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.
Nate Grotberg
We began our non-profit, Our Father’s Basket International, and we bought land that we have built on as the Lord has provided and lead us to. All of this is ultimately an avenue to share Jesus. We can feed them and teach them how to improve their lives, but without Jesus, it’s all meaningless. The village is heavily influenced by culture and tradition. It’s not uncommon for them to claim one faith, but to also practice witchcraft. The message behind “Our Father’s Basket” is that it is Jehova Jireh who provides for our needs, when we place our faith in Him alone. People in the village come to the farm, train, share a meal, and learn that Jesus is the truth, the life, and the way. Read more>>
Dockery Pryor
Being A Community Oriented System Of Care we are Proud to be apart of Inclusion in Our Community. Serving now for 20 years And Advocate for Individuals with Disabilities and Seniors this is one of the best Accomplishment i feel The Hope group has made, Seeing Our Communities thrive. Accomplishments of being A Certified Advocate for Youth/Seniors, mental Health DSP and Now A Certified Support Specialist We are Proud to Serve. Read more>>
Ayla Dougherty
Beyond that personal experience, I’ve always found myself drawn to exploring different neighborhoods and admiring the unique character of various homes. This inherent curiosity, combined with my desire to connect with people and help them navigate significant life decisions, naturally led me to real estate. Since then, I’ve been dedicated to learning the intricacies of the market and honing my skills to effectively guide clients through their own real estate journeys, always keeping in mind the profound impact a home can have on their lives. Read more>>
Anna Hashizume
After graduating, I decided to pursue a graduate degree (this is very common for classical singers), which is what brought me back to Minnesota. After finishing school, I started auditioning for opera companies and completely lost my way. I forgot why I loved singing. I started singing for other people and not myself. I didn’t like who I was becoming as a performer and was stressed and anxious most of the time. After a year or so, I decided to step away from opera and go back to my first love: Musical Theatre. Read more>>
Carolina Nuñez Bussolini
The true magic happens when I share my art with the world. Witnessing the myriad interpretations and emotions it evokes in others is a testament to its ability to connect and inspire. When approaching a blank canvas, I draw inspiration from music and nature, immersing myself in sound and color. My artistic journey has led me to explore diverse materials, from recycled sculptures to digital art, though abstract art remains my true calling. I see color as pure energy and delight in blending and experimenting to create works open to endless interpretations. Read more>>
Nikki Watermolen
I got asked by a few of the vendors for my business card. When I told them this wasn’t my job but just a thing I did for friends and family they all assured me that I really should be doing it for real. It took a few years to build up the courage to quit the full time job and start my business but I am so glad I did! Since then, I have been able to be a part of so many incredible weddings! It really is so fun to help brides and grooms make their day come to fruition. In the last year, I decided to add to my business repertoire and got my cottage license. With that, I make and sell simple syrups naturally infused with real ingredients. It is so fun to take part in art fairs and makers markets, visiting with customers and sharing something I love making. Read more>>
Rob And Rachel Prekker
Rob started researching as we had zero knowledge of growing mushrooms, and after a few months we jumped in head-first and had no idea how interesting things would get! Both Rob and I worked day jobs, so in our first few months we would stay up late at night (taking turns napping) cooking substrate blocks 3 at a time in pressure cookers on the kitchen stove top until we had enough to inoculate. We slept little and worked hard, after a few months we were growing our first strain of mushroom and knew we had a unique idea for our area. Fast forward through our first official business-to-business sale and a blur of leaps and bounds, we ended up moving in June of 2019 to a home we could use to expand the business. Read more>>
Jesse Carlson
In 2022, Gary Judson and I founded the Breakfast Club, a round table discussion group for real estate agents of a wide swath of perspectives and skillsets. I don’t like saying that we “lead it” because we see it as “facilitating conversations.” We keep things pretty democratic and thrive on the diversity of opinion, and has been a channel for support, collaboration, and education which has inspired many other spin off groups who use our model. Read more>>
Christi Gereau
