The Most Inspiring Stories in Utah

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.

J.J. Mendez

Design can be challenging depending on the industry to work for, for example during my times in the sales marketing world it can be demanding, fast paced environment, same day turn around, long hours, work over weekends, holidays and lots of all nighters, but rewarding too. I got to work on incredible campaigns, work with and meet incredible people. I was on a billboard on I-15 with Professional basketball player Rudy Gobert for Utah Jazz/Vivint Campaign. Read more>>

McKenzi Layton

As an adult, I began fostering for local shelters and rescues, seeing firsthand the impact a safe and loving home could have on a dog in need. But I also saw the struggles rescues faced—overcrowding, limited funding, and not enough resources to save every animal that deserved a chance. That’s when I knew I had to do more. My dream has always been to create a rescue and boarding facility together, where the boarding side could help fund the rescue’s mission. Read more>>

Mykel Davis

Looking back I see that my journey really started as a teenager sewing my own modest skirts for church. It was the era of the mini skirt and I remembered the feeling of frustration of never finding skirts to wear. Looking back, the attitude of that younger version of myself would be the same one that would spark the initiative to start a clothing line. I have always wondered why so many modest clothing lines were so similar in style. It was hard to find elegant, simple and timeless pieces in the modest fashion world. I carried this feeling for year and years, until finally I decided that I needed to create what I wish existed. Read more>>

Kajsia Belingheri

I started there as dishwasher and worked my way up to being a baker. The head chef/manager there inspired me to look into culinary school. I got into a local culinary school here in Utah and graduated with my associate’s degree in Culinary Arts. I knew I wanted to pursue baking and wanted to learn beyond Culinary school. I applied to do an internship in Ireland and was accepted the summer after I graduated in 2011. I spent the summer in a bakery in Dublin and learned a lot of different techniques and recipes. Read more>>

Ash & Ron Soares

We have always loved to travel and explore new places, especially in our 2000 Jeep Cherokee XJ. While simultaneously planning our wedding and move to Colorado from Massachusetts, both occurring in 2021, we decided to take advantage of the move and spend five weeks traveling the country, via our Jeep, before ultimately making it to our new home. We wanted to try our hand at “overlanding”, which is basically “van life”, except with a jeep and not a van. Read more>>

Domeda Duncan Mark Giles

It has not been a smooth ride. It’s been bumpy, but we’ve learned to persevere. It’s been the two of us (Domeda and Mark) since the beginning—we were also newish arrivals to Utah. We had no roadmap or formal backgrounds in business so we hit our heads along the way – even experienced burnout. We faced many struggles and we’re still learning. It’s been a lot of lessons, but we’re grateful that we have each other. Read more>>

DeeAnna Vashti

I know how to build brands, create logos, building marketing campaigns, how to do PR with Advertising & Marketing! Really it’s what I’ve done my entire life, is help others grow their companies and brand! Read more>>

Morgan Chapman

Opening a restaurant or a bakery seemed daunting until Summer 2024, when I decided to spend a few hours a week cooking some of my favorite childhood treats, vegan-ising the recipes and selling them via social media. I made my grandma’s lemon poppy seed and banana breads, and my mom’s lollipop and Gigi bar recipes, the latter being named for her. Thanks to some amazing friends, I’ve been given wonderful opportunities to stock my treats at markets and other local vegan businesses. Read more>>

Maddison Martensen

I have since moved onto working in Private Practice sector and began that journey working for Hobble Creek Behavioral Health in Spanish Fork with a dear friend of mine, Chris Wilkins, who was my first supervisor as a therapist. After working here for about 3 years I decided to take the leap and go out on my own and I created HealWorthy Therapy, LLC! Gotta keep spreading that light! Read more>>

Theodore Johnson

The most difficult part of these Salons is getting the word out to people to come and talk about creative stuff. I want to stress that you need not bring anything, and you don’t need to be an art scholar to talk about creativity. Come talk about the best movie you’ve seen lately. Grab your favorite picture hanging in your room and come show it off. Even better, bring your original writings, drawings, photography, or any creations you have made and come talk about them. Whether it’s a hobby or your primary passion, we want to talk about it with you. Read more>>

