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.

Kristen Cox

The most profound lesson i didn’t expect to learn while working in the socially responsible, community investing sector for 8 years was that land is an asset class – an important investment, rare, depleting, meant to be protected, yet also at the heart and soul of racial disruption, power and wealth inequality in this country. Read More>>

The Hardcore Painter

I became serious about my art around the age of 17 and have been creating ever since. In 2022, I secured my first permanent spot to showcase my work at ArtMongerz Art Gallery. From the start, I went beyond just displaying my art—I actively helped with the gallery. When the owner decided to step away, I stepped up and took over as one of the owners. Read More>>

Amanda Levinson

Young people are growing up with disappointment, anxiety, & heartbreak. They are carrying the weight of the pandemic, an earth teetering on the edge of climate catastrophe, deep social divisions and mistrust, and, on top of it, a dysfunctional political environment that makes it hard for them to trust that voting makes a difference. Still, if I had one word to describe their antidote to it all, it would be humor. Read More>>

Reginald Sanders

Overall, it has been a smooth road, however, some of the struggles have been finding good help, finding spots to sell my cookies. In addition to this I have struggled with some marketing issues as well. However, I understood that obstacles were part of the business journey. Another thing that has been a struggle also is to produce a decent number of cookies due to high demand and occupying a oven. Staying motivated as well. Some slow times in business have caused me to get discouraged sometimes but I push through. Read More>>

Matt Rice

A big moment for me—and for CherokeeGuys—was when I bought my 1992 Briarwood Cherokee project. It became more personal, and that’s when people really started to get invested. I’d had a Jeep before, but I wasn’t as hands-on with it back then, so I didn’t share as much about the restoration. But with this project, I could afford to dive in and fix it up the way I’d always wanted. People loved watching the transformation, especially since it was a rare, low-mileage spec. The project became more than just a personal journey; it was something my followers could connect with and watch unfold in real-time. Read More>>

Haleigh Dixon

Some of the bumps we experienced were trying to figure out which events were worth paying for and which weren’t. Sometimes you’ll pay $100 for four hours and not make your money back and sometimes you don’t pay for an event that ends up being better than any paid event you’ve done. We were also struggling at the beginning with finding quality fairy hair that wouldn’t melt with hot tools or damage anybody’s hair. Summer was a struggle in 2024 because we were often outside in the hottest part of the day and at first we weren’t prepared with a tent, fans or towels to keep us cool. Read More>>

Matthew Penick

Although he was self-taught, Matthew’s attention to detail and unique designs allowed for Ribbons and Rivets to grow from a small hobby done on the coffee table of his living room to include multiple artists, collaborators, and general supporters. They now travel to comic cons, Renaissance festivals, craft shows and art events throughout the year to present their wares – armor, knick-knacks, costumes, and much more- and share our knowledge on the craft at panels and workshops along the east coast and Texas. Read More>>

Tiffanie Whitt

That’s where the dream for Reverie Hair Co. was born. We opened the salon on May 26, 2020—the very first day salons were allowed to reopen after COVID shutdowns. It was definitely a bold move, but I was determined to create something special and different. Fast forward to today, Reverie Hair Co. is not only a space for self care and good hair, but also a community where stylists can grow, thrive, and feel supported. We’ve won awards, built an incredible team, and continue to evolve and serve more stylists in our community which is what excites me most. It’s been hard work, but also has gifted me a feeling of purpose and fulfillment. Read More>>

Drew Williams

After graduating from NC State University with a degree in finance, I decided to take a leap and carve my own path. Instead of heading into the corporate world, I launched Signature Sound & Lighting, combining my love for music, events, and creating incredible experiences. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with hundreds of clients to bring their visions to life and I’m excited for what’s to come as my business continues to grow! Read More>>

Tiffany Rice

Even though I was excited about the money we were making, things started taking a turn for the worse. I started having bad panic attacks because of the stress of running a business and never having days off because we were too booked and busy. It got to the point where we had too many customers and not enough people to handle it all, so that meant working nonstop. I wanted help in my business, but I was so booked and busy I couldn’t even step away to get the help I needed. Eventually my panic attacks got worse to where it put me in the hospital, so I had no choice but to quit my cleaning service because my health wasn’t getting any better. Read More>>

