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.
Stephanie Disse
In October 2023, I officially launched my brand at my first outdoor event, “Merch and Mart,” held at the Detroit Lakes Mountain and Recreational Area. I started with a simple collection of hats and a few sweatshirts, but since then, my offerings have expanded to include a variety of sweatshirts, coffee cups, hats, socks, totes, and cooking spoons, etc all designed to serve as reminders of your adventures. Read More>>
Alison Sanders
I have aways been fascinated with storytelling and the freedom that animation and film brings. You are not locked in to what you can see or do in the real world. In animation you can stretch and change things, you can add in imaginary creatures and defy the laws of physics. It’s a medium that especially allows room for the imagination of a young child. Read More>>
Nichole Kuechle
Teaching muscle testing came about because it’s not only my livelihood but a passion project. I was originally taught muscle testing from the basis of using in a structural way, so I was using it in my bodywork practice. After further training I was using it more for balancing out nutritional deficiencies and now use it on multiple levels. With muscle testing we are able to determine toxicities, pathogens, food sensitivities, and how well the body is making and converting energy. All of this is key and vital to optimal health. Read More>>
Gary Wall
I’ve always had a passion for entrepreneurship, with a background in B2B sales and e-commerce, particularly in the meat industry. The idea for Dude Food came from a desire to address two key issues I saw in the market: the lack of transparency in grocery store meat and the need to support American family farmers in a meaningful way. Read More>>
Amber Mcmillan
My journey to becoming the co-founder and CEO at CLEO Skin + Laser has been both challenging and rewarding. Growing up, I always had a passion for creativity and entrepreneurship which eventually inspired me to carve my own path. I spent 23 years in the fitness & wellness industry building teams & programs dedicated to help people live healthier, happier lives. After 20+ years working my way up to a senior executive within an iconic multi-billion dollar fitness company, I decided to take the leap as an entrepreneur into the startup world. Read More>>
Racon Gunner
The truth is, Wayne H. Johnson Jr., the man beneath the myth, began not in space but in a world built of flesh, bone, and ambition. A kid from the Midwest with big hands and bigger ideas, Wayne forged his first stories not with ink but with images. Filmmaking called to him early, like an ancient siren across a sea of static. With no roadmap and little patience for rules, he picked up a camera, gathered friends, and shot films with the reckless determination of someone who simply had to create. Read More>>
Julie Zaruba Fountaine
I founded Empower Possible, a wellness and change management organization, to transform how people and organizations approach health, wellness, and growth. Through workshops, consulting, and keynote presentations, I’ve been able to create practical solutions that make well-being an integral part of everyday life. Read More>>
Lisa David Olson
As an adult, I was challenged by a friend to audition for a comedy improvisation troupe she was part of. I’ve always been drawn to doing things that make me sweat in the weird places – so off I went to the audition, not being sure what improv even was. Not only did I get in the troupe, a few years later, I became the owner when it was time to change leadership. For two decades and counting, improv is my life. I also teach the skill of quick thinking, choosing Yes, and going forward, and stepping in without a plan – just trusting the process and yourself. Read More>>
Jesse “North” Lingenfelter
In the meantime during this year, my car got stolen while I was saving up to fix it. So bought some turntables with the extra money I had saved and taught myself how to DJ. Fast forward a year, I quit that auto job, quit the bar back job, started DJ at another bar downtown Minneapolis, and got a job at a local bike shop, that happed to also run a burning man camp. Now fast forward a few more years, I throw my own parties and events, play at other promotors events, I work at the best bike shop in the city, and I now own and operate my own Burning Man Camp. Read More>>
Womb Enterprise Residency
WOMB is more than just a physical space—it’s a concept and a mindset. It’s a celebration of the boundless possibilities that arise when creativity is born outside the expected confines. The space is where the traditional meets the avant-garde, where artists can push their own boundaries, and where the magic of creation happens in a space beyond the ordinary. It’s a place where ideas find their unique birthplace and have the freedom to flourish in what I like to call the ‘Third Space.’ Read More>>
Chad Peterson
