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.

Autumn Hoover

My Story: Journey to Advocacy My story begins in a home that didn’t feel fully comfortable. There were expectations—spoken and unspoken—that shaped how I showed up. It wasn’t a place of advocacy or adaptation at first; that came later, after things shifted. As a young teen, I helped adopt my three younger brothers, each with significant disabilities. Read more>>

Rick Krebs

I began my career as a CPA, spending my days counting other people’s money. Eventually, I decided I wanted to build something of my own. I transitioned into the mortgage business, where I spent more than a decade. We launched a mortgage brokerage that later grew into a bank. Read more>>

Cynthia Thorsen

Cynthia, Owner of The Ballard, is an accomplished event planner known for her meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to exceeding client expectations. She has a knack for transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences, ensuring that every event reflects the unique vision of her clients. Read more>>

Debbie Widdison

It all began with a simple idea sparked by my sister Denna and her son, who expressed their frustration over the lack of affordable vape and nicotine products in our town. The only shop around was notorious for price gouging, leaving many community members feeling taken advantage of. Read more>>

Rosemary Ashby

Hi! My name is Rosemary Ashby and, in June of this year, I took a leap of faith and started my business–Rosemary Ellen Events. Growing up, I loved gathering my friends and hosting parties, but I had no idea that I could build a career doing that. While attending Brigham Young University in Provo, I found the Experience Design and Management program. Read more>>

Lawrence Hauptly

By the time I started college, I knew that I wanted to be a chiropractor. After high school, I had the wonderful opportunity to work with an amazing chiropractor. In his office, we saw miracle after miracle. Patients would come to us with all manners of health issues (far beyond musculoskeletal issues) such as cancer, diabetes, auto-immune , etc. Read more>>

Rochelle Richards

I am a stay at home mom, when my youngest child was getting ready for kindergarten, I was in search of something I could do to contribute, I wanted to control my schedule, increase my earning potential and build something of my own. During Covid we refinanced our home, our lender was not local, we had a Mobile Notary come over to do the closing. Read more>>

Jon Fuller

I started in the insurance industry in 2012. I worked for a large financial corporation as a financial advisor. Initially, I became licensed for Securities (Series 6, 63 & 65), Property & Casualty as well as Life & Health. As a new agent, I did not understand what a Captive Agent or an Independent Broker was. Read more>>

Tanner Moffat

Shortly after graduating from UVU, a colleague of mine reached out to see if I would like to partner with him in turning his small private practice in to a mental health clinic in the heart of Provo. Read more>>

Stephanie King

I have devoted my life to the study of functional medicine and alongside it, hormone balance, because I have seen just how impactful it can be on the quality of our lives. When I was in college, my Mom got very sick with perimenopausal symptoms. She was so ill she couldn’t leave the house for nearly three years. Read more>>

Kheng Lim

I started my journey by coming from Malaysia (where I was born and raised) to Provo to attend Art School at BYU. After graduation, I began working at a custom cabinetry shop. There I started my woodworking training. At the same time I also managed a frame shop part-time. About a year later, and coincidentally, I lost those two jobs. Read more>>

Jake & Melissa Haws

We first met back in 2002 while performing in Provo’s vibrant local music scene. We bonded over our shared love of songwriting and performing, occasionally sharing the stage before our friendship eventually turned into something more. Music brought us together, and before long, we were married. For years, we stayed deeply involved in the scene—including owning and operating our own music venue for five years. Read more>>

Taylor Langeveld

I started my business, Ascend Tutoring, from a little idea I had to offer help to children and teens who needed support with homework and school. At the time, I was working on my degree to become an elementary teacher, and I thought it would be the perfect side job while I was in school. Read more>>

Heather B. Moore

I wrote stories in elementary school, etc. for assignments, but I wasn’t necessarily writing stories on my own for fun. I was a huge reader and I’d devour multiple books a week during the summer. My first story I wrote independent of any class or assignment was a novel. I was 30. Read more>>

David Hanson

I graduated from BYU in 2008 with a bachelor’s in Exercise Science with an emphasis in Athletic Training. I then got my certification and worked as an Athletic Trainer performing a multitude of jobs, from assisting Physical therapists, to managing a gym and developing exercises prescription programs, to working with highschool athletes and Semi-professional football players on the field and assisting them with their injuries. Read more>>

