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.
Shannon Anttila
I was raised in northern Minnesota, specifically Brainerd, and for the last 30 years have lived in the Deer River area. I’m a married mother of a teen and preteen boy, and my husband and boys are my number- one supporters. My family has always been huge animal lovers; my mom fostered several dogs from a local animal rescue when I was young, which was a big part of my inspiration to start the animal rescue I co-founded seven years ago. Read more>>
Kari Maloney
As a mom and an entrepreneur. I love spending my days with my sweet little girl, soaking up all the precious moments with her, and I love using my bonus time to help other families or individuals soak up the season they are in as well. I officially launched Kari Maloney Photography in the Spring of 2024, and it has been a joy to meet hundreds of people and capture thousands of moments this last year. I’m excited to be walking into year number two. Read more>>
Michael Rose
After decades of combined experience, we decided we were done working for other people (at the time, Annie had been working at Dark Horse Bar and Eatery in Lowertown, which she had helped to open 7 years prior, while I was working at Caffetto Coffee House in Minneapolis, where I had been for over a decade), and that we’d like to create a space of our own that would encompass a bit of all the things we felt we had sufficient experience in: coffee, food, and drinks. Covid restrictions were just beginning to loosen up, and we decided that an establishment that could be diverse, and that didn’t “put all of it’s eggs in one basket”, would have the best chance at survival. Read more>>
Marcia Prescott
Having a small business is a wonderful opportunity but it comes with many challenges along the way. The community has been a great support and without them cheering me on, I don’t know if I would be a business owner today. Read more>>
Anita Devi Powell
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—healing rarely is. As a writer, I’ve had to unlearn survival patterns, sit with my shadows, and confront the kind of pain that doesn’t always want to be written about. Along the way, I’ve had to unlearn survival patterns, face generational wounds, and navigate seasons of self-doubt and burnout. Read more>>
Allyson Robiller
Around the same time I started freelancing, I also began promoting local electronic music shows with SIMshows. After gaining enough experience, I finally felt confident enough to help with their socials, and JT handed me the keys to the SIMshows TikTok — one of the accounts I’m more known for. It’s been about a year and a half since I’ve been more involved with SIMshows, and I’ve loved every second of it — filming content at shows and interacting with our audience both in person and online. Read more>>
Nallely Koehler
Growing up I had always enjoyed being crafty like hand sewing and hand painting pillows with my best friend at middle school and also selling them to a friends, that was were my entrepreneur soul was born but it wasn’t until I moved here in 2016 after meeting my husband and felt in love and decided to get married and start a family that I had the the time and my husbands support to become a full time creative/maker and now having a business that I love that allows me to take care of my girls full time as well. Read more>>
Karen Howell
My experience included 42 years with the Postal Service, ending in Human Resources at Postal Headquarters. I served as president of Business and Professional Women at the local organization level, and then as Secretary, Vice President and President of Minnesota Business and Professional Women. I had knowledge and ability but needed to learn the in’s and out’s of the art world and music. AND the intricacies of maintaining a facility built in 1913. Read more>>
Rebecca
This was very different than the 3-month-working-from-home-plan that we had previously agreed upon. This felt like a pressure moment–I knew that if I went back I would continue to experience more racial bias and that my family circumstances would be in chaos. On the other hand, I didn’t have a plan in place for stable income. I decided not to go back and to start an LLC that has blossomed into my current curriculum and consultation business. That was thirteen years ago and while there have been many twists and turns in my journey as a social entrepreneur, I’m grateful that I have the opportunity to use my skills to help realize needed change. Read more>>
Mike Smith
My grandmother was amazing. She own several businesses throughout the span of her life. She started a Anderson Realty in 1960. I watched growing up as she helped EVERYONE I knew make all of their big decisions… She hired me when I was 15 yrs old to help her fix up an old home that she had bought to fix and sell. I was HOOKED! That was 30 yrs ago. I am now privileged to be in her place as the broker and owner of Anderson Realty. I have been an appraiser, investor, remodeler, restauranteur, general contractor, realtor, broker…. and I play music. Read more>>
Lukas Magyar
