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.
Gabrielle Aguilar
There have been moments when I couldn’t dedicate myself to my craft as fully as I wanted whether because of personal growth, career shifts, or simply the unpredictability of life. But I’ve come to realize that as I grow as a woman, my business grows with me. Every experience, even the detours, adds something to my work. It’s not always about perfect timing, but about staying connected to your purpose and showing up when you can. Read more>>
Liz Prosnick
Finding a good contractor would be the second hardest part. My project was in a hard space that it wasn’t big enough to be worth some contractors time and it wasn’t small enough to do the contracting on my own. Once again, I found a great contractor who was just the right fit and I will be forever grateful for being introduced to them. Read more>>
Pippin Panic
I’ve been involved in theater since christmas church plays in elementary school. I got through clown college, was a TikTok influencer for a long period of time, and now I’m a drag king and have produced more than a dozen of my own shows. Someday, I’d like to own my own home and take care of foster children. Read more>>
Sean Syverson
I was a high school English teacher working at Seoul International School, and John was living in Maple Grove, MN, working as a full-time musician and managing the shipping/receiving docks at Macy’s. Once the music stopped for John and the wear and tear of teaching wore on me, we both started talking about alternative means of employment. Teacher and musician to brewery owners and operators armed with homebrewing experience only? Why not?! I still have the email that I sent John pitching the idea of opening up a brewery, chasing that dream of being self-employed. Read more>>
Rima Parikh
With an undergraduate and graduate degree in computer science, I worked in the industry for close to 30 years in various companies -from startups to Fortune 7 – and various roles – starting as a programmer and rising to director of product management. Owning and running a bookstore was a retirement dream that became more urgent during COVID times. I quit my corporate job in April of 2021 and opened doors to The Thinking Spot at the end of November that year! Read more>>
Anastasiya Beusarev
For me, this journey started long before opening our own studio. I was first inspired to become a personal trainer because of the impact personal training had on my own life. Through working with a trainer, I lost weight, gained strength, fixed my gut issues, stopped needing anxiety medication, and became a happier version of myself. That experience showed me how powerful fitness can be when it’s done the right way, and it’s the heart of what drives me to help others now. Read more>>
Kara Dupuy
He introduced me to our now producer, John Synhavsky, who is an amazing producer and has experience in the genre with his previous band, Step Rockets, and it was a great fit and the rest is history! I wrote 10 songs over the course of about a year and John did an amazing job working on the songs with me and producing the record, which is called I Thought I Was Better (released April 2025). Eric helped with the studio work as well and some of the live drums on the album. And then the live show is just Eric and I right now. Eric brings an amazing energy to the stage and we’ve been having the best time playing around Rochester and the Twin Cities. Read more>>
Michelle And Alex Lubitz And Dahl
Revive Salon Spa was founded in 2016 in a small 4 chair space in Perham. Since then, Revive has expanded and grown. In May of 2022 Revive went through an ownership change and is currently a family run business. Alex and Missy take a good deal of pride in running the salon. It is now a clean and professional environment where we want everyone to feel relaxed and welcomed. Whether you are looking for a new hairstyle, relax with a massage, need a spa getaway, or maybe some botox. Revive is truly the place that can do everything. Read more>>
Brooke Hawley
Brooke began her career at age 16, working her way up through several Pearle Vision locations around the Twin Cities, she’s maintained an insatiable passion for Optometry. She’s traveled the globe in search of all thing optical, spending her college years working with a Canadian Optical Group, then she was off to New York City to dabble on the PR side of things serving clients who were optical retailers, and finally back to Minnesota fist to work with the country’s largest optical laboratory as Marketing Manager, and then on to manage the Maple Grove Pearle Vision, the business that she and her family have owned since 2011. Read more>>
Jonelle Salzman
So much of it is just figuring things out and learning as you go. I would like to say it gets easier with time and experience, but I think you really just learn how to navigate the challenges better. Just when you think you are coasting along and you have it all dialed in, something catches you by surprise (Covid for example). If you are growing and scaling at any time there are always going to be new things to learn and figure out. Read more>>
Breanna Church
