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.

Tenesha Brooks

I decided to do something in the humanities because I wanted to complement my science training with “soft skills.” I wanted to understand how people are motivated and how to support families during challenging times. I majored in family studies and fell in love with how the mind works. The connection between our emotions, past experiences, how we view ourselves, and our behaviors captivated me. Along the way, I decided that instead of working with the brain anatomically, I would work with the brain emotionally and become a therapist. I got my masters in social work from Boston University and started my career in Massachusetts. Read more>>

Wali Raja

When I found Pineapple Sol, I immediately saw something special. It wasn’t just a café—it was a place full of charm, warmth, and community. The sunny SoCal theme felt like a little piece of home, and it had so much heart already. I knew right away it could be the perfect family venture. My parents could manage the day-to-day with love and care, while I handle the business side. Read more>>

Stacy Smith

The visual art scene is what the musician in me would call a new gig. Prior to being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in January of 2019, I was a music teacher and a member of the Winston Salem Symphony. My brand of MS caused issues with my cognition that had some far reaching effects. While I remained in the symphony for a while longer, I had to leave my teaching career behind. I also shied away from reading after my diagnosis because it became difficult to keep track of plots and characters; very bad news for a ravenous Stephen King fan. Read more>>

Nicolle Valencia

I decided to invest in myself and took several interior design courses, as well as learning how to use drafting and design software. It was the best decision. In 2018, I began sharing our home renovation projects—and our clients’—on social media. The reactions and support from the community were incredible. Seeing how people responded to the transformations, the before-and-afters—it was all so inspiring and affirmed that I was finally doing what I was meant to do. Read more>>

Dr. Shinika McKiever

My first real break came from a fellowship at a foundation—an opportunity I didn’t expect and could barely pronounce at the time. It opened up a new world for me. I fell in love with working alongside nonprofits, building capacity, and helping people get access to the support they need to grow. That passion carried me into leadership roles across philanthropy, banking, higher education, and fundraising. Read more>>

Jenna Cosentino

In late 2024, I launched my podcast, Better Than Yesterday a space for real talk, mindset shifts, and becoming the strongest version of yourself, one day at a time. Each episode is designed to help listeners grow mentally, emotionally, and physically by building better habits and showing up for themselves with consistency. In addition to my podcast, I also create content on TikTok and Instagram, where I share day-in-the-life vlogs, health and fitness tips, and fashion inspiration. Read more>>

Janice And Helen McCracken

So when we welcome you to ‘Pollinator Row’ as it known, just tell us what you love. Maybe you’re new to the area and are concerned about the environment so you want to grow a pollinator garden. You’ll see examples here to show how you can create this in your own backyard. Or perhaps you’ve had gardens but airbrushed uniform landscapes leave you wishing for a more natural but artistic outdoor space. We as garden designers are inspired by the New Perennial movement of Dutch designers like Piet Oudolf. This approach shows that patterning after nature in a prairie or meadow style of design can give you a serene welcoming atmosphere in which to interact with the natural world around you. Read more>>

Marilyn / Michaela Fincher/ Stallings

Once a tobacco farm, Behind the Pines Farm represents a new chapter for Marilyn and Michaela, who are fourth-generation farmers from a long line of tobacco growers. We still have the original tobacco barns, which we hope to renovate someday. Our farm’s name is derived from the tall pine trees planted in the 1970s by Marilyn and Michaela’s PaPa and Grandaddy Hassel. Today, the farm includes a hoop house, a greenhouse, two mini donkeys, goats, chickens, and honeybees. Read more>>

JAIME WARKONYI

Having licensure in elementary (K-6) and special education (K-12) teaching and with a Master’s in School Administration (MSA) from ECU, she understands the importance of cultivating and building trusting relationships through “Seva” or service. Since her move to North Carolina in 2005, she proudly serves as an elementary school assistant principal in the Wake County Public School System. She provides access to yoga, meditation, and reiki throughout the community she serves. While living out her dharma of service to others, she advocates for self-care, wellness, inclusivity, and community resiliency. Read more>>

