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.
Staci Gilpin PhD & Charity Anderson PhD
Staci: I’ve been passionate about teaching for as long as I can remember. Growing up on a small grain and livestock farm in rural Northwest Iowa, I was that kid who would line up my younger siblings and play “school,” creating lesson plans and worksheets and always jumping at the chance to be the teacher. That early spark led me into K-12 education, but I soon realized there was more to my professional calling than a traditional classroom. Alongside teaching, I felt the pull toward entrepreneurship—an idea that first began percolating during a business course I took at the University of Iowa. Even though I sometimes felt out of place (my graduating high school class was only 29 students!), I never let go of that dream. Read more>>
Rick Brandvold
Originally, two separate teams had dreams of launching their own breweries, but fate had other plans. We joined forces, navigated the highs and lows, and ultimately acquired the old DCR brewery. That was the moment Icewind Brewing came to life. In June 2020, during one of the most uncertain times in modern history, we opened our doors—not just as a brewery, but as a gathering place, a community, and a testament to what’s possible when you refuse to quit. Read more>>
Josiah Davie
Starting out as just a small pottery brand out of Josiah’s basement, the dream for something more had started to grow. Josiah and Justin have been friends for 10+ years and both carry a heart for caring for people and hospitality. Both have always dreamt of opening up a cafe, but the timing never felt right. One night in 2020 at a friends birthday party, Josiah went up to Justin & said… “Bro, do you want to open up a coffee shop with me?” You should have seen the look on Justin’s face in that moment. That was the moment when the two dreams became one dream. Read more>>
Paige Hoag
I returned to the brewery scene as a bartender and in the fall of 2024, I finally felt the motivation and inspiration to start sewing again. This time around, refocusing on what I really believe in. Instead of making Bolt West bags and accessories, I am focusing on clothing and gear repairs! One less garment in the landfill and I am inspired to continue learning and be a resource for the Duluth area. Since I started Bolt West, I have really learned through my experience what I am most interested in and that is sustainability and sewing. I will be making bags only with upcycled or vintage fabric to sell in the future but for now I am going to focus on clothing and outdoor gear repair! Read more>>
Kristina
Revel and Flourish is a full-service event planning company offering planning, design, floral, and décor rental services. We take pride in centering our clients in everything we do. By taking the time to truly understand their vision, we create customized events tailored to their wants and needs. Rather than imposing our own ideas, we offer expert recommendations based on experience, empowering our clients to make informed decisions. Our clients are the reason we get to do what we love, so we want them to love their events! Read more>>
Kristi And Clay Uddley
While Mankato has Karate and Taekwondo, the availability of Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai and MMA were lacking. The goal hasn’t changed, we still want everyone to experience what we have to offer. The thing we didn’t count on was the effect that opening these doors would have on us. We have been honored to see the benefits Mark44 has had in improving lives mentally and physically outside of this space. We’ve made connections, friends, and even extended family with people who in the normal day to day we may have never even run into. Read more>>
Jacy Smith
In 2015, I joined National Renewable Solutions, a small renewable energy development company of just five people at the time, as their bookkeeper and office manager. As the company grew, so did my roles, eventually leading me to my current position as Communications and Events Manager, where I plan both internal and external events. I’ve always enjoyed the detailed work involved in event planning, managing budgets, and coordinating with our team to ensure everything runs smoothly. Read more>>
David Esquire
David Esquire been featured on WeTV’s; “Platinum Weddings” and “My Fair Wedding” with celebrity planner; David Tutera. He is also currently in pre-production for the upcoming TV program; “Picture Me – Picture You” filmed & photographed around the world entirely on the Nokia 808 Pureview and Apple iPhone mobile phones and was an Actor & Set Photographer for the award winning film: “Skyfell (And I Can’t Get Up)” for the 6th Annual Toscars hosted by Brits In LA. Read more>>
Jessica Nevalainen
