Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Natalie Bell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Natalie , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Finding my purpose has been an ongoing journey that evolved from my own personal experiences and the desire to create meaningful connections in a world that has become increasingly digital. Growing up and into my adulthood, I always cherished the moments of genuine human interaction.
The idea for The City Social sparked when I realized how many people around me, including friends and family, struggled with the impersonal nature of online dating. We’ve become so accustomed to swiping left or right that we’ve lost touch with the beauty of face-to-face conversations and spontaneous connections. I saw a gap and felt a strong pull to fill it by creating events where singles could meet in real life, free from the constraints of screens and algorithms.
My Instagram (@nataliebell9) reflects this passion for authentic connections. It’s a space where I share moments that matter to me and different perspectives and thoughts about love, dating, and relationships. I love to talk about love! The response I’ve received from my community has been overwhelmingly positive, affirming that there was a need for what I envisioned. Each event we host with The City Social reaffirms my purpose: to help people find love and friendship in the most organic and human way possible.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
At The City Social, we specialize in creating in-person events that help singles connect in real life, stepping away from the digital world and dating apps that have become so prevalent. Our mission is to foster genuine connections through thoughtfully curated events that encourage people to meet, mingle, and build relationships in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
What excites me most about The City Social is the community we’ve built and the stories of connections made at our events. From friendships to romances, seeing people form meaningful relationships in real-time is incredibly rewarding. We strive to create a diverse range of events, from casual mixers and themed parties to sports games and speed dating.
Speaking of new and exciting developments, we’re thrilled to announce our expansion to Chicago! We held our first event there on July 25th, with our next event taking place on August 22nd, at Barcocina. So if you know of anyone in the Windy City, tell them about us! For future Cleveland events, we’re hosting an event with Float The River, to bring singles together to experience the thrill of tubing, rafting, and kayaking down the Cuyahoga River, Additionally, we’re in the process of planning a special one-year anniversary celebration of our business with an ‘All White’ theme, so stay tuned!
Our Instagram (@thecitysocial_) is a great way to stay updated on all our events and see the vibrant community we’re cultivating. We love sharing highlights from our events, behind-the-scenes looks, and announcements about what’s coming next. Whether you’re looking to meet new people, enjoy unique experiences, or just have a great time, The City Social is here to bring people together!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey with The City Social, three qualities have been particularly impactful: perseverance, community-building, and adaptability.
Perseverance: Starting a business, especially one centered around in-person events, requires a lot of perseverance. There were numerous challenges, from logistical hurdles to the unpredictability of social dynamics. What kept me going was a steadfast belief in my vision and a willingness to push through obstacles. For those early in their journey, my advice is to stay committed to your vision, even when the going gets tough. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in your mission and can offer encouragement when you need it most.
Community-Building: The heart of The City Social is its community. Building a strong, engaged community has been essential to our success. This involves not just organizing events but also understanding the needs and desires of the people you serve. Listening, engaging, and creating a sense of belonging have been key. For anyone starting out, focus on genuinely connecting with your audience. Show that you value them, and they will become your biggest advocates.
Adaptability: The ability to adapt has been crucial, especially in the ever-changing landscape of social events. Whether it’s adjusting to new trends, responding to feedback, or navigating unexpected circumstances, being adaptable allows you to stay relevant and effective. A key aspect of adaptability is having humility—recognizing that you don’t have all the answers and being open to learning from others. My advice is to remain open to change and be willing to pivot when necessary. Stay informed about industry trends and be proactive in seeking out new opportunities for growth and improvement. Embrace feedback with humility, and use it as a tool for continuous improvement.
For those just starting their journey, my overarching advice is to be patient with yourself and the process. Building something meaningful takes time, effort, and resilience. Keep learning, stay connected with your community, and be ready to adapt as you grow. Your dedication and flexibility will pave the way for your success.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes, we are actively looking to expand The City Social to other cities and are excited to invite new hosts to bring our unique approach to singles events to their area. We are looking for passionate, community-oriented individuals who share our vision of creating meaningful, in-person connections. Ideal partners are those who have a knack for event planning, a love for bringing people together, and a genuine interest in fostering authentic relationships within their local communities.
If you’re someone who thrives on connecting with others, enjoys organizing events, and wants to make a positive impact on the social lives of singles in your city, we’d love to hear from you. Potential hosts should be enthusiastic, organized, and have a strong sense of community. Prior experience in event planning or hospitality is a plus, but not a necessity.
To connect with us and explore this exciting opportunity, you can reach out via our Instagram (@thecitysocial_) or email us at [email protected] to let us know you’re interested. We are eager to collaborate with like-minded individuals who are ready to join us on this journey of transforming the way singles meet and connect in real life. Let’s bring The City Social to your city and create unforgettable experiences together!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: thecitysocial_
- Other: Tiktok – @thecitysocial
Email – [email protected]
Image Credits
Sarah Capri
Sacred Shutter Cle
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
