Love, Faith & heritage:
A Story of Building Dreams Together
february 2025 | written By: Dr. erlange elisme | Photo by: Valcin legacy
As a fellow Haitian and someone who works with people healing from life's challenges, I love sharing stories of hope. This February, I want to tell you about a couple whose love story shows us what's possible when faith, culture, and purpose come together.
My introduction to Reverend Dr. Louis Wilkenson and Dr. Darline Wilkenson took place at a gathering in our community. From the moment I saw them together, it was clear there was something extraordinary in the way they uplifted one another and nurtured their friendship. Their journey transcends mere romance; it’s a beautiful testament to crafting a meaningful life side by side, honoring their Haitian heritage, and inspiring those around them as they go.
Here in Georgia, the Wilkensons have made quite a name for themselves, but not just because of their impressive degrees or successful businesses. What stands out is how they use their success to help others. Dr. Darline earned her doctorate in leadership, while the Reverend Dr. Wilkenson holds a Doctor of Divinity and a master's in finance. Together, they run ZigZag Construction Company, showing us how couples can build both a strong business and a strong marriage.
I've spent time with them at home and at community events, and what strikes me most is how real their connection is. Whether they're hosting neighbors, volunteering, or just sharing a quiet evening, their love for each other shines through. They've raised two wonderful children – their daughter has finished college, and their son is well on his way, in his third year of university.
Before their construction company, they ran a Tag Auto Center for twelve years. But their real success isn't in their businesses – it's in how they live their values every single day. When Dr. Darline tells me, "When I listen to my husband talking, I always smile from ear to ear, as if it's the first time I'm hearing him speak," I know exactly what she means because I've seen those moments myself.
My introduction to Reverend Dr. Louis Wilkenson and Dr. Darline Wilkenson took place at a gathering in our community. From the moment I saw them together, it was clear there was something extraordinary in the way they uplifted one another and nurtured their friendship. Their journey transcends mere romance; it’s a beautiful testament to crafting a meaningful life side by side, honoring their Haitian heritage, and inspiring those around them as they go.
Here in Georgia, the Wilkensons have made quite a name for themselves, but not just because of their impressive degrees or successful businesses. What stands out is how they use their success to help others. Dr. Darline earned her doctorate in leadership, while the Reverend Dr. Wilkenson holds a Doctor of Divinity and a master's in finance. Together, they run ZigZag Construction Company, showing us how couples can build both a strong business and a strong marriage.
I've spent time with them at home and at community events, and what strikes me most is how real their connection is. Whether they're hosting neighbors, volunteering, or just sharing a quiet evening, their love for each other shines through. They've raised two wonderful children – their daughter has finished college, and their son is well on his way, in his third year of university.
Before their construction company, they ran a Tag Auto Center for twelve years. But their real success isn't in their businesses – it's in how they live their values every single day. When Dr. Darline tells me, "When I listen to my husband talking, I always smile from ear to ear, as if it's the first time I'm hearing him speak," I know exactly what she means because I've seen those moments myself.
What Brought Them Together
Dr. Darline loves to talk about how her husband's kindness and confidence drew her in, along with his deep commitment to helping others. For Reverend Dr. Wilkenson, Dr. Darline's caring heart and grace captivated him.
Their shared love for Haiti is at the heart of their bond. "Our love for our motherland has no equal," Dr. Darline shares. "We adore our music, food, values, and the deep connection to family." As someone who shares their heritage, I see how their pride in our culture shows up in everything they do, especially in how they help others and keep our traditions alive.
Faith as Their Foundation
For the Wilkensons, faith isn't just for Sundays–it guides their everyday life. They often quote Hebrews 11:1: "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." I've watched how this faith helps them decide and stay strong through challenges.
Dr. Darline loves to talk about how her husband's kindness and confidence drew her in, along with his deep commitment to helping others. For Reverend Dr. Wilkenson, Dr. Darline's caring heart and grace captivated him.
Their shared love for Haiti is at the heart of their bond. "Our love for our motherland has no equal," Dr. Darline shares. "We adore our music, food, values, and the deep connection to family." As someone who shares their heritage, I see how their pride in our culture shows up in everything they do, especially in how they help others and keep our traditions alive.
Faith as Their Foundation
For the Wilkensons, faith isn't just for Sundays–it guides their everyday life. They often quote Hebrews 11:1: "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." I've watched how this faith helps them decide and stay strong through challenges.
Making Time for Love
Life keeps them busy–Dr. Darline balances corporate work with their construction company, and they're both active in running the business. But they've figured out how to keep their relationship strong. They have special rituals, like making dinner time sacred and sometimes dancing in the kitchen. As Dr. Darline puts it, "We put our relationship first and stay committed to being each other's best friend."
