By Jim McCoy

In my journey, I will always have a special place in my heart for the women who have come into my life, especially those within the “L” GBTQIA+ community. My lesbians and those who “do not label” have always supported my journey, given me the strength to be who I am, and most importantly, have shown me how to love. (Especially ERMA! May she rest in peace.)

These words are meant to explore facets of our community and the people within those multi-layered facets who make a difference.

Jen and Brianna are soul sisters / brothers / mothers and all of the above. They have been within my creative circle of friends for over a decade, meeting them through their mother and loving them always as if they were my sisters from another mother! We had a great time over coffee at their salon a while back, and here is what they had to say!

Jen (L) and Brianna Castillo-Nikoley (R) with their son

Our Story: A Journey of Love, Balance, and Growth

What Makes Us Tick?

There are countless things that drive us, but at the heart of it all is the balance between our personalities. Jen brings an easygoing yet organized approach, while Bri’s artistic spirit and strong, vibrant personality add another layer to our dynamic. Remarkably, we never experience challenging moments simultaneously; there has never been a time when we both felt overwhelmed or unable to support each other. Even Bri’s mom notices and often comments on how well we complement one another. Every adventure and project we undertake together is marked by an incredible harmony.

Built on Love

Love is the foundation of both our home and our professional lives. We are raising a son who is a true blend of both of us; he resembles Bri but has Jen’s heart. Our careers are intertwined as we run a family business, a small salon, together. The love and dynamic we share at work create a wonderful flow; Bri specializes in long hair, color, and extensions, while Jen focuses on clipper cuts, short styles, and chemical texturizing. The success of our business is rooted in both our talent and the genuine care we show every client who walks through our door. Family is at the core of our workplace, with Bri’s mom (Jen’s mother-in-law) always ready to welcome and care for clients’ loved ones. We are extremely proud of everything we have built as a team.

What Ignites Our Spark?

We remain young at heart, finding joy in everything we do together. Even the most routine tasks, like a trip to the grocery store, become memorable experiences filled with inside jokes, snack discoveries, and plans for elaborate dinners. Cooking together is a favorite activity, Jen excels in the kitchen, while Bri happily assists and enjoys the results, often accompanied by a cocktail or two. Every evening feels like a celebration, and being married to your best friend ensures that life is never dull. In our home, every night is girls’ night.

Challenges We Have Faced

We have encountered two significant challenges in our relationship. The first stems from our differing cultural backgrounds, which can be an obstacle if not approached with openness. Parenting is another challenge, intertwined with our cultural differences. Overcoming these challenges has required honest conversations and a willingness to share our feelings without reservation. This openness strengthens and adds flexibility to our relationship. We are proud of what we have overcome and strive every day to teach our son how to navigate these situations with kindness and love, knowing that our relationship serves as a model for his future.

Jen and Brianna Castillo-Nikoley can be found at their home away from home, their salon The Uncommon Hair Studio, a family-owned salon where love and talent meet. They take pride in being a safe space for the LGBTQUIA+ and their families.

Amy and Therese are incredible women with attitude, determination, and the strongest souls I have ever met! They met on MATCH, and each basically said “HI,” and that was all it took! A simple wedding, and today they are excited to see the future together, Forever! When Amy first introduced me to Therese, I knew this was the one. They each had such sparkles in their eyes! It was very “Freudian” to say the least!

The Foundations of Our Relationship & Cherishing the Little Things

Our relationship thrives on the small gestures that show care and affection. Whether it’s bringing coffee in the morning or playing cards together, these moments reinforce our bond. Above all, open communication is essential, keeping us connected and in sync each day.

A Commitment to Marriage

We are deeply committed to our marriage, believing wholeheartedly that together we can overcome anything. This unwavering partnership gives us the confidence and strength to face life’s challenges side by side.

Emotional and Physical Intimacy

Emotional and physical closeness are at the core of our relationship. We make time for plenty of cuddles and share a long hug every morning, nurturing our connection and setting a positive tone for the day.

Making Time for Each Other

Date nights are special occasions, whether we dress up and go out or stay in bed with a movie and a charcuterie board of our favorite snacks. These moments together, both big and small, help us nurture our connection and enjoy each other’s company.

The Pillars of Love, Home, and Careers

Love is built on respect, time, and communication. At home, we recognize each other’s strengths and divide household tasks accordingly, always making time to do things together. In our careers, we give each other space and provide uninterrupted time to vent about our day-to-day work, ensuring we support one another in every aspect of life.

Intimacy and Shared Experiences

We make time to shower together, hold hands, enjoy date nights, and collaborate on special projects. These shared experiences deepen our intimacy and keep our relationship vibrant and meaningful.

Navigating Differences and Growth

Emotional differences, individual upbringing, and strong independence from past relationships shape who we are today. Having a partner you can rely on now makes all the difference, fostering trust and understanding.

Understanding and communication are key. We also recommend playing “Tales” Couples Edition, a great game for couples to strengthen their bond.

Advice for Building a Strong Relationship

Don’t rush into things, avoid owning UHAUL keys, take your time, and always ask the uncomfortable questions up front. Leave past relationship drama behind and, most importantly, love yourself.

“You can’t love anyone else until you love yourself.”

Amy Lamb and Therese Perri are the “Gals Next Door” with a twist! Amy owns a very successful transformation studio, Just You, here in Las Vegas, and Therese is a very talented software engineer. Together they make a difference!

This article was originally published in the 2026 Women & LGBTQIA+ Visibility Issue of Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine, and can be read in its original format here.