For 12 years, my husband, Lee, and I stepped away from Deer River while Lee served as an active-duty officer in the U.S. Air Force. During this time, I pursued my education, earning a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management. But it wasn’t just degrees and deployments during those years – I discovered a passion for hosting and making people feel at home, a spark that would later inspire our next chapter. Read more>>
Heather Bull
In December of 2013 I took the leap again and enrolled in an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Massage Therapy at the Minnesota School of Business. I won’t forget that day. I was so full of emotions and as I had tears rolling down my face that it was time to face my new chapter in life. I am so glad I pushed through! It was a very challenging time and I am beyond ever grateful for all the support I had at the time. Read more>>
Micki Schaffer
Sure, I had made a list of the things I wanted, but I never stopped to think of the things I truly valued, in and outside of work. Not just the checklist of things like salary, title, and type of work. But where did I find meaning, purpose, and joy. The deeper I reflected, the more I began to pay attention to the things that lit me up. When I asked myself “what do I want”, I responded with “more joy”. This began my journey to joy and ultimately creating MŌR JOY, LLC. where I empower women to create lives rich in meaning, fulfillment, and joy – at work and beyond. Read more>>
Trey Everett
It actually has been a smooth road. I have found when I move toward what is life-giving the energy naturally flows, opportunities arise, and challenges are welcomed. While I do spend time and energy filling out grants, applying for projects, and other gigs, there is sort of an effortlessness in the interactions and creation of the artwork. Read more>>
Tiffany Moskal Brigitte Ellis
Tiffany – The entire Ellis family was born and raised in the North West Suburbs of Chicago. My parents both grew up and worked majority of of their younger years in the restaurant industry. My mom’s side owned a Italian deli specializing in the most delicious subs. My dad worked in a steak house where he learned all about cutting meat. It was natural that when my parents opened their first restaurant in Illinois near our home town that my older sister, Sammie, and I started working there from a pretty young age. Growing up in a restaurant is quite the experience and one that I always loved. Read more>>
Christina Andersen
I grew up in Grand Rapids, and like a lot of people from small towns, I knew I wanted to explore more of the wider world. After college, I spent some time in Minneapolis and then moved with my husband to New York City. There, I worked in the private equity sector using my economics degree, but also took the opportunity to deepen a longtime interest in movement (I also have my degree in dance) by earning certifications in yoga and Pilates. Read more>>
Liz Meyer
In 2015, Liz Meyer & Travis Harjes began baking organic sourdough at home for their family. At that time Travis was working at the Good Earth Food Coop in St. Cloud, MN and started selling our practice loafs to friends, family, and coop customers. This soon evolved into a growing customer base and we became a Cottage Food Vendor selling at local farmers markets. Throughout our entire journey of baking we have actively involved our customers, listened to wants and needs and responded with quality, locally made baked goods. Read more>>
Kimberly Erickson
Adoption brought me to this work. In 2019, two children joined our family through foster care adoption, and that experience completely shifted my understanding of trauma—especially how early wounds shape a person’s life. Around that time, I read The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, and it was a revelation. I’d always believed that past pain was best left unspoken, but his work showed me that the body remembers everything. That realization sent me on my own healing journey and ignited a deep curiosity about trauma recovery. Read more>>
Jake Perusich
Oh, like many things in life, there are frequent struggles. Amongst the larger struggles in my creative journey have been access to fellow creative in rural Minnesota. There are some amazing creatives, but due to the nature of living rurally, it takes a lot of time and resources to work with people with similar visions or creative drives as me. Read more>>
Chelsea Janssen
We were there selling a small menu every Saturday all summer. Seeing the way people lit up after the first sip let me know that this is what I wanted to keep doing! We eventually started the process of getting a Trailer so we really could be mobile and not have to deal with the silly tables or set up. It took us about two years of making the trailer our own two years of a lot of blood sweat and tears if I’m being honest but that’s what makes it ours. Now that little menu and the small tables have turned even bigger and even more mobile. I am beyond proud of what me and my brew crew have made this business! Read more>>
Ellarry Prentice
