For Katrice and Jason Thompson, that rhythm became real when they opened The Orchid Bed and Breakfast at 628 North State Street in 2023, following more than two years of restoration and renovation. “We support each other in everything we do,” says Katrice. “So, in a way, we’ve always felt like we’ve been ‘in business together.’”

The Orchid—Jackson’s premier Black- and Veteran-owned bed and breakfast—bloomed out of their property management business. More than a project, it was a purpose: a chance to bring something beautiful and welcoming to the city they love.

“Working together at The Orchid feels like an extension of working together as parents and partners,” Jason adds. “We have to focus on supporting one another, communicating, and working through the challenges we face. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.”

Ann Elizabeth Gillespie and her husband George began their entrepreneurial journey years before their latest venture, Wing Mouth, ever opened its doors. “We started a private chef business during Covid because we were bored—and I hated my job,” Ann Elizabeth laughs. “Collaborating was something we discovered we were really good at. I think that has a lot to do with our complementary strengths and weaknesses. But we’re not perfect—we’ve definitely had our fair share of whisper fights in other people’s kitchens.”

The couple’s connection to food runs deep. “My very first conversation with George was about culinary school—long before we started dating,” she recalls. “He said, ‘If you’re thinking about working in this industry… don’t.’ And now here we are, married and owning a restaurant together.”

In September 2024, the couple opened Wing Mouth in Belhaven Town Center, serving up creative takes on wings, tenders, and delicious fries. “Right now, we often work opposite shifts,” Ann Elizabeth says, “but every now and then, it’ll rain all day or be three degrees outside, and we send the team home. Then it’s just us, and honestly—we love those moments. It’s the silver lining of a tough day in business.”

When Erik Kegler founded his interior design firm over 25 years ago, he likely didn’t imagine it would one day evolve into a shared creative journey with his husband, Brennan Hovell. When the couple met thirteen years ago, they recognized that their combined backgrounds—Erik in interior design and Brennan in retail and design—could become something special. That’s when the retail store was born, an extension of Erik’s original vision and a space where both could express their talents.

Running a business together hasn’t always been easy. As Erik shares, “Keeping the balance is difficult. It takes a lot of effort and communication… but we keep working toward the common goal.” For them, the magic lies in the teamwork and trust they’ve built—not just as business partners, but as partners in life.

“I wouldn’t change working with my partner in life and in business for anything,” Erik says. “It has made all aspects of our life better.”