Yvonne and John moved in similar orbits for many years. They frequented many of the same Detroit parties, shows, coffee shops, groceries, CVSs, DMVs, etc. The scene was sparse at first, but it grew. Yvonne and John encouraged and supported a community of small business owners and makers. Common friendships blossomed around them, yet their latent connection went unfulfilled for a decade.

Eventually the increasingly perceptive social media algorithms recognized some undeniable patterns and in a rare moment of inspiration, John introduced himself. The chemistry of the text exchanges that followed was palpable, although the algorithm hadn’t realized that John had just moved to Cleveland. A secret romantic, John concocted some pretense for being in Detroit and drove straight from the office one evening to meet Yvonne for drinks. From the moment they met onward the two became metaphysically inseparable, and alternating weekends in their opposing cities became the norm.

As fate would have it an unexpected work-from-home mandate afforded this couple much more time together. At that point, Yvonne had grown her jewelry business KEPT via the art fair circuit, while John was maladapted to staying at home for long stretches. Although their routines were upended, these events stimulated new growth. Yvonne expanded KEPT’s online and direct sales presence, laying the groundwork for her current brick-and-mortar footings. Meanwhile, John tried to make himself useful around the house; he began assembling new furniture and replacing light fixtures, and ultimately rebuilt whole rooms. From the couch where they concluded so many busy days, John began sharing Yvonne’s affinity for classic films, true crime stories, and the Property Brothers, and Yvonne learned to tolerate the infinite drama of Cleveland sports. Even their three small dogs formed an integrated wolfpack that harassed package handlers several times a day with the full impact of a typically angry dog.

After having navigated the practical challenges of a long-distance relationship and recovered from whiplash of these last several years, John and Yvonne have fundamentally changed their respective outlooks and always put one another first in mind. Together they share endless optimism about the road ahead, and they look forward to continuing their journey with all of you.