later to add retail and more needed work space. Read More>>
Brittany Corners
With a 20+ year career in marketing and my current role as VP of Marketing at Tivity Health, a company dedicated to supporting health and wellness for seniors and employees, my passion for well-being runs deep. Merging that expertise with my love for yoga, Therese and I purchased and remodeled an old building in downtown O’Fallon, giving Moonbird a fresh start. Read More>>
Carrie Harvey
The more I learned, the more I fell in love with the craft. It became about so much more than just taking pictures. That passion eventually turned into a business. Over time, I found my niche in lifestyle, branding, and senior photography—focusing on taking beautiful images and creating an experience for my clients. I love making people feel comfortable, confident, and truly themselves in front of the camera. Now, I get to do what I love every day. Read More>>
Kimberly Anderson
As any creative-brained person would likely agree, I never really knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. From musician to teacher to bartender to dental lab technician, I wore so many different hats it was unbelievable. After college, I landed a “real job” as an inventory control analyst for a local clothing catalog, but I quickly became uninterested and restless. I felt so unchallenged, uninspired, and replaceable. I decided that I wanted to do something with my life that would actually benefit the people around me and make an impact on my community. I was in search of something that would not only scratch my creative itch, but would also allow me to create a safe space for me to just be myself. Read More>>
Kristen Meyer
For the past several years I have worked as a bedside nurse in a Pediatric ICU and teach hot yoga on my days off. I met the owner of GLO (the company for whom I now conduct my business under) through my hot yoga studio where I worked with her daughter. I love her and her daughter so much and I started to shadow her to learn more about cosmetic injectables. I saw how fun this side of nursing can be and how much joy and happiness she brought to her customers; I quickly knew it was something I wanted to pursue as well. I trained under her for some time and took the leap to take GLO’s formal training. I knew it was going to be challenging to learn how to run a business while working 2 other jobs but it has been incredibly rewarding. Read More>>
Kevin Lee
Uber, Instacart, mentoring at CHADS, teaching at my temples religious school and dance were the ways I made an income. There was not a Monday through Friday schedule. It was literally Sunday through Saturday. Some days would be going from 7am – 10pm from one thing to the next. Need to say the long days and the busy schedule ended up catching up with me and I struggled emotionally. I had to realize that I was really hurting myself. I am so thankful to not be in that place anymore. Is everything 100% great. NO! However, some things have changed and I am learning that I cannot help kids if I am not taking care of myself. Read More>>
Toni Hustlez
I started selling hair extensions and that went really well that’s when I learned how to flip a dollar(the greatest lesson I ever learned) , but I’m not a hairstylist so selling hair just didnt make me happy I didn’t have a passion for it. In 2018 I got fired From my job at express scripts for absolutely no reason The job had an audit and they let go 40 people. I had been working there for two years. The longest job I ever had in my life. Read More>>
Biljana – Bibi Erdeg
These days, I focus on fashion photography, including e-commerce and campaigns, model portfolio development, and portrait photography for business professionals. This specialization allows me to combine my love for creativity with a keen eye for detail. Every project is an opportunity to explore new ideas and to create visually compelling stories that resonate with diverse audiences. Read More>>
Bailey Wooten
I was (and still am) obsessed with learning as much as I can and growing with every shoot. Fast-forward to a few years and tons of shoots later, I am still learning and growing and meeting so many amazing people! I have shot just about everything you can think of but what I am booked for the most are portraits, couples, and weddings/elopements. I love photography and I am also now getting into the art of videography. I am just obsessed with capturing memories and being able to give them back to people to cherish forever. I am so passionate about it and lucky that so many people have supported me along this journey!! Read More>>
Haley Cope
I’ve even learned things since being here by watching others, and they LOVE teaching what they know versus just wanting to keep that to themselves. If anyone is stuck on a placement or had a “oh crap, what do I do now?” moment because the hair didn’t react the way you planned, everyone is so generous to lend a hand to watch everyone of us to succeed, finding none of us as a competition against one another, which isn’t heard of much in most salon atmospheres! Read More>>
Jerel Canty
