3 years ago, I was working for a nonprofit that provided schools with mental health resources for teens battling suicide, a topic that hit home to Ken. Set up in front of a Kroger, Ken was one of my customers. We immediately had chemistry and he kindly donated to the cause in exchange for a “be kind” tshirt. He went to do his shopping and I asked for his number when he walked out. He was so nervous that he forgot how to use his phone! I guess love does truly come when we least expect it!

The list goes on, but my entire life, I have always dreamed of seeing Lady Gaga in concert. In 2025, I surprised Ken with tickets to go see her with me in Chicago, coincidentally landing on his birthday weekend! The feeling of euphoria was so real and genuine the entirety of the concert that I sobbed the entire time while he held me in his arms. His favorite feeling is seeing and knowing that I am happy, something that I have never experienced from anyone else.

With $20,000, we would use a portion to start our business to provide light on the LGBTQ+ community. Many people involved within this tiny worldwide percentile lack spaces where they can feel comfortable without potential criticism for being who they are, and we want to create just that. We would also be humbled to donate a portion to small businesses who are overlooked doing the exact same. We want to spread positivity to allow people like us to know that they are loved and valued.