Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is Absolute Bachelor Club Founder and MeetDrinks CEO Natacha Noel, who’s well on her way to reaching her goal of becoming an international matchmaker representing some of the world’s most eligible singles…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I help successful entrepreneurs and CEOs who are looking for a serious relationship or marriage find an attractive, intelligent and like-minded partner through Absolute Bachelor Club, my boutique matchmaking service.
As CEO of MeetDrinks, I create a positive environment for young professionals to have face-to-face interactions with other singles who are looking for a relationship. This service differs from Absolute Bachelor Club because individuals quickly meet for a first date over a cocktail or drink at a partnered venue.
Why did you start your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
Simply put, it was my calling and love at first sight when I saw a job posting seven years ago. I answered an ad that would change my life forever. There was quite the journey between that job and the launch of my own boutique matchmaking firm two years ago. I am very proud to say that we help create a strategy for our clients and that we look for “The One,” not just anyone! I am truly passionate about helping people find L-O-V-E.
I recently became CEO of MeetDrinks, a matchmaking app. It was the perfect match, to say the least, to take my career to the next level and reach more people. Here I have the opportunity to help even more single men and women to have the chance to fall in love and fulfill their relationship goals.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part of my day is making a phone call to a client once we have found him a match. The most challenging part of my day is having to make executive decisions that can change the course of people’s lives.
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
I was in constant conflict with my need to create and be passionate about my work. It did not matter to me how much money a job paid, if I couldn’t identify or relate to it from a life purpose perspective then it would impact my balance and motivation – as I’m sure many people can relate. I am a right-brained individual and building an empire for myself felt completely out of reach, but structure, method and hard work have brought me to where I am today.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Five years from now I will be bragging about having the best job in the world: mom. I’ll also be an international matchmaker with a portfolio filled with exceptional people who were brought together by my matchmaking firm and I will have helped millions of users meet for drinks and enter long-lasting relationships through MeetDrinks.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
Lack of funds when I was just starting out, but I overcame it with creativity, grassroots marketing and PR. Looking back, it was a blessing to not have seed money to roll out my business plan; it forced me to make smart decisions and really think about where I was investing my money for the business.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
My definition of success is having the ability to reach the goals you have set for yourself. Money is sometimes a measure of success, but it does not in any way equate to happiness. Money does give you the ability to travel, provide for your family, and acquire those tangible things that will make you happy on a given day. Happiness, however, comes from within. It’s that internal light that beams when you wake up and won’t shut down when you go to sleep. I am grateful for my ability to wake up happy every day. Happiness is a state of mind. I always remember the first day I heard one of my business coaches, JT Foxx, say: “You live every day and you die once.” It definitely put the expression you only live once in perspective. If I live my life with no regrets, if I spend quality time with the people I love and who love me, if I am respectful to life, nature and people, if I instil trust, then I will be able to say I was a success!
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
When I was approached to become CEO of MeetDrinks. I knew then that my career had shifted and that I was on the right path.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Consider getting a business coach and work hard… very hard! Coaches have a macro vision and they can save you a lot of time and costly mistakes. They give you blueprints to move your company forward. There is no such thing as instant success. My life changed the day I met Stedman Graham at a seminar in Montreal. He told me I would become a genius if I focused on what I had to do. I thought to myself: “A genius! Wow! No one ever told me I could reach such heights.” I made it my goal. All of a sudden it became real and much more exciting than artistic. I used to define myself as artistic, now I’m an entrepreneur.
Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
I enjoy Grinder in Griffintown. I love the neighbourhood and the restaurant is quaint, the food is delicious, the service is impeccable, and the crowd is beautiful.
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
I have a number of hobbies, but hitting the spa is the first thing that comes to mind for “me” time. Therapeutic baths and a relaxing massage are a great way to recharge. For sports, I like high velocity and competition. I like to play ice hockey for fun and challenge myself with crossfit lessons from time to time.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
I recently went to Bangkok, Thailand and fell in love with it. It’s the perfect blend of exotic and city life. It’s a place where you can relax or be entertained, the food is decadent, and the nightlife is perfect. You can feel the energy of the locals and the tourists wherever you are. It’s very cosmopolitan, very mundane, very moi. Did I mention amazing cuisine?
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
Great question! My theme song changes every so often, but right this minute it would definitely have to be Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
I’d become a business coach and help women become successful entrepreneurs. I’d give talks to help them realize themselves and help them understand that they too have the power to make their dreams a reality without having to wait for Mr. Right to save the day!
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I support a variety of charities with donations throughout the year. At the moment, we’re actually looking for the right charitable partner for Absolute Bachelor Club and MeetDrinks. I would love for both companies to be associated with charities by the end of the year. It’s all about finding the right match.
What to you is notable?
To be notable to me is to be an agent of change and to inspire others to improve their life or situation. To be notable is to be the undisputable best of your field. To be notable is to have a voice. To be notable is to be humble despite epic success. To be notable is being recognized by your peers. To be notable is to have the ability to lead when it could be so easy to follow. To be notable is thinking outside of the box. Oprah Winfrey, Kate Middleton, Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama, Angelina Jolie, Barbara Corcoran, Laurie Greiner, Arlene Dickinson, Danièle Henkel and Marina Orsini are notable women who inspire me. Barack Obama, Donald Trump, Mark Zuckerberg, JT Foxx, P.K. Subban, Mark Cuban, Kevin O’Leary, Robert Herjavek and Damon John are notable men who inspire me.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone for life.
#NOTABLE
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