Lindsay Cotter

I’m the founder of Cotter Crunch gluten-free website, where I create gluten-free and allergy-friendly recipes that are nourishing, approachable, and full of flavor. As a Nutrition Specialist, I focus on how ingredients work together to support overall well-being, making it easier for people to enjoy food that fuels them—without sacrificing taste. I’m known for taking the overwhelm out of being new to gluten-free living, especially for families, by providing simple, adaptable recipes that make mealtime stress-free and delicious. Read more>>

Dr. Julie De Azevedo Hanks

In 2002, I started a solo private therapy practice. Even though it was just me at the time, I had a vision of bringing together like-minded therapists to build a group practice. With that vision in mind, I named it Wasatch Family Therapy. As my caseload grew and I could no longer take new clients, I hired one therapist, then another… and the practice continued to expand. Read more>>

Jerry Buiew

My journey as a shaman has also had its challenges as this is not a quick path, in fact, after 30 years, I still see myself as an apprentice to my elders and teachers, but the lessons that have come over the years have been profound. We live in a culture that disassociates itself from its own ancestral roots and connections to nature replacing this with capitalism and social media. The relevance of Shamanism in many cultures is crucial and yet modernity has challenged our access to these tools. The joy is when someone does show up and find healing in the journey and finds the reconnection relevant and powerful in their lives. Read more>>

Darinel Ortega

Being a leader comes with immense responsibility, and the journey has been anything but smooth. There have been moments of uncertainty, especially when it comes to finances, which has been one of the biggest challenges. Building something from the ground up requires sacrifice, resilience, and the ability to push forward even when things feel overwhelming. However, every struggle has been a lesson, shaping me into a stronger, more determined version of myself. The road hasn’t been easy, but I know that perseverance and hard work will always lead to something greater. Read more>>

Gentry Hale

Throughout all of this, one constant remained: my unwavering love for travel. Between each adventure, I was planning the next. Writing and exploration had become the two forces that powered my life, so I took a leap of faith. I left behind a stable magazine editor job, fully aware of the risks, but certain that the freedom to chase my passions would be worth the uncertainty. I ventured into the realm of full-time freelance travel journalism. And here I am today, traveling the world and sharing my experiences through my writing. Read more>>

Alexa Roskelley

So I decided to focus on working but something felt missing. As much as I loved my job working for a local family owned company, I knew it wasn’t what I wanted to do forever. I quit and had to take a big look in the mirror at who I was and what I wanted to accomplish. I came across an ad for a local esthetics school offering to help get a license in just four months. This seemed like such a deal and at the right time! So I toured the school one day and without thinking I applied! It was such an amazing journey attending esthetics school and it really helped me grow as an individual to become more confident. Read more>>

Greg Robinson

However, thanks to my wife’s excellent financial management and planning, our Christmas was already taken care of. With the support of our local bank, which knew us and our business well, we had what we needed to rebuild. So my wife—co-owner of T-Bird Carpet Care—and I decided to pay it forward. Instead of keeping the generous donations, we used them to help others in greater need that year. Read more>>

Rikee Romrell

I also lost my mom to ovarian cancer 2 years ago. She was fighting it for 6 years before that so we were on that journey the entire time I had owned The WItchery Wax. That rocked my world in a way i never saw coming. My clients (who are also my friends) have been such a big support to me and I felt bolstered up by them in ways they probably don’t even realize. That was a tough time and still is. Grief is such a strange thing to navigate for anyone. Read more>>

Rodrigo Choto

But despite the hurdles, we can’t help but feel immense pride every time we spot someone sporting our brand, whether on the court or in their daily lives. It’s moments like these that fuel our passion and drive us to keep pushing forward—showcasing our clothing at every tournament we can and spreading the word about our brand. Marketing has been another area we’re working to strengthen, as we know it’s a key to unlocking growth for any company. While these challenges are common for small businesses, they also present opportunities to learn, adapt, and build something truly special. We’re ready for the journey ahead! Read more>>

