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.
Willie Robb
After years of that, I was approached with an opportunity to help with a local karaoke outfit. This was 2006 or so. I would no longer have to worry about my income being tied to others less motivated than myself. Say Less!! And so my disc jockey experience began. I continued to run as an assistant for around a year before I got my first solo event. And not long after that, I was asked to do my sister in-laws’ wedding. I was definitely not ready, but I couldn’t say no. And there was no real stress, as I was doing it for free. I was hooked! Read more>>
Rose Gibson
As my schoolwork for architecture picked up, I had to resign as the photo editor at the Beacon and was taking less photos. During my lull, I graduated from architecture school at UT and got a job as an architectural designer with a local design firm. A couple years into that job I was exposed to the world of architectural photography and started taking photos for small projects at the firm. This was a fun growing opportunity for me and I got to learn a lot of new techniques affecting framing, perspective, exposure, and a lot more. Read more>>
Samantha Applebee
Eventually, my husband and I moved to Knoxville and began to put down roots. There was this little standalone building we would always pass on the freeway—charming and unassuming—and we used to say, that would make the perfect yoga studio. Years later, with a baby in tow and a deep desire to create something lasting, that exact building became ours. It truly felt meant to be. Read more>>
Courtney Cunningham
I believe in many ways this path found me. Much like the name Alchemy, this journey has continued to unfold in a way that is much bigger than myself. It has been a constant learning and unlearning process on how to create, grow, transform and lead. Alchemy was born out of a desire to create something that didn’t seem to exist. A unique space that felt as much like home to those who worked within it as those who came through our doors. I have learned the most about myself through the obstacles and struggles and could not be more grateful to be surrounded by a team that I consider my work family. Read more>>
Arrington Russell
I’d describe my own style as timeless and traditional, but most of my clients lean toward a mix of traditional and contemporary—what I like to call “updated classic.” When I meet with a client, I take time to understand both the home’s architecture and the heart of the family living in it. That’s where the magic happens. I always say: if my client doesn’t absolutely love the space, then I haven’t done my job. Read more>>
Kelley Rubish
As time went on, I started to feel this pull to create something more — a space that wasn’t just about workouts, but about community. I wanted to build a place where people felt like they belonged no matter where they were starting from. Where you could show up exactly as you are — busy mom, first-time lifter, or someone who’s been out of the gym for years — and know you’d be supported every step of the way. Read more>>
Martin Gonzalez
I have had many sacrifices and obstacles during my career. Starting a business in any situation is always a challenge but starting it during COVID was difficult. Thank God we continue to serve our community. This year we celebrate five years of being open for business. One of the biggest temptations at the beginning of my career was to save money as much as possible to make my dream possible to one day open my barber shop. It’s not as easy as it looks there’s been long days, long hours of hard work and dedication to perfect my craft. I’m that kind of person who, when he has a goal, doesn’t stop until he fulfills it. Read more>>
Seth A Barber
In 2014 Neal and a friend of his started eVape Lounge and asked me if I would be the General Manager. A few months in I had the opportunity to by that friend’s share out and I did. In 2022, we were looking to expand to a third location, nearer to downtown, we found the old Time Warp Tea Room was available and jumped at the chance, our core business has always been Vape and Hemp products and we didn’t need/want the entire space, but took it in the lease and decided to use the ‘extra room’ to open a Pirate Themed Bar and restaurant. Read more>>
Abigail Gibson
Now that I have returned to my childhood town in East Tennessee, I am exploring my wildlife art in a new capacity. I started vending at local events and festivals and have done small First Friday shows here and there. Not only do I create art for myself and others to appreciate, it also serves as a connection to nature and conservation. What I love most about being an artist and engaging with people at events is the opportunity to spark educational, inspiring conversations with children and adults. Read more>>
Brittany Willis
Seeing the rejuvenation in guests at Rocky Top Rage Room, has encouraged us to look at expanding this safe space for people to find more relief. It’s not metaphysical or advanced science; it’s simply breaking stuff for the pleasure of doing so. You see, our bodies store memories and unresolved emotional signals. Releasing them with intention makes you feel better. Releasing them with a crowbar blasting into a huge flatscreen TV makes you feel superhuman! Read more>>
Alex Gardner
The biggest learning curve for me was understanding business strategy since they don’t teach that in school to become a dietitian. I had basic business fundamentals down since I grew up in a family business, but the marketing, networking, and knowing what framework I wanted to use were things I had to learn. I also had to learn how to do all my own billing and coding to make the insurance side of my business work. Read more>>
Gabrielle Fisher
