Joey and Lisa  grew up in the Upstate of South Carolina and started dating in high school, becoming high school sweethearts. After graduation, Lisa pursued her love for animals by earning a Bachelor's degree in Animal Health Technology and working in veterinary clinics. She later returned to college for a nursing degree. Joey enjoyed the outdoors and adopted a Labrador named Otis after high school that he trained for duck hunting.

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In 2017, the couple bought a small farm in Honea Path where they raised their three wonderful children. On their family farm, they raised goats, chickens, and puppies. This led to welcoming Bella, their first Goldendoodle, in 2018. It was their love for Bella and the charming disposition of the Goldendoodle breed that inspired them to start their Southern Sunset Poodles & Doodles business.

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The Tollison family welcomed their first litter of Goldendoodles in September 2021, sparking a passion for the breed that has only intensified over the years. Eager to share their love of Goldendoodles, Joey and Lisa focus on breeding healthy, happy puppies with friendly temperaments qualities they hope to pass on to every Doodle they raise so that these traits will endure in future generations.