66 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
AN INTERVIEW WITH LUXURY MATCHMAKER AND FOUNDER OF IVY RELATIONS INGA VERBEECK
1 . What inspired you to create Ivy Relations ?
That is in fact a very personal question as my own life and experience did inspire me to do so .
Divorced with a little boy at a young age , friends of mine actually signed me up with a traditional matchmaking agency – gently mentioning I worked too much , was too difficult and didn ’ t get out enough .
Although charming , the experience was very random yet the concept of meeting people in this particular way intrigued me greatly .
After a bit of research further I switched my career from steel trading to relationship engineering with a focus on recruitment .
2 . Some people may feel a little sceptical about using the service you offer , what would you say to people who are a little hesitant ?
Life is short and there is no need to stay lost in the jungle that is the dating world anno 2022 .
Whilst the world has become so accessible , society has become so much more distant .
Social distancing isn ’ t just a covid-thing .
With # metoo , social media , the habit of Tinder swiping and other phenomena , genuine dating has become almost impossible .
Think 25 years back when a boy would simply see a girl with a nice smile , walk up to her , look her in the eyes and say hello , and how today the first impression is digital and most likely warped .
And we all know that the digital impression isn ’ t necessarily authentic nor does it represent a true person , their energy , their charm or charisma .
Traditional and authentic dating with a modern twist in the 21st century where courtship is re-invented , that ’ s what you ’ ll discover again at Ivy .
3 . Do you accept everyone who applies for a membership or do you have to meet certain criteria ?
Every application is followed up with an individual assessment .
We want to make sure we are comfortable working with each individual – and vice versa – and we want to make sure it ’ s a good fit .
There is no specific list of joining criteria , but rather a personal interview allowing us to decide whether we want to take on the client and can sketch a way forward together .
4 . How would you say you differ from other companies who offer a similar experience ?
THE ART OF LUXURY Issue 56 2023