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.
Sheila Dugan
Pottstown FARM (Farm & Artisan Regional Market) was created 11 years ago by several local community members who hoped to bring fresh foods and artisan products to the area. Read more>>
Jacquay Hosey
My Story I’ve always been a creator at heart. Long before I started building businesses, music was my outlet. As a songwriter and artist, I used music to process life’s challenges, pain, lessons, and victories. Many of my songs come from real experiences and represent my journey from confusion and struggle to self-awareness, growth, and enlightenment. Read more>>
Leo Karruli
I came from Albania when it was a communist country. I left Albania to Italy on a boat. From Italy, I stayed about 9 months and then I immigrated to the United States in Queens, New York. From there my cousin moved to Florida to open an Italian restaurant and I went with him to work as a dishwasher. Read more>>
Rob Meanix
I graduated high school in 1995 and went off to college for a couple of years. College wasn’t really where my head was, though — I’ve always been someone who’d rather build something with his hands than sit in a lecture hall. So I left and went to work for Scott Whitfield at Whitfield Landscapes, and that’s where everything started to click. Read more>>
Raymond Keely
In 2003 I began working as an independent bookkeeper parttime. My clients were primarily small businesses and other independent contractors. By 2016 my roster of clients grew to be more of a full time undertaking and I was beginning to specialize in an underserved niche of small businesses: Artists and Musicians. Read more>>
The Keystone Chorus Carole Panno
The men of the Keystone Chorus have been ringing Barbershop chords since 1957. Read more>>
John Luskin Jr.
Our business began in the 1960’s after my grandfather learned the plumbing trade during his service in the Navy. After returning home from World War 2, he began moonlighting to build up his business. He then launched his business full-time and began working for many neighbors in the area. My father came along and joined in the 1970’s during his teenage years. Read more>>
Everett Barter
Brakeout Auto started the way many of the best small businesses do — as a high school summer job for two brothers who happened to love cars. What began as a way to earn money over the summer quickly turned into a genuine passion. Read more>>
Chuck Ondo
Chuck Ondo is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, having served from 1984 to 1989, before a decade-long career as a Pennsylvania State Trooper—working undercover and as a SERT sniper. After leaving law enforcement, he became a barber and eventually opened Valor Men’s Grooming, a barbershop built on faith and community. Read more>>
Leana Lewis
My photography journey began about 10 years ago when I photographed my very first wedding. What started as taking photos for family and friends quickly grew into a true passion. I’ve always loved capturing genuine moments and preserving memories that people never want to forget. Read more>>
Christine Hsieh
My interest in photography started about 19 years ago when I joined a website called Clickinmoms.. As cliche as that sounds now, that’s exactly what I was! DSLRs hit the market and had become very popular. I wanted to take better photos of my kids and have always had an interest in landscape photography. Read more>>
Keith Garubba
I fell in love with drawing as a kid, surrounded by brothers and friends who were always cooking up comic books and backyard video projects. Creative storytelling was how we played, and drawing was just how I talked. I went to Keystone College passionately pursuing the dream of becoming a comic book artist or illustrator. Read more>>
Dena Rupp
I’ve always been someone who enjoys creating things – whether it’s through design, building a business, or bringing people together. I graduated with a degree in graphic design, but I quickly realized I wanted to create experiences and spaces that meant something to people. I started with an idea, a lot of determination, and honestly, not much else. Read more>>
Ekta Sem
I originally planned to go to medical school. I was fascinated by health, science, and the human body, and I always knew I wanted to dedicate my career to helping people improve their health and quality of life. Everything changed when my grandmother passed away from complications related to a dental abscess. Read more>>
Gladys Ruiz
I’ve always been interested in entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for myself. After earning a degree in Biology, I began my career in corporate operations, where I gained experience in leadership, problem-solving, and managing complex processes. While I appreciated the experience, I knew I eventually wanted to pursue a path that gave me more flexibility, creativity, and ownership over my future. Read more>>
Chieh-Hung (Jeff) Cheng
Chieh-Hung (Jeff) Cheng and Lai (Tony) Jiang are the co-founders of KangaCode, an engaging coding game and classroom management platform designed to help students learn Python through interactive adventures and real-world problem solving. The idea for KangaCode came from a shared belief that coding education could be both effective and enjoyable. Read more>>
Richard Pastorella
About 35 years ago I had a martial arts training injury that flared up a lifelong problem with asthma. It took me from a competitive martial arts champion to debilitated that I couldn’t even work. This problem didn’t respond well to conventional Healthcare. Fortunately, because of my background in Martial arts I was aware that there was more. Read more>>
Ni Ho
While growing up in Vietnam, I lived with my cousin and would occasionally work at her salon. I observed the nail technicians and became interested in learning. Then while in college to study accounting, I worked part time doing nails. Once I graduated from college in Vietnam, I took a break from nails. Read more>>
