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.

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>>

Brittany Wu

I thank God every day; if it wasn’t for him, this wouldn’t be possible. I feel so blessed and grateful for each client that walks through my door, they allow me to do what I love. Connecting on a personal level, hearing their stories, and witnessing how my work impacts their lives is what truly makes this journey worthwhile. Read more>>

Jennifer Hamilton

At the Jimmy Carroll Foundation our values guide our partnerships, and through this lens we have the opportunity to go ALL IN with nonprofits that are meeting the complex needs of the unhoused hands-on. The Jimmy Carroll Foundation values deep, relational partnerships and through Funding, Engaging, and Encouraging nonprofits we are ALL IN with them. We do this in order for them to meet the needs of the unhoused and to come alongside them to make that work easier and increase their organizational capacity. Read more>>

Nieya Garland

On the back, in a fun, groovy font, you’ll find the words “Walk In Your Purpose.” The hand-dyed effect ensures that each shirt is one-of-a-kind. Having struggled myself with not always knowing my purpose, these shirts became a way for me to reflect, discover, and embrace my own purpose. The shirts allow me to encourage others to do the same. You’d be surprised by how many people are still unsure of their purpose. I love that I can help them find it. In addition to my “walk in your purpose” shirts, I also create other custom apparel. Whether it’s a birthday party, family reunion, business merch, or a special celebration, I work closely with customers to design shirts to make their events even more special. I love creating. Read more>>

Pooja Bakhai

Everything changed when I was diagnosed with a life threatening illness. That’s when I began to choose to follow the whispers of my heart in a rather uncompromising fashion. I turned off many folks with my choices and decisions, but the one person that I committed to never disappointing was myself. I knew this would pay off for my body, my spirit and future generations. Over time, the strength I built from going “against the grain,” trusting myself and living my dreams is what helped me birth a successful business and a happy life. It also helped me cure stage four cancer and many other chronic illnesses that I struggled with undiagnosed throughout my childhood. Read more>>

Sarah Rosa Glickman

I’m what they call an Outsider Artist, which essentially means I’m self-taught. I never knew what I wanted to do with my life, but I’d always been fascinated by the individual experience and the human mind and, after experiencing some rough times, I knew I wanted to help people. So, I ended up going to UNC Chapel Hill for psychology – which is what brought me to the area – and spent a few years working with wrongful conviction and death penalty law. I liked that I was doing work that was helpful to people who didn’t feel seen, but I was not happy. I wasn’t connected to myself at all. I was trying to help others but I hadn’t taken the time I needed to heal myself and see myself first.  Read more>>

Karena Atkinson

I’ve always had a love for the Arts and all things creativity. As a kid I would play pretend, performing songs & dancing. I loved writing and would always describe myself in multiple ways. I started singing at age 5 in the church choir, and acting in church plays. In school, I began writing poetry, played clarinet in band and sang in the chorus. I also had a love for community and service. Once I entered college, I had plenty of opportunities to explore, and these many avenues built the skills I use today. Now being multifaceted, it all makes sense. Read more>>

Jennifer Aun

That passion eventually led me into business strategy and consulting, supporting tech startups and defense contractors with government contracting, strategic planning, and digital innovation. In 2024, I founded Stellar Quanta Labs to bring together my engineering expertise, military insight, and entrepreneurial spirit. As Founder and CEO, I now lead a team delivering secure, scalable IT solutions, decentralized applications, AI systems, and digital modernization strategies for both government and commercial clients. Read more>>

Rachel “Rae” Johnson

My first paying job was when I was 16. I interned for three months in the summer of 2016 for former Attorney General and Secretary of State Rufus Edmisten. He gave the subpoena to Former President Nixon. I interviewed him for my president’s project on Nixon because I knew there had to be more to Nixon than just Watergate and a brief paragraph in my history book. Rufus is the reason my aspirations for interviewing people for a living seemed realistic and feasible. He remarked as much despite my being a high schooler! He stated that I asked him questions better than some interviewers who were paid to do it. This ignited a passion in me even more to have people‘s voices be heard. Read more>>