Establishing a management/marketing agency in the music industry is an ambitious undertaking. Our job greatly relies on the strengths of the artist. Even with years of experience and many connections throughout the world of music, building another band or artist requires absolute commitment from both parties. I wish I could say that great music was enough to make it to the professional level, but that simply isn’t the case. Read more>>
Robin Anthony-Evenson
Soon after, I took a class at the University of St. Thomas on how to start a business. Within three months, I launched PartyOnStillwater, an event management company rooted in community and connection. I joined four chambers of commerce, but my heart was in Stillwater—where I raised my children and still live. I got involved, reconnected with old friends, and built new relationships. I became an Ambassador for the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and eventually served on its Board of Directors. Read more>>
Steph Horner
While we do not know much of the struggles of the past, we do know that on June 19 2024, a major flood destroyed everything inside the theater/coffee shop/boutique. We have been told that a major flood destroyed nearly everything back in 1969/1970 as well and that the owners then had to rebuild. We have been working on rebuilding since that day and are almost ready to re-open the coffee shop/boutique. Read more>>
Deneena Hughes
Carefully curated for artistic excellence and a wide range of styles to broaden the appeal, the gallery was welcomed with vigor in the local arts and equine communities. Strategically located in the heart of the vibrant Northeast Minneapolis Arts District, Gallery Equus recently celebrated their 7th anniversary. Ever evolving, the artists rotation throughout those 7 years has been a showcase of the best of regional Midwest equine artists. I am remarkably proud of each of them and of the platform that Gallery Equus has been and continues to be! Read more>>
Rachel Winter
I’m a born-and-raised Minnesotan with a lifelong love of creativity. In 2008, I founded Sweetpea and Co. as an outlet for the creative energy my day job couldn’t fulfill. I started by sewing children’s clothing and accessories, selling them on Etsy and at local markets. After returning to school for graphic design, I began creating original designs that were locally printed on onesies and kids’ tees. Since then, I’ve been growing and expanding my business ever since! Read more>>
Emily Stein, Ph.D.
I’m excited to share my journey with you. Primal Health, LLC is my passion project—a venture inspired by deeply personal experiences. My grandmother’s stroke and the near-death of my new rescue dog, both plagued by dental disease, pushed me to develop a way to naturally restore balance to the oral microbiome, ultimately supporting dental health in both humans and pets. Read more>>
Wendi Boedigheimer
I’ve always been enchanted with all things old. Vintage luggage, picture frames, antiques, even things many people may say are “junk”. From hardware, to keys, to tool tags, to jewelry, I’ve wondered where it all came from. What is its story? Who wore or used this? How can I give it new life? So roughly 15 years ago, I decided to take all of these things I had collected and turn them into wearable jewelry pieces. Read more>>
Stephanie Rittenhouse
My journey into permanent jewelry started rather unexpectedly. A friend reached out to ask if I thought she should start a permanent jewelry business. At the time, I had no idea what it was—but I encouraged her to go for it. Once I saw her process in action, I was instantly intrigued and couldn’t wait to get a bracelet for myself. I loved the concept—an effortless, polished look with minimal maintenance. Read more>>
Jessica Worden
One of my favorite places in the world is Duluth, and I’m lucky enough to call it home. There’s just something about this city that fills me with a sense of joy and wonder. Whether it’s hiking along the shore of Lake Superior, or seeking new opportunities for fun and enrichment, there’s always something to see and do in Duluth. Read more>>
Karen Hanson
I was working as a paralegal at the time and was very settled in my corporate job. I was a paralegal by day and a restaurant owner by night. After doing this for 10 years, I decided that 30 years in the corporate life was enough. My heart was in the restaurant, and I was finally ready to get 100% involved in the restaurant AND in the community. I was born and raised in South St. Paul, and it was my pleasure to do so. Read more>>
Leah Mtegha
What I discovered was that to overcome these fears, I had to keep moving forward. I had to keep pushing. When facing fear, I needed the power and resilience to continue moving ahead. For me, what grounded me was my faith in God knowing that no matter what happens, He’s got me. I’ve learned to surround myself with people going in the same direction—other business owners who are moving forward and pushing ahead. Surrounding myself with others in the industry who have already gone through what you’re experiencing now. Read more>>
Mu Shi