Liz Williamson

Another big lesson? Boundaries. When you love what you do, it’s tempting to pour everything into it 24/7. But I’ve learned how essential it is to protect your time and energy—both for your business and your personal life. For me, that means making time for the things that fill my cup, whether it’s my favorite gym class or taking time to travel! Balance isn’t always perfect, but creating space for both your business and your life outside of it is key. Read more>>

Catherine Grace Sunwood

When I began my undergraduate degree, my path narrowed even more. Through experiences growing up and in college, I became interested in teaching piano to children, teens and young adults with learning differences, anxiety, and ADHD. I began working to fill up my teaching tool box through student teaching, shadowing, volunteering, and eventually a masters degree to best be able to serve this particular population of learners. Read more>>

Spencer Couch

When you’re just starting out, consistency is everything. For me, that means posting 3 to 5 times a day to get my face out there, build connections, and create momentum with like-minded people. At the end of the day, the only thing that can truly stand in the way of my success is me. That’s the mindset I try to share with my community, too: that we’re all capable of achieving whatever we want—once we let go of our limiting beliefs and stop standing in our own way. Read more>>

Nicole McLauchlin

The journey from music teacher to praise and worship leader to recording artist has certainly had its share of both blessings and challenges. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to share my passion for music in so many rewarding ways. Teaching students and leading congregations in worship have been immensely fulfilling experiences that have deepened my connection to the power of music. Read more>>

George Yuhasz

Government intelligence officer and special agent, as well as an investigator and security consultant in the private sector. But never a creative endeavor such as this. However, I published IMAGINE THAT: THE MAGIC OF THE MYSTERIOUS LIGHTS two years later in 2019 and presented the book personally to my dear Evelyn on her ninth birthday. The book has won several awards but the greatest blessings have been hearing from children and adults how much they have enjoyed the story, appreciated the lessons learned from it, and were encouraged by its inspiring messages. Read more>>

Bre Williams

In my twenties, I took my passion to the next level by collecting records. The thrill of hunting for unique vinyl and the joy of listening to them on my turntable was exhilarating. I had the incredible opportunity to work at music festivals like SXSW, where I gained valuable insights into the industry, created press kits for local artists, and connected with like-minded music enthusiasts. Yet, I always felt an itch to do more to express my love for music in a way that was uniquely my own. Read more>>

Angelica A Jimenez Martinez

It was my father, my mother, my husband, and a wonderful woman named Mrs. Mercedes who encouraged me to go for it. Mercedes was actually the third Realtor I worked with when my husband and I were trying to buy our home. After two previous experiences where we simply didn’t “click” with the agents, Cristina Osborn referred us to Mercedes—and that connection changed everything. Read more>>

Chaquonda Ragland

It’s also easy to get discouraged when deals fall through due to inspection, appraisal, financing issues or having a client that simply wants to walk away. I would say it’s also a huge struggle carrying your own personal issues while being a therapist and handling every stressful curveball being thrown your client’s way. A lot of people don’t realize how much you have to put the work in because if you don’t, you’re almost guaranteed to fail in this industry. Read more>>

Allison Hagen

Failure in manufacturing is not the end of the struggles. Opening up an LLC and acquiring the right tools to run a business has been a learning experience. Since starting my business, I still have worked a full time job so not only finding time and energy after working 40 hours a week but also finding ways to effectively and efficiently run my business to be able to get it off the ground. I didn’t hire any marketing experts, or logo designers, or website builders to do the work for me. I built my website from the ground up, learned and am still learning how to market my business, and obtaining many other things that go along with running a small business. Read more>>

Doris Gonzalez

It hasn’t been a smooth road, but it’s been worth it. One of the biggest challenges was learning the business side of things without a formal background. I had to figure out the finances, overhead, payroll, taxes, and day-to-day operations on my own. Balancing that with being a mom and working behind the chair was a lot. There were definitely tough moments, but I’m super grateful for my family and supportive team of stylists. Read more>>

Robin Morgan

His passing gave me a deeper perspective on the true value of photographs. I would give anything to have more pictures of the two of us together—more memories captured, more moments frozen in time, more images I could pass along to his children. That loss has poured so much more passion and purpose into what I do. I don’t take this job lightly—because I know firsthand how precious it is to have photos with the people you love. Read more>>

