Four of our friends on how they’re looking at love this Valentine’s Day

We sat down with The Real Dads Of Melbourne, Hattie Molloy and Ziggy Leong to talk all things love.

From self-love and significant others to the puppy love of your life and everything in between, this love season is yours to define. Whether it’s about showing up for yourself and your career or simply stopping to smell the roses, if recent times have taught us anything it’s that the love we have in our lives is always worth celebrating. With Valentine’s Day approaching, we’re looking to our friends and the many ways they’re writing their own love stories. The main takeaway? Love always finds a way.

For Melbourne-based florist, installation artist and creative director, Hattie Molloy, creativity has been an enduring source of love in her life. Renowned for her floral installations, Hattie’s creative practice has been at times a long and arduous journey. Having recently pivoted into sculpture, objects and homewares, Hattie’s creative evolution makes a case for pursuing what lights you up without a sense of rigidity. And naturally, self-love is the greatest tool to guide you along the way.

Jarrad and Michael Duggan-Tierney of The Real Dads Of Melbourne know a thing or two about love. The Melbourne-based couple’s journey began 21 years ago and has since evolved into the epitome of a modern, loving family of three. Largely documented on their Instagram account @therealdadsofmelbourne, there’s a lot to love about their candidness and charisma. From their surrogacy journey and raising their son Reid, to now beginning a new chapter as foster parents, The Real Dads Of Melbourne prove that love truly knows no bounds.

Wonderfully innocent and refreshingly honest, who better than a 9-year-old to put love in simple terms? For Ziggy Leong, love is all around. A feeling of calm and comfort, Ziggy’s love for his family, friends and favourite foods is a sweet reminder to look at what we’ve got and the joys each of those wonderful things can bring.