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.
Mocha Lyn
I’m a Divine Celestial Frequency, Mocha Lyn, grace personified if you will. Read more>>
Travis Plymell
It started with a simple idea: if we got good enough at hanging Christmas lights, maybe we could get paid to do it. So back in 2009 I set out with a few strands of lights, a ladder, and my right-hand man Gato. Read more>>
Christopher Drumwright aka Supa Producer DJ Vanex
I started DJing, Producing and writing in High School, When i went to college ‘NCCU’ in Durham i started getting more booking for my work. Then i started as a intern at a studio. Form there i meet a lot of music executive and got offer a production Deal at BADBOY Records in NY. From there i started producing for artist on the label. Read more>>
BoomSound Lavelle
I’ve been in love with music since age of 4. I hit the dance floor by age of 10 and started producing at 14. MySpace had a lot to do with my start. Following blueprint of Soulja Boy for digital marketing. Of course overtime I developed proprietary strategies of my own.It’s just something me and my twin brother (Ant Devon) loved to do. Read more>>
Seret Pierre’
At an early age, it was evident that I was unique. Although I was not a particularly loud or obnoxious child, nor rebellious or defiant; my perspective, resiliency, fearlessness and perseverance were liken to a ‘lioness’ and were my strength and banner. Always talking and asking a lot of questions, my belief in others propelled many to realize their enormous capacity. Read more>>
Lora Mouna
I grew up in Winston Salem, North Carolina growing up, and I was surrounded by music by the very beginning – both of my parents are from Syria, and my mom, Noma Mouna, was a popular pianist back in her hometown. She poured her passion for music into me, and I quickly followed in her footsteps learning everything that I could from her. Read more>>
Summer Whiteside
I started my business as a fairly typical ‘starving artist’. I worked multiple part time jobs to make ends meet while I attempted to get my ceramics business off of the ground. I was teaching beginner throwing classes at 2 community art centers, assisting 2 local potters with their work, and, in my free time, focusing on my own ceramics & online presence. Read more>>
Steve Lovick
Our story begins in 1941 when my Grandparents Milton & Eva Lovick borrowed $180 from another small cafe owner in town to start Lovick’s Cafe. Remember this was during the depression, World War II and even before the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor! Read more>>
Heather Hindin
I never planned to start a nonprofit. Before Harper’s Home, I spent my career in education, first as a teacher, then helping build and lead programs for a Durham nonprofit, and later in educational marketing and communications. I loved the work I was doing and never imagined my career would take such a dramatic turn. Read more>>
Ashley Parker
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO STAY UPDATED. @glamlyfeestudio PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!!! ‘It isn’t living, its a Lyfeestyle.’ Your Favorite healthy hairstylist. How it all started!! I was a 8 year old, going through LIFE at such an early age. Hair was already something the women in the family did anyway. Read more>>
Rysheem Jones
I was born in Brooklyn, NY and was the oldest out of my three younger brothers. We left NY to move to NC when I turned 16 years old. I was the first grandchild to graduate high and college. I returned back to school following the birth of my son. I loss 7 babies before God blessed me with my son. Read more>>
Brittany Harris
My journey has been anything but traditional, and I wouldn’t have it any other way! Professionally, I’m a registered nurse, and throughout my career I’ve always been drawn to helping people navigate life’s biggest transitions with compassion and purpose. At the same time, I’ve always had a creative side. Read more>>
Pedro Machado
My journey began when I emigrated to Panama. Completely unexpectedly, I was given the opportunity to take a bartending course. It was something I had never imagined myself doing, but as an immigrant, I was willing to work at whatever opportunity came my way. As I learned the craft, I realized I had found my calling. Read more>>
Johnny Price
I was a very quiet kid growing up. I did really well and usually kept to myself. I don’t think my family knew hat to do to me because I was so different. I was very artistic and I had a vivid imagination. My world came alive in (approximately)1976 when I discovered this band that wore white makeup and outrageous costumes. Read more>>
Amy Fear
My passion for veterinary medicine began in high school while volunteering at the veterinary clinic that cared for my family’s cat to earn National Honor Society service hours. Read more>>
Tan-je Hampton
I first launched my company based on my skill as a Disk Jockey. It’s been a family business on my dad’s side, but I knew my vision was much bigger than that, and I’ve always had a passion for music, even as a little kid. My vision is to create a company where other entrepreneurs can achieve their dream job doing what they love. Read more>>
