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.
Paige Sayles
Growing up, I was always interested in looking at an issue or problem and searching for a solution. From a young age, I was fascinated with problem-solving. In college, I was drawn to Social Work; I appreciated that there were so many avenues for work in this broad field of study. Read more>>
Kevin Smith
I started Training in Okinawa Karate and Weapons shortly before my 14 birthday. 1992? I am not sure of the date due to all my belongings being lost in a house fire (in my early 20s) after Hurricane Bertha. We had lost everything. I never stopped training however; and was promoted to nidan (second degree Black Belt) in 2006. Read more>>
Lisa Murrell-Franks
I have experienced the benefits of Natural Medicine in my own health. Several years ago, my health was spiraling out of control. Daily, I suffered from severe fatigue and low energy, sleep issues, hormone imbalances, heart palpitations, dizziness and light-headedness. The fatigue was so bad, I could hardly take care of my young son who around 2 years old at the time. Read more>>
Margo Clemente
Graduated with a dental hygiene degree in 2004. Been in the dental field 30 yrs. In 2023, discovered it has been legal in NC, since a Supreme Court ruling in 2015, for teeth whitening to be completed outside of a dental office setting. The dental office setting is not ideal for many people. Read more>>
Christopher McDowell
I feel that my career really started as a camp counselor and EMT. While working with children at a day camp for six summers, I quickly realized the importance of supporting children with trauma and trauma-related behaviors. Meanwhile, I spent two years as an emergency medical technician for the Bolton volunteer ambulance squad via my high school. Read more>>
Cliff Kinchen
I grew up in Detroit, where life taught me resilience early. It wasn’t the easiest start, but it built the foundation for who I am today. After high school, I joined the U.S. Air Force, serving 20 years in law enforcement, instruction, and leadership roles; from teaching at the Security Forces Academy to serving as Superintendent at the Paul W. Airey NCO Academy. Read more>>
Danielle Bailey
We originally started our business in Alaska. My husband and myself built it from the ground up with a whole lot of faith and hardwork. Both of us were born and raised in Alaska and after a few years in business there we decided we were ready for a change. Read more>>
MORGAN COUNTER
As a former baseball player from youth through high school, I always had a love for the game and passion to pursue it as far as it would take me. Unfortunately, that was cut short with a shoulder injury in my late teen years. It ultimately did not allow me to continue my pitching career but the care of the game never left me. Read more>>
Carol Rose
My journey began around 2008 when a family member needed treatment for substance use and mental health issues. After treatment my family member had a desire to return to college safely. This led me to ‘Collegiate Recovery Programs’ (CRP’s). This program is a social model of support for students in early recovery. Read more>>
Breana van Velzen
In 1969, four congregations in downtown Durham, NC, organized the Center City Church Council to address together needs for transportation and visitation for the elderly, and soon also started programs for children and youth. We incorporated in 1972 and, during the next six years, membership grew to 12 congregations. Read more>>
Loryn Taylor
My business journey officially started a little over a year ago, but looking back, I think the seed was planted way before I realized it. Growing up, one of my favorite things to do was visit little shops downtown and attend local markets and festivals. There was something so special and inspiring about seeing people do what they love instead of following a traditional 9-5. Read more>>
Jordan Van Maanen
My story really starts in South Dakota, where I grew up and spent most of my life before relocating with my family to North Carolina earlier this year. I’ve always had a strong drive to build — whether that’s a business, a process, or a career path. Read more>>
Thai Doan
I originally immigrated from war torn Vietnam at the age of 2. I have resided within the Triangle ever since and am a proud UNC Chapel Hill alumni. After 18 years as a clinical project manager, I ventured off as a small business owner. Growing up in a traditional household, we were spoiled with my mother’s home cooking on a daily basis. Read more>>
Ashley Jessup
Clyde Cooper founded our restaurant January 1st of 1938. Our business has remained in Downtown Raleigh ever since. We will be moving out of Downtown Raleigh beginning of 2026, however. Clyde Cooper was a man of integrity, and during a time where segregation was still prominent, he believed that everyones money was green and every one deserved equal treatment. Read more>>
