The Matchmaker Who Manifested Love and Helps Others Do the Same – Interview With Lorii Abela
- Brainz Magazine
- May 1
- 5 min read
Lorii Abela is a board-certified master NLP practitioner, success coach, real estate investor, soulmate expert, and professional matchmaker. She helps successful executives who feel lonely, frustrated, and burned out from online dating. Through her proven approach, Lorii saves her clients time and helps them shift into the right mindset, resulting in quality meetings and relationship-minded matches 93% of the time.
Lorii Abela, Soulmate Expert and Matchmaker
Tell me about yourself.
Finding a soulmate was once Lorii's dream. When she first arrived in New York, she tried dating sites and went on countless first dates, but true love remained elusive. Refusing to give up, she wrote down her future and manifested her soulmate, Domingo, in just 28 days using the same process she now teaches.
Lorii is a multi-awarded international leader, highly sought-after speaker, a graduate of Global Love Institute, New York, a member of Matchmaker Alliance, and five-time international bestselling author of Sexy Secrets to a Juicy Love Life, Vols. 1 and 2, Secrets to Drama-Free Love, Speaking Your Truth, Vol. 3, and Hot Mama in (High) Heels.
A passionate connector, Lorii has led projects with Junior Chamber International, Rotary International, and Landmark Worldwide. She has attended workshops on finding love using the law of attraction and science-based psychology studies. Collaboration is her game; thus, she has interviewed and worked with the world's leading experts in the industry, such as dating coaches, matchmakers, psychotherapists, and sex experts.
Lorii is also a dynamic TV host and producer of Matchmaker Secrets, Ready, Jetset, Go!, and Scale Up, which air on CAN TV Chicago Channel 19, Roku, and Firestick. In 2023, The Coach Foundation named her a premier dating coach, and in 2024, she was honored at the CREA Global Awards.
Originally from Manila, Philippines, Lorii now lives in Chicago with Domingo. She's passionate about helping high-powered, successful singles turn on their light, wow their soulmate, and say goodbye to being single with fun, adventure, and surprise.
Lorii Abela, soulmate expert and professional matchmaker, offers candid answers that inspire hope, empower elite singles, and prove that finding lasting love is truly possible.
What's the wildest match you've ever made that worked?
Before I even became a professional matchmaker, I had one of those moments that made me realize I might have a gift for this. I met this guy through an online dating app. I knew right away he wasn't for me, as he was way too talkative for my taste. Nevertheless, something about him stood out. I could tell he had good values, a kind heart, and a lot of energy that would make the right woman very happy.
I immediately thought of a friend who was the opposite, quiet, thoughtful, a bit reserved. I introduced them, thinking, "Well, either this is going to be a disaster, or it's going to be magic." And you know what? It was magic. They connected deeply, not because their personalities were the same, but because their values were. They both cared about family, about building something meaningful. Today, they're married and have a daughter already at university. Every time I think of them, it reminds me that love isn't always about finding your mirror image; it's about finding someone who complements and shares your vision for life.
How do you know when someone's ready for love?
You can tell someone is ready for love when they're genuinely happy with who they are and
where they are. They're emotionally available, meaning they're not stuck on an ex or waiting for someone to rescue them. They're mentally steady, physically present, and often spiritually aligned. They're not looking for someone to fill a hole or solve a problem. They're looking for a partner to walk beside them, not carry or fix them. Real readiness comes when you're complete on your own, and simply looking for someone to build something even better together.
Have you ever had to turn someone away because they weren't ready for love?
Yes, absolutely. Honestly, it's one of my job's most important and toughest parts. During my first conversations with potential clients, I pay close attention to what they say. Are they dreaming about someone 20 years younger? Are they describing a celebrity lookalike? Are they chasing perfection?
If they're nitpicking every tiny detail or are not open to coaching, that's a big red flag. Genuine relationships aren't built in fantasy; they're built in reality. Love requires vulnerability. It requires dropping the long checklist and being open to the unexpected.
If someone is stuck in old trauma, clinging to bitterness, or just flat-out uncoachable, I tell them sincerely that they're not ready yet and that that's okay. Often, I recommend they start with coaching first. Healing and growth have to happen before love can come.
Lorii Abela at the set of “Matchmaker Secrets with Lorii Abela” at CAN TV Chicago Channel 19.
What inspired you to bring your matchmaking background into a TV talk show format?
People need to hear real stories about love and not just the fairy-tale endings or the glossy Instagram versions. Love can be messy, and dating can be frustrating. Simultaneously, it's also beautiful and worth it.
I wanted to create a global platform where people could hear open, honest conversations about what it takes to find love today. They could realize they're not alone in their struggles and that no matter how many setbacks, love is still possible if they're willing to do the inner work.
What dating myths or bad advice do you wish people would stop believing?
The biggest one? That real love should be effortless.
This myth ruins many good relationships. The truth is that even the healthiest relationships require effort, communication, compromise, and growth. If you think a relationship must always be easy, you'll run the minute things get tough. That's a shame because working through the complex parts often deepens your bond.
Real love is not effortless, but it is worth the effort.
What's your best advice for someone tired of dating but still wants love?
Take a break, but don't give up. Seriously, step away from the apps. Stop worrying about meeting someone. Reconnect with your passions, build a genuinely loving life, and re-anchor yourself in joy.
When you live a vibrant, fulfilled life, that energy draws the right people to you. Consequently, when you're ready to return to dating, focus less on checking boxes and more on how you feel around someone. Look for someone who makes you feel safe, seen, and inspired, not just someone who looks good on paper.
How has online dating changed the way people approach matchmaking?
Online dating made meeting people easier, but choosing someonei much harder.
Today, there's this endless sense of options. People always think, "Maybe someone even better is just one more swipe away." Because of that, they often miss out on excellent connections right in front of them.
Matchmaking focuses on compatibility, shared values, and emotional readiness. Instead of quantity, we prioritize quality, which is intentional, strategic, and time-efficient. Every match is thoughtfully vetted, so there's already a solid foundation to build on when you meet someone.
Let's connect
If any part of this interview spoke to you and you're curious about coaching or matchmaking, reach out. You don't have to navigate love alone; Lorii Abela Matchmaking can help you.
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