{"id":480258,"date":"2026-10-29T10:32:45","date_gmt":"2026-10-29T10:32:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/480258\/"},"modified":"2026-10-29T10:32:45","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T10:32:45","slug":"the-most-inspiring-stories-in-dallas-voyage-dallas-magazine-33","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/480258\/","title":{"rendered":"The Most Inspiring Stories in Dallas \u2013 Voyage Dallas Magazine"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The heart of our mission is to find the amazing souls that breathe life into our communities. In the recent weeks, we\u2019ve had the privilege to connect with some incredible artists, creatives, entrepreneurs and rabble rousers and we can\u2019t begin to express how impressed we are with the incredible group below. Check out our favorite stories from across the Voyage family.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron Tago <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1792569357758-personal_1792569357640_1792569357640_aaron_tago_photo-dec-04-2023-12-18-43-am-2.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Tago was only 5 years old they moved to Africa \u201cWhen we went to Kenya, I was young and just thought we were on a trip,\u201d Tago said. \u201cThen we kept livin\u2019 there, and I enrolled in school, and six months turned to three years. It was a crazy experience cause everything is so different.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/daily-inspiration-meet-aaron-tago-2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Ashly Hernandez <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1791577480252-personal_1791577480104_1791577480104_ashly_hernandez_img_0793-1.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m a stay at home mom who loves to bake. I was wanting to find a way to provide for my family while being present for kids at the same time. Once I successfully made my first sourdough loaf I got inspired to start a business.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-ashly-of-dallas-fort-worth-2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Adriana Ramirez <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1792597712419-personal_1792597712084_1792597712084_adriana_ramirez_design-innovators-2.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I was in my early 20\u2019s, had just had a baby, and decided that I wanted to CREATE. I dusted off my old scrapbooking materials, an old laptop, and a very unusual printer that I had never seen before, and went at it. I would make things for people for free or for trades, simply to get my name out there.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/inspiring-conversations-with-adriana-ramirez-of-adrianas-paper-crafts\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Alejandra Palomera<\/p>\n<p>My journey started back in 2012, when I was just 17 years old and already a mother. At the time, I was working a job that operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. As a young mom, one thing I knew for sure was that I wanted to be able to spend those special moments with my son.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-alejandra-palomera-of-alejandra-palomera-insurance-financial-agency\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Ali Hoffman <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1792608295872-personal_1792608295653_1792608295653_ali_hoffman_img_1617-2-1.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I grew up in Carrollton, Texas in a very loving home with parents that encouraged creativity. In 2015, I started an instagram account called \u2018The Oodles of Doodles\u2019 where I just wanted to get better at hand lettering. I \u2018doodled\u2019 everyday for a year and documented my progress on this instagram account.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-ali-hoffman-of-dallas-fort-worth-2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Alicia Mott <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1791045839544-personal_1791045839447_1791045839447_alicia_mott_img_6393.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I am a wife, mother, business owner, and I work in the corporate world! Out of all these great, wonderful, and blessed roles. I have a passion to decorate our front porch for every season!! My youngest daughter, Khloe, said to me one day \u201cMom you are really good at decorating, you should start your own business.\u201d<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/check-out-alicia-motts-story-2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Ana Martinez <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1792428865580-personal_1792428866513_1792428866513_ana_martinez_0da48f63-308a-43aa-996a-1bbd1e84ea.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My journey really started with me simply enjoying creating things and wanting to make something of my own. I\u2019ve always loved being creative, and what started with making custom shirts and designs little by little turned into J. Ortiz Creations. At first, I was learning as I went.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/community-highlights-meet-ana-martinez-of-j-ortiz-creations-2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Aaron Nathaniel <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1792527113497-personal_1792527113190_1792527113189_aaron_nathaniel_untitled-4-1.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s not really much to it. You guy from the South side of Chicago. Auburn Gresham to be exact. Kinda grew up like every other kid not rich wealthy but wasn\u2019t like super poor. I\u2019ve always been in music all my life. first started out on drums at 2 yrs old.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-aaron-of-chicago\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>ARCHIVED <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1789685603689-personal_1789685606386_1789685606386_archived_team-photo-02.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>May of 2023 was the first performance that shone on the stage under the name ARCHIVED \u2013 a duo executing the choreography to \u2018Naughty\u2019 by Red Velvet \u2013 IRENE &amp; SEULGI.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-archived-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Avery Jones <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1792511905600-personal_1792511904517_1792511904517_avery_jones_img_4439.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Hello! My name is Avery! I\u2019ve been doing nails for 7 years, and my goal is to help every client feel confident, cared for, and beautiful when they leave my chair. I love connecting with my clients, creating nails they love, and continuing to grow in my craft. My journey has been built on faith, hard work, and trusting God through every season.