"Behind the Curtain with Visionary Simona Fusco: Redefining Love, Success, and Empowerment" — Exclusive Interview with Marco Derhy
As part of our "Inspiring Successful Stories" series, we are thrilled to interview Simona Fusco, an award-winning entrepreneur, actress, and philanthropist with over 15 years of experience in the high-end matchmaking industry. As the founder of Perfect 12 Introductions, Simona has redefined the art of elite matchmaking, earning her praise from both Forbes, which referred to her company as "the gold standard in matchmaking," and Dr. Phil, who recognized her as "the leading elite matchmaker in the country." In addition to building her matchmaking empire, Simona has graced the big screen in over 30 films and TV shows, carving a niche for herself as a talented actress and beloved public figure. Her influence extends beyond business, as she dedicates her time to philanthropy through the Maria Gruber Foundation, which supports families impacted by terminal illness. Simona's unwavering commitment to empowering others has positioned her as a visionary in matchmaking, helping countless individuals find love. Simona continues to inspire and uplift those around her through her entrepreneurial ventures, entertainment career, and philanthropic efforts, embodying personal and professional success.
Simona, it's an absolute pleasure to have you with us today! Let's start by giving our readers a peek behind the curtain. Please share a little bit about your journey. What inspired you to create Perfect 12 Introductions?
Simona: Thank you! It's a pleasure to be here. My journey has been a long and diverse one, starting in Vienna, Austria, where I was born. Growing up in such a culturally rich environment fostered my love for the arts and human connection. I began my career as an actress and model, eventually bringing me to the United States. Over the years, I had the opportunity to work in over 30 movies and television shows and graced the covers of magazines worldwide. Still, while I loved the entertainment industry, I always had a passion for bringing people together.
Through my experiences in the entertainment world and interacting with high-profile individuals, I recognized the challenge many successful people face in finding meaningful connections. I saw an opportunity to create something that could change how people approach relationships, especially in the elite circles where privacy and discretion are crucial.
This inspired me to launch Perfect 12 over 15 years ago. I wanted to create a matchmaking service that was not only high-end but truly personalized, where clients could feel heard, valued, and matched with individuals who shared their goals and values. It's been a rewarding journey, and I continue to find inspiration in helping others find love and create lasting, meaningful relationships.
You've earned the title of "the leading elite matchmaker" from Dr. Phil and Forbes. That's a huge endorsement! What sets Perfect 12 Introductions apart from other matchmaking services?
Simona: Thank you! Receiving such recognition from Dr. Phil and Forbes is genuinely humbling, and it speaks to the heart of what sets Perfect 12 apart. We are not just a matchmaking service. Our highly exclusive boutique agency provides a deeply personalized experience for every client. Unlike other services that focus on quantity, we prioritize quality by getting to know each client intimately and understanding their values, lifestyle, and what they're genuinely looking for in a partner.
At Perfect 12, we adhere to exceptional standards, meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to unsurpassed excellence in matchmaking. Our extensive network within elite circles makes us the preferred choice for discerning individuals searching for genuine, lasting connections. At Perfect 12, you're not merely a client; you're welcomed into an exclusive community dedicated to your personal growth and relationship success.
What also distinguishes Perfect 12 is our discretion and commitment to privacy, which is paramount when working with high-profile and high-net-worth individuals. Our clients trust us to protect their personal information while introducing them to equally exceptional individuals who share their goals for meaningful, long-term relationships.
Additionally, our hands-on approach goes beyond simple matchmaking. Our memberships are custom-tailored to meet each client's unique needs. We guide them through every step, from carefully curated introductions to expert date coaching designed for lasting compatibility. With over 15 years in this industry, I've developed a unique intuition and global network that allows us to make highly successful matches.
At Perfect 12, it's not just about finding "the one"; it's about cultivating the kind of connection that enriches our clients' lives and futures.
I imagine working with high-net-worth individuals and elites brings unique challenges. What do you find most rewarding about helping people at that level find love and connection?
Simona: Absolutely, working with high-net-worth individuals certainly brings unique challenges, but it's also gratifying. Many clients I work with are successful in virtually every area of their lives except for one: finding love. At this level, there are often trust issues, concerns about privacy, and the challenge of finding someone who understands and complements their lifestyle.
What I find most rewarding is breaking through those barriers and helping them open up to the possibility of true, lasting love. It's not just about finding a partner; it's about helping them find someone who genuinely aligns with their values, ambitions, and lifestyle while also providing the emotional connection they've been missing. At the end of the day, love and connection are universal desires, no matter your status, and I feel privileged to guide them in finding that.
Your agency emphasizes discretion and highly personalized service. How do you ensure privacy while still providing such a tailored experience?
