We had the good fortune of connecting with Desiree Kinney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Desiree, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

In 2020 we entered the pandemic, the unexpected, the unknown…our “new normal.” It was then that I realized they were two doors to choose from, obstacle or opportunity, and that is when I decided to look at a problem that needed to be solved and to be the person to solve it. I had to be innovative. I could see that businesses did not reach the next level for a variety of reasons and one of those reasons is not finding the right people or the right solutions. This is why I created The Business Matchmaker LLC and in turn, from 2021-2022, I created the 7 Rules for Success which will be detailed in my upcoming TV show and future book.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am truly the most proud of the lasting impact I’ve had on people’s lives. One particular story is my mentee, who was born and raised in Nepal, and seeing this young bright hopeful who wanted to land her dream job in the US. To have the opportunity to help her accomplish that was a dream. She starts in the summer of 2023 at one of the largest financial institutions in the world. We went on to be featured by Streetwise, the mentoring organization where we met, in a tri-fold that was shared with the entire organization.

In terms of reaching my current level of success it was truly through having my own mentors and sponsors who believed in me and would vouch for me even when I wasn’t in the room. I also learned the art of networking and deepening relationships with professionals in order to reach my career trajectory. I’ve learned to never burn bridges and to see how you can help others versus how others can help you. I truly believe  if you are authentic and care about the well-being of others, the universe will return that positive energy to you.

As for my personal brand and story, I had to go deeper into myself to really learn who I was and who I wanted to be in this world. Only then could I align my passion with my purpose.

While I am still growing and thriving in many ways, I’m learning to celebrate all the little wins in my journey and to celebrate others in the process. It’s about your mindset and how you approach every scenario that can determine your failure or success. It’s all about your perception and how you rise above anything and everything.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This question is really fun because I consider myself a bit of a converted New Yorker, though I am proud to be born and raised in New Jersey! I would want my best friend to experience the best of the best. New York is where I became The Business Matchmaker.

I used to live in Hells Kitchen in Manhattan which is a hotspot and anyone that knows Hells Kitchen knows it is dining central. There is great Asian fusion (Obao, At Nine), great Spanish food (Boqueria, Lamano’s), and good Italian (Serafina). The Theatre District for Broadway is a must-see and tourist attraction (Lion King, Aladdin, Wicked). If you make yourself over to Times Square, there is beautiful energy and food (Dos Caminos). Rockefeller Center is stunning during the holiday season with the tree, lights and décor and Radio City Music Hall is great for shows year-end. Hudson Yards has a beautiful shopping mall and there’s dining and beautiful buildings and structures. The Edge is the highest outdoor sky deck in the western hemisphere and you will experience memorable views of NYC (its instagram-worthy). Finally, Bryant Park is a wonderful destination. They actually host movies in the park and there’s also great dining (Tao, Burger & Lobster). In the winter, there is ice skating.

Wall Street is one-of-a-kind for its rich history (pun intended). When I was featured by The Star-Ledger, we took a photo right in front of the New York Stock Exchange. If you go downtown, Luke’s Lobster is a must and the fabulous Swedish cafe Fika.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I absolutely love the Shout Out series that Voyage LA Magazine has created. My first shout out is my first client and my very first business mentor Princess Faraj. She is the Chief Engineer of the Luxury Clothing Brand ModMara and CEO of Faraj Couture Creative Studio. She was the reason I knew what an entrepreneur was and is the first person who believed in me and hired me. She’s a multi entrepreneur. She lifts others up as she climbs. Princess taught me to invest in myself and take risks to live out your dreams.

My second shout out is my outstanding mentor and life coach, Kaplan Mobray, Leadership Coach and Motivation Expert, and Acclaimed Author of the 10Ks of Personal Branding for Kaplan Mobray Inc. He taught me to be intentional with my dreams and my brand. He also enlightened me of how you show up in a room and how you are remembered and that is the key to personal branding. He is the motivation behind hosting my own Personal Branding Workshop at JP Morgan and was my featured keynote speaker.

Finally, Stacy Francis, Founder of Francis Financial and Savvy Ladies, inspired me to empower women, specifically financially. She has made such a phenomenal impact in the women’s community at large. As a result of her warm referral, I ended up being featured on the cover of Investment News and was motivated to launch my own Women of Wall Street workshop series.

Finally, Tony Sellers, Founder of Pass Me The Ball Inc, started as my music manager and then we became powerful business partners. We managed the artists under the label as a team. He inspired me to use my voice as my microphone and to live out my passions for music/entertainment.

I will also always shout out my mom, the strongest woman I know and my backbone, my brother for being my role model growing up, my step dad for setting a good example on how to successfully run a business and supporting me in my journey, and my dad for passing down his creative genes and always encouraging me to live out my passions.

Website: thebusinessmatchmaker.org

Instagram: @womeninbusinessrock, @the_business_matchmaker

Linkedin: Desiree’ Tulsidai Kinney

Facebook: Desiree’ Dudhnath

Youtube: Search “Desiree Kinney” and this is my speaking reel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Dc-vs1-Ju4

Image Credits
Photography Credits: Koby Jovel

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.