Jessica Caswell

And of course, we couldn’t call ourselves Rewind without retro gaming! Our unique long-and-narrow building is lovingly nicknamed “the mullet”—business (the bar) in the front, and the party (retro gaming) in the back. Guests can enjoy a variety of arcade games or relive their childhoods with six retro gaming systems set up for free play. Whether you’re a Tetris champion or a Super Mario 3 fanatic, you can pair your gaming nostalgia with one of our creative cocktails. Read more>>

Jennifer Gillia Cutshall

This need to explore larger formats has not been confined to my mural practice and has pushed into the third area of exploration. I opened a gallery/exhibition space in 2013 where I have exhibited the works of over 2000 artists. It has been a powerful creative tool to incorporate my intuitive impulses into collective concerns and exhibition projects. I have also done contract work as a curator and as the Gallery Director at a local community college. This curatorial outlet feels inherently connected to my experiences (as a girl) at the Brooklyn Art Museum when art collections dictated the greatest sense of narrative and reverence for me. Read more>>

Kasia Rothe

I actually grew up in Poland, which shaped a lot of my appreciation for simple, effective, and natural solutions. That mindset carried over when I moved to the U.S. and eventually launched the business. While I didn’t come from a traditional business or cosmetic chemistry background, I’ve spent years immersed in ingredient research, product formulation, and building a brand rooted in transparency and performance. Through hands-on experience, I’ve become an expert in underarm care, skin sensitivity, and the body’s detox process. Read more>>

Fallon MK

As a teenager, I navigated the turbulent waters of first love with a man nearly twice my age from Georgia who was married with a little boy and was separated from his wife, and he and I were planning to have a daughter together. Our connection felt like a whirlwind of passion, but it was met with fierce disapproval from my family, leading to a heart-wrenching breakup that shattered my world. Due to our forced breakup, it marked the beginning of a series of tumultuous relationships, culminating in a marriage that unraveled under the weight of emotional distress and the lingering shadows of my past. Read more>>

Teresa Bennett-Yates

I was introduced to the Reiki in 2016 and after seeing its benefits first hand I knew I wanted to dive deeper into this modality. After learning a more westernized “modern” version of reiki I began to feel the pull to explore the more traditional system of reiki and the origins of true Japanese Reiki. Read more>>

Craig Buchner

Growing up in a relatively impoverished area in rural upstate New York meant that kids had to figure most everything out on their own. Where I was from, we didn’t have role models who’d ventured beyond the blue-collar world of welding, carpentry, and construction work, and no school guidance counselor was going to partner with us to think bigger. So, I relied on that which I loved, which was storytelling and tried to put together a future based on that love. But going at it alone proved tougher than expected. I wanted to go to film school but instead chose Communication Studies as a major, then I wanted to intern on a TV show in LA where I had a random connection when I graduated but instead worked at a coffee shop and a mental hospital concurrently. Read more>>

Nicol Cunningham

It hasn’t been a smooth road because putting yourself out there on social media is intimidating, however, with the encouragement from family and friends I could get myself out of my comfort zone and progress. Some challenges were learning social media tools, such as making reel videos, using editing tools, collaborating with brands, and how to grow my brand. Read more>>

Terry Whitworth

I own Kids Cabin LLC. My journey started in 2002. I was working in a doctor’s office 8 to 5. Our boys were toddlers, and I wanted to spend more time with them. My sister owned a childcare center. She asked me to come and work for her. She said this would be a good way to learn the childcare business so I could one day open my own in my home. This was a great idea because I love to teach, I’ve always wanted to own my own business and most importantly spend more time with my boys. She started me in her infant room. Read more>>

Timothy Beck

It was through her work with these experts that Jackie decided to create NeuroFiT Connections, combining Neurology and Fitness, and developed the program we use today based primarily on the work of Dr. Robert Melillo. It combines the best holistic tools in the world backed by science and research with the latest fitness techniques to solve the root cause of neurological conditions, sync up the hemispheres of the brain, and eliminate or reduce the symptoms. Read more>>

