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.
Bree Conklin
That September, I attended the training and came back to inform my husband that I knew in my entire being that I was to bring the second carefarm in the United States to Knoxville, TN. The carefarm brings together all the elements that helped (and still help) me feel as though I could bear the unbearable pain of traumatic grief: rescue animals, nature, moving my body, being present in therapeutic community and connected to others walking a parallel journey, and doing the really, really hard physical labor involved with operating an animal sanctuary/carefarm. Read More>>
Stevean Wilson Jr
In 2023 at 29 years old, I started school at the Master Barber Academy and graduated in October of 2024. On January 18th, 2025 I had my grand opening for my barbershop called Fatheads Barbershop located at 1227 Hiawassee Ave Knoxville TN 37917. Those that know me personally know that I went through a lot of trials and tribulations to get to the man I am today and none of it would be possible without God. I am living proof of redemption and second chances. Through hard work and determination you really can do anything you put mind too. Read More>>
Kayla Large
My love for skincare started when I was a nurse for a dermatology office for several years. I learned so much in my time there and eventually went to school to be a Esthetician. Knowing so much about skin, school was a breeze and SO FUN! I always knew I wanted to make my own schedule and be my own boss. So that’s exactly what I did after I graduated. I found a open space in my small hometown, renovated it and made it my own. There is no spa around, so I was so happy to be the one to bring one to town! We started in May 2022 and have been going strong ever since! Read More>>
Stephanie Carlson
I officially owned and operated a cottage bakery, which means I was making everything out of my home. I had overtaken one of the spare rooms and turned it into a small bakery. After purchasing larger, more efficient equipment, I quickly outgrew the space and moved into a commercial space in May of 2024. The new space allowed me to fit another large oven a large commercial fridge, and I have been able to bake for so much more of the community this way. I stock a few retail/grocery stores in Knoxville, as well as a preordered pickup on Wednesdays at two different breweries. Read More>>
Lauren Adams
Currently I am working on a two part series I have entitled “Nocturnal Landscapes” and “The Dream Vortex”. In my “Nocturnal Landscape” series, I compose landscapes from photos of the marks loved ones leave behind in their bedsheets. I love the idea that the marks that are left are reminiscent of mountains, valleys, rivers, canyons, and more. My “Dream Vortex” series is created by repeating a Nocturnal Landscape image radially, thus creating a kaleidoscope-like tunnel into a dream realm. Though my painting techniques are rooted in historic and traditional methods, the topic is very conceptual and stretches the imagination of what a landscape can be. Read More>>
Taylor Teter
I am the small business owner of a charcuterie board business. I do all kinds of events and opened to anything. I take pride in what I do and how I do it. None of the boards are the same. None of them look the same either. I also try to be very affordable. I am proud to see how far I have come and excited for the future. My brand is coming from a place of love and creativity. I take pride in my work and work hard to make sure my clients are happy with what they receive. I offer charcuterie for any type of event big or small I can do it all. Read More>>
Ashley Sedorovich
After college, I met my husband while pursuing my master’s degree, and we moved to Ohio so I could continue my education with a doctorate. We got married shortly after, but shortly after that, my maternal grandmother—who had been the only maternal figure in my life—became unable to care for herself. We decided to welcome her into our home, but we significantly underestimated how hard it would be to watch someone who had raised me begin to lose their independence Read More>>
Kristin Vittorini
I stayed with that wedding company for 4 years and learned EVERY single aspect of the events industry and then decided to start a side hustle to mobile bartend for extra income. After 2 years I was so busy and was expanding my services. Just 5 short years later here we are!!!! Blushing Gypsy Events has done over 450 weddings, signed with several major corporations to event plan all their corporate events, and we have even been featured in People Magazine! Read More>>
Tiffany Trapp
Trapp’d Creations came about one day during covid while I was scrolling through Pintrest. I came across the most beautiful keychain I had ever seen. It was a letter T keychin, it was shiny, with pink glitter, and had tiny flowers in it. When I discovered it was handmade out of resin, I thought to myself, “Surely, I could make something like that!” I did extensive research of resin art, bought a starter kit. Once I had my technique perfected, I posted a few of my pieces to social media. They sold immediately. Thus, Trapp’d Creations was born. Read More>>
Jacob Birmingham
In 2022, I was faced with the decision to pursue an MFA in Animation at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN. Across the plains of Texas, to the hills of Tennessee… my wife, our four children and I set out on our new adventure. The opportunity to study under former Disney animators and be part of a particularly talented cohort of fellow MFA students, has launched one of the fastest seasons of personal and professional growth I have experienced to date. Read More>>
Ashton Wade
We quickly learned that we were better off as best friends and not business partners. So we ventured off on our own and we both sky rocketed! Now I own Ry & Co., the name inspired by my daughter Rylan. I used Facebook to showcase my work and within a year I turned into a full blown business group with a website and all! I now make items for other small businesses, personal items, gifts for holidays and more! I also have my items sold in a local boutique and many more to come. You can catch me in person at many vendor events with my hat bar and lots of premade items. Read More>>
Katelyn Lett
I’ve got three jobs right now! I work with kids, I’m a cosmetologist, and I love crafting. I create T-shirts and sweatshirts, along with badge reels, cups, and stickers. I’m definitely a kid at heart, totally into those pastel colors and bright, happy designs. What really makes me stand out is my commitment to making sure you absolutely love your products. When it comes to custom orders, I do my best to nail exactly what the customer wants. Plus, I’m all about keeping prices affordable and being flexible. I also really enjoy meeting fellow crafters and supporting each other! Read More>>
Gulnaz Hardin
Over the years, I held various jobs, but everything changed in 2018 when I lost my mother. After her passing, I found myself traveling frequently, which ultimately led me to leave college. It was during this challenging period that I discovered my passion for photography. Capturing moments through my lens became a therapeutic outlet for my grief. In 2022, I took the plunge into professional photography. I dedicated myself to honing my craft, spending countless hours online to showcase my work and connect with others. Read More>>
Jaysin Jefferson
I have a background in graphic design and fine arts, and back in 2012 I decided to leave my career as a union electrician to pursue my passion. That’s when I first opened Idle Hands in York, PA. I moved to Knoxville in August of 2023 and opened Idle Hands in Sequoyah Hills and the shop has been growing ever since. Read More>>
Abby Britt
The summer before my senior year I was diagnosed with stage 4 non Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the summer that changed my life- for the better. By the grace of God, I took treatment and was put into remission. Now almost 10 years later I am healthy, “living the dream” as some would say. I have the best husband by my side, amazing family and friends AND a job that I love. I always say “beauty is medicine” you look good, you feel good and I’m so glad I can make women feel good about themselves each and every day!! Read More>>
