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. In coming weeks we’ll be sharing some amazing stories from Tampa, St. Petersburg and the surrounding areas. Check out our favorite stories from across the Voyage family.
Juanita Chandler-Williams 
My journey has been one of transformation, resilience, and learning how to embrace new beginnings. I began my journey as a plus-size model with Diva Day International with CEO MsNickee Mack, and it was an incredible experience. Modeling allowed me to express myself creatively, connect with amazing people, and embrace the beauty and confidence that come with knowing who you are. Read more>>
Monique White 
Anointed for the Contradiction My Story of Broken Beginnings, Divine Purpose, and the Redemptive Power of God My name is Monique White, and my story began in the small town of Statesboro, Georgia. I was born into a family that believed in God but was deeply divided. Read more>>
Amanda Dlouhy Bailey 
Our Story | The White Barn The White Barn has always been about so much more than weddings. It’s about love, family, tradition, and creating a place where some of life’s most meaningful memories are made. Read more>>
Eric “eBoOgie” Vega 
I am a independent artist that was born in Brooklyn New York and then moved down to Tampa Florida at the age of Ten.Ive always been a lover of Hip Hop music and its culture so I was inspired to become an artist myself.I always knew that I had a gift with writing music so I began doing open mics and competition shows here in Tampa Fl. Read more>>
Cheri Houle 
. I became a Licensed Massage Therapist in 1994. Within a year I was working privately with professional football players, mostly Miami Dolphins defensive players. I was later brought in for NFL Players Association events in Fort Lauderdale, and until 2005 a group of Atlanta Falcons players flew me up every month. Read more>>
Stephanie McNeal 
I often say that some of the greatest transformations in our lives begin with the very experiences we would have never chosen for ourselves. If you had told the younger version of me that some of my greatest contributions to the world would come from the most painful chapters of my life, I probably would have looked at you like you had lost your mind! Read more>>
Monique Bonanno 
My journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t exactly a straight line, but looking back, I truly believe everything I’ve done personally and professionally has led me to where I am today. I’m a Sarasota native with Cuban and Italian roots, and food and hospitality have always been a big part of my life. Read more>>
Eric Kidd 
I was born in Flint, Michigan and grew up in Muskegon. Where I come from, a lot of people never get the chance to leave, let alone chase what they actually love. Dreams often take a back seat to just getting by. That reality shaped me and gave me a drive to make something of the talent I had. I’ve always been artistic. Read more>>
Matthew Mendoza 
My name is Matthew Mendoza. I was born and raised in Tampa, Florida, and graduated from Armwood High School in 2020. Around that time I fell in love with photography. It was my first passion, and it grew day after day. I hosted photography meetups in the Tampa community and helped a lot of Tampa-born creators with their content. Read more>>
Hannah Smith
I’m Hannah, the owner and creative heart behind HanMadesCo! I’m a wife, a mom of two, a hairstylist, and someone who almost always has an iced coffee and a new craft project nearby! I’ve always been a very creative person and love a good DIY project! I get that side from my grandma. I’ve always looked up to her—and still do—when it comes to crafting. Read more>>
Lauri Cuartas 
My journey into professional pet care began with a simple, powerful realization: pets in our community deserved a higher standard of everyday care. Before founding Professional Pets Florida, I built my foundation directly on the front lines of animal health and safety. Read more>>
Colleen Henderson 
Once upon a time, 3 teachers with a love for painting furniture and a passion for creativity had a dream and Once Upon a Room was born. We opened in June of 2020 and what started as a small boutique filled with hand-painted furniture and unique treasures from local vendors has grown into something beyond what we ever imagined! Read more>>
Dolmecia Fleming 
From a Little Girl Who Struggled to a Woman Who Serves I am the little girl who once faced childhood struggles, trauma, homelessness, food insecurity, and the pain of growing up with parents who battled drug addiction. I know what it feels like to go without, to face uncertainty, and to wonder what the future holds. But my beginning did not determine my ending. Read more>>
Karen Rojas 
I did my studies in Colombia, and I have been working since I was very young, since I was about fifteen years old, always trying to help my parents. I come from a very humble family, but a very loving one, and my parents always supported me. Read more>>
Kristin Blyth 
My obsession for photography started when I was a kid. My grandfather gave me my first camera when I was eight years old and I’ve been hooked ever since. I was always the girl at the sleepover with a camera. I was constantly taking photos, editing them and giving them to friends and family. Read more>>
Regina Rached 
I started as a family and wedding photographer like so many photographers do. ‘Boudoir’ ten years ago seemed too cheesy, not something I wanted to do, but I soon realized the art of boudoir was changing. It was becoming more creative, more sensual, not so much the feather boa glamour shots of the 90’s (though nothing wrong with that really, ha!). Read more>>
