SEATLLEITE / FEBRUARY, 2011 – A SURE-FIRE WAY TO FIND LOVE?
MATCHING HEALTH, BEAUTY AND LIFELONG LOVE
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT / JANUARY, 2010 – “SOPHIA MCDONALD – NORTHWEST RECRUTER FOR LOVE”
SEATTLE BUSINESS MONTHLY / JULY, 2008
“The extensive interview helps McDonald uncover information that allows her to match clients according to their character and prior relationships, rather than interests or hobbies. McDonald also performs an “emotional tune-up,” in which she helps clients analyze past relationships and decide what they want in a mate. She then scours her sources, including a 3,000-person database, to find a match…”
JOURNAL MAGAZINE / FEBRUARY, 2013 – FIND THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE (OR JUST GO OUT ON A DATE) IN 2013
SEATLLEITE / FEBRUARY, 2011 -SURE-FIRE WAY TO FIND LOVE?
By Brad Nehring on February 7, 2011
Sign up with Seattle’s ultra-exclusive personalized matchmaking service.
Big plans to lavish your significant other with chocolates, flowers and romance on the 14th? No? No problem. Just connect with local certified matchmaker, love and relationship expert Sophia Andreeva for some overdue help in that department. Andreeva has professionally arranged dates since 2007 when she founded her company, Sophisticated Matchmaking — now an established boutique high-end matchmaking company. However, she stresses, setting people up is just one aspect of her work.
“I call it the art of serendipity,” she explained, over coffee at her home office on Mercer Island. “Serendipity is when you are looking for something, but something else comes to you, and to your surprise, you like that second thing more. That’s what people do with me. They increase their chances of serendipity catching them.”
As it happened, professional matchmaking “caught” McDonald in a most serendipitous way. Born in Russia to a wealthy family, she says her privileged upbringing allowed her to travel and experience different cultures of the world at a young age. She earned a Master’s degree in Political Studies, which allowed her to become a public relations consultant for several Russian politicians. She likens her PR work to her matchmaking, because, in both cases, she was “helping people sell and represent themselves and create a winning profile.”
When she was 26, Andreeva immigrated to the United States. Soon after, she fell in love with a successful American real estate developer, whom she describes as “tall, blond and handsome.” The couple wed in 2000. Sadly the marriage did not last, and they divorced several years later.
“I’ve been through good and bad, dating and married and divorced, trying it all,” she admitted. “As a result, it’s allowed me to have a compassion and understanding of where my clients are coming from.”
Following the split with her husband, Andreeva found work selling upscale homes with Sotheby’s International Realty. Working within the real estate market also influenced her matchmaking career. “Real estate showed me that my success was dependent on building relationships, which are based on trust,” she explained. “If you can build on trust, you can close the deal. It’s the same in business as it is in relationships. Trust is the most important thing; people have a fear of being taken advantage of.”
It was around this time that Andreeva began to realize she had a knack for getting people together. She successfully set up dates for several of her friends and realized she was equipped with an intuitive quality that made her a successful matchmaker.
“I see people, and I can learn a lot about them in a short time,” she claims. “I’m very visual, intuitive and perceptive. When I meet two people, and spend some time with them I just know who belongs to whom, and usually have a good idea if they will like each other or not.”
It is this perception of character that has enabled Andreeva to succeed in her career. She also cites Eastern Philosophy, namely Taoism, as a heavy influence on her practice. “[Tao te Ching] really spoke to me because it appreciates the spirit and deemphasizes material possessions,” she explained. “It’s living in the moment, versus living in anticipation of happiness in the future. Lao Tzu says, when you realize you lack nothing, the whole world belongs to you. When you let go of what you are, you become what you might be.”
This message, she says, is completely translatable to the dating world. “When people are looking to date, they feel defective because they are single,” she explained. “A little bit of my matchmaking is to help people be rid of their limiting perceptions, which lets them find ways to feel happy and fulfilled. To clean up the backyard, so to speak.”
In order to assist her clients with their “clean-up,” Andreeva employs phone interviews and home visits, which allow her to gain an understanding of each individual’s background. The ultimate goal of consultation, she says, is to help each client develop a sense of self-awareness. “If someone is self-aware, they recognize all of their faults and take responsibility for wrongdoing,” she explained. “Everyone has a pattern in their relationships, because most of our patterns are predetermined by our past. The first step is to recognize these patterns, and then second, you must learn how to start liking what is good for you. In order to do this, you have to change within.”
Andreeva stresses that her services are not for everyone. “I don’t take clients when I do not believe I can provide what they are looking for,” she said. “Some people have very unrealistic expectations; not many, but some. You don’t have to settle, but you have to be real.”