Monica Burnett

With divine favor, we secured a prime location between Macy’s and the Apple Store in the Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh, totaling 5,500 square feet of retail space. From the beginning we were driven by a vision that extended beyond just commerce. I can remember the day that my husband said to me, “If this ever turns into a business, I’m out!” We have known from day one that this place was special and would not be run like most businesses. Read More>>

Matt Duff

I ended up working on my first podcast, Cousins By Blood, (a Capital Murder case in Texas) for over four years. Information uncovered in the podcast was able to stop a death row inmates execution once and could have got him a new trial, if the information was allowed to be reviewed on the merits. However, ultimately the new evidence was said to be procedurally barred and they executed him on February 28, 2024. That podcast investigation was featured on the BBC, CNN, MSNBC, in Forbes and the Texas Tribune. Read More>>

Janine Cooper

My undergraduate degree is in Radio-Television from the University of Central Florida, with a Minor in History. My Masters degree is in Communications and Public Affairs from American University. I have worked and interned in several news stations, as well as production companies. I had the honor of working with Emmy-award winning Investigative Reporting and Producing Teams. Read More>>

Jaclyn Pline

Another struggle was having a chuppah with florals on top fall on top of my head and I had to get staples in my head. After the incident the owners fired me and threatened me that I was not allowed to get a job in floristry for over a year. I ended up getting a job with a hotel as a hostess to simply separate myself from floristry for a bit while I was recovering the trauma. Overcoming that, learning to even have the slightest bit of trust in people again took a bit and learning to let go was hard at times. But, I overcame and know how to not treat employees or freelance designers. Read More>>

Natalie Singletary

Thank you so much for this opportunity to tell my story. My memories started at around three years old when my biological mother died and my sister and I were taken in by our aunt. She was in the Navy, so after her station in Pax River, MD, we went to Italy for three years, then moved to eastern North Carolina where she was stationed at Cherry Point. After my fifth grade year, my aunt adopted us, a process she had been working on for years. I tell you that as moving forward, she will be referred to as my mom. Read More>>

Leigh-Ann Vlaar

Did I say ‘passion?’ What I really mean is ‘obsession.’ My personal and professional experiences became the spark that ignited my fascination with sleep. I began to see how small changes—adjusting routines, tweaking schedules, shifting wake windows, or improving sleep environments—could completely transform a child’s sleep. This realization came long before sleep consulting was even recognized as a profession, but I was already honing my skills and helping families reclaim restful nights. Through trial, error, and persistence, I eventually found strategies that worked—transforming not only our nights but also how I approached sleep challenges overall. When I discovered that I could become certified as a sleep consultant and support struggling families as a profession, I knew I had found my thing. Read More>>

Fred Ones

I received a BFA in audio engineering and quickly began the process of starting up my own studio in The Bronx by 1997. I’ve had the pleasure to record and mix independent artist for 28 years. The studio has moved around The Bronx in three different locations and has recently found a new home in Boston, Massachusetts. We are presently working with local artist as well as mixing and mastering remotely for clients in New York. Without that creative influence I’ve attained as a child, I doubt the studio life would have lasted this long. Read More>>

Albert Greene

What sets us apart is our dedication to fostering authentic connections, both on and off-screen. We pride ourselves on spotlighting underrepresented voices and bringing diverse perspectives to life through captivating storytelling. Whether it’s through highlighting behind-the-scenes professionals, empowering new talent, or creating stories that uplift communities, we aim to produce content that leaves a lasting impact. Read More>>

Sunita Haralalka

Have you ever felt alone, even in a room full of people? I have—and I’m a social butterfly. But those moments taught me something important: real connections are everything. That realization came when I found myself working in a role that no longer supported my growth or creativity. As the environment became increasingly negative and unappreciative, I knew it was time to move on. No matter how motivated or talented you are, if the environment is toxic, it will always hold you back. So, I made the bold decision to lean into what felt right for me and follow my passion and take a big risk. From that moment, Always Sunni was born. Read More>>