Simona: Discretion is one of the cornerstones of our service at Perfect 12, and we take it very seriously, especially given the high-profile nature of our clientele. We've built a process that ensures privacy without compromising the personalized, hands-on experience we are known for.
First, we maintain strict confidentiality agreements with our clients and our network of matches. Personal details are shared only on a need-to-know basis and only after both parties have shown mutual interest. We never disclose identifying information until the client is comfortable and every step of the introduction process is handled with the utmost care.
Additionally, we take a highly selective approach to curating matches. Our team conducts in-depth interviews, allowing us to vet potential matches fully to ensure compatibility and discretion. This ensures that each introduction is meaningful and safe while keeping our clients' identities and personal information protected.
We go above and beyond to protect the privacy of those who entrust us with one of the most intimate parts of their lives.
You've built a business that's all about human connection, but technology is changing how people meet and interact. How has the rise of dating apps and digital platforms impacted the elite matchmaking industry?
Simona: The rise of dating apps and digital platforms has undoubtedly transformed the way people meet and interact, but it has also highlighted the need for a more curated, personal approach, especially at the elite level. While technology has made dating more accessible, it often leads to superficial connections and an overwhelming number of options, making it harder for people to find meaningful relationships. This is where Perfect 12 comes in.
Our clients, many of whom are high-net-worth individuals or public figures, are looking for something much more than what a swipe on an app can offer. They seek privacy, discretion, and, most importantly, a deeper connection with someone who truly aligns with their values and lifestyle. That's something technology alone can't provide. We leverage the power of human intuition and personalized service, which sets us apart from the mass-market nature of dating apps.
In many ways, the proliferation of dating apps has reinforced the value of what we offer: an elite, bespoke experience where quality trumps quantity. Technology has its place, but when it comes to building lasting relationships, nothing can replace the human touch, insight, and careful curation that a service like ours provides.
Alongside running Perfect 12, you've had a successful acting career, appearing in over 30 films and TV shows. How did your experiences in the entertainment industry influence your approach to matchmaking?
Simona: My experience in the entertainment industry has profoundly influenced my approach to matchmaking. In the world of acting, you quickly learn the importance of understanding people on a deep level, whether it's stepping into a character's shoes or interacting with diverse personalities on set. That ability to read between the lines and truly connect with someone has been invaluable in my work as a matchmaker.
The entertainment industry also taught me the importance of discretion and professionalism, which are vital when working with high-profile clients. Navigating that world required a level of trust and privacy, and I bring that same level of care to my matchmaking practice. My clients often come from public or highly successful backgrounds, so knowing how to manage sensitive information is critical.
Additionally, being in such a fast-paced, high-pressure environment helped me develop a strong intuition for people, who they really are, and what they need. In matchmaking, this allows me to see beyond the surface and identify genuine compatibility. It's more than just connecting two people; it's about understanding their personalities, their goals, and what makes them feel fulfilled.
Ultimately, the entertainment industry gave me the tools to thrive in matchmaking, an industry where chemistry and connection are everything, just like on screen.
You've been called a trailblazer in your field. What's next for Simona Fusco and Perfect 12 Introductions? Are there any exciting projects or expansions on the horizon?
Simona: It's been such a rewarding journey, and I'm always looking for ways to evolve and expand Perfect 12 to meet our clients' needs.
We are further expanding our reach internationally to cater to our growing global clientele. With more clients seeking meaningful relationships across borders, we're working to make Perfect 12 a truly global matchmaking service while maintaining the intimate, hands-on experience that sets us apart.
Additionally, we've partnered with Christie's International in Beverly Hills to assist our clients with their real estate needs. Once they've found love, many of our clients look for a new home to begin this exciting chapter of their lives. We can guide them through the process of finding their perfect "love nest," ensuring that the next steps in their journey together are as seamless as possible.
At this time, I'm continuing to focus on my role as an advocate for love, connection, and personal empowerment, sharing insights through interviews, public appearances, and collaborations with like-minded professionals. There's so much more on the horizon for Perfect 12, and I'm excited to continue helping people find love and connection no matter where they are in the world.
You've also become known for your philanthropic work. What causes are closest to your heart, and how do they align with the values of empowerment and connection you champion in your matchmaking work?
Simona: Philanthropy is an integral part of my life, and one cause that's particularly close to my heart is the Maria Gruber Foundation, which I founded in honor of my late mother. The foundation is dedicated to supporting families affected by terminal illness, providing them with the resources and assistance they need during challenging times. Whether it's financial support, medical assistance, or emotional care, we aim to ease the burden on these families and help them navigate such challenging moments with dignity and compassion.