With the support of my personal saving and effective income from tattooing, I am able to save enough to finally become an apprentice through who is now a good supporter and a full time licensed artist in his supervised space inside a mall. After getting my licensed I decided to contract a stay with him at his newly opened up shop called Medallion Ink on Payne Ave for up to 6 months before taking a leap of faith to have my own studio. With enough research, I found a right fit to open up my own tattoo studio on White Bear Ave which I called K’nyaw ink for the time being. Read more>>
Rustina Phoenix Nuttz
One thing I am most proud of is being a representative for my community. When living in Nebraska, I was approached about doing an interview and having a mural of myself on a billboard. I never thought at that time I was in a position to have this opportunity. I am very grateful for that moment. Read more>>
Brad & Bess Munsterteiger
Then covid hit. After being cooped up for months, people were aching to get out and do something. Opening morning, we had more customers than we’ve ever had – all at the same time. The strawberry plants were overflowing with fruit. The picking was so fast and easy, that everyone was ready to leave all at the same time as well. Even though we had 3 scales going, the line to check was,…..well,……long. We never had that problem before, or since. Read more>>
Cara Deanes
At the time, I could not tell you how long it was going to take to adjust to this new family life, but I had to trust that we were making the right decision. I felt like a failure, even though I knew the uniqueness of not many adopt 4 kids at one time and become parents overnight. It taught me a big lesson, balance is a farce. It is impossible to balance all areas of life at the same time and to do it well. However, understanding that seasons have a flow, and if I was going to become all that I wanted to be, I was going to have to learn the art of grace and fluidity. Life is ever changing and we can either go against the tide or we can just keep swimming. To show up as my best self, I aim to allow flexibility, be grateful, laugh a lot, and be in alignment with my purpose and dreams. Read more>>
Lisa Lilly
I believed it was the right path to make a real difference in people’s lives. From those humble beginnings, I worked my way up and eventually became a General Manager and hotel “fixer,” traveling across the country to turn around struggling properties. That journey—rooted in purpose, passion, and people—ultimately led me to The Miller, where I now proudly serve as Property Manager, continuing to focus on building a thriving, welcoming community for all who call it home. Read more>>
Megan Sellheim
After high school I attended Iowa State to study Chemical Engineering. While I was at Iowa State I found a lot of enjoyment as a leader in student organizations and developed an interest in starting my own business. After graduation I took my first job, joining a large manufacturing company in MN working as an engineer. Pretty quickly, I felt something was missing and started pursuing what would now be referred to as a side hustle. I started staying overnight at client’s homes to watch their cats and dogs (and sometimes parrots and reptiles) while the home owner was away on vacation. Over the course of a few years I found I did not enjoy working for a large corporation and decided my future lay somewhere outside of the engineering profession. Read more>>
Maxwell Behnke
At this point in my career, I have shot a multitude (I honestly lost count) of short films. I am proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish on set of some of those shorts. Given low budgets and limited time, I’m happy with the results. What sets me apart is my ability to take whatever circumstances are presented to me and make the most of them! Read more>>
Kiah Lindsey
After multiple attempts at different community colleges and not feeling the same passion and drive as I had for beauty school (which was always at the back of my mind) I dropped out of college and enrolled in esthetics school in 2019 to pursue what I couldn’t stop dreaming about. I graduated and became a licensed esthetician in 2020 and didn’t regret my decision for a second. I opened up my business 2 years after being licensed and working for other companies and with many challenges along the way, I still wouldn’t change it for the world. I have met so many amazing people along my journey as a business owner and take pride in making others feel more confident in themselves when they leave my studio. Read more>>
Anna LaCore
That first trip, in 2016, we started Bana Munsange Ministries which changed names to Rooted Oaks International in 2022. We started with the goal of seeing 10 children in school through the matching with advocates in the USA and Canada willing to invest in their education with a monthly donation. Today, we have 130 children in school through the investment by these advocates. In 2022, we also expanded to offer adult education which includes literacy classes and vocational training in the area of sewing. Read more>>
Kayla Adams
