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.
Robyn Spodek-Schindler
Paint the Stars was a pipe dream of mine for as long as I can remember wanting to be an Art Therapist. I believe every therapist at some point contemplates private practice but it is not an easy decision. There are so many details to think about and research, and if and when the time comes to make that leap–it’s scary. Read more>>
Ovi Paulter
I didn’t come to painting through a long, linear creative path. I came to it eight years ago, during a season when everything felt like too much — life was full, loud, and demanding, and I needed a way to breathe again. Painting began as a private act. There was no plan to build a career or show the work. Read more>>
Kev Von Holt
I developed my art all by myself after I found a trash can full of paint that someone left out for the garbage man. I hauled it back to my then tiny studio apartment and locked myself away for a few years and experimented with the visions in my mind. Then opened my first gallery in Philadelphia in 2005 inside a hair salon Read more>>
Yanibel Pena
It all started in 2019, back when Instagram was still mostly about photos. I was inspired by another content creator, and starting my own fashion account felt like a dream I couldn’t ignore. I began by sharing my style and everyday life, posting consistently and showing up authentically on stories. Read more>>
Kuhoo Mitra
I grew up surrounded by books and art. Although both my parents are doctors, they also have a keen interest in the arts. I have memories of going to galleries and art museums with them when I was as young as four or five years old. They also took me to theaters to see plays, dance dramas and live music performances. Read more>>
Peter Herrmann
It all really started with a desire to make tees to match with shoes. Having a fun obsession with sneakers and really wanting gear to match so I started drawing and making graphics to match with some of my favorite shoes! More and more I delved into the quality of garments and customization. It really just built itself into what it is now. Read more>>
Shyrone Cyph360 Smith
I grew up in Jersey City, New Jersey, and from early on I was drawn to storytelling in any form I could find. I started writing rhymes in 1994, not thinking of it as a career at the time, but as a way to make sense of what I was seeing and feeling around me. Read more>>
Scott Arbital
Growing up, I was always an artist—but things truly shifted when I took a graphic design elective in my junior year of high school. I’d finish my assignments in class, go home, and redo them just because I couldn’t stop thinking about how to make them better. Read more>>
MICHAEL SHAPIRO
In 2008, I started an online local news site for my hometown of New Providence, NJ, because I believed local news mattered. What happened next amazed me – neighbors in other towns asked for their own local news sites, and I knew I had to find a way to make it happen. That’s how TAPinto was born. Read more>>
Jan Huling
Being an artist has always been a given in my life since I was very small. My mother was artistic so an interest in the arts was always encouraged. Read more>>
Sage Breslin
I’ve been a psychologist for 31 years, but it wasn’t until I developed Bone Marrow Cancer that I really came to understand the deep impact that trauma and abuse can have on the human form. Read more>>
Jeffey Halpern
My real estate career began more than 40 years ago (sales license, 1985; Broker’s license, 1987), with Cirkus Real Estate, Clifton, where I learned the business from the ground up through hands-on selling, listing, and working directly with buyers, sellers, investors, condo conversion and new construction. Read more>>
Justin Loretangeli
I’ve been a country music journalist for 8+ years now. What started as a semester-long project during my very last journalism class in college has blossomed into nearly 800 interviews with over 450 artists, all of which feature a more traditional country sound. Pro Country really started to feel ‘real’ in December of 2017. Read more>>
Nandini Sankara
I grew up in Mumbai, India, where I was fortunate enough to be born to very progressive parents who always valued education for my sister and me, and who encouraged us to build successful careers as women. Read more>>
Hunter Haskell
I feel like from where I was six years ago it does not compare to where I am now. From homelessness, mental health challenges and bad habits, I completely changed the narrative of my life. I struggled a lot with mental health and used bad coping mechanisms to fill the void of my sorrow and loneliness. Read more>>
Mark Spratley
I came up in the music world helping artists build real audiences and momentum online before “digital strategy” was even a thing. That turned into me running campaigns, breaking records, throwing shows, and building relationships with talent, brands, and platforms. Read more>>
Polly Pockets
began my journey by attending the number one makeup school in the country, where I laid the foundation for my career and fell deeply in love with the artistry behind beauty. From there, I pursued my dream of working in the entertainment industry, gaining hands-on experience doing makeup for the big screen and creative projects. Read more>>
Anthony McMillon II
Ever since I was young, I could always envision myself in the film industry. Acting was something that I wanted to do. However, there weren’t a bunch of resources to truly pursue that dream. So, despite going to college for Business, my creative journey would start in my junior year of college. Read more>>
Rosita Marinez
