Denese Spence on Building TravlMatch™, a Dating Platform for Travel Professionals

Please share a brief introduction and your business:

My name is Denese Spence and I am the founder of TravlMatch™ a dating and networking platform built specifically for travel professionals. I've spent over 25 years working in the airline industry and along the way, I also built a career as a LPN and a realtor. My life has been rooted in constant motion, resilience and self determination. I grew up without guidance, which forced me to learn early how to navigate life on my own. Watching other people's missteps taught me what i wanted to avoid and more importantly, who I wanted to become. I've always pushed myself to grow and give back however I can even when resources were limited.

Travlmatch was born from a very personal place. After experiencing a painful heartbreak, I decided to try dating apps, hoping they might offer a fresh start. Instead I realized almost immediately that it didn't feel right, they weren't aligned with my life style, values or need for safety. After just a week, I deleted the app, knowing there had to be a better way.

That moment became the spark for TravlMatch. As a travel professional myself. I understood the unique challenges of dating while constantly on the move. TravlMatch prioritizes safety, verification and life style alignment, bringing together people whose professional lives already require a high level of trust, whether through their employers or vetted travel credentials. What started as a personl pain ultimately turned into purpose. building a more intentional, secure space for people with travel centered lives to connect.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

No, I did not always want to be an entrepreneur. But when i recognized an opportunity that aligned with both my lived experience and a real problem, I chose to pursue it.

Do you have a co-founder?

I am a solo founder. At this stage my focus has been on building a strong foundation before bringing on any long-term partners.

Take us back to when you launched? What was your marketing strategy?

My initial marketing strategy was to introduced TravlMatch to travel groups I was already part of. These communities aligned perfectly with my target audience, so I felt like a natural place to start. Early on, I realized that many of these groups were heavily gatekept, which limited organic visibility and outreach. That experience forced me to pivot quickly. I shifted my focus to my inner circle and personal network, relying heavily on trusted relationships to help spread awareness in a more authentic way.

I believe deeply in trusting God's timing. Building TravlMatch has remined me hat this journey is not a sprint, it is a marathon. Each step, lesson and pivot has strengthened both the business and me as a founder.

What accomplishments are you the most proud of to date in your business?

I am most proud of building TravlMatch from the ground without a traditional tech background or formal mentorship. Navigating product development and compliance. I taught myself pretty much everting from scratch. I am proud of the entire platform itself, but also the resilience and self belief it took to build it. TravlMatch stands proof that with determination and purpose, it is possible to create something meaningful without a traditional roadmap.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

As I am just beginning my Entreprenista journey, I wish I had known about the community earlier on.

When hiring, what is your go-to interview question?

My go to interview question is "Tell me about a time you had to figure something out without clear direction?" I also looks for alignment in values and honesty, not just experience.

What did you go before starting your own business?

Prior to starting my business, I spent over 25 years working in the airline industry. During that time I also worked s a LPN and a realtor, but the travel industry has always been my true passion. People often say when you love what you do, it doesn't feel like work and that has absolutely been my experience. I've had the opportunity to travel 6 of the 7 continents, an experience that deeply shaped both my prospective and my path as a founder.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

The idea to start my own business came from listening to an inner voice that asked what if there were a dating app built specifically for people in the travel industry. After trying traditional dating apps that didn't aligned with my lifestyle, I realized there was an opportunity to create something intentional.

Do you have any recent wins?

As a new member, one of my recent win has been discovering and joining the Entreprenista community. Find a space that supports, uplifts and connects women founders at various stages of the journey has already felt meaningful and a win.

What's one app on your phone that you cannot live without?

My calendar. It helps me keep trackof my time and appointments and having a set schedule allows me to stay balanced between building Travlmatch, workand my personal life.

Who are your customers?

My customers are travel professionals whose lives and careers require frequent movement: including airline staff, mobile medical professional, and vetted business travelers such as global entry holders. They value lifestyle alignment, intebtional connections and platform designed around trust, structure and real world schedules rather than traditionaldating norms.

What's your top productivity tip?

My top productivity tip is focusing on one priority at a time. I rely heavily on written lists and deadlines to stay organized and accountable.

What's your favorite business tool?

No-code platforms have been essential for me. it helps shaped my idea into something tangible and give me better understanding of product development without technical background.

What's your approach to work-life balance?

My approach to work life balance is recognizing that building a business requires intense focus but I make a conscious effort to protect time for rest, reflection and the people who matter most to me. Balance looks different at every stage and i give myself grace as it evolves.

How do you avoid burn-out?

I avoid burnout by listening to my body recognizing when I need to pause. Stepping back when needed allows me to return more focused and energized

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

My advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to take action on your ideas, even when you don't have everything figured out. Clarity comes through action. Tune out unnecessary noise and above all, protect your ideas early in the process.

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