Schenectady business transforms into a matchmaking service

SCHENECTADY – To swipe or not to swipe? Burned out by endless scrolling, casual chitchat, and an oversaturated online dating pool, it’s no surprise that more and more singles are opting for the latter.

Some, like Becky Daniels and Gabby Fisher, are ditching dating apps entirely and looking for more natural ways to find love.

“A lot of people, even those who have used their phones for a long time, find that dating apps don’t give them the way they want to connect,” said Daniels, who has sworn to Quest for First Love on Tinder, Bumble and Swipe on apps like Hinge.

In 2021, frustrated by the lack of opportunities to meet potential partners, Daniels and Fisher launched Capital Heart Connection, an event series aimed at connecting the Capital Region’s vibrant and inclusive singles community.

Now, as part of a corporate partnership with a women-focused co-working space, pals are taking their business to the next level by offering matchmaking services at their brand new office space in the Palette Community in downtown Schenectady . A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on February 2 at our offices at 508 State Street. 2:04, celebrate the expansion.

Now playing Cupid, the friend-turned-business partners have rebranded their business as Micropolitan Matchmakers and are taking on clients eager to delete their dating apps and find their romantic matches with real-world experiences.

Inspired by the interest of other singles who have attended their events over the past few years, the couple took a matchmaking course this summer to become professional love brokers. And so, in June, the duo’s card-free dating service was born.

“We really want to bring joy and humanity back to dating,” said Daniels, 36.

Their matchmaking services include in-depth hookups, a guaranteed number of dates based on selected membership packages, organized and private feedback on each date, and access to members-only group coaching and events. Packages start at $1,500.

Here’s how it works: For example, if someone were to sign up for a five-day package, the process would begin with a two-hour in-person consultation. The goal of the initial meeting is for Daniels and Fisher to leave with a deep understanding of the client’s dating history, preferences and interests so they can begin identifying the right match.

To do this, the matchmaker browses the business’ singles database, which people can sign up for free. As long-time residents of the Electric City, everyone’s day jobs build connections in the area, and they use their connections to consider future matches.

Once a few singles are selected, Daniels and Fischer conduct video interviews to make sure the person is who they say they are and is a good fit. Background checks are also done to give clients extra peace of mind, and online dating is often brutal (applause for no more secret marriage suitors).

The pair will then identify the best match they wish to arrange for the client, a process Daniels describes as “kind of magical.” Once properly vetted, business partners fully plan the first date, prohibiting individuals from exchanging phone numbers or social media accounts before meeting.

“On a dating app, you might meet and text someone for three weeks before you even meet them, and you’re building a story in your head about that person, good or bad, before you even meet them, and rarely Someone is going to live up to that expectation, so we’re really trying to take all that away and let them focus on the in-person connection,” Daniels said.

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