Testimonials

Matchmaking

Rob, from Yelp 4/1/2019

"Stef is FANTASTIC. She knows her stuff and knows how to match you with quality - not quantity. As a single guy that's the most helpful part... Stef knows how valuable time is and that the game is evolving. She's always quick to call back and answer questions and work with her clients. If you're in the Chicago area (city or suburbs) then this is the only person to go for the right match."

Lisa, from Yelp 7/25/2018

"Stef is great at getting to know her clients. She takes a lot of time and asks a lot of questions to get to the root of what you are looking for. She helps manage expectations and uses a realistic approach to dating. The rules she places on the dating process takes the stress out of wondering when you might hear from someone. Talking on the phone, though considered "old school" helps you get to know someone better than texting. I also appreciate that Stef keeps your identity and information private from potential matches.

I find Stef very professional and easy to talk to. She is very understanding and sympathetic of each person's position and feelings. She can also take a "tough love" approach if needed. I highly recommend Stef as a professional matchmaker."

Jordan, from Yelp 11/6/2017

"Stef is the real deal - an honest, straightforward go-getter who seems to have great honor and respect for her role in bringing people together. She understands the individual values of her clients, which is essential to successful matches. Not to mention she's funny and easy to talk to, and someone I felt an instant friendship with."

Melissa from 4/9/2017

"Stef understands the dating merry go round -- its ups, downs and, once you're on it, how it can be hard to get your equilibrium back. She and her staff carefully screen and coach (if wanted or needed) each person they work with. It's a structured process that takes the click-click-next-next element out of dating. Wouldn't you rather meet a few qualified, hand-picked dates than go on a bunch of random dates with people who may or may not be looking for the same thing you are? I'm enjoying the personalization Stef provides and recommend her!"

Keith, from Yelp 10/26/2015

"Stef understands how the dating game is played!

In today's day and age I am tired of having to play games and not understand why I am not getting call backs. Stef is great at getting not only attractive, non-crazy, reliable, educated people in her service, but she also can get you feedback that is invaluable.

She does care and does not want to take on people that have unrealistic demands, nor people that are not going to be seriously looking for a relationship.

Comparing her to some of the other services out there, she is reasonably priced and doesn't promise what she can't provide. I'd recommend you contact her because you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!"

Matthew, from Yelp 10/3/2016

"Stef's service is a much better alternative to online dating.  It gets you out of the endless parade of happy hours and coffee shops, and toward matches where your chances are much better.

She takes the time to find out what really makes you tick and has a strong intuition for what type of person is good for you.  I found that being willing to listen and follow straightforward feedback, and to make a few simple changes has really improved my dating experience."

Sam, from Yelp 8/8/2016

"You can't always get what you want but sometimes you just might find that you get what you need"
Rolling Stones

In my particular case a few years ago you can add that I was not always getting what I wasn't but looking in the right places. So through a friend, I made  an appointment with Stef who was kind of blunt, direct and to the point and she told me a bunch of things I needed to do and I followed them.

Using the info about myself that I gave her I was able to find more ways to navigate the dating jungle especially where I had been going online and what I had been posting myself on online dating sites. Unlike other people she offers consultations in this area like how to post on your dating app in order to meet someone compatible and not just because they look good or whatever metrics I was using that was not working .

Since she showed me which pictures I should use online, what apps and dating sites are the ones that would be best for me, I think that was pretty unique and that is why I dated someone for a long time about 2 years ago.

I feel that she honestly cared about having you meet someone.

Eva, from Yelp 7/1/2015

"After trying online dating, I thought I would give a matchmaker a try. That's when I found Stef and the city.  I liked the fact that she meets with each person that she sets up even if it is to join her database. She really makes you think about what you have a "wants" and "must haves" in a partner as well as physical and characteristic specifics. She also lets you know if your requirements are too narrow and lets you know what is realistic. Besides the personalized matchmaking, I enjoy the fact that she has several rules that she has the men and women follow. My favorite one is the no texting the first 3 weeks, which is true because it gets rid of ambiguity of text messaging etc. Also,  I enjoy that fact that you give and receive detailed feedback on how the date went so that you can gauge any habits that you need to correct.. Overall a great service and I recommend!"

Tom, from Yelp 5/23/2016

"Stef does so much more than just introduce you with potential dates. Her program is based on principles and rules that are geared toward success. She provides great feed-back which can open your eyes to a side of yourself that you may not be aware of. She carefully selects matches that are really matches. Her program helped me with dates that I found from other sources, since after all, it is still in part a numbers game and she does encourage you to "get out there". I highly recommend Stef to persons serious about finding the best person to build a relationship with."