In the fall, when the internship ended, the Paynesville Press hired me as a full-time reporter. For the next 15 years, I had the privilege of writing thousands of stories about people from all walks of life. My byline eventually appeared in eight newspapers across central Minnesota. I had the honor of walking across the stage at state and national award ceremonies and meeting the legendary Don Shelby, one of the greatest journalists in American history. Read more>>
Sara Faaaliga
Lakes Lockeroom, Your “Local” Personalized Graphic Tshirt Shop. We print different prints from Lakes, MN prints, to Funny prints and we print some prints for our local teams and their families. One thing that sets us apart is we try to personalize shirts for different lakes in the area, You may be on a smaller lake that no one knows or stores don’t print them but we will! We do shirts, crews, hoodies! We have a bunch of colors and brands in store but we can order a color or brand you like and personalize it for you! Read more>>
Sarah Solheid
How did we begin? Well, our story started out unlike a lot of other facilities. I get asked the same question on the daily, “Did you always want to train dogs and own a business?”. Well, this is my story… Let me start out by introducing myself. My name is Sarah Solheid. I am the sole owner of the Premier K9 Center of Minnesota and from the graduating class of 2010 at the Forest Lake High School. Read more>>
Amber Cross
Although I didn’t fully understand what graphic design was at the time, those experiences sparked something in me. It wasn’t until 2021 that I officially stepped into the world of graphic design. I was inspired by one of my favorite YouTubers, KyLashai, who was offering a design course. I enrolled—and I’ve been designing ever since. Read more>>
Ruth Smith
AHelpingHandsForSingleMothers offers booking services in multiple categories such as light housework cleaning, decluttering and organizing, self-care grooming packages, local assist movers, car wash and garage or basement clearing, home decor as well as customized in-home services. I decided to launch these in home services to help other single mothers and mothers as a whole who do not have time in their homes in completing their daily tasks. Read more>>
Bryan Wilton
Originally I hail form Broken Arrow, OK. I grew up as a regular kid in the 70’s and 80’s. My mother lived in town and my dad lived out in the country. I had a horse and three cows where I learned something of responsibility. I remember riding my horse to the store so I could buy some comic books and a pop. I also remember that horse sometimes developing a mind of his and deciding we needed a test of wills. Read more>>
Rachel Schromen
Since then, I’ve grown the firm to our current team of four incredible attorneys, practicing out of a beautiful 1886 Victorian in historic Ramsey Hill in St. Paul. Over the years, we’ve evolved our practice to be more holistic—supporting clients not just legally, but also emotionally through life’s transitions—and we’ve made giving back and creating community a core part of what we do.” Read more>>
Bo Steez
One of my closest friends had the bright idea that we should start making music ourselves, since we were already spending so much time studying how the greats did it. That conversation lit a spark in me. I began writing and recording music, immersing myself in every aspect of the craft. I spent countless hours in studios listening, learning, experimenting, and soaking up everything I could. Read more>>
Mallory Arnold
While in Bemidji, MN she worked in Marketing and Community Engagement. These jobs connected her to Tara Gesy, the owner of Adventure Bowls. Tara had posted that not only did she want to sell one of her Adventure Bowls trucks, but she wanted to help mentor and guide the new owner – specifically looking for a young entrepreneur that wanted to carry on her heart and passion! Mallory decided to take the leap and purchased the previous Adventure Bowls truck and rebranded it to become “Fruity Bowls!” Read more>>
Hannah Swenson
That same mindset carries through in everything I do. Whether I’m behind the camera, managing social media, or styling a look, I focus on finding what works for each unique person or brand. There isn’t one formula that fits all. The same outfit won’t work for every person, and the same content won’t work for every business. Where She Wore is about discovering what feels right and real for each client and bringing that to life Read more>>
Sara Holger
More and more of these families were finding permanent residence in the area and there were not many youth programs that were accessible to them. We had amazing turnout with that very first pilot program in 2005, and soon, other nearby communities were contacting me to find out how they could create similar programs. So, our collective group of partners decided to become a non-profit organization to help more community organizations create similar experiences for connecting under-served youth and young adults to nature. Read more>>
Mikaylah Pokorney
I have been in the industry for 11 years. I started on my hair journey when I was 5 practicing on my baby dolls and barbies, but officially became a licensed cosmetologist when I was 19. 