I started on the promo team of a large radio station in Duluth, MN, before moving on to a night club as their promotions manager. This was a volatile time, but from it I found my way into the agency life, where I grew quickly from Social Media Manager, to Media Buyer with Edge Advertising, on to Project, Sr. Project, and Key project Manager with Hubbard Broadcasting, to where I am today as the Director of Marketing and Advertising for the largest powersports product retailer in the world – Dennis Kirk. Read More>>
Mally
As a teenager, I started writing rhymes and freestyling with my friends as a way to pass the time but during those moments of battling, freestyling and watching my favorite artists on shows like BET’s Rap City, 106 & Park and MTV I was inspired to rhyme and write my story. During my time in college, I recorded and pressed up a 26 track mixtape that had my classmates and friends in awe because so many had no idea I rhymed but the response was positive so it pushed me to continue. In 2008, I dropped my first unofficial album “The Moment” with all original production. Read More>>
Jodie Heinen
I decided to begin looking at starting my own business. I thought about starting a youtube channel, a microbakery, a coffee cart, anything that would get me away from the corporate life. Lucky for me, I was also planning my wedding at this time, and had started a friendship with my wedding photographer, Whitney. Read More>>
Kendall Aro
So I convinced my husband it was time to move home, and we were back just in time for winter of 2016. I had a new-found love for the season and felt compelled to dive into that winter head first. We began snowshoeing, snow hiking, and exploring parts of the state we’d never seen before. It was then that I decided to buy my first DSLR camera to begin capturing the beauty of Minnesota, helping others fall in love with the state as well. Read More>>
Lacy Wallin
Each year brought more growth, and in 2020, I opened 8th St. Studio. I knew there was a need south of the river for a space where photographers and creatives could rent a studio to grow their businesses. My vision for 8th St. Studio has always been about more than just a place to shoot. It’s about creating a community—a space where creatives can grow, share ideas, and mentor one another. Read More>>
Sarah Arnold
At Bloomcroft, I specialize in cultivating heirloom blooms, with dahlias as the stars of the show. My work blends historical botanical traditions and modern design, offering fresh floral bouquets and arrangements in season and unique dried flower sculptures that highlight the enduring beauty of flowers at every stage of life. I take pride in transforming blooms into stunning, one-of-a-kind works of art—whether it’s an abundant, organic-inspired bouquet, a carefully designed arrangement, or intricate dried floral creations encased under glass in modern interpretations of Victorian cloches. Read More>>
Edrence Yalley
I believe entrepreneurship has it’s time to pivot, pause, & proceed listening to God for direction is essential. I have taken my lived experiences, mental health and wellness education and healing tools to provide others with the skills to prioritize their own wellbeing. This is how Faith In Action was started inspiration from serving and finding a solution to the mental health problems in our community. “Daughter your faith has made you well, go in peace” Mark 5:34 Read More>>
Grace Moden
I quickly realized that I was in the wrong field as an elementary education major, and ended up taking a huge risk as I dropped out of college during my junior year. I ended up opting for cosmetology school instead. Throughout the following wedding seasons, my books began to fill and I found my groove. As an extrovert, connecting with others while making them feel beautiful feels like the perfect combo. Today, I stay busy servicing over 40 weddings annually, and I run my own business at twenty-two years old. Read More>>
Paige Bieker
That being said, I got my Real Estate license in June of 2024 and have since joined The McPherson Sisters team, a referral of my dad’s. We are a team of 8 women who have 12+ years of experience in the industry. We are top 4% producers in Minnesota and part of the luxury division of our brokerage. We are also Zillow Premier Agents and voted Zillows Best, Monthly. My first deal closed was a deal I got to work with my dad on, a full-circle moment in my career. I hope to someday show my daughter what it means to be a hard worker and chase after her dreams the same way my dad taught me to chase after mine. Read More>>
Feona Jones
Currently fronted by Feona Lee Jones (vocals and keyboards) and Neil Hagge (accordion, backing vocals, guitar, and keyboards), Telepathic Birds originally formed in 2013, and the band has experienced several lineup changes. Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, they toured independently in a landscape of cancelled events and closed venues. They brought music to isolated Californian audiences by transforming everyday spaces like parks, beaches, trailer parks, parking lots, and even In-N-Out Burger into guerrilla performance spaces. Their music served as a lifeline for those craving human connection and live entertainment during a time of isolation. Read More>>
Michaela Flood