Mario Trejo

I grew up in Price, Utah. My mother worked for a Greek family that started a small Greek restaurant there. After years of working there they offered to sell their restaurant to her. From that time on throughout my childhood. I worked and help my mother in her restaurant. After moving up to Logan, UT for college. Read more>>

Hallie Cook

I have always had a passion for nails and a deep appreciation for the art behind them. After graduating high school, I earned my associates degree but was still unsure about the career path I wanted to pursue. I entered the workforce and quickly learned that the job I was working didn’t align with my passions or long-term goals. Read more>>

Phillip Wright

I have always been a Halloween fan and was born in October. The GM of Nightmare on 13th, Jake, used to be a tenant of mine, and we bonded over the haunted house. In 2022, I was laid off and was looking for work; Jake reached out to me and said they needed temporary help marketing their June 13th event. Read more>>

Anthony Pagano

I grew up in Pennsylvania and started wrestling from a young age. I began my Jiu Jitsu journey in 2007 under Eddie Edmund’s in Salt Lake City. I moved back to park city in early 2011 and joined park city jiu jitsu under Mike Diaz. I recieved my black belt from Mike in 2019 and opened my own dojo in Heber about eight months ago. Read more>>

Cory LaFranchi

My story in complex when we talk about how it all originated. It was more just life and the paths that I took that made me fall into where I am today. Street Eats or cooking in general was never on my radar but then turned into a passion and overall obsession. Heck cooking in general wasn’t on my radar. Read more>>

Barbara Ramos-Cryer

I was born in Argentina, and was brought to the US when I was 13 by my parents. I didn’t have much choice in the matter. It was a really hard transition for me, and it started showing with my behavioral struggles as a teen. I often felt misunderstood and alone as a teen. Read more>>

Leo and Nelly Jamoralin

Our family has always loved going on vacations. One of Leo’s favorite things to do whenever we travel is to enjoy breakfast together, it’s his absolute favorite meal of the day. Back in 2022, Leo told me that he wanted to start a business of his own. As his wife, I knew my role was to support him in every way I could. Read more>>

Harrison Montgomery

Let’s see…. Where was it that I got my start from? Hmmm. From what I can recall, I was a worried little skinny high school kid and I had just had to transfer schools. I was feeling a little lost and having that sensation of starting over completely, new school, new friends, new everything. Read more>>

Damon Bryan

With inspiration from my son Fletcher, my wife Tarah and I founded a program called Autism Outdoors Utah. Our goal is to provide free and low-cost outdoor-related activities for autistic kids, teens, adults, and their family members. After Fletcher was diagnosed with autism about 1 1/2 years ago, I wanted to create a way to make connections with other parents. Read more>>

Colby Bauer

The idea for Thread Wallets came after Colby lost his wallet to the ocean and discovered when looking to buy a new wallet that the category was stuck in the 80s, filled with bulky and boring. What started as a side hustle selling at farmers markets in Hawaii, quickly grew into a nationally recognized brand, sold in major retailers, online, and through our own stores. Read more>>

Whitney Purvis

Ever since I was little, hair, fashion and horses were things I have always loved! I remember accessorizing my barbies and dolls just as much or if not more than playing with them. Had to make sure their hair and outfits, looked just right! When I would go to my church’s girls camp, I was often braiding hair for my friends. Read more>>

Laraine Hartle and Lindsey Jepperson Na

What started as two dental hygienists perfecting smiles has grown into something much bigger. Today, Lindsey Jepperson and Laraine Hartle are the creative forces behind Glam Studio Pros—a bright, modern space in Heber Valley where clients come for both flawless teeth whitening, tooth gems and safe, precision piercings. The combination might sound unexpected at first, but for us, it made perfect sense. Read more>>

JOHN SPROUL

I was born in and spent the first part of my life in the suburbs of Los Angeles. The creative backdrop of my childhood included my great-uncle, Eric Larsen, one of the original 9 animators at Disney who worked on Thumper (one of the main characters in the 1941 film Bambi), and my father’s family, who filled my world with music. Read more>>

Scott Wiser

Imagine a rare investor who’s made millions in entertainment. You’d want that success to continue! Imagine sitting in a packed theater. A film you’ve invested in captures the audiences’ hearts. It’s an instant classic! Read more>>

