About the Company

Love Runners was co-founded by Samantha Whitlow, a self-described hopeless romantic, and Lya Kimbrough, an experienced event planner with a love for romance. Their company serves as a "romance concierge," designing personalized date nights for couples in Atlanta, Chattanooga, and surrounding areas. Through heart-centered planning and attention to detail, the duo aims to help couples prioritize intimacy and love. Their services include events such as divine dates, proposal setups, and custom passion packages, all tailored to the unique dynamics of each relationship.

The mission of Love Runners is to inspire couples to maintain a healthy balance between love and life by offering meaningful experiences. Samantha and Lya use questionnaires called "Heart to Heart consultations" to gather insights into each couple's story, creating events that reflect their journey. This approach ensures that every service is deeply personalized, making the couples feel seen and valued.

Idea Behind Company

The inspiration for Love Runners stemmed from Samantha's lifelong appreciation for intimacy and romance. Her passion for creating thoughtful, romantic experiences became evident in her personal relationships, where she excelled in nurturing love through meaningful gestures. Meanwhile, Lya’s background in event management deepened her understanding of the logistics and creativity required to plan memorable occasions.

The idea was solidified after Samantha planned a staycation for her best friend's husband. Impressed by her work, the couple encouraged her to pursue this as a business. Naming their company "Love Runners," Samantha and Lya combined their skills to provide a service that helps couples rediscover intimacy while eliminating the stress of planning. The business concept resonates with their shared belief that love and effort are essential for lasting relationships.

Creating the Company

The first event organized by Love Runners was a "Picnic Powwow" for a couple from their church. With limited resources, they relied on creativity and thriftiness, using affordable materials from local stores and borrowed supplies. Despite their modest beginnings, the event successfully highlighted their ability to craft meaningful, customized experiences.

To create personalized events, Love Runners implemented the Heart to Heart consultation process. This allowed them to understand each couple's love language, relationship dynamics, and special moments. Feedback forms became another essential tool for learning and improving their services. The company’s focus on incorporating heartfelt details, such as love letters and verbal affirmations, further emphasized their commitment to deepening emotional connections between partners.

Launching the Business

Love Runners officially launched after their first event, but the founders faced challenges, including financial constraints and personal setbacks. Both Samantha and Lya became single mothers during the early stages, which made balancing work and family life difficult. However, they used government relief funds during the pandemic to invest in inventory and expand their services, introducing Passion Packages, Suite Experiences, and proposals.

The company’s first paying client came in October 2021, marking a significant milestone. Their collaboration with Chef John Bazille for an intimate dinner experience further solidified their reputation. Social media content, client testimonials, and word-of-mouth referrals played a vital role in building their brand. While the business is still growing, the founders remain optimistic about scaling Love Runners into a recognized service in Atlanta.

Earnings

Currently, Love Runners generates an average revenue of $1.3K/month. The company has largely been bootstrapped, with Samantha and Lya funding initial operations out of pocket and leveraging bartering with vendors. Their creative marketing strategies, such as sharing behind-the-scenes content and featuring clients on social media, have helped attract and retain customers.

Future plans include launching an e-commerce platform, implementing referral programs, and expanding their newsletter campaigns to grow their client base. Despite the challenges of juggling motherhood and business, Samantha and Lya continue to invest in their passion for romance. They are optimistic about scaling their earnings through consistent marketing efforts and the development of innovative products.