We had to be scrappy and put in a lot of elbow grease and research. What we did have was a lot of experience, vision, and passion. It was the passion piece that kept us getting up and trying again every time it felt like we had finally hit the end of the road. We still face countless challenges all the time, three and a half years in–but whereas before it was the vision of what it could be that kept us going, now it’s also the reality of what it is and has become that keeps us going when times get tough. Korppi has become its own thing beyond just what our original dream was. Us, our team, and our entire community has helped to create and shape what Korppi is today. Read more>>
Grace Peach
We recorded our first EP in 2021 when I was a senior in high school and Hattie was in her final year of college at UMD. The five songs we released were written by Hattie and her experiences from age 15 to 21. Once we got that ball rolling, we kept going. I started writing some songs as well as Hattie, and we released our full length album last August (2024)! It has been an absolute pleasure playing these incredible venues around the Duluth and Twin Cities area and connecting with such wonderful people in the music community. We even gained a guitarist (our dad’s past bandmate from The Blue Ringers) Tom Kolter. It’s been a wild ride and it just keeps getting better! Read more>>
Tosha Schiller
I had seen permanent jewelry come up on Facebook and thought it was the coolest idea for a gift just before my wedding. I scheduled an appointment for my mom, my sister and myself to get matching from the jewelry bracelets. The sparkle it created in my mom and sister’s eyes was something I wanted to be apart of. The year after I started my own permanent jewelry business! It took many hours of research, training, and practice, but here I am 2 years later and going strong. This couldn’t have been possible without all my supports and those who allowed me to practice on them. I appreciate you all. Read more>>
Cassidy Glad
So, with the heavy year that I had in 2017, my mom encouraged me to start going to a yoga studio with her. In addition to the yoga classes, they had other group fitness classes on the schedule, such as Barre & HIIT. I fell in love with the barre classes immediately. There was so much familiarity within barre as I grew up dancing my entire life. Read more>>
Terance Manikaran
I laid there with my eyes wide open with the nervous feeling that I was forgetting something. The next day we went to the shop and people started flowing in. Myself being big in the TCG world it was nice seeing all of the people I played games with come and support our new venture. Over time we have grown to being one of the most successful gaming stores in MN. We started by running local events and supporting the local community. Now we run events all over the state of MN, we travel throughout the midwest and take part in vending anime conventions and card shows everywhere. Read more>>
Valerie Engler
Afterall Taco Bell employees aren’t employed by Taco Bell (the brand only owns about 150 of its own locations), they’re mostly employed by franchisees….and these franchisees are BIG companies. The rest is history. Today, In total, Grapevyne markets for nearly 1,000 Taco Bell units across the U.S. I joke that the business “happened to me,” but today we’re working on being more strategic with team deployment, and also being selective about who we work with. We’re interested in working with clients who align with our values as a team! Read more>>
Heidi Skoog
It started about 12 years ago when we went strawberry picking at a local U-Pick farm and ended up with far too many berries for 2 people to eat! So I decided to make some jam and give it to friends. They loved it and demanded more even though I didn’t have any more to give! So the next year I made enough for my all my jam requests and those same friends wanted me to come up with a second flavor for their holiday gifts. So that’s kind of how it all started — I was pushed into it by friends! My first flavor was Strawberry Balsamic Black Pepper, and my second flavor was Blueberry Bourbon Sage. Read more>>
Linda Lee
hen I first started, I was thrown to the wolves and had to figure everything out on my own. No real guidance, just trial and error. And even after years of tattooing, I feel like one of the biggest ongoing struggles is still trusting your own direction and guidance when it comes to creating art. That inner battle never fully goes away. Read more>>
Tim Emmons
We played our first gig New Years Eve 1999. Due to family life, attempting to raise three small children at the time, the band dissolved shortly after. It wasn’t until about 2016 that I truly started investing my time into music again. I was going through an unexpected divorce and it was a way to process what I was feeling. I began writing songs again. My first real gig in years was at Wenonah Brewery located in Goodview, MN. I was scared to death actually but I promised myself that if it went well I would keep going but if it didn’t I would quit. Fortunately for me it went well and I’ve been playing ever since. Read more>>