Embarking on the journey of creating Sisu Play Café has been both rewarding and challenging. While some aspects unfolded more smoothly than anticipated, others presented unforeseen obstacles. Initially, our space exceeded our needs and lacked the necessary safety features for young children. Recognizing this, we took proactive steps to revamp our play area, refine our retail offerings, and relocate across the street to a cozier venue at 113 N. Main St., River Falls, WI 54022, which better aligns with our vision and the needs of our community. Read more>>
Molly Taylor
My platform is aimed at being a place where people can tell their own personal stories about how cannabis has helped them, and break stigmas down through these stories. I am laying the groundwork for cannabis to become normalized so that conversations at the bedside can occur to improve patient outcomes, increase caregiver satisfaction in their work, and shed light on a healthcare system that promotes staying in a cycle of perpetual pharmaceuticals and illness versus one where people feel empowered in their choices and their own bodies ability to heal. Read more>>
Marc Clements
I live in Minneapolis, where I am active as an artist and in the local art scene. Along with my wife I manage a studio and gallery called Follow the Muse in the Northrup King Building, which is the largest arts complex in the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District. We participate in all of the District’s events, including the largest open studio tour in the nation – Art-A-Whirl, which happens the third weekend in May.. Read more>>
Lindsay Pohlad
Then came Eloise — my next chapter. I wasn’t looking to expand The Grocer’s Table itself; it’s special just the way it is. But when the space next door opened up, I saw an opportunity to explore something new. A darker, sexier, evening-centric space with bold seasonal flavors, high-touch service, and the same warmth and timelessness I’ve always loved. Eloise is named after my husband’s grandmother — and metaphorically, she’s my fourth child (I have three boys!). It’s a deeply personal project and one that I’ve poured my heart into. Read more>>
Nicole Lemmerman
I started my search for a storefront with a realtor, but nothing he showed me felt quite right. It took time, patience, and a lot of prayers that the perfect space would come along. After about 6 months of searching, one night I came across a listing on Facebook Marketplace. The space for rent was in my ideal location and the right price point. I went to see the space that evening and by the next day, I had signed a lease. Everything fell into place so seamlessly that I knew it was meant to be. I always say it was a God thing and I couldn’t be more grateful. Read more>>
Nikki Lewis
When I look back, I would have to say that my career in the fashion and beauty started when I was around ten years old. My love for both industries began from watching my mother and aunts get ready to go out dancing when I was just a little kid. It was the 80’s and they were obsessed with the Bangles. They would backcomb their hair line their eyes dark and lips painted bold. They personified ” Walking like Egyptians ! ” Read more>>
Zoe Klimek
I lived on Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii where I resided on a commune and tended to the daily homestead duties. I felt my connection to the Earth spark back up and truly come to life. In my downtime, I fiddled with the few rolls of wire and handful of beads I brought along in my backpack. I made wire wrapped rings and earrings that I sold at the farmer’s markets. When I returned home a few months later, I was excited to work with more than just the supplies I had with me at that time. I began embroidering my winter hats, handcrafting tea bags and dip-dying mason jars. I share these various art projects so you can see the way creativity flows through me. I don’t have one medium that I stick to, I get bored with that. I like to look at things and say, “What could I create with that?” It’s so fun! Read more>>
Lynsee Kuras
It has always been my dream to own some kind of food establishment. Food is definitely my love language. For as long as I can remember, I have been cooking and baking for others. I spent a lot of time at my grandparent’s farm growing up where my love for baking started while baking with my grandma. In college, I was the only one of my friend group that did not live with their parents so my house was often the hang-out spot. This is when my love of cooking for others really started. I would host regular dinners with our friends and bake treats for all sorts of occasions. Any reason to be in the kitchen and I was there! It didn’t take me long to switch to studying Family Consumer Science education in college from English education. Read more>>
Nick Larner