The values of the Maria Gruber Foundation, compassion, empowerment, and connection, align with the work I do at Perfect 12. Just as I empower my clients to find meaningful connections and build lasting relationships, my foundation is about creating a support network for families when they need it most. Whether in my matchmaking work or through philanthropy, I believe in the power of human connection to provide hope, healing, and a sense of community.
Balancing entrepreneurship, acting, and philanthropy must be demanding. How do you stay grounded, and what keeps you motivated in such a fast-paced life?
Simona: Balancing entrepreneurship and philanthropy can definitely be demanding, but being a mom has taught me so much about managing my time, staying grounded, and always keeping my priorities in focus. My daughter is my greatest motivation; she constantly inspires me to lead by example.
Staying grounded comes from surrounding myself with the right people: my family, my team, and the wonderful clients I work with, and from always making time for self-care.
Forbes and Dr. Phil have praised your work, but I'm curious — what's been the most meaningful moment in your career, whether in matchmaking or entertainment?
Simona: I'm truly honored by Forbes and Dr. Phil's recognition, but when I think about the most meaningful moment in my career, it's not about the accolades but the impact I've made.
One of the most rewarding experiences in my career happened on national television during one of my appearances on the Dr. Phil Show. I had the privilege of helping a remarkable woman who had bravely fought cancer and was struggling to find hope for love again. After working closely with her and understanding her needs and emotional journey, I introduced her to someone exceptional. Witnessing her regain confidence in love and the spark of possibility reignited in her life was incredibly moving. Moments like that remind me why I do what I do. It's not just about matchmaking; it's about helping people reclaim their hope and realize that love is always possible, no matter their challenges.
As a visionary in elite matchmaking, how do you handle the expectations and emotions that come with finding love for clients who are used to achieving success in every area of life?
Simona: Working with high-net-worth and high-achieving individuals certainly comes with unique expectations. Many of my clients are used to succeeding in every aspect of their lives, whether in business or personal endeavors, and naturally, they come to me with high expectations when it comes to finding love. However, love isn't something that can be controlled or strategized in the same way as other areas of life, and helping my clients understand that is a big part of the journey.
What's most important is managing expectations by being transparent from the start. I make sure my clients understand that while I can introduce them to exceptional people who align with their values and lifestyle, love takes time and patience, and it's often found in unexpected ways. I encourage them to let go of the idea of perfection and to remain open to the possibilities that come their way.
The process can be challenging emotionally for clients who are used to immediate results, but that's where our highly personalized, hands-on approach makes all the difference. I guide them through every step, offering support, feedback, and expert coaching, which helps them stay grounded and hopeful throughout the process. Seeing my clients open themselves to new experiences and ultimately find a connection that brings them happiness and fulfillment is incredibly rewarding.
Many people look up to you as a business leader, actress, and philanthropist. What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs, especially women, trying to make their mark in today's world?
Simona: One of the most essential pieces of advice for young entrepreneurs is to trust themselves and stay committed to their vision. The road to success is rarely linear, and there will be challenges and setbacks along the way. But if you remain resilient and true to your purpose, those obstacles will become stepping stones to growth.
For women, in particular, I think it's crucial to embrace your power and not shy away from taking up space in industries where you may feel outnumbered or underestimated. Confidence is vital, but so is preparation. Always be willing to learn, adapt, and improve. Surround yourself with people who support your goals, and don't be afraid to ask for help or seek out mentors who can guide you through your journey.
Most importantly, remember that success is not just about achieving goals; it's about making an impact. Whether in business, entertainment, or philanthropy, always aim to add value, uplift others, and make a difference in whatever you do. When your work is aligned with your values and you're passionate about what you're building, that's when real success happens.
Lastly, for our readers who want to keep up with you and Perfect 12 Introductions, where can they follow your work or get involved with your services?
Simona: To stay updated on Perfect 12 and all that we're doing, feel free to visit our website at www.Perfect12.com to learn more about our services. You can also follow me personally on Instagram at @simonafusc0 for the latest updates, success stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at my world and what's happening at Perfect 12.
If you're interested in our exclusive matchmaking services, you can contact us through our website to schedule a consultation. We'll be happy to begin the journey toward finding your perfect match.
For those who prefer to meet in person, we are located in the heart of Beverly Hills, just off Rodeo Drive:
Perfect 12™ Introductions
9465 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 300
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Simona, it’s been an absolute pleasure speaking with you today. Your journey is truly inspiring, and I’m sure our readers will take away so much from your insights on love, success, and making a positive impact in the world. Thank you for sharing your incredible story, and we look forward to seeing what’s next for you and Perfect 12 Introductions!