Cheryl Gottschall
My Story: From RIT to Rescue Dogs Well, my journey didn’t exactly start with a ‘maybe I’ll try photography’ moment—it’s been my *thing* since I was a kid. Seriously, I can’t remember a time I wasn’t obsessed with making images. Read more>>
Justin Nealis
My best friend got me into the business, we were both looking to do something more meaningful for work, for a career. We wanted to do more than just sell something to make money, we wanted to do something that was personally fulfilling and helpful. And selling health insurance fits the card. Read more>>
Manasa nadipalli
I began my journey in 2013 as an origami artist, creating handmade flower baskets and exploring the beauty of recycled and paper art. What started as a hobby soon grew into a passion — I crafted paper garlands and even made 108 large paper flowers for a non-profit event. Through these experiences, I realized how much I enjoyed transforming spaces with creativity and purpose. Read more>>
Sydney Kranz
My story was interesting pretty early in life as I required major surgery on my kidneys as an infant to correct birth defects! I thankfully was healthy after the surgery and have one functioning kidney (One Kidney Sydney has been a nickname of mine). Growing up, I didn’t have many restrictions and was able to play sports and overall be a normal kid. Read more>>
Drew Ziegler
The Cape Fear Ballroom Dancers (CFBD) have been promoting, supporting, and enjoying ballroom dancing since 1993. We create safe, elegant, fun, dance parties where singles and couples enjoy dancing classic steps like the foxtrot and waltz, as well as more current favorites like salsa and bachata. We even like the shag and an occasional line dance. Read more>>
Nikole Washington
I first learned to code in middle school, where they taught us to make a webpage. I loved it, but my passion for animals was too strong, so I went the veterinary medicine route. Fast forward to 2019 and I started doing a bunch of things I used to be interested in, but never really pursued – one of those being coding. Read more>>
Kathleen Reeder
Justin and I opened our business in November of 2002. We wanted to provide Concord and surrounding communities with jewelry supplies, classes, beads and gifts! We are a full service jewelry/ bead supply and custom design jewelry shop and we manufacture jewelry as well! Read more>>
Janelle Gillis
I grew up in the small town of Enfield, NC, raised by a single mom. As early as 7 years old, I saw firsthand how deeply unaddressed mental health challenges could affect people’s lives. While attending Winston-Salem State University (Class of 2018), I went to therapy for the first time as an adult. Read more>>
Cherrelle Davis
I started working in the mental health field in 2010. I was in graduate school but also working full time. A fellow student told me about a job at a local eating disorder hospital that provided meals to staff free of charge and I decided to take a position. Read more>>
Darlene Williams-Prades
Dr. Darlene Williams-Prades Founder & CEO, Superior Love Forever, LLC Veteran • Mediator • Author • Relationship Strategist • Spiritual Advisor From Orphan to Overcomer: The Journey of Dr. Darlene Williams-Prades Dr. Darlene Williams-Prades’ story begins long before titles, accolades, or achievements — it begins with a child searching for belonging. Read more>>
Charlene Mack
From the very beginning, baking has held a special place in my heart. My story starts in my Aunt Lee’s kitchen, a warm, flour-dusted place filled with the smell of sugar and vanilla. I was just a little girl then, standing on a stool beside her, eager to hand her the next ingredient or stir the bowl, even if my arms got tired. Read more>>
Daniel Kelly
As any entrepreneur will tell you, starting a business is hard work, and maintaining and growing one to become fully self-sustaining is even harder. It has been a journey of constant learning and staying current with evolving industry trends and standards. The COVID era was particularly challenging; many of my peers in the industry did not make it through. I was fortunate to have savings set aside and to launch Karaoke Night at just the right time, which helped us weather the storm. Today, business has come roaring back, and we are firing on all cylinders! Read more>>
Carrie Cook
My journey began with a series of wake-up calls to gain my attention. The most pivotal was a near-death experience at 23 when I totaled my car. The airbag failed, sending me face-first into the steering wheel and requiring 17 stitches between my eyebrows. What saved my life wasn’t luck—it was a clear voice that urged me to put on my seatbelt moments before impact. I believe that voice was my guardian angel intervening when my existence hung in the balance. Read more>>