Andrea Rasmussen

As I was growing up, art had always been a mental health outlet for me. My passion for creating only continued to grow with age. I have been drawing since I was old enough to hold a pencil and will continue to do so until my hands are no longer capable of gripping my pencil, paintbrush or tattoo machine. Read more>>

Brittany Thigpen

Ever since I was little I knew I wanted to do hair. Though, my thought of “doing hair” was very different when I was 8. Growing up we went to my aunt for all of our appointments and it was a highlight for me, I always loved going to aunt Wendy’s to get our hair done. Read more>>

Keylee McKinney

I went to school for a degree in special education. I used that degree for a few years and loved it for many reasons but also struggled for many reasons! A big reason is I felt like the curriculum I was able to use in the school setting was not sufficient enough for my students needs. Read more>>

ricardo rodriguez

become targeted by private contractors after my last jail vacation 16months 2016 i rebuild my self with honor and integrity by going back to church 3 year ago being homeless and targeted i sated Cowboy heating & Air LLC to provide a good service for home honer and help other and need ,i dont have any credit cards my over head is very low i lear how to build a company Cero down .lol i can. Use the help and share my story to bring Fait and hope to other i have pull the imposible Read more>>

Priscilla Blanchot

I’ve called Salt Lake City home for the past 24 years, but my journey here has been anything but typical. Born in Benin, Africa, I grew up traveling the world as my father worked for the French consulate—living in Nigeria, Ghana, Brazil, Germany, and the U.S. Read more>>

Kiley Kidd

I would not say it has been a completely smooth road! I received no schooling on how to start or run a business. I have been learning as I go. Luckily, I have friends who are also therapists doing this with me, or one step ahead of me, to help out. My husband has also been a huge help and support around aspects of the business he understands more than I do because of his professional experience. Read more>>

Steven Stringham

Hi Ya’ll, here’s a little about me. I grew up here in Ogden, had a pretty typical and awesome childhood. Went to Ben Lomond High School, graduated there in 2007. From there went to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to Paraguay where I learned so much about myself and others. Read more>>

Joshua Tobler

Joshua “Tobes” Tobler had been doing search engine optimization and digital marketing for years. In 2020, like millions of people around the world, Tobes was laid off. Not long afterwards, however, he was contacted by several former SEO clients who asked him to continue doing their SEO. Tobes established Longtail Dragon to continue helping small business owners succeed in the marketplace. Read more>>

Trevor Scott

My love for grilling food and serving customers started at a very early age. My father started a catering company in California, which was then relocated to Arizona, and eventually landed in Utah. He started his catering business from scratch on the side to eventually working in that capacity full-time from 1998 to 2015. Read more>>

Dave & Liesel Polichette

After meeting the previous owner at a trade show and hanging out at the store for years, Dave told her to that he’d like to keep the store going through her retirement. An arrangement was made. A few years had passed and when Covid hit in 2020, she was concerned with her and her husband’s health in the pandemic. Read more>>

Ashlie Flynn

From my early childhood, I knew I wanted to be in medicine. When people asked me why, I gave them the classic answer-‘I want to help people.’ For years, I maintained this altruistic view, imagining my future as being one filled with meaningful and memorable moments in medicine. It wasn’t until many years later that the reality of healthcare struck me down again and again. Read more>>

Chet Norman

I founded Incline Marketing Group in 2016 with one clear goal — to bring people together and deliver real, measurable results. I believe in connecting people with what’s new through human-centric processes and creative ingenuity. Whether it’s developing fresh strategies, introducing new solutions, or driving growth, my mission has always been to help clients and communities thrive through genuine connection. Read more>>

Martin Casaus

Hola! My name is Martin Casaus. I’ve spent 20 years in finance helping people retire and I’ve been able to travel the world for the past 21 years in entertainment, mostly in professional wrestling and now UFC Power Slap. I’m married to my beautiful wife, Leslie. I’ve been able to be featured in film, books, television, and an upcoming video game. Read more>>

Denise Hintzke

Our School of Rock began with two passions coming together—mine for working with children, and Cian’s for music. As a mother, I’ve always believed that kids thrive when they’re given a place to grow, explore, and be themselves. I wanted to create a space where young people could feel supported, build confidence, and discover their potential. Read more>>

