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 Beasley
I’ve always been drawn to problem-solving and strategy. I started my journey by earning a degree in biomedical engineering, which gave me a strong analytical foundation and a deep appreciation for data-driven decision-making. But rather than pursuing a traditional engineering path, I found myself drawn to business, leadership, and growth strategy. Read More>>
Christopher Shaw
That passion led me to create Final Flash Productions, a creative powerhouse dedicated to capturing brands, products, and people in their best light. Whether through product photography, branding shoots, or cinematic video production, my goal is always to deliver excellence while making the process effortless for my clients. From that first camera at 12 to now running a full-scale media business, my love for the craft has never wavered. Final Flash isn’t just a business—it’s my purpose, my art, and my way of helping others leave a lasting impression in the digital world. Read More>>
Kaitlyn Baker
We work very hard to ensure all of our businesses receive the time and dedication they need to provide the best experiences for our guests. Of course the busy season can be very demanding but luckily with our management team we keep things running smoothly and effortlessly for each and every service we provide! Read More>>
Alfie Rowan
I had the guidance of an aunt who was a professional interior designer, and with her support, I started taking on small projects. Although I had no formal training, I relied on my natural eye for design, voracious reading, and learning through every opportunity. As my children grew older, I dedicated more time to the business, hired a team, and began taking on larger, more complex projects. Today, Rowan Hall Interiors is a full-service interior design firm working on everything from selecting finishes for new builds to furnishing 10,000-square-foot homes across the country. It’s been a remarkable journey of growth and transformation, and I couldn’t be more grateful for where we are today. Read More>>
Manuela Connatser
I was determined to follow the American Dream. In order to become a Certified Dog Trainer I started my education at a Behavior College in California and graduated with honors in 2008, then started The Canine Clubhaus in 2012. I have lived and worked as a dog trainer in Germany, California, and North Carolina. We settled in my husband’s hometown of Powell, Tennessee. Since living here, I have worked with several organizations including: The Humane Society of East Tennessee, Young Williams Animal Center, Oak Ridge Animal Shelter, and various Rescues in and around East Tennessee and beyond. Read More>>
Chelsey Hernandez
My younger brother was two grades below me and when it was time for him to graduate I took his senior photos and began getting a lot of requests from others as well. That year I also shot my first wedding! After many years of honing my skills, taking classes, gaining experience, teaching myself marketing, and finding my niche I made it to where I am today. Five years ago I was able to quit my full time job after doing photography since 2011 and solely work for myself. It was the best decision I’ve ever made. There’s truly nothing I love more than getting to authenticity capture people’s most special moments. There’s a level of trust and appreciation that is extremely rewarding. Read More>>
Stewart White
In 1991, I began selling sports cards at a flea market in Nashville, which I did for two years before shifting focus to my career in Hospital IT and my growing family. Along the way, I was also involved with two startup companies, further reinforcing my passion for building businesses. Still, reselling was always in the background. In the late ‘90s, I started selling vintage and antique items through local “bulletin board” marketplaces before transitioning to eBay in 1998. Read More>>
Meghan Gadsden
From a young age, I immersed myself in the world of competitive dance, eventually founding the nonprofit organization Second Chance to Dance to provide scholarships and resources for young dancers in North Carolina. At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, I’ve expanded my leadership through roles such as President of BOSS Dance Company, Director of Communications for the Student Government Association, and a strategic communications intern for Tennessee Athletics. Balancing these responsibilities has allowed me to develop a strong voice in advocacy, communications, and the arts—elements that fuel my passion for my post grad aspirations but also in my preparation for the Miss Tennessee competition. Read More>>
Julie Markey
I’ve had a deep love affair with live music since my teenage years in the mid-80s. I’d sneak out of the house to see icons like Michael Jackson, Prince, Luther Vandross, New Edition, Run DMC, Grandmaster Flash, and so many more. Growing up in the Detroit suburbs, it wasn’t exactly the norm for kids my age to be so immersed in the scene, but I couldn’t get enough of it. My first concert was with my family to see Journey, and it’s something I’ll never forget. Read More>>
Lincoln De Souza