Holly, from Yelp 5/30/2015

"Stef's service provides an opportunity for women of any age to feel like they are heard. She gets that the dating rules:

1.Men CALL you for a first date and continue to call you and not rely on texting
2.Women don't get picked up but do get to pick a spot by them
3. Men aren't required to take you out to dinner, but her dates are NOT just coffee
4. Men pay for a first date
5. Both sides get to hear feedback in a respectful way and not feel like people can just "disappear".

These are things that help the dating process and make me comfortable so that I know when I am paying to meet someone, I am getting quality men and not men who don't take the process seriously.

I am sure that Stef will continue to attract quality people to her service since she insists that anyone who wants to join goes through a serious questionnaire and process that weeds out the people who are flaky."

Grant, from Yelp 3/10/2015

"As someone with a very busy life, dealing with dating websites and apps felt like having a second job. Stef's service is great, because she handles the process of finding potential matches who have similar interests and backgrounds. I've enjoyed working with Stef and wouldn't hesitate to recommend her service to others."

Randy, from Yelp 9/23/2013

"Stef the first match was amazing.  I am back on the market and needing your services again.  You are better at finding love than I hands down."

Kevin, from Yelp 9/13/2013

"I typically don't use matchmaking services, but seeing as how I was new to a city. I think it would be a good investment. I really like how she takes a holistic approach to the dating scene. She offers both matchmaking as well as services that help an individual expand their social group which I feel is an extremely important part for long term success when it comes to dating. If you really value your time and are sick of online dating sites, Stef is definitely the person who can get you results on the next level."

Eric, from Yelp 9/2/2013

"I was hesitant to use a matchmaking service, but after my first two introductions, I have been impressed with the women that Steph has introduced me to.  The women have been very successful, intelligent and attractive.  So far, Steph has exceeded my expectations with the high quality of women that she has introduced me to.  Instead of dreading the "first date", I am now excited for the first dates that I get through Steph.  Steph makes the first date experience easy and very low stress.  It has been a great experience for me and I would highly recommend using Steph!"

Mary, from Yelp 7/31/2013

"I have tried endless matchmakers as you can see from my reviews, but Stef was great! She is polished, classy, and honest! If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen! She will tell you how it is and that is good for a matchmaker because you need to have realistic expectations. The price is VERY reasonable and definitely worth it!!

Addison, from Yelp 5/31/2013

"I was skeptical about the process, and even more so that Stef could get the job done given my high expectations.  Well, I was proved wrong and could not be happier.  From one of the most intense guys out there with very high expectations, if she can make a believer and fan out of me, definitely worth the shot.  What do you have to lose?  Meeting someone incredible.  Do it."

Cyndy, from Yelp 4/12/2013

"Although the thought of enlisting a matchmaker was a bit uncomfortable for me, I had a very productive and thorough first meeting with Stef back in January.  I found her to be honest and upfront, which she has continued to be throughout all our conversations.  She is frank and direct but always professional and polite.

Through her, I recently met a charming gentleman, someone with whom I connected on so many different levels.  I feel quite certain we wouldn't have met were it not for Stef.

Stef clearly loves what she does and her passion for her work is obvious. She does all the legwork which, in turn, takes all the guesswork out it for you so, when you have that first meeting with your match, you're relaxed, comfortable and able to be yourself."

Scott, from Yelp 2/13/2013

"Stef is great. She really gets to know you and can find whatever it is that you are looking for. She doesn't beat around the bush, which is something that I needed. Being a guy I was a little hesitant to try it out, but am real happy I did. If you are someone who is thinking about it, I would suggest you do. Thanks Stef! Great service."

Dan, from Yelp 8/20/2012

"Stef is a wonderful matchmaker and an even better person. I genuinely appreciate her approach to the concept of matchmaking. I would recommend her to anyone seeking a better alternative to online dating or the bar scene.  A coworker suggested I give Stef a call. I was hesitant at first. I didn't understand what was involved and really didn't think I needed to pay someone to help me meet women. I went into the first meeting with a few misconceptions. I left the first meeting with a new outlook on dating. Stef was engaging and honest about what she could provide me and also what she expected from me as a client. She wasn't trying to sell me anything; she was trying to understand what I was about and what I was truly looking for. I thought that was refreshing. I didn't want to just date the first person that came along. I wanted a core set of details that you just can't decipher at a pick up joint. Stef and I had a great conversation in which she put me at ease and allowed me to open up. It was that honesty (on my part) that allowed her to find someone that I hit it off with. In a very short period of time Stef found someone that I probably would never have found on my own. I am very grateful to her for that."