Matt Whisenant

After a lot of research, I started to realize that a lot of home service-based businesses struggled with lack of care, rude employees, failure to do simple things like return phone calls, etc. These are all things that I truly loved to focus on and develop, so starting to look for businesses where we could take training and development, care for the customer, and really working off an educational approach when speaking with customers became the focus. We know that communication is key in any relationship, and we want to make sure if anything, we overcommunicate in certain situations. We have both a gutter installation company (which we started first) and then started Ready To Roll Garage Doors after we put some time in getting the gutter business rolling (no pun intended). Read More>>

Hanif Brown

I’ve been around cameras most of my life. My mother used to always have one with her during family gatherings and such. Seeing that made me want to pick up a camera. Since then I’ve done photoshoots of everything from skyscraper rooftop photoshoot to festival shooting. Just going out and taking pictures of everything I can got me to where I’m at today. Read More>>

Debra Boyette

After hearing from several people that I should sell my work, I started to think about doing just that. It couldn’t hurt to try. I formed Debra Boyette Photography, and my work has been displayed and for sale at exhibits in my hometown of Ramseur, N.C., at the Festival for the Eno in Durham, and pop-up markets in Raleigh. A friend from church has offered her beautiful space in Durham for a one-woman show for the past two years. In February, my work (along with my sister Gloria Spinks) will be on display at Randolph Arts Guild in Asheboro. Read More>>

Nicole Goode

I began to grow in my relationship with not only my mom but Christ. When this happened my design had direction and we began to solely focus on earrings. From the shape of the earring to the use of materials all of these things were downloaded by the Holy Spirit. Vonn Frais is meant to be a bright light in an industry where customers place a lot of their hope in objects versus in the God that created the universe. We hope to not only create beautiful earrings but also create an avenue for people that are Christ curious or for those who are already believers to be elevated in fashion, mind, and heart. Read More>>

Jules Joslyn

Hi there, I’m Jules, the heart and hands behind @holy.graze! Born and raised in Greensboro, my journey’s been a blend of Southern roots and big city adventures. After college in Boston and London, I spent my early adult years in NYC and then San Francisco. Each of those places helped shape my creativity and foster my love for small community as I delved for a sense of home and belonging in big city centers. It was in the City by the Bay, in fact, that I met my husband, a fellow Southerner from Louisiana. Together, we moved back North Carolina to plant roots and start our young family. We have two little ones, Johnny (5) and June (3). Read More>>

Bill Marett

After retiring from a major retailer, we started producing our seasonings and selling at farmers markets and festivals around the state. There are a number of small stores around the state that carry our products. One thing that sets us apart is that there are no additives, preservatives or MSG in any of our seasonings. Several of our seasonings are used competitively by cooking teams. We have even combined seasonings and coffee with our Island Java Rub, a coffee based rub for beef, pork and chicken. Read More>>

Danielle Milke

Naturally, I progressed to now I have to find somewhere to sell all these flowers. I planted these crops without having a customer in mind, so off to the Farmer’s Market I went. I was fortunate enough to find the Holly Springs Farmer’s Market and their wonderful market manager who welcomed me with open arms. My first market was shaky of course. I didn’t know who I was selling to or what they wanted. I just hoped they wanted flowers. But I sold out and so I came back week after week with whatever I could grow, doing a lot of experimenting along the way, until the season was over. It has evolved greatly from there. Read More>>

Jameeah Stevenso

Though I had only done makeup on myself and friends, I signed up. The day before the show, I scrambled to overnight makeup products, brushes, and tools for every skin tone I could imagine. I stepped into the backstage chaos like a pro—even though I had no idea what I was doing. To my surprise, instead of assisting with small tasks, I found myself doing back-to-back makeup on professional models of every ethnicity. By the end of the day, I was worn out but had been named one of the lead MUAs for the show. Read More>>

Alexandria Ali

My mother had been living in the RDU area for a year for work and requested all her children visited her for Mother’s Day. I obliged and mentioned it to another stylist that I would be in her neck of the woods. She made a suggestion of me being a guest hairstylist at her salon and I said yes! Ended up getting my license in NC and because of me having those additional credited hours, I received reciprocity. Read More>>

Sarah Norales

As I began to realize the impact strong digital marketing strategies could have on small businesses, I decided to go all in. Along the way, I worked with clients in various industries—home builders, interior designers, healthcare, and fashion designers. The common thread among them was a desire to grow, and I made it my goal to help them do that by focusing on key digital areas like content, website design, and social media. Read More>>