Sharon Anderson

When we got home, I discovered HOTWORX and decided to try a free class. Their HOT Yoga session was exactly what I had been looking for! The virtual instructor meant I wouldn’t be yelled at if I was running late, and the infrared sauna setting—where only three people can fit—made for a much more comfortable and personal experience. I was hooked! I was also hooked on the benefits of infrared! Read more>>

Jade Cromar

Something over the years I learned was so many of my clients would shut down or start to get anxious when their dogs would have a reaction of any type and mainly barking at things, which was a huge factor in the naming of my business. I ultimately want my clients to see its okay and that we work through it together and keeping trucking along. Bark and Bloom was an idea that started last November and became a reality this January. Bark (a reaction to something) and Bloom (growing from and learning how to help our dogs through something)! I also want to mention that I am woman and LGBTQ+ owned! Read more>>

Anna Gorkiewicz Sullivan

Seven years passed, and I still have a magnet with a cheatsheet on my fridge. I continue to educate myself. I still watch tons of videos, and I have attended some amazing classes both online and in-person to keep up with trends and learn new things. I was scared to death the first time I started piping sugar cookies. Now I really enjoy it. All that aside, I love my little business. It gives me purpose and a sense of belonging. Read more>>

Karlee Porter

When I won my first quilting competition in 2012, I was in my early 20’s. Most of the quilters in the quilting world had been quilting longer than I had been alive. It was very interesting to see how I was treated differently and subsequently not being taken seriously purely because so many of these older (mostly women) didn’t believe that I was capable of the level or artistry that was allowing me to compete on an international level. I was passed over for teaching opportunities and told it had nothing to do with my talent and everything to do with older generations being unwilling to take artistic quilting advice from someone in their 20’s. Read more>>

Zaya Johnson

I found myself wanting to start doing music content, and quickly emailed someone connected to a huge local festival in Utah. After months of communication and practice, I got on the team. I realized how much I loved it, no matter how stressful it got. Everyday was like my Disneyland. I kept getting more work after that, it became my first big connection. I even wrote my own short film (not yet produced) and kept being a PA and freelancing as well as surrounding myself with other amazing creatives which has brought me to where I am now. I have multiple clients Ive worked with, festivals, sets, but most importantly I have found my community. Read more>>

Allen Salazar

For a couple years into using a DAW to make music, I was completely self taught. There were some YouTube tutorials around at the time but nothing comprehensive like there is now. I also was feeling like FL Studio wasn’t the best fit for me so I started looking around at other DAWs but it was at that moment when I came across a local school that teaches a specific DAW called Ableton Live. So I immediately signed up at Salt Lake DJ & Production to beat the learning curve. This was in Jan 2014. Read more>>

Cohen DeYoung

My journey into screen printing started back in 2012 when I was touring with my death metal band. Like most independent musicians, we needed merch to support our tours, but the costs were steep. I decided to take matters into my own hands and learned how to print our shirts. What started as a way to save money quickly turned into a passion. I fell in love with the process, the creativity, the craftsmanship, and the satisfaction of seeing a design come to life on a shirt. Read more>>

Jules Sorensen

It has not been a smooth road. There have been many learning curves that in the end have helped me become better. I struggle with a lot of self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy. But then I have to remind myself that people are not asking me to take pictures because they have pity on me or because I am close in proximity. They WANT me to take pictures for them because they like my style. Read more>>

Andelin Mbaki

I created the website all on my own, I manage the social media all on my own for promotions, dance video content, dance pictures, to share different hip hop styles, etc. My dad has his own business and has helped me with business part of things, pricing, and marketing details. On the last Friday of January, I had a free trial class and it was great, I had a great turnout! Then every Friday from then we have class. It’s been going great, the only thing I would love to have is more consistent dancers but besides that I have been having a blast. I love creating an environment where women can come together, have a fun way to exercise, and express ourselves through movement. Though I say it’s a Mom Class it is open to moms and all adult women! Read more>>

Mark Wade

As the internet emerged in the mid 1990’s I was involved in uploading some of the first travel information to be placed on the internet, and this led me to a 25-year career in internet marketing and consulting for tourism. My work has involved creating and marketing websites and online information directories, video production, photography, and writing text content for the internet, and consulting with tourism-based businesses and organizations such as county tourism offices, resorts, hotels, restaurants, guides and outfitters, event venues such as Tuacahn Center for the Performing Arts, etc. Read more>>

