The Scoop: Not every client shows up to a matchmaking firm ready for love. It falls to the matchmaker to make sure that person has everything they need to not only meet new people but have the tools, skills, and confidence to make a relationship work. That’s a tall order, but some matchmakers have gotten it down to a science. One on One Matchmaking in Atlanta has branched out to partner with stylists, photographers, and other experts in the industry to support its clients through every aspect of dating. The firm has worked closely with personalized stylist companies Glam Kam and Monogram Styling in the last few years, and many singles have gotten a new look, increased their confidence, and attracted compatible dates as a result.
People always say, “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” But we do. We do it because it’s fun and simple, but, mostly, we do it because it saves us time. It’s just not practical to stand in the middle of a bookstore reading an entire novel before deciding to buy it. People learn to assess the book by the cover art, the summary, and other visual cues that make it stand out because that’s easier than poring over every word on every page.
Daters operate along the same lines when weeding out potential love interests and seeking love at first sight. People often judge at a glance if someone is right for them. Some studies show that singles take less than a minute to swipe yes or no on a profile. That can be a scary prospect for someone who doesn’t know how to put together an outfit or buy clothes that accentuate his or her best features.
One on One Matchmaking is a boutique dating service based in Atlanta.
The Atlanta-based matchmakers at One on One Matchmaking encounter this problem a lot, especially when clients are recently divorced or otherwise new to the dating scene. The matchmakers can set them up on a date, but they can’t ensure the client will show up looking their best.
Some clients wear clothes that don’t fit, while others show up trying too hard to be someone they’re not, and they essentially shoot themselves in the foot before the date has even begun.
Jennifer Barnes Miotke, President of One on One Matchmaking, was tired of seeing that happen, and so she began referring her clients to stylists on a case-by-case basis in hopes that a new wardrobe could set them up for success. As a result, the matchmaking firm’s clients have become more confident and capable daters armed with all the tools they need to meet someone special.
“There are all these little things that can put you ahead of the game,” she said. “You have to mentally make that transition and invest in your clothes so you’re ready to be sexy and fun.”
Atlanta Matchmakers & Stylists Form the Perfect Partnership
When One on One Matchmaking takes on a client, they do everything in their power to set that person up for success. Sometimes, though, an introduction isn’t enough to get that client in a relationship. Sometimes they need a little coaching to get them up to speed in the modern dating world.
Jennifer told us she often sees clients in their 40s or 50s who haven’t been single in decades and don’t know how to put themselves out there again. These individuals wouldn’t fare well going on a date right off the bat — they have to work on themselves a little first. One on One Matchmaking prepares its clients for dating success by sending them to the personal stylists at Glam Kam and Monogram Styling.
These experts can give a tired wardrobe a complete makeover and ensure singles show up for a date looking their best. The personalized styling process can also boost their confidence by making them feel good about how they look and who they are.
One on One Matchmaking’s five-person team has over 20 years of matchmaking experience.
One on One Matchmaking’s team is results-oriented and solution-focused, so they’re eager to partner with professionals who can improve a client’s chances of meeting someone special and making a great first impression. One on One Matchmaking also works closely with photographers to ensure the client has a good headshot for their dating profiles.
“It’s about everything you bring to the table,” Jennifer said. “A good date outfit can make you feel super confident and fun.”
Glam Kam™ Wants Women to Feel Comfortable in Their Shoes
Kam Thomas Throckmorton became interested in fashion from a young age because she didn’t want her height to be the first and only thing people noticed about her. She was over 6 feet tall by the time she was in seventh grade, and her size made it difficult to find feminine clothing that fit her properly. Difficult — but not impossible. At a young age, Kam started experimenting with her look and adding bright accessories to catch people’s eye.
Professional stylist Kam Thomas Throckmorton uses clothing and style as a tool to make personality pop.
“I began to use my clothes as a way of changing the conversation from being about my height to being about my style,” she said. “I learned at an early age the power of a great outfit and dressing intentionally.”