Determined to improve our relationship, I decided to take a course with Cesar Millan. Not only did I learn how to walk Abby properly on a leash, but I also gained valuable insights into dog psychology. Following the course, Cesar invited me back to assist in his program. Read More>>
Kristen Thomison
Fast forward to 2021 when I was planning my own wedding – the wedding photographer that I booked came over for dinner one night and saw that I had a great deal of camera gear (that had been untouched for a few years!) she encouraged me to pick my gear back up and in the spring of 2022 I started what is now Kristen Thomison, a wedding and event photography company that has traveled the country and world documenting people’s love stories! Read More>>
Annette Sydes
Real estate combines everything I love—helping people, solving problems, and making a meaningful impact in my community. Whether it’s guiding first-time homebuyers, helping families relocate, or assisting sellers, I get to be a trusted partner in one of life’s biggest milestones. I’m so grateful I listened to those nudges 10 years ago because this career has been the perfect fit in ways I never imagined! Read More>>
Rebekah Walden
I was soon able to open a studio in the community center of my hometown. Realizing my love for babies, I made the decision to stop shooting weddings and focus more on creating a niche for myself in baby and family photography. I operated my studio in LaFollette for ten years drawing clients to our small town from all over East and even Middle Tennessee. I added a professional photo editor in 2012, and in 2017, I opened a new commercial studio in the Powell area to better serve my Knoxville & East TN client base. Having a centrally-located, store-front space really helped my business to continue to grow and further establish itself in the Knoxville area. Read More>>
Tina Florey
I have been employed in retail, the food and beverage industry, manufacturing, as a hairdresser for 16 years, in juvenile justice and then social services. My husband, Mel, worked in the construction industry all of his life and is by nature a people person. When I moved to Tennessee I began working for The Department of Children’s Services as an investigator. I have always felt the desire to have my own business and give something back to my community. Read More>>
Abby Stanley-Jerrolds
Once my grandfather inherited the farm in the 1950’s, he noticed the market for vegetables was quite saturated so he transitioned to growing ornamentals and cut flowers which we then sold to local florists. That turned out to be a difficult business and soon gave way to finished products sold on sight in our first retail center which we date to around 1955, although our business is really much older. With the help of sons, Rocky and Monte Stanley, the business expanded over the years. We built more growing houses on the property and eventually a new retail space in 1999. With the influence of Rocky’s wife, Lisa Stanley and Monte Stanley, our customer base grew and the rest is history! Read More>>
Patricia Henao Mesa
Patricia Henao Mesa is a successful entrepreneur and real estate agent based in Knoxville, TN. She came to the United States from Colombia 26 years ago with her 3-year-old son and, over the years, worked in various jobs before launching her own Spanish-language business. With a strong background in customer service, strategic planning, and marketing, Patricia has become a leader in the Hispanic community. Read More>>
Brittney Beeler
I am in my thirteenth year of being a photographer and I hope that this journey is endless. Whether that be photographing weddings, engagements, family photos or photographing wildlife, the sun coming up over the mountains or a wildflower I’m not anticipating putting my camera down any time soon. Read More>>
Sybil Laine Manahan
4 years later I had a burning desire to teach and empower new artists to our industry and became a licensed educator. Throughout the years I loved both working behind the chair and teaching. In 2023 I became a color educator for Goldwell and Kao Salon Division while building my salon brand Haute Glam Studio. In 2025, we expanded from a 300 square foot training studio to a now 1100 square feet training salon focused on empowering stylists to grow the career of their wildest dreams. Read More>>
James Tourville
Southside Garage was opened by David Yousif and James Tourville in 2019. The lifelong friends took the food truck park vision and brought it to South Knoxville. Over the time the business has moved away from the food truck park model and into a neighborhood bar known for its resident food truck Dia De and it’s wide array of beverage options. Read More>>
April Thomas
I’ve always been a creative at heart, drawn to the intersection of artistry, expression, and entrepreneurship. I started in the world of tattooing, body piercing and jewelry, where I built a business that wasn’t just about adornment but about helping people express their identities in meaningful ways. As my company grew, I discovered a passion for something even bigger – helping other creative entrepreneurs turn their own visions into reality. Read More>>
Christina Perkins