Recovery was a long journey. For two years, I saw doctors who offered limited guidance between appointments. Then, a realization struck me: Pilates. Having previously taken classes in Manhattan, I knew its benefits—dancers relied on Pilates to maintain strength and recover from injuries. When I proposed this as part of my rehabilitation, doctors dismissed the idea as expensive and ineffective. So, I took matters into my own hands. I studied rigorously, became certified in Mat Pilates, and not only healed myself but went on to train others. Read more>>
Mallory Kurkosky
As safehouses can often be non-profit organizations and have limitations in their finances, they are not able to fund this type of training, as they need to focus on meeting basic needs of their residents. Thus, Refined by Fire was established. I needed a way to raise money to be able to financially support myself so I can focus on this mission, to train staff and develop effective mental health programs for safehouses in an effort to sustain long-term growth and healing of survivors. A friend of mine had the idea of selling merchandise with Refined by Fire’s name and logo, since so many of us can relate to the fact that our pain and suffering (ie. the fire) can change and refine us. I have been promoting it ever since! Read more>>
Hells Paradise
Our big break came when our childhood friend, Lil Crazed—already making waves in the music scene—invited us to join and help launch an indie label called King in Disguise. That’s when things got real for us. We started putting in hours day and night at the studio—writing, recording, and shooting music videos around the clock. Back when platforms like YouTube, SoundClick, and Myspace were just catching fire, our songs started going viral, racking up millions of views. Read more>>
Laura Hand
Part of being a creative is always growing and expanding your perspective and inspiration. That led me to the American Advertising Federation (AAF), where I found my creative community. Through AAF, I got to travel, connect with some of the most inspiring minds in advertising, and see what was possible when storytelling met strategy. Those experiences pushed me to grow as both a designer and a problem solver. Over the years, that drive helped me earn more than 14 American Advertising Awards. Today, I proudly serve as a national competition judge, staying connected to the industry that helped shape who I am. Read more>>
Megan Kress
I have had a lifetime of working with people in unique experiences in the outdoors and on the water facilitating connections. The opportunities to create connections and wellness for people via the sauna just made sense. I believe in the many documented health and wellness benefits of the sauna but I am most inspired by the potential of community and connection that comes from cedar benches, wood stoves, and löyly (steam) in the beautiful backdrop of the North, or, du Nord. Read more>>
Glowingtide
It’s been especially hard to make the band work while we’ve been subject to various responsibilities and hardships. Brett is a father, and Jack is an aspiring sound engineer and producer. Dean is wrapping up his architectural degree at UW-Milwaukee, and the distance has come with its problems (and benefits). Read more>>
Chloe Baker
Fast forward to 2023 while on maternity leave with our 2nd born I decided to try making cupcakes and cakepops for my nieces birthday party. They turned out delicious but not the prettiest treats anybody had ever seen, after a bit more practice I thought I would like to start offering treats to my small town on Facebook and with that bloomed The Bakery- A Boutique Sweet Shoppe. I feel very grateful for the support I get from my family and community, making cakepops is truly a passion of mine and I love to share with others. Read more>>
Tye Bentz
I grew up in the area. After high school wrestling had ended, I knew I wanted to find a career in fitness. Once I found CrossFit a few years later, I knew I wanted to open my own gym. I started at the bottom. I mopped floors at a box to help pay my membership. Once I became certified I hustled my way into being the head coach. After 6 years I decided it was time to open up my own shop, CrossFit Purple. I started hosting workouts in the park and at my house. We quickly out grew the shed at my home and found our current location. We have been here since December of 2024. Read more>>
Levi Pearson
There is a short walk between that area and the reception hall. The reception hall has the capacity for 295 guests with all the amenities you’d expect to find in the city. We just put the finishing touches on our western themed saloon! The saloon will be open to the public soon on one of our off peak nights (Sunday-Thursday). When people book a Friday, Saturday, or weekend package they are getting a private event. Our wedding season starts mid May and goes through October. We are still keeping the farming tradition alive as we move into the agritourism industry. Read more>>
Shannon Watters
