CHARLOTTE'S MATCHMAKER FOR WOMEN OF COLOR: IS SHE RIGHT FOR YOU? Julie Wadley is the founder of Eli Simone, a Charlotte-based matchmaking service specializing in helping women of color find long-term relationships. Matchmaking packages start around $9,000, with coaching programs beginning at $3,000. Wadley's philosophy emphasizes matching based on shared values, lifestyle, and life vision rather than surface-level attraction. She also hosts the "While We Wait" podcast empowering women to take an active role in their love lives. KEY INSIGHTS: * Julie Wadley founded Eli Simone in 2013 after a decade in corporate marketing * The service specializes in matchmaking for women of color seeking long-term relationships in Charlotte, NC * Matchmaking packages start around $9,000; coaching programs begin at $3,000 * Wadley's philosophy focuses on matching based on shared values, lifestyle, and life vision * Men can join the database for free and gain access to exclusive member-only events * Wadley hosts the "While We Wait" podcast challenging women to stop passively waiting for love * She has been featured in CBS, The CW, Elevate Lifestyle Magazine, and Madame Noire Our team of matchmaking experts is intimately familiar with what customers value most in a service. Not only do we have 14+ years of firsthand industry experience, we’ve also reviewed over 200 matchmakers! Our reviews are built on comprehensive research and a deep understanding of the matchmaking landscape. Let’s dive in by learning more about the founder… MEET ELI SIMONE MATCHMAKER JULIE WADLEY After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from the University of Virginia, Julie Wadley’s career didn’t initially steer toward matchmaking. At first, she focused on marketing and headed in the direction of a corporate career. As she explained in an interview with Madame Noir [https://madamenoire.com/412152/julie-wadley-makes-love-business-founder-matchmaking-service-eli-simone/] shortly after launching her service, > “I graduated thinking I was going to be a hot shot business person and then in 2001, the economy crashed… it became really hard to do something I both enjoyed and could get paid well for. I was becoming burnt out and bored to tears. I started to think that maybe there was something else out there meant for me to do.” Ten years into her corporate journey, Wadley experienced a lightbulb moment. She acknowledged that the most gratifying aspect of her job was making a direct, meaningful impact on people's lives. She made the decision to weave together her passion for helping others and her professional expertise, launching Eli Simone in 2013. The matchmaking service is headquartered in Charlotte, NC. But she helps singles dating all over the Carolinas, in cities like Wilmington [/wilmington-matchmaker/], Raleigh [/raleigh-matchmakers/], etc. In an interview [https://madamenoire.com/412152/julie-wadley-makes-love-business-founder-matchmaking-service-eli-simone/], Wadley shared that her business venture was extremely satisfying, as it allowed her to help singles both find and receive “lasting love.” She also mentioned that she strives to demonstrate that "love is not just a dream – it can be a reality." Catering primarily only to women of color, Eli Simone offers a uniquely personalized service to a specific demographic. In her own words [https://www.charlotteobserver.com/charlottefive/c5-people/article240233581.html], > "Women of color all over the world are looking for matchmakers who focus on them… Just like dating is a niche, so goes my business and who I’m attracting to my business." Wadley continuously seeks potential partners for her clientele, inviting single and accomplished men looking for long-term relationships to submit their profiles through her website. In addition to being matched with her paying clients, men who sign up for her services frequently gain access to exclusive member-only events. JULIE WADLEY’S MATCHMAKING PHILOSOPHY Wadley's matchmaking philosophy revolves around empowering people to establish strong relationships. As she explained in an interview [https://madamenoire.com/412152/julie-wadley-makes-love-business-founder-matchmaking-service-eli-simone/], > It’s more than just helping people find a match. Most people don’t have a problem finding someone they are attracted to, but finding a good partner and a person that is ready and willing to maintain a successful relationship is more challenging. She emphasizes that finding a compatible partner requires both openness and vulnerability. Wadley believes individuals must let their guard down to become the best versions of themselves, and says she takes pride in facilitating people’s pursuit of ideal partners and overcoming obstacles. As she explained [https://madamenoire.com/412152/julie-wadley-makes-love-business-founder-matchmaking-service-eli-simone/], > "That to me is amazing and something I can be proud of. No amount of money in the world can give me that feeling." In an interview with Dating Advice, she contests the notion that assertive women intimidate men. Instead, she believes no woman should "dull her shine [https://www.datingadvice.com/for-women/julie-wadley-podcast-offers-black-womans-perspective-on-dating]" to attract a partner and encourages them to prioritize self-esteem. As a matchmaker and dating coach, Wadley told the Charlotte Observer [https://www.charlotteobserver.com/charlottefive/c5-people/article240233581.html] that she understands her role to be "bringing two people together based on similar value sets, lifestyle, and life vision." She often introduces clients to individuals they might have otherwise overlooked in day-to-day encounters, and believes that each person is “perfect for a very specific set of people.” Wadley mentioned that singles often come to her because they know there’s an area of their life that needs attention