We recently connected with May Bugenhagen and have shared our conversation below.

May, appreciate you joining us today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

As a business owner, I am beyond happy with the decision to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes it can be stressful, too, but it’s a good kind of stress. I wake up every morning with a sense of purpose and determination that I never had when I worked a regular 9 to 5 job. It is like being on 100% commission, because if I don’t land a client, I don’t get paid. Being my own boss allows me the freedom to set my own schedule and make decisions that directly impact the success of my business. I like how I can travel anywhere, anytime, as long as I have my laptop with me. I love the fact that I am in control of my own destiny and have the opportunity to create something meaningful and impactful. The flexibility and autonomy that come with owning a business are priceless, and the potential for unlimited growth and success is incredibly empowering. I work as much as I want or as little as I want. I wouldn’t trade this for a regular job any day! I was in the corporate world right out of college for 11 years. If you have the drive and passion to bring your ideas to life, I encourage you to take the leap and become a business owner. You won’t regret it! I’m always seeking other women who want to start a career as an Asian Matchmaker and be part of my Inner Circle.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

So, there I was – 30, fabulous, and ready to meet my soulmate. I had the job, the house, the whole shebang. I hired a matchmaker but after a few lackluster dates, I was left feeling not impressed than impressed. That’s when it hit me – if I wanted something done right, I’d have to do it myself. I realized that I needed a dating service that offered more than just a few quick matches and generic advice. As someone who hadn’t exactly mastered the whole dating thing, I understood the need for a bit of handholding and personalized attention. So, I decided to create a company that was truly service-oriented, one that prioritized meaningful connections and genuine compatibility. I started my own matchmaking business, and I’ve never looked back. I’m on a mission to help others find love, just like I did. After spending 14 years in the dating industry, I’ve learned that matchmaking is about more than just a gut feeling. It’s about having an extensive network to tap into. You’ve got to hustle and make connections to find the perfect matches for your clients. It takes creativity and persistence to seek out those ideal matches. Spending quality time getting to know your clients is key – it’s about understanding their needs, not just their wish list. Being a matchmaker is far from being an order taker – it’s about delving into the nuances of human connections to find that perfect match. It’s all about reading between the lines and understanding the unique chemistry that will connect two people in a meaningful way. This industry is about trying to create those magic moments that can change lives forever, but when it does not, I hope the clients learn something about themselves and feel they got value out of my service. I cannot find everyone their match, but what I can guarantee is that I will work really, really hard for them.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

In the competitive dating industry, building a strong reputation is essential for success. When I first started out, I recognized the demand for customized experiences tailored to individual preferences and desires. I curated exclusive Asian speed dating events, lock and key parties, and engaging wine tastings in a relaxed, social setting. By carefully selecting attendees, I fostered a conducive environment for like-minded individuals to make genuine connections, showcasing my ability to unite people.

Through collaborations with industry leaders and co-hosting events and presentations, I got involved in the community. Disseminating insights via articles, blog posts, podcast appearances, and a book packed with valuable modern dating advice (“The Roadmap for Single Asian Women”) enabled me to broaden my reach. The launch of “The Asian Dating Podcast” extended my authority, and through webinars, social media, and speaking engagements, I continued solidify my position as a trusted figure in the dating industry.

By actively participating in the community, I sought to create positive relationships with other business leaders beyond matchmaking services.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

After a decade of successful business operations, my business partner and I decided to part ways, prompting me to reevaluate the direction of my matchmaking business. I chose to pivot and shift my focus toward a more niche market, specifically targeting Asian women and men seeking to meet them.

As an Asian woman myself, I wanted to assist other Asian women in finding meaningful relationships with men who were serious and committed. With this in mind, I decided to exclusively cater to men between the ages of 35 and 65, from all ethnic backgrounds, who were located in the United States and sought to connect with Asian women in either the U.S. and/or Asia.

This strategic pivot allowed me to transition from serving clients in a single city to operating on a national and international scale. Today, I am proud to be recognized as THE leading Asian Matchmaker in the United States, specializing in helping successful, accomplished men find their ideal Asian partners.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.twoasianmatchmakers.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermay/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TwoAsianMatchmakers
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayhui/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/AsianMatchmaker
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/twoasianmatchmakers
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/two-asian-matchmakers-los-angeles-2
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@asianmatchmaker88 May@TwoAsianMatchmakers.com