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.

Erin Holtvedt

So, the creation process began. I knew I needed to settle down and I also knew I was sitting on so many contacts from my years of being in the business. I needed the freedom and flexibility to be a mom, but yet stay personally connected to the industry. I have always had somewhat of a creative eye and a knack for being a little too far ahead of the trends, so what better way to use my talents and business relationships then to create my own thing. It was high time to start making, repping, hustling and schlepping for my own business. A little something that would encompass all I needed to make myself and my family proud. Read more>>

Kimberly Baradei

I’ve been an adult Speech therapist for 20 years now, and for the majority of that time, I was working for various rehabilitation clinics. I love what I do, but working for others can sometimes be hard, especially when the ‘institution’ gets in the way of their staff providing the best care they can. When the pandemic hit, it provided me the opportunity to open my own private practice, so I could provide the best care possible without all of the red tape. Elevate Speech Services is currently celebrating its 5 year anniversary in 2025! Read more>>

Sydnie Snipes

By no means is this company a testimony of how great I am, but of how great the Lord is. I remind our team often how humbled and honored we are that these companies choose to work with a small agency like ours when they have the option to work with anyone. It is a big responsibility, and we don’t take it lightly. As the leader, I want to give credit to my Savior, Jesus Christ, where I personally believe it is due. Read more>>

Olga Muratova

My journey in the beauty industry began when I was just 17 years old in Kazakhstan. I started doing nails from home, driven by a passion for beauty, precision, and helping women feel their best. As my skills and client base grew, I transitioned from working at home to renting a booth, then a room, a suite, and eventually opening my own studio with three employees. Read more>>

JP Pratt

Shortly after that I met a friend who introduced me to the reality that photography could be a career. He had been doing it for about 5 years at that point and he invited me into it by having me shadow him at a couple weddings. I had NO interest in it when he brought it up, but after one wedding with him I was hooked. He had me along for a few and then he started referring people to me that needed a photographer. That was the fall of 2014, and by February of 2015 I had photographed my first wedding on my own, and by April of 2016 I was full time. Read more>>

Juliet Magoon

It felt serendipitous when a friend shared a job listing for Sauna House. The company’s mission—centered on sustainability, community, and self-care—deeply resonated with me. Taking on the role of General Manager in Durham, a city I love, felt like the natural next step in this new chapter of my life. Contrast therapy has been transformative for me personally, and helping guide others through that healing journey is something I’m truly passionate about. Read more>>

Guillermo Delgado

I’ve had a camera in my hands almost all my life. My family even had one of those vintage VHS camcorders that you wore on your shoulder back in the 1900s! I know I caught the photography bug from my mother who was always making home videos, dropping off film to get developed and stopping to pick up prints back in the 90s. If my memory serves me correctly my first new camera was a film Canon Rebel that had like 7 focusing points. I am pretty confident I spent my entire senior year of high school in a dark room in Chicago. It was my wife who gifted me a brand new digital camera as a wedding gift and we can all blame her for creating this monster. Read more>>

Josh And Alisha Croghan

In the early years, we juggled school, part-time jobs, and photo sessions squeezed into weekends and golden hours. Long before we ever stepped into classrooms as teachers, photography was quietly becoming something bigger than we imagined. And yet, teaching played an important role too — it taught us the value of connection, communication, and walking alongside people through meaningful seasons of life. Read more>>

Jill Zechini

Laura and I met as co-workers at a local personal training studio in downtown Raleigh. After working together for about 8 years, the studio where we worked closed. We were at a crossroads of what came next. Working together has always been so fun and easy because we share similar training philosophies, values, and humor. We decided to pursue a small studio where we could continue to do what we loved in an environment that was well-appointed, clean, and personable in size. All of these factors lead to the opening of 74 Theory. The name is related to the periodic table and refers to the atomic number of Tungsten. Tungsten is an alloy used to make other metals strong; that’s what we’d like to think we do as trainers. Read more>>

