We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Andrea LaRosa a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Andrea, thanks for joining us today. Do you have any thoughts about how to create a more inclusive workplace?
It is an undeniable truth that every individual, irrespective of their socio-economic status or physical attributes, is deserving of love. However, a prevailing bias suggests that matchmaking services are a privilege exclusive to the affluent and elite sector of our society. This perception is being reinforced, unfortunately, by the disappointing performance of dating apps, driving individuals to employ high-end matchmaking services, which can command prices upwards of $25,000, contingent on the regional market and the requisite effort by the matchmaker.
From my perspective, this implies a disheartening message to the broader society. If you are not financially well-off or do not possess a disposable income – a circumstance many face in our current economy – it seemingly implies that you’re undeserving of love or a loving partner. Originally, the concept of dating apps was perceived as an accessible platform to encounter a vast array of potential partners conveniently. However, the reality of dating has been convoluted by these platforms, laden with algorithms that encourage incessant usage or premium upgrades. Their focus is inclined towards keeping users engaged in the endless swipe cycle.
However, setting aside the technology, the real predicament lies in the diverse user motivations. Users engage with these apps for varying reasons, be it seeking validation, exploring their options, or merely to pass time on an idle Saturday night. Despite the pool of over 300 million users, the task of finding a suitable match remains a challenge.
Considering these hurdles, resorting to a professional matchmaker appears to be an optimal solution. As an advocate for egalitarianism in love, my company strives to make matchmaking services accessible to a wide audience. We maintain our pricing below market standards and propose flexible payment options tailored to individual clients’ capabilities. Our commitment is that love, an inherent right, should not be monopolized by the financially privileged. In pursuit of this, we provide a complimentary database where individuals can register to increase their visibility to potential matches. We firmly believe that finding love is a universal aspiration and should be achievable for everyone.
Andrea, before we move o
n to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My journey into the world of matchmaking and relationship coaching began in a rather organic way: I initiated a series of local speed dating events. As a single woman navigating through her 30s, I was privy to countless tales of dating app woes from my friends who yearned for authentic, real-life connections over swiping through profiles. The prevalence of being ghosted was escalating, creating a demand for an engaging, swift method to meet potential partners. During these events, however, I observed that some participants seemed unprepared for effective dating. To remedy this, I incorporated icebreakers and conversation prompts to ignite engagement.
A crucial turning point emerged when I took on the role of a coach for one of the regular male participants. A few strategic tips enabled him to distinguish himself from the competition, leading to his meeting the woman who would become his wife. This success story illuminated the profound need for professional dating coaching in the modern dating landscape.
To meet this demand, I equipped myself with multiple certifications, including life coaching, relationship coaching, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). I began to offer comprehensive coaching sessions addressing dating, relationships, and breakups. It became evident that healing past emotional wounds was a prerequisite to effective dating for many clients. To optimize the coaching process, I developed workbooks, online course programs, and cheat sheets.
As the pandemic unfolded and demand grew, I took a pivotal step: I became a certified matchmaker. I had observed professionals oscillating between coaching and matchmaking, and I was inspired to integrate these services. Marrying my coaching expertise with the practice of arranging quality dates ushered in a significant business transformation. My clients could avail themselves of tailored coaching while bypassing the hassles of dating apps, as I was handpicking superior matches for them.
The services we offer are a boon for busy professionals. We eliminate the frustration of swiping, setting up dates, and coping with the disappointment of being stood up, ghosted, or misled by deceiving profile photos. My team and I not only source matches for our clients, but we also meticulously craft enjoyable, exhilarating dates. We conduct background checks to ensure our clients’ safety, eliminating any apprehension about meeting a stranger.
Our standout feature, setting us apart from other services, is our blind date approach. We deliberately eschew sharing photos or bios, as we believe this mimics the dating app experience too closely. At Date Smarter, we dedicate substantial time to understanding each potential match for our client. Our track record has demonstrated that clients and their dates find this blind date format remarkably enjoyable. It encourages an open mind, devoid of preconceived notions or expectations, allowing both parties to truly immerse themselves in the date and genuinely enjoy the experience.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
My most significant career transformation came on the precipice of becoming a relationship coach, which was a departure from my initial trajectory in the film industry. My professional journey started in Los Angeles, then led me across the Atlantic to England. However, as my contract in England drew to a close, I found myself on a return path to the states, contemplating reestablishing my career in Los Angeles.
Upon reaching home, a realization dawned upon me. Despite my profound affection for the film industry, I found it lacking an element that was crucial to my professional fulfillment. What I yearned for was the opportunity to contribute positively to others’ lives, to be a catalyst for meaningful change. Recognizing this void led me to take a sabbatical from work, during which I ventured to explore alternative career paths.
My “Eureka” moment transpired unexpectedly at a local speed dating event. Struck by the event’s parallels to production in terms of its organizational aspects, I was inspired to view it through an entrepreneurial lens. Admittedly, the event was disorganized, prompting me to reach out to the coordinator at the venue and extend an offer of assistance. She was more than eager to accept my offer, and together, we managed a subsequent event that drew an impressive crowd.
That successful collaboration sparked an idea: I could transform this into a viable business. I started my venture, focusing on hosting regular speed dating events at various local restaurants and bars. The dual appeal of this concept was invigorating – not only was I assisting individuals in their pursuit of love, but I was also driving business towards smaller, locally owned establishments. This new professional chapter was perfectly aligned with my desire for service, thereby marking a thrilling and fulfilling transition.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
While Canaan doesn’t hold the title of my business partner, his indispensable role as my podcast co-host transforms him into something much more integral. I deeply appreciate his immense contributions in producing the show and equally value his presence as a colleague and friend. His distinctive and vibrant personality infuses our show with a much-needed zest. As we wrap up our 4th season and eagerly prepare for the 5th, I am immensely grateful for the robust conversations we’ve been able to facilitate about dating and relationships, all while maintaining a candid, unfiltered approach.
The idea of venturing into podcasting was always appealing to me, especially as it became an increasingly popular medium for people to engage with my brand without incurring any cost. However, I was acutely aware that my personality type wouldn’t thrive in a solo format. I thrive on interactive dialogue, on the dynamic exchange of ideas, rather than monologues into the void. In discussing this dilemma with a friend, I conveyed my desire for a co-host—someone who contrasted yet complimented me and could contribute meaningfully to the content.
He recommended his friend Canaan, who had been piloting his own podcast. Thus, a tripartite meeting was arranged, and upon my first encounter with Canaan, it was instantly evident that our professional relationship would bloom into a rewarding partnership and enduring friendship. It was a serendipitous alignment of circumstances, a testament to life’s uncanny knack of presenting what you need, provided you’re receptive.
Our dynamic brings a well-rounded perspective to the podcast—Canaan, with his married status, contrasts my singleness; his male perspective complements my female viewpoint; his experience as a gay man enriches my perspective as a straight woman; his Black identity harmonizes with my white background. Our conversations are not just unfiltered; they are steeped in honesty and authenticity, enabling mutual learning and unexpected revelations.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.datesmartermatchmaking.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/datesmartercoach/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/datesmartersexier
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrealarosacoach/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@datesmarter
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@datesmarter