and introspection. She sees herself not just as a matchmaker, but as “a mirror to show you exactly what’s going on so you can get down to the business of changing." Wadley's expertise as a matchmaker and dating coach has garnered attention from various media outlets, including CBS, The CW, Elevate Lifestyle Magazine, and Madame Noire. Beyond being featured in the media, Wadley also shares her knowledge of love and relationships through online publications and her podcast, While We Wait. Wadley challenges the conventional belief that women should passively wait for their perfect partner to come along and uses the podcast as a means to empower them. As she explained in an interview [https://www.datingadvice.com/for-women/julie-wadley-podcast-offers-black-womans-perspective-on-dating], > "The podcast was born out of the many conversations that I’ve had with clients and my matchmaking colleagues. It is based on the misconception that women have been told to wait until their ‘Prince Charming’ comes along. Unfortunately, that’s not good enough anymore. Women shouldn’t put their lives on hold, waiting for someone to come along." Now that you know a little more about Julie Wadley’s background and matchmaking philosophy, let’s take a closer look at how Eli Simone works. BECOMING AN ELI SIMONE CLIENT The first step for potential clients is completing a membership questionnaire online. The questionnaire asks for basic information about you and your match preferences, and you’ll have the opportunity to upload a headshot and a full-body photo. Next, you’ll have a matchmaker consultation where you share in-depth information about your relationship goals and the specifics of what you’re looking for in a partner. If both you and Wadley agree that Eli Simone is a good fit, you’ll sign an agreement and pay for services. Wadley will pair you with men from her database. All matches are screened for compatibility and the dates arranged for you. After each one, the team will follow up with both parties to see if there’s a mutual interest in a second date. Beyond matchmaking, Eli Simone offers 3 coaching programs. Two of them are for singles, and one is for couples who want to understand themselves and their relationships on a deeper level. ELI SIMONE COST Matchmaking packages start around $9,000 and coaching packages start around $3,000. Price varies depending on the particulars of your service, contract length, etc. Curious how those costs compare to other Charlotte matchmaking services [/matchmaker-charlotte/]? Let’s look at 2 more options that should be on your list of potential matchmakers: ENAMOUR https://www.enamour.com/ Enamour [https://www.enamour.com/] provides matchmaking for accomplished, selective Charlotte singles who want a tailored, “white glove” approach to finding their ideal partner. The Enamour team starts the search from within the ultra-exclusive, invite-only database. But the search doesn’t end there. Enamour also searches far beyond that database by incorporating recruiting technology and an extensive network of scouts into the search process. This ensures all your matches are both high-quality and highly compatible. Enamour’s packages start around $20,000 for 6 months of service. Learn more about Enamour here! [https://www.enamour.com/] VIDA SELECT Another option worth considering, VIDA Select’s [https://www.vidaselect.com/] modern approach to matchmaking leverages the largest source of Charlotte singles there is. And with VIDA, service is offered on a pay-as-you-go basis, meaning there is no multi-month, long-term contract. Monthly packages start at $1,595. There is also a "90-Day Match Guarantee" option that provides at least 5 highly curated matches you personally approve for $5,750. 82% of VIDA clients start a relationship with a match within just 3 months of signing up. Intrigued? Discover if VIDA is right for you by going here. [https://qualify.vidaselect.com/] FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WHO IS JULIE WADLEY? Julie Wadley is the founder of Eli Simone, a Charlotte-based matchmaking and coaching service she launched in 2013. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from the University of Virginia and spent a decade in corporate marketing before transitioning to matchmaking. She also hosts the "While We Wait" podcast. HOW MUCH DOES ELI SIMONE COST? Matchmaking packages start around $9,000. Coaching programs begin at $3,000. Final pricing depends on service specifics and contract length. WHO DOES ELI SIMONE SERVE? Eli Simone specializes in matchmaking for women of color seeking long-term relationships in the Charlotte, NC area. Wadley also recruits accomplished single men to join her database as potential matches for paying clients. WHAT IS JULIE WADLEY'S MATCHMAKING PHILOSOPHY? Wadley focuses on matching people based on shared values, lifestyle, and life vision rather than just physical attraction. She believes in empowering clients through coaching and self-development, and encourages women to take an active role in their love lives rather than passively waiting for a partner. WHAT IS THE "WHILE WE WAIT" PODCAST? "While We Wait" is Julie Wadley's podcast challenging the conventional belief that women should passively wait for their perfect partner. The show empowers women to take an active approach to finding love. CAN MEN SIGN UP FOR ELI SIMONE? Yes. Single, accomplished men seeking long-term relationships can submit profiles through the Eli Simone website. Men in the database may be matched with paying clients and frequently gain access to exclusive member-only events. DOES ELI SIMONE OFFER COACHING WITHOUT MATCHMAKING? Yes. Eli Simone offers three coaching programs—two for singles and one for couples—that can be purchased independently from matchmaking services. Coaching packages start around $3,000. 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