Couples In Business

In honor of Valentine’s Day, meet four local couples who are in business together. It might not sound all that romantic to some to run a business as husband and wife, but the process involves a deep and loving bond for the business and marriage to continue working. Couples learn how to compromise and fully trust each other for better success. Discover the love that brought these local couples together and how they support each other in business. 

Bianca and Quinn Thomas: Brite ABA Therapy

It was an on-campus love story for Bianca and Quinn Thomas. They met while studying at McNeese State University. Quinn says, “It didn’t take long for me to realize she was different. What started as a connection turned into a real partnership over time. Our love story is really built on growth. The biggest part of our story is that we didn’t just fall in love; we decided to build a life together on purpose.” 

After college, Bianca was involved in ABA, Applied Behavior Analysis, and began training to be a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. Quinn describes Bianca as being “passionate about the work” while maintaining ethics and quality of care. At the same time, Quinn was working in corporate roles. He “learned how systems work, how to build processes and how to lead teams.” 

A year before Bianca and Quinn were married, they decided to founded Brite ABA Therapy together after Bianca parted ways with her previous employer. “Instead of looking at it like a setback, we look at it like an opportunity,” Quinn says. “I encouraged her to go into business together and build something of our own. From the beginning, we were intentional about how we would divide responsibilities. I would take care of the business side—operations, structure and growth. She would focus on the clinical side and make sure the quality of care was top tier.” 

The most challenging aspect of being married and running a business together is how it’s not easy to separate work life from home life. Quinn says, “You don’t get to ‘clock out’ from the relationship or the business, so you have to be intentional about how you communicate and how you handle pressure.” 

Quinn has some words of wisdom for other couples thinking about going into business together. “Don’t go into business together just because you love each other. Go into business together because you trust each other, respect each other and you’re willing to communicate, even when it’s uncomfortable.” A few things he recommends are: 

• Define roles early. Somebody has to have the final say or decisions will drag on forever. 

• Protect the relationship. Business stress can spill into the home fast if you don’t set boundaries. 

• Have hard conversations about money, expections, time, responsibilities and what happens when you disagree. 

• Play to each other’s strengths. Complement each other; don’t compete. 

• Remember the mission. 

Gabrielle and John Wainwright: Bayou Boards by Gabrielle

It was 2017, and Gabrielle and John Wainwright’s love story was almost like two ships passing in the night. Gabrielle was in the waiting room of a massage parlor inside Gigi’s Downtown while her best friend was in her session. Meanwhile, John, who was training for an ironman triathlon, was also in the waiting room before his own massage. John introduced himself to Gabrielle and showed interest. However, John failed to ask for Gabrielle’s number. That night, Gabrielle told her friend about what had occurred. “You are going to marry that man,” she said. 

John kept frequenting the massage parlor, hoping to see the girl he couldn’t get off his mind, but they didn’t cross paths again. He finally tracked Gabrielle down on social media and asked her to dinner. They had their first date downtown at Luna Bar & Grill, and the two were married in February 2019. 

Before opening Bayou Boards by Gabrielle, which offers custom charcuterie boards and more, in late 2019, Gabrielle was a special education teacher. While John still works in the LNG industry, he assists the business by using his financial management skills to run payroll, assess costs and ensure the business is in compliance. 

Gabrielle and John have a family, which makes business more challenging. Gabrielle, creator, marketer and designer, says, “We are grateful for what this business has done for our family and also this community. We both support the business in a way that caters to our strengths.” 

Gabrielle’s advice to other couples in business together or hoping to start one is “Don’t ever lose sight of what is most important, which for us is God, our marriage and our family. Schedule time to ‘talk business’ and also prioritize time to focus on your relationship and your family. Learn to listen to understand, not just to respond. You each bring a special skill to the business. Harnessing those skills is important to your success. Remember, you are on the same team.” 

Hayleigh and Cody Simmons: LA Manufactured Homes

Some love stories begin with grand gestures. Hayleigh and Cody Simmons’ began in 2015 by pure accident. “Cody and I started out as friends and quickly realized how many similarities we shared and how naturally comfortable we were together,” Hayleigh says. “Neither of us had the easiest childhoods, and that shared understanding shaped our work ethic, honesty and determination to create a better life—not only for ourselves but for our children. There isn’t anyone else in the world I would rather build a life, a business and a future with.” 

