Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassindy Chao.
Cassindy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m the children of parents who came to the US from Taiwan. We moved from Washington, DC, to LA when I was 5. I grew up a reasonably good eldest Chinese daughter but found navigating high school dating so awkward and hard growing up in Redondo Beach and then Palos Verdes. During college at Wellesley, I volunteered and ran a very successful blind date semi-formal and just got bit by the matchmaking bug. It was so much fun that I nearly flunked 2 classes that semester.
Of course, I didn’t think this was a career path, so being the dutiful daughter, I went to work in investment banking and equity research at Goldman Sachs & JP Morgan, but always wondered about the fun I had in college. Fast forward years later, I’m raising my family of 3 and decided to make my passion into my career.
Now, I’ve gone full-time and not looking back, it’s challenging everyday being dedicated to my client’s happiness but I wouldn’t trade it. I wrote a book sharing some great thoughts that my own mother passed on to me.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it was not a smooth road finding this career path. Very few people say that this is going to be their career, and there is no set formula for success. It is a lot of hard work that outsiders do not realize – there is business building and all the minute details, it is working with singles that are keen to find their partners soon. We are like executive recruiters, but for people in their love lives, love is so unpredictable. Often, what people want in a partner is not necessarily what they really need to be happy.
Struggles –
– Viable business – It’s important to avoid profitless prosperity – many people want to match people, which is great, but to make it a business is key for sustainability. Otherwise, it’s just a hobby.
– Developing reputation – As one grows their business, reputation is important. We collaborate with many people around us. That requires being out and about, follow-up.
– Business Building – There is a lot to set up, marketing, sales, database management, it is relentless as technology evolves and we need to stay on top of it.
Also, I take things personally, care deeply for my client well-being and need to practice boundaries too. Sometimes it’s hard when people expect matchmaking to be a free-service and I have to gently remind them that it’s quite labor and high-touch as I personally interview everyone in my database and assess for fit and compatibility. And sometimes, I also need some time to relax and decompress.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Ancient Wisdom Modern Love?
Ancient Wisdom Modern Love is the premier matchmaking agency for Asians and Those Who Love Them! We promote reputable and solid relationships and high-quality matches for elite professionals.
Brand-wise, I often joke – where are you going to find a Wellesley-educated, former Goldman Sachs banker, happily married Mom of 3, matchmaking on your behalf?
Matchmaking is like executive recruiting. For my clients, I save them time and energy. Online dating, nobody ever delights in it. Whereas with matchmaking, I work to preserve the happiness of my clients – how they feel reflects on how they date. So, my job is get them great dates with people who want to meet them too and connect. My team works with me to search and source quality matches – often, they are not even online. In today’s digital world, the personal touch is so important.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I’ve learned to honor my roots! While I’ve been proud of finding my own path as an Asian-American in California, I’ve also come back to appreciate certain values of my parents for family and community. While growing up, I spent a lot of energy finding my own path and independence which is great, but I also find myself appreciating things my own parents told me which I dismissed in my teen years as being irrelevant. Now, I laugh at myself as I have my own young adults finding their own paths in life!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.awmlove.com/
- Instagram: @matchmakercassindy
- Facebook: @cassiechao
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassindy/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ancient-wisdom-modern-love-palo-alto-2
Image Credits
Annie Barnett Photography
