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.
Derek Zielinski
Tattooing was never really on my radar as a kid. I grew up drawing cartoons and logos and things like that. Redrawing popular characters, as well as creating my own. Throughout Elementary School and all the way through high school, I was actively involved in all of the elective art classes and contests. I won multiple awards through those years for drawing, painting and photography. Read more>>
Wellington Brito
I moved from Brazil to the United States in 1999, and my career here has really been built around hospitality, operations, and entrepreneurship. For about 17 years, I worked as a Director of Operations for Dunkin Brands, overseeing Dunkin’ Donuts operations. Read more>>
Andrea Brichacek
We like coffee and started out by adding a small espresso bar to our existing antique shop in Washington County. Almost immediately, we had great feedback from our customers and decided to take our coffee on the road doing private pop-up events around the region. Read more>>
Naomi ‘Nairobi’ Allen
I’ve been singing and performing since I was a child, and eventually attended a huge and renowned conservatory, where I earned my degree in acting. For as long as I can remember, I’ve known and basically everyone around me has known that I was creatively gifted. Read more>>
Kaycee Newell
I grew up and was educated in Michigan, earning a BFA in Drawing from Eastern Michigan University in 2006 and an MFA in Drawing from Kendall College of Art and Design in 2009. Read more>>
Reagan Bitler
My story with gourds started with a pear sitting on a dining room table. I was visiting a relative who had a simple pear made from a gourd as the centerpiece on their table. Read more>>
Sasha Winters
As a young black girl in America you are often asked ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’. They usually are not expecting the answer to be ‘A Therapist’. I was taught to believe that I could be anything I wanted to be. What I witnessed was the women in my immediate family choosing careers that ‘made sense’. Read more>>
Christiana Delk
My Journey Into Out-of-Hospital Midwifery My journey into out-of-hospital midwifery started long before I ever imagined becoming a midwife. In many ways, it began with the pregnancy and birth of my first daughter. I was a young mother in my junior year of high school when I found out I was pregnant. I was scared, but I dove into parenthood with everything I had. Read more>>
Dustin Deimler
Well, my name is Dust Deimler and I’m the proud owner of True Self Tattoo. I’ve always been into the “counter-culture” scene to a degree. So when I turned 18, I got my first tattoo and was hooked from there. At the time I was skateboarding a lot and hanging out in tattoo shops. Read more>>
Pnpmar
I’ve always been very poetic and good in English. From my story telling, to my vulnerability and to the energy that is put in the song for the listener to feel. So I take a lot of pride in my work. Read more>>
Kaitlin Zimmerman
The Wandering Loaf started during a difficult season of my life. I’ve always loved baking, but while dealing with grief, loss, and some really hard days, I found myself turning to the kitchen more and more. Baking became therapeutic for me. Read more>>
Dr. Tanya Berfield
My career has been really diverse, women’s fitness, technology in K-12, higher ed, Title IX coordination and student advocacy. I’ve married for more than 30 years, we raised three boys. From the outside, nothing about my life said ‘something is wrong here.’ That’s actually where the story starts. The real entry point was my son. Read more>>
Kym Gable
I’ve always been a performer – dancing, singing, acting at a young age. I channeled that into a career in broadcast journalism, having anchored my college newscast, then obtaining anchor positions in my hometown of Wheeling, West Virginia. I came to the Pittsburgh Market in 2000 as an anchor/reporter – up until I was unexpectedly and uncerimoniously terminated in August 2025. Read more>>
Chef CJ Deery
Describe your culinary journey. “I’m a Delco boy who grew up in Norwood, PA and went on to study culinary at Johnson & Wales University in North Miami. That’s where I really found my passion. After I graduated, I spent more than 15 years working in different food establishments, from corporate kitchens to luxury hotels. Read more>>
Mike Browna
Photography has been part of my life for more than 50 years. I actually started in high school with a Kodak 110, which seems pretty primitive compared with the cameras we have today, but I was fascinated by the idea that a photograph could freeze a moment and preserve a memory. Read more>>
Jamie Hill