Don, from Yelp 12/6/2011

"Went on a date last night that Stef set up.  Stef hit a home run: Wonderful woman, great looks, and great interests in common."

Michael, from Yelp 1/7/2011

"I used Stef as a matchmaker.  She has set me up with three quality and beautiful ladies.  She has also coached me on how to handle those awkward first dates.  Her process starts with about a one hour face-to-face interview.  Then, she does the work and the fee she charges is very reasonable.  My other experience is with Match.com.  While I met some nice people on Match, and even had a few relationships come out of that site, Stef's process is way more efficient.  No more logging onto Match for me.  I don't have the time for it.  My last date was so pleasant and she was so pretty that I wrote Stef a thank you note."

Tom, age 38

“I met Stef where she spoke at a Chicago Young Professional’s party in 2010. She set me up with two other matches that didn’t turn into romance but the 3^rd time was a charm! It took time for her to find the right match, but clearly it was worth the wait!”

Rebecca, age 33

“I heard of Stef through another woman who had met her years ago on a singles trip. I had just moved to Chicago and she suggested I try this out. I thought I might be a hard type to match up but Stef assured me that she would keep her eyes out for me. Three months later, she introduced me to Tom and it was an instant connection! I’m glad I understood the waiting process to find the right one!”

Michael, age 52

“I heard of Stef through Yelp and she was able to introduce me to quality women, although at first no one turned into a relationship. She gave me some advice as to things I might be doing wrong. A year later, one of the women she introduced me to (who I thought was out of my league) reconnected with me and we are now in a relationship!”

Hadley, age 41

“Stef and I met through a networking party. We connected in both business and I decided to use her service. I went on several dates and one of the men she thought was the right match for me, I initially dated someone else. After that relationship broke up, I realized Stef was right and contacted the guy and we are now in a relationship!”

Michael, age 27

“Stef introduced herself to me at a networking event. I told her if I met someone I would send her tons of referrals. Sure enough, my 1^st date she set me up with lasted 8 hours and resulted in a woman I happily in a relationship with for the past two years. I have sent Stef many referrals since then!”

Katie, age 26 

“Stef overheard me complaining to my friends at lunch that I was from the area but couldn’t meet quality guys. She gave me her card, but I realized I wasn’t ready to really date until I got my career in order. Three months later we reconnected and she assured me she would be keeping her eyes out for me. I was concerned that anyone she might find would be a lot older than me, but she told me that she would take my criteria seriously. Sure enough a month later she had a guy she had met for me and we have been in a relationship for two years!”

Neil, age 44

"Stef and I met when I was first getting a divorce. She coached me to get back out there and when I was ready, she started setting me up on dates. She told me that patience was part of the process to wait for the RIGHT people. Sure enough, when she set me up, I met a woman that lived a few blocks away, was divorced like myself and we hit it off. I think Stef works hard to give her clients good feedback and wants them to succeed, even if it means that we have to wait to get the RIGHT matches." 

 

Dating Coaching 

Jess, from Yelp 1/2/2020

"I feel so lucky to have found Stef. I'd been at my wits end with online dating and wasn't getting anywhere. Upon meeting Stef, I immediately felt a sense of relief as I knew I was in the hands of a professional. I signed up for her "dating coach" services and was relieved to hear that everything I was experiencing was not only normal, but totally 'curable'. Instead of feeling that I was doing something wrong, I took the approach to make it my job to take the dating process seriously and not listening to every friend's advice. Some of the things that I took personally before, were just part of the dating process and not worth me stressing over! I consider myself a Type A person, so having a custom plan for my personal goals and past challenges felt like I was getting a really personalized treatment. But that's just how she is!"

Tony, from Yelp 6/26/19

"Stef's dating coaching services are seriously one of the best investments I've ever made. She has a bit of a tough love approach--my initial consultation and first session or two, she definitely gave me a hard time about my wardrobe, posture, and even the way I paid compliments. But the truth hurts, and it was all stuff I needed to hear. To clarify, at no point in the process did Stef ever suggest not being myself or changing my core personality and values. But she did help me to figure out how to discover and present the best version of myself, not just with women, but in general. After about three months of gradually incorporating her advice, I started to notice an increased confidence and ability to bring out my charm--and others started to notice it too. I went from being barely able to ask women out to going on multiple dates a week.