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/inspiring-conversations-with-avery-jones-of-averynicolej\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Ashton Charlebois <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1790623009806-personal_1790623009715_1790623009715_ashton_charlebois_img_8637-1.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I honestly didn\u2019t start out with a clear plan to build a career in video production. I was just someone who loved creating things and telling stories through a camera. I started experimenting with photography and video on my own, teaching myself as I went and constantly trying to make the next project better than the last.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/conversations-with-ashton-charlebois-2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Quinton Payne Jr <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1790187795894-personal_1790187794319_1790187794319_quinton_paynejr_1000003493-4.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>When I was 10-12 yrs old I use to pull a stool up and watch my Uncle Jay cut hair. By the time I was 15 yrs old I was fully cutting hair and we didn\u2019t go to the barbershop anymore. Now it\u2019s 26 yrs later and I\u2019m still cutting hair and doing locs also.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/daily-inspiration-meet-quinton-payne-jr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>nestor estrada <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1792445980311-personal_1792445980185_1792445980185_nestor_estrada_img_3895-1.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Animal rescue has always been more than just a passion for me. It\u2019s something I feel deeply connected to, something that gives my life purpose. My journey began with a simple desire to make a difference in the lives of animals who had been abandoned, neglected, or forgotten. I\u2019ve always believed that every animal deserves compassion, dignity, and a chance to feel safe and loved.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/daily-inspiration-meet-nestor-estrada-2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Darius Fentress <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1792191173174-personal_1792191172961_1792191172961_darius_fentress_img_5241-1.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My journey into entrepreneurship actually started long before I realized I was becoming an entrepreneur. I\u2019ve spent more than 25 years working in the music industry as a producer, percussionist, and audio engineer. Early in my career, I had the opportunity to work alongside gospel legend Fred Hammond, and over the years, I\u2019ve been blessed to work with some incredible artists and organizations.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/community-highlights-meet-darius-fentress-of-fentress-solutions-llc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Brandi Nicole Branfuhr <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1792253113012-personal_1792253112866_1792253112866_brandinicole_branfuhr_img_2267-1.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve always been interested in art, whether it was drawing or painting, I was just fascinated and kept a journal full of doodles and watercolor art. I discovered hand lettering by accident \u2013 and over time, I got obsessed and found myself making little Christmas cards for my friends and family and getting into the world of calligraphy.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-brandi-nicole-branfuhr-of-dallas-fort-worth-2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Harleen Singh <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1792259260769-personal_1792259265750_1792259265750_harleen_singh_9r0a1035-1.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Hi! My name is Harleen! I was born in Detroit and raised in Coppell, Texas, in the Dallas area. I went to UT Austin, where I studied Human Development, and later earned my master\u2019s degree in Healthcare Administration. I went on to work in operations at Baylor Scott &amp; White Health, building a strong foundation in leadership, organization, and business.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/exploring-life-business-with-harleen-singh-of-balloons-dfw\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Christopher Faggins <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1790192110670-personal_1790192109801_1790192109801_christopher_faggins_1-1.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Where I am today is nowhere close to where I thought my life would take me. But one thing I\u2019ve learned is that God has a way of taking the parts of our story that we would rather forget and using them to help shape our purpose.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-christopher-faggins-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Chase Jacobs <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1792359931112-personal_1792359930951_1792359930951_chase_jacobs_chasespeaking-1.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Viral Growth Marketing is a local SEO agency in Cleburne, Texas that helps service businesses show up in Google\u2019s Map Pack and search results, and turn that visibility into calls and revenue. I got into this at 13, helping my uncle set up the first website for his business.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/community-highlights-meet-chase-jacobs-of-viral-growth-marketing\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Mairim Mavarez <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1792633089369-personal_1792633089104_1792633089104_mairim_mavarez_732495-1.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My story in pastry began in 2008, when I decided to study to become an International Chef, a program that lasted approximately three and a half years. When I started, my intention was to develop my skills in the culinary field in general, but during the pastry modules, I discovered something I had not expected: it was truly my passion.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-mairim-mavarez-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Chris Collins <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1792601389006-personal_1792601387403_1792601387403_chris_collins_tmm_0340_thering_supplements00_02.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve been shooting and editing videos since I was kid. I went from skate videos, to sketch comedy, to music videos, and then eventually film school at Full Sail University where I learned I love post production. After graduating I worked at a posthouse briefly that specialized in corporate videos before I transitioned to a different one called 3008 that got me into advertising.