Jody

My professional journey has been a blend of public service, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. I’ve spent over two decades in law enforcement, public safety, and senior government leadership. Today, I serve as the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for a large state agency in North Carolina, where I help lead crisis communications, public engagement, and media strategy for critical statewide initiatives. Read more>>

Victoria McPherson

The brand was built to offer more than just a routine. I want people to feel seen and supported when they use these products! I care deeply about where my ingredients come from, how they’re formulated, and the experience they create. For example, I source unrefined shea butter from a women’s co-op in Ghana and blend oils that are both functional and sensory. Read more>>

Lindsay Sivin

After graduating, I took a leap of faith and opened my own solo esthetics practice. Many people thought it was a risky move, especially since I was new to North Carolina and didn’t have a built-in clientele. However, I’m someone who believes in putting in the effort when pursuing my goals. I created a beautiful treatment space, sought out learning opportunities, joined networking groups, participated in local events, and worked on building my social media presence. Thankfully, my hard work began to pay off, and I started to develop a loyal clientele. Read more>>

Nathan Hall

I started playing in bands and getting tattooed as a teenager. I eventually landed in Greensboro, NC where I started a tattoo apprenticeship. I’ve been tattooing over 20 years now. Me and my wife, Contessa Hall opened Legacy Irons Tattoo in 2010 and in that time me have raised 4 boys. Our last middle child graduates high school this year and our youngest starts high school next year. We also have 5 beautiful grandchildren! I’ve continued writing and making music throughout all these years. Read more>>

Victoria Jones

With a welder and a vision, I began offering appointments, pop-ups, and private events. In the first year alone, I participated in over 100 events across different cities and states – each one a chance to connect, create, and build something lasting. But WeldMade became more than a business. As I navigated the end of my marriage and stepped into a new chapter of motherhood and selfhood, it became a reflection of my own growth. Read more>>

LaCharo Owens

Like many entrepreneurs, building Clara Bea Essentials has been a rewarding journey filled with both growth and challenges. One of the biggest hurdles early on was building brand awareness in a crowded marketplace. With so many beauty and wellness brands vying for attention, it has taken some time and a lot of strategic effort to help people discover what makes Clara Bea Essentials unique. Read more>>

Lauren, Debosmita Scheetz, Das

I (Deb) love listening to business and self-improvement podcasts, and Canva is my go-to app bestie. My day job is at one of the top national investment banking firms, so balancing that with a completely different line of work—party decoration—isn’t easy. But these podcasts help me realign my priorities and adjust my path to achieve my goals in both my day job and my passion project, Fizz ‘n Fête. Read more>>

Willette M. Crawford, PhD, MPH

Initially, like many bright students, I was encouraged toward a career in medicine due to my aptitude for science, math, and my interest in public health. I attended South Carolina State University, majoring in biology and chemistry. However, during my undergraduate years, I realized my passion wasn’t in treating illnesses individually but understanding their broader causes and preventing them from occurring in the first place. Read more>>

Kris Stephenson

Slow Burn was a passion project that I started when I felt I had run out of other options. There were many reasons why it began. Maybe it’s too intense to say that I started Slow Burn as an act of self-preservation, but it feels pretty true. I’d had a series of both beautiful and also tumultuous experiences working for other farmers in the area. I’d come to really respect and love those I worked for and with but felt that there was a lot lacking. Stinginess and competition were rampant on the farms I worked at and it felt like it was getting in the way of the purpose of having a farm; to give when there is abundance, and to call on community when there is scarcity.  Read more>>

Demonica Stanley

With Shae portraits I support JSpeaks – A podcast platform that has real conversations with real people in order to share content to the world that is positive, motivational, educational and informational, Thomas Mentoring Leadership Academy- An organization that leads young males with purpose, motivation, and direction. Promote education through leadership. Produce future leaders for the next generation through love, and the Meredith College Cross Country & Track and Field Program. Read more>>

Amanda Massey

I start with a thorough examination to identify the root cause of the problem and what additional areas are compensating because of the imbalance, restriction or instability. Then a comprehensive and unique treatment plan is constructed for each individual patient which includes chiropractic adjustments, myofascial release, therapeutic exercises and lifestyle modifications. I am passionate about empowering people to heal and to achieve winning results with their pets to improve their quality of life. Read more>>