Things didn’t “take off” in the slightest. For my first year or so I had only one semi-regular client with a few one-time gigs peppered throughout. I caught a break when Andrew Hunt, a former mentor of mine, was hired to write and direct a feature film for Paramount Pictures titled “The Infernal Machine (2022)” and brought me on as the Assistant Editor. From that I was able to swing a job as Lead Editor on a separate film called “Edge of Insanity (2023)”. Read more>>
Tracci Nelson-Lyon
It knew it wasn’t going to be easy though – I hustled, networked and worked incredibly hard to provide quality and homemade baked goods to anyone who was willing to try them. Fast forward to now, well, that all still applies – I still work incredibly hard and try to be inventive, clever & creative with what I offer while still delivering a delicious, quality and professional product. However, I want my customers to know how appreciative I am for not just their business but their support & kindness. I would not be where I am today without them. After all, none of this would have been possible without them. Also, I want to give a special shoutout of thanks to my friends and family. You all have allowed me to fly while giving me a safe place to land. Thank you. Read more>>
Steven Hiebert
My father started taking classes in the mid-seventies with the chiropractor who developed applied kinesiology. His name was George Goodheart. Applied kinesiology, AK, integrates the art of manual muscle testing into a method of determining when, where, and how to treat the human body. I was fascinated and intrigued by the things my father was able to do after learning about AK. Prior to that I was ho-hum about the idea of being a chiropractor. But the AK really got my attention and inspired me to accept what I have come to believe transcends being a profession. It is a calling. I answered the call, went to chiropractic school, and graduated in 1990. I have been in private practice ever since. And I can’t imagine doing anything else. Read more>>
Erika Kaebisch
What I love most about this work is being part of such a joyful moment in people’s lives. It’s incredibly fulfilling to help couples celebrate their love in a meaningful way, and I find so much joy in bringing their visions to life. It’s the perfect blend of my organizational skills and my passion for service, and I’m excited to continue creating unforgettable memories for couples as I grow Northwoods Event Services. Read more>>
Nicholas
I wouldn’t say it has been smooth. There are challenges to photography. But I see those challenges as ways to grow. If I cannot create the image that I want, I figure it out. I learn how to use my camera the way it needs to be used in order to create the image I have in my mind. The biggest struggle is something I think a lot of modern photographers can relate to- social media. I need to focus on creating images that I am proud of, and not focus on how many “likes” a photo gets. Read more>>
Alexandra Hoffman
I would say overall for me it has been a smooth road because I have always had a passion for the beauty industry and the fire to learn more and achieve more. I have had my hard days, yes. But, who doesn’t have a hard day here or there at work sometimes. You just have to think “today is a new day and we are going to make today better than the last”. Read more>>
Alexia Kelsey
When we first opened, our focus was on parent connection groups and open play. However, over the summer, we quickly realized there was a significant demand for baby and toddler programming. This insight led us to expand our offerings to include a variety of enrichment classes tailored to infants and toddlers. Refining these classes, fine-tuning our schedule, and continually striving to create meaningful experiences for children and caregivers has been both a joy and a challenge. Read more>>
Sean Hayes
It hasn’t always been smooth. In my personal journey, I had to figure out how to survive on my own when my religious family did not accept my queer identity. Later, when I came out as transgender, I had to figure out how to connect with other trans folks…which is what prompted a couple of us in the community to co-found Trans Northland (it was called Trans Plus back then and we rebranded in 2022). Read more>>
ColorwaySoSick
The mediums I have always enjoyed most are drawing and painting. As of the last few years I have taken a deeper dive into my painting skills, as I also enjoy customizing shoes and large canvases. As a custom designer it’s always liberating being able to wear your own art and seeing real time reactions out in the public. The positive reception from the community and my peers keeps me excited to start my next project. Read more>>
Courtney Hanson
