After years of quiet conversations with customers about the trials and tribulations of dating on the Isle of Wight, local bridal shop owner Eve Insley has launched ‘Island Chemistry’, hosting a range of singles events from face-to-face speed dating nights to relaxed companionship searches.
Having moved to the Isle of Wight 17 years ago, Eve has spent many years being self-employed, previously running a gents’ barbershop in East Cowes before moving into the bridal industry where she opened Bellemariee Bridal on High Street, Newport.
Through both businesses, she has met people from all walks of life and says conversations have surprisingly often turned to the difficulties of meeting somebody new.
With dating apps now one of the main ways people connect, Eve wanted to create an alternative centred around sitting down together, talking, laughing and finding out whether there is a genuine spark.
Eve has said:
“Dating apps seem to have become the main way of meeting someone, but they’re not for everybody.
“I wanted to offer something a little more old-fashioned and face-to-face – sitting opposite somebody, having a conversation, having a laugh, and seeing whether there’s that little bit of chemistry that you simply can’t judge from a photograph or a profile.”
The first event, aimed at those aged 35-55, is set to take place at King Harry’s Bar in Shanklin Old Village on 16th September.
Organisers say they have placed emphasis will be on creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with upbeat music, drinks and no pressure – encouraging good conversations and new connections rather than making the experience feel like an interview.
Those attending can expect 5-minute dates, with the opportunity to meet up to 15 singles during the evening. As well as this, if you are apprehensive about going alone, you can bring a single friend along.
Recognising that attending a speed dating event could be daunting – particularly for those who have not dated or put themselves out there for some time – Eve is keen for Island Chemistry to feel more like a fun evening out rather than an interview.
She has said:
“I’ve deliberately tried to make the evenings relaxed, friendly and fun rather than making them feel like an interview.”
Although the first event will focus on those aged 35-55, Eve hopes to cater for other age brackets in the future, with those aged 25-40 and 60+ able to register their interest in proposed events on the Island Chemistry website.
Eve hopes the events will offer another option for people living in a relatively small community, where meeting somebody new can sometimes feel difficult without turning to dating apps.
She has said:
“Even if someone comes along and doesn’t meet their perfect match that evening, I’d still like them to go home thinking, ‘I’m really glad I did that – I actually had a great night.’
“And of course, if we end up creating a few Island love stories along the way, that would be amazing.”