A successful career and a happy marriage can thrive together if you prioritize your relationship "When we put each other first," they say, "everything else falls into place."
Growing Through Challenges
Running Tag Auto Center together for twelve years tested their relationship in ways that could have pulled many couples apart. But they faced every challenge as a team. "Instead of letting problems divide us, we solved them together," they share. They bring that same teamwork to their construction business today.
Blending Two Worlds
One of the most beautiful things about their relationship is how they've brought together the best of Haitian and American cultures. In their home, you'll find traditional Haitian dishes next to American holiday celebrations. They speak Creole to keep our heritage strong while embracing life in America. Their children are perfect examples of this blend – getting their education here while staying connected to their Haitian roots.
Life keeps them busy–Dr. Darline balances corporate work with their construction company, and they're both active in running the business. But they've figured out how to keep their relationship strong. They have special rituals, like making dinner time sacred and sometimes dancing in the kitchen. As Dr. Darline puts it, "We put our relationship first and stay committed to being each other's best friend."
A successful career and a happy marriage can thrive together if you prioritize your relationship "When we put each other first," they say, "everything else falls into place."
Growing Through Challenges
Running Tag Auto Center together for twelve years tested their relationship in ways that could have pulled many couples apart. But they faced every challenge as a team. "Instead of letting problems divide us, we solved them together," they share. They bring that same teamwork to their construction business today.
Blending Two Worlds
One of the most beautiful things about their relationship is how they've brought together the best of Haitian and American cultures. In their home, you'll find traditional Haitian dishes next to American holiday celebrations. They speak Creole to keep our heritage strong while embracing life in America. Their children are perfect examples of this blend – getting their education here while staying connected to their Haitian roots.
Their Advice for Others
The Wilkensons have a simple but powerful rule about communication: "Keep it beautiful." They believe in protecting your relationship while staying connected to family and community.
A Legacy of Love
As we celebrate love this February, the Wilkensons remind us that genuine romance isn't about big gestures–it's about choosing each other every day, even when it's difficult. They have a favorite Haitian saying, "chante nouvo dire twa mwa sèlman," which means your troubles don't last forever. In a time when many relationships face challenges, the Wilkensons inspire us with the beauty of what love can truly achieve.
Their story shows us that a strong marriage doesn't need perfect circumstances. Commitment involves praying together in tough times, dancing in the kitchen to release stress, speaking kindly in conflicts, and assisting others while chasing your dreams. Through their work at ZigZag Construction Company, raising their children, and serving their community, they show how couples can thrive when they face life's challenges together.
What makes their story special is how they've turned the challenges of being immigrants and entrepreneurs into steppingstones for growth. Their home is a place where Haitian traditions and American dreams intertwine, where faith guides the way, and where love is evident in both words and actions.
This February, the Wilkensons remind us that love isn't about grand gestures–it's about the small choices we make every day to listen, support, pray, serve, and choose each other again and again. They teach us that with faith as our foundation, culture as our strength, and love as our guide, we can build relationships that not only last but inspire others for generations to come.
The Wilkensons have a simple but powerful rule about communication: "Keep it beautiful." They believe in protecting your relationship while staying connected to family and community.
A Legacy of Love
As we celebrate love this February, the Wilkensons remind us that genuine romance isn't about big gestures–it's about choosing each other every day, even when it's difficult. They have a favorite Haitian saying, "chante nouvo dire twa mwa sèlman," which means your troubles don't last forever. In a time when many relationships face challenges, the Wilkensons inspire us with the beauty of what love can truly achieve.
Their story shows us that a strong marriage doesn't need perfect circumstances. Commitment involves praying together in tough times, dancing in the kitchen to release stress, speaking kindly in conflicts, and assisting others while chasing your dreams. Through their work at ZigZag Construction Company, raising their children, and serving their community, they show how couples can thrive when they face life's challenges together.
What makes their story special is how they've turned the challenges of being immigrants and entrepreneurs into steppingstones for growth. Their home is a place where Haitian traditions and American dreams intertwine, where faith guides the way, and where love is evident in both words and actions.
This February, the Wilkensons remind us that love isn't about grand gestures–it's about the small choices we make every day to listen, support, pray, serve, and choose each other again and again. They teach us that with faith as our foundation, culture as our strength, and love as our guide, we can build relationships that not only last but inspire others for generations to come.
Dr. Erlange Elisme, DSW
CEO / Owner & Author
Website: https://elismeconsultingservices.com
Phone number: 678-595-6446
Email: [email protected]
CEO / Owner & Author
Website: https://elismeconsultingservices.com
Phone number: 678-595-6446
Email: [email protected]