I graduated as Valedictorian of my small town high school and proceeded to attend Brown University in the fall of 2004. There, I finally felt like other people understood my love and desire to learn and I was so certain I was going there, I didn’t even apply to any other schools. My guidance counselor discouraged this plan but I was determined. Read More>>
Elyse Large
As I mentioned, I didn’t really think planning events was a real career. I thought maybe it could be part of a job description, but I didn’t know it was a whole job itself. That was probably the biggest struggle. I didn’t’ know how or where to get experience or look for a position. And maybe it’s just this area that doesn’t have a lot of opportunities for that. Now with remote work as a real option, it opens up a lot of doors for people looking to do this. Read More>>
Stephanie Brooks
Definitely not! This is a tough industry to be in today. Everyone’s got a camera now and it is always in their hand! Not just that but we’re in a digital world so physical portraits such as prints and albums are less popular than they used to be. Everyone wants digitals, and I’m trying to show people the importance of printing your photographs! Read More>>
Tyler Fivecoat
Is it ever smooth? We have learned a lot through our mistakes, and have made plenty since 2013. We continue to grow each day and are thankful that we have a business that can support us as well as many others. From build out delays, to operating a business through Covid, we have had to adapt & change things, all while staying true to who we are and our mission to provide a peaceful community space for relationships & excellent coffee worthy of slow sipping. Read More>>
Chuck O’connor
It’s been an interesting road at times trying to navigate my family time and the time expected of you by your called ministry responsibilities. As a pastor you’re on call 24-7 and sometimes have to drop what you’re doing including with your family. Over the years you deal with the guilt of missing things with your family because of the demands of your calling as a pastor. I’ve realized that my family really dealt with the challenges and obstacles more than me. Overall it’s been a great road but not always smooth and without obstacles.. Read More>>
Chelsie Nunn
I grew beside the water as well and sometimes in the water via a small aluminum boat with my uncle or father. The Clinch River flows into the Tennessee River, which I reckon is how I got to Knoxville. Studying studio art at the University of Tennessee with a twang wasn’t easy. In fact, the experience convinced me to mask my cornbread and butter. Perhaps only now I’m coming back into myself, writing poetry and making visual art about the sublime region of Appalachia. Read More>>
Issac Merkle
We connected with another non-profit who had their own building and was willing to host us at no charge. We were permitted to use their facility on two nights each month. We used one as an open house and the other for a structured class. It was important to get together to know how many folks would actually stick it out. At that time, we tried to collect dues but with little success as we didn’t have much to offer. It was helpful, however, in telling us who was really serious about having a hackerspace. We collected about $1800 over the course of eight months. Read More>>
Jim Erickson
Probably around 2018 I started doodling again for fun. Eventually had a design I wanted as a sticker to slap on my hardhat so I ordered a small batch online. I figured I’d sell the rest of the batch so mine was paid for, and it’s just sorta ramped up slowly but surely since then. Read More>>
Scarlett Morgan
I think with this past year and maybe a few beforehand I would try to over work myself during some personal rough times which effected my work ethic but overall since I have great clients who are patient, understanding, and supportive, I was able to still provide an experience in which they could enjoy and be excited for their photos. Read More>>
Kristine Nicholson
This question made me chuckle. I had zero retail experience when I took over Elle, but I loved the idea of a challenge and learning a new industry; and a challenge it has been! There is more to it than I ever would have imaged, but I am truly loving it (most days)! I have had to learn a lot about inventory management, the ebbs and flows of cash flow in retail and how to build relationships with product vendors. On days when I am feeling a bit overwhelmed, I just make a point to go into the store and spend time with my amazing employees and customers. They make it all worth it! Read More>>
Andrea Uriarte
I was working as a server at The Bistro (At The Bijou) in 2007 and would talk to the owner about my band in hopes that she would pick up on the idea to start having live music, which they didn’t have back then. We started as the house band and would play every Friday. Shortly after I was managing the booking and added a space for UT students to perform in the middle of the week and other jazz acts to perform on the weekends. One anecdote about that band is that we got hired to open for Etta James and I was so nervous I almost didn’t want to do it, it was very early in my career. It unfortunately got canceled due to illness and she passed later that year. This incident would teach me to never shut down to the opportunities I might not feel up to again. Read More>>
