How did you get into matchmaking?
My journey into matchmaking feels like it was written in the stars, a serendipitous blend of passion, networking, and a chance encounter that led me down this fulfilling path. It all began when I was introduced to Rachel in 2011 through a mutual connection while I was the Membership Director at a private members club in Mayfair. Rachel’s drive and ambition immediately impressed me, and as someone who naturally loved making connections and networking, I found a kindred spirit in her.
After leaving the members club, I spent some time working with entrepreneurs, helping them grow their businesses—a job I thoroughly enjoyed. However, the world of matchmaking beckoned once again when I reconnected with Maclynn (known as Vida at the time). Back in 2014, it was a small venture with just a tiny office in London and a team of 2 or 3, but it was ripe with potential. I started by onboarding members, figuring out who the matchmakers could help, and it wasn’t long before the matchmaking itself caught my interest.
Diving into matchmaking, I worked with some truly incredible clients, and while I loved making those one-on-one connections, I realised my impact could be magnified by focusing on growing the business and managing the matchmaking team. My role evolved as the business did, and as we continued to expand, I shifted my focus towards the operational and marketing aspects. I ended up buying into the business and becoming a director in 2020.
Since then my goal is to ensure we’re not just a matchmaking service but a well-oiled machine that connects people with precision and care, always making sure we work with clients we can genuinely help. This path has been unexpected, thrilling, and above all, rewarding, as it combines my love for connecting people with my skills in networking and business development.
Where are most of your clients located?
The majority of our clients are the epitome of global citizens, hailing from cosmopolitan cities around the world. With our roots deeply embedded in the vibrant, bustling metropolises, we have established offices in key locations (London, New York and LA) to best serve our diverse clientele.
We also have a lot of clients in Dubai and Zurich/Geneva.
Our global presence enables us to tap into a wide network of individuals seeking meaningful connections, wherever our clients are based.
Where do you find your matches?
Finding the perfect match is like treasure hunting. Good people lead us to other good people so many of our matches do recommend other eligible singeltons!
However my radar for matches is always on! Whether it’s at a social gatherings, on LinkedIn, or collaborations with dating platforms, I’m always look out for great matches. My approach combines intuition with strategy, always on the lookout for that special someone.
One of my favourite match stories involves a garden party in Mayfair for people who work in the local area. There, I met a gentleman who seemed like he could be a match for one of our clients. I gave him my number (rookie mistake …always get THEIR number) After he ghosted me, I tracked him down on LinkedIn, convinced him to meet for coffee, and now, he is happily engaged to the client I had in mind and has two beautiful children with her.
This tale highlights the essence of matchmaking: creativity, persistence, and the belief that love can be found in the most unexpected places. Whether it’s a business mixer or a social media connection, love is out there, waiting to be discovered.
What is your favourite thing about being part of a matchmaking agency?
It’s the sheer joy of knowing that while you can be blissfully happy while single, the unique love and connection you find in a relationship is irreplaceable. There’s something truly incredible about playing Cupid and helping someone discover that special someone. Plus, let’s not forget about the perks of the job—I get to meet some of the most amazing people! Individuals who’ve pretty much nailed life, they’ve got it all—exciting careers, adventurous spirits, you name it. Yet, there’s this one piece of the puzzle that’s missing, a gap that they can’t fill on their own. And that’s where we come in. Being able to find that missing piece, to help complete their picture, is unbelievably rewarding. It’s like being part of their personal love story, helping them find their own happily ever after. And honestly, what could be more fulfilling than that?
What types of people are suited to using a matchmaker?
Anyone who values expert guidance and assistance to help reach their goal quicker. Whether you’re a busy professional with no time to sift through endless dating profiles, someone who’s been out of the dating game for a while and needs a bit of hand holding and support, or you’re just someone who believes in optimising every aspect of life, including the pursuit of love—a matchmaker is an ideal solution.
Think of it as hiring a personal trainer for your love life; someone who’s got the experience, the know-how, and the network to get you to your goal. A matchmaker doesn’t just find you dates; they find you the right dates, saving you time, energy, and quite often, a bit of heartache. So, if you’re someone who’s serious about finding love and willing to invest in that journey, you’re exactly the type of person who would benefit from a matchmaker’s touch.
What is your favourite match story?
One of my favorite stories isn’t about a match I made, but about guiding a client, Tom, to love in an unexpected way. Tom initially wanted someone opposite to his parents’ choice, seeking rebellion. However, it became clear his values actually aligned with those his parents admired. Encouraging Tom to communicate his true preferences to his parents marked a turning point. Against his usual instincts, he agreed to meet a woman his parents introduced him to during the holidays. This leap of faith transformed his love life; he fell deeply in love, eventually marrying and starting a family.