Today, she brings that awareness to her personal stylist business Glam Kam and helps her clients come out of their shells by dressing to impress. She can help her clients (who are mostly women) clean out their closets and buy more attractive and attention-grabbing clothes, shoes, and accessories.
“Every time we leave the house, we tell the world how we want to be treated,” Kam said. “You can’t opt out. Your clothes can be an opportunity to tell yourself and the world that you’re worthy.”
One on One Matchmaking often refers professional singles to Kam. These women often are so wrapped up in their careers and accomplishing great things that they don’t have time to think about what they’re wearing. Kam fills that gap with professional style recommendations and tips.
It’s not just about wearing high-heeled shoes or a designer dress though. Kam said her first priority is to bring out her client’s confidence and help them see themselves in a new, more attractive light.
“Everyone should have something in their wardrobes that makes them feel like a badass — especially when they’re dating,” she said. “My job is to gently nudge people out of their comfort zones while being mindful of what they want to wear. Ultimately, I want people to feel confident and good about themselves.”
Monogram Styling™ Assembles Attractive Date Outfits
Joshua Davis got his start as a personal stylist in 2008 when he got a call about helping someone prepare for a job interview. An old friend named Hot Rod had lost his paint store when the economy crashed, and he was experiencing a crisis of confidence. Throughout school, Hot Rod had been the life of the party — the guy who could make anybody smile — but unemployment had made his shoulders sag and his smile disappear.
Joshua Davis of Monogram Styling curates three outfits that suit his client’s goals, audience, and preferences.
When they met to shop for a new suit, Joshua said he was shocked to see how demoralized his friend looked. Then they began looking for a suit that would help him make a good first impression on potential employers. Just putting on the suit made Hot Rod stand a little taller. He went away from that day with a brand new suit and a new way of looking at himself in the mirror.
Helping his friend recover that sense of self-worth motivated Joshua to become a professional photographer and stylist. He started Monogram Styling as a luxury service for businessmen and businesswomen seeking an image consultation.
“I believe people have intrinsic value,” Joshua said, “and it is significant if you can help people understand their value. Art is just one way to do that.”
Today, Joshua has worked with employees and executives from major companies, including Honda, RaceTrac, IBM, and Coca-Cola. He said his job as a personal stylist is to understand who his client is and to seek pragmatic clothing that reflects and accentuates their personalities. He takes his client’s measurements, shops for clothing, and brings the wardrobe to his client to try on. He also delivers a pdf of potential outfit suggestions so clients don’t even have to think about what to wear on their next big date, company presentation, or social event.
“We want our clients to truly love everything in their wardrobe,” Joshua said. “We take a consultative approach and really try to figure out what makes you you.”
Whether he’s editing a wardrobe or hand-selecting a new date outfit, Joshua puts the needs and preferences of his clients first. He is a personal shopper interested in accentuating, not hiding, who his client is. “The purpose of clothing is to elevate you as a person,” he said. “I polish that image to be the best possible version so people feel authentic and comfortable.”
One on One Matchmaking Tailors Its Approach to Each Person
What you wear says a lot about who you are and how you view the world. The colors, styles, and fabrics you choose all make a statement. That statement could be, “I don’t check my T-shirts for holes in them,” or it could be “I take pride in the clothes I wear and the look I present to the world.” It could be, “Please, don’t notice me,” or it could be, “Look at everything I have to offer.”
Ultimately, how a person dresses can communicate a lot about their confidence levels, and that’s something that can be a dealbreaker on a date. Confident, comfortable, and collected daters attract positive attention from the word go because they take the time to ensure their clothing suits them perfectly.
The personal stylists at Glam Kam and Monogram Style can help singles who don’t know how to build such an ensemble, and then the matchmakers at One on One Matchmaking can put them in the path of compatible and desirable dates. Together, matchmakers and stylists have the ability to inspire clients with confidence and lead them to romantic success. This can be especially important for adult singles who haven’t kept up with fashion and don’t often give much thought to how they look.
“If you’re re-entering the dating scene after being married 20+ years, it’s going to be harder,” Jennifer said. “You’re already going to be a little rusty, so you need to look good and show your date that you’re savvy.”
