#SmallBizSpotlight Featured Member: Kimberly Petruska

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A former decorative painter with experiencing creating personal art for wholesale and licensing, Kimberly Petruska’s latest venture has her using her creative flair to put a new spin on the world of love and dating with her company, DatingAccessory, After re-entering the world of dating only to discover that technology had changed the way people communicate with one another, Kimberly founded DatingAccessory to “modernize” Cupid and give people a new way to connect and relate. With DatingAccessory, a mobile friendly dating website, members give our "You Caught my Eye" dating cards to someone that catches their eye, and the adventure begins! In this way, people are connecting with confidence and creating possibilities---all while using their love affair with technology to set off sparks in real life! Read all about Kimberly’s evolution from artist to creative matchmaker.

What inspired you to get started?
I started the DatingAccessory because when I wanted to start dating again, I found that people never approached each other. This started a fascination in how people relate to each other and how technology changed how people related in real life.

What was your background? Was it in what you are doing now?
I have been an entrepreneur my whole adult life, but I had another company before starting the DatingAccessory. I had a decorative painting business, Kimberly Petruska Designs in which I painted murals for clients. This led to creating gallery items and personalized art for wholesale and licensing. I paint more for charity now at different pediatric centers.   

What challenge have you had to face that led to a big growth for your company?
While it is very easy to explain and understand our product, we still have to get the word out and show people how it works. Since it is a new way to connect, this is a challenge. We have gotten creative and planned "Matchmakingfests." These events allow people to use our products and gain brand recognition, while singles have a wonderful fun day meeting other singles.   

What do you have going on in your business right now that you're excited about?
I am excited to be speaking at iDate international dating conference in Beverly Hills in June. This year's Matchmakingfest is very exciting and will teach us how to become bigger and better next year with plans to expand to different markets.

Where would you love to see your business in 5 years?
By 5 years we will have "Matchmakingfests" and events in every major cities and globally. We will have global brand recognition and will be creating possibilities for singles everywhere!