I grew up in the Brainerd Lakes Area as a full and part-time resident and have always been passionate about nature and making peoples surroundings beautiful and helping create “home” for both humans and nature. For 20 years I had an interior decorating business then decided to change directions from interior decorating to real estate and relocate permanently to Crosslake. I quickly joined the Whitefish Area Property Owners Association and the National Loon Center Board of Directors and obtained by Master Naturalist Certification. With these passions I enjoy helping educate new owners to the area on being good stewards of the land, water and wildlife. Read more>>
Emily Arcand
I started discussing my ideas with my best friend– my sister Stephanie. We soon realized we wanted to make this idea a reality, and worked together to come up with a way to make Swoonworthy happen. We began by doing pop-ups, as it was a low cost way to reach people. Since that time, we’ve come to realize that events and community are hugely important to the book community, and have started hosting book clubs, book fairs, book lovers mixers, and more. We have also recently opened a permanent pop-up inside a boutique in White Bear Lake. Read more>>
Jeannie Stumne
Today, I’ve left the career that once defined me and created Shine Brighter LLC, my coaching business devoted to helping working moms who feel overwhelmed, anxious, burned out, or unfulfilled despite everything they’ve achieved. The moms who on the outside seem to “have it all,” but are stretched too thin and stuck. I support them in reclaiming their power and well-being, rising from burnout, reconnecting with their True Selves, and reinventing their lives with freedom, confidence, and joy. Read more>>
Kaci Mohagen
One of the biggest challenges has been managing the balance between the creative side and the business side—especially when demand grows quickly. As a solo creator, it’s easy to want to say yes to every order, but I’ve had to learn how to protect my time, set boundaries, and be intentional so I can preserve both quality and joy in the work. Time spent with my family is also very important to me! Read more>>
Tyrel Bleifus
I had made a few pieces of furniture for my wife, and something just clicked. Furniture allowed me to pore over design, rack my brain on the engineering, and craft something with my hands. I found an opening at a local furniture shop and left my desk behind. In 2020, we moved back to Minnesota from Denver. That move allowed me to build out a shop at our home in Afton, and I have been creating good furniture for good people since. Read more>>
Alicia Rognrud
Every business has it’s ups and downs. Their is always an abundance of knowledge that is waiting to be learned. So, no the road is not always smooth. There are deadlines that need to be met, sometimes creating high stress and long hours. There are unpredictable events, like damaged inventory or delays, that through a wrench in the plans. With that, maintaining a positive mindset is everything! I believe every inconvenience or down fall is just a lesson that is meant to be learn. Read more>>
Conni Redding
Right now, Doubles operates as a side hustle, and we’ve been popping up at local shops and small businesses around the Twin Cities. It’s been such a fun ride to not only share my creations, but also help drive traffic to other local gems people might not have otherwise discovered. Recently, we’ve been doing some cool collaborations like local business like MN Dairy Lab and Face Foundrie to continue connecting the community through a love of great food. Read more>>
Chuck Dougherty
I’m involved with a number of organizations; founded and served as President of Minnesota Bed & Breakfast Association, past Treasurer of the Inns of the Valley, member of Stillwater Lions Club and Solanus Casey Council 1632 of the Knights of Columbus. Served on the Parks and Planning Commissions for Oak Park Heights, I also have been active in a number of Stillwater Chamber committees over the years including serving as President and Treasurer, currently serving on the Board as VP. I have been on the Board of the Convention and Visitors Bureau since it formed in 2008. Read more>>
Teresa Aho
In 2022 I made the leap to rebrand to something that I was really passionate about, being a place for people to come to for their DIY projects, local makers to sell their products and workshops. I decided to name my new shop The Black Cabin. The Black Cabin is a nod to my family cabin that was built by my Great Grandpa. He was such a handyman and was DIY before DIY had a name! I wanted The Black Cabin to be a place to get inspired, share ideas, experiences and be a DIY destination! Since then, I have brought in many local brands and makers into the shop and love supporting other small businesses! Read more>>
Ashley Brazil