Marc Favreau

From Family Compromise to The Dessert Collective Our story is a tale of two siblings—Marc and Rachel—raised by a hardworking French Canadian immigrant father and a loving mother who instilled in them the values of strong family bonds, hard work, and the adventure of new culinary experiences. Read more>>

Brady Ashcroft

Born and raised in Northern Utah, I spent most of my childhood in the mountains, camping, fishing, and learning early how the wild can shape a person. Those lessons of patience, humility, and respect for nature stuck with me. As life got busier, that pull to the outdoors never faded. Read more>>

Alexis Osmond

I work in commercial real estate, our family owned land in lehi we were initially going to create a retail office space, however my dream has always been to own a Wedding Venue. Read more>>

Tal Hughes

My name is Tal Hughes, this November I am directing an original play, ‘The Girl in the Yellow Dress’ at Timpanogos Valley Theatre. I had the idea for the play back in 2020, when I was sixteen years old. One night I went to see a play called ‘Yellow,’ by Del Shores. Read more>>

Kinal Patel

My journey into chiropractic and sports medicine wasn’t a straight path; It was one that found me. I was originally studying pharmacy, drawn to healthcare but unsure of exactly where I fit within it. That changed after a soccer injury in college that left me in pain and searching for answers. Read more>>

Spencer Pierce

Our Journey started in 2020 when my dad a frequent golfer of Hobble Creek Golf Course was asked how he would feel about taking over the cafe. With that he asked if myself and my husband if we would also be on board. With an agreement we were assigned to take over the Special Events and Catering. Read more>>

Meagan Price

Twelve years ago, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. At the time, I thought my life was over. I lost many neurological pathways as they were damaged and had to relearn everything—how to write, how to hold scissors, how to move through the world in a body that no longer obeyed the same rules. Seven years into that journey, I became pregnant. Read more>>

Celeste Anguiano

Our journey started with a simple dream — to create a place where people could walk in feeling one way and leave feeling better. My family has always believed in the power of positivity, community, and connection. We wanted to build something that would make a difference, one person and one smile at a time. Read more>>

Preston Ewing

My story is long and a bit complex, but I will try and simplify it. I was actually raised in Tennessee by two amazing parents who have passed but they instilled in me hard work and accountability. They also raised me to believe and have faith in God. I moved to Utah after serving a mission in Quebec, Canada to attend University. Read more>>

Terri Mehlhoff

I went to massage school in the 90’s like everyone else did. I learned anatomy but also the energetic physiology of the body, how to eat with the seasons, how our nervous system stores memories and trauma and fell in love with all of it. Read more>>

Ella Bellis

Ella Bellis Photography started because I wanted to find a way to bring two of my biggest passions together: dance and photography. I grew up surrounded by dance, and it is still a huge part of my life today as I continue performing and choreographing professionally. Read more>>

Max Jacobson

I’ve been a software engineer for both startups and large corporations for over a decade. I began noticing a pattern. Big companies can spend millions on their websites and web apps, but small businesses are often stuck choosing between do-it-yourself page builders like WordPress or Wix. Read more>>

Tammy Barrow Julie Adler-Birch

Got Old Wood is owned and operated by Tammy Barrow and Julie Adler-Birch, a mother-daughter team who have a deep passion for this business. They became proud owners of this business in March 2024. They love working with their inventory of old wood and are even more excited about the results of their efforts and the effect their results have on their customers. Read more>>

Joseph Paul Branca

I was not introduced to the arts in any serious capacity until my late teens when I was able to secure a full-ride scholarship for musical theatre and realized for the first time that I might be able to make a career out of acting. It felt like I spent the subsequent half of a decade playing catch-up with my contemporaries who were not only introduced to the reality of a life as a performer at a very young age, but also spent their time seriously training as performers. It often felt like everyone I was in auditions with had a 15-year head start. But through hard work and a lot of luck, I’ve been granted many amazing opportunities as an actor. Read more>>

Porter Thomas

I worked as a trainer at a CrossFit. While I love CrossFit, I noticed that the intense programming and lack of recovery left many of my clients injured. My purpose in fitness has always been to help improve your everyday life, and I noticed that it wasn’t accomplishing what I was setting out to do. Read more>>