Samantha’s Table Strategic Matchmaking

I was apprehensive to attend one of Samantha’s Girls’ Night Out events at first, mostly because I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I’m glad I did! I was recently out of a relationship and wanting to meet someone new, and did not want to go with the online dating route — which I previously tried and felt was overbearing. Having Samantha set me up with a person who has similar interests and evading online dating was great. I had a first date just this week, and the man was a very bright, interesting, quality person, with whom I shared many interests. After this experience, I have been telling my girlfriends to give it a try.

after being approached by the said ‘matchmaker’ for the first time just because of my negative review, I replied with this e-​mail, which I think should be shared publicly:
I did write a negative review about your event because it was a highly negative experience. You made most women feel very uncomfortable form the moment you stepped in in disarray, with wet hair, urging us to talk and converse when it was clear we were already uncomfortable, you just encouraged that feeling. A room-​full of women, half of them dressed for a first date, half coming from the office, all seeking love and companionship, many in despair… and you, taking advantage of that hopelessness.
Your advice did not resonate with me, not the fact of dating a married man and making out with him outside the restaurant, nor the advice to ‘aim low’ and to ‘lower my expectations’. Your talk, which was completely centered on yourself and not on how others can actually find a partner, was interrupted by… yourself, because you could not handle someone eating the food you had left out for us, you were getting ‘distracted’ by it and it would show on the video… because the talk was mostly for the video, not for the people present.
I have met other matchmakers and it is an emerging market, obviously, since finding a partner in this hectic world, especially in New York is so very difficult. Most matchmakers are actually interested in knowing you, you are interested in hearing your own voice. THink about it. If I hadn’t approached you for a minute at the event, you wouldn’t even had spoken to me. And the few words that crossed were so general that it is quite impossible you got a sense of who I am or what I am looking for.
If you only invite women you you find interesting, then why don’t you actually talk to them? and if you thought I was someone your clients would find interesting (although I find it highly unlikely you would know something like that because you don’t know me at all), then how is it that after more than six months I only hear from you when it came to your attention that I publicly wrote something negative on you?
And after this, even if you had contacted me, I would have high doubts on what kind of man you would introduce me to since I do not trust your judgment of character at all.
Samantha, I know you consider yourself a matchmaker, and it is probable you have helped others, but it is clear you are not very interested in finding happiness for other people but in filling your pockets and getting rid of your books. Yes, a 60 dollar goody bag which is your book is not a goody bag at all. Charging 60 dollars for cheap wine, raw vegetables, your book and having your picture taken is taking advantage of women who are seeking other ways of finding a partner.

The owner did get fair amount of media exposure during the past, so I would not be surprised if the wait time to get a consultation with her is long. However, from personal experience, she is a smart and ambitious woman but not that focused in her business, which is matchmaking. She used a lot of media outlet to send out fashion tips/​celebrity wardrobs, instead of updating about her business — -matchmaking! Also, she could appear to be a bit dismissive and condescending in person.
On the contrary, Janis Spindel is constantly working on matches and meeting new clients. Check out her twitter account, interviews and personal appearances. It is all about matchmaking. Her undivided focus may have largely contributed to her notable success in this business.
It’s just an honest feedback from a customer who used both their consultation services.