I didn’t begin making pottery until years later, when I moved to Portland, Oregon. Once there, I took every ceramics class that my local college offered and completely fell in love. It was incredible to start a new medium and be repeatedly humbled by it. It was not something that came naturally to me, but instead was something I loved enough to work very hard at. When I had exhausted all of the classes I took there, I decided it was something I really wanted to dedicate myself to in a more serious manner. I moved to Minneapolis, and shortly after I applied to the BFA program to study Studio Art at the University of Minnesota. Read more>>
Kerry Brooks
Is any road ever smooth? Covid was the most obvious “bump” in the road. I knew I had the option to go out of business if I wanted to. My landlords would have let me out of my leases, my customers would have understood, and it would’ve been relatively easy. But I took a good long look at what I wanted and decided I wanted to fight for the business I had spent years building. We made it through (barely) and we’re stronger for it now. Read more>>
Bridget Hyde
I love God’s creation and I began sculpting flowers and birds with the clay. As time went on, I really felt a desire to share my work at local shows and art festivals in the Minneapolis metro area. Last summer I was accepted and privileged to participate at Mosaics Fine Art Festival in St. Charles, Missouri, but a majority of my festival activity is in Minnesota. My goal is to engage with people through meaningful art that touches him or her sentimentally or is relatable through nature, and for people to not only connect with the creation, but also connect with The Creator. Read more>>
Angela Zoerb
My journey with cannabis began as a young adult and turned me into a lifelong advocate and enthusiast. My eye opening moment was when I quit smoking tobacco and turned to using cannabis edibles. The difference it made for me post tobacco was incredible. I found healing and support through this amazing plant and I decided to combine my two favorite things! I have been baking edibles for myself for twenty years. I use the cherished recipes from my childhood and infuse them with cannabis. Read more>>
Tashianna Henry
At Tashianna’s Beauty Boutique, we believe that beautiful hair begins with a dedicated scalp care routine. Many clients come to us after experiencing issues like hair thinning or scalp conditions, and it’s rewarding to help them rediscover their hair’s natural beauty. I have expertise in working with all hair types, from 1a to 4c, ensuring that each client receives personalized care tailored to their specific needs. Read more>>
Derek Nicholas
Food has always been the driving force in my life, but when it came to indigenous foods that interest blossomed in 2017 when I was gifted a ancient seed bundle. Caring for those seeds is a big responsibility, a part of that responsibility is growing those seeds. This was the spark to my indigenous foods journey. After a few years learning about domestic native foods elders came into my life who began teaching me about the wild foods. Now a majority of my work revolves around the wild beings, in which, those elders say I am responsible to pass on that knowledge Read more>>
Alex Ortberg
I am first and foremost a performer, specializing in drums and percussion. However, I am also a producer and songwriter, which requires a knowledge of more than just drums. I consider myself a fairly well rounded musician, knowing how to play instruments like piano, bass, and guitar at advanced levels. I also have an in-depth knowledge of music theory. With this skill set, I am able write my own music, and help others write music (producer). Read more>>
Shane O’Rourke
Lift Up Local is a user-friendly, innovative philanthropic platform dedicated to making a dynamic impact right in your community. The platform allows you to find real people in need within your own community, with 100% of donations directly impacting people who need it most. Certified Referral Partners identify and certify individuals or families in need and submit the request through our platform. Donors can explore the interactive map, pinpoint needs in their local area, and follow their passion to know where to contribute. Read more>>
Stephanie Mirocha
At the same time, my dream grew to join my husband out on the show circuit and sell my art. Slowly but surely I kept creating and developing my art as I could fit in, and we flourished as a family. My husband was already involved in art fairs, and when my daughter was about ten, I made the decision to join him with my newly burgeoning output of paintings. Since then I have branched out in different areas creatively, including freelance illustrating four childrens pictures books for 3 different publishers while also following my other creative impulse as an author of a new book, a memoir called “Tree Trek: A Daughter’s Walk Through Grief,” set for release in May 2025. Read more>>
Ciena Yang