For example, challenges that I have experienced include misunderstanding some editing software, growing my business, entering in shows and connecting with the right people in networking. All of these provide lessons of observation and opportunities to grab hold of and attach yourself to. In my case, where in the industry a lot happens fast, it is necessary to pay attention to and strike while the iron is at the opportune moments. Read More>>
Samanvita Kasthuri
My journey as a dancer started when I was a kid. My parents, Prasanna and Seema Kasthuri, started an Indian classical dance and music school in St. Louis called Soorya Performing Arts in 2002. I grew up surrounded by the Indian classical arts; my house was always filled with people taking music or dance lessons. My father is my teacher, and I’ve trained under him in the styles of Bharatanatyam and Kathak since I was 5. Read More>>
Tinaira Tieuel
Becoming a Sisterlocks consultant has allowed me to combine my passion for natural hair care with entrepreneurship, empowering others to embrace their beauty with confidence. When my mentor decided to relocate and leave St. Louis, I saw an opportunity to continue her legacy. I made the decision to take over the salon and carry forward the mission of empowering women of color through their natural hair journey. My goal has always been to provide a space where clients feel confident, beautiful, and supported as they embrace their Sisterlocks. Through dedication and passion, I am committed to upholding the values and impact that my mentor established, ensuring that this transformative work continues in the community. Read More>>
Jenna Whitmore
I joined chambers, groups, and made sure that everyone around me knew that I was building a brand and business and needed a stacked portfolio. I did jobs for free, discounted and on a crazy schedule in the beginning. Today I have an established company that is known for being a brand photography business that provides vibrant, authentic imagery for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and influencers. To say I am proud and grateful for the experience of building this from nothing is an understatement. I love what I do and who I work with. Read More>>
Deara Matthews
I thought I had my life planned out until I approached the end of senior year and realized, “this is where life starts to happen.” My initial plan throughout most of my life was to go into the nursing field. I later realized that it wasn’t my passion and that I wouldn’t be doing it because that’s what I truly wanted. I went through many options in my head, but eventually decided on community college, so that I would be doing something that would still be benefiting me, while going on this journey of figuring out what I wanted in life. Read More>>
Devin Bryant
What started as just the thought of running a fitness business during my undergraduate studies eventually became the reality that I experience today. Since I was a youth, I built a fascination with how the human body and mind operated, so the pursuit of fitness and wellness soon followed later on in my life. What was at first interest in reading Men’s Health magazines as a teenager transformed into a deep collegiate dive into the science of physical movement, wellness, and K-12 education. That love led to receiving my Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 2013. After college in 2015, I was introduced to a very popular local St Louis area fitness facility in Ferguson Missouri and the owner gave me an opportunity at teaching group fitness classes and that sparked my growth and development. Read More>>
Joseph Sabel
I always enjoyed drawing and painting as a young child. I used to draw pictures of my brothers’ favorite musicians in charcoal pencils or draw the X-Men characters from their comics. Later in my teenage years and early 20’s I always continued my drawing and painting and was influenced by street art and tattoos. While serving in the United States Navy I drew a lot of my inspiration from studying books about art from the base library. I guess throughout my whole life I always had an attraction towards art and the processes of making things that are beautiful as well as thought provoking. It wasn’t until my last year in the Navy where I was stationed in Great Lakes, Chicago where I truly started to take my artistic endeavors seriously. While studying the works of Edward Hopper I was also studying the city around me and feeling an urge to paint the different people and places I saw. Read More>>
Travis Brown
Travis Brown – Merging Fitness and Film with Passion and Purpose
My journey in both writing and health and wellness began at an early age, shaped by two major influences in my life. My uncle, a competitive bodybuilder, introduced me to the world of strength and discipline, while my mother instilled in me a deep love for storytelling and creativity. Read More>>
Brook Kraushaar
Personally: I’m a dad to a beautiful daughter, stepdad to 2 wonderful kids, & a fiancé.
Musically: My dad went to Georgetown university on a scholarship for marching band (drums). So naturally starting around 5 yrs old I started playing drums. Fast forward a bunch of years, I have been in a handful of remarkable & memorable local bands that lasted several years and toured this great nation a few times with some national acts.