On the other hand, Andreeva encourages anyone who is over the age of 30, successfully employed and trying to meet their soul mate to enlist in her services. Her clients are neither damaged nor desperate, she assures. Rather, many simply have demanding work schedules. As a result, they are often unable to invest their time in meeting new people. “I would call it not being able to recognize their needs,” she explained. “People look for things to satisfy egos; good-looking, well-educated, et cetera rather than things that make people happy as a human being.”
Ego-based criteria, Andreeva says, comes from the mind, and is never fully satisfied. She believes that spiritual wellness, which originates in the heart and soul, is much more critical to the long-term happiness of couples. “The goal is to find someone who accepts you, loves you and allows you to grow,” she said. “I don’t promote myself as a millionaire matchmaker, so the clients that come to me aren’t looking for sugar daddies or hot babes. They are looking for soul mates.”
Another demographic she serves is men and women who have endured a negative romantic experience in their past and are unsure about how to proceed in the future. “I focus on emotional and spiritual healing, from past relationships, divorces, broken hearts,” she explained. “A lot of the time, people are looking for someone to heal the pain, but that’s not a good solution. They need to heal the pain before they can take that next step.”
Whatever the case may be, Andreeva addresses each client’s needs in a sensitive, specialized way. “My approach is very delicate, intuitive and deep,” she explained. “It’s not an internet scheme or throwing dates at people to see whatever comes out. I take everybody as a personal project, and they have my individual attention.”
McDonald is very happy with the way serendipity allowed her to find her true calling. “In matchmaking, I found my passion,” she says. “I don’t feel like I have to get up and go to work every day. It brings me deep, personal fulfillment.”
Need a date? Contact Sophisticated Matchmaking or follow Sophia on Twitter or via her spiritual wellness blog Pursue Love Deliberately.
SOPHISTICATED MATCHMAKING IN MERCER ISLAND WA WAS NOMINATED #1 BEST MATCHMAKER IN WESTERN WASHINGTON ON KING’S BEST OF WEST WASHINGTON
WE WON!!!!! WE ARE #1 IN WASHINGTON!!! Sophisticated Matchmaking thrilled to be named the #1 Best Matchmaker in Western Washington. Thanks to all who voted for us.
READ MORE HERE
MATCHING HEALTH, BEAUTY AND LIFELONG LOVE
“My smile is an essential element of my business. If I can’t look and feel my best each day, how can I coach others to do the same?” asks Sophia McDonald. When she was ready to take her natural beauty to a new level, Sophia began searching for a dentist whose professional expertise and high principles mirrored her own.
That search ended when she met Dr. Rhys Spoor. “It didn’t take long for me to decide that he was the right dentist for me,” Sophia explains. “Credentials and referrals are important, but when it comes right down to it, I want to spend time with my dentist and leave with complete confidence in my decision. Rhys and his team were the perfect match for my smile goals.
Nationally renowned for nearly 30 years of cosmetic and restorative skill, Dr. Spoor provides his guests with a relaxing, rejuvenating dental experience that discovers, enhances and nourishes your health and beauty. We encourage you to give him the opportunity to help you realize the full extent of your natural beauty.
Take the first step toward a lifelong love affair with your smile: fill out the form below or call 206.682.8200 to gain confidence you need to believe that any relationship is within your grasp. Schedule your Appointment Today!
OUR LOVE PANEL AT LIFEGASMS ON TALK BLOG RADIO
Call-in Number: (646) 200-4209
Upcoming Show: 2/2/2010 10:00 AM
Host Name: Lifegasms
Show Name: LOVE PANEL
Just in time for Valentine’s Day… Our LOVE Panel experts are here to save your dating life! Learn to make them want you! Get tips to make your next date a GREAT date. Tired of the players and cheaters… learn how to meet quality singles. Learn how to figure out if he/she is right for you within the first few dates. Join Sherry and April as they talk to matchmaker, Sophia McDonald; dating coach, DeAnna Lorraine; the Romance CEO, Michael Bloomberg; and dating blogger, Stefan Pinto.
BUSINESS SPORTLIGHT / JANUARY, 2010
My Way…
“Recruter for LOVE”
Sophia Andreeva, Matchmaker
“So, where do you find love?… Where?… Well, my friend Sophia McDonald has got some great ideas and events up her-ever-so-lovely sleave! Yes, she owns “Sophisticated Matchmaking” and is going to throw some hot singles parties this year. Even though I fashion myself to be somewhat of a matchmaker (well… I was responsible for getting my two old friends Trisha Nerney & Mel Mandville together at my Seahawks party I had a few years ago…. and they’ve thanked me many times in the past, and are still together). I’ve also gotten together many other friends and it’s fun, although, when the time is right for two people, there’s usually not to much you can do to stop the kismit! But Sophie, now this gorgeous gal is the real pro when it comes to hooking people up – she’s the true “Sophisticated Matchmaker”!.. – Posted by Lisa Hilderbrand at July 12, 2009 10:21 a.m.
