It is Not good for Man to be Alone
You could have heard an eyelash fall! That’s how silent the room became the moment I introduced myself as a certified matchmaker to a room full of African diplomats in Harare. The looks ranged from bewildered to mildly amused to “Did she just say what I think she said? And then came the rapid- fire questions:
- “ Wait..what exactly do you do?”
- “ How do you even get into that line of work?”
- “ But why?”
Honestly,valid questions.I had asked myself the same thing not long before that.
A similar hush fell over the crowd in Kampala at an East African Business Networking Convention. I began to realize that I was not just stepping into a new industry – I was wading into the deep unspoken waters of love, relationships and that sacred personal space most people treat like a locked diary. In many ways, I was doing the unthinkable: publicly acknowledging that yes, connection matters.
And yes, many professionals are struggling to find it.
From Human Capital to Human Connection
For over 25 years, I worked in the high stakes world of Human Capital and Talent Management. My inbox regularly hosted the dreaded “ white envelope” – a resignation from yet another promising employee. Naturally, I asked the question every good HR leader asks: Why?
And the answers weren’t about money, management or even burnout. More often than not, it was this:
- “ I can’t seem to balance work and life”
- “ There is no time to meet anyone”
- “ I want more than just a job. I want a partner”
It hit me: I‘d spent decades matching people to jobs, but maybe, just maybe, the greater need was matching people to people.
So, I Did the Wild Thing… I became a Matchmaker
The idea simmered for a while. One day,a friend in her 30s casually mentioned that she hadn’t been on a date- or even to the movies in over a year. Another time, while flying to Harare, I struck up a conversation with a lady fresh from her post graduate studies in Japan. She admitted how isolating it was- everyone glued to their phones, no one really connecting. She said something that stuck with me:
“People need help. Not just in finding dates, but in learning how to date- with confidence, authenticity and purpose.”
Challenge accepted.
I prayed to God first, then after running the idea past my circle ( read my supportive class mates ;”Gayaza dream keepers”, my daughter, my hubby), I enrolled in a professional matchmaking certification program. I joined a global network of seasoned matchmakers, many with 15-25 years of experience and thereafter, the brand of Ignite Romance was born.
Why Ignite Romance?
Because we are not just here to play Cupid with a clipboard. We are here to create real lasting connections. Our focus? Singles who are serious, self- aware, and ready for a meaningful relationship
At Ignite Romance, we believe that choosing a life partner is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make: right up with choosing a career, buying real estate, or trusting someone with your Netflix password!
And if we can help even one person find their match? That’s success
A Journey both Humbling and Hilarious
One and a half years in, I still feel a little thrill every time a match turns into something real. It’s humbling, it’s joyful and yes-occasionally hilarious (humans are after all, delightfully unpredictable). But above all, its fulfilling to witness happy couples in ongoing relationships and I am deeply grateful to God for this opportunity to help others find love- and themselves – along the way.
As it’s written:
Genesis 2: 24
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife and they become one flesh”
Final Thought
In a world obsessed with swiping, ghosting, and dating apps that feel more like roulette than romance – maybe what we all need is a little less algorithm and a little more intention.
And that is exactly what we’re here for. Ignite Romance: For professionals who don’t just want a spark – they want the right flame.
Ready to stop swiping and start connecting?
Whether you are a seasoned professional who is tired of surface –level apps,or you simply believe there’s more to love than algorithms, Ignite Romance is here to help you find a relationship built on purpose, connection and commitment.
Let’s talk. Visit (www.igniteromance.net) and reach out directly to begin your matchmaking journey.
Because luck isn’t just luck- its strategy, intention, and timing. Let’s get it right together.
Edith Nsubuga-Kasekende is a Certified Matchmaker and a Solutions Focused Coach edithnk@talentconsults.com