Raleigh’s Most Inspiring Stories

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.

Love Anderson

Every step of my journey—whether it was volunteering with the Durham La Leche League, serving as the Parent Advocacy Group Liaison with the North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition, or working as a Community Health Worker with the Durham County Department of Public Health—has deepened my commitment to ensuring that every family receives the healthcare and support they deserve from the very start. I’ve seen firsthand how a breastfeeding-friendly community can be a great equalizer, breaking down the barriers that too often prevent families from thriving. Read more>>

Eric Steighner

We found several noninvasive solutions and did additional research. We zeroed in on Cryo. Cryo helped us so much with not just weight loss, but also pain management and recovery from injuries, skin tightening, wrinkle reduction on the face and even brightened our tattoos. Read more>>

Stephanie Wood

Firstly, I was in an abusive marriage that I absolutely had to get my child and I out of, working side gigs styling hair I was able to make cash and hide it to build my escape nest egg. To my surprise and luck I came home after work one day to find my husband left my son and I and moved out leaving me with divorce papers and no money besides what I had been secretly putting away; it was only about 5K and that wasn’t going to last long. Lastly, my heroin addicted and pregnant sister moved in with me when her fiance murdered someone over a bad drug deal. I couldn’t be held down by a job with so much going on in my life and I made the crazy decision to quit my job and be my own boss. Read more>>

Cathie Ostrowski

I started at Meredith College as an adjunct professor in 2000. My position has grown through the years to a Dietetic Internship Director. I arrange supervised practice/internship experiences for dietetic interns. I’ve held this position for 21 years. After my children went to college, I decided to add on another dream of mine: to earn my doctorate in nutrition. So, in 2023, I enrolled in a doctorate program in clinical nutrition through the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC). I continue to work full-time and attend doctorate school part-time, so I’ll finish my doctorate in 2027. Read more>>

Stephanie Davis

My daughter, granddaughter and myself decided we wanted to do a carnival themed event tent with popcorn, cotton candy and snow cones. We do birthday parties, weddings and any other kind of event you can think of. Read more>>

Jana Olecka

It evolved into something much bigger over the years, a community around something creative that so many people around the world enjoy doing. Read more>>

Whitney Fox

I saw a gap between services offered to people experiencing homelessness and pets experiencing homelessness, as strays or with their humans. So, Fox Valley Farms was born in 2015 and earned its status as a tax-exempt nonprofit in 2018. We specialize in working with pets with behavioral issues, helping them navigate trauma and be adopted into loving homes tailored to their needs. We also provide low-cost or free training to members of the community to help pets stay in homes. If an animal and their human are experiencing homelessness, we are able to step in to provide supplies to families in need or temporarily board pets while their humans seek help to overcome homelessness. Read more>>

DJ BRO-RABB MR LAWD HAVE MERCY

MY FASCINATION & INTEREST IN DJING STARTED WHEN I WAS 8 YEARS OLD…I ACTUALLY STARTED DJING AT THE AGE OF 14,,I’VE BEEN DJING OFF & ON THE RADIO FOR 25 YEARS..I’VE BEEN TOURING WITH KID “N” PLAY SINCE 2015..34 YEARS TOTAL…STILL ROCKING!! Read more>>

Jeremy Brown

Jabba’s Hot & Sweet BBQ Dipping SauceWent To North Brunswick High School & Then Went To Culinary School @Wake Tech Community CollegeThe Sauce Came About Me Playing In The Kitchen One Day & BAM Read more>>

Alyssa “Plug” Tatum

After graduating from Hillside High School, Plug pursued a Communications and Culture degree at Howard University. However, it was during her junior year that she had a life-changing spiritual encounter, leading her to write her first 16 bars—marking the birth of Plug and her calling to share the gospel of Jesus Christ through music. Read more>>

Brent Pridgen

Didn’t know what my concept would be until we were playing cards one night and my buddy said “ how about MacNcheese”? I laughed it off. That night I prayed on it and woke up with an entire concept idea surrounded by just MacNcheese. Smoked meats and different seafoods infused into MacNcheese. Being such a different concept it wasn’t hard to gain attention. Stayed consistent and now we have over 30k followers and consistent customers on a weekly basis Read more>>

