The heart of our mission at VoyageHouston is to find the amazing souls that breathe life into our city. In the recent weeks we’ve had the privilege to connect with some of the Houston’s finest artists, creatives, entrepreneurs and rabble rousers and we can’t begin to express how impressed we are with our city’s incredibly deep talent pool. Check out Downtown’s rising stars below.
Ariel Glaze
I always like to say that my purpose found me. I started by volunteering at a crisis call center in undergrad as a broadcast journalism major, and it completely changed my outlook on life. I changed my major junior year, graduated, and went on to grad school for counseling. Since then, I’ve worked in several different fields as a counselor before settling in private practice. It’s been quite a journey over the past 12 years, and I wouldn’t change a thing! Read More>>
Dr. Aline Milfort
From the moment I graduated high school, through the rigorous years of college and graduate school, ultimately achieving my doctorate in School Psychology, the core elements of my recipe for success remained unchanged. Faith in God gave me strength and resilience, while my tight-knit community offered unwavering encouragement and support, and my unyielding perseverance carried me through trials and tribulations. Read More>>
Tasha Kinney
Ah, the journey to where I am today has been quite the rollercoaster ride! Picture this: juggling lesson plans, classroom decor, and the endless demands of being an educator all while attempting to launch a business. It’s like trying to teach calculus to a room full of kindergarteners—challenging, to say the least! Read More>>
Joseph Baldwin
My love for portrait photography began three years ago when I started filming interviews with other creatives and entrepreneurs. Everyone has a story to tell, and my overarching goal was to provide a platform for them to share their victories and challenges along their journey. While I was progressing swiftly, I yearned to deepen my understanding of my camera and enhance my ability to capture unique shots and craft more engaging narratives. Read More>>
Cent’annii
My path led me to remarkable milestones, including gracing the pages of renowned publications like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar as a model. These experiences not only honed my skills but also instilled in me a deep appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship behind every photoshoot. Read More>>
Brandi Swanson
It all started with this little spark inside me, this feeling that whispered, ‘You’re meant for something magical.’ I always had this fascination with weddings—the love, the joy, the sheer magic of it all. In addition to the desire to be a part of something bigger than myself, I have always had a big heart to serve women of all ages. Starting from my early years to being a dance studio owner to now- I see how my journey has always been to use my gifts to relate to and serve women in seasons in their lives that I can most strongly relate to. Read More>>
Julia Servetnik
From a young age, I found joy in exploring various forms of arts and crafts. As a child, I especially liked knitting, painting, and shaping clay into pottery. However, it was my academic journey that revealed a surprising connection between my childhood hobbies and my future career in dentistry. During my college years, I pursued a degree in Kinesiology, the study of human movement and anatomy. Read More>>
Kacey White
Wow! I can’t believe I’ve been here for four years! In that time, I’ve added clothes to my signature turquoise collection and honed in on the shows that really bring out “my” people! I started with small dreams and a love of turquoise. Really, I just wanted an out to a corporate job so I could travel, be myself, and be happy! Read More>>
Miriam Duenas
Since I was a young kid, I would come home with a stray cat; I just wanted to be around animals! I went to veterinary school, but I ended up crying every time I saw a hurt animal, so I knew I wouldn’t be happy with that career choice. Later on, I found out about grooming school, and I loved the idea!!! Read More>>
Sheba CreativeAF
I started #CreativeAF Consulting in 2019 to help creative business owners find direction; since I hadn’t done much research on my target audience, I spent the first year struggling to find clients and polish the brand. I ultimately needed to do significant personal development to become a proper businessperson. Read More>>
Nicole Williams
I started my journey as a self-taught makeup artist back in 2016. Studied techniques and practiced on family members and friends. My technique got better over the years, so I decided to turn my passion into a business around 2019. Now I am the proud Owner of Ink3d B3auty B3ats by Nikki, with a growing clientele and still advancing in my technique. Read More>>
Sarah Britton
My story began in 2015. I had just graduated from college with a BFA in Graphic Design, and during this time, I began to contemplate the future and what I wanted to pursue. Although I enjoyed graphic design, it was never my passion. I’ve always loved K-pop music and journalism. This prompted me to post on a K-pop Facebook group, asking if like-minded individuals wanted to start a YouTube channel with me. Read More>>
Belle Lundon
I learned that people want to be heard and listened to. I During Covid, I worked from home as a customer service rep. Most of their conversation had nothing to do with the issue that they were initially calling about. I learned how people just want to know that they are valued and loved. Love should not be a maybe or sometimes thing. We should show love and kindness daily. Read More>>
Mercedes Vega
Up until the end of high school, I didn’t look at art as anything more than a hobby; I used it as a way to visually interpret how I view the world around me. After talking to an art professor about different art careers, I realized that this was the right path for me. From there, I pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts with a concentration in Digital. Since then, I have been working as an independent artist while showcasing in various galleries both domestic and abroad. Read More>>
