Belle Sisters:

Hi everyone, welcome to Belles Beyond Feature. Today, I’m joined by Thaina, a creator, entrepreneur, and leader. Thaina works in the matchmaking industry, a path she fully leaned into after being laid off following over ten years in the nonprofit sector.

Thaina, welcome. We’re so happy to have you.

Thaina:
Thank you so much. I’m really happy to be here.

A little about me, I spent over ten years working in the nonprofit sector, primarily supporting youth in foster care. About six months ago, like many Black women, I was laid off. We’ve seen the statistics, hundreds of Black women losing their jobs, and while it was difficult, I knew I wasn’t alone.

During that transition, I decided to fully lean into my matchmaking business. I had already been a certified matchmaker for some time, but I wasn’t actively practicing because I was working full-time. Losing my job gave me the opportunity to bet on myself.

Since then, I’ve been pressing the gas, working with men and women, primarily within the Black community, helping them find meaningful relationships. I also offer dating coaching. Love, relationships, and connection, that’s truly my purpose, and I’m fully leaning into it now.

Belle Sisters:
Thank you so much for sharing that. And you’re absolutely right, when you look at the data around layoffs, Black women have been disproportionately affected. It’s heartbreaking, but I love how you didn’t let that stop you. You pivoted instead of pausing, and that takes courage.

Has this season been exciting for you?

Thaina:
Very much. Even before the layoff, during the pandemic in 2020, I had started working on a dating app. Entrepreneurship, dating, and relationships have always been in my spirit.

That dating app eventually pivoted post-COVID. I realized people were exhausted from swiping left and right. So now, the app has evolved into an events-based platform that connects people through curated experiences, whether for dating or networking.

Entrepreneurship has always been in me. There wasn’t much time to sit in fear or self-pity. I chose to trust God, lean into the gift He gave me, and push past fear. Now, everything I do, matchmaking, events, coaching, it all connects. I truly believe this work will bring joy and meaningful connection to people.

Belle Sisters:
People are definitely tired of swiping. I love that you shifted toward experiences and real-life connection.

But you’ve told us what you do, now tell us who you are. What’s the name of your business, where are you based, and how can people work with you?

Thaina:
Great question. I’m based in the tri-state area, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, but I can work with people anywhere. The app is called LITM, which stands for Love Is The Message. It’s still in development after the pivot, but we’re hoping to launch by late February or March.

My matchmaking business is called Thia the Matchmaker, I am the brand. If you’re interested in being considered as a potential match, you can visit mylitm.info and click on Get Matched. That process is completely free. If you’d like to become a client, you can also book a 30-minute consultation through the same website. We’ll talk about your goals, how matchmaking works, and whether we’re a good fit.

I also offer dating coaching, either bundled with matchmaking or as a standalone service. Coaching includes profile reviews, dating strategy, check-ins, and real-time support. There are many ways to work with me, and the best place to start is the website.

Belle Sisters:
Thank you for breaking that down.

Now, let’s talk about entrepreneurship. Since making the leap, how has the journey been for you?

Thaina:
It’s been both fun and scary. Losing the security of a steady paycheck is terrifying. But at the same time, it’s been incredibly fulfilling.

I wake up every day knowing I’m walking in my purpose, doing work that serves my people. I’ve met amazing individuals, spoken on podcasts, and learned how to talk about myself and my work, which was uncomfortable at first.

But overall, I’m having the best time. Entrepreneurship feels like the right pivot for this season of my life.

Belle Sisters:
I love that. And it shows you’re glowing.

For someone considering entrepreneurship, what should they prepare for, financially, mentally, emotionally?

Thaina:
First, you need clarity on the problem you want to solve. Once you have that, it’s about putting in the work and using your resources.

Financially, you have to be intentional. When I received my severance, I prepaid several months of rent so I knew I’d have stability. Entrepreneurship can be an expensive hobby until it starts generating income.

If possible, keep a part-time job while you build. Read, study your industry, attend events, network, and use social media strategically. Say yes to opportunities. The first year, and honestly, the first three years, are about learning, experimenting, and building relationships.

Belle Sisters:
That’s such an important reality check. A lot of people expect instant success.

Let’s talk networking. Where should people look for opportunities, and how should they introduce themselves?

Thaina:
Eventbrite, Meetup, LinkedIn, those are great places to start. Create a LinkedIn profile specifically for your business, not just your 9–5.

Attend events even if you’re introverted. Bring business cards. Have one or two go-to questions, I always ask, “What are you passionate about right now?” Make it about listening.

Set a goal to leave each event with three to four meaningful contacts and follow up afterward. Informational interviews are also powerful, reach out, ask for 15 minutes, and learn from people doing what you want to do.

And get a mentor. I did. Even though I was certified, I needed guidance. My mentor has been invaluable.

Belle Sisters:
That is gold.

Before we wrap up, what advice would you give to women who want to start a business but are afraid?

Thaina:
Just do it. Women tend to wait until they feel “ready,” but readiness is a myth. Be open to learning, pivoting, and redirection.

Get support, ask questions, and don’t limit yourself. It may take years, but if it’s your purpose, it will unfold the way it’s meant to.

Belle Sisters:
I love that. Just do it. Thaina, thank you so much for your honesty, wisdom, and transparency. This conversation was incredibly rich.

Thaina:
Thank you for having me.