Cassie Jo Brown

Some struggles along this journey have been centered around starting this path at such a young age. There’s still so much life to learn when you’re 19/20, and for many young hair stylists, that includes learning to have difficult conversations with grown strangers. Telling someone what they want isn’t in their budget and working to help find the happy medium, or that you can’t get them to their desired goal in one appointment. Having to let someone down and set realistic expectations at such a young age was definitely something that proved to be an uphill battle for myself and I continue to teach to the new generation of stylists. Read More>>

Jeremiah Escarcega

My interest in photography began during the Covid lockdown. Being home every day with nowhere to go, I started taking pictures just for fun. I began posting on Instagram more often, and one thing led to another—I eventually bought a Polaroid camera to explore this interest further. After experimenting with the Polaroid, I upgraded to a Samsung S21+ Ultra 5G, drawn by its excellent picture quality. Shortly after, I invested in what I’d consider my first “official” camera: a Canon AE-1. Read More>>

Joey Humphrey

Never a smooth road, but with anything worth much, hard work is always part of the plan. Starting a business and maintaining a business has its ups and downs. From great new hires, to great people choosing to leave and go out on their own, to having bad hires stay around for a year to long, to having to survive a business during Covid and 2020 with all that came with that whole time period. Read More>>

Dawn Mills

My journey began with a foundation in technology, but my heart has always been drawn to the world of design. Whether it was interior, graphic, or web design, I was captivated by the power of creativity to transform spaces and communicate messages. My passion for floral design, however, blossomed later in life when I discovered a deep connection with the artistry of flowers. Each texture, color, and bloom tell its’ own story. For me, crafting the perfect arrangement is a meditative process where art and nature seamlessly blend. Read More>>

Cathy Brooksie Edwards Tami Schwerin

November 2, 2025, we are celebrating our 10th Annual Death Faire in Pittsboro (www.theplantnc.com) which has helped thousands of folks who have come to the event. heart2heartnc provides many community programs and fosters hope and healing in a world of uncertainty. Sanctuary at the Burrow (www.sanctuaryattheburrow.com) has 12 people buried in the tranquil pine forest of Chatham County. Read More>>

Cassia Rivera

Born and raised in Louisiana, my mother instilled a deep love, respect, and learning for the natural world since I was old enough to walk. From the tiniest insect to the apex predator, I learned how important the role of wildlife played in nature and how each animal is critical to the health of habitats and ecosystems. I was also raised to understand that we are all interconnected, humans and animals, in a natural world that is intentional and serves a purpose larger than ourselves. Read More>>

Leslie Robinson

I’m a festival journalist. Unlike many creators, the blog and Instagram page is informational because I nerd out on festivals and want to share the info with others. But, as detailed as things may be, I’m an artist at heart. Before getting serious about my career in college, I was in the choir and considered being a dance major. Junior year when I started focusing on a career path, the creative in me started to die. Starting A Vibe Called Fest let me tap back into that side. Read More>>

Derrick Davis

I was born in Tacoma, WA and grew up in the American South, specifically Fayetteville, NC. My parents are both in the Army so I moved often while growing up. I received a BA in Hispanic Linguistics from UNC-Chapel Hill with a minor in African, African American, and Diaspora studies. I’m receiving my MA in Communication Sciences and Disorders from North Carolina Central University to be a Speech Language Pathologist. Read More>>

Dr. Janze Taylor

Has it been a smooth road? Absolutely not. Owning and operating a business is a challenging journey filled with ups and downs. In the beginning, things weren’t too difficult. My organizational skills and ability to plan effectively allowed me to set a strong foundation. I was able to establish processes, create timelines, and gather the necessary resources to get things off the ground smoothly. I felt optimistic and motivated, believing that my careful planning would lead to success. Read More>>

Edward Crowther

It happened by accident, like all the best stories. I was slogging through some homework, listening to Apple Radio in the background, when Portugal. The Man’s Modern Jesus off of their album Evil Friends dropped into my ears like a bolt of lightning. That song hit me so hard, I stopped in my tracks. Suddenly, I was hooked— really hooked. That was the moment music went from background noise to my lifeblood. Read More>>