I have always loved doing hair and used to dream about what it would be like as a career. I started at a salon where I was at for 10 years and learned so much between continuing education opportunities, relationship building, and strengthening my craft. I opened up my own suite in December 2024 to create a personalized experience for each of my guests. It has changed and grown me as a person. Read more>>
Tracie Pabst
For nearly 20 years, I’ve traveled to wine regions across the U.S. and abroad. What started with budget-friendly bottles evolved into a deep appreciation for the vine, the craft, and most importantly, the people behind the wines. My journey into wine wasn’t immediate, but once I began attending sommelier-led classes, I was hooked. That education opened the door to a community of winemakers, vineyard owners, and industry experts who welcomed me in like family. Read more>>
Kim Monson
Taking the leap to go full-time was nerve-racking, but it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Along the way, I’ve had incredible mentors, faced plenty of ups and downs, and grown more than I could have imagined—not just as a photographer, but as a business owner. Read more>>
Abisola Jaiye-Peterson
Sola’s Butters was founded by me, Abisola J-Peterson in 2016. I was determined to find natural ways to soothe and heal my skin and eczema symptoms. Recalling my childhood in Nigeria when my mother used indigenous resources for skin care, I was able to tap into the powerful benefits of Raw Shea Butter. I then formulated an outstanding and effective blend of Shea butter and natural ingredients to soothe and relieve my symptoms. This resulted in Sola’s Butters, a line of high-quality, natural and effective skin and haircare products. Read more>>
Taylor Hall
Retail is not for the faint of heart; it takes a supportive community and the constant ability to challenge my existing beliefs, and the desire to keep trying new things for my business to succeed. Transparently, though, I can be having a really rough mental health day, bills due, feelings of failure…but then one customer will come in and say how greatful they are that the store is open, how they wouldn’t be able to find these items as easily if if wasn’t for Evergreen and it honestly makes the struggles worth it. Read more>>
Ellee Bogatzki
School was never easy for me to begin with, and to make things harder, the first school I attended (a private program in Minnesota) was incredibly difficult emotionally. Everyone was treated poorly, and it was a very toxic environment that made it hard to stay motivated. I’ve always had a strong voice, so staying quiet in that kind of setting was never an option for me. Eventually, I made the decision to leave and transfer to a different state school in Minnesota. It was the best decision I could’ve made. That new environment gave me the space to truly learn and grow. Read more>>
Rachel Ament
Once I was ready, I started doing pop up events around my area and really started finding a love for selling. While working a full-time job, taking care of littles, we decided to open a store front in my hometown. We did all the work ourselves in the cracks of our time.. while my husband was just starting his own mechanic business too. It was BUSY to say the least. It was so much work in the time being, but now it was the best thing for our family. I love connecting with my customers in person and helping them find outfits that they love and feel good in! Read more>>
Jason Gonzalez
Before stepping into the world of real estate, I spent years running a small family residential cleaning business. That experience gave me a rare behind-the-scenes look at what home really means. I walked through beautiful houses every day, connecting with families, witnessing their routines, and helping them take care of one of their most important investments. It was there—in the quiet of everyday spaces—that I discovered my calling. Read more>>
Sarah
I grew up in north-central Minnesota and later studied Cinema and Media Studies at Carleton College in Northfield. That experience gave me a deeper language for the kind of visual storytelling I was already drawn to and helped shape the way I approach my work now: with a mix of cinematic intention and a documentary-inspired sensibility that (I hope) feels intimate and real. Read more>>
Abby Coffin
After moving home to the cities after graduation, I started Tour de Ice Cream again with my sister and her boyfriend. For our “Minneapolis leg of the tour,” we have had different guest judges for each stop including family and friends. The reviews are dramatic, comical, and contain a ridiculous amount of emojis. It has been such a fun way to spend time with family and friends and try out new ice cream places around the city. Read more>>