If you're too stubborn to take advice or too self-conscious to handle criticism, then this is not going to be a good fit for you. However, if you truly want to find more success in your dating life and are willing to make a few tweaks to your approach (some of which are going to be uncomfortable at first), then I highly recommend working with Stef."

Piper, from Yelp 3/8/2015

"I enjoyed working with Stef last summer and I am still using the tools she taught me. I not only use the tools for dating, but for an effective social life. I learned about places and things in the city I never knew existed. Her sessions were the social "therapy" I needed. She tells the truth, you may not want to hear. Facing the truth about myself has made me more confident. Using the techniques has resulted in more dates and has made me a master dater and a true social butterfly. Nothing happens overnight, but she taught me how to have the time of my life in the process."

Gina, from Yelp 11/16/2014

"If you are serious about finding love, then Stef is your girl! I tried a number of different websites and went on a tons of dates, but wasn't meeting quality guys, until I went to Stef in the City. She was able to match me with guys who were on my level. Her business is more than just matchmaking, it's also about personal growth. Stef is warm natured and genuinely cares about each one of her clients. I would hands down recommend her!"

William, from Yelp 4/3/2014

"Stef is a great listener and prides herself in finding you someone that fits your interests, of course also using her expertise to find you a good match that you yourself may not even know.

I would recommend her service as it is a great way to meet a quality person that IS as advertised."

Neil, from Yelp 6/13/2014

"I met with Stef when I was going through my divorce.  Stef was very helpful in providing insight on dating in my 40's, and how it differs from when I was last "out there".  Stef recommended dating "coaching", and didn't pressure me into hiring her for matchmaking services. Stef is very charming, and at the same time straight-forward.  Her advice made getting back into the dating pool much easier."

Judy, from Yelp 9/13/2013

"Stef is a natural !  She truly has a sincere innate ability to finding a real life partner for people such as myself who are looking for this. Her experience is well worth listening to, and for me following through, and actually working on certain things she wanted me to at least try. Like some of the other comments here, Stef followed through ! and did exactly what she said.  She is very warm, and concerned for her clients, which makes it all the better.  I have already given her information to several of my friends. Big hug for Stef, and again thank you so much for your mature professional, and fun attitude in this new dating world. It has helped me so much."

Sonya, from Yelp 3/16/2013

"Stef runs a highly effective and professional service. She is an amazing networker and knows just how to use her wonderful skills to get the job done. I have been recommending her to all my single friends."

Fred, from Yelp 2/21/2011

"I met Stef at a networking event a few months ago.  From that first meeting, I've found her to be incredible pleasant and easy to talk to.  Because of that first impression, I started working with Stefanie.  She is a superb matchmaker who is very client focused.  She has a keen eye for the intangible characteristics that makes a great match.

I have recommended Stefanie to several of my friends and will do it again."

Whitney, age 26

“Stef told me that I should maximize my opportunities and make efforts in areas that I wasn’t always comfortable in. Thanks to her, I have made new friends and we are going to places to meet guys and I have been dating!”

Amber, age 32

“I wanted to meet someone and Stef looked at my profile and realized that I was missing opportunities in my daily life and not giving online dating a chance. After Stef and I set up a plan, I ended up dating four different guys and able to chose who I wanted to be with, after being in a dating dry spell for 1 ½ years!”

Brian, age 35

“I met Stef at an event in 2010 and came to her in 2012 for help with dating. Having Stefanie's feedback has been a really eye opening and empowering experience.”

David, age 51

“After my divorce, I was lost on how to go out there again. After finding Stef on Yelp, I decided to give coaching a try. She keeps me on my toes by making me make efforts that in my daily life I would often complain I was too busy to do. She helped me with my online efforts and now that I have been tracking my dates, I see things that she tells me to avoid and things that I need work on. Thanks to her, I have been meeting women that I feel are the right fits for me.”

Social Calendar

Rachel, age 37

“In late 2010 I hired Stefanie for her social calendar services. She was highly recommended from an article written about her and her company Stef and the City and I knew why immediately when we met. She is extremely personable and has a great personality, really listened to what I was wanting and made great suggestions I was happy with and also delivered on time. She was very creative in putting the calendar together with great fun events as she really has a pulse on what is going on socially and getting to know her you learn she really wants to help people achieve their social goals with her talents.”

Sam, age 22
“I was new to the city since I had been living out in the suburbs. Stef was able to help me establish what places I should go to to meet people my own age as well as ways to establish myself professionally. I would definitely recommend trying a social calendar through her!”