The Title of my Book, My Dad Hung the Moon, was inspired by a deeply personal moment with my father. I was accompanying him to one of his chemotherapy treatments, and afterward, he suggested we go out for lunch. Durning our meal, he turned to me and said,”Courtney, you think I hung the moon, but I didn’t.” His words stayed with me, and just two days later, as I sat watching a cardinal at my bird feeder, the inspiration to write my book struck me. The story reflects my admiration and love for my father, Robert David Clark-a Vietnam War veteran, writer, and author. This book is a tribute to him, especially as he bravely battles two stage-four cancers. It’s dedicated to him, as a symbol of the bond we share and the lessons he’s taught me over the years. Read more>>
Amanda Cunningham
In 2016 I knew it was time for a change! I left my government job to work for myself and re-prioritize what was important to me. I decided to join the Hermantown Fire Department where I gained my medical training and Fire Fighter certification. In addition to being a fire fighter, I own and operate multiple small business that range from a Hot Cocoa wholesale company; Mike and Jen’s Cocoa, to a SNAP fitness franchise (2 Duluth locations). I also conduct Fire-weather training and wildland fire consulting through my other own small business; Eagle Fire Weather. Read more>>
Semih Ayhan
Our dedication to quality, consistency, and hospitality quickly gained a loyal following, allowing us to open our first brick-and-mortar location in Chanhassen in November 2020. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, we navigated through, building a strong customer base and refining our offerings. In early 2025, we expanded further by opening a second location in partnership with Lifetime Fitness in Highland Park, Saint Paul. Read more>>
Nikkolette Krumheuer
When Covid came it actually grew the business more being people watched more baking shows and tried making them at home so they knew how hard it was and ordered online. I purchased another building in St. Paul to grow our retail presence in 2020 and got a 1963 vintage food truck for festivals and fairs. I also purchased another building in Hopkins and now utilize all 3 spaces as fractional rental kitchens, helping start up entrepreneurs with space with another business that I run with my husband called MSP Kitchenery. Read more>>
Troy Heald
Over that time we learned a lot, failed a lot and just kept going. Then in 2015 we finished our retail and bakery and that fall opened the doors and hoped people would come! We opened the farm to the public and had outside agritainment activities in the fall, fresh baked pies and treats and of course fresh picked apples. Today we are still failing and learning but have grown our orchard to over 12,000 trees, planted strawberries for the summer and offer a wide variety of activities in the fall. We also have grown our bakery and sell wholesale pies locally and built a second production building that we package and store apples, press our own cider and make hard cider as well. Read more>>
Jennifer Lara-Amezcua
Eight years later, I made the decision to turn that passion into a profession. In 2023, I earned both my Advanced Practice Esthetician License and Salon Manager License. In May of 2024, I opened my own business, Evangelic Esthetics, specializing in lash extensions and waxing services. By October of that same year, I expanded my offerings to include professional makeup services—one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made. What began as a childhood fascination has grown into a thriving career, and I am incredibly proud of the journey that brought me here. Read more>>
Nadia & Lyla Valdovinos
We moved from the twin cities to northern Minnesota and were inspired by all of the local farmers, homesteaders and small business owners. We took the plunge and got our first set of chickens – we were told chickens were like potato chips once you get one you can’t stop – our flock grew quickly and so has our business endeavors. We sell our farm fresh eggs, handmade natural body butter and punny cards with photos of our animals. Read more>>
Amy Byrne
I began looking at real estate at a young age. Open house tours on the weekends, for example, were a regular occurrence for my family and I. It was “love at first sight” touring the unique properties here and seeing how much a home can impact your lifestyle. From lakeshore property on busier lakes to isolated cabins with serenity. I love to see all that Minnesota has to offer with the unique options builders and homeowners come up with to maximize different lifestyle choices. Read more>>
Justin Lee
This calling carried me through high school and into my undergraduate studies, where I initially pursued the traditional medical path. I shadowed various practitioners – orthopedic surgeons, general practitioners, specialists – but something always felt missing. The approach seemed reactive rather than proactive, focused more on managing disease than creating health. Read more>>
