Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ella Scaduto. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ella, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a time you helped a customer really get an amazing result through their work with you.

I’m delighted to share one of my most cherished success stories with you, one that holds a special place in my heart. To truly appreciate its significance, let me provide a bit of context by delving into the background that makes this story so profoundly meaningful.

My formative years were profoundly influenced by the tender care of my grandmother, a remarkable and loving individual who not only showered me with boundless attention but also played an indispensable role in molding the person I am today. A respected and beloved police officer in her community, she radiated kindness, humor, and boasted an abundance of lifelong friendships. Despite her fulfilling career, my grandmother carried a silent void in her life, an impact of which I failed to fully comprehend in my youth, believing that I was the sole fulfillment she needed in life. Widowed in her mid-thirties, she chose not to remarry. She raised me as a single woman in her late forties, a decision that carried both challenges and sacrifices. As an adult, I have a fuller appreciation for the weight of widowhood on her shoulders and the sacrifices she willingly made. In hindsight, I am led to believe that had she remarried, her life might have found an additional layer of personal fulfillment—one that transcended the roles of motherhood and grand-motherhood.

Fast forward to my journey as a matchmaker, where I’ve had the privilege of building connections and creating meaningful relationships. One standout success story revolves around a remarkable older lady who, over time, became a dear family friend and the hero of my favorite tale.

She shared with me the triumphs and joys of her seventy-plus years, alongside a poignant regret—the absence of a family and marriage, a lifelong dream left unfulfilled. Which of course reminded me of my grandma in a way. As I continued my matchmaking endeavors, a serendipitous moment unfolded when a colleague, new to the industry, sought assistance in matching her client. It was at this moment that our hero’s dream began its transformation into reality.

In a matter of months, the envisioned couple, introduced in the spring, found themselves engaged in the summer and exchanging vows in the winter. Their beautiful beachside ceremony, attended by friends, family, and the two matchmakers (we do love weddings), marked the culmination of our hero’s lifelong dream. She had married a wonderful man, complete with a ready-made family of adult children and grand-babies.

This heartwarming tale underscores the transformative impact of having a matchmaker by one’s side, showcasing the meaningful and soul-fulfilling work we engage in. It’s a testament to the life-changing possibilities that arise when love is skillfully guided and nurtured.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a Tennessee transplant from Florida, I was captivated by the unparalleled beauty of the state the moment I laid eyes on it, it was love at first sight. Beyond being a wife and mother to two teenagers (17 and 15 years old), I share my life with a diverse bunch of fur babies—a tranquil German Shepherd, an eccentric Corgi, and an imperious cat. As the CEO and matchmaker at Smoky Matchmaker, a venture I established in 2016, I take pride in being the driving force behind East Tennessee’s exclusive boutique Matchmaking and Date Coaching Service.

At Smoky Matchmaker, our focus is on assisting busy, discerning singles in connecting with individuals they might not encounter organically. The ultimate objective for all our clients is a meaningful, long-term relationship, and we exclusively cater to those with that goal in mind. Every potential client undergoes a face-to-face meeting and screening to understand their personality, preferences, and readiness for a relationship. This personal touch ensures that everyone gets a chance to meet their matchmaker and fosters a more authentic connection.

In my role as a matchmaker, I emphasize the collaborative nature of matchmaking—a team effort where I take the lead while relying on clients to be open-minded, receptive to coaching, advice, and, of course, meeting quality singles. We fundamentally do all of the behind the scenes work to get suitable singles on dates; from searching and vetting to providing feedback and coaching, and everything in between. Working with a select number of clients at any given time, allows us to provide the individualized attention we believe our clients deserve.

What sets Smoky Matchmaker apart is our commitment to informed choices. Unlike blind dating, we present our clients and their matches with photos and profiles before they meet, empowering them to make decisions that align with their preferences. Our approach extends to hosting speed dating events tailored to different age groups, fostering real connections offline and enabling new friendships. Fun fact, there is a monthly lunch date group that was created by ladies over fifty five years old, who met each other at Silver Fox And Vixen Speed Dating Party. Not only did they meet a great bunch of wonderful gentlemen, but they created new friendships, and we all know how hard it is to make friends as an adult.

Proudly rooted in community service, Smoky Matchmaker firmly believes there’s someone for everyone. While we can’t work with everyone, we strive to create opportunities for local singles to meet through monthly Speed Dating Parties, in collaboration with local establishments. Additionally, we offer a free half-hour Dating Strategy Call, providing single adults with valuable insights from a professional matchmaker—a transformative experience for many.

My most proud moments as a matchmaker and dating coach come when singles of any age gain their confidence, rediscover their spark and find new love.

“Your person is undoubtedly out there; the key is to make a conscious decision to prioritize the search and discover them. “ –Ella Scaduto

Have you ever had to pivot?

Upon launching my business, I initially adopted a strategy of offering lower membership levels to cater to a broad clientele while providing unlimited access to myself. However, I learned that attempting to be all things to everyone around the clock not only failed to distinguish my service but also left me feeling stretched thin. Recognizing the need for a change, I decided to narrow my services to a particular niche market of affluent individuals characterized by open-mindedness and emotional availability.

This deliberate shift allowed me to deliver the personalized level of service that my clients truly deserved while also maintaining a more balanced and sustainable lifestyle. I came to understand that when clients invest more in the service, not only do they become more agreeable to work with, but they also demonstrate a higher commitment to the matchmaking process. Moreover, I realized that being constantly available does not necessarily garner appreciation, and it can, in fact, dilute the value of the service.

In essence, my refined approach has not only elevated the quality of service I provide but has also cultivated a more harmonious balance between professional commitments and personal well-being.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

As someone who has never worked in corporate or has a business degree, growing my clientele has been and continues to be a learning experience. But as a small business owner, I have learned that growing a client list requires a combination of good strategies and never ending effort. Here is what I found to work for me so far:

1. Patience and persistence is probably the most important thing. Growing a clientele takes time, just like growing the business. Don’t let setbacks discourage you, just keep at it, Rome was not built in a day.

2. Networking within and outside of my industry and building relationships, many turned into friendships. I attend industry conferences as much as possible, participate in networking events in my community, I host singles events, and have connected with people on social media.

3. Providing great service to clients. Word of mouth is as old as daylight itself, happy clients will share their experiences with others.

4. Content creation and marketing. Create great, helpful and informative content that showcases you as an expert.

5. Constant learning and improvement of skill and knowledge. Learning is a lifelong process, there are always new ways to do things, and there is always space for improvement.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://smokymatchmaker.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smokymatchmaker/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smokymatchmaker
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-scaduto-5767558b?trk=people-guest_people_search-card
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/SmokyMatchmaker
• Youtube: https://www.instagram.com/smokymatchmaker/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/smoky-matchmaker-farragut-2?osq=Matchmakers
• Other: https://linktr.ee/matchmakerella