Lenard Moore

My father and mother also had books in the house, including the set of Ebony books. My third-grade teacher provided an opportunity for me to participate in a play at school. Years later, my third-grade teacher informed me that she made the costumes. My seventh teacher instructed the class to write a play. I was excited to perform my play, along with classmates, in class. My tenth-grade teacher instructed the class to keep a diary. He also instructed us to write three short stories during the course.  Read more>>

Lindsey Westendorf

Over the years, through dedication, continuous education, and a deep commitment to my clients, I was able to scale beyond that small room. I rebranded and expanded, officially renaming the business Smoothe & Co. and opening our own storefront off Millbrook Rd. and Atlantic Ave. It was a huge milestone—proof that the late nights, sacrifices, and sheer determination were worth it. Read more>>

Maria Kinney Blanchard

A friend of mine that worked there posted that there was live entertainment on a Thursday night. So, I went to see Kevin Lee and was so delighted with his performance that I went back the next week on Thursday, as well. However, Kevin Lee wasn’t there but an open mic called The Old School Jam was. It featured a backing band that played live music and allowed other people to play or sing with them. I was immediately excited and asked if I could participate. As a result, I met some of the best friends in my life and began my journey into the local music scene of Raleigh North Carolina. Read more>>

Katie Friedman

We have implemented the first part of our plan, gathering top notch local artists and makers to showcase what NC has to offer. We have locally made everything: from gorgeous original artwork and wall decor, functional pottery, handblown and stained glass, witty charcuterie boards & needlepoint, handmade knives, jewelry, scented candles & soaps, right down to our tasty selection of snacks. Read more>>

Matt Kilgore

has an educational resource page offering extensive information regarding this pipe, its origins as well as its rise & downfall in the American marketplace. I would go so far as to consider us the resident authority on the topic. Having truly the only comprehensive source of information on polybutylene piping. Read more>>

Jennifer Lloyd Ball

(Laughing) hmmm in 26 years I’ve handled 9/11, a recession, the housing market crashing, oh and a Pandemic… I’m a believer what doesn’t kill us, only makes us stronger with one incredible testimony. As you can see, I’m not going anywhere any time soon if I have anything to do with it. We just have to learn new ways to deal with problems and situations and create magical moments in time to forget all of the bad stuff going on in the world for at least a few hours. I’m beyond passionate about the event industry and I am a firm believer life should be celebrated. Read more>>

Eboni Nixon

Like many aspiring legal professionals, my initial goal was to become an attorney. However, during my senior year of college, the COVID-19 pandemic altered my path. With uncertainty looming, I decided to gain more hands on experience in the legal field and obtained my paralegal certification. As life unfolded, I got married, had two wonderful children, and dedicated myself to working as a paralegal in a law firm. While I loved the legal profession, my dream of becoming an attorney gradually took a backseat to the demands of work and family.  Read more>>

Ki Campbell

Being in the industry had its own ups and downs. Over the past 9 years I have definitely grown and matured behind the chair. At first I would just take any client that reached out to me, no matter if they had long or short hair, damaged or healthy hair, virgin or color treated hair. Now I am very selective about who sits in my chair and my main goal is for your hair to look and feel better than when you came in. I am super confident in the work that I put out and I definitely look at my clients as my walking billboards. I have changed so much in how I execute services now a days that I feel like it’s been pretty smooth lately! Read more>>

Elissa Coughlin

The name is a nod to my love of tennis and my belief that great design — like great sport — is about precision, rhythm, and the ability to deliver a flawless finish under pressure. In tennis, the match point is that singular, high-stakes moment when preparation and instinct align — and that’s exactly how I approach every project. Read more>>

Dennis O’Brien

From its inception, the band established itself as a dedicated non-profit organization. Operating out of the American Legion Hall in downtown Wake Forest, NC, it functions as the service band for the Wake County, NC Division 1 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH). Echoing the AOH’s commitment to Christian charity, the band focuses its efforts specifically on combating hunger within the local community. Founding member Dennis O’Brien emphasized this, stating, “We honor those victims of the Great Irish Famine by actively engaging in hunger relief in our local community”. This mission is actively pursued through volunteer work, band food drives, and donating portions of performance proceeds. Read more>>

Anita Bhattacharya, NCIDQ

After completing my 2 design degrees in Interior Design at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, I practiced commerical, educational, and healthcare design in several states. I wanted to share my creativity, utilize my design skills, and make people’s lives more beautiful. Eventually after a stint in Marketing & Sales for Mannington Commercial and Armstrong World Industries, I decided to try Residential Design here in Raleigh. This is the market segment I have wanted to pursue since the age of 12. Read more>>

