When we think about love, our minds usually go straight to people: our spouse, our children, our family. And don’t get me wrong, I am deeply in love with my people. I’ve been married to my husband, Derek, for 21 years, and together we’re raising two incredible boys: Carson, a high school senior headed to OU this fall to study Construction Science, and Connor, a fourth grader who keeps us busy with soccer and basketball. Our family is my heart.

But this season of life has taught me that love can also show up in another powerful way; through the work you do and the courage it takes to pursue it.

For me, that love story began unexpectedly, right next to a kindergarten classroom. Jessika and I were introduced by our sons’ teacher, and we quickly became friends while cheering on our boys. Over time, friendship turned into something more, a shared vision, a shared work ethic, and a shared entrepreneurial spark. Jessika has an incredibly creative, driven heart, and when she started offering photo booths and balloons for events, there was no question who she’d ask to join her. That’s how Lollypop & Co. was born.

From the beginning, it felt right - exciting, energizing, and a little terrifying all at once.

At the time, I was working full-time at the University of Oklahoma. Like many people, I thought the “safe” route was the responsible one. But as our business grew, it became clear we couldn’t keep up while I was splitting my time. A decision had to be made. And it was one of the hardest yet most freeing decisions of my life.

On September 5, 2025, I resigned from my position at OU and went all in on our business. I burned the ship.

That leap was scary. Walking away from a steady paycheck while supporting a family is not something you do lightly. But what I learned through that process is this: I can do tough things. I can love what I do and still provide for my family. And sometimes, the biggest acts of love require the most courage.

There were seasons when I couldn’t give as much as I wanted to the business, and Jessika carried us forward with unwavering support. That kind of partnership, trusting one another, lifting each other up, is love, too. Today, we’ve never been busier. We’re meeting new clients, serving returning customers, and watching something we built with our own hands continue to grow.

Loving your work doesn’t mean every day is easy. It means believing deeply enough in what you’re building to show up even when it’s hard. It means trusting yourself, even when fear whispers doubts. And it means choosing growth over comfort.

I hope others learn this from my story: if you put your mind and heart into something, your dreams truly can come true. Quitting my job was terrifying, but I am endlessly grateful I took that leap of faith.

If I could offer one piece of advice about love, it would be this: believe in yourself. Take the risk. Burn the ship if you have to and keep moving forward. The most fulfilling love stories aren’t always the ones you expect, but they often lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.