Elsa Jaworski

With the support of these companies, the aim became to distribute these products to youth in after-school programs across Utah. Our mission grew to not only provide access to nutritious food but also to educate young people on the lasting impact of good nutrition, particularly in reducing the risk of preventable diseases. From this vision, we emerged, with a commitment to supporting Utah’s youth with both resources and knowledge for healthier futures. Today, we’re proud to partner with CPG brands and community organizations to offer children the tools they need for long-lasting wellness. Read more>>

Haylo Tattoo

Unlike most tattoo shops that are big open rooms with loud, screaming music, with the smell of cigarette smoke and people who sit around and complain all day… I offer a very ZEN environment. I’m in a private suite in the back of a beauty lounge. I have essential oils defusing through out my clients tattoo sessions, my music is there for background noise and I am able to have wonderful conversations with my clients. I learned that the more calm and peaceful the environment, the longer a client can sit through the hours of pain during their tattoo sessions. Read more>>

Brittni McGarry

Still working at the orthopedic part time, and opening a new salon, building a clientele was a lot of hard work and dedication. I would work 12-14 hours a day for two years to build my clientele. In 2019 I finally took the leap to quit my secured paying job to finally be at the salon full time. Then 2020 happened… we got shut down for six weeks. I felt discouraged in my decision quitting my essential secured paying job, wondering how am I going to be able to pay my bills, but my clients supported me more than ever, buying products and gift cards. I wouldn’t be where I am without them. After the shut down was lifted I was busier than I ever have been before and it hasn’t stopped since then. Read more>>

Sadie Lawrence

Now, I feel like I am living a dream!! Every single one of the weddings I have photographed throughout the years, has been so perfect and SO different from each other. I feel so incredibly lucky to not only know these amazing people but to have the best seat for these monumental moments!! Read more>>

Becca Dahl

For a lot of my adventure sessions here in Utah, I attract many out-of-state clients. I have a huge client closet called Salt Gowns, with hundreds of dresses available. Some of my adventure sessions include dresses, so instead of traveling with big tulle gowns or purchasing expensive outfits, many of my clients use my client closet. Salt Gowns has also become its own little business, offering dress rentals for photoshoots across the country. Read more>>

Anna Renshaw

So when I reached adulthood, Covid had hit and I hit pause on a lot of my community engagement work because gathering in large groups didn’t feel like the right thing to do for the wider community. I was focusing on college, and then in 2022 I took a class called Gender On the Hill at the U. This class was focused on tracking bills during the Utah Legislative Session and learning how to lobby for legislation. And that felt like finding a missing puzzle piece for me. It reminded me how much work I could be doing and how much I used to love doing it. And then, a couple months later, the Roe decision was leaked. I knew what I had to do. Read more>>

Cristina Castro

Driven by my passion for learning and culinary expertise, I was committed to delving into the nail industry and expanding my boundaries. After weeks of diligent research, I pursued the best educational opportunities to enhance my understanding of nail technology. Upon evaluating several local schools, I realized they did not meet my educational needs or align with my vision of efficiency. Read more>>

George Bush

Sauced Up Salsa was founded in 2020 as a family-run business driven by a love for bold, fire-roasted flavors and a commitment to high-quality ingredients. What started as a passion for making fresh, homemade salsa quickly turned into something bigger when we saw how much people loved our recipes. We wanted to create a salsa that not only tasted amazing but was also made with simple, clean ingredients—gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and with no added sugar. Read more>>

Maddie Stokes

Around graduation I started dreaming of becoming a wedding photographer that got to travel the world, and I have got to travel to quite a few beautiful places. 9 years later, and most of my work takes place in small town Utah with the same stream of clientele I’ve been shooting for years, and I realize I don’t think traveling for a living would have fulfilled me nearly as much. I love being a part of the same people’s milestones year after year, I love photographing my friends and family members every year. I love the secluded mountain locations I get all to myself. I love the intimate and supportive photography community we have here. Most importantly I love that I created a sustainable career that is a quick drive home to my sweet husband and beautiful baby girl that was born this year. Read more>>

