Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqueline Uphoff.
Jacqueline, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
On November 19th, 2018, after countless complaints from friends and acquaintances about swiping on dating apps, I decided I was going to do something about this issue. Two weeks prior to this decision, my best friend had confided in me that she was losing hope that she would meet a guy that she could start a life with. It was an emotional conversation and it broke my heart to see her so sad. I immediately started to brainstorm and offered to manage her Bumble account for her. She declined. She didn’t want to go on dates alone with strangers. There had to be another way to connect her with local single men! On a whim, I created the Instagram @sandiego.singles. I followed the single people I knew personally in San Diego and utilized every opportunity I had to advertise my new Instagram to anyone who would listen. Overall, the feedback I received was very positive. People loved my idea and wanted to attend events as often as I would have them. So far, we have had a total of nine events, four of those events were in a bar setting, one bonfire, two hikes, a San Diego Gulls game and most recently, we had an event at Battle Axe SD (not to be confused with the Canadian franchise, Bad Axe. Battle Axe SD is owned by a young couple. #supportlocalbusiness haha) Anyway, we are up to about 900ish followers at this point and every day that number grows.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Honestly, there have been a few hiccups along the way. For my second event, we decided to have an ugly sweater party at The Local PB. I didn’t do enough research on other events that day and it turns out the Army-Navy game and Santacon had both happened earlier in the day so most of the people planning to come to my event were too drunk to make it! That certainly took the wind out of my sails but I took a step back and told myself, “Alright, next time do some research and see what you’re up against instead of going in blind.” That was a valuable lesson for me to always be on my toes. When I created the Instagram, I didn’t expect it to turn into a “business.” However, now I realize that people are responding very positively to it and look forward to my events. I’m learning as I go, answering messages as promptly as I can. I plan events almost every weekend and constantly reach out to my followers for their feedback. I wouldn’t say that my business is financially successful just yet, however I know that many friendships have been made and that totally makes it worth my time and effort.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with San Diego Singles – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Throughout my life, I have constantly been applauded for my ability to bring people together. Whether that is in a romantic sense, for friendship, a job opportunity, etc. After hearing this compliment enough, I realized that maybe my friends were on to something. My intent when I started this Instagram was to create opportunities for people to connect in real life in a way that feels organic. We have become a generation of swipers and I think it totally takes the authenticity out of most interactions. By providing a safe, fun environment for people to interact I have watched so many new connections form. I have heard that others have tried a similar idea in the past but I don’t think that they had the same passion for it as I do. What pushes me to keep going isn’t the financial gain I may someday experience… it’s the fact that every event I have connects people. In turn, every connection changes that persons’ life forever (hopefully, in a positive way).
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
Don’t let the setbacks discourage you or convince you to give up. Absorb the constructive criticism at every opportunity. Stay focused on your intentions and stay true to yourself.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 6199166782
- Email: singles.sandiego@gmail.com
- Instagram: sandiego.singles
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/sandiegosinglesevents
Image Credit:
Jacqueline Uphoff
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