Drawing inspiration from the world-renowned Luxury Matchmaking Chronicle, this interview dives into the interesting world of luxury matchmaking.

Today, Natacha Noël offers an exclusive look into her elite clientele – from Hollywood's finest to global tycoons. Let's uncover the art, challenges, and heartwarming stories that go into pairing the world's most sought-after singles.

Natacha, after studying Communications at University of Montreal you moved to event planning in the pharmaceutical world. How did that lead you to luxury matchmaking?

Natacha Noël: My first real job out of college, as I like to refer to it,  was event coordinator for big pharma. I organized conferences and speaker tours for physicians on behalf of top pharmaceutical companies with my then employer, a high performing marketing agency. This job along with event management for two hospital's charity events, prepared me for what was coming next in my life, sponsorship deals, luxury events, becoming a spokesperson and luxury matchmaking, where it's all about connecting the right people. When you leave a professional field, you don't think it's going to serve you in the future, but it does. Nothing I have ever done, or part took in has been in vain.[read more]

It's interesting how you transitioned from pharmaceuticals to Luxury Matchmaking. Can you share more about the reason behind this shift?

Natacha Noël: Well, interestingly enough, I also pursued an acting career from 2001 to 2013, in between acting roles, I always worked in sales. What really changed things for me was in 2008, when I became a relationship consultant, the title given to the enrollment or sales consultant for a national matchmaking agency. By 2013, I had gained the confidence to start my own business and took a 10-year hiatus from acting. Luxury Matchmaking for me is the ultimate career.

I get to speak in public and create content which brings me the performance elements I enjoy from acting. It fulfills my life's mission: to help men and women reach their ultimate personal goals. I sell confidence and it keeps me on my toes. I have to lead by example and strive to be the best version of myself, so I became a certified life and relationship coach to help others make their vision a reality.

Between 2013 and 2023, you embarked on your solo journey as a matchmaker. How did you navigate your first 10 years?

Natacha Noël: The first two years were quite a ride, full of learning curves. When you start from scratch, you don't have a huge network of singles to rely on. It meant putting myself out there – attending events, meeting people face-to-face, and actively seeking potential matches. I took a hands-on approach, often showing potential matches photos right from my phone and setting up personal meetings. That personal touch was important.

Over time, with marketing, word-of-mouth referrals, and media coverage, I built a broader database. Today, while we largely use digital tools, sometimes we still revert to those grassroots methods, especially for unique client needs. It's about balancing technology with a personal touch and even collaborating with fellow matchmakers. We might scout events, and use platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

You've had the opportunity to sit down with John Travolta. Is there a distinction between pairing celebrities and high-net-worth individuals who aren't in the public eye?

Natacha Noël: It's an interesting dynamic. Celebrities and high-net-worth individuals often share common hopes and concerns when it comes to matters of the heart. Both groups tend to be very specific about their preferences. It goes beyond just financial status, although money can certainly influence relationships. My Luxury Matchmaking process addresses this head-on, ensuring financial compatibility from the beginning. Whether celebrity or not, everyone has their own criteria and deserves a compatible partner.

However, celebrities often face unique challenges due to their public profiles. Privacy becomes paramount – they worry about ulterior motives and protecting their image. This makes them extra cautious about letting someone into their lives. This is where my agency steps in, acting as a buffer to ensure they connect with genuine individuals without feeling overwhelmed. I was interested in John's long and successful marriage to his late wife, actress Kelly Preston. At the time of the interview, the couple had celebrated their 25^th anniversary, a feat that's almost a miracle in Hollywood, where it seems like a high-profile couple splits up every month.

I wanted to know how John and Kelly had managed to beat the odds, and what advice did Travolta have for the rest of us? When reflecting on what makes a relationship last, Travolta began by telling me, "I believe that the attraction section of a relationship has a shelf life if you don't know what the other person is about." So why do we do it? Why do so many of us pretend to be something we're not in relationships? As a relationship expert, I know it happens because we worry that if our interests don't line up perfectly with our partner's interests, pretty soon they won't be interested in us.

