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.
Leslie Naylor
Sanctuary struggles come in all forms. Equipment failures, working with large animals. Hay field losses. That one is big. We try to cut 5 acres but usually have something go wrong. Our hay bill runs about $4000 a year or more. Funding. Dealing with the public. The biggest challenge, having to say, no. That’s the hardest. We rescue for life and that includes medical care, shelter and food. We have had to stop taking anymore in even though we have room. That’s the hardest. Read more>>
Nick Noble
My photo career began when my employer (Miami University, Oxford, OH – about 20 years ago) gave me a digital camera for a class project. I used it for the project then started taking pictures. I enjoyed it and it has continued. I now call myself a coastal Landscape and night sky photographer. I enjoy taking pictures during the quiet sunrises at the coast in NC and in the middle of the night with me and the stars. Read more>>
Eleanor Scott
From 2011-2017 I wrote columns, blogs, and features for Knoxville’s weekly alternative newspapers, Metro Pulse and The Knoxville Mercury. My most-read story in Metro Pulse introduced a homeless man who built a stone cabin on the shore of a South Knoxville quarry lake. My most-discussed story in The Mercury followed a wild sparrow trapped inside a local Kroger. Since 2023 I have written columns for Compass, a daily online newspaper. My most recent piece explored a patch of invasive Japanese knotweed colonizing the bank of First Creek. Most of my pieces explore wildlife thriving in the margins of the city. Read more>>
Amanda Sutton
That weekend, I noticed bruising and a tender nodule. I called my doctor who promptly brought me back in for a reexamination and then assured me that it was a ruptured cyst and prescribed some medication. But something didn’t feel right. The pain worsened, and over the next three months, I kept pushing for answers. Finally, I was sent for a second opinion at UT Medical Center, and from the moment they started my exam, I could sense their concern. Everything moved quickly from there, and within a few days, I got the call that changed my life. Read more>>
Chasey Smith
Nothing is ever easy, imposter syndrome definitely exists and it’s such a huge thing with creative people, everyone has their days and some are worse than others. Usually when I am feeling this way, I look at the progress I have made and remind myself that it’s okay not to like every single photo I take or that sometimes brains just aren’t nice to the body that’s holding them up. I’ve been doing this for 6 years and I still have days where I want to quit. Businesses aren’t easy, and I think it takes a special person to run a small business and continue to show up for that business everyday. Read more>>
Andrew Ellis
Offering 5 coffees to taste during the cuppings and those same five available to try at home. Now, I have a lounge opening in Bearden where people can come to do the cuppings but also choose from 25 different beans, all single dosed and ready to try their hand at brewing. They have multiple brewers ,grinders, kettles, scales, etc to choose from so they can enjoy the process and take control of THEIR cup. In a way that is easy to do and focused on the experience rather than the technicals. Read more>>
Alisa Hamby
In those seven years, I immersed myself in research and exploration. Every time I traveled for work, I sought out dog daycare and boarding facilities across the country. I observed what worked, what didn’t, and what truly set exceptional facilities apart. I attended multiple daycare and boarding conferences, learning from industry experts. The more I learned, the more I realized how seriously I wanted to take this endeavor. After all, our clients wouldn’t just be dogs—they would be cherished fur babies, loved as much as, if not more than, human children. Some of us only have fur babies, and I wanted to build a place that treated them as family. Read more>>
Nanci Solomon
Rala is a little shop of treasures located at 112 W. Jackson Ave in the Historic Old City neighborhood of Knoxville, TN. Established in 2010, Rala is an inventive retail space that provides a venue for modern goods and gifts made with love by artists from around the corner and across the world. Rala features original art, letterpress prints, a unique and diverse collection of greeting cards along with contemporary jewelry and accessories. We specialize in creative gifts for creative people. Read more>>
Elizabeth Rammel
Our family moved here with the intention of being closer to family and of opening this bookstore/cafe; it has been our dream to have one for years. I have a degree in English and have wanted a bookstore since Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks crossed paths in You’ve Got Mail. Books are my passion and, as a writer, a bookstore is a haven for not only socialization but creativity. A coffee shop only adds to the atmosphere and the stimulants certainly help :). Read more>>
Chico Dupas
Ebony & Ivory Brewing was never the plan. Initially, Mitch and I started homebrewing to save money we were spending at local breweries. We brewed our first batch in January 2019, and after several batches, more people wanted to try our beers. This led to phone calls requesting that we brew batches for weddings, graduation gifts, anniversary parties, and more. As our beers started to circulate, we built relationships with local brewery owners in the area. With their encouragement, Mitch and I decided to pursue opening E&I. Read more>>
Audrey Baker
Easier said than done, but subtext is overrated anyways. I started making jewelry in high school. I found some tiny flocked bears in the dollhouse section of a craft store and thought, “these would make awesome earrings.” I brought them home with some eye screws and dug them straight into the wood with my hands for about two hours – I didn’t own a drill. I wore them to school, got a ton of compliments, and ended up with about four commissions for more pairs from my peers that day. After that I thought, “why buy jewelry anymore? I can just make my own!” And thus, The Shiny Stuff Store was born. Read more>>
