Meet Ella Scaduto | Executive Matchmaker, Dating Coach and Relationship Expert.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ella Scaduto and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ella, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting a Matchmaking and Date Coaching business, like Smoky Matchmaker, had me pondering life’s most profound questions: “Wouldn’t it be great if I could help perfect strangers find each other in this busy world?” and “Why leave matters of the heart to chance?” But, really, it all began when I realized my talent for bringing people together was so good it might as well be a full-time gig. So, I decided to channel my inner cupid and create a business that’s all about finding those perfect matches. And now, here I am many years later, still spreading love and laughter one match at a time!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Oh boy, this is a loaded question, let me break it up a bit.

How did I get to where I am today business-wise, and was it easy?

Becoming an entrepreneur was really kind of an accident. I was raised by my grandmother who was a formidable woman with a distinguished career in law enforcement. I always admired her service to the community and the invaluable human connections that she developed along the way. My grandmother was always my biggest fan and a believer in me, so it was no surprise that I had the confidence to start my own business years later.

When I moved to the US, I worked various jobs, one of them was being an equestrian trainer. I learned a great deal about working with demanding clients, who’s expectations were not always reasonable. One day I met a boy, well actually, I was introduced to a boy. My husband of nearly 20 years and I were introduced to each other by my mother and his dad’s girlfriend. We spent all day together the first time we met, the rest is history. I became a believer in the process of what soon became my passion and profession.

Years before I ever knew about matchmaking as a business. I’ve been setting up my single friends successfully and even coached a couple of them on getting their confidence and mojo back. I then realized that matchmaking was an actual business, and went all in. I went to NY and got certified as a Professional Matchmaker which was a great addition to my BA in Psychology with a focus on research. I later went back and got certified as a Science-Based Date and Relationship Coach.

I started my business while raising a family, if I would have known how hard that was going to be, I might have reconsidered. I am glad that I did though. I am a “one-woman show” to this day, I have a lot of different hats I have to wear every day. Some of the most difficult things to learn were how to actually run a business, marketing, sales, advertising, and a hundred other things.

Matchmaking itself is a pretty tough job. You are talking to people about the most sensitive and personal matters of their lives. You have to help them get to where they want to be in their personal life from where they are now, and most of the time there is a lot more to it than just matchmaking.

If not, how did I overcome the challenges? What are the lessons I’ve learned along the way?

Overcoming challenges is a lifelong process and learning experience. I believe that every challenge teaches us something. It’s up to us to learn from it. Perseverance, patience, compassion and a whole lot of coffee are just a few fantastic tools to overcome any challenge.

As I mentioned before, I am a one-woman show, but I am not alone. I have surrounded myself with many great men and women in my profession who are incredibly supportive. We are a tight community.

What do I want the world to know about me or my brand and story?

I started my small boutique service in 2016 in Florida helping busy, professional men and women find their love partner. I also did singles events there. A few years ago my family and I moved to Tennessee, and now I provide matchmaking and coaching services exclusively to Tennesseans.

Smoky Matchmaker is a hybrid matchmaking and date coaching service for single people in Tennessee. I work with accomplished men and women of all ages looking for a serious relationship. I provide personalized matchmaking experience, I do just about everything for my clients short of going on their dates with them. I do an extensive vetting of prospective mates for my clients, provide concierge date planning, pre-date coaching and post-date feedback, and much more. I do, however, understand that matchmaking isn’t for everyone, so I have created a few other options.

I run several speed dating parties for locals of different ages. We really have a great time together and it is a wonderful opportunity for locals to meet people offline and to dip their toes in the dating pool. Silver Fox and Vixen Speed Dating Party for singles 55+ is very popular and much appreciated by the more mature singles who have just as much desire to meet their special someone as anyone else and experience similar challenges as their younger counterparts.

I have also created a program just for men, to help them navigate the dating scene. We have zoom coaching sessions as well as real life practice. I take my clients out to age appropriate public places and have them practice approaching and flirting with women. There is only so much anyone can learn from a zoom coaching session. Men are great learners with a hands-on approach. I help guys develop their social and dating skills along with boosting their confidence while out there in field practicing. I am very proud to be the only one providing this service in my area.

I also provide online profile makeovers for anyone interested in it. I am a big believer in putting your best foot forward, or in this case your best photo first. To stand out in a sea of online daters, you really need a well crafted and personalized profile.

And of course, I always offer a free phone consultation for anyone that just wants to talk about their dating challenges, which I personally enjoy very much. Folks can call me for advice on all things dating, even if they are not in the market for my services, and I am more than happy to provide that. After all, I am in a love industry and if my advice encourages someone to get out there and meet their forever person, well that will just warm my heart.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh dear, so many places to see and experience. I absolutely love Nashville for its vibrant life, food and music, so much music. Of course one must do all the touristy things and try some cowboy boots on and all that. But I would definitely bring my friend to one of many vinyl shops, and catch at the Ascend Amphitheater, they always have someone amazing. While there I’d walk on John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, the view is incredible. Parthenon is great, the art there changes often and it is worth visiting, especially if you are big fan of architecture. The Johnny Cash museum is a must in my opinion. And then there are parks, some of the most beautiful parks are herein Tennessee, you can certainly find one near and in Nashville.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a fantastic network of supportive individuals accompanying me on my matchmaking business journey. My husband, Rob, has been a steadfast pillar of support, helping me navigate through challenges that arise in the business. Laurie, the owner of Carolinas Matchmaker and a dear friend and mentor, has been nothing short of a blessing. Countless colleagues have generously offered their support, guidance, and encouragement. Having such an amazing support system has truly been a blessing, and I have such deep gratitude for everyone who has played a part in supporting me.

Website: https://smokymatchmaker.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smokymatchmaker/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-scaduto-5767558b?trk=people-guest_people_search-card

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SmokyMatchmaker

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smokymatchmaker

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/smoky-matchmaker-knoxville?osq=matchmaker

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ellascaduto8232/videos

Other: https://www.meetup.com/fun-fit-and-exceptional-singles-30s-40s-and-50s-group/

Image Credits
Great Love Debate, I was one of the speakers in Boca Raton FL. iDate Conference for professional matchmakers in Florida with matchmakers Racheal Russo, Laurie Berzack, Carmelia Ray, Maria Avgitidis and Amy Van Doran. A picture of me giving a talk at iDate Conference about challenges senior citizens face with dating. A wonderful couple I helped create, on their wedding day. A picture of me being on a podcast talking about best practices and advice for men on how to approach women in public places. A picture of me at the Stag and Doe Speed Dating Party, that is me explaining how speed dating will go. A picture of me with matchmakers Julia McCurley and Bonnie Winston at the Matchmaker’s conference in NY. A picture of me and another fellow dating coach Dan Silverman in UT.