BOSS Spotlight Feature: Kelli Fisher & Tana Gilmore "The Matchmaking DUO™"

Kelli Fisher & Tana Gilmore, The Matchmaking DUO™ , are Certified Life/Relationship Coaches, Certified Matchmakers, national speakers, and authors of the critically acclaimed book, “Relationship DUOvers.”  Together, they own Fisher Gilmore, Inc., an exclusive agency which specializes in helping women of power balance a successful career, personal life, and love.

1.    What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career?

In the beginning process of starting our business we faced many obstacles.  Because our business is so unconventional, especially with two of us as principals, there were not many blueprints to follow. We had to clearly define our individual roles, strengths, weaknesses, and strategy both short-term and long-term.

2.    What inspired you to break into your particular industry?

As two African American women, it was apparent that there was a need in the marketplace to rebuild, restore and uplift each other coupled with the tools to find an optimal match. So often we as women have clearly defined goals to move forward in our education and careers which is great because it's easy to forsee the outcome with hard work and dedication. However finding and maintaining love, healthy relationships, and overall happiness in our personal lives we quickly learn is not an exact science and doesn't always go according to plan.  We quickly learned that finding the right balance was a universal issue and we were armed with the life experience and tools to help. 

3.    How do you balance your personal and professional life or have you been able to find a balance?

We use a shared calendar so we can easily plug in time off for personal commitments, vacations, or just family time.  When we first started our business we were so excited and wanted to work around the clock but quickly learned that it's easy to get burned out without clearly defined schedules and time off.  We learned to work smarter and group various types of meetings on certain days and stick to the schedule, which helped us to use our time more effectively.

4.    What is an inspirational quote that you live by?

"If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room."  We share the sentiment that there's often so much to be learned from others even if they're not in the same field.  Our goal is to always seek more knowledge in many areas of business and life.

5.    Who were some influential people or mentors that helped or encouraged you along the way?  

There are so many influential people who encourage us.  Two mentors who we meet with consistently for feedback and support are Minister Christina Lee, Chaplain to the NFL Mothers Association and President of Paradigm 360 Coaching and Jai Stone, Master  Brand Coach.  They

6.    What are your “must-haves” to keep your career or business going strong?

A few "must-haves" to keep our business going strong are, we are life-long learners and constantly staying abreast of new trends. We pride ourselves on being innovators and trying our best to work more efficiently. We set obtainable goals often and hold each other accountable.  Additionally we push ourselves to try new things which may be outside of our comfort zone to help others such as sharing personal stories in our book, Relationship DUOovers, launching our new podcast, The LovHER Show with The DUO and accepting invitations to speaking engagements or media opportunities that push us to stretch.

7. What is your definition of a BOSS?

A Boss is someone who is a leader. Someone who not only has the ability to be a visionary but can execute with ease under pressure.  Most importantly, a BOSS doesn't have to announce it.  She walks in and her very presence, humility, and knowledge speaks for her.

To find out more on The Matchmaking DUO, visit them at:

Twitter: @MatchmakingDUO 
Website: www.thematchmakingduo.com