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-chris-collins-of-dallas-fort-worth-2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Christie Gare<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve loved photography for as long as I can remember, and today I have more than 15 years of experience behind the camera. Through Christie Gare Photography, based in Frisco, I photograph families, children, schools, and businesses throughout North Texas. Families have always been my first love. There\u2019s something so special about photographing children and seeing those same families return as their kids grow.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/daily-inspiration-meet-christie-gare\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Kierra Coffer <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1792444211296-personal_1792444211167_1792444211167_kierra_coffer_9669d437-54fe-4543-8fc7-0d81ce007.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My story began in Amarillo, Texas, where I was born with a rare and severe form of sickle cell disease called sickle beta zero thalassemia. From a very young age, my life looked different from that of most children. Between countless hospitalizations, painful complications, surgeries, and fighting battles that many adults couldn\u2019t imagine, I learned early that life wasn\u2019t always going to be easy.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/daily-inspiration-meet-kierra-coffer\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Emily Porter <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1792607998351-personal_1792607998182_1792607998182_emily_porter_facetune_21-10-2026-13-39-43-1.jpe\"\/><\/p>\n<p>At Second Chance Skulls, I believe every skull deserves a second chance to become something extraordinary \u2013 giving new life to nature\u2019s art. What started as a creative passion turned into something much bigger when I was commissioned to paint longhorn skulls for Rock &amp; Brews, the restaurant brand founded by legendary rock icons Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-emily-porter-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Elizabeth Wheless <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1792525367654-personal_1792525367539_1792525367539_elizabeth_wheless_img_2020.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I came up with the idea for SOZO Sleep in May of 2024 \u2013 my sophomore year of college at SMU. It was born out of an experience I had with sexual assault and working through healing from that. While praying through it, I felt like I got this download that I could make clothes, specifically sleepwear, to invite women into healing and conversations.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/exploring-life-business-with-elizabeth-wheless-of-sozosleep\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Mandy Moreno <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1792012828979-personal_1792012828678_1792012828678_mandy_moreno_mandy_pink_pinup-1.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Cookie Whipped was born out of a fire. In 2016, a total-loss apartment fire took everything I owned. I moved to Preston Hollow to rebuild from zero. The insurance check that came in was small \u2014 enough to furnish a living room or enough to start something new, but not both. I bought baking equipment instead of a couch. That decision became Cookie Whipped.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/life-work-with-mandy-moreno-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Courtney Mitchell <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1792596870086-personal_1792596870053_1792596870053_courtney_mitchell_cmp_dsc3870-1.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Like most photographers, I always loved photography. But I certainly didn\u2019t start out with some grand plan to make a career out of it! When Facebook first came along, I was doing what a lot of moms were doing, taking pictures of my kids and sharing them online.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-courtney-mitchell-of-dallas-fort-worth-2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>D\u2019Andre Allegra <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1792172610375-personal_1792172610298_1792172610298_dandre_allegra_dandre-allegra-headshot.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, I moved to China after graduating from the University of British Columbia in 2002. After a brief tour of the country, I landed in Shanghai, where I began working with the Canadian Consulate as an Immigration Visa Officer.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/daily-inspiration-meet-dandre-allegra-2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Dashun Gardner <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1792590816401-personal_1792590816266_1792590816266_dashun_gardner_img_2711-1.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My journey with Just a Balloon Thing started with a passion for creativity, celebrating life\u2019s special moments, and bringing people\u2019s visions to life. What began as a dream grew into a business built on the belief that every celebration deserves to be special, no matter how big or small.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/community-highlights-meet-dashun-gardner-of-just-a-balloon-thing\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Davy Williamson <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1790103801593-personal_1790103801393_1790103801393_davy_williamson_atte96mjjqidcbmtfp5-hqpb9k3usik.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I started out performing in dive bars playing covers and grew it into recording singles creating a band and now tour full time.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/daily-inspiration-meet-davy-williamson-2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Monica Warren <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1792557853690-personal_1792557853572_1792557853572_monica_warren_img_7629-1.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My journey has been about furthering my education and building something meaningful through taxes. I earned my associate degree from Tarrant County College, and I\u2019m currently pursuing my bachelor\u2019s degree in Criminal Justice at the University of North Texas, with an expected graduation date of May 2028. Earning my associate degree was a big milestone, and it motivated me to keep going.