My journey in my work has been shaped by a deep belief that leadership is an act of service and that housing, health, and dignity are fundamental human rights. I did not begin my career with a title or a clear roadmap. Instead, I began with a commitment to people too often overlooked by systems designed without them in mind. Read more>>
Shaz Hussain
In 2015, I took my first step towards transforming my passion for makeup and hair into a fulfilling career. It all began with my fascination for beauty and creativity. I decided to invest by enrolling in a reputable certification school, where I gained the essential skills and knowledge required to become a certified makeup artist and hairstylist. Read more>>
Tricky Lake
Hi, I’m Tricky Lake and I’m a tattoo artist at Parabellum Tattoo Studio in Newfield NJ, I’m also the owner and curator of The Illustrated Woman Apothecary right next door. Everything started for me as a child drawing constantly. Read more>>
Roxa Midi
I was introduced to dance very early—thanks to my mother, who pushed me into folkloric dance as a child. At the time, I hated it. I was about seven, embarrassed by what I thought wasn’t “cool,” even though Romania had a state-funded arts program and I consistently passed the rhythmic tests. I didn’t yet understand the cultural value of what I was learning. Read more>>
Igor Beyder
I am a Ukrainian born jew who came to America as a kid. Not long after, my life revolved around one thing: hockey. I played in Canada at a high level, and later earned an ice hockey scholarship to the University of Delaware as a goalie. Being a goalie teaches you a lot fast. Read more>>
Joe Scrocca
I am a professional touring stand up comedian. I started my journey in to stand up comedy in December 2023. with no training or prior experience I woke up one day in December 2023 and decided I wanted to do stand up comedy. I knew someone who owned a small comedy club in my home town of Wildwood NJ. Read more>>
Lennette Carrero
Events À Lennette was founded in 2019, inspired by my search for something special for my daughter’s third birthday. While exploring party ideas, I discovered soft play and instantly fell in love with the concept—but quickly realized there was nothing like it available in New Jersey. Read more>>
John Schaub
My journey began when I was 3 and would dress up as my favorite superheroes and act out scenes from Marvel movies. At first it was just for fun and only for my family, but when my parents saw how much I loved performing, they enrolled me in a community theatre program. Read more>>
Makeda Diaz
My name is Makeda Diaz, and I am the CEO and founder of Queenoftheyoni. I chose to focus on holistic feminine health after being diagnosed with PCOS at the age of 25. At the time, I felt discouraged and struggled with the idea that Western medicine was the only option available to manage my condition. Read more>>
Julius Sanchez
As a kid, growing up I was surrounded by media and art without really realizing it as far as i can remember. Wether it was watching cartoons, music videos, movies, even hanging around my cousins both same as my age or older. I was constantly exposed to stuff that peaked my interests. Read more>>
Gulsina Kalimullina
I was scouted as a model when I was sixteen. But instead of stepping directly into that world, I chose to wait. On my mother’s advice, I finished my university education first and earned a degree in mathematics and coding, becoming a math teacher. At the time, it felt practical- grounded. But there was another influence in my life that was impossible to ignore. Read more>>
Weilin (Waylyn) Liu
When I was studying themed environment design and world-building as an undergraduate nine years ago, I first truly felt the power of spatial storytelling. It made me realize that space is not only a functional place, but also something to be experienced and felt. Read more>>
Miki Solot
Before moving to the United States, I worked as a hairstylist in Japan. My family owns a hair salon, so I originally planned to take over the business one day. With that goal in mind, I attended beauty school and trained at a few salons in Japan. While living in Japan, I met my American husband. Read more>>
Eric Luongo
My passion for creating art has been absolutely exploding for over two decades now! It’s an incredible journey, deeply influenced by the sheer genius of masters like Van Gogh, Edward Hopper, Norman Rockwell, Thomas Eakins, and of course, the legendary Bob Ross! The result? My work is this electrifying, unique blend of traditional techniques bursting with contemporary expression! Read more>>
Richea Jones
I’m Richea Jones, a Philadelphia native and New Jersey resident (Burlington County), and the co-founder of Diaspora Groceries alongside actress and comedian Tiffany Haddish. My journey has been shaped by lived experience—grief, healing, advocacy, and an unwavering belief that access to healthy food is a human right, not a privilege. Read more>>
Aprajita Lal
My journey with art began quietly, long before it became my profession. I grew up in India surrounded by nature, stories, and color, and art was always a quiet but constant presence in my life. I won my first art award in third grade and continued participating in art competitions during school and college days. Read more>>
Essence Myrick
My journey started at home, long before it became a business or a book. I have always been a creator at heart, drawn to storytelling, culture, and the idea of building something meaningful with intention. Even before I had the language for it, I was pulled toward creativity and the belief that stories could live beyond the moment. Read more>>
Al-Rahim Burke