As Travolta put it, "If you think I'm cute, and you say you like country music or sports just to make me happy, and it's a lie, it'll bite you in the end." The message is clear, don't be afraid to be yourself and to say what you think, when you start dating a new person. Celebrities and high-net worth individuals want the same thing as the rest of us. They want to be loved for who they are, not for what they can do for you and for your lifestyle.

Throughout your journey, you must have encountered countless love stories. Are there any particular romantic narratives that stand out?

Natacha Noël: Absolutely, there are so many touching stories. Each match carries its own unique charm. While I respect privacy, there have been instances where people have gone to extraordinary lengths for love – grand gestures, going on exciting journeys, and more. These stories truly emphasize the essence of human connection, showing that love knows no bounds and can overcome societal norms and personal reservations.

How do you guide your clients in the early stages of a relationship?

Natacha Noël: When working with clients in the initial phases of a relationship, I emphasize the importance of not rushing into exclusivity. I encourage them to take their time and get to know multiple people simultaneously. This approach allows for a better understanding of compatibility without the added complexity of early physical intimacy.

How long does it generally take for your clients to recognize a genuine match?

Natacha Noël: It's important to distinguish initial attraction and genuine compatibility. While there might be a spark in the early moments of a date, true compatibility often becomes clear over the span of about 3 months. As a dating coach, I work with my clients to ask the right questions and truly understand what they're looking for. A common mistake is treating every preference as an absolute necessity. The key lies in recognizing actual deal-breakers versus simple preferences – that's the path to finding a meaningful match.

For instance, whether they want to have children or not can greatly affect compatibility. Making sure that fundamental life choices align is a key factor in building relationships that stand the test of time.

What is this 3-month rule you advocate for?

Natacha Noël: It's less about a fixed timeframe and more about not rushing things. I advise against setting a specific deadline for reaching intimacy. If someone isn't willing to wait for that kind of connection to naturally evolve, it might suggest they're not genuinely interested in a lasting relationship.

How important is a person's lifestyle, especially when considering their financial situation, in the Luxury Matchmaking process?

Natacha Noël: Lifestyle plays a major role in the matching process, particularly when it comes to finances. It's not just about the amount of money someone has; it's about how they choose to live their life and spend their resources. For example, someone might have substantial wealth but prioritize spending on experiences rather than material possessions. This can reveal a lot about a person's values and priorities.

In my experience, many individuals, especially women, look beyond just financial status. They value how someone uses their resources to create meaningful moments, like sending thoughtful gifts or planning memorable experiences. These gestures often carry more value than the size of their bank account.

I heard about your recent event with MillionaireMatch!

Natacha Noël: Yes, we partnered with MillionaireMatch. The event was more than traditional matchmaking. While mixers and speed dating have their place, they can be superficial. Our goal was to help attendees find truly compatible partners by addressing deep relationship issues from the start. We introduced tools like the "Deal Breaker" game, emphasizing the importance of tackling core issues upfront instead of avoiding them. It was all about getting to the heart of what truly matters in a relationship.

How do you measure and match values, given they're so crucial for compatibility?

Natacha Noël: People often talk about values like honesty, but it's what they do that shows what's truly important. I look at how they handle money, treat their family, and take care of their health. Actions show their real values. Even if two people care about the same things, their ranking might be different. For instance, what's super important to you might be less so for me. Making sure these values align is key to a lasting relationship.

Natacha, any new adventures on the horizon for you?

 Natacha Noël: Yes, I'm stepping away from the typical reality show format. Right now, I'm focusing on my own documentary. It's still in the early stages and I'll be sharing more about it soon. This project is special to me, and I hope it sheds light on real relationship dynamics. Stay tuned.

Thank you, Natacha, for taking the time to share your insights with us today.

 Natacha Noël: Thank you for having me. It's been a pleasure discussing these topics with you, and I can't wait to share more with everyone soon. Stay connected!

Read Charly Arnolt: Balancing Success and Passion – A Journey through Journalism, Travel, Fitness, and Life.

Photography by Just A Soul Photography