headshot of Ann Parnes
Ann Parnes is the founder of After Hello Matchmaking in New Orleans.
  • Ann Parnes spent 14 years as a lawyer, but her work started to weigh on her heavily.
  • Her friends had always asked her for relationship advice, so she decided to become a matchmaker.
  • Now she's happier than she ever was as a lawyer and has helped countless people find love.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Ann Parnes, the 48-year-old founder of After Hello Matchmaking in New Orleans. The following has been edited for length and clarity.