Keirstin Hair
My husband and I bought this property a year ago. On the farm was an orchard and a bakery. The business was previously owned by a family that had it for 30 years. We have decided to continue the bakery which is very well known for their homemade apple dumplings and pies. Read more>>
Jeanette Lundell
My story with massage began in 2014, when I enrolled at the PIttsburgh School of Massage Therapy- signing myself up for a year of intensive curriculum, most of which I had never had exposure to. Why you might ask? I needed a career change, and after a conversation with a family member who had their own massage practice I decided I’d give massage a try. Read more>>
Armen Geronian
After decades spent in the IT industry, I have decided to start something that was in my mind for years – winemaking and distilling. Somehow, I thought that because I made good wine in the basement and because I am Armenian, I have to be very good at making wine and liquors. Read more>>
Meg Dirito
I attended Bucknell University and swam Division 1 swimming there. I was their 50 and 100 sprint freestyler. I set records that held for 10+ years and qualified for NCAAs and Olympic Trials. After graduating college I traveled to the Grenada, West Indies to complete my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. It was there that I surfed and scuba dived almost every day. Read more>>
Denzel Maddox
I started NdaCutLifestyles, Inc. as a way to combine my interest in design and entrepreneurship into a real business. I got into web design while building a website for an old business venture I was working on, and I ended up falling in love with the process itself. Read more>>
Nate Bringhurst
I’ve always been drawn to entrepreneurship. Even as a kid I was constantly coming up with business ideas and looking for ways to make them happen. While I was in college, I started my first business selling custom silicone wristbands. The kind that were popular during the Livestrong era. It was a fun venture and actually had some success. Read more>>
Meghan Stramara
I always had this interest and natural draw to photography for as long as I can remember. Read more>>
Emily Washburn
I began Emily Washburn Photography, LLC in 2021 when I really started to get serious about photography. I have been shooting since high school, but decided on a different career path at first. After graduating with my Bachelor’s degree and starting Graduate school, I realized where my heart truly was and that was to be home with my family. Read more>>
Lyndsey Maisey
24+ years in the beauty industry. From shampoo assistant at my mother’s salon at 13 to cosmetology teacher at Jean Madeline. Manager at multiple salons in Philadelphia. A few new career paths in between all of that time. My last full time job before opening my private headspa was at a barbershop. It was probably my favorite job in my entire career. Read more>>
Ash Galbraith
My story has really been a journey of becoming. Before I stepped into this chapter of my life, I was at one of the lowest places I had ever been — physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I was overweight, depressed, full of fear and anxiety, struggling with alcohol and drug use, and carrying a lot of shame from my past. Read more>>
Leo Hall
I entered real estate in 2006 by renting out my first home, following the example set by my mother, who managed her own properties with a blend of discipline and heart. What began as a single rental quickly became a hands on education in repairs, tenant relations, and the realities of running a small business built on trust. Read more>>
Anita Lovell
I was born to Christian parents who served in the very church that I now pastor. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior at the age of 13 and was baptized according to His commandment. After Baptism, I went on to serve in multiple capacities within the church. Read more>>
John A. Benigno
Well, I started a long time ago. I had the chicken pocks when I was 10 (1956). My dad brought home one of the first Polaroid Land cameras. From then on, I was pretty much the family photographer. In high school I did the typical things. I was the photographer for the school newspaper and year book. Read more>>
Melissa Hannum
Honestly it all started with a dissatisfaction…a feeling i had more in my tank, and a tragic accident that propelled me forward from who I was to who I am now. I have struggled with the aspect of not being good enough since I can remember. Read more>>
Jeff Swartz
My journey into founding Qujam really started with a clear observation of a glaring problem in the digital advertising space. For years, geofencing and location-based marketing were treated like some kind of exclusive, high-level sorcery. If a business wanted to serve digital ads to people that were physically at a specific car dealership, a retail footprint, a precise event venue, etc… Read more>>
Matthew Gantkowski
I started my career in business management and relationship-building — skills that, looking back, laid the perfect foundation for what I do today. Like many people, COVID changed everything for me. During that time, I went through the process of buying a home myself, and experienced firsthand the highs and lows that come with it. That journey sparked something. Read more>>
Bri King
Lavender Fields Pet Spa opened its doors August 15th of 2023. Ever since I was a child, I knew I wanted to work with animals. Caring for them and learning about them has always been a passion of mine. I loved to read and anything about animals was my go-to topic, from my dads wildlife guides to “The Everything Cat Book”. Read more>>
Jessica Brown
