Co-written by Erica Morris Terry
Babaldi Studios
Valentine's Day means flowers and romance for many people, but what if you've been overlooked by Cupid this February 14th? While finding that special someone may leave you feeling like a member of the lonely hearts club, there's no need to stay single just because you don't know what's out there--an old fashioned problem that's easily fixed with modern technology. At least, that's the premise put forth by New York City matchmaker and dating guru Sonya Kreizman.
From her experience matching couples both in real time and through dating apps she's helped found, Kreizman has seen firsthand how all it takes is finding the right person to spark a relationship that goes the distance. She attests that even in this digital age, when so much of how we interact with one another leaves us feeling cold and distant, technology can be used to find lasting love that results in betrothal, marriage and even children.
"I get invited to weddings all over the world, from New York to Ukraine," says Kreizman, recounting the many fairytale endings she's helped write.
There's the story of Olga and Michael Buskin, now married thanks to JCrush, a Jewish dating app Kreizman co-created. Though the two didn't live in the same country, Michael flew all the way to Ukraine to meet and woo his future bride after making that first connection online.
"We both never thought we would ever meet someone from a different country let alone get engaged to be married," says Michael Buskin. "It’s amazing and we are the happiest we have ever been in our lives."
And then there's Sarah Varacalli and Dan Ventura, two other clients of Kreizman's who recently gave birth to little Malka, a bundle of joy the matchmaker affectionately refers to as her "first JCrush baby."
"Nothing makes me happier than knowing that dating apps we created are responsible for people finding each other, falling in love and creating beautiful families," she says, also noting the popularity of MiCrush, a Latino dating app she co-founded. "In these difficult and chaotic times and in a world filled with so much hate, it warms my heart to know that these little apps we launched over two years ago continue to bring people love and hope. Love is truly all there is."
Still, many people feel hesitant to rely on services like a contemporary matchmaker or dating app, even with their prevalence in the modern zeitgeist. But that's a missed opportunity, says Kreizman. As she tells it, by using tools specifically designed to match you with likeminded singles, you narrow a dating pool cluttered with incompatible options to just those individuals looking to form lasting relationships with someone like you.
"We realized that by creating dating apps targeted to specific demographics we would attract singles looking to form real relationships based on shared interests," she says. "And by appealing to men seeking out serious connections, we’re ultimately making for a better user experience for our female members, hopefully reducing the 'hook-up' connotation that many dating apps have."
It's with that mission in mind that Kreizman recently broadened her scope, putting out advice videos on topics like drinking on a first date and how to bring chivalry back from the dead. The emphasis is reaching as many people as possible using the tools of the modern age, combining the matchmaking skills of yesteryear with the dating culture of today.
"My main priority is to connect people, no matter where they are,” Kreizman adds. “Sometimes the world can feel like a scary and lonely place, but it truly is love that makes it go round."
Sonya Kreizman is CEO and co-founder of Crush Mobile, a dating app developer with apps like JCrush and MiCrush. She is also a NYC-based matchmaker, helping couples meet both on and offline. "Ready to find love? Download Jcrush or contact Sonya directly for any dating advice and offline matchmaking.
Get to know me:
Jean Paul Laurent is the Founder & CEO of the Unspoken Smiles Foundation | Award Winning Social Entrepreneur | Published Author | Blogger | Ballroom Dancer | Philanthropist | Public Speaker | Executive MPA Candidate - Columbia SIPA |