At first, I practiced on myself and was surprised by how much patience I actually had—turns out, doing nails is way more calming than serving tables. Eventually, I started doing nails for my cousin and aunty, and while my sets took a little longer back then (okay… a lot longer), the time spent catching up with them made it special. We’d laugh, talk, and just bond and that’s when I realized doing nails wasn’t just a hobby, it was something that brought me joy and made other people feel good too. Read more>>
Lee Skajewski
I continued my college career to achieve my degree in secondary science education. I settled on the area of Park Rapids because of all the beautiful lakes and great fishing. After my first year of teaching was complete I knew I want to teach people my passion for fishing and had the skill set to do so. I started Skiez Outdoors Guide Service a full-time operation providing guided fishing trips in 2018. I have met some of the most interesting people while guiding and now call them friends. Some of the highlights of guiding is getting people their first fish or landing a trophy that they have been trying for years to catch. In recent years I have expanded the guide service to electronics training like LiveScope and electronics installation. Read more>>
Nicole Lange
I’m the founder and sole practitioner of Life Healing Life, a specialized holistic healthcare practice in Minneapolis that has become a leader in fertility treatment, pregnancy support, and trauma-informed reproductive care. With over twenty years in the field of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, I’ve developed a practice that transforms the fertility and pregnancy journey for those who have experienced infertility, loss, or trauma. Read more>>
Anne Labovitz
My artwork reflects the human condition by exploring relationships and complexities between art, humanity, and well-being. Incorporating physical and conceptual elements, I explore the human condition through interaction with color, light, and scale. For 30 years, I have created large-scale installations, paintings, printmaking, sculpture, and artist’s books. I received a BA, Art & Psychology, Minor: Art Education & Art History from Hamline University (1989) and an MFA from Transart Institute (Berlin, Germany, NYC)(2017). I am an adjunct professor and an MFA mentor at Minneapolis College of Art & Design (2020-present) and a long-time Walker Art Center Board member. Read more>>
Alena Dobriakova
Over the past seven years, I have lived in four different states—Arizona, Massachusetts, Kansas, and Minnesota. The transition was challenging, as I had to overcome language barriers, cultural differences, and stereotypes about my background. Adjusting to a new environment was difficult at first, but it pushed me to grow, step outside my comfort zone, and embrace new perspectives. Meeting people from diverse backgrounds helped me reflect on my own culture and appreciate the power of shared experiences. Read more>>
Joel Sheagren
By 2012, my wife and I launched our own nonprofit called Hope & Rescue Foundation focused on human trafficking awareness and the issues driving the insidious issue. The more we dug in, the more we realized that developmental disabilities—particularly Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)—are often the unseen drivers behind trafficking vulnerability. While poverty is frequently cited, what’s often overlooked is what drives poverty. FASD is the most prevalent developmental disability in the world, yet it remains tragically underdiagnosed and misunderstood. Read more>>
Samantha Burke
I’m most proud of how much I pour into my couple’s elopement experiences. I help them plan pretty much everything in their celebration, I just don’t book lodging, vendors, etc. on their behalf. I’m super involved through the planning journey to make the planning process as stress-free and fun as possible!! I’m able to actively listen to my couples, help them hone in on what they want in their elopement experience, and help make that come to life. I also think this sets me a part! I’d say I’m quite a bit more involved with the planning than most photographers. Read more>>
Elijah Bell
What’s more important than what sets me apart, is what I hope to bring to the yoga community. I want to make it more accessible for people. All levels are welcome. Everyone has the invitation in my classes to challenge themselves or take it as easy as they need. I aim to give people the opportunity to be alone with themselves in the presence of others. Read more>>
Marie Brown
At this point I’ve been working on pottery for over half my life, that is a lot of thought devoted to just one pursuit and yet there is always something more to explore. Circumstance have dictated I try new techniques fairly often, I got hooked on clay in high school and after graduating from UW-Stout with my BFA in Studio Art (concentration in ceramics), I floundered a bit and ended up in a cubicle, 5 years later when the golden shackles broke I couldn’t wait to get my hands back into clay. I had no idea how or where to start, luckily a potter my friend knew graciously letting me use a part of his studio for a couple months, he fired cone 10 electric which meant so did I. Read more>>