LOVE AMERICAN STYLE – Debutante’s & Dude’s – Get Your Game On At These HOT Eastside Singles Events…
It’s steamy hot out there…. and I’m not just talking about the weather! Love is in the air… and with the summer months here, the clothes are coming off…. there’s more skin showing this year then I can ever remember! And that’s just in Kirkland! Does all of this make people more romantic? Does this make us more in the mood for love?So, where do you find love?… Where?… Well, my friend Sophia Andreeva has got some great ideas and events up her-ever-so-lovely sleave! Yes, she owns“Sophisticated Matchmaking” and is going to throw some hot singles parties this year.
Even though I fashion myself to be somewhat of a matchmaker (well… I was responsible for getting my two old friends Trisha Nerney & Mel Mandville together at my Seahawks party I had a few years ago…. and they’ve thanked me many times in the past, and are still together). I’ve also gotten together many other friends and it’s fun, although, when the time is right for two people, there’s usually not to much you can do to stop the kismit! But Sophie, now this gorgeous gal is the real pro when it comes to hooking people up – she’s the true “Sophisticated Matchmaker”!
VIP Celebrity Singles Event at Vertigo in Bellevue
Okay….on to the events…first up is the hot singles party “Bellevue’s Masquerade Ball” on Thursday, July 16th at the newly remodeled and recovered YAMA Lounge & Nightclub in Bellevue at the Galleria – (I’ve already blogged about and here’s the link for your convenience: http://blog.seattlepi.com/eastsideinside/archives/173449.asp).
On to Sophie’s event, “KISS & TELL” which is on Wednesday night, July 15th, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the very cool and swankyVertigo Lounge & Nightclub located at 989 112th Ave NE in Bellevue, WA. If you have a chance please read Chapter Eight from Book by “Eckhart Tolle – The Power of NOW” before the metting. Our discussion will be based on that book. “Enter the NOW from whenever you are”
A couple of weeks ago I attended Sophie’s VIP Celebrity Event, and it was great and I met a lot of very cool & savvy people. So I highly recommend her events! She will also be having another event in Seattle called, “Hottest July Singles” on Thursday, July 23, 2009 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm at Amber Restaurant & Lounge on 1st Ave in Belltown.
HAPPY HOURS PRICES 6-9pm
Event is for 21+ only; ID will be checked at the door.
DRESS CODE: Dressy/Casual; No Sports Wear Allowed.
Ladies, this is your chance to wear a cocktail dress for the night!
For more information, please click here: Sophisticated Matchmaking
So happy dating all you singles – hope this info helps in your endeavor to find love
SEATTLE BUSINESS MONTHLY / JULY, 2008
“The extensive interview helps Andreeva uncover information that allows her to match clients according to their character and prior relationships, rather than interests or hobbies. McDonald also performs an “emotional tune-up,” in which she helps clients analyze past relationships and decide what they want in a mate. She then scours her sources, including a 3,000-person database, to find a match…”
MAKE ME A MATCH: PUGET SOUND DATING SERVICES
A fresh crop of matchmaking services has blossomed in Seattle, catering specifically to busy professionals. By Jasmine Moir
Sure, I’ve done it. Leafing through a magazine, I’ve paused at the ad for the national dating service “It’s Just Lunch.”
I’ve glanced at the Stepfordesque head shots, the chipper marketing copy and wondered—for a nanosecond—if perhaps I should give it a shot. It’s just lunch, after all. Apparently, I’m not alone. In this work-obsessed world, the high-tech matchmaking services for busy professionals appear to be going gangbusters. Everyone has heard of services such as eHarmony and Match.com, or even the Puget Sound-based competitors, Great Expectations and Perfectmatch.com.
But if you are tired of the online dating scene, there are more exclusive and expensive matchmaking services. For those willing to pony up hefty fees, today’s matchmakers act like executive recruiters: They promise to help you identify your needs and tastes, weed out the duds and provide access to a hand-selected pool of potential candidates.
“When you’re very busy and you’re traveling all the time, what are you going to do? Go down to Daniel’s Broiler and pick up whoever is next to you? No,” says Sophia Andreeva of Mercer Island-based Sophisticated Matchmaking (sophisticatedmatchmaking.com).
A former real estate broker who applies elements-of-life coaching to her matchmaking practice, Andreeva charges an annual fee of $5,000. She starts by having clients fill out an intensive 40-page questionnaire and then conducts a three-hour interview.
The extensive interview helps Andreeva uncover information that allows her to match clients according to their character and prior relationships, rather than interests or hobbies. Andreeva also performs an “emotional tune-up,” in which she helps clients analyze past relationships and decide what they want in a mate. She then scours her sources, including a 3,000+ person database, to find a match.
“These guys expect the best,” she says of her database, which includes female programmers, lawyers and former beauty queens. “They want the full package.”