Kimberly Powell
Throughout my life, I’ve adored hosting gatherings and ensuring the space is a haven where guests feel cherished and at ease while relishing the occasion. Renowned for throwing unforgettable parties, I found myself at a loss after becoming an empty nester, craving the joy of social gatherings and the opportunity to create magical atmospheres. Read More>>
Tammi Wallace
My career background spans business, education, nonprofit, and political/policy/advocacy. I have over two decades of involvement in the LGBTQ+ community in various leadership, volunteer, and career roles. Through my work in the community, I have always seen gaps/needs in terms of equity and inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community, which is what led me to co-found the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce in 2016. ‘ Read More>>
Denniz Polk
I’ve been doing art in various forms since I can remember. My dad was an artist in his free time. He spent time working with all the same mediums I work with, so I would say there is an obvious influence from him, but aside from that, I would say cartoons and comics, mostly from the ’60s, would be what inspires my painting and drawing style the most. Read More>>
Shemika Dunbar
We often turn to social media influencers, celebrities, and business books to aid in our journey to success. But have you ever thought to ask God his strategy for you instead? There’s a quote that says, “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.” We can often promote our desires on display as a way to start a business. Read More>>
Ky Lashaii
I am big on pivoting when things don’t work out! Fulfill your dreams! God gave you the vision for a reason! I execute 8/10 of my ideas just to see what works best for me. Life is too short to not go for your dreams, I love to inspire many others to do so! I love to speak to many other driven people to just let them know to keep going. The journey never stops! You gotta start somewhere, though. Read More>>
Briana J
I first received my Associate’s Degree in Nursing, then worked full-time as an RN while simultaneously completing courses until I received my Bachelor’s Degree. It was during this time I realized I could intertwine my passion for beauty and my passion for nursing by becoming a certified Aesthetic Nurse Injector. Read More>>
Brandon Jenkins
I began my journey in 2021 as a content creator during the pandemic, initially driven by a desire to express my creativity and expand my reach. Starting in the realm of men’s fashion content, I gradually transitioned into the world of education within content creation. Along the way, I focused on strengthening my brand and honing my skills, recognizing the diverse components involved in creativity and content creation. Read More>>
Devonte Jackson
I’m Tey Boogie (born name Devonte Jackson). I’m originally from Richmond, Virginia, born on the east end. I moved to Houston, Texas, in 2012 in hopes in hopes of getting into a career of songwriting specifically, but I soon seen I wanted to make my own music, so that’s how it started in 2014; I released my debut project titled “ Mosby “ named after the neighborhood I grew up then, and the rest was history for my own personal accomplishments. Read More>>
Iris Garcia
My journey began at the tender age of 5. Even then, I sensed a distinct difference within myself, though its nature eluded me. At such a young age, I couldn’t fully grasp the depth of my intuition, but I distinctly remember feeling that there was more to the world than met the eye. It was as if I carried a unique essence, a knowingness that set me apart. Read More>>
Jamie McPherson
Jamie McPherson is the owner and lead designer at JDesigns. My journey towards floral design began over two decades ago when I became a Master Gardener thru the Texas Ag Extension. I have always had the love for flowers. I would always be asked what is my favorite flower. My reply, anything that blooms. I began working at a flower shop, and it all blossomed there. I launched JDesigns in 2016, and it has quickly become one of Houston’s premier wedding and event florists. Read More>>
Kevin Williams Sr.
I started my basketball journey owning a Minor League Professional Basketball team at 28 years old. For the last 14 years I have continued my journey in professional basketball. I have coached on the middle school level, high school, College, and Minor League Professional Level. Currently, I am the President of International Basketball Operations for the National Basketball League-United States. I am the owner of the HBCU Movement, the first professional basketball team to feature all HBCU athletes. Read More>>
Shekia Murray
I arrived on a half-inflated hot air balloon that tumbled through high trees & branches to get here, haha! No, I didn’t. However, it feels as such; this journey has been a bumpy & lengthy one. I faced so many closed doors, No’s, rejection, overlooked, sadness, betrayal & worst of them cancellation. Nevertheless, I remained humble, steadfast in my faith & most importantly, RESILIENT! I used each negative outcome as a tool to learn how to get better; I used it as a stepping stone to something greater. Read More>>
Phyll Tha Prynce
I hold down the “household” name and brand known by PhyllThaPrynce from a major move in my life I made and sacrificed in 2018 when I decided to pack up everything and go to Atlanta, GA, to start life over. It was one of the greatest things I could have ever done in life because it taught me so much about me and brought a better side of me out. To this day, I do not regret that move, even after being homeless twice, sleeping out of a two-door Mercedes. Read More>>
Andrew Williams Jr.
