Love, laughter and the Ricketts
For Jarrad and Kim-Lee Ricketts, love isn’t just about grand gestures or special occasions—it’s about the everyday moments that make their bond unshakable.
Whether they're collaborating on business ideas, sharing laughs over takeout, or simply navigating life together, these two prove that love thrives in the little things.
Here's a peek into the fun, loving and playful partnership of the Ricketts, where work and romance go hand in hand, and the best ideas often come over a bowl of pasta.
"It's definitely a mix of teamwork, planning, and sheer love—plus a whole lot of coffee!" Jarrad answered with a huge smile when asked about the key to their successful marriage.
"We’ve learned that communication is everything, and we keep each other accountable, whether it’s in business or just remembering to buy milk."
Kim-Lee quickly chimed in: “As for who the boss is… let’s just say Jarrad thinks he is, but I’m the real CEO of our lives. He’s the visionary, and I make sure the vision actually happens!”
Despite their busy lives, the couple learned to navigate the challenges of working together, and those challenges often lead to some hilarious moments.
“We always laugh at how the tables have turned,” said Kim-Lee.
“For years, I’ve been the one managing Jarrad, but now it’s quite funny (and impressive!) to see Jarrad stepping into the role of manager for my career. At first, it was hilarious to watch, but now we’ve built such a great partnership in this area.”
While balancing work and romance might seem daunting, Jarrad and Kim-Lee said their goal is always to make it as comfortable as possible.
“We try to separate the two, but honestly, it’s impossible,” Jarrad admitted.
“One minute, we’re talking about what to cook for dinner, and the next, we’re coming up with a new business idea. The trick is setting boundaries, but let’s be real—we’ve had some of our best ideas over a bowl of pasta!”
For these two, Valentine’s Day is all about simplicity and connection.
“I once planned a fancy dinner… except I forgot to book the restaurant,” Jarrad recalled, laughing.
“We ended up all dressed up, only to find out there were no tables available. So, we had takeout in the car with the overhead light on as our ‘candlelight.’ It’s a tradition now to keep it simple—home-cooked meals, music, and just being together.”
As successful professionals, it can be easy for love to take a back seat. But Jarrad and Kim-Lee make sure to keep the flame alive, even in their busiest times.
Kim-Lee offered some timeless advice for couples trying to juggle both careers and relationships:
“Laugh often and don’t keep score. Some days, one person will carry more weight, and that’s okay—it’s a partnership, not a competition. And don’t forget the little things—check in, send a sweet message, or make tea for each other. Love is found in the small moments.”
The couple also believe in spending quality time together. “We have a ‘non-negotiable’ date night every week,” explained Kim-Lee. “It doesn’t matter how busy we are—we make time for it.
“Sometimes it’s a fancy dinner, sometimes it’s just sitting on the couch with snacks and good conversation. Also, our car rides together are sacred—some of our best heart-to-hearts happen while stuck in traffic! We don’t even listen to the radio or any music in the car; it’s our time to connect, talk, or just enjoy the stillness.”
Of course, no relationship is complete without a few surprises. And the Ricketts know how to keep the spark alive with thoughtful gestures.
“Jarrad once surprised me with a whole ‘day off’ experience—spa treatment, my favourite snacks, and no work talk allowed,” Kim-Lee shared.
“Meanwhile, I pulled off the ultimate revenge surprise: a full ‘Jarrad appreciation day’ where he was spoiled but also made to watch all my favourite rom-coms. He survived, barely.”
The Ricketts are always looking forward to spending quality time together, not only on Valentine's day.
“My wish for Kim is that she gets all the love and joy she gives to others—and that she finally lets me win the remote battle!” Jarrad smiled.
Kim-Lee’s wish for Jarrad is equally sweet: “That he keeps dreaming big, keeps inspiring, and keeps making me laugh. Also, maybe a surprise trip… hint, hint?”
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za