Ronald Sizemore

I think already gave some background in an earlier answer. I guess what I would say is our specialty is that throughout our entire professional life we’ve focused very hard on providing an extremely high level of service to our clients. Whether it was in our previous printing business or in our current real estate business we’re not looking to just “seal the deal” but to take time to get our know the client, what their pain points are, what their goals and challenges are so that we can craft the best solution that meets their needs. And clients appreciate that approach, especially in today’s auto/AI world. Read More>>

Skylan

Breaking into DJing wasn’t easy. I started with a couple of pick-up gigs at a tiki bar in downtown Raleigh, which is ironic because I’m highly allergic to pineapple—I’d leave every night covered in hives. But I needed gigs, and I wanted to do this full-time. I went to just about every bar on Glenwood Avenue and downtown Raleigh trying to book more work, but no one would give me a chance. Most people knew me as a bartender, not a DJ, so they couldn’t see me as anything else. Read More>>

Dj Ray

I specialize in Weddings. I love hosting trivia, but there is nothing like the satisfaction you get at the end of a wedding when the couple comes up and gives you a big hug and says thanks for making their day special! Read More>>

Naomi Gingerich

We specialize in our signature Amish Cinnamon Rolls made from a heritage recipe, hand-rolled in small batches and covered in a boiled brown sugar frosting. We also feature cakes, donuts and pies reminiscent of our grandmother’s table, and use seasonally inspired recipes to create other decadent desserts. Everything in our kitchen is made from scratch, using organic North Carolina milled flour. Read More>>

Quentin Clemmons

I shifted the emphasis of my channel to encompass all aspects related to comic conventions, providing viewers with comprehensive walkthroughs from the opening day to the final day of each event. Over time, I established a reputation that enabled me to conduct interviews with a range of personalities, from comic book icons to A-list movie stars. Currently, my page features over 150 interviews. In 2024, I achieved a personal record by attending 15 conventions within a single year. For 2025, I have already scheduled 12 conventions, although this number may fluctuate. Read More>>

Aerial Johnson

From paper doll houses and flip flops to drawing/coloring and making jewelry, my creativity knew no bounds. So when I dreamed about custom rolling trays, I woke up thinking let me see if this is a thing on YouTube. And as I researched, I realized this is actually something people do and I’m thinking, why not me?! I came up with a business name called AJ Exquisite & after perfecting my rolling trays through trial and error, I decided to branch out and create other items such as ashtrays, lighters, jars, and coasters. Read More>>

Michele Wilson

I kicked things off as a Project Manager/Property Manager in the DC area. Still, when I moved to Raleigh in 2021, I noticed a glaring issue: homeowners were often left playing a high-stakes game of “Will My Contractor Show Up?” Many were frustrated, misled, or downright scammed. It was like watching a bad reality show—except it was real, and no one got a prize at the end. So, I did the logical next thing: I became a general contractor. My goal? To set a higher standard, bring some much-needed transparency, and prove that not all contractors ghost their clients or leave a trail of destruction in their wake. Read More>>

Tara Durnbaugh

Entrepreneurship? Smooth? HAH! I’m just kidding. It has been a huge blessing but a long, long road for sure. Some of my biggest struggles throughout my career have mental hurdles. Dealing with imposter syndrome or burnout have been two major ones. As business owners, especially solo, we have to wear every single hat in our business. Or, at least we feel obligated too. There are of course many other struggles that arise ever so often in the treatment room, but for the most part, working on mental stability and healthy habits outside of work have been that most challenging. Everyday is a work in progress, and giving yourself grace is KEY in a having a fruitful career. Read More>>

Alisha Reid

What’s up? I’m Alisha Reid, an independent vocal recording artist who specializes in R&B, Soul, Theatre, and Gospel. I love what I do because I create heartfelt, soulful, and relatable music. With my range and diversity, you’ll hear pieces that teleport you to legendary eras while others highlight the beauty of contemporary R&B. When I look myself in the mirror, I take pride in my persistence, adaptability, and always betting on myself. I hope my music teaches others to break barriers, put 100% effort behind their craft, and rise above every no until the only answer left is yes. Read More>>

