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.
Dr. Kelly Drummond
My journey began with an unwavering commitment to supporting others. For decades, my professional and personal life have centered on helping employees, individuals, and communities grow and thrive. My Soul in Bloom was born from deeply personal pain and transformation. Read more>>
Devon & Rebecca Smedley
When I became medically retired from the Army in 2019 after seven years of service, I was contemplating what I would do with my life. Read more>>
Nick Race
My story starts in the Appalachian Mountains of Western Massachusetts. Growing up as rural as I did, we ate mostly things that grew, fished, or hunted. The grocery stores were not very close, and it was also very expensive compared to our income. I was also on the local fire department alongside both my parents. This was the start of my public service journey. Read more>>
Kevin Garab
I’ve always had a strong desire to build something of my own, and in 2009 that drive led me to start a lawn-care business. The low startup costs made this decision less daunting for sure. Andrew & Ben’s Lawn Care is named after my two sons, who were right beside me during those early years of growth. Read more>>
Chad Hughes
My dad started this business Jan. 1, 1991. He worked at a local Stove manufacturing company in Athens, Tn and transitioned into the role of their in house IT before that name was termed. I had been working at other jobs when he asked me to come work with him. Sadly my dad past away in Dec. of 2020. Read more>>
Ian Jessogne
I am 43 years old. I grew up in New Orleans, LA. I was addicted to drugs and alcohol for most of my life. I have been sober for almost 7 years now. I’ve been to jail, homeless, trap houses, and every other dark and evil place that anyone can imagine where that life will take you. Read more>>
Hanna “John” Saleh
I was born and raised in Amman, Jordan, the youngest of five children. Before coming to the U.S., I worked for and retired from the Arab Potash Company and also spent years as a wrestler and personal trainer, providing bodywork for sports injuries. Those experiences taught me a deep understanding of the body, movement, and how therapeutic touch can make a real difference. Read more>>
Abby Stanley
My story begins here at the greenhouse I suppose. I took my first steps in front of our old retail center and most of my earliest memories are here. I remember looking out the front door of my grandparent’s house on the property and watching the construction of our new retail center in 1999, I was 4. Read more>>
Adriana Janisse
I started a long time ago by doing videos on my phone. Very passionate about filming. Right in the moment I’m shooting weddings and the love storytelling but also work on other projects on the side. I don’t work much with pictures, but if I do, I try to put a lot of feeling in them and make them unique Read more>>
Marie Roush
I currently have over 20 years of leadership experience, supporting people with disabilities. I started in 2005 as a house manager, then was promoted to a Director of Residential Services, then Chief Operating Officer, then Executive Director. I have only worked with three agencies during my time in this field. Read more>>
Marianne Boone
I am originally from Ohio. That is where I was born and raised. We moved to Knoxville in 2016 when my husband was offered a position at Oak Ridge National Labs. I didn’t know anyone here. I was used to a very rural lifestyle surrounded by family, friends, and a small town community where I grew up. Read more>>
Jacob Leiser
When I was 18, my plan was to become a realtor. I studied hard, passed the national exam… and then failed the state test on my first try. That moment shook me more than I expected. The pressure, the risk, the feeling that I wasn’t fully ready it all hit at once. Read more>>