Michael Bongiorno

Bongiorno & Son was founded on the inspiration to create a neighborhood eatery and specialty store that reminded us of our Sunday home-cooked Italian meals around the dinner table. Our menu is a combination of family recipes passed down from one generation to the next and meals inspired by our visits to Italy and our travels around the world. Bongiorno & Son carries on the tradition of our great grandfather with his Patisserie shop in New York’s Little Italy, our Grandfather’s Italian Grocery Store in Jersey City, New Jersey, and of course Grandma and Mom’s home cooking! We strive to provide high quality hard to find Italian meats, cheeses, and retail items. Founded by Michael Bongiorno in 2020 it has been a longtime dream to open an “Italian Store” as they are commonly known in the North-Eastern part of the United States. Read more>>

Chanasia Clarke

March 1, 2021 was her birthday and I spent every year with her for her birthday so it was really hard for me. March 3 was the day I created Asia‘s Kitchen of love LLC. I wanted to pour the love that I have for her into the thing that I love to do the most which was cooking. I started off selling homemade sauces and pastries. But then I got asked to do a healing retreat from my sister-in-law Janell, and I fell in love with being a private Chef. The ease of meeting different people, and connecting over our love and passion for food. It was new, It was exciting and uplifted my soul. But in the back of my head, I always wanted a food truck. That was my goal as a nine-year-old girl who just discovered the joy of cooking. Read more>>

Lance Fenderson

In 2019, Lance’s racing career of 12+ years was temporarily cut short, after a collision in a high school lacrosse game left him paralyzed from the chest down. Lance was permanently left with 15% function of his entire body. While his body is now paralyzed, his mind is lively and eager to prove what he is capable of. His success on the track is undeniable, yet it’s his character and values beyond the racing circuit that truly set him apart. At the start of 2024, Lance was prepared and determined to dive back into racing, so he began testing and adapting to a unique hand control setup that allowed him to drive again. On October 3rd of 2024, Lance competed in his first races post-injury. He swept the BMWCCA GP class Read more>>

Neal Eichhorn

We make friend feel confident, sexy, and cool with our window films. You should know that I do my best at everything I do. We specialize in window films for homes and vehicles. What set us apart is our professionalism and customer experience. I want you to know you can run a full time business and have time to perfect you body because mind and body should be one. Can be sloppy and discipline in business. Read more>>

Adam Sellars

I’m a Charlotte native, but my journey to real estate wasn’t traditional. I started as a computer application programmer, working in a structured corporate environment. While I enjoyed problem-solving, I always had an entrepreneurial drive and a desire to build something of my own. That led me to real estate, where I spent four years as a part-time agent while still working in tech, learning the business and preparing for the leap into full-time real estate. Read more>>

Phuong Daniels

And now, with the constant support of my family, I’ve matched into one of the most competitive residencies—dermatology. I’m incredibly grateful for this next chapter and the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. The skin is deeply tied to confidence, health, and quality of life. To be able to walk with patients through that journey—whether it’s acne, hair loss, rashes, or skin cancer—is an honor I don’t take lightly. Read more>>

Chrystal Austin

This store was created for the sole purpose of creating an environment for Adults with Autism and Intellectual Developmental Disabilities. A safe place to work and interact with a variety of our vast community. This population is underserved and underemployed. Read more>>

Lindsay Young

I moved to Texas to be closer to her, worked in the medical field to make money, and ultimately put my writing on the back burner. When my mom passed in 2017, I made it my goal to share my story with the world and spent most of 2020 writing my book, The Girl with a Broken Smile. This book allowed me to open up and share my journey growing-up and living with a cleft lip and palet. A topic that anyone rarely discusses, but an important one, especially for younger kids growing up like I did. After publishing the book in 2021, I have had so many amazing experiences and opportunities, and hopefully continue to share more of my stories in the future. Read more>>

Eileen Koff

In 2007, Eileen helped co-found Faithful Organizers, an online, international Christian community of over 200 professional organizers. She served as their Devotion Director, writing monthly devotions and prayers from 2007 to 2015. From 2011 to 2014, she was a columnist for Just Between Us, a Christian women’s magazine with over 8,500 subscribers. Her blogs are featured on various Christian platforms, including Sonoma Christian Home. Alongside her Bible study, Eileen has led workshops and spoken at numerous churches nationwide. She has been featured in local and national print media, webinars, and radio/podcast interviews. Her greatest passion is sharing the transformative power of God’s Word in people’s lives. Read more>>