Jonathan Bunn

But what truly sets Costello Real Estate apart isn’t just the numbers—it’s our culture. From day one, we’ve been committed to building an environment where agents feel heard, supported, and empowered, not just another name on a roster. We’ve created a collaborative and growth-driven culture, where agents have a voice and are equipped with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities to build a business they’re proud of. Read more>>

Amber Rhew

Social media was not a big thing in the industry at this point so the good ol old fashion handing out business cards and introducing yourself to people in person Is how I continued to build my clientele. Fast forward to 2016 I welcomed my youngest son who is now 8. I continued to work at a commission based salon and finally in 2024 I decided I was ready to take a leap of faith and go out on my own. I’ve had the biggest support system not only from my husband and family but my clients as well. Read more>>

Shirria McCullough

I began my social work career in 2009 following graduation with my BSW. I then went back to school and obtained my Masters in Social Work and became licensed in 2014. I did clinical work part time from 2014 to 2021. During the pandemic, mental health awareness increased, as did the need for therapist. As a result, I pivoted into private practice in February 2022. I’ve enjoyed guiding and supporting the mental health journey of others. Read more>>

Annabelle Eason

I work with MANY children on the autism spectrum, and so far I’m blessed to say that I’ve seen each of these rad kids grow leaps and bounds in terms of their sensory issues with my tools. I built a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, and I also still provide both color services as well as precision based old-school barbering in a more “traditional” manner, if that’s your thing. When you enter my shop, it’s YOUR space. I’m so grateful to have had these last two years reciprocating love and creating a sense of community and fellowship with my clients using my skill sets as a vehicle. I couldn’t ask for a better career. Read more>>

Kristin Malaer

It was 2009 and I was a stay at home mom to a 3 and 4 year old. I had heard about a new-ish website called Etsy and I opened a shop with no direction. I was a social worker prior to having kids but I have always loved Art so I felt drawn to the idea of having a creative business. The early days of Etsy felt like we were all just making things and throwing them up for sale. It felt like a big online handmade craft fair. That was me, trying to earn some income, I was making all kinds of things and it was months before my first sale. Read more>>

Emily Crookston

My journey to becoming a business book ghostwriter has been anything but linear. I started my career in academia as a philosophy professor. I earned my PhD and spent 7 years teaching students how to take apart arguments, examine them from different angles, and rebuild them from the ground up. This training fundamentally reshaped how I think about ideas and communication. Read more>>

Caroline May

After college I moved to Greensboro to gain more experience working with a customer designer Cassidy Burel (CassB by Design). She was a wealth of knowledge and allowed me to see how one would run their own business and create a business anywhere. With her, I got to work on more couture sewing skills like hand beading and appliqué and work with fabrics that I had not worked with in the past. I participated in the Big Hair Ball in 2024 (a fundraising event for Family Service of the Piedmont), winning awards for my design for ”Best Emerging Artist” and “Best Emerging Brand”. Read more>>

Leticia Delfino

My journey into pediatric sleep and infant care began from a deep love for babies and a desire to support new families during one of the most vulnerable and beautiful times in their lives. I started working as a nanny, and over time, I noticed how many parents, especially first-time moms and dads, were overwhelmed by sleep struggles, feeding challenges, and the pressure to “figure it all out” on their own. Read more>>

Luisana Paiva-Briceño

After listening to thousands of students share how their previous language courses failed to prepare them for real-world conversations, we decided to shift the traditional approach. Instead of focusing on impractical vocabulary — like “the dog is brown” or “the pants are yellow” — we designed a program centered around the real needs and goals of the learner, with an emphasis on practical, everyday communication, especially in professional contexts. Read more>>

Nadia Winfield

That moment of clarity came after the premature birth of my child. Life shifted. I stepped away from healthcare and began searching for a new purpose—one that would allow me to make a difference, build a legacy, and balance life as a stay-at-home mom and entrepreneur. For a while, I sat with the fear of starting something new. But eventually, I took a leap of faith and enrolled in a pre-licensing real estate course. And as cliché as it sounds—the rest is history. Read more>>