Glenn Shriver

This book on its cover is a ‘How to’ guide for anyone who is curious about bartending as a profession. Flip through the pages a bit and it morphs into a love letter to the service industry as a career. But when you really absorb the book, its true colors reveal a testament to the fact that we are not defined by our mistakes. Most of us deserve second chances and we are all more than the mistake we made. The Art of Professional Bartending represents my journey to that self realization. Read more>>

Brittany Boggs

I continued online education throughout that time but once it was time to go back to work, i knew then i was ready to be on my own. And that’s where i thrived. I definitely don’t recommend it to anyone that doesn’t have a few solid years under their belt but starting my own business was the best decision i ever made. The business i’ve built has given back to me in so many ways. Building trusting relationships with my clients and waking up every day excited to see who’s on my books for day, is an unmatched experience. Read more>>

Sharon Smith

Over the years, hundreds of women have come through our doors — many of them single mothers, many with no clear path, some even battling depression or shame. I see myself in them. And because I know what it’s like to need a second chance, I lead with grace. Scholarships. Late-night encouragement. Prayer before paperwork. I give what I once needed — because that’s where healing begins. Read more>>

Chanelle Ellington

My passion for hair has always been a guiding light for me. After almost 20 years in the industry I still get excited to have the power of making others look and feel their best. I began my career working in multicultural Hair Salons and eventually moved more towards a Barbershop setting. What I soon realized is that I wanted to know everything I could about hair care and I wouldn’t allow myself to be boxed in to doing just one thing. Ultimately, I found my greatest strength in Haircutting. Long or short, curly or straight, it didn’t matter to me, I was up for the challenge. This lead me to founding Shears2Stars. Read more>>

Nadia Cavallo

My story begins with a passion for creating and helping people feel confident. I went to a Cosmetology school in Fayetteville where military haircuts were in high demand and I developed interest in men’s hairstyling. After graduating in 2014, I moved back to Raleigh to be with family and stepped into my first styling job… only to be let go because I wasn’t very good yet. It was humbling, but I wasn’t ready to give up so found a small barbershop in downtown Zebulon that took a chance on me and helped me develop my skills, but the reality of low pay and student loans pushed me to leave before I was truly ready. I was still making mistakes and leaving clients unhappy. That left me feeling like I wasn’t good enough so I decided to put away my shears and do something else. Read more>>

Michele Nieves

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Michele Nieves is an accomplished Audio Visual Technician, V1, Video Engineer, and Production Manager, with experience on major projects like the MTV VMAs, national comedy tours, and global music festivals. Also a graphic designer and entrepreneur, she’s crafted campaigns for top fashion brands like Calvin Klein, DKNY to name a few, blending technical expertise with creativity. Read more>>

Grace Dunbar

Losing my husband to multiple sclerosis left me a single mother, balancing the demands of family and building a business. Throughout my journey, I’ve learned to look at the world as a canvas, where I am the artist. That’s how I teach my students: to see their lives as blank canvases, ready to be filled with their unique vision, artistry, and entrepreneurial spirit. Read more>>

Jennifer Hutton

The road to where I am now had it bumps, but for the most part, traveled well. With any big life change there are struggles, and most of mind revolved around the logistics of starting over. It takes a long time to rebuild a brand (or start one from scratch) so for someone like myself who operates at a high speed, being patient while slowly building up the business was painstaking. The design and construction industry can also be quite competitive, so finding good, collaborative partners to work with took some time. Read more>>

Howie Shareff

That cited, I have been navigating this type of obstacle for years. That does not make life easier. I have been able to enroll a team of twenty teachers, donors and support staff to significantly expand our relationships and community impact across North Carolina. Several of the above desired people have joined or returned to our team in 2025. Many yoga teachers also have a rich skill set that we respectfully utilize for our mission to enhance community well-being with accessible yoga practices. Read more>>