I started JV Home Remodeling in 2005, initially installing doors in apartment complexes throughout Philadelphia. I had a team working with me, and for several years we focused on doing that work well and building a reputation for reliability. After taking some time away for personal reasons, my path changed in a beautiful way. Read more>>
Onyx Graves
I was a long-distance runner for many years; I suffered a severe knee injury that required a full knee reconstruction that I now have 2 cadaver ligaments, 5 screws and a pin in my knee. It took all my confidence away when I started gaining weight. I had a friend ask me to model for her and I did. Read more>>
Alison Waidell
I’ve been a designer for more than 25 years, and creativity has really been the common thread throughout my entire career. I studied Fine Arts and started out in graphic design before moving into web design, UX, branding, and development as the industry evolved. Read more>>
Nic Ilias
I am writing to share my personal story and reflection on my journey with Soo Bahk Do, and to express my deep gratitude for the profound impact this art has had on my life. In 2006, following the tragic loss of my brother and sister, my life came to a complete standstill. Read more>>
Jasmine Savage
Started because I can not eat chicken eggs and wanted to try quail eggs and i cam tolerate them. Read more>>
Senni Vilander
I got into fitness in year 2024 after break up with my long time boyfriend. I wanted to really get myself new hobby and I found this gym near me which offered group fitness classes. In 6 months I became fitness instructor and I started working on that gym and in 9 months in I became certified personal trainer and started to get own clientele. Read more>>
Lori Fisher
My relationship with the Bellefonte Art Museum began in 2010, when I started volunteering at the museum. What began as a volunteer experience gradually grew into a much larger role in my life and a deep commitment to the museum and its place in our community. In 2013, I joined the staff as Gallery Manager, overseeing much of the museum’s day-to-day operations. Read more>>
Amanda Rivera
Peace Love and Poms rescue was started in 2020 by three determined women. We all individually have over a decade of experience in rescue, we all bring different strengths to the table, and we work extremely well together to save the lives of small breed dogs while focusing on the Pomeranian breed. Read more>>
OLGA APONTE-TEXIDOR
My journey in the insurance industry began more than 23 years ago. Throughout my career, I gained valuable experience helping individuals and families understand their coverage and make informed decisions. Over time, I realized that many people—especially in the Hispanic community—needed more personalized guidance in both English and Spanish. Read more>>
Cathie Berrey
Photography has been part of my life for more than 40 years. I got my first real camera, a Canon AE-1, when I was 16, and I’ve pretty much loved photography ever since. For a long time, though, I didn’t necessarily think of myself as an artist. Photography was just how I saw the world and how I connected with people. Read more>>
Bob McCutcheon
In 2018 my family converted our personal project studio, The Vault Recording, into a commercial venture that is now considered a state-of-the-art facility with an award-winning team and historic vintage recording equipment. How it Started But this journey started much earlier. I have been interested in music since an early age. First playing trumpet and then playing guitar in a rock band in high school. Read more>>
Yeritza Martinez
My daughter was attending school to become a licensed aesthetician when we discovered that Amazing Lash Studio was for sale. We saw it as an opportunity to build something together, so we decided to purchase the studio. Read more>>
Jen Reid
Warrior Dreamzz really began during the pandemic; that’s when I started exploring visual storytelling and filmmaking as creative outlets. At that time, I genuinely don’t think I could have predicted what this venture would become. What started as a niche side project turned into a boutique production company that has continued to gradually evolve as I do. Read more>>
Patty Madrid
When I first came to the USA, I took my babies to Dorney Park. They wanted to get their faces painted, but I remember thinking, “Wow, this is so expensive!” So I went home, opened YouTube, and started watching face painting videos. I practiced, practiced, and practiced, I taught myself everything I know, one brushstroke at a time. Read more>>
Michelle Molyneaux