I spent the next 20 years in a multitude of roles and facilities, including neuro rehab, orthopedic, long-term care, acute care, pediatrics, and hand rehabilitation. During those years, I saw over 35,000 patients. I felt a longing growing in my heart, wishing that I could give them more than what I could in the traditional health care model. I am not implying that patients did not get better, but true healing is a deeper healing of body, mind, and spirit, which, in the traditional model, there is no time for. There are quotas and benchmark productivity expectations which does not allow for a true patient therapist connection. This led to the birth of Fisher Therapeutics. Read more>>
Winston Boykin
During that time my passion was cars, so being that I had a camera I wanted to take advantage of capturing my passion. I would go out finding different areas or car meets and go capture shots. It’s always been such an amazing feeling to capture many different aspects of a vehicle. From there I started my photography business trying to grow and build clientele. I worked my way from the car photography to also doing portraits and nature photography as well as events. But after a while things started to die down. Although it was still a heavy feeling to take pictures, I wasn’t being involved as much as I should have. I was trying to do things my way, and without really having the knowledge of running a photography business. Although things slowed down I did shoot here and there still when booked or just when an opportunity presented itself. Read more>>
Lindley & Megan
Obviously taking a leap into opening a business has its challenges. But we have been absolutely blown away by the amount of local support we have received. Like many businesses in the foothills of the smokies we are lucky to benefit from the well established tourism in the area. But on top of that, the way that the local community has shown up and rallied around us has exceeded our expectations. From the support of former elementary school teachers and classmates to new friends, we feel like we’ve grown something really special. Read more>>
Becky Sexton Ellison
When I was a little girl I always wanted to help in the kitchen. I would pull up a chair to the stove or counter and learn everything I possibly could from my mother, my grandmother, and my second mama which was my babysitter. As years went by I was always cooking for my friends that came over. They would always want to come stay with me so I’d cook for them, especially homemade biscuits and gravy! When I graduated high school I went on to work in the medical field. I always cooked for my fellow employees. My parents had the bright idea one day of opening a convivence store and a small restaurant in our small community Del Rio, Tennessee. called The Fox Den. Read more>>
Julie Noll
Every part of this journey has been driven by my deep belief in early childhood education and my desire to make a positive impact during these important years. Watching children grow, explore, and thrive is the most rewarding part of what I do, and I’m so grateful I get to do this everyday! Read more>>
Audrey Stephens
My photography journey began with the purchase of a camera in 2012 with my high school graduation money! In 2015 my church had a fundraiser for a mission trip and I thought I would try to use my little camera! When I started taking pictures at the fundraiser, people kept telling me how good they were — and that encouragement sparked something in me. I began charging $50 per session while I finished college, never imagining where that little camera would take me. Read more>>
Lily Plewniak
At the time, I was just looking for a creative hobby that could also help me earn a little extra money on the side. I took all my savings and bought my first professional camera, deciding to just give it a shot. I put up a post on Facebook offering super cheap photoshoots—kind of a “pay what you want” deal—and started working with families and seniors. That season taught me so much. I was learning on the go, but slowly, a style started to emerge. Read more>>
Sunny Miller
I was blessed with a creative spirit, which led me to discover metalsmithing and jewelry design in 2018. What began as a passion soon blossomed into a thriving metalsmithing career and eventually grew into a part-time pottery career as well. I am both grateful and privileged to be able to pursue these two great artistic endeavors and find success in both of them. In 2020, when I hit the young age of 40, I knew I could no longer deny the great calling I’ve had, for so many years, to nursing. I signed up for my pre-requisite nursing classes and never looked back. I graduated in May, 2025, and I’m now living my dream of successfully running my own jewelry business while also caring for patients with the deep compassion I’ve always carried in my heart. Read more>>
Brandon Burcham
We are most proud of how quickly we have got to the level we are at we have been in our new location for 3 or 4 months and we have been told by many professionals that we are on there level and with the amount of people who come and spend time with us obvious we’re doing something right. And what we do that others around here don’t do is focus on the family aspect of our hobby we keep things fun and clean for everyone from little kids to grown adults we have also kept things on our end cheap for them because we understand the hobby is expensive so that’s another thing that we do others don’t as well we have never raised our entry fees. Read more>>
Jeanine Fuller
Basically music and performing has been a part of my life, pretty young, but I actually originally wanted to be a pediatrician. Somehow music and entertaining has always found me and granted me many unexpected blessings. Even though, my love of performing was around 4 years old, performing in my grandparents living room in the projects for family and friends, it was eventually in church, was where I sang a lot and even leading in songs as a kid. Read more>>
Kristin Sullivan
