Who Is New 'Bachelorette' Joelle 'JoJo' Fletcher? Everything You Need to Know

JoJo Fletcher was named the Bachelorette during ABC's After the Final Rose show on Sunday

By

and

Published on March 15, 2016 02:30 PM

The Bachelor EXCLUSIVE! Bachelor Ben Higgins opens up about why fiancée Lauren Bushnell “was always the one” and the decision he regrets the most. Subscribe now for all their wedding plan details plus exclusive photos, only in PEOPLE!

It’s official! The captain of our next journey through romance and heartache is Joelle “JoJo” Fletcher. But who is the new leading lady of Bachelorette?

Ben Higgins‘ runner-up, 25, was crowned the Bachelorette during ABC’s After the Final Rose after show on Monday, and tells PEOPLE she is “more ready than ever” to get started.

Before the Texan Beauty starts handing out roses, here’s everything you need to know.

1. She’s a real estate developer.

She may be young, but Fletcher works hard. In 2014, Fletcher opened her own realty development company called JHF Realty Development LLC.

On top of that, she’s got her Bachelor of Applied Sciences degree from Baylor University, where she graduated from in 2011.

2. She’s totally ready for marriage.
Fletcher tells PEOPLE she’s looking for a lifetime commitment from “that person” who hopefully steals her heart on The Bachelorette.

“I want to find my husband. I want to find the person who will complete me and who will make me the full person that I’m meant to be,” Fletcher shares. “I’m so excited. I’m ready to fall back in love and be crazy and have somebody love me as much as I love them. And I want to start a family.”

3. The man she loves must love dogs.

Fletcher is an animal lover – and we’re not talking chickens. Her Bachelorette hopefuls will have to compete with the most important man in her life: a brown, German Shorthaired Pointer named Jackson.

• For much more from Ben and Lauren’s new life together, pick up this week’s issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday

4. Reality TV runs in the family.

Remember Fletcher’s protective – and intense – big brothers? The Hometown Dates appearance wasn’t Ben Patton’s first time on television. Eagle-eyed fans were quick to point out that the Dallas resident also looked for love on the small screen as the star of NBC’s short-lived 2013 series Ready for Love.

Patton, the CEO of a private hospital, was one of three bachelors who, with the help of matchmakers, tried to find their ideal woman. Unfortunately, the series didn’t last long on the network, and was pushed over to Hulu after two episodes. Patton’s engagement to Angela Zatopek didn’t quite stick, either.

• PEOPLE’s collector’s edition The Bachelor, with new interviews and updates on your favorite contestants, is on sale now in stores and online!

5. Fletcher’s husband must have a sense of humor.

So how will Fletcher weed out the good guys when she begins filming? Whittling down the group of 25 won’t be easy, but Fletcher tells PEOPLE she has a few requirements.

“I don’t have a physical type. But I like someone who makes me laugh, someone who is genuine and kind and adventurous,” she says. “Family is very important to me. I want someone who is family-oriented and who I can totally be myself around. I feel like when I meet that person I’ll just know.”

The new season of The Bachelorette premieres May 23 on ABC.