Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to R. Tony Smith. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi R. Tony, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Denver’s Cupid got started because Trump was elected President in 2016! I was inspired to run for Denver City Council in the spirit of reconnecting people to government, as I felt that election’s outcome because people not only lost touch with government but also their own neighbors. An essential part of my City Council campaign platform was to build stronger neighborhoods by connecting people to each other. The more people you know in the world means less fear of others! While I earned nearly 3,000 votes, I didn’t win the election — but it led to being inspired to continue my life’s work of connecting people — but as a matchmaker — so definitely a win in the long run!
When I researched the matchmaking industry, I quickly learned that there were many niches — and that people generally prefer working with people within their own ‘tribe’. As part of my research, I found that there was no one in Denver matchmaking for the LGBTQ industry, let alone men — thus “Denver’s Cupid.”
To develop the business and its systems, I was fortunate to discover and be accepted into CO. STARTERS, an entrepreneurial kick-starter program — and on top of it all, all development of Denver’s Cupid took place during COVID lock-down — immediately after a time my husband and I actually contracted COVID due to our trip to Ireland. We certainly made the most of our once-in-a-lifetime pandemic!
R. Tony, before we move on 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?
DENVER’S CUPID — the ONLY LGBTQ matchmaking service based in DENVER — and the WORLD needs all the love it can get, right? Not only do I matchmake in Denver, but I activate the worldwide network of matchmakers for my clients!
I am PASSIONATE about the Art of Matchmaking and the Power of Connection, and I rely on INTUITION and PERSONAL matchmaking — NOT apps… no more swiping right or left!
I’ve lived in Denver for 20 years and have made connections everywhere… Starting most importantly with my husband of 20-years…
Regarding YOUR relationship network, I will instantly expand it, save you time, and bring back excitement to dating. I have the GIFT OF CONNECTING PEOPLE that no app could ever match! Along with personal, private and boutique matchmaking, we also produce social and speed dating events.
Everyone deserves love and I’d be honored to help you… —and the best thing about it? There’s NO COST to start!
Somewhere over the rainbow is NOW! Join me and start connecting to other fabulous people like yourself at DenversCupid.com!
How did you build your audience on social media?
Marketing and PR are all about alignment with your audience, authenticity, quality and concise messaging.
For matchmakers, it’s vital you’re reaching your target audiences — and in the case of Denver’s Cupid that’s not just LGBTQ audiences, but also exceptional people seeking boutique services.
Another key element for matchmakers and other businesses that rely on reputation is consistently and constantly remind audiences of your presence and personal attention. One way this is accomplished is constant ties between Denver’s Cupid social media and the founder/owner’s personal accounts; this reflects transparency, lifestyle, alignment with audiences, quality and more.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
The most recent and significant pivot was from my 18-year career as a large-scale festival producer (Cherry Creek Arts Festival) to running for public office (Denver City Council) to creating my company, Denver’s Cupid — and this is all based on me listening to my gut.
It’s so important for all, entrepreneurs and otherwise, to learn how to trust your gut. When the universe inspired me to quit my safe career to run for office because the former POTUS was elected in 2016, I truly felt I HAD to listen to the universe and make a historic pivot in my life. While running for public office was truly the hardest thing I had ever done, I had enough confidence in myself that I’d survive and learn regardless of whatever outcome running for office would entail. This inner strength and confidence then led to the universe’s next inspiration for me to create my company.
Contact Info:
- Website: denverscupid.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/denverscupid
- Facebook: facebook.com/denverscupid
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/rtonysmith
- Twitter: twitter.com/denverscupid
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/sunbirdras
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/denvers-cupid-denver
- Other: https://linqapp.com/r_tony_smith https://linktr.ee/Denverscupid
Image Credits
Kalen Jesse Photography