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-monica-warren-of-posh-tax-solutions-2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Demy de Graaf <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1791360351468-personal_1791360351420_1791360351418_demy_degraaf_1000069506-1.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I am a Flight attendant from The Netherlands (KLM). I have been doing this work for 2,5 years now. I travel all around the world.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/daily-inspiration-meet-demy-de-graaf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Derek Fulce <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1791898331703-personal_1791898331629_1791898331629_derek_fulce_img_7469-1.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My journey is a story of faith, perseverance, service, and the courage to pursue a dream. I am an active-duty U.S. Army Staff Sergeant and Advanced Culinary Specialist who has spent more than 13 years serving my country, leading Soldiers, and discovering the power food has to bring people together.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-derek-fulce-of-the-chef-fulce-experience\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>David Jackson <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1791559235939-personal_1791559232603_1791559232603_david_jackson_img_0118-1.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My close friends and business partners brought me onto a gig to be the second camera about a year ago, and photography\u2019s been stuck to me since then. As a kid, I always made short stories and movies in my head, and as an adult, I still do, but it\u2019s more fleshed out than before.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-david-jackson-of-dallas-fort-worth-2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Dmitry Wild<\/p>\n<p>How I started? Once we landed in Queens, NYC, I went to Forest Hills High School (Where Ramones went) and then the High School bull shit started constant fights, popularity contest, and drinking afterwards. My family had no money so I had to walk from Kew Gardens to Forest Hills and back.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/conversations-with-dmitry-wild-2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Penny Armstrong<\/p>\n<p>From a very young age, I felt compelled to bring home every sick bird, squirrel, or chipmunk and work to restore them to health. The success rate was very low which led to many passings and funerals. In my adult years, I continued to be a companion to family members or friends facing terminal illness.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/exploring-life-business-with-penny-armstrong-of-the-legacy-passage-institute\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Ebony Botchway <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1792592527562-personal_1792592527417_1792592527417_ebony_botchway_image-9-1.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My journey with photography began in April 2013, when I established A Touch of Heaven Photography. What started as a creative passion eventually grew into something much bigger than I could have imagined. I\u2019ve always had a love for capturing meaningful moments, but over time, I realized that photography was more than just taking beautiful pictures.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/inspiring-conversations-with-ebony-botchway-of-a-touch-of-heaven-photography\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Emily Cook <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1791928331027-personal_1791928330858_1791928330858_emily_cook_emily-cook-1030x1030-2.webp\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My path began at the University of Arkansas, where I earned a bachelor\u2019s degree in business administration with an accounting focus and a Master of Accountancy. I started my career as an auditor at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Since then, I have spent more than 25 years in public accounting and industry leadership, including roles with Big Four and regional firms.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/inspiring-conversations-with-emily-cook-of-sst-accountants-consultants-2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Ella Saul <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1792255616177-personal_1792255615785_1792255615785_ella_saul_20220202_143913_0001-1.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I started doing photography in high school just as a class, but I fell in love with it. A few years after I got a job I saved up for my first DSLR and eventually started EllaMint Media.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/daily-inspiration-meet-ella-saul\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Eloy Arevalo <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1792346870239-personal_1792346870025_1792346870025_eloy_arevalo_img_6096-1.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Started architectural drafting in high school. Met a developer (construction) during college. Drew the architectural Floorplans for townhomes and apartments he would then build. During Covid went full time with a construction development company. Started E&amp;A Designs Llc during the time I started working for the developer. Ever since then grown into a design build company. Offering blueprints, permit processing, and construction.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/life-work-with-eloy-arevalo-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Emily Burak<\/p>\n<p>My story with music began when I was just three years old, when my mom became my very first violin teacher. Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and throughout my childhood, I had the opportunity to travel internationally and perform across Europe in places like Prague, Vienna, and Salzburg.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/check-out-emily-buraks-story\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Fernando Tormora <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1791374089540-personal_1791374089495_1791374089495_fernando_tormora_b8defe31ef01de2f69b3cf152cdf85.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Hey my name is Fernando Tormora I\u2019m Born in Irapuato, Mexico, since I was younger I started to feel a lot of interest in modelling, I was a really shy guy that feels that he had a lot of energy but he didn\u2019t know how to handle all of that energy until he knew about the runways, I used to see a lot of series about modelling, it was something that made me feel really happy. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/conversations-with-fernando-tormora\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Jessica Grant<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1792156620206-personal_1792156620039_1792156620039_jessica_grant_img_0079-1.