David Teeters
Back in 2013, I kicked off my business called Glassadazical with the purpose of an artistic outlet for myself and to be involved with music festivals. The business quickly grew to include several local friends and took on a life of it’s own well past what my initial dreams included. We graduated from vending smaller, more intimate events to some of the largest music festivals on the East Coast. These days, when we are granted the opportunity, we often run live flameworking demonstrations and make custom orders at events. Our festival touring will continue for many years to come to bring our art to the masses! Read more>>
Mariah Jackson
Little did I know that God was lining up something that would include all of my passions in one. A year later, after surprise investors, 4 Licensing consultants (not usual you usually only have 1), and many tears, the daycare had its opening day.It looked nothing like I had imagined, with one trial after another it somehow continued to preserver. After 8 months we had to add another room to the center because we had already outgrown our space. Another 2 months we are currently full and still growing. Sometimes I still don’t feel like it’s real. Read more>>
Ashlea Sharp
I originally started my business in 2016 after my first son was born with hopes of being able to stay home with him. Business was decent but not enough to justify quiting my full time job in medical billing. In 2020, I had to take a step back when my preemie son was born. By 2021, my business was growing. I opened a vendor storefront with a local small business and was selling my shirts wholesale. In 2022, I found out I was pregnant with my third son and ended up slowing down again. After he turned a year old, I decided to take my business to the next level. With a lot of hard work, I am busier than ever and hoping to continue to grow in 2025. Read more>>
Deana Charcalla
During the conversation he mentioned wanting to write a book to educate children on how to responsibly care for a Green Tree Python snake as a pet. We decided to collaborate with me writing and him hand painting each page. In what seemed like record time, we had created “Lucy’s Lost in the Everglades”, my first fully illustrated children’s book. The two of us had so much fun creating that book, that we decided to collaborate on a few more. Read more>>
Justin Hester
God rescued me, saving my soul and renewing my purpose in life. During my residency, I had to learn how to restructure my thought process and develop healthier coping skills. The patterns that had once guided my decisions—rooted in addiction and self-destruction—had to be broken down and rebuilt from the ground up. It was a difficult process, forcing me to confront my past, take accountability, and embrace a new way of thinking. Read more>>
Enfo
There’s been several bumps along the way it definitely hasn’t been smooth, My parents were real young when they had me and my grandparents had to help out a lot as a child. My parents ain’t been together since I was 6 and the next couple of years my life were full of unpredictable circumstances that scarred me for life. I’ve been scammed before in my career and I’ve had artists I’ve worked with be shady. Losing family members and having a couple of my friends die at a young age- to betrayal in my family have definitely shaped me into the man I’ve become. Read more>>
Martha Boggs
After college I took a job as the general manager of The Bistro next door to the Bijou theatre and have been here since 1993. I bought the business in 2009. The focus was already chalkboard specials so I began using local and seasonal products. Lunch and concert nights were pretty busy but evenings were slow so I and implemented a jazz program. Early on it was only students that played for food, beer and tips but soon the instructors wanted to play here so we have had a great program for about 20 years. Read more>>
Robin Carbaugh
Travis runs his own business in the housing industry and I still run my own brand ; If I am not growing & creating, I’m simply not living. Ironically, given the pandemic, I was forced to go on a few temporary hiatuses with my corporate job. Several months into the journey, I decided to reach out to a custom closet company & have found so much joy and fulfillment tapping back into my roots of space-planning & design. After 13 years with my corporate job, I decided to take a leap of faith and focus on all the services I am most passionate about and on my own terms. Read more>>
Camille Bergin
When I was four years old, I saw a Space Shuttle launch and I was hooked. I mean, the concept of human beings exploring the solar system?? How incredible! I looked up at my parents and said, “I want to be an astronaut!” I think a lot of kids have this dream, but unfortunately a lot lose interest in space over time. For me, that wasn’t the case. I’ve always been obsessed with space, but what I did struggle with was representation. Read more>>
Katie Hardin
I think sewing, like any other art form, is a process of trial and error. So much goes into creating a costume, garment or sewing pattern – multiple mock-ups, edits, and supplies are used, Sometimes, sewing can also be an isolating process. If you are creating at home, rather than in a studio with other seamstresses, the trial and error process can become overwhelming. Thank goodness for a thriving and vibrant sewing community on Instagram. Talking with friends online about our projects can make sewing feel a little less isolating. That is another reason why I would love to create a local sewing group in the Knoxville community! Read more>>
Amy Shaver
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I initially pursued a career in early education and child development, running a preschool for teachers’ children that was in high demand. But real estate was also in my blood—my father was a contractor, and I learned so much from him growing up. In 2000, I bought my first rental property, and in 2005, I took the leap into short-term rentals (STRs), partnering with my father on my first vacation rental before Airbnb even existed. Read more>>