WickyWags started in 2020 during the pandemic, when life looked a little different for everyone. We were spending a lot more time at home, and somewhere between our love of candles and our love for animals, WickyWags was born. We didn’t start with a big space, a team, or a business plan. Read more>>
Jennifer Romano
Three years ago, we set out on a venture to create a local gathering place where friends, families, and neighbors could come together and enjoy good times in a welcoming atmosphere. Since then, our vision has grown. We added an ice cream shop and a party venue, creating a place where families can make memories, celebrate special occasions and enjoy time together. Read more>>
Jeanine Fisher
My true passion has always been cats, and that love goes back to the very beginning of my life. My parents had cats when I was born, including a Siamese cat named Kimba, who was technically my very first cat. She was part of my life until I was 12 years old, and my connection with cats has continued ever since. Read more>>
Nicholas Cicio
I was 22, working as a grocery store cashier in Philadelphia during COVID, making $11 an hour after spending four years and nearly $100,000 on an architecture degree. The next four years were complete chaos: gambling, drugs, evictions, homelessness, fraud, court cases, fast money, designer clothes, watches, and cars. Read more>>
Hesheng Bao
My wife and I immigrated to the US and settled down in the beautiful city of Pittsburgh – which we are now proud to call our home for 34 years! While we love and appreciate the history behind Asian-American and fusion culture, I realized quickly that there was a unique opportunity to share unfiltered Chinese culture here. Read more>>
Jenna Raia
I started Jenna Rae Photography in 2019, but my love for taking photos started long before I ever considered photography as a business. I was always the person taking pictures of everything on my phone. Whether my family was hiking, at Disney, celebrating a birthday, or just doing something ordinary together, I wanted to capture it. Read more>>
Eric Francis
Building Block Baseball was established in 2016 after coach Eric Francis returned home from playing college baseball at California University of Pennsylvania and started coaching for his cousins summer baseball team. Coach E and his staff have been providing hitting, pitching, and fielding instruction to help enhance all the baseball and softball players in the Lawrence County area and neighboring counties. Read more>>
Amit Gupta
My journey began as a seeker of truth. Very early in life, I was fortunate to receive the gift of Sahaja Yoga Meditation from my spiritual teacher, Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi. For over 40 years, She travelled the world tirelessly, offering people the experience of inner awakening — what we call self-realization — completely free of charge. Read more>>
Amy Kernahan
My career began at just 18, after completing cosmetology school and moving to Boston to study aesthetics. Once licensed, I began working in hair and makeup for photo shoots and film throughout the greater Boston area. After signing with an agent, I was offered an incredible opportunity with Estée Lauder as a national makeup artist, focusing primarily on Nordstrom locations along the West Coast. Read more>>
Anne Armezzani
Step inside The Gathering Place in Clarks Summit, Pa., and you’ll immediately feel a sense of welcome. I am full of pride that our community center for arts and education is an actual place, a working, thriving facility that benefits so many in our area. Read more>>
Jessica Proia
I am happy to share a brief background on my professional journey and the story behind my business. I began my career in spa services, which sparked a strong passion for massage therapy and overall wellness. While attending massage school, the connections I built with my clients led to an opportunity to provide services at a local Lexus dealership. Read more>>
Michael Studebaker
I studied at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, focusing on Craft Metals. My original intention was to teach art someday, but when I found the Metals studio, I fell in love with the tools and processes involved. My focus shifted to learning and absorbing as much of the craft as possible. Read more>>
Mariah Byrd
My journey into entrepreneurship and content creation began with a desire to create more freedom, flexibility, and opportunity for myself and my family. As a mother, I understood how difficult it can be to balance work, family, finances, and personal goals while still wanting more for yourself. Read more>>
Glenda Dawson