My first experience with photography was in high school when I took a photography class. I loved taking photos of everything and I found it was my passion. My mom gifted me my own camera for my birthday and that was the real start of my journey. Read more>>
Nikki Pérez
My journey has never been a straight line. It’s been shaped by resilience, reinvention, and an unwavering belief that our past doesn’t have to determine our future. I grew up in Reading, Pennsylvania, and became pregnant during my senior year of high school. From an early age, I had to grow up quickly. Read more>>
Charles Dees
Peace of Time Wellness was formed to integrate holistic healing. It was founded on the understanding that the mind and body are more integrated than previously thought. Using research-based interventions, Peace of Time offers several service lines that can be used separately, or integrated according to the needs of the client. Read more>>
Randall Graham
I’ve always had a passion for drawing since I was a young child, constantly sketching characters and cartoons. This natural interest in art led me to explore different mediums, and in high school, I picked up oil paint for the first time. I was instantly drawn to its depth and versatility, but I didn’t yet see a clear path for pursuing it professionally. Read more>>
Jena Van Houwe
My name is Jena Van Houwe, and I am the owner of Jenna’s Massage Therapy LLC. I am a Licensed Massage Therapist, Licensed Cosmetologist, and Certified Holistic Health and Wellness Coach. Outside of my work, I love being outdoors, training for ultra marathons, playing music, and seeking new adventures. Read more>>
ELOHIM SMITH
I like to call myself exceptional—not because I’m better than anyone else, but because I refuse to quit. Harriet Tubman once said, “If you’re tired, keep going. If you’re scared, keep going. If you’re hungry, keep going. If you want a taste of freedom, keep going.” That’s become my mindset. Read more>>
DANA BUSH
I started my business 14 years ago. I was a corporate trainer for a large healthcare company in Pittsburgh. Once I had my second child, the cost of daycare surpassed my income. I decided to use my artistic talent to start face-painting for friends and family. Read more>>
Hailey Brown
Music has always been a part of who I am. I grew up singing in church, where I fell in love with worship music and discovered the power of using music to connect with people. As I got older, my love for country music grew alongside my faith, and I realized those two influences would become the foundation of my sound. Read more>>
Amy Gavaghan
I grew up in NE Philadelphia and always pictured myself as an educator or working with children. I graduated from Archbishop Ryan HS and headed to West Chester University to pursue my bachelor’s degree in elementary education. While obtaining my degree, I started working in a child care center, and found a real passion for the 0-5 age group. Read more>>
Raffaela Frymark
Growing up, I always knew I wanted to help people but wasn’t sure how to. My interest in physiology and bodywork started at a young age, about 8 0r 9, when I watched Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Read more>>
Jeff Steiner
I was born an only child to a single mother, never knew who my father was and attended the Milton Hershey School though graduation. Received a bachelors degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and masters degree in counseling education from Penn State. My first career I worked in direct service as a counselor with adjudicated youth and then in-home doing family preservation work. Read more>>
Robert Beal
My journey has been anything but ordinary. I was born 75% blind, and from an early age I learned that challenges don’t have to define your future. Instead of focusing on limitations, I focused on determination, hard work, and finding solutions. I became a Master Plumber and have dedicated more than 40 years to the plumbing industry. Read more>>
Chelsy Avila
My husband and I officially started Safe Choice Auto on June 1, 2023, although we had been planning and preparing for quite some time. We felt strongly about starting our own business because we knew we had more to offer our community. We brought fresh ideas, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to honesty above all else. Read more>>
Karmelo Green
I’ve always wanted to be a creator, it’s been a dream of mine since I’ve first ever started watching YouTube. I come from a place where doubt is higher than hope and I use that to strengthen my will to get to where I need to be. Everyone’s comments and laughs fuels me to be the greatest Read more>>
Megan Grandinetti
I am Megan, the founder of Sattva Center for Meditation in Downtown York, PA. I became a yoga teacher by accident. I went to law school, practiced law for 5 years, and realized I didn’t at all like what I was doing. Read more>>
Deborah Jandzio
When I became an occupational therapist more than 30 years ago, I knew I wanted to help people maintain their independence. What I didn’t realize at the time was how many older adults struggle not because they lack potential, but because the healthcare system often isn’t designed to meet them where they are. Read more>>
Benjamin Novotny
Of course! I grew up in West Homestead, Pennsylvania, a small suburb outside of Pittsburgh. My parents, though not professional musicians by trade, always fostered an appreciation of art and music throughout my life. As my father jests, “the only instrument I play is the radio!” My mother was a clarinetist through college, and my godmother was an experienced pianist. Read more>>
Kali Grace
In my final days of graduating from Antonelli Institute in 2018 we were faced with the obvious questions. What is our plan for our future? What do we want to do? Not only the simple parts of life, but at that time Antonelli was going through a merge and our professors were unsure what their futures would look like as well. Read more>>