This story highlights that being a matchmaker isn’t just about arranging meetings; it’s about opening hearts and minds to possibilities, sometimes found closer than one might think. Tom’s journey is a powerful reminder of the unexpected paths to finding love, often leading right back to where we started, with a newfound perspective.
What should we have or not have on our dating profiles?
Your profile should reflect the essence of who you are and what you stand for, offering a glimpse into your life and what makes you tick.
A profile is so brief that every single word should be meaningful…I don’t mean that it needs to be really deep or complex, but even the lighthearted points should be relevant. If you’re not into skiing don’t post the picture of you on a ski trip that you were forced into. Every picture should reflect your personality and lifestyle.
Your bio or questions you answer should be a balanced mix of openness and intrigue, reflecting your true self while inviting others to discover more. By prioritising your values, you’ll draw in those who align with what’s most important to you, paving the way for connections that go beyond the surface.
This approach not only attracts people with similar interests but also gives potential matches insight into what drives you. The goal is to spark interest and conversation from the right people and not to win a popularity contest.
Is date coaching like therapy?
On the surface we often think these are terms are interchangeable but they are really completely different.
Imagine date coaching as your go-to friend who’s got all the insights on love, armed with a treasure trove of dating do’s and don’ts, ready to guide you through the maze of modern romance. It’s less about unpacking your emotional baggage and more about strategizing your love life. Think of it as a personal trainer for your love life, getting you in shape for the dating world, honing your flirting skills, and ensuring your dating profile is top-notch.
Now, therapy, on the other hand, is like the wise sage of personal growth, helping you dive deep into your psyche, uncovering patterns and healing old wounds. It’s the foundational work that makes you a great partner to someone else.
So, while date coaching might give you the best playbook for finding love, therapy ensures you’re in the right mental space to embark on that journey. They’re complementary, really, with each playing its part in helping you become not just a better dater, but a better you. And who doesn’t love a bit of self-improvement, especially when it comes with the bonus of potentially finding your perfect match?
How can I build my dating confidence?
Building your dating confidence is a bit like training for a marathon; it’s about building resilience and keeping your eyes on the finish line, knowing every step gets you closer to your goal. So the first step is getting out there and dating! Don’t worry about finding the right match at first, you just want to get out on dates and reflect on how you felt, before during and after.
You have to get used to rejection. It sounds daunting, but it’s actually a powerful step. Think of rejection not as a setback but as part of the process. Every ‘no’ is steering you closer to the ‘yes’ that really matters.
Remember, every step you take in the dating world, whether it ends in a connection or not, is progress. It’s a chance to learn more about yourself, what you want in a partner, and how to be the best partner you can be. Each interaction, conversation, and even misstep is valuable. They’re not just random events; they’re stepping stones leading you to the relationship you’re seeking.
So, embrace the journey with all its ups and downs. Celebrate the small victories, learn from the missteps, and keep moving forward. With each step, you’re not only getting closer to finding someone special but also becoming a more confident, resilient version of yourself. And that’s a win, regardless of the outcome.
By adopting this mindset, you’re not just searching for the right match; you’re also becoming a more resilient, insightful, and confident version of yourself in the dating world.
What are the 3 green flags in a new relationship?
Open communication: This one’s the cornerstone. If both of you can talk openly, listen actively, and handle conflicts with maturity, you’re setting up a solid foundation. It’s not just about chatting away the hours; it’s about truly understanding and respecting each other’s viewpoints, valuing each other’s opinions, respecting boundaries!
Shared Values and Goals: While you don’t need to be identical, having alignment in key life values and goals is a big green flag. It means you’re both rowing in the same direction, whether it’s career aspirations, family planning, or personal growth.
Laughter and Joy: The ability to laugh together, enjoy each other’s company, and find joy in the little things is a huge green flag. It’s often the glue that holds you together through thick and thin.
Have you met you own true match?
I met Nick at a charity poker game I had organised in 2009 . He was a professional in the industry at the time. It wasn’t a thunderbolt of love at first sight; rather, it was a slow burn that took 18 months to ignite into a full-blown romance. But once it did, there was no looking back and we got married in Malta, where I grew up, in 2017.
Our story is a testament to the fact that love can find you in the most unexpected places and times. We have an age gap of 14 years, which is not something I would have been open to on an app, which goes to show how setting your deal breakers can have such an impact on the person you meet.
Our love for games, the very thing that brought us together, still plays a role in our relationship. We both love to play any kind of strategy or card game and I can’t ever imagine that not being part of our relationship.
So, yes, I’ve met my true match, and our journey from that poker game to a wonderful marriage is a reminder of the unpredictability of love and the beautiful surprises life has in store.
Maclynn is an award-wining, international matchmaking agency with offices in London, Los Angeles and New York. If you’d like to explore the idea of working with a matchmaker to find a meaningful relationship, get in touch and we’ll gladly answer all your questions.