My online shop, called Twigs & Fluff, started with vintage flash cards and has grown to include digital artwork. The vintage flash cards are my beginning and don’t tell the others, my favorite! The many sets of flash cards I have created and carry are a variety of twelve or more words that are perfect for your everyday and holiday decorating. Antique or vintage flash cards are hard to find and especially hard to find when you need a particular word, theme, or a good price! These vintage inspired flash cards take care of that problem by offering an affordable and easy alternative! Read more>>
Earland Graeson
As a member of Knoxville’s oldest underground House Music collective, The Art of House, this venture began as a new way to engage the community, outside of the construct of a “club environment”. I wanted to create something wholesome and community-driven. Not just another late night in a dark room with loud repetitive music. The venue just presented itself. And having a long-standing history of being a family-friendly establishment, it seemed the perfect fit! An open-air market. Perhaps the only venue of its kind in Knoxville. It was such a gift! Read more>>
Chris Neal
During the next five years, my group “Atoned” released three full-length CDs. Touring and performing as an artist allowed me to accumulate a lot of sound equipment, which eventually just sat unused. My return to DJing was sparked by attending a party where the DJ’s performance left much to be desired. Seeing the opportunity, I decided to get back into the craft, and what started as a hobby quickly turned into a weekend job—even while maintaining a full-time job during the week. Read more>>
Nyssa Negron
In 2017, I moved to Knoxville after Hurricane Maria forced me to leave Puerto Rico. I was battling depression and searching for purpose, and I found comfort in cooking and baking. What started as a way to cope quickly turned into something more. I began selling to friends, family, and coworkers, and that passion eventually became The Sweet Table, my baby! My cottage bakery and dessert boutique. Today, I am a certified food handler, business student, and I run a licensed and registered cottage bakery that reflects my story, my culture, and my commitment to quality and excellent customer experience. Read more>>
Sage King
I’ve always been an artist that isn’t afraid to go wherever the song takes me. I write in various formats and genres and love the process. Rock n roll feels like home but I’ve found a passion for Country and folk as well as Metal. From Living Wreckage to my solo endeavors, I have found a way to include most of my passions into my music. I am most proud of the songs. They stand for themselves. Read more>>
Vallie Prince
In 2013, I officially christened the tearoom, creating our lovable mascot, Octavius Van Der Doodle, and by 2017, I was ready to turn my dream into reality after years in retail management. The Kraken’s Cup finally opened its doors in late 2023, quickly becoming a lively hub for local events and partnerships. We’ve embraced charitable causes and built strong collaborations with neighboring businesses. Our offerings have expanded to include classes, events, and retail sales. Read more>>
Megan Gibbons
Definitely not a smooth road. We started Meg’s Macs in 2019, and just a few months later, the world shut down. During Covid, we watched several small businesses around us close their doors—some of which were carrying our macarons. It was tough, but we didn’t quit. We kept showing up, kept baking, and kept believing this business could make it. Read more>>
Gina LaGabed
Back then, I was running a business heavy in graphic design and also knee-deep in nursing school. I’ve always had a creative eye, but I also deeply love people and wanted to do something meaningful—something that made a difference. Nursing seemed like the right path… until it wasn’t. After a particularly rough shift in the ER, I realized that while I loved helping people, I needed to do it in a way that didn’t leave me emotionally drained. Read more>>
Grace Blackburn
Yes and no. I had a fantastic mentor, but I was extremely hard on myself. I’m the type of person that when I 100% apply to something, I obsess over it, and I try to be the absolute best at it. With this industry, nothing is perfect. Mistakes are made. I had to realize that pretty quickly and be at peace with it. Most people are their own worst critics. However, I had (and still do) have a fantastic clientele that allowed me to mess up, and allows me to correct my mistakes. Read more>>
Emily Gawreluk
Ginger Lane Esthetics began in a small suite inside Niche Boutique in Powell, TN and very quickly outgrew itself into what it is today. I grew this dream by giving the best parts of myself to everyone I met. I lived and breathed my little space. My people really showed up for me with their support and eagerness to spread the word about my space as well. I had a great support system through Lisa (Niche Boutique) who was like my spirit guide on days when I felt like giving up. Ginger Lane Esthetics is built on the foundation that my love for helping others always comes first. Everyone is welcome at Ginger Lane Esthetics. Read more>>
Cayla Hodge
It was definitely not a smooth road. I had moved to Tennessee from Florida. I didn’t really know alot of people and my only family was 3 hours away. So I had to truly rely on strangers to trust me with their skin in order to build clientele. The slow start in the beginning can definitely be discouraging. I had a great community of other estheticians who helped guide me. I was never tech savvy or into social media so learning how to edit videos and advertise online was also a bit of a struggle. I don’t know if id call it a struggle but perfecting my craft definitely took lots of practice. Read more>>
Karmella Grant
As I went back to school to become a licensed esthetician, I was raising my daughter and driving an hour each day just to make it to class. But God, in His kindness, provided a village. A couple of grandmothers—my angels—watched over my daughter, fed her, and made sure she was safe while I pursued the vision He placed in my heart. They never asked for anything in return. Their obedience gave me the space to succeed—and I graduated with them in that season, cheering me on. Read more>>