Misty Molloy

I took a long and winding road to get where I am today. After earning degrees in Corporate Communications and Religious Studies from Elon University, I began my career in the nonprofit sector, working as a Volunteer & Community Coordinator at Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region. I thrived in that role, juggling many responsibilities, managing relationships, and creating programs. However, I wanted to grow personally and professionally, so I pivoted into strategic consulting for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Read more>>

Leon Parker

During my fourth year of working for the company I proposed an idea to help them sell the office space. I came up with the idea of remodeling part of the space as a modern workspace by using wall murals and up to date modern furniture. I designed a mockup of with multiple mural designs for them to choose from. The CEO choose the design he liked and there was one question left…. Who was going to paint the mural? I raised my hand to their surprise and stepped up to the challenge. They okayed the video guy to paint mural in their office space. I guess they really trusted me. This would be my first mural as a grown adult. The new lounge space was a huge success for the business and it helped potential buyers to see the place in a different light. Read more>>

Cody Jackson

My name is Cody Jackson, and I’m an indie game developer and own Body Code Games. My passion for video games began when I was a kid, playing my first game on the Super Nintendo. It was in that moment that I fell in love with the world of gaming. Years later, at the age of 10, I discovered *RPG Maker*, a game that was released for the PlayStation 1. As someone who had always been drawn to RPGs, I knew I had to have it. That was the spark that set me on the path of game development. Read more>>

Coy Quakenbush

I believe that every artist’s journey is unique, and mine might be described as a gravel road—somewhat rough, but not too many bumps or potholes. My biggest challenge was my desire to create and produce Southwest pottery, including its designs and methods. At that time, I was living in North Carolina, far from the Southwest, particularly Arizona and New Mexico. This distance made it difficult to access information about pottery techniques from the Pueblo cultures and northern Mexico, especially from the town of Mata Ortiz, which was just beginning to gain recognition for its pottery. Read more>>

Brandon McLean

Because of these life lessons and personal challenges, I realized that many young men lack the guidance I was blessed to receive. I wanted to be a bridge to help them build confidence, learn essential life skills, and develop into strong, self-sufficient individuals. This is what led me to start my journey in mentorship and ultimately create programs like Who Am I!—to ensure that the next generation is equipped, empowered, and in a better position to succeed. Read more>>

Ian Childress

The journey is always longer & rougher when you’re doing it honest. Support isnt mandatory from anyone & that includes family & friends so some of the struggles that I have run into were having enough sales to get bulk, running campaigns to get more customer, & running a business full time while juggling family life & my 9-5. None of these things are super detrimental to my brand individually but sometimes they can mesh together & become a problem for me. Never the less I trust in myself & in God to carry me thru all things put in my way because without Faith you are destined to fail. Read more>>

Garrett Huffman

As my skills grew, I felt ready to take the next step and try performing live. That opportunity came in May 2021, when my best friend’s dad, the manager of Sports Page in Charlotte, NC, offered me my first gig. It was there, alongside my friend Micah Stiwalt, that I made my debut performance. That moment would be a turning point in my musical journey, and I’ll forever be thankful to him for giving me the chance to share my music with a live audience. Read more>>

Rhonda Gately

I have been a Nurse Practitioner for 25 years and prior to moving to NC, I lived in Massachusetts and there I worked in a women’s health clinic for 17 years providing care to mostly underserved individuals. I loved it, but I was very interested in the beauty industry and had a love for for aesthetics. When my husband and I moved to NC in 2017 I decided to focus my job search as an aesthetic NP. I was lucky enough to get hired and trained by BodyLase and that is where my aesthetics journey began. I have been an injector at BodyLase since Febuary of 2018 and love this job so much! Read more>>

Amanda Grace

I was physically burnt out after 7 years of wear and tear on my body so I got my bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Hospitality. This allowed me to become a Resort Spa Director, I was so proud of myself! After several years in this role throughoit the east coast I relocated to Raleigh and felt confident that I had the experience and background knowledge to become a business owner and create my own brand and that’s how Natural Esthetics was born. Since becoming a successful entrepreneur I have evolved into an industry educator where I travel the country and train others on technique, product knowledge, clinical information, and business principles. Read more>>