Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Madalow Shamon and Devona Madalow.
Hi Diana Shamon and Devona Madalow, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Habibi Match was born from a mission close to our hearts — one rooted in our faith, our family, and a deep love for our culture. As sisters, we each brought something unique to the table: I’m an attorney, my sister is a certified matchmaker and we are both deeply rooted in our community. Together, we saw a growing need in our community and felt called to do something about it.
Grounded in our Catholic faith, we believed there had to be a better way for singles — especially within the Chaldean, Middle Eastern community and beyond to connect intentionally and meaningfully. We envisioned a platform that would honor the sanctity of marriage, uphold cultural values, respect privacy, and still resonate with the realities of modern dating. That vision became Habibi Match.
Starting this platform wasn’t just about launching a business — it was about creating something with purpose. Our goal was to provide a trusted path for singles to meet their person, using Habibi Match’s thorough and intentional vetting process to find their “habibi” — and build strong, lasting relationships rooted in faith and shared values.
Since launching, Habibi Match has become a trusted place for singles looking for real connection and long-term commitment. The stories we hear — the couples who found each other through us — are what make this journey so fulfilling.
For us, this isn’t just a passion project. It’s a calling. And we truly believe it’s only the beginning.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest hurdles we faced was building a solid structure and process that truly worked for our community. We needed to ensure our vetting process was thorough, yet scalable, so we could match singles effectively while maintaining the personal touch that makes Habibi Match special.
Additionally, creating a platform that resonated with our community was another significant challenge. We had to find a delicate balance between respecting cultural and religious traditions and building a space that felt modern and accessible to younger generations. This balance was essential, and we were intentional about staying true to our roots while evolving with the times.
Breaking through skepticism about online matchmaking, especially in our tight-knit community, was another obstacle. Many people preferred traditional ways of meeting — through family, church, or community events — so earning their trust took time. But as we saw more success stories and received positive feedback, that skepticism slowly began to shift.
We also encountered the challenge of cancellations before dates — something all too common in the world of matchmaking. People sometimes lose interest or feel nervous, and we had to find ways to keep the momentum going and encourage a sense of commitment in our matches.
Communicating rejection was another difficult aspect of the process. We knew we had to handle these delicate situations with empathy and respect, making sure that both sides could walk away with dignity and understanding. Our motto became, “It’s not a no, it’s a next.”
Finally, managing the process of revealing the other match was a challenge. Since Habibi Match is built on confidentiality, we match couples for blind dates. We had to respect the privacy of our users while ensuring they had enough information to make informed decisions. Striking the right balance between maintaining anonymity and offering transparency for a comfortable first meeting was something we carefully refined over time.
As you know, we’re big fans of Habibi Match. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Our process is built around a thorough vetting system that ensures each member is carefully considered and matched based on compatibility, values, and long-term goals. This ensures that every connection is meaningful and has the potential for a lasting, authentic relationship.
Confidentiality is at the heart of our platform. We understand the importance of privacy, especially when it comes to matters of love and marriage. Our members can feel safe knowing that their personal information and experiences are handled with the utmost care and discretion. We pride ourselves on providing a space where singles can connect confidently, knowing that their journey to finding their habibi is guided with respect and trust.
What sets us apart is our commitment to helping individuals not just find love, but a partner who truly aligns with their vision for the future. It’s about more than just a match; it’s about building a lasting relationship grounded in shared faith, culture, and values.
At Habibi Match, we’re here to help individuals meet the right person — their habibi — and build a future together.
How do you think about luck?
Luck, whether good or bad, has certainly played a role in the journey of Habibi Match, but it’s been just one part of a much bigger picture. While we’ve had some moments where things fell into place in ways that felt like good fortune — such as the right people discovering us at the right time, or witnessing unexpected success stories — we believe it’s the hard work, planning, and dedication to our mission that has truly fueled our success.
On the other hand, we’ve also faced challenges and setbacks that some might label “bad luck.” There were times when we encountered skepticism from the community or had to work through tough situations where connections didn’t pan out. But instead of viewing these as bad luck, we saw them as opportunities to learn, adapt, and refine our approach. Every challenge has made us more resilient and stronger in our commitment to helping people find their habibi.
Pricing:
- At Habibi Match, there is no upfront fee — you only pay when you’re matched. Our pricing includes a one-time $100 initiation fee, which covers your registration and ensures you’re added to our exclusive Habibi Match database. After that, you pay $50 per match we set you on, so you’re only charged when a meaningful connection is made.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.habibi-match.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/habibi_match/
