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 Herron
I earned both my Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art and a Master’s in Transmedia Design from the University of Tennessee. After starting my career at UT’s Center for Student Engagement, I transitioned to Dogwood Arts in 2018, where I now serve as the Marketing & Creative Director. In this role, I get to blend design, marketing strategy, and storytelling to promote the 20+ annual events and programs hosted by our organization. Read more>>
Cristina Grecu
I moved in Us in 2015 , in 2017 I went to NYFW , in Feb 2020 I opened my shop, first with some of my designs only, in 2022 i bought an inventory of bridal gowns ( over 750) ready for rent or sale, I am doing alterations, custom made dresses and steaming services! In 2024 I represented USA for LondonFashion week , from 250 designers only 5 of them were chosen, I was one of them ! Lately I just attended to the pink bridal show in Knoxvielle ( Feb 2th) and NYFW as a guest( Feb 9th ) Read more>>
Alexis Butler
I grew up in a military family, so moving was very common for us. I remember using my camera no matter where we had moved and I always brought it with me to document new scenery and new friends. Because of this, all of my childhood friends knew I always had my camera on me, and we would film skits, “vlogs” that never made it on YouTube (lol), and we had many pictures of us all playing in the snow, hiking through the woods, or swimming in the hurricanes. We all look back on those memories often. Read more>>
Claire Cross
I was born and raised in East Tennessee. I went to the University of TN where I graduated with a degree in Kinesiology. I then stayed for a fifth year where I attended UT’s accelerated nursing program and got my BSN. After graduating I moved to the Nashville and worked in the ER for my first year. I then worked as a labor and delivery nurse for the next 4 years. I always knew that I wanted to further my education and work outside of the hospital, so I started going back to school part-time while working to earn my master’s in nursing to become a Nurse Practitioner. With a year left of school, my now husband and I decided to move back to Knoxville so we could be closer to our families. We have been living here since and hope to stay here permanently. Read more>>
Ashley Casey Leffew
My business continually grew year after year and I booked more and more weddings, family shoots and engagement sessions. Last year, I welcomed a baby boy into the world with my husband and to be able to work throughout my pregnancy and take a maternity leave was so special. I am also able to now have a career that affords me the ability to spend most of my time with him and create a schedule to where my days are spent with him and I am able to also edit on the computer or get to emails while he naps or nurses. I also wouldn’t be able to do this career without my hardworking husband. He is the person who first believed in my ability to pursue this passion as a career by purchasing my first camera for me. Photography is honestly, my dream career and I have loved getting to do this job full time for the last 5+ years. Read more>>
Christopher Rogers
Our events have gone pretty smoothly for the most part. We have a great film community in East Tennessee with many willing to lend a hand. We have been fortunate to have been able to have some great local businesses sponsor us over the years so we have been able to give away cash prizes and not charge submission fees to our filmmakers and free admission to attendees. Read more>>
Amanda Ward
We had a mission to help other stylists new or seasoned, provide not only exceptional services and client care but also a atmosphere where our stylists can thrive as well. I t has truly become a dream come true and our mission is to always be loving and kind to not only flourish in our business oursleves but help our other stylists as well. We strive to make sure that every single person who comes into our doors feels more beautiful, loved and educated before they leave. We have built a safe space for all types of individuals and want to make sure you always feel beautiful and confident! Read more>>
Meleah McCammon
The first several years were full of challenges, ups and downs and a big learning curve, but once we got settled into a location on Sutherland Ave, we finally began to deepen our roots and grow our customer base and community. I moved the shop to South Knoxville in 2017 and continued to grow the shop offerings, expanding into classes and services offered by others aside from myself. We continued to evolve and grow into the current incarnation of what Inner Perfect is today. We are currently in our 16th year of business. Read more>>
Shawna Hunley
Running a wedding venue is incredibly rewarding, but it comes with its challenges. One major challenge is that primarily outdoor venues are at the mercy of unpredictable weather, requiring us to have backup plans in place to ensure every wedding runs smoothly, rain or shine. Another challenge is the commitment—there are no days off, with weekends dedicated to events, and constant work to maintain the property, from the upkeep of the barn’s rustic charm to ensuring the entire venue stays picture-perfect for every couple’s special day. Read more>>
