Yohanes Makmur & Elisia Otavi
Yohanes Makmur, C.F.O., Raphio Chocolate; Elisia Otavi, C.E.O., Raphio Chocolate
Home base: Fresno
How did your love story begin? Elisia: He tricked me into writing his report after a concert. No, it was a fun and unassuming day when he asked me out to a music concert at our college. He brought me a snack and a drink as I just got off work.
Yohanes: Invited her to a music concert at a college in 2001 and asked her to write a report for me because she is smarter than me.
Favorite thing about one another: Elisia: I love that he knows who he is, a man with a vision, a great leader, a loving husband and father. For that point, he really is a father of my dreams.
Yohanes: She is exactly the woman I was hoping for to be the mother of my children. She is a great wife to the point where she starts a chocolate business with a cafe because I love chocolate and coffee!
Favorite date night: Elisia: Before kids, he surprised me by taking me out of town for a wonderful dinner at a rotating restaurant overlooking the city. After kids, a simple dinner and movie night with the whole family.
Yohanes: Simple dinner at any restaurant is great. Food and location do not matter much, the other person on the other side of the table is what matters most.
Favorite tradition you have as a couple: Elisia: Whenever we achieve a major milestone, we will dance, hug each other tight and hop around in a circle.
Yohanes: Relishing the Christmas decoration in church as we got married the day after Christmas 18 years ago, and the church was already decorated with beautiful Christmas trees and ornaments.
What does your happily ever after look like? Elisia: Continue to be best friends both in the personal and business world, laugh more, sharing life together with our children and the next generation.
Yohanes: Growing old together next to our children’s families, taking care and playing with grandchildren.