My entrepreneurial journey really began in 2021, following the release of my Amazon #1 bestselling eBook, Player’s Remorse. That project gave me the confidence to turn my creative ideas into tangible businesses, which led to the launch of Pro Sé and Jen.Nes.Sei.Qua. I originally entered the space through clothing and lifestyle products, focused on elevated design and quality. Read more>>
VELO
I started creating from a place of survival before I even realized it was art. What began as a way to cope, express, and make sense of everything around me slowly turned into something bigger. Over time, I learned how to turn my voice, experiences, and creativity into purpose. Read more>>
Jose Rodriguez
To make a long story short, I took graphic design classes in college, and one of them happened to be a beginner camera course. I didn’t know it at the time, but that class changed everything. I quickly fell in love with photography and began practicing by taking photos for friends, learning and growing with every shoot. Read more>>
Kyrus Keenan Westcott
I describe myself as ‘West Coast by heart’ living an East Coast life. I grew up in Hamilton Township in Mercer County, went to Rider University, and spent a huge chunk of my life in the theater world, performing in over 50 musicals and directing another 20. Read more>>
David Arakelian
I started my journey with a simple goal: to feel stronger, healthier, and more confident in my own body. What began as a personal commitment to fitness quickly turned into a passion for helping others experience that same transformation. Over time, training and teaching became more than workouts—it became a way to build community, discipline, and self-belief. Read more>>
Marcus Joseph
I started Where Is Marcus by simply documenting what I was already doing—trying new food spots, supporting local businesses, and sharing real experiences with people around me. At first, it was just for fun: quick videos, honest reactions, and highlighting places I felt deserved more attention. Over time, people connected with the authenticity. Read more>>
Tori Ruff
I always loved art and creating things with my hands. I started off my brand, ‘Ivy Aesthetics’, with permanent/semi-permanent makeup services. After only a few months of being a brand owner, I quickly realized I needed to push the unisex mission more. This is when things evolved into making products for people who didn’t feel the services were for them. Read more>>
Anthony Collincini
My name is Anthony Collincini. For as long as I can remember, I have been infatuated with combining artistic expression with business and entrepreneurialism. Ambition has always led me to being involved in many different creative, and business projects over the years. I graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Read more>>
Kelly Castro
I founded two mission based companies, Carson’s Cookie Dough and Just a Taste of NJ, when I became concerned about my son’s future. My son Carson was diagnosed with autism when he was two years old. Like so many others in our situation, our lives became a blur of doctor appointments, therapy, and finding the right school. Read more>>
Corinne Gehegan
“ I quit!” Mine is a story of both conventionality and nonconformity. I am a board certified podiatrist through the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons with 25 years of clinical experience. As I evolved in my career the pleasure and fulfillment of treating patients became overshadowed by the challenges of working within the constraints of the health insurance paradigm. Read more>>
Ira Shishova
I started my Holistic Day Spa in the back of a barbershop in Hoboken (in a kitchen). I was renting space from them while still getting certified in natural healing and rejuvenation. After 4 months of doing that, the Universe forced me to find my own space where I’ve been now for 5 years celebrating the 5th anniversary this month in February. Read more>>
Rhee Nesson
From a young age, I’ve always connected well with people older than myself. My parents always joked that when we would go out with friends and family, I always ended up at the “grown-up table”. That desire to connect with others is something that I always cherished, so during high school, I volunteered my time at a local nursing home. Read more>>
Rhona Vega
As a proud mom of 5, I’m thankful for all the lessons and blessings that brought me to this point in my life. I’m the chief dreamer of Parent Matterz which focuses on Exposure and Opportunities for youth and families; especially those historically excluded. Read more>>
Rebel Strings
Rebel Strings was born from a shared vision between Lourdes Rosales and Naxo Lara: to redefine what live string performance could be within the modern luxury event space. Both come from extensive classical training and international performance careers. Over time, they recognized a gap in the market. Read more>>
Monique Wilson
My journey didn’t begin with a nonprofit — it began with love. At 16 years old, I found myself helping care for a neglected child. That experience changed me. It planted something in my heart that never left — a deep calling to protect, nurture, and advocate for young people who don’t always have someone fighting for them. Read more>>
Alex Brito
My story really started on a soccer field. As a young kid, soccer wasn’t just a sport for me — it was discipline, structure, and identity. I saw firsthand how injuries could change an athlete’s path, and I became fascinated with the recovery process. I didn’t just want to play — I wanted to understand the body. Read more>>
Chinwe Odoemena