Jim Ogle
The Creative side of weddings has gone through a major change since the pandemic. My job is to play the music the client has asked for. Staying in a format is easy if you have experience in that genre. The way people consume music now is completely different than ten years ago. Groups usually tend to connect with a song for around a minute to a minute and a half.. Rarely is a song played in its entirety, with the exception of Rocky Top! Read more>>
Alexandria Watson
The entire process was a labor of love, but holding a printed copy of my book made all of the sacrifices worth it. After that, I was hooked. I immediately began working on another novel, and continued to write and publish stories during my graduate studies as well. I predominately write paranormal and contemporary romance, and I now have eight novels published under a pseudonym. Even though I currently work as a nurse practitioner performing aesthetic injections, I still find time for my favorite hobby. As of this moment, I am working on a rom com that I hope to finish writing and have published later this year. Read more>>
Hunter Gentry
Labor has been another significant challenge. Managing the daily operations of the farm, especially during peak seasons, often requires more hands than we have available. This is a common issue among small-scale farmers, as highlighted in studies on labor challenges in agriculture. We’ve had to be resourceful, relying on family, friends, and volunteers to help during critical times. Starting a family and raising children during this time was also a factor that played into our daily routines. Read more>>
Elena McMillan
When I moved to Knoxville TN,2015, I received a teaching opportunity at a local college and opened my own art studio, combining my extensive educational experience with groundbreaking neuroscience research. My studio quickly became a place where art and science intersect, empowering students to harness their mental and creative abilities in profound ways. Inspired by the work of neuroscientist Dr. Caroline Leaf and her insights from “Switch On Your Brain,” I developed methods that encouraged positive thinking and highlighted the brain’s remarkable capacity for change and improvement. Read more>>
Paige Victorson
Shortly after, I created my brand in February, 2024 and applied to the next market I could find. I was sewing after work everyday in my parents guest room with the excitement of endless opportunities fueling me. My first market was later that summer at the Old City Makers Market and after experiencing how my art made people feel in their skin, I was committed to making this my future. I’ve participated in several markets since, and plan to fill 2025 with even more events to reach as many people as I can! Now I am building my online presence through social media and my website so I can connect with as many people out there! Read more>>
Brandon Fair
I always faced diversity head on from people having hate to people just downright not believing in me , I never doubted myself even when other people did because I know my music and I know what I want out of it , most are in it for the money and fame I’m in it for a long term change rather that be getting to meet larger artist or working with larger artist either way I’m making my footprint stick in this game Read more>>
Jeri Weems
I am a retired teacher, mother of hounds, lover of all creatures great and small. But most recently, I am an author. As many writers will say, calling yourself an author is difficult. You constantly struggle with whether you’re good enough, smart enough, resilient enough to handle the challenges, face the naysayers and the critics. At times you have to overcome your own self-doubt and kick your inner editor to the curb. You have to find people who know how to provide constructive criticism with a dose of love and empathy. I am proud to say I am surrounded by beautiful people. Read more>>
Corey Tyree
After graduating from high school in Frenchburg, Kentucky, I pursued a chemical engineering degree from the University of Kentucky – something that was really more of a gut instinct, a curiosity about the unknown. I had an aptitude for math but had never met an engineer as there wasn’t much in the way of industry in rural Kentucky. Engineering represented something novel to me – something unconventional, which fit my eccentric personality. Truthfully, I was unprepared for the rigor of the engineering curriculum, but by the time I graduated as an undergraduate, I had proven to myself that I could be a good engineer. Read more>>
Patti Greek
The other buildings plus ours was a total loss of inventory and it took us 6 months before we could re-open. We had to paint and do other cosmetic inside work. Then the others took 12-18 months before they got back up and running in their buildings. We did learn that we are one of two oldest buildings in McMinn County. When you hear the County Mayor, John Gentry telling the fireman to keep water flowing on Greeks, one of the 2 oldest buildings in McMinn County, you are grateful. Read more>>
