Introducing Michelle Begy
The Ignite Dating Group Ltd is one of the matchmaking sector's leading brands. It's taken Ignite's founder and MD Michelle Begy just four years since its launch to build one of the UK's busiest agencies.
The Dating Directory caught up with Michelle to ask her why so many singles are turning to matchmaking and also to pose her some interesting industry questions.
How long have you been in the industry and when did you start your own agency?
I became a matchmaker in 2013 and I launched my own agency in January 2020.
Tell us what sets Ignite apart?
Ignite Dating is an elite matchmaking agency designed to help our successful UK based and international clients achieve their relationship goals. We offer a personalised, hands-on search for love, where our team of highly skilled and trained MMI and MatchMaker Academy accredited matchmakers will headhunt amazing people for our clients to connect with. We take pride in our commitment to building an ethical agency, we extensively interview, and ID check all clients and conduct an extensive digital footprint of for all matches. This ensures that our clients’ dating experience is safer and provides valuable peace-of-mind.
What types of clients join Ignite?
We have an exclusive, private network of high-calibre, professional singles across the UK and worldwide. We work with single ladies and gentlemen who are successful people from a range of professional backgrounds who all share the common goal of finding a lifetime partner. Using a unique mix of personality profiling, expert, globally accredited and trained matchmakers, intuition and our extensive and exclusive private network, our multiple award-winning service provides clients with a dating journey that leaves them feeling confident, energised, and safe as they work towards the goal of a long-term committed relationship.
Is Ignite a national agency?
Ignite offers service all over the UK and also internationally.
Do you feel there has been a constant pressure in the industry on singles to self-improve?
There can be a temptation to strive to be the best version of yourself in a bid to avoid rejection in the dating world. However, I think singles are increasingly turning their back on the pressure to appear perfect. Self-care is quite rightly being made a priority by daters because it can be the perfect antidote to the exhaustion people can experience with their search for love. Whether it’s exercise, going on a solo date or listening to motivational podcasts, dedicating time to activities that make you happy can help you avoid dating burnout. It’s also natural to periodically take a complete break from dating to really understand what you are looking for in a partner, as well as helping you feel energised and excited about dating again.
How have dating apps played their part in this constant drive to self-improve?
With dating apps, there is so much emphasis on how you look. Rejection is hard and daters can be tempted to use older, more flattering photos or filters to appeal to potential love interests. They fall into the trap of attempting to be who they think somebody would want them to be, rather than embracing who they really are. Daters can also be tempted to embellish certain qualities on their dating profile or be reluctant to state what they are looking for in the hope they appeal to more people. If you are honest and straightforward from the start, you will attract the right partner for you.
Do you feel we have started to see a shift – with singles embracing authenticity? And sticking to the mantra of finding a Partner Who Appreciates them for who they are?
It does take a big shift in mindset to worry less about whether somebody will like you, to considering whether you’ll like them. However, increasingly single people are recognising the importance of seeking people who will be interested in them for who they are, rather than trying to impress potential partners by creating an idealised version of themselves. Being authentic means showing a potential love interest a realistic and honest portrayal of who you are. Taking a candid approach is seen as effective as it helps find the people who’ll be on the same page as you, which can help build that all-important lasting connection.
What are your top three tips to singles seeking a partner in the current environment?
- Look at your current dating profile and really scrutinise it, ensuring you are being authentic and upfront about who you are looking for. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through to be in with the opportunity of meeting people you’ll have the best chance of being compatible with.
- Ensure you are prioritising open communication in those early days of dating, as you’ll both feel more comfortable if you are happy sharing your thoughts and feelings with each other. It never pays to play games in dating. If you are transparent and prioritise clear communication about your boundaries and values, then it encourages the other person to share theirs which can help you judge your compatibility.
- Finally, consider teaming up with the professionals by working with a trained and ethical matchmaker. We work hard on your behalf to really understand what makes you tick so we can introduce you to finely tuned matches based on your specific preferences. Matchmaking saves you time as you can sit back, relax and enjoy life as we find incredible people for you to meet, leading to an easy and stress-free search for love.
Contact Ignite to schedule a discovery call.