Erica Wright

A few years ago, I found myself watching a local youth football game, noticing a glaring gap in the recreation sports world. There was so much focus on the athletes on the field, but I couldn’t help but think about the kids on the sidelines—the cheerleaders, who were often overlooked. At the time, we had just six young athletes standing there, eager but lacking the support, structure, and confidence they deserved. Read more>>

Delilah Gervais

After a couple years I moved to Bozeman and opened a small retail space on their main street where we specialized in makeup and skin. Little did I know Montana was going to bring me the love of my life. Soon after I relocated to Salt Lake City in 2003 for my soon to be husband’s job and began working in hospitality in Park City. I knew I wanted to open another store and the best way to get to know the area and the customer is to emmerse yourself in it! Read more>>

All Members

Together, we transformed Coping Creative into a group organization, creating a space that enables us to uplift one another, share skills, and collaborate to sell and showcase our work. In December 2024, we hosted our “soft launch” partnering with local DJ WaxKalax for a King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard-themed vinyl night, which was a resounding success. Fueled by that momentum, in 2025 we had our “hard launch” at RoHa Brewing Project’s St. Patrick’s Day Market. Read more>>

Amanda Darrow

I built an additional department around education and ensuring inclusion for our LGBTQ+ students in Utah schools. In November 2022, I accepted a position as a Co-CEO of the Pride Center. I left the Utah Pride Center a few months later to begin IncludEd United. A decision that I value with my whole heart. IncludEd United is dedicated to supporting our underrepresented identities through education, our Utah Educators, and our students, who are looking to be included in a world that can sometimes exclude them from being their authentic selves. Read more>>

Christine Tanner

That’s when I stepped into the world of Unemployment Insurance (UI) claims, working for a large staffing agency. From the start, I was captivated by the complexity and challenge of the field. It pushed me to think critically, problem-solve, and expand my expertise—something I’ve always thrived on. What began as a necessity quickly became a passion, and over the years, I’ve dedicated myself to mastering UI claims management, compliance, and strategic consulting. Read more>>

Anna Jeffery

In May of 1987, the organization received its 501 (c) 3 status. The UCB offers subsidized transportation services through Uber/Lyft and local cab companies. Driver mileage reimbursement, Training in blindness skills which teaches newly people of all ages as well as employ a blind person. Scholarships, Ceramics, and Pottery Classes, Adaptive Technology grants, Community Projects for those on the extreme low-income range to receive some help with their home. Read more>>

Maria Ivanova

In 2008, amidst the looming global recession, DF Dance Studio was born in the heart of Salt Lake City. Its first home was an unassuming second-floor space in an old print shop—far from glamorous. The studio had linoleum floors, low ceilings, exposed wires dangling from the ceiling tiles, and not a single window. With a modest budget of just $5,000 for renovations, the journey began. Back then, it wasn’t known as DF Dance Studio but rather Drugaya Forma—a nod to its Russian roots, meaning “Different Form.” Read more>>

Corinne Chinchilla

It was an offer I couldn’t refuse and one I was so excited about! Some people might think that closing your business down to go and work for someone else is a failure – but I don’t. I am so proud that I was able to build a business from scratch while supporting local businesses. My venture into entrepreneurship opened doors for me that I wouldn’t never have had otherwise and I am now working at ThriveHive where I support other female entrepreneurs to leave Corporate America behind and start their own consulting businesses. This job is the perfect balance for me – it encompasses a mission I believe in, and allows me to use my Zone of Genius every day at work as I help these women find freedom after corporate. Read more>>

ICON

My name is Harry Fontenot but you may also know me as ICON. I was born in Salt Lake City in December of 2006. I started writing music at the age of four it wasn’t anything close to decent but it was a great way to get my feelings out. of which i had a lot. Growing up i felt a lot like an outsider. I didn’t carry the same religion as the people around me which led to me in a lot of ways being on my own. I was alone for a long time, but when i was thirteen years old i discovered that place in the world where i could call home. Read more>>

