"You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great." This quote perfectly embodies not only the journey of small business owners but also the beautiful love story of Ally & John—two incredible people brought together by their love of LEGO® and their passion for community.

As a jewelry artist working with LEGO® bricks, I’ve had the privilege of meeting some amazing people at LEGO® conventions, but my encounter with John was truly special. When we first met, he spoke so fondly of his girlfriend, Ally, and her small but growing LEGO® store. He was already planning thoughtful surprises for her, carefully choosing pieces from my collection to save for upcoming holidays. One of those pieces was my LEGO® Diamond Dot Stud Ring—a ring he planned to propose with, tucked inside a LEGO® ring box he had built himself. I was beyond honored to play a small role in their LEGO®  love story.

A year later, after collecting more LEGO®  pieces (and even more jewelry for Ally), they tied the knot and celebrated their honeymoon at the  LEGO® House in Denmark—a dream destination for any  LEGO®  fan. John even reached out to me to create a custom jewelry piece in the colors of the  LEGO®  House, which he surprised Ally with on their honeymoon. Their love story, built brick by brick, is as beautiful as the world they’ve created together.

But their story isn’t just about love—it’s also about passion, dedication, and the power of dreams. Ally, a true  LEGO®  fan, turned her passion into a thriving business, Brick Ally. What started as a small kiosk in Corvallis, Oregon, quickly evolved into something much bigger. Driven by her love for  LEGO®  and her desire to bring joy to others, Ally expanded her store, moved locations multiple times, and eventually settled into a stunning space in Port Orchard, Washington.

Her journey hasn’t been without challenges, but through it all, she has remained dedicated to her community. Brick Ally isn’t just a store—it’s a hub for LEGO® lovers, a gathering place for creativity, and a testament to the success of a woman-owned business in a male-dominated industry. Ally and John’s generosity extends far beyond their storefront, hosting events, supporting fellow small businesses, and giving back to their community in meaningful ways.

Last year, I was invited to showcase my jewelry at Brick Ally's, and I was welcomed with open arms—not just by John and Ally, but by their Mom too. John’s mother, a key player behind the scenes (from Colorado, where she sorts and ships  LEGO®  pieces for them), even made me feel like part of the family. Later, she even entrusted me with a deeply meaningful project—recreating her engagement ring and restoring her late husband’s wedding band so she could wear it in his memory. It was an honor to craft something so special, knowing it would keep his memory alive for her.

Now, as Brick Ally celebrates its third anniversary, I’m beyond grateful to be invited once again for a trunk show at their store. Their kindness, support, and dedication to the  LEGO® community continue to inspire me, and I’m thrilled to celebrate their success.

Ally’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and love—for  LEGO® , for her community, and for the people who support her. If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out Brick Ally and support this incredible woman-owned business. Whether you’re a lifelong  LEGO®  fan or just discovering the magic of building, there’s no better place to explore, create, and connect.

Happy anniversary, Brick Ally! Here’s to many more years of love,  LEGO®, and community.

Have you ever surprised someone with a  LEGO® -inspired gift or proposal? Share your stories in the comments—I’d love to hear them!