My journey started with a deep love for fashion and a passion for supporting my Fiancé, who plays for the Minnesota Vikings. I noticed there was a demand for unique, custom-made gameday apparel, especially among fellow NFL wives and girlfriends. This inspired me to start creating my own designs, combining my love for sports and fashion. Read More>>
Brittney Teigland
I actually started my cookie journey by chance. My sister was hosting a baby shower and ordered some fun cookies. When we went to pick them up we looked at each other and I just knew this wasn’t what she had pictured. She was hosting another baby shower the following month and I offered to give them a try. I made some pretty questionable elephants but they were so well received I decided it was worth a shot to see if others would enjoy them as well. Read More>>
Kacie Schady
These early memories in the raspberry patch, or next to Grams at sewing machine had a profound impact on me and instilled the farm-girl work ethics, creativity, and resilience that ultimately shaped my entrepreneurial spirit. As I matured and saw this strong woman I revered in a different view, I could see that my Grams was also a skilled and industrious woman well ahead of her era – she was no 1950’s housewife – she successfully continued running the farm and household independently for 30 years after my Grandfather’s passing. Read More>>
Bryan Cristan
Being a welder/fabricator, it wasn’t long before I started to learn some blacksmithing stuff. And with that, friends came out asking if I could make them knives.. lol, but one in particular, asked about making him some glassblowing tools. (About 6 yrs ago). Turned out to be a bit more difficult than it looked, which is probably why i kept at it. With the dogs and various metalworking jobs, I’ve managed to start making a very modest salary that allowed me to quit my full-time job as a welder and head down the rabbit hole of making glassblowing tools. I also need to give my family a big shout out for supporting this crazy venture of mine! Read More>>
Fatim Dasse
The following year, my boyfriend and I graduated and moved to the twin cities. It was a new challenge ! Here, people had access to affordable ingredients. What they were lacking was time. My motto is “if there is a problem, then there is a solution; if there is no solution, then there is no problem”. So I decided to be the solution by offering my all-ready seasonings, beverages and my catering services. This is how we became Foodian’s Place ! Read More>>
Kaitlynn Haugen
I specialize in weddings, seniors, and family photography! If I have to pick a favorite, I would say couples are my favorite because its such a unique dynamic. I’m most proud of capturing special moments for the ones I love. This year, I’ve had the honor to do maternity sessions for 3 of my closest friends, as well as one of their newborn sessions! I also had the honor to do my sister’s couple photos with the first man that’s ever really captured her heart. Read More>>
Leanne Kampfe
I was hooked! Not long after, a good friend invited me to a permanent jewelry party, which got me thinking about what this could look like as a business. Around that time, I found myself on several solo road trips throughout the Midwest, giving me plenty of time to dive into podcasts about permanent jewelry. The more I learned, the more excited I became. I started researching the startup costs and training requirements, and the seed of a new line for my business, All That Glitters, began to take root. Read More>>
Mitchel Hesse
After COVID, I decided to start going to my local gym with one of my friends. That advanced my interest in fitness much more due to the many new weight machines and equipment. After a few months of me going to the gym, the gym owner came up to me and said I should try competing. Up until this point I had no interest and no knowledge in the world of competitive bodybuilding. Actually competing never registered as an option for me. Read More>>
Tasha Christina
Being a creative person is what sparked my journey into hairstyling. I was searching for a stylist in Minnesota who could create the natural faux loc look I had in mind, but I couldn’t find anyone offering that service. So, I turned to YouTube to learn more, and before I knew it, I started practicing on myself. After posting some photos of my work, I was pleasantly surprised when a few ladies reached out, asking for the same style! I watched a few more tutorials, and soon enough, I had my first client—who, by the way, took 12 hours, haha. Read More>>
Amanda, Hallie, and Morgan
The Tasty Trio started with three best friends, Amanda, Morgan and Hallie, who shared a passion for food, creativity, and building a space where people could connect over shared experiences. We’ve always believed that food isn’t just about what you eat—it’s about the memories you create, the cultures you explore, and the conversations you have with the people your with. Each of us brings something unique to the table, from culinary experiments to design and storytelling, and we’ve used those talents to grow our social media platform into something special. Read More>>