Peerapon Sujjavanich

His firm designed many government projects for North Carolina. He is now retired and specializes in passive solar energy. My mother graduated from UNCG with a degree in education, and now owns and runs Sujjavanich Properties, LLC (Providing multi-family rental properties in North Carolina). It is our second family business. My older sibling, Darin Nateharn Sujjavanich, works in clinical research. She graduated from UNC Chapel Hill, ECU, and Campbell University. I was born and raised in Apex, North Carolina, USA, and graduated from NCSU with a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design. Read more>>

Zechariah Thomas

Zechariah Thomas V , born in Alaska and raised in South Carolina, has always been passionate about music. Inspired by legends like Michael Jackson, Ne-Yo, and Rihanna, he found his love for R&B, pop, soul, and choreography early on. He grew in the church and had instant love for Music. Later finding that he had a gift of singing and melodies. Read more>>

Cody Stephenson

I’m an Audio Engineer, I have my ProTools certification which allowed my to turn the microphone on myself. I’m known for my free spirited vibes and my never quitting work ethic. I bring a sound that captures turn heart felt experiences. What makes me stand out is my consistency. I’m always putting new out even if it’s unreleased I still what ppl to get a chance to hear it even if I never see a penny. Read more>>

Allison Wade

I even started offering services to a local high school looking to provide nutritional guidance to their athletes looking to take their performance to the next level. We built a fueling station within the school, provided educational sessions to teams, and even blasted nutrition messaging across their wellness center and locker rooms. As my career continued to grow I brought on an additional dietitian, Hilary, to the team to help with the growing demand of Case Specific Nutrition. She has been a great asset to the team and is one of the most knowledgable, passionate dietitians I know. Read more>>

Adam Deese

I played Santa for the company that I currently work for. That gave me the idea that I could start a business to make extra income. I had business cards made, and on my lunch hour I went to different businesses introduced myself and gave them a business card. My wife made me a Facebook and Instagram page. I started in 2014 . Through word of mouth, passing out business cards, social media, etc., I have an established entertainment business. Read more>>

Cheryl Capaldo Traylor

So, I created a personalized 3-part plan for maintenance and helped her get caught up on garden tasks. AND I billed her for my garden knowledge and skills—what a great lesson in knowing your worth as a professional! Six months passed and one day while working in my garden, I thought: That was a lot of fun and also challenging to teach what I know about gardening. Could I make a career of this as an independent gardener and consultant? Four and a half years later, I’m doing what I love—gardening/teaching—and getting paid for it as Six Seasons Garden Consulting. It still seems too good to be true. Read more>>

Brooke Benton

Originally from Wilmington, NC, I moved to Raleigh to attend Meredith College, where I pursued a degree in Studio Art. During my time there, I had the incredible opportunity to work as an artist for the Wine & Design headquarters. What started as a college job quickly grew into something much more meaningful — I found a deep love for teaching art and creating joyful, hands-on experiences for others. Read more>>

Abigail Kalainikas And Morgan Lavender

We (Morgan and Abby) met in 2018 while working as outpatient therapists at a clinic in Cary. We instantly connected over our shared experiences with ADHD and anxiety. As we continued working in the field, we began to question whether there was a more effective and compassionate way to provide client-centered care within the community. We started to wonder “what if therapy wasn’t just this thing people endured once a week, but something that actually felt calming, grounding, maybe even empowering?” And then, at some point, we realized that we could build that ourselves. So we did. Read more>>

Angie Diaz

What started as curiosity – questions about Scripture that sparked imagined dialogues about faith – has grown into The Urban Art Show. Through my TikTok @angelita.del.arte, these conversations have become a vibrant space where AI-generated art meets spiritual reflection. Each piece features conversations between a student and professor about Bible passages, turning these dialogues into visual art that makes spiritual concepts easier to understand. Read more>>

Jack

Like many bands, we’ve been through line-up changes, hiatuses, and multiple studio album since forming at NC State University back in the summer of 2005, but our current line up was solidified in 2019 with Creatures album with George Hage (vocals, guitar, mandolin), Danny Johnson (guitar, keyboard, lap steel, vocals), Dan Grinder (bass), and Kevin Rader (drums, vocals). We’ve all played in various bands and projects during that time, but we keep coming back to make records, comics, and play regional concerts. Read more>>

Juan Pitter

I realized that there’s a lot of missinformation within the latin community and that there was a need to have familiar faces in the process, and especially one that knew and could relate to the challenges of homeownership that inmigrants face. I take great pride in every house that I sell, because to me it’s not just business, it’s about helping someone achieve one of the biggest goals a family can have, and that’s something I value of the job I get to do. I always say that happiness is not a destination, but a trip that starts at home, and I love to be able to help them find that home. Read more>>