Shenique Ocean

I went on to become a registered nurse and spent 8 years in emergency medicine, eventually becoming a travel nurse. But something in me knew it wasn’t enough. I was tired, unfulfilled, and as a mother, I couldn’t keep missing out on my son’s milestones. I craved flexibility, freedom, and purpose. Read more>>

Shannon Daly

I launched Adir in December 2024 as a way to express my creativity, build my LLC and brand, and lay the foundation for my future studio. The name Adir means “strong” in Hebrew, and that’s the spirit I wanted to celebrate—strength in faith, strength in movement, and strength in womanhood. My first collection was inspired by women in the Bible, with each piece named after one of them to encourage women to embrace the power they were created with. Read more>>

Jacqueline Hall

That breath didn’t fix everything, but it gave me enough space to keep going. I wasn’t looking for yoga to stretch or get stronger—I was looking for something that made life feel bearable. As I started practicing, I didn’t fully understand what I was doing, but I knew it felt good to breathe, to move, to sit with myself. It wasn’t about getting it right. It was about finding moments of relief, of presence—something steady I could come back to. Read more>>

Gigi Horsley

When I design a home, I am not proposing to my client the same concepts over and over again. Every client is a new story, a new experience and I enjoy investing HOURS to make it special. interview

April

So I created a space that celebrated women’s curves, complexities, and confidence. Not just a shop, but a destination. What started as a single boutique with a big mission has grown into a powerful brand with a global client base, cult-favorite labels, exclusive finds, and a fiercely loyal following. We’re known for our one-on-one experiences, impeccable fit expertise, and styling that goes far beyond the basics. Read more>>

Alija Montes

Martial arts gave me more room to breathe. I could tap into expressions of my queerness and my transness and it would act as tinder and spark to the fire inside my chest. That still remains true today as I am ever-evolving in the way I move through the world. Martial arts is a catalyst for both 1) being aware of what power exists in my body, and 2) growing the breadth and depth of the power I can generate. It is that endlessly empowering experience that I facilitate for folks who have lived experiences of disenfranchisement. Read more>>

Brittany Rawls Jones

Her love for art started in Kindergarten, when she decided her career path. She painted murals for interior designers and friends in high school and college; wall words were popular at the time as well as animal print covered closet doors. She also worked at a local artisan market shop painting furniture, home accessories, and teaching art classes. Once social media entered the scene around 2007, she was able to slowly create a full time business that has snowballed into what it is today. Read more>>

April Collins

After an 18-year career in local government, I knew I was ready for something more—something that truly lit a fire in me. In early 2024, with the full support of my husband and family, I made the life-changing decision to follow a dream I had held close for years. I enrolled in esthetics school with one clear goal: to own my own business.  Read more>>

Mandy Owen

The other obstacle is going from working completely by myself to having a small event day team. Since the beginning, I would never work an event alone, so I would contract out assistants but in the last two years, I have started to add more coordinators to my team and not being able to be onsite for every single event is very nerve racking. I definitely have to hope that the training that I’ve instilled in my team is being reflected in every single event. I currently have 2 other coordinators and 4 assistants on my team but I am still the day to day behind the scenes of the business. Read more>>

Catrea McKnight

This experience has opened up so many opportunities and allowed me the opportunity to meet so many amazing people along the way. By sharing my journey online I have had the chance to build a community of over 17,000 supporters. I have been granted the opportunity to create a safe space for women and men who identifiy with my story. Obesity is not always a choice, but it definintly doesnt have to be your finial destination. Read more>>

Nicole Davis

During my graduate program, I returned to Meredith College to work in the Counseling Center for my internship. There I discovered my deep interest in college counseling. Soon after earning my Master’s Degree and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor licensure in North Carolina, I was hired to provide counseling services at a local liberal arts college. Over the next 10 years, I had the privilege of working with remarkable students and colleagues who enriched my understanding, challenged my perspectives, and inspired personal and professional growth. I provided individual and group counseling on issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships, and trauma. I am incredibly grateful for this rewarding time in my career. Read more>>