I still tour today. Just more for signed national artists & bands. Read More>>
Shaun, Parker, and Ethan
We had an old friend who met each of us separately at our high school. He was trying to put together a band and all of us were interested. On May 4, 2023, we all went to our drummer’s house after school and jammed for the first time. Shortly after, that friend had left the band and we were left to fend for ourselves. Months later, in August, after many demo tapes and a name change, Unthynck as we know it, today was born. Read More>>
Katie Goodman
My husband and I love a project. Since we’ve been married, we’ve moved every two years, on average. Our pattern has been to find a house in a good neighborhood that has not been given love, attention, or updates throughout the years. We’ll move into the house with full intent to live in it and love it for far longer than we ever actually do. Read More>>
Dellicia Jones
My story began back in high school, when I first developed a passion for being my own boss. I dabbled in a few side ventures over the years, but nothing truly clicked for me like hair did. Then in 2018, after my father passed away, something inside me shifted. I had always sought his approval and, in my heart, I felt like I hadn’t yet done enough for him to be proud of me. When he passed, I realized I had to do things differently. I wanted more for myself—not just for me, but to honor him. That’s when everything started to change. Read More>>
Michelle Ralls
In 2014, January 14, I collapsed on the Nursing floor from Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. I was taken to my oncologist where we had a meeting with my Primary & Pain Mgmt Drs. My oncologists explained that we were at our end, and they would place me on palliative care and transition me through to Hospice Care until I passed away. They further went to say that I should “make funeral arrangements, as it will take the burden off my family.” I was furious! I immediately fired all 3 oncologists and stopped taking 19 medications. I was exhausted! I immediately dove into my Nutrition degree, and went back to add more education into food, vitamins minerals and herbs. I had been in my Nursing degree for 20 years and had had stated mainly educated in my psych and diabetes management certifications. So diving back into food, to heal myself was vital. Read More>>
Michelle Pointer
First let me say it is and honor to be asked to share my story but yes, as you stated I’m Michelle Pointer born and raised here in St Louis Mo. I’m a Wife, Mother, Minister, Author, Entrepreneur and Founder of His Daughter Non-Profit Organization, Whew that’s a mouthful Ha! but where I am now in life was inspired by the things, I’ve had to overcome along the way rather it was, times of low self-esteem, mistakes, bullying, becoming a teen mom, having the wrong relationships, then later becoming a wife at the age of 20 to name a few, I honestly experienced a lot, seen a lot, did a lot and a grew up way too fast, by the age of 40 I had recently divorced after 19 years of marriage and truthfully had to take a moment to heal and figure out who Michelle really was. Read More>>
Mark Witzling
I was on a trip to Italy when I saw some of the great works of art in Rome and Florence, often still in the very spaces where the artist intended the work to be and was fascinated, wondering, “what was the artist thinking when they came up with this idea?” Upon returning home I was encouraged to explore this fascination and began painting. That was over 25 years ago. Around 2010 I began migrating towards abstraction and nonrepresentational art and eventually fell in love with the techniques and effects of oil and cold wax painting. I am self-taught, although I loathe the term since I have learned from so many other artists. My college major was Economics and I have a Masters in Business Administration (MBA). Read More>>
Gregg Robinson
Marcy’s Project is a nonprofit that provides aid to those in crisis or emergency situations in the St. Charles area. We are almost 100% volunteer, with only one part time employee.
We focus on four core projects: Marcy’s Meals, Marcy’s Market, Marcy’s Kids and Marcy’s Milestones.
Marcy’s Meals is not only a mission to feed those in need but also to educate on how to incorporate healthy options on a budget. We provide meals once a month, January through October. Marcy’s Meals include ingredients, spices, recipes and the shopping list to make 4-5 dinners, a breakfast and fruit for under $60! We currently support 100 families per month, attaining our goal of reaching 100 by October. We provided Meals for 775 families in 2024. We plan to sustain this number in 2025. Read More>>
Owen Pye
I wouldn’t say my journey has been smooth or easy, but it’s been obvious next steps that I’ve taken. When I decided to leave my stable corporate job in 2023, that was a challenge financially with having a family of 4 kids. But I’d hit a ceiling as far as growth and creative opportunity. The setting I was in wasn’t honoring to me or my values. Read More>>
Margaret Green
Margaret Green, a Jesus Girl, wife, mom, is a 6 time author, faith influencer, speaker, and mentor to many, was awarded Mentor of the year, by Dr. Mesha’s Chosen Womens Foundations, and Awarded a Proclamation by the City of St. Louis for her Girl Get Your Strength Back Mentorship, has been featured on many television and media platforms with countless amazing testimonies how lives have and are being transformed, revitalized, and changed through her Girl Get Your Strength Back Mentorship! Read More>>
SYLVESTER BROWN, JR.
September 20, 2021 at 4:00 pm
Greetings and congratulations on the launch of VoyageSTL. From the perspective of a former columnist (St. Louis Post-Dispatch and publisher (Take Five Magazine 1987-2003) and current writer with the St. Louis American, I can honestly say I am impressed with your work. Already, it seems to be a refreshing addition to the region’s sometimes stale media landscape. – Good luck with your venture.-Sincerely, Sylvester Brown, Jr.
Marz
August 31, 2022 at 9:38 pm
Proud to say that Cornell Nichols is my cousin and my pastor.. If ever you’re looking for a Church home I highly suggest you come to Christ temple family church.