Rose Spurrier
There are profound lessons with the flowers. They represent healing in a thousand different ways. And healing is made up of continual growth. Cultivating ourselves is our greatest life’s work! I have worked very hard on tending to my own inner wholeness – I always will – as wholeness is the thing I care most about. In my next seasons I want to help others through their own continued healing and cultivation. Read more>>
Taylor Dickerson
Ashley and I are both seasoned hair stylists, with over a decade of experience in the industry. Over the years, we’ve witnessed its evolution and have focused our energy on finding our unique path within those changes. We’ve discovered that we both excel in creating natural, beautiful colors that enhance our clients’ features. Read more>>
Janiece Stevens
After returning to my hometown, I balanced my art as a hobby while working at Radio Systems Corporation. There were times when it was tough to manage both, which led me to take a break from creating. But when the pandemic hit and I began working from home, I found new motivation to dive back into my art and expressing myself creatively. As I grew as an artist, I decided to rebrand my business and started selling my work at local events once Covid restrictions eased. That was the moment I knew it was time to take my art seriously and embrace my path as a freelance artist and full-time business owner. I said my goodbyes to my work family and started my new journey. Read more>>
Brittany Ivey
One of my favorite memories of the early stages of my business was practicing my calligraphy skills by writing out popular song lyrics – imagine the lyrics to “No Scrubs” by TLC written out in beautiful script! I began sharing my work on Instagram and building a following, and Brittany Ivey Designs was born. To this day, calligraphy is a side passion for me; by day, I am a nonprofit technology consultant. Choosing to spend my nights, weekends, and free time on my small business is truly a testament to my love of the art and sharing it with others. Read more>>
Stella Holloway
As rewarding as craft fairs were, they were also exhausting. The early mornings, the constant set up and teardown, and the unpredictability of sales made me realize I wanted a more stable option. That’s when I discovered the world of vendor booth spaces. Renting a booth in a store allowed me to display my creations without the hassle of traveling or setting up for each event. It felt like dream come true. Read more>>
Gabriela Bulka
Leaving behind the security of a law career to pursue acting was definitely a leap of faith—especially after spending so long convincing myself that I was on the ‘right path.’ I had everything planned out: three months in New York for training, then back to law school, and a year-long exchange program in Italy Read more>>
Victoria Key
Next thing I know I started a once a month market. Now I currently stock 4 stores in different locations ranging from Whistlestop Shoppes 730 Tennessee Ave, Etowah, TN 37331, The Primitive Mercantile 520 Cook Street Suite G Madisonville TN, Noble Curiosities 511 N Main St, Sweetwater, TN 37874 and Dandelion’s Mercantile Shoppes 211 1st St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 . Also every Sunday you can find me at the local Farmers on First Market at 200 1st St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311. I since turned a spare room in our home to my own little sourdough microbakery. Which has just been amazing. I really am enjoying my sourdough journey. Read more>>
Ashley Tourville
After graduating with a marketing degree in 2018, I started my career in the corporate world, but I always had a deep passion for creating with my camera. Over time, I found myself constantly thinking about photography while working my day job. When the pandemic hit, I saw an opportunity to channel my creativity, and photography became my outlet. I began taking photos almost every day, and it was a way for me to escape and get outside. However, I didn’t initially think becoming a full-time photographer was something that could happen for me— it felt more like a dream reserved for ‘other people.’ Read more>>
Ashlea Snell
I ended up moving my business to Wisconsin and someone heard I was a photographer and I shot my first wedding three months into my business. I was instantly hooked. My name in the small town went crazy. I started my business in 2014 and in 2015 I had 32 wedding booked. In January of 2015 I also gave birth to my precious first born (now 9!) and then during that pregnancy I found out I had cancer. 10 days after giving birth Read more>>
Modified Automotive
After that we decided to try it again in December with Toys for Tots. On December 14, 2024 we hosted a toys for tots drive and gathered so many toys that we needed more boxes thanks to the amount of people participating. Even after the date, we kept on receiving items so much so that we decided to donate all the clothes to the Ronald McDonald house to help all kids going through a hard time and the families involved. We can’t wait to continue doing these types of events of bringing car enthusiast together and giving everyone a good time. Read more>>
Jeremy Pope
We offer exterior cleaning services to residential and commercial clients in the greater Knoxville area. Our goal has always been to offer quality results at a fair price. We focus on building relationships with customers so that we can be “their go-to company”. My time in the Marine Corps taught me that reliability is everything, and that’s how we want our customers to feel about us. Our customers know that we are going to take care of their property as if it was our own. We’re going to show up on time, complete the project they need done, and make their experience as easy as possible. This practice has been the biggest factor for return business and we are busier than we’ve ever been. Read more>>
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>>
