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.
Kimberly Drye
I began teaching at WAY in 2010, and over the years it became not just a place where I worked, but where I grew up in my teaching and found lasting connections with students and fellow teachers. After COVID, the previous owner decided to pass the torch, and I stepped into ownership. Taking on the studio in such a tender and uncertain time was both a challenge and a gift—it meant carrying forward a space that had already been a touchstone for so many, while also re-imagining how it could thrive in a changed world. Read more>>
Erica Gambrell
I am a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a degree in Kinesiology, and minor in Business Administration. I also cheered – GO VOLS! My senior year, I sustained a serious calf injury, tearing it in 5 separate places, which ended my cheer career. It was during this time that I found NEIGHBORHOOD barre. I joined as a client in 2017. I loved the low impact, effective and fun workout. I also loved the community! The other clients and instructors were kind and encouraging, especially during such a difficult time for me! Read more>>
Kumi Alderman
The recognition has been humbling. The Knox Asian Festival was named the Best Festival in Tennessee by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, and also honored as the Best Festival in the South by the Southeast Festivals and Events Association. These awards reflect not only the growth of the festival but also the passion of a community that values diversity, inclusion, and connection. Read more>>
Smoky Mountain Photographers
Over time, the National Park Service announced changes to the CUA program, which necessitated the group’s evolution as well. Today, the Smoky Mountain Photographers Group is open to all local photographers who carry the proper business license and liability insurance. This shift allows the group to remain a trusted source for clients while supporting a broader community of professional photographers who call the Smokies home. Read more>>
Misty Jarnigan
One day, I took a Wilton cake course because of my love for crafts, and it opened Pandora’s box. I started making cakes for friends and family in 2016, and their encouragement led me to pursue it professionally. In 2019, I decided to add catering to my services alongside my cakes. After my father passed away that year, I dove headfirst into everything cake and catering-related to keep myself occupied. Over time, with leaps of faith and hard work, my family and I have perfected our recipes and expanded our catering offerings to cover events ranging from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations. Read more>>
Adelyn Pair
Photography has been part of my story for as long as I can remember. Growing up, my parents were the kind of people who documented everything: camcorders, photo albums, random snapshots tucked into drawers. I grew up surrounded by memories, and I loved it. I’d honestly sit for hours flipping through old family albums, totally mesmerized by the way a photo could bring someone back to a feeling. A lot of those things back then I don’t necessarily remember experiencing firsthand, but there’s proof. And looking back and seeing those things makes me feel like I can still enjoy it and it’s so special that all those fun moments are captured forever. Read more>>
Janet Cockrum, PhD
My husband and I were returning from a two year church planting project in Spain, when I was asked to launch a local site of Safe Families for Children. My childhood best friend helped start this national ministry that was revolutionizing the child welfare system. I said no twice, but the third time I was asked, I decided to pray about it and be open to how God was leading me to start a ministry that could have a big impact on families in Knoxville and surrounding counties. Read more>>
Tarah Orcutt
What began with capturing my own children, transpired into this business- TL Photography. While I have had a camera in my hand for 25 years, I took a leap and made this a professional business in 2019. My goal is to always to create an experience where every person feels valued, comfortable, and celebrated. Read more>>
Jessa Shedd
My parents had me somewhat late in life, and my sister was twelve-and-a-half years older than me, so I spent a lot of my time growing up around adults or by myself. I had friends, and my parents and sister would play with me when they could, but to be honest, I really enjoyed being by myself. I liked to draw and read, and play with Barbie dolls, which were all things I didn’t need anyone else to do. Read more>>
Dylan Bryant
Growing up as a child I found myself constantly being in situations that were troubling. Throughout my teenage years i sold drugs and robbed. With that being said at the age of 17 going on 18 , I found myself going to the penitentiary with a 17 year sentence in which I had to do 14.5 years day for day. Throughout the course of that time I learned to better myself through reading, poetry, working out, and playing chess. I later found myself wanting to not only change but help young adults change their lives as well. Read more>>
Jake & Holly Johnson
About 2 years ago we decided it was time to grow and a second food truck just didn’t make sense, so we searched for months in our town and finally we were put in touch with 2 amazing ladies who had a wild dream to take our dilapidated old city hall building and turn it into the cornerstone of our in almost even worse condition old downtown. Well yet again my amazing wife said “LETS DO IT!” And we went all in with these ladies and ended up turning the old firehouse portion of the building the beautiful open kitchen concept restaurant with 2 wood burning ovens being our only source of cooking. We are thriving with the restaurant and still somehow love each other more than most couples who don’t work together LOL. Read more>>
Brenda Sellers
I was raised on a Century Farm in Prater Flats, Blount County, Tennessee, where nine generations of Praters have lived and worked the land. At seventeen, I launched my first business—car detailing—before diving into a photography and scuba ventures. That entrepreneurial experience led me from a receptionist’s desk to president of CHROMA, a global manufacturing company best known for their stick figure car decals. CHROMA was named Manufacturer of the Year by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry (AAPA) and partnered with worldwide brands like Chevy, Ford, Dodge, Harley-Davidson, Star Wars, Marvel, to name a few. Read more>>
Maria Zolkowski
KMC started as Ashley Johnston’s vision, and she has devoted a tremendous amount of energy to growing it from a single weekly run into a variety of events throughout the week. That growth has been exciting, but it hasn’t always been without challenges. Expanding our programs and reaching new people requires constant problem-solving to ensure our current members feel supported while welcoming newcomers. Read more>>
Christina Nguyen
My platform, White Lotus Rising, is dedicated to empowering survivors — helping them reclaim their dignity, assert their rights, and embrace the beauty that can emerge from even the most painful beginnings. Whether in Knoxville, Tennessee, or across the globe in Vietnam, I remain committed to breaking the silence, creating safe spaces, and showing the world that from the depths of adversity, we rise. Read more>>
Brooke Kitzhaber
My journey into the world of micro-macramé began as a personal escape during the 2020 lockdowns, transforming a childhood hobby into an early career. As a child, I spent countless hours crafting friendship bracelets, a passion that reignited during the isolation of the pandemic. With time on my hands, I dove back into the comforting rhythm of knotting, which soon evolved into a fascination with micro-macramé. Read more>>
Kenny Campbell
God has truly paved the way for us. With any new business you have your struggles. Opening a business was not something we saw ourselves doing. However, we have been so blessed with faithful customers who have stood by us and supported our business. By His grace He has supplied all our needs, great staff, technicians and customers. Read more>>