Daniel Coston

No. Life by nature is not a smooth road. There were many years that I did this despite financial, physical and emotional obstacles. Plus, what drives you to create something doesn’t always give you happiness. The human emotion of creative drive and pushing oneself to do something better can be a complex monster. That said, it is a road I know well, and I believe that its the only road I ever wanted to travel, despite its dips and curves. Read More>>

Morgan Dreese

Getting out and being vocal about who I was as an artist was the first step. Since people connect with people, when they buy art, they are also buying you. After showing them my art, I would convince them to join my social media. Thus, they will be able to see what you are painting all the time, and I then started contacting galleries in my area. Now I have my work shown here in the Grandover Gallery here in Greensboro. I am still making my way, stroke by stroke. Read More>>

Domonique Mills

Most things come with some type of challenge. My main struggles have been dealing with times when sales are slow, and being able to consistently and effectively market the brand. I never want to feel like I’m flooding someone’s timeline or spamming their inbox asking them to buy something…but I also want them to shop. Read More>>

Harrison Kayne

I started writing when I was around ten years old. I needed to write a short poem for a homework assignment due early the following day. Like all good procrastinating creatives, I waited until the last moment to finish the assignment. I was in full panic, lamenting the fact that I had to write an entire poem before I went to bed. While I was an avid reader and daydreamer, the idea of writing down my stories sounded like an awful lot of work. So, I wandered around the house, whining and complaining, as children often do, until my mom had enough. She pointed out that I liked daydreaming and loved reading, and writing wasn’t so different. She convinced me to at least try. So, I wrote a poem about fairies, fell in love, and decided that I wanted to be a writer.  Read More>>

Suzanna Mamatkulava

One of the biggest struggles I faced on my photography journey was overcoming my fear of rejection and self-doubt. When I started exploring portrait photography, I felt incredibly anxious about asking people to let me take their photos. I was afraid they would say no, or worse, judge my work. Imposter syndrome has also been a major hurdle. I often doubt myself and my work, constantly questioning whether I’m good enough or if this is the right path for me. There are times when I’ve put so much effort into my work and received little to no feedback in return, which can be incredibly draining. It’s during those moments that I’ve thought about giving up. Read More>>

Katie Garwood

It’s been a difficult, but incredibly profound journey getting to know myself. I attribute my success solely to my innate inability to slow down . Once I set my mind to something – it’s happening, come hell or high water. It’s one of the reasons our clients love doing business with us – we make things happen in a big, bold, beautiful way. There is no dream too big or vision too grand that we can’t turn into a reality for our clients. In addition to One Eleven Group, I recently launched my coaching academy – Academy 222. Coaching other entrepreneurs and visionaries has become my absolute favorite thing to do. I have several pinch me moments each week that this is my JOB – It’s literally insane. I am living proof that there is no limit to what you can accomplish when you set your mind to something. Read More>>

Linz Godwin

We’re an easy to work with band. We’re honestly looking for any opportunities that open up for us. We would love to play anywhere within North Carolina, or even in other scenes and states. We are always actively for photographers, artists, and creatives to work with. A great way to support us would be to come to our shows and listen to our first single, Month of the Orchid, once it comes out. Read More>>

Madison Barnes

Unfortunately not many people get to experience a smooth road, especially becoming self employed. It has definitely been difficult but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’ve always said the most important thing is to find the best support system. I got lucky enough to step into Huckleberry and Co. salon and spa located in downtown Smithfield. The two lovely owners took me in under their wings and have helped me navigate through all of the challenges of the hair industry. Read More>>

Shaun Anderson

I was born and raised in Pine Bluff, AR, to humble beginnings. Despite a life of poverty, I always knew that I was meant to be something great. I initially wanted to be either a sports broadcaster or a sports lawyer. I stayed in the realm of sports but never knew it would be through academics. I now serve as the John S. and James L. Knight Chair of Sports, Race, and Media at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In this role, I serve as the nation’s leading expert on sports impact on society. Read More>>

Jayme Williams

Definitely not… It took me a while to find the salon that I would call home.. I went through 4 salons before I found the right fit.. I have also had my fair share of mistakes in the hair industry.. but I find that those mistakes helped make me into the stylist I am now.. if you don’t make those mistakes you don’t learn… because in this industry you learn something new every single day! Read More>>