Jackie Tingen

Growing up in the world of real estate, with my grandfather running his own firm, definitely painted a picture for me. And honestly? It wasn’t one I initially wanted for myself. The constant on-call nature and unpredictable schedule felt like a deterrent. So, I carved out a different path, spending 16 fulfilling years as a teacher. I loved the work, but the financial realities were tough. To make ends meet, I juggled a part-time job alongside teaching. Then, the pandemic hit, and the shift to remote learning was challenging for everyone, including my own kids. It was during this time that my grandfather’s words resonated: ‘Jackie, real estate is in your blood. You know this world. Just do it!’ Read more>>

Sarah Cavrak

Everything began to shift when a college roommate suggested I try yoga to help with my anxiety. From my very first class, I was hooked. It was the first time I felt both energized and relaxed after a workout — a paradox that left me completely baffled, but profoundly intrigued. More than that, my body began communicating with me in ways I had never experienced before. Without knowing it, I was awakening to Shakti — the subtle life force energy that resides within all of us. That class marked the beginning of a 22-year practice that continues to this day. Read more>>

Tajuana Lordeus

I loved the variety of work this first job provided with women’s health, pediatrics, epidemiology, primary care, and even stints caring for the needs of inmates at the local county jail. After leaving this job for more challenging work and professional growth, I began working at Cape Fear Valley Express Care in Fayetteville, NC. This experience added a wealth of professional experience in that the work was very rewarding and a constant learning opportunity. It was my first time working with such a truly diverse community, our staff alone had individuals from the Lumbee populations, the island of the Philippines, and connections to the military community. Read more>>

Clinton Long

Getting started wasn’t as hard as some people make it seem. But it was not always easy. There are some days where you get ready, get out to the gig, and then the weather says otherwise. Or your tire decides to explode on the way to a job and it makes you an hour late. Little things that I never thought of can set you back hundreds of dollars. But I have to thank my team for getting us gigs that make up for those days. You might make $20 Thursday night but you might make $5k that weekend. you have to keep rolling forward and try not to let the bad days get to you. Read more>>

Arisbel Morillo

Arma Home Art is more than just a marketplace—it’s a journey through craftsmanship, storytelling, and the beauty of imperfection. I handcraft and hand-finish art pieces that reflect my deep appreciation for rustic and vintage aesthetics. Whether it’s a delicate paper mache sculpture, a timeless decor piece, or a thoughtfully curated collection, each creation is designed to bring warmth and character into your home. Read more>>

Benjamin Jones

Avocatography was an idea born from a series of misfortunate events that have taken place within my life the past 3 years. Doing photography wasn’t something I seen myself getting into it all kind of started in 2022 when a decision was made (sort of a New Year resolution) to try something different. Previously I had my hands in music as a DJ but the desire to pursue that profession tapered off over time and I found myself picking up a camera instead. Cameras are way easier to transport and operate versus turntables with a laptop storing your music. Read more>>

Vadim Dekhtyar

Moving to the United States was another major turning point—and not without its difficulties. Adapting to a new culture, language, and medical system while pursuing advanced studies in Chinese Medicine required a complete reinvention of myself both professionally and personally. There were moments of uncertainty, isolation, and financial strain. I had to start from scratch, building my practice and reputation one step at a time. Read more>>

Julie Anderson

After a few years of dabbling in every type of photography imaginable, I realized my true calling was in wedding photography. I love the emotion, the story telling, and the energy that comes from the celebration. After photographing my first international wedding in Iceland in 2023, I knew that the possibilities were endless and that this was my true calling. It is the most fulling work and I am literally giddy the entire time shooting a wedding day. Read more>>

Cydney English

Now we are facing tariffs that have driven our every day flower prices up 10-15% overnight with forecasts that our hard goods (predominantly made in China and Southeast Asia) will skyrocket 50-80%. More than 80% of flowers and related hard goods needed in the florist industry are manufactured outside of the US. And before you ask, why not buy local? Well, we do. We buy 30-35% of our product locally during NC’s growing season but it will take years if not decades to see all flower, vase, and supply production return to the US (if that happens) and it will potentially limit the type of flowers available. It’s a big conversation and we want to meet it head on, but it is definitely frightening. Read more>>