As part of the Morning Lazziness series highlighting empowering women who are making a remarkable impact with their ideas, I had the pleasure of interviewing Amber Lee.
Amber Lee is the CEO of Select Date Society. She is a Luxury Matchmaker with over 25 years of celebrated expertise in creating meaningful connections. She has been featured in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Post, Cosmopolitan, The New York Times, and more!
In this candid conversation, Amber shares her journey, insights, and the strategies that have helped her build a results-driven business—and empower other entrepreneurs to do the same.
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur, and what sparked the idea for your current business venture?
I’ve always believed in love and have been inspired by Zig Ziglar’s philosophy that you can have everything you want in life if you help others get what they want. After 20+ years as a matchmaker, I saw a gap in luxury services for elite singles. Select Date Society was born to fill that space.
What problem does your business solve, and how is it uniquely positioned in the market?
We help high-net-worth singles find genuine, lasting love. Unlike dating apps or basic matchmaking, we offer a confidential, white-glove experience tailored for people who expect the best in every area of their life.
What were the biggest challenges you faced when starting your business, and how did you overcome them?
Building trust in a luxury market takes time. We overcame it by delivering results, creating an impeccable brand, and never compromising on quality or discretion. Now most of our business comes by way of direct referral from past success stories!
How do you stay motivated during tough times or uncertain periods in your business journey?
I remind myself that someone out there is waiting to meet the love of their life, and I get to make that happen. That mission keeps me going and I know our entire team feels the same way!
What daily habits or routines contribute most to your productivity and success as a founder?
Morning gratitude, walking outside, and strong coffee. I also block out time each day for my own relationship with my husband, which is a non-negotiable.
What’s been the most effective way for you to acquire new customers and grow your client base?
The majority of our clients are referred to us. When you deliver an exceptional service, your clients become your biggest advocates. We’re not focused on growing our client base. We actually keep our client base small by design so that we can deliver a high touch service.
How do you measure success—personally and professionally—in your business?
Personally, it’s joy and freedom. My husband, daughter, and I live in Puerto Rico and we enjoy the slower pace of island life. Professionally, it’s every successful match and every client who says, “You changed my life.”
What marketing or branding strategy has had the most impact on your business growth?
Positioning. We don’t try to be for everyone; we’re unapologetically exclusive. That clarity attracts exactly the right clients.
Can you share a mistake that taught you an important lesson in entrepreneurship?
Early on, I took on clients who weren’t aligned with our values. It taught me that saying “no” is just as powerful as saying “yes.”
What advice would you give to someone just starting out as a first-time entrepreneur?
Start before you’re ready. Clarity comes through action, not overthinking. Taking the leap into entrepreneurship can be scary, but you can’t let that fear stop you.
How do you balance innovation and risk while making business decisions?
I trust my gut, run the numbers, and consult with my co-founder, Sandra Myers. Sandra and I always say that two heads are better than one. It’s nice to have a business partner to brainstorm with and look at things through two different perspectives.
How do you build and maintain a strong team culture or work environment?
We lead with integrity and heart. Everyone on our team knows we’re not just filling calendars – we’re changing lives.
What are the top 5 things you believe every entrepreneur needs to overcome self-doubt and build confidence?
- Clarity of purpose: Know your why.
- Action: Confidence grows by doing.
- Support system: Surround yourself with people who believe in you.
- Proof: Celebrate every small win – they stack up.
- Mindset work: You have to believe it before you see it.
If you could lead or inspire a global movement to make an impact, what would it be and why?
A movement to normalize high standards in love and life. Because settling is the root of so much unhappiness.
What’s a quote, motto, or philosophy that you live by as a business leader?
“You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” ~ Zig Zigler
How can our readers or listeners connect with you and follow your journey online?
You can follow me on Instagram or visit the website.