In the early stages of the relationship, Cody had just opened Cody Simmons Mobile Home Transporters. Business ownership was new territory for him, and the manufactured housing industry was completely unfamiliar to Hayleigh. “We learned quickly how to navigate it together,” she says. Cody focused on hauling and installing homes, while I handled the paperwork and administrative side, gradually stepping into the role of secretary. That teamwork became our foundation and ultimately opened the door for us to dream bigger—owning a dealership and becoming a retailer.” 

After the two married, and while Hayleigh was pregnant with their second child, they made the decision to move forward fully with LA Manufactured Homes. “Between Cody’s knowledge, determination, and hands-on experience in the industry, and my eagerness to take on responsibilities and manage the business side, we knew we could build something meaningful together,” says Hayleigh. 

LA Manufactured Homes was born during an incredibly challenging time. Between the uncertainty of COVID and the devastation caused by Hurricane Laura, the couple faced obstacles that tested them in ways they never expected. “Working with your spouse is not easy. Patience is tested, stress is constant and emotions can run high,” says Hayleigh. “But we’ve always faced every challenge side by side, solving problems together and leaning on one another through both the difficult and rewarding moments. 

The couple’s strengths balance each other. Cody brings deep industry knowledge and determination, while Hayleigh focuses on organization, paperwork and keeping the business moving forward. Every day is a combination of teamwork, communication and shared responsibility. “The most rewarding part of it all is the people we help along the way—seeing families find homes and knowing we played a role in their journey,” says Hayleigh.” 

For couples considering going into business together, the Simmons’ advice is simple: “There is no better business partner than someone you truly trust, rely on and who motivates you to succeed. There will be moments of doubt and challenges along the way but facing them together makes the rewards even greater. Building a business as a couple strengthens not only your professional partnership but your relationship and your family as well.” 

Naima and Naizy Selim: Selim Surgery Center

The story of Dr. Niazy Selim and Naima begins on two different continents, shaped by two different cultures and two ambitious hearts. Naima grew up in France, carrying with her a global outlook and a quiet determination. Dr. Selim was raised in Egypt, where his passion for medicine and teaching took root early. 

Before ever stepping foot in the United States, Dr. Selim had already built a remarkable career. He became a professor of surgery in Egypt, completed his first surgical residency and fellowship, and earned a PhD, supported by extensive research contributions. His dedication to advancing surgical education made him a respected figure among trainees and colleagues alike. 

When Dr. Selim moved to the United States, he chose to challenge himself even further. He redid his entire surgical residency and completed a second fellowship at Emory University, one of the nation’s most prestigious training centers. His commitment to excellence didn’t stop there. 

For more than 20 years, Dr. Selim has served as a proctor and trainer in robotic surgery, teaching physicians across the United States and around the world. His expertise helped shape the next generation of surgeons and brought advanced robotic techniques to countless hospitals globally.  

This rare combination of academic leadership, dual training and international teaching experience makes him one of the most uniquely qualified surgeons practicing today. 

Dr. Selim and Naima’s personal story began while Naima was studying as an international student in Michigan and Dr. Selim was completing his residency in Kansas City, Missouri. Introduced through mutual friends, they formed a connection strong enough to bridge the miles between them. Their long-distance relationship grew through late-night conversations, weekend visits, and a shared belief that something special was unfolding. 

Eventually, the couple wanted to build a life side by side. Naima made the courageous decision to transfer schools and move to Little Rock, Arkansas, where Dr. Selim had accepted a surgical position. Living in the same city allowed them to grow closer, and before long, they chose to get married. 

Dr. Selim and Naima’s next chapter took them to Overland Park, Kansas, where they welcomed their three children: Noorhan, their first daughter; Adam, their spirited middle son; and Jay, the youngest and final addition to their family. 

In 2015, they moved to Louisiana, ready to begin a new chapter. Dr. Selim opened his private practice, and in 2017, they purchased their own surgical facility. Over the next two years, they poured their energy into renovating and transforming it into a fully licensed Ambulatory Surgery Center. 

Today, with a dedicated team beside them, they are bringing state-of-the-art procedures, advanced surgical techniques and innovative cases to Lake Charles—many of which had never been performed in the region before. Their mission is rooted in gratitude and purpose: to elevate the quality of life for the community that welcomed them so warmly. 

From France and Egypt to the heart of Louisiana, their story is one of courage, partnership, and vision. Together, they built a family, a practice and a legacy—proving that when two people share a dream, distance becomes irrelevant and anything becomes possible.