Lorraine Jordan
Lorraine Jordan’s life is a testament to resilience, creativity, and an unwavering love for bluegrass music. That early spark grew into a lifelong calling, shaping both her identity and her career. Over the years, Lorraine carved out a place for herself not just as a musician, but as a leader and innovator in the bluegrass community. Read more>>
Adam Sedivy
My wife, Logan, and I, had our second son, Brantley, in September of 2019. Life was great! We had two wonderful boys (Rylan is older brother, born in 2018) and no major issues during delivery. Right as we were settling into to the new normal, we got a call from the doctor that the heel prick blood test came back with some unusual results. Read more>>
Jason Fox
I guess to start out with as a kid I was always very active outside whether it was sports(baseball, basketball or football) or on anything with wheels, mostly BMX bikes and roller blades.. Always wanted to push limits. It was amazing I didn’t break more bones all the crashes I had. Read more>>
David Scott
It’s really self explanatory about how I came along into my business I’ve been cleaning, restoring and customizing shoes for about 8 years now I cleaned, restored and customized my own just for a start then I learned more from YouTube as a platform to grow more knowledge in what I do, whether it’s learning new techniques or what proper products to use etc. Read more>>
Demarius Pearson
I began photography in 2017 and have been able to expand it since then. I’ve been able to do a couple murals on race related topics and also visual story telling on making sure your mental health is always at the forefront. Read more>>
Shamare’ Jackson-Banks
My name is Shamare’ Jackson-Banks, and I’m a student-athlete, photographer, and someone who’s always looking for ways to grow and serve my community. I’m currently dual enrolled at Halifax Community College and Halifax County Early College while attending Southeast Halifax High School, where I balance academics, athletics, and my future career goals. Read more>>
Dr. Rita Renee
My story is one of resilience, reinvention, faith, and finding the courage to use my voice. I became a mother at 16 and entered adulthood carrying responsibilities—and wounds—that I did not always know how to navigate. My early life included childhood trauma, an abusive first marriage, and seasons when I struggled to recognize my own value. Read more>>
Brandon Garner
I began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing in high school in 1997. Within two years, I was competing in mixed martial arts. I attended Appalachian State University to play soccer and founded the App State Jiu-Jitsu Club while I was there. During the summers, I traveled to Brazil to deepen my training and gain experience at the source of the art. Read more>>
Ruth Taylor
Ruth started making jam for her family many years ago, particularly strawberry. As a frequent visitor to local farmers’ markets, Ruth needed to use excess produce and developed recipes using combinations of fruit to take care of excess purchases. She gifted friends with excess jam and they would return their jars for more and encouraged her to sell jam. Mrs. Read more>>
Summer Bicknell
LocoPops started with a trip to Tlazazalca, Mexico, where I learned how to make traditional Mexican-style popsicles, known as paletas. When I was deciding where to open my own shop, I happened to stop for gas in Durham during a road trip. It was one of those unexpected moments where a place just feels right. Read more>>
Andrew Justad
We aim to be the change we wish to see in the world. Our ethos is built on kindness and sustainability running thrpugh every dish of our award winning plant based soul food. Read more>>
Isaiah Marshall
I’ve always been someone who liked understanding how things work and figuring out how to fix them. Before starting Ironwood PCs, I worked as a electrician, which gave me a strong technical background and taught me the importance of doing work correctly, safely, and professionally. Read more>>
Alnita Johnson
My story is one of reinvention. I began my career as an educator, and teaching shaped everything that came after it — the patience, the ability to explain complex things clearly, and the genuine care for the people in front of me. Read more>>
Chad Neal
After my retirement, my two children introduced me to social media. As I watched videos online, I noticed there was A LOT of DIY content. Many of the people I watched were very talented, but most of their videos were designed to show their finished projects rather than teach someone how to do it. Read more>>
Tollina Banh
I’ve always been someone who’s had to adapt. I was born in California, but my family moved to North Carolina, and growing up I moved around a lot. Along the way, I also had to overcome some major health challenges. Those experiences taught me resilience early on, but they also made me pretty reserved. College was really the turning point for me. Read more>>
