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.

Dante Strom

Yes! I would be happy to. Thank you for the chance to share my story! People alway laugh that I start with this, but I think it’s good to show were you came from. I started working at 16 at Subway making sandwiches, working full time all through High School. In college, I studied Marketing with a minor in Psychology. Read more>>

Mark Kristensen

Established in April 2001, Angel’s Hands Foundation (AHF) is committed to enhancing the quality of life for individuals affected by rare or undiagnosed medical conditions. The organization was founded in honor of Matt, whose journey with a rare medical condition inspired AHF’s mission; his legacy continues to guide its work. Read more>>

Weston Lay

I took over Ramen Haus in Ogden in March of 2020, in the height of COVID pandemic. I had a dream to own a successful local business and when I saw this opportunity I jumped on the chance. I had always had a unique passion for Japanese food due to my half-Japanese upbringing. Read more>>

Salvatore Rizzo

Underground Index began through service, not strategy. I first started doing this work while volunteering for a nonprofit in the Bay Area called Access Adventure. The work aligned closely with my technical background, and I found that I genuinely enjoyed helping organizations strengthen their digital presence in a way that was practical, transparent, and effective. As that work continued, referrals followed. Read more>>

Larry Salazar

Our story really begins with two people—each driven by a shared belief that the path to owning a home changes lives. Cheri has been an entrepreneurial spirit her entire life. Before entering real estate, she owned and operated a dance studio, channeling her creativity into building something from the ground up. A few years later, she became a Realtor, and with a trail of successes behind her, she decided to open her own brokerage—RE/MAX LIGHTHOUSE. Read more>>

Josh Webb

After immigrating to the United States from Canada in 2022, I decided to start Statehouse Painting. I began painting at the age of 15 working as an apprentice to classically trained professional painters from the UK. They taught me the basics as well as old and (considered outdated) techniques in wood finishing, antique restoration; lath and plaster repair. Read more>>

Liv Baron

Since I was a child I’ve always been a creator of sorts. From using a variety of art media and materials to now making my own home decor etc. I’ve done just about every art medium there is & continuously challenge myself in this field by finding new creations to try. Read more>>

Hillarie Christley

My journey into lymphatic drainage therapy started in a way I never saw coming. I was working full-time in rehab as an occupational therapist when I met a physical therapist, Mike Bond, who taught a Certified Lymphedema Therapist course. In 2019, he offered me a free spot in his class. I didn’t know much about the lymphatic system at the time . Read more>>

Sarah Pack

When my husband and I married 9 years ago, I was going to College at Weber State University and focused in the Medical Field. I had been completely focused on that career path since High School and never looked elsewhere. Read more>>

Curtis Swenson

1997-I was introduced to the concept of self-love through reading the book You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay. Learning to love myself was the biggest breakthrough of my life! 1998-I chose to get trained as a Louise Hay certified Teacher and Coach, which means I learned how to teach others to love themselves. Read more>>

Samuel Robertson

It all started at my brother’s house when my niece wood-burned a little tree onto a wooden disk. I remember thinking, “This could actually be a really fun group date.” I bought a couple of wood burners, invited some friends over to try it, and it clicked right away. People were chatting, creating, laughing, and leaving with something they were genuinely excited to keep. Read more>>

Isabelle White

Long story short, I always saw myself being in healthcare growing up. I originally wanted to be a doctor, then changed to nursing. I was a CNA for 5 years, and was going to Weber State to finish my prerequisites for nursing school, when I decided to change paths and go to massage school. Read more>>

Cayla Naylor

I’ve always loved art. As a kid, it was simply something I enjoyed, never something I imagined could become part of my life in a meaningful or sustainable way. I went on to study Civil Engineering and worked as an engineer for several years. It was practical, stable—and very far from art. Read more>>

Trace Worrthington

Early Years & Athletic Career I began skiing in Minnesota as soon as I could walk. With only small hills available, I built oversized jumps in my backyard and spent most of my childhood launching off makeshift ramps and landing on flat ground. That passion eventually led my father to move our family to Winter Park, Colorado, in 1983. Read more>>

Stanley Wanlass

*I have integrated (My Story) in the next two categories under (Obstacles/Challenges) and (Your Work). Read more>>

Daisy Clark

A beautiful, historic lodge nestled in the high Uinta mountains at Flaming Gorge. First established as a hunting and fishing resort in the 1930’s, our property now boasts 21 guest cabins, a full service restaurant, private events and celebrations in our A-Frame lodge banquet room, and more! Read more>>

Eric Westover

I began catering for the Wounded Warrior Project while in Culinary school. In 2016 I decided to purchase and build a food truck. Read more>>

David Williams

I spent 34 years in banking, and during weekends and vacations I would escape with my camera to see what images I could create. Over time, photography shifted from a casual interest to a true passion. Read more>>

Brie Pereboom

Living in a state that has ranked last for women’s equality (according to a study from WalletHub), only adds fuel to my fire to continue empowering women in Utah. Being self employed, I have a deep admiration and respect for fellow female business owners. Read more>>

Aundie Donohue

Zootah, formerly know as Willow Park Zoo began its journey in 1970 as an aviary focused on caring for a wide variety of pheasants and waterfowl species from across the world. Originally the city of Logan owned, operated, and managed the facility under the guidance of Doug Eames, a Logan City staff member. Read more>>

Ashley Nilson

We decided we wanted to start a family business and with four younger daughters and an older son on a mission we felt this was a manageable time to be able to incorporate this new business into our lives. Read more>>

Nicole Sorensen

From 2-12 years old, I wanted to be a dog. After I realized that was not realistic, I wanted to be a vet and have never waivered since. However, I did take some time between my bachelor’s and doctorate that I reconsidered for a minute when I thought that it might not financially be a good choice and I wanted a family so bad.  Read more>>

Enzo Dennet

We just crossed 10,000 streams, most of which are coming from Nigeria, South Africa, and the UK. It seems like most of my streams have come from outside of my home state, but for the music to be reaching all the way out there, that’s crazy to me. I’m also very excited about my new project, “It’s Not You It’s Me”. I’ve been releasing singles here and there, but putting out a body of work means a lot to me because you can go into different sounds and take people on a journey with you. Read more>>

Michael Cash

I spent the entire winter of 2013 sleeping in my 1999 Buick Century. It was brutally cold, and most nights I didn’t have enough money to keep the heat running for long. I do remember one night when the snow was coming down hard—I realized things could always be worse, and I still had things to be grateful for. Read more>>