John Dvorak
Shortly after we were fully formed, we played at the MSUM Battle of the Bands that next semester in February 2020. It was then only a few weeks from there that we were separated from each other and sent home from campus because of COVID 19. We reconvened that next semester in Spring of 2020 and started working on songs. We eventually wrote and recorded our first album ‘THE CALL’ in 2021 in our Moorhead,, MN apartment. ‘THE CALL’ Came out in 2022. Read more>>
Jodi Dehn
All through my life I’ve experienced angels and called on them. They’ve saved my life, kept me out of trouble – most of the time – guided many, now most, of my decisions and helped me to heal myself. Going thru Luther Seminary in St Paul, MN for my Master of Divinity degree I had the opportunity to study them in greater depth with incredible resources at my fingertips. That’s been invaluable as I continue to dig deeper searching for all of the why’s and how’s and more. Read more>>
Mo Hanson
We have pushed through the 2008 recession, multiple drought years, the pandemic, the Murder of Mr. Floyd, limited funding, and much more. This work is challenging even during years where there weren’t as many bumps in the road. In recent years we underwent a huge reconstruction of the market space and now have market plaza which was created with our market in mind to hold our community of patrons and vendors safely and accessibly. The movement involved in construction and changing locations during construction proved an additional challenge in reactivating a space that is new to our neighbors despite us holding the market in that space since 2003. Read more>>
Sarah & Josh Smith
That was the moment Josh decided to dive deep into the world of spices and seasoning blends. We started with our original rib recipe and worked to create a rub that stayed true to the flavors we love but used only clean, natural ingredients. No shortcuts, just real flavor. That first blend was just the beginning—now we’re expanding our lineup with more exciting seasonings, all made with the same core values: clean ingredients, no artificial additives, and big, bold flavor. Read more>>
Ashlee Olds
I took a lot of food science classes at the University of Minnesota, but I didn’t go straight into the food world. My first real food job came in 2006, when I was one of three owners to open a café. That experience was a turning point—it showed me how much I loved working with food, and it sparked something even deeper: I realized I loved building something of my own. I loved the creativity, the connection to people, and the way food could create moments of joy. Read more>>
Catiesha Pierson
Fruits, veggies & herbs ) can have such a huge effect on the mind body & soul was so intriguing to me. Being a visual artist and creative my brain started seeing flavor combinations as art. Smoothie bowls as art , chia seed pudding as art , the food is the paint for the canvas creating beautiful masterpieces that are not only gorgeous but original , tasty & beneficial . my creativity always gave me a way to be expressive & my brain is always craving more knowledge so reading & research is always at a constant. Read more>>
Mike Trapp
To support my change efforts, with some other experienced political organizers we founded the New American Community, a federal PAC to support local organizing. Think nationally, act locally. We are providing organizing and technical assistance to Democratic County Party Organizations, the real engine of democracy. We are also fighting mass deportation by stopping CoreCivic from reopening their troubled private prison as an ICE detention facility. We bolstered and supported our city’s successful lawsuit forcing them to go through the Special Use Permit Process. We are using this fight as model and building a national movement of those opposed to private prisons and ICE detention. Read more>>
HALI Englert
July of 2020, I persisted in purchasing first machine, then threads, then flash drives, then digitizing software, then more flashdrives, then stabilizer, then googled a tutorial, bought a $70 digitizing program on the spot, overall committed to the idea of getting my cats into the ring with me, without their asocial selves needing to leave the house. I traced, digitized, sewed, and posted day after day, my excitement in getting better and idea after idea blossoming as I grew to understand the mechanics and capacity of embroidery. Read more>>
