Annemieke, why did you open an office in Brussels, and are you expanding?

Annemieke: Brussels, with its international institutions and businesses, is ideal. And yes, I plan to expand further into other European cities.

Sigrid: Expats often struggle to find partners in Belgium. Despite Belgians’ open-mindedness, some remain reserved about foreign-origin partners. We search for the ones who are open-minded or for other expats living here and looking for a long relationship. We also collaborate with 82 international matchmaking agencies, helping expats find suitable partners.

 

Q: What are the challenges for expats?

Sigrid: Expats fall into three categories: those with families, those leaving families behind, and singles. Housing is a top priority, followed by good schools for children. Traffic and parking stress everyone. Adapting to Belgian culture, with its four regions, adds complexity. Single expats often seek friends or partners, but finding the right connections can be difficult. Resources like The Bulletin and offer excellent guidance.

 

Q: How important is a happy private life in supporting a demanding career?

Annemieke: A harmonious private life is crucial for maintaining balance, regardless of whether one is single or has a family. While companies focus on supporting work-life balance for families, single employees also deserve attention. Societal progress with parental leave and flexible work policies is commendable, but challenges remain. Companies fear losing control, and employees worry about career limitations if they take advantage of these policies. Happiness drives creativity, boosts performance, and fosters a positive mindset. Ignoring this balance inevitably leads to dissatisfaction.

 

Q: Does finding a life partner require significant effort?

Annemieke: It’s not just about time; it’s about creating opportunities. Age, past experiences, and available time for meaningful interactions play a significant role. Students often find it easier to meet potential partners due to their broad social circles. Professionals, on the other hand, face time constraints and heightened expectations shaped by past disappointments, making the search more challenging. Meeting people is one thing; finding genuine chemistry is another.

Sigrid: For busy professionals, free time is precious and should be used effectively. Dating apps can become addictive, consuming vast amounts of time while exposing users to false profiles, ghosting, and even married individuals. A matchmaker can save time by selecting the right people and guiding clients toward meaningful connections. We help clients define the essential criteria for building a happy, lasting relationship.

 

Q: Despite social media, dating apps, and fewer cultural barriers, why do people struggle to find the right partner?

Annemieke: Only 7% of communication comes from content alone; tone and body language make up the rest. Digital platforms offer vast networks but often lack depth, leaving users lonely despite having many connections. Finding like-minded people who share similar values, visions, and lifestyles is crucial for strong relationships. Many struggle to understand their own needs and preferences, making true compatibility difficult to recognize. Our process fosters self-reflection, helping clients uncover what truly matters to them.

 

Q: Is belonging to the same social level important for a good match?

Sigrid: Similar social backgrounds can ease communication, but differences often inspire and enrich relationships. Too many similarities can become monotonous. Ultimately, it’s about personal happiness. Sometimes, people are surprised by whom they fall in love with. Keeping an open mind increases the likelihood of finding a successful match.

 

Q: Is the professional network an interesting source for private connections?

Annemieke: Mixing professional and personal realms can be risky. Personal vulnerabilities may affect professional dynamics, particularly for highly successful individuals. However, professional settings sometimes nurture meaningful connections—with caution.

 

Q: How do matchmaking services respond to societal skepticism?

Sigrid: Some view matchmaking as “buying » a partner, but we see it as a professional service. Our clients seek thoughtful, efficient, and discreet partner-finding solutions. We conduct numerous interviews but only introduce suitable matches. Detailed profiles, arranged dates, and follow-ups are part of the process. We also offer advice and support through disappointments. Matchmaking is delicate and time-consuming, and financial compensation reflects this. Ask yourself: What is the value of meeting the partner of your life? Investing in a long-term relationship brings more happiness than material possessions.

 

Q: What differences do you see between male and female clients?

Sigrid: Men often prioritize physical appearance, such as facial beauty and body shape, seeking partners who bring femininity and understanding. Humor enhances the relationship but is less of a priority. Women, in contrast, emphasize socio-economic status, stability, and ambition. Emotional intelligence, listening skills, and shared values are equally important. Interestingly, men tend to adapt more easily to their partner’s desires for a harmonious relationship.

 

Q: How do you ensure your services maintain an impeccable reputation?

Annemieke: Respect, discretion, and openness are our core values. We maintain high ethical standards and honest communication. Through thorough intake processes and in-depth interviews, we assess compatibility. We decline clients seeking superficial relationships, preserving the integrity of our work.

 

Q: How does your HR background enhance your approach to matchmaking?

Annemieke: Matchmaking is a natural extension of HR practices. Both involve finding the right fit—whether for a company or a life partner. Skills like motivational interviewing, emotional intelligence, and coaching are invaluable.

Sigrid: Our profession combines psychology, empathy, relational expertise, and a well-developed network. Intuition plays a crucial role. Sometimes, we match people based on a sense of connection rather than concrete evidence, making our work both challenging and exciting.

 

Q: How has the economic climate impacted matchmaking services?

Annemieke: Surprisingly, economic uncertainty has increased demand. People prioritize emotional connections and love over material wealth, seeking stability in unpredictable times.

 

 

Short Biographies

Annemieke Dubois

After 15 years’ experience in executive recruitment working for the pharmaceutical industry, Annemieke founded her own high-end dating agency in 2012, working as a personal matchmaker. Three years after selling the company, she started in 2020 a new concept with Jade & Jules, filling a gap in the world of matchmaking. The dating world holds no secrets for Annemieke.

Thanks to her extensive and continually growing exclusive network of singles, her business acumen, empathy, non-judgmental attitude, and out-of-the-box thinking, matchmaking has become ingrained in Annemieke’s DNA. She is passionate about people and entrepreneurship, and speaks the language of people and business.

Sigrid Schelstraete

With more than 25 years of business experience in human resources, matchmaking and personal coaching, Sigrid joined Jade & Jules in 2024 to develop Brussels and Wallonia. She holds a deep passion for connecting people.