Bruno Dalfito

Six years after that, I had the opportunity to come to the United States. I spent six months tattooing in New York before discovering Charlotte — a city I quickly fell in love with. I worked at a local studio for a year and a half, where I was warmly welcomed and had the chance to learn English. Today, I run my own private studio in Crescent NoDa, where I continue doing what I love most: turning stories into art. Read more>>

Shemecka McNeil

I’m Shemecka McNeil, but folks who really know me call me Chef Mecka. I was raised in Horry County, South Carolina farm life, big skies, and the kind of wisdom you don’t get from books. My grandmother taught me to season beans like they were gospel, and my grandfather planted by the moon. They didn’t call it sustainability back then they just called it surviving smart. Read more>>

Kai Diaz

I came to Charlotte in 2023. I transferred over from the University of North Carolina Wilmington after deciding I needed to be independent. I started here in the fall of 2023. I moved in with a few roommates and started my journey into adulthood. Nervous but ready, I knew what I wanted to do. I found a passion within photography and started small by going to local shows like the Milestone and Snug Harbor to take photos. I started to transition to the Ninertimes within UNC Charlotte and from there I’ve been taking photos for them and my own time. Read more>>

Eugenio (Julio) Perez Jr (Hennessey)

Having my whole hometown come out and support and Catch The Funny was an unimaginable feeling. To see so many old and new faces supporting my comedy career was amazing and overwhelming. I think I cried lil bit in the green room backstage lol. I’m definitely a leader and don’t believe in following. I’ve built my own highways to success and continue to branch off into more lanes of victory. Also, producing my own comedy show at Riddles Comedy Club in Chicago, in which some of the most recognizable faces in Comedy has graced that stage was a huge accomplishment. Read more>>

Tj Leak

In 2021, we decided to expand across North Carolina and brought DopeBrunch to Charlotte. Our first event at Sections drew a crowd of 350—just one day before the COVID shutdowns. Despite the timing, the event was a success and set the tone for the future. Over the last four years, Charlotte has become one of our biggest markets, with 1,000+ people regularly attending our events. Read more>>

Alisa Govan

I didn’t start my career with a clear roadmap. In fact, I made a lot of the classic early-career mistakes, largely because I lacked proper mentorship. I started my professional journey with a diploma in accounting from Kings College. My first job was in international wire operations at NC National Bank in Charlotte, earning minimum wage. I was grateful for the opportunity, but I quickly realized I had a job, not a career. Without the skills to negotiate my salary or advocate for my value, I struggled financially. I worked there for nine years, climbing the corporate ladder and building a strong network, but my pay never quite caught up to the skills I had developed. Read more>>

Thea Picard

So, 2021-2023 I was primarily selling clothing but I kept finding amazing vintage couches that I couldn’t leave behind. I would end up with 5 couches in my shop at a time and so I started selling them too. Then in 2023 I decided to go full time vintage furniture with a focus on couches and haven’t looked back. I offer restored pieces with new and custom upholstery as well as vintage pieces in their original form and fabric. I have a ton of fun finding unique and interesting things and I absolutely love picking out fabric to restore and bring a worn out vintage piece back to life. It’s also better for the planet! Read more>>

Kristin Lusk

I truly had no clue how to open, manage or even start a business, I learned a lot, but I grew as a person in so many areas tremendously. I researched and utilized advice to try and be as prepared as possible when opening to ensure I could immediately offer the best experience for my clients. Having mentors, family and friends to support me and keeping God first definitely has helped me get where I am today. I have great nurses working at Drip Drop, which is hard to find now days. I think that was one of the biggest struggles, was finding nurses that were dependable and cared like I did. Read more>>

CiCi Appel

I am a southern small-town girl from Alabama who landed here in the heart of freedom aka Fort Bragg, NC when I married my best friend and became a military spouse. Before The Snarky Lemon came to life, my feet were already planted in the world of retail and sales. I ran a successful online clothing boutique for several years, curating and selling trendy pieces and styling outfits that my customers loved. But as much as I enjoyed it, something always felt… off. The problem? None of it was mine; the company, the brand, the style, the apparel. I was a “reseller” and following company rules— picking the “right” pieces, sticking to what was safe, and keeping things polished and marketable because I had to. Read more>>