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The Story Behind Fit Sweets Fit Sweets was born in 2019 from a mother-daughter dream. My daughter was just 13 years old when we created our very first protein cookie recipe together. My love for fitness came from my dad, who instilled the importance of health, discipline, and an active lifestyle in our family.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-jessica-grant-of-fit-sweets\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Jennifer Ellis <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1790989504761-personal_1790989504608_1790989504608_jennifer_ellis_2019-09-1-1.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m an educator by trade. I worked in education for 12 years and retired early to pursue my passion for cooking. I\u2019ve always cooked for family gatherings and special events for close friends but in 2019 I decided to cook full time.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/daily-inspiration-meet-jennifer-ellis\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Gianni Cadogan <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1792603307794-personal_1792603307689_1792603307689_gianni_cadogan_facetune_05-04-2025-11-08-13-1.j.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My wellness journey began at the age of 18, when I made the decision to become vegan. At that age, I started developing a deeper awareness of myself, my body, and the kind of woman I wanted to become. I became intentional about what I consumed, how I treated my body, and the energy I surrounded myself with.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/hidden-gems-meet-gianni-cadogan-of-cosmic-youniverse-2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Jay\u2019Vion Terrell <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1792731627160-personal_1792731626804_1792731626804_jayvion_terrell_img_2580-1.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My name is Jay\u2019Vion Terrell, but I\u2019m known by my friends, family, and members of my community as \u201cJ5\u201d I\u2019m an athlete who loves football, but one summer heading into 7th grade I decided I wanted to play basketball, I had only played football the prior 5 years, I had attended one practice when I was 7 but decided I\u2019d stick to football\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/check-out-jayvion-terrells-story\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Nikhita Gurukula <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1791953473552-personal_1791953473429_1791953473429_nikhita_gurukula_img_4621-1.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My name is Nikhita Gurukula, and I\u2019m a 24-year-old singer-songwriter. I was born and raised in New Jersey, but I\u2019ve always been a very desi girl at heart. I grew up loving Indian movies and Indian music, and that has had a huge impact on the music I make today.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-nikhita-gurukula-of-new-york\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Hana Snell <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1792373238908-personal_1792373238773_1792373238773_hana_snell_hana-portrait-1.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve always gravitated toward creative pursuits pretty organically. Whether it was dance, theatre, writing, or fashion, I was always drawn to some form of creative storytelling.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/daily-inspiration-meet-hana-snell-2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Kijana Harris <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1792262263563-personal_1792262262757_1792262262757_kijana_harris_img_9123-1.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Growing up my mom made sure I never had to want for anything in life. When it was time to grow up, I grew up and experienced life on my own. I experience heartbreak, unimaginable loss and some things I\u2019ll never speak on. Despite it all, my bond with my mom continued to grow and she is like my walking diary.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/daily-inspiration-meet-kijana-harris\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Samantha Matta<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1788798432750-personal_1788798432576_1788798432575_samantha_matta_nuevo-om-samantha-m-2026.png\" alt=\"Rising Stars: Meet Samantha Matta of Grapevine\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My relationship with yoga began long before I imagined becoming a teacher or creating Nuevo Om. I was involved in competitive cheerleading, and I was fortunate to have a coach who introduced us to yoga as a way to warm up our bodies correctly and intentionally. At that point, I treated yoga primarily as a workout something physical that supported strength, flexibility, and performance. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-samantha-matta-of-grapevine\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Gregory \u201cDJ Trikky The Bombradio Harrington<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c-1787099859551-personal_1787099859335_1787099859335_gregorydjtrikkythebombradio_harrington_loco.jpg\" alt=\"Inspiring Conversations with Gregory \u201cDJ Trikky The Bombradio Harrington of Vision Cr3ators aka DJ Trikkybombmradio Crowd Motivatior\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I was born and raised in Fort Worth, TX, a graduate of Southwest High School. I then attended to The Grambling State University and Angelo State University where I received my Business\/Management Information Systems degree. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/inspiring-conversations-with-gregory-dj-trikky-the-bombradio-harrington-of-vision-cr3ators-aka-dj-trikkybombmradio-crowd-motivatior\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The heart of our mission is to find the amazing souls that breathe life into our communities. In&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":480259,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[102,104,103],"class_list":["post-480258","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-dallas","tag-dallas","tag-dallas-headlines","tag-dallas-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/480258","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=480258"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/480258\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/480259"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=480258"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=480258"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=480258"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}