I am Glenda Dawson, an ordained non-denominational minister, spiritual mentor, multidimensional energy healer, psychic medium, Reiki Grandmaster and Teacher, author, speaker, and founder of Glenda’s Magical Creations Spiritual Center. My professional journey has been anything but conventional. Before fully stepping into my spiritual work, I spent approximately 35 years working as a paralegal and office manager. Read more>>
Laura Kreider
My dream of owning a business actually started when I was young. I grew up in a family where many people owned their own businesses, and I always thought it would be so fun to take something you love and truly make it your own. Read more>>
Brian Lahr
In 2005, I walked into a small studio that smelled of sweat and incense, not entirely sure what Pai Lum Kung Fu even meant — only that something about the fluid, striking forms called to me. My instructor sharp corrections I didn’t understand yet: weight distribution, breath, the space between stillness and correct alignment. I kept coming back. The years passed like that. Read more>>
Ram Adhikari
I was born in a small county in Bhutan, and at the age of five my life changed dramatically when my family became refugees. We resettled in a refugee camp in Nepal, where resources were limited but community spirit was strong. Read more>>
Amanda Webb
When I was planning my own wedding, I was looking for vendors who would make the day truly enchanting. This was the first time I had heard of wedding painting. As a lifelong artist, albeit one who had not found a foothold for making my art professionally, finding this route was a revelation. Read more>>
Tangier Lemon
My journey to creating Lemon Pathways, LLC really came from my own life experiences and realizing that there isn’t one “right” way to get where you’re going. My path has been anything but traditional. Read more>>
Megan Fewer
I’ve always been drawn to art, creativity, and storytelling. Growing up, I loved pretty much every kind of art—even though I couldn’t draw to save my life. 😂 I always had creative ideas in my head; I just had to figure out what my version of art was going to be. Photography was always different for me. Read more>>
D’Angelo Virgo
When I look back at my life, I realize I’ve spent most of it in the same place—working with and advocating for young people. What started with an interest in government and politics as a kid eventually became a career that took me from the church, to the classroom, to music and coaching, into political campaigns, and ultimately to founding my own nonprofit. Read more>>
Matthew and Michael Polonchak
We got our start in weddings through music. We both began playing violin at the age of 5, and when we were a bit older, around 9 or 10, we began playing music for weddings and other events with our father, who is a professional musician. It was a great way to get into the industry, earn some extra money, and spend time with Dad! Read more>>
Joni Neilson
New You Weight Loss Center began in 1992, when Joni L. Syrek-Neilson put together her signature weight loss program. She opened the center in Beaver that same year, so that she could bring healthy weight loss solutions to people at affordable prices. New You offers healthy nutritional coaching to lose weight, stabilize and maintain your weight once you reach your goal. Read more>>
Callie Lodico
I had an altogether happy and healthy childhood until I experienced a massive stroke at the age of 10. I spent several weeks in the hospital, working to regain enough speech, swallowing, and gross motor function to transition to outpatient care. For approximately six months, I received therapy at Children’s Hospital in downtown Richmond, where I worked with each of the therapy disciplines. Read more>>
Madelon Kalkhuis
I’ve always grown up drawing and painting, and tattooing was always something I was interested in. But 8+ years ago, there were little to no fine line tattoo artists in the area, and I was always super intimidated by the typical tattoo shop environment. The thicker, bolder style of tattooing just never really felt like me. Read more>>
Josh Cauffman
I started working with my father who was a horticulturalist when I was young. Our family has a long history of horticulture in the Chester County area. We once owned the largest Rose supplier in the world. My grandmother was a garden club chair. So naturally I started a business to get through college and it grew from there. Read more>>
Elena Mia
I have always been interested in modeling since I was a kid. Read more>>
Seth Holmes
‘You’re no good at art. Just stop trying.’ This is what I told myself over and over for years before I started my business and opened my watercolor studio. I used to aim for perfection. I tried to capture every detail. I had to remember the joy I discovered as a kid in order to find success with my art. Read more>>