My story begins in 2020 with a pair of jeans. Growing up, I always wanted to ‘follow the trend,’ but malls and thrift stores never had the clothes I wanted to wear, forcing me to buy from fast fashion sites. Read more>>
Johnimel Merene-Bianco
Growing up, I always envisioned myself as a doctor. I spent my high school summers volunteering in hospitals and nursing homes, but my professional trajectory shifted when a family friend opened a dental practice just blocks from my high school. Taking a job there introduced me to the world of dentistry, and I fell in love with the field instantly. Read more>>
Tova McCall
I’m originally from Toronto, Canada, and moved to the U.S. in 2014. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto, studying Psychology and Sociology, and later earned a second Bachelor’s degree in Education from OISE in Toronto. Originally, I planned to work within the court system and ended up volunteering with the Parole Preparation Project in New York instead. Read more>>
Rosa Vasquez Zaremba
My journey into nonprofit work really comes from my own lived experiences. I’m a first-generation college graduate and an immigrant to the United States from Mexico, and growing up, I faced many of the challenges that so many families in our communities face: language barriers, cultural adjustment, and navigating systems that weren’t always built to support us. Read more>>
Jedsy Torres
I’m Jedsy J. Torres, co-owner of AJR Accounting & Associates LLC, which I proudly lead alongside my husband and business partner, Amilcar Y. Rosa. Our journey has been built on resilience, teamwork, faith, and a deep commitment to serving our community. We didn’t start with a large office or a team — we started with knowledge, determination, and a shared vision to build something meaningful. Read more>>
Lisa Richlan
Personally I was working at Bloomfield College (for 23 years) which was about to merge with Montclair state College and was given notice that I would be getting laid off. When a request for the need of an Administrative Assistant for Bethany Presbyterian Church came in. It would be part time and was literally right around the corner from my house. Read more>>
MARILOU WONG
When I was working in New York City, life was very different. Then I became pregnant with twins, and everything changed. I was afraid to put my children in daycare. I worried about having to leave work early if they got sick, and I knew my job required me to be there all the time. Read more>>
Nicole Edelson
Hi, I’m Nicole — owner of Jersey Girl Chocolate, a proudly woman-owned New Jersey gourmet chocolate brand built on quality, connection, and pride. After many years in education, life called me in a different direction. When my youngest son was diagnosed with autism, our family’s priorities shifted. We committed ourselves fully — learning, growing, and ensuring we were present for every step of his journey. Read more>>
Mert Kalayci
I came to the US 1999 as a student. I learned English at University of Evansville, IN then I got accepted to Yavapai College in Prescott, AZ. I studied Small Business Management. After college I moved to New Jersey. While I was living in New Jersey I went to Institute of Culinary Education in New York City. Read more>>
Rose Marie
Towards the end of high school I felt very lost on what the next steps would be for me. I had lost both my parents at a young age and had no vision for myself. I knew that I wanted to help people though, that’s always been my passion. I wanted to become a social worker so I can help children in foster care. Read more>>
Tahirah Dutton
My name is Tahirah Dutton. Growing up, I always believed I would become an attorney and eventually a judge. At my core, I knew I was meant to help people. That calling to serve others was always clear — the path just evolved. Read more>>
Harveer Singh
My story really starts with growing up feeling a little different. As a first generation Sikh American, I was always aware of standing out, and at times that was challenging. But it also gave me a different lens on understanding people and business. I became very observant, learning how people connect, build trust, and what actually makes someone stand out. Read more>>
Kesho Kage
Back in 2016 I was a mom of two who had to move back home because of a failed relationship, I had to move cities and my dream was to become an Architect but the situation left me needing to get some type of of stability and financial independence quickly. Read more>>
Dr. Gattem Venkatesh
Dr.Gattem Venkatesh is a pioneering World micro-artist and architect recognized for his extraordinary ability to merge art, design, and cultural storytelling on the smallest of canvases. His works—ranging from intricate sculptures carved onto pencils and seeds to detailed miniatures of architectural landmarks—embody both technical mastery and deep cultural meaning. Read more>>
Aamira Garba
The LoveLee journey began with me making the first-time choice to prioritize myself. As a young mom and executive, I had immersed myself in the demands of the world, inadvertently neglecting my own needs. I reached a point where I no longer recognized the essence of who I was. I pondered on the dreams of the little girl within me and questioned what I enjoyed beyond my roles as a mother and professional. Read more>>
Mike Caputo
Being a musician, vocalist and writer I wanted to form GOOD STUFF with specific people that I had in mind in order to accomplish being one of the best and most unique tribute bands as well as being able to branch out into original music projects with the skill and versatility I knew would exist with the musicians I chose to be the integral part of this. Read more>>
