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.

Melany Hillstead

Who We Are Utah Pet Partners (formerly Therapy Animals of Utah) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to improving human health and well-being in partnership with therapy animals. We are the Utah Community Partner of Pet Partners, our national organization. Read more>>

Pakiza Munir and the Catalyst Business Development Consulting LLC Pakiza Munir

Gandum really started with a simple idea: we wanted to create a table where everyone feels welcome. Food has always been a big part of our lives and our cultures. For us, food is not just about eating; it’s about hospitality, family, celebration, and connection. Some of our most meaningful memories are around a table, sharing food with people we care about. Read more>>

Katie Manhart

Lucky Ones Coffee’s story began long before there was coffee involved. I grew up with three younger cousins who have Down syndrome and another cousin on the autism spectrum. They are some of my favorite humans on the planet. Because of them, I learned early that disability comes with both challenges and incredible strengths. Read more>>

Rob Ferre

I grew up in Salt Lake City and graduated from East High School…yes, the High School Musical East High—before heading south to Southern Utah University, where I graduated in 2003. A year later, I moved to Orlando for the Disney College Program, and that experience ended up shaping a lot of what I do today. Read more>>

Khadijah Wade

My journey began in 2015 after moving from North Carolina to Utah. When I struggled to find hair extensions for a job interview, I realized there was a significant gap in the local market. Read more>>

Narith Panh

My family came to America in 1980 as refugees from Cambodia and Salt Lake City became our new home. The Khmer Rouge was responsible for one of the most atrocious genocides in the last 50 years. Everything was taken away from my family and we were forced to start a new life. Read more>>

Adrian Hallberg

Your Story — VoyageUtah Inspiring Stories Adrian Hallberg — Founder, Kindred Content I’ve spent about ten years learning how to make things get seen, and about that long watching my own work disappear. I started in marketing in 2016, at a translation company in Utah. Read more>>

GABRIEL GORDON

From a young age, music wasn’t just an activity for me; it was a pathway to connection. I always felt strong emotions when I made music, but I didn’t fully understand why until I was eight years old. Attending a music camp for the first time, I played in an orchestra, joining a community of young musicians. Read more>>

Halie Camacho

Mico’s Micro Farm exists because of our son, Mico. A few years ago, Mico was exposed to heavy mold. If you’ve ever watched your child’s body struggle with something you can’t see, you know it rearranges your priorities pretty fast. Read more>>

Eliza Katoa

My journey began as a collegiate volleyball player at the University of Utah. Playing Division I volleyball on a full-ride scholarship had been a dream of mine, and I was incredibly grateful for the opportunity. Read more>>

Stephanie Chambers

When my kids were little, I wanted a fun way to get them moving and excited about running. Running was an essential part of my growth as a person, and I wanted to give them that gift. I didn’t think that sending them out on runs would be the best way to do that, so I recruited friends and we played games that involved running. Read more>>

Chelsea Trousdale

I studied illustration in college and spent the first several years of my career working in graphic design. I always wanted to work in character design, though, so I kept building my portfolio on the side and eventually started getting opportunities with companies like Disney, DreamWorks, and Spin Master. Needle felting came a little later. Read more>>

Jason Cassel

When I told people I was getting a degree in Music at BYU, they would often ask, ‘What do you what to do with that?’ My response was always the same: ‘Support a family.’ They’d chuckle, but I was serious. One day, I learned that the BYU School of Music had a piano shop and that they were looking for student apprentices. Read more>>

Elizabeth Lowham

“The Jumping Jack-O-Lantern”—my first story was passionately written and illustrated by me at six years old, then lovingly stapled by my mother, who also helped with spelling. It told the harrowing tale of a Jack-O-Lantern who came alive on Halloween night and started jumping, much to the delight of the little girl who had carved it. Read more>>

KERRY FARNSWORTH

I started doing leather work when I was 13 with a desire to build myself a good saddle. Over the last 50 years I have built a lot of saddles and other leather goods. From earrings to belts, wallets purses and saddles. Most of my leather work has been self taught. My mom made our cloths growing up. Read more>>

Tucker Doak

I started playing music as a kid and a hobby has grown into more than a hobby. Read more>>

BRADEN RICKENBACH

Jorgensen’s story began in 1958, when Richfield’s Western Auto Associate Store opened as a one-stop destination for automotive supplies, sporting goods, appliances, bicycles, and more. It was also the first Honda Motorcycle dealership in the state of Utah, helping transform the business into one of Utah’s earliest Honda powersports dealerships. Read more>>