Jenalee Marshall

At the time I only had only taken one graphic design class and had just reviewed my Associates in Custom Residential Architecture. I didn’t know if I’d finish schooling or how I’d find a job in a foreign country. It took a year to get hired on with the Air Force in Aviano, Italy. Military spouses were not allowed to work in Italy within the community (the Italians didn’t want competition from Americans), so the only option was on-base. The pay was minimal, but I was the only graphic designer for the Marketing department and I found the job easy and full of freedom. It allowed me to hone my craft with minimal oversight and experiment with style and creativity. I designed newsletters, ads, websites, menus, trade show pop-ups, event posters and more. It gave me complete confidence. Read more>>

Diana Siemens

Balancing school while managing multiple businesses is no easy task, and pursuing a Master in Business Creation in a second language adds another layer of difficulty. Every day requires determination, adaptability, and resilience as I navigate complex business strategies while also refining my communication skills in a non-native language. Despite the challenges, this journey has strengthened my ability to overcome obstacles, think critically, and push myself beyond my comfort zone. It’s a demanding but incredibly rewarding experience that fuels my passion for entrepreneurship and personal growth. Read more>>

Cameron Mason

I couldn’t get jobs, I couldn’t rent apartments, I was dead broke from lawyers and Fines/Jailtime and when I realized the new obstacles in my life, I then knew I would have to create my own work from here on out, and really turn everything around, this was the wake up call I needed. Over the next few years I worked for myself doing Art Jobs and different odd’s and ends, and when the opportunity to take over Uprok came up, I jumped on it! Fast forward to to today and I’m a business man plain and simple, Ill do whatever it takes to get the job done. I have worked in every type of industry almost, from Food to Mechanical Engineering. I took the drive and ambition that I had in the graffiti world and applied it to other aspects of life. Read more>>

Carina Heilner

My running journey began at 27, at a time when I was struggling to find connection after moving to a new place. A few women in my neighborhood were training for a half marathon, and my husband encouraged me to join them. The truth? I hated running. But I was that desperate to make friends. 😂 What started as a social effort turned into a lifelong passion. Since then, I’ve run 28 marathons, countless half marathons and races, and have pushed my limits to achieve a marathon PR of 2:47 and a half marathon PR of 1:16. Read more>>

Brady Gordon

This summer of 2025 we will starting a new “Summer Farm Camp @ Gordo’s” event that will educate young people on farming and its importance in our lives as well as teach many important life lessons. All of these events and everything that has made it successful can also be attributed to my wife Madelyn and the help of our first son Keith. Since they joined me in the efforts to build this dream it has become even better than anything I had done or imagined in 2020. To sum it all up, 5 years ago I was just a college kid with a dream. Now I feel very fortunate to be part of a growing farm event, as a father, teacher, and slightly older kid with a dream that feels a little bit more attainable now. Read more>>

Marianna Lima

In addition to my music, I’ve written 9 books, exploring different aspects of my life and creativity. I’m also a certified yoga teacher, and teaching yoga has been a deeply fulfilling part of my life. I’m currently working on a new concept called “Vocal Yoga,” which is designed specifically for singers to help improve their vocal health and performance. It’s a combination of yoga techniques and vocal exercises that I’m excited to share with the world. Read more>>

Josue Garcia Ruelas

Fast forward now 1 year later I have closed 14 homes and I couldn’t be more thankful to God and all the families I have helped for all these blessings they have brought me. I am a first generation Mexican-American that went for my dreams and is completing them slowly as I go. I just needed to take that one risk to change the trajectory of my life. Read more>>

Carl Andreasen

After getting a degree in Social Work, I pursued my true passion in film-making and photography and quickly became a successful online content creator and documentary filmmaker with an audience of over 3.2 million followers. I have worked in tandem with the team at Skinwalker Ranch and the owner Brandon Fugal – leading to an appearance on the History Channel series “Beyond Skinwalker Ranch” Season 1 Episode 2 and a follow up in Season 2 Episode 1. My work has also been shown on two episodes of the Discovery Channel featuring a UFO sighting that was filmed as part of Project Hessdalen in Norway. Read more>>