I started working when I was 14. Growing up I was taught that if you want something, you have to work for it and go get it yourself. I moved around from various industries over the years, but I really honed my skills working in the Houston Nightlife scene and Retail Management before I found my place in the Travel Industry. I really stumbled into travel and before I knew it, I had been working for Singapore Airlines for a decade. Read More>>
Adam Olsen
As I grew in the industry, an opportunity arose to expand my business, leading me to acquire the Commercial Professionals. This venture not only broadened my expertise but also solidified my commitment to building a significant presence in the real estate sector. Read More>>
Meru McMahon
This insight led me to a pivotal shift in my career. I transitioned from focusing solely on business efficiencies to embracing a role as a holistic life mentor. In this new capacity, I applied the same principles of efficiency and strategic planning to personal life management, helping individuals achieve debt-free living and personal well-being. Read More>>
Aisha Taylor
After unexpectedly losing my job over what was purportedly a misunderstanding regarding a state-approved probationary principles certificate, I found myself on a determined mission. It wasn’t just about proving myself to others who may have wished for my downfall; it was about proving to myself that I could overcome this obstacle. The principal test had become my Everest, especially after failing it many times before. Read More>>
Austyn Cage
Pursuing audio engineering in college has greatly impacted my knowledge and creativity when it comes to music. I feel as if gaining that experience has given me a distinct advantage when it comes to creating my own music. I am in control. I am in the driver’s seat. That’s not to say that I can do absolutely everything on my own. An equally important advantage that I’ve gained whilst pursuing audio engineering is networking with like-minded individuals with skill sets similar to my own. Read More>>
Autumn Kirk-Phillips
My journey to AKP Fitness began in 2009 after the birth of my third child. I wanted to find a way to lose my post-baby weight and get back to being me again. I joined a local fitness club and began to take one Zumba class per week, then two, then three. Before I knew it, I was taking Zumba classes whenever they were being offered. Read More>>
N’Ckyola Green
With a background in psychology, I have always wanted to do more. I wanted to help people in ways that others maybe had not considered life-changing. From a very young age, I was always creative as well as an empath, and I knew I wanted to use those gifts too. So, in 2003, while still working my corporate job, I started an even planning business with a friend. Read More>>
Elizabeth Marie
Art as a child, were those moments of my mom giving praise for what was truly the ugliest drawing on the planet and lovingly taping it to the refrigerator alongside my sibling’s greatest works of art. Eventually, it expanded to an occasional art class, followed by the doldrums of technique, and I was graded for my creations throughout school and into college. Read More>>
Travon Childress-Smith
Yes but no, yes, because It wasn’t something I gave all my thought to at first, so time kept moving while I was just having fun with a hobby; no because I did experience a lot of burnout along the way when I would try to push myself to produce more art or to be consumed by the work. Read More>>
Square Business Media
2018, I was at a crossroads and decided to bet on myself. Things didn’t work out with the brand I was with before, which made me want to venture off and focus mainly on videography. Once my area of Houston found out I was using my own brand, everybody was excited to help promote my business. Today, I’m an established video production company keeping a good reputation and just being an honest, hard-working person. That hints the name “Square Business Media”. Read More>>
Rotimi J
I want to thank God for giving me life and purpose. I would like to thank my beautiful wife. I remember all of the sleepless nights trying to figure out how to make a name for myself. Worrying about where life was going to take me. As I’ve gotten older, I understand the power of God and what he can do. Read More>>
Dr. J. A. Rob, Jr.
Mentoring became a part of me as a child in Montgomery, Alabama, when my Neighbor, the late Mr. William Kidd Franklin, noticed a small group of (10) African American boys didn’t have fathers, mentors, or role models in a deeply segregated south (Montgomery) and needed them desperately to succeed and become men. Leaders, learners, community-oriented teachers, preachers, businessmen, etc. Read More>>
Patty Gill
While I still enjoy practicing many forms of creative expression, I have found my niche in textile art. The hunt for vintage or recyclable clothing thrills my heart. I love the challenge of bringing new life to something others might think no longer has value. As a Christian, this reminds me of God’s love for us and how we can find new life and value through His grace. Read More>>
