As 50-something single women, Boston professionals Kim Dickerson and Denise Kaigler had had their share of frustrations and disappointments in the dating world. They could not find “a fun, flirty, face-to-face way” to make meaningful romantic connections for people their age.

Dickerson, for instance, would tell a friend about dating experiences. But “after I told him the [same situation] about five times, [the friend] said, ‘You know what, you have a lot of experiences that don’t go anywhere,’” said Dickerson, an analyst. “I said to myself, ‘That is so true.’”

Instead of being discouraged, Dickerson and Kaigler decided to come up with a solution.

Last July the pair launched Mahogany Mates, LLC, “a vibrant, real-life social engagement experience” for Black singles over 50.

Notably, the company emphasizes creating connections “without apps, algorithms, or swipes.”

“We’re all about old-school connections, making eye contact, seeing people’s reactions when they meet for the first time, having that really awesome feeling when you have the energy,” said Kaigler, who has a background in brand management. “It doesn’t happen when you’re meeting somebody over a computer.”

This is how it works: When members are on an outing, they wear Mahogany Mates-branded apparel and accessories, which include hats and beanies as well as sweatshirts and patches that can be sewn onto other clothes. These covert visual cues serve as icebreakers and make it easier to approach others in the Mahogany Mates community, who instantly know you’re single.

“What we decided to do was to capitalize on those small interactions that happen sometimes when you’re out with somebody,” Dickerson said. “You both lock eyes, but you don’t know if you just say anything, because you don’t know if they’re with somebody, and they don’t know if you’re with somebody,” Dickerson said.

Eddie Neal, a media professional from Boston, was among the first Minglers to sign up. He had put his career first and put finding a partner on the back burner, but the online dating scene left much to be desired.

“I’ve been on online dating sites, and I am so glad to get off those things,” said Neal. “I think it’s good to kind of be old-fashioned sometimes and have an old-fashioned date. [Mahogany Mingles] provides an opportunity to actually get out and meet real people, where they’re not hiding behind filters on screens” or other deceptive tactics.

Along with easing the path for older adults to meet each other, Mahogany Mates has invested in programming to match its mission. Live events such as the monthly Mingling Over Martinis and the Monday Mingle virtual gatherings for Mahogany Mingler members serve as a way to keep their membership engaged. “This is more than just dating. This is a community,” said Dickerson. “We’re not going to be alone, isolated, without love, without community as we age.”

Marjorie Bien-Aime, a native of Long Island, N.Y., said her experience with Mahogany Mates’ Monday night virtual gatherings, where people talk about their experiences, have helped guide her in the dating space. “I feel like it gives us a sense of what to expect for the next time we meet someone,” said Bien-Aime, who owns a small business in the event planning space. “Having the point of view of others, it is refreshing, especially with the opposite sex.”

Beyond the live events, Kaigler and Dickerson host a weekly podcast, called Mahogany Talks, that delves into dating, companionship, emotional well-being and other topics. The company also hosts the “Mahogany Mates Sunday Brunch” radio show on iSoul Boston from 8 a.m. to noon every week, where they play love songs that the pair grew up with and share experiences from their own lives “They not only play great music, but the content that they provide — it’s honest,” said Mark Coleman, producer of the Sunday Brunch radio program. “They are completely vulnerable when they’re doing the show and authentic. … They’re creating something, but they’re also sharing the story of how difficult it can be sometimes.”

The company is now in the process of launching a men’s meetup for Black men over 50. As part of it, “We [plan to] bring in speakers [who] would address different topics relevant and important to Black men,” said Kaigler. Social events, such as bourbon tastings, would also be part of the offerings. The new program hasn’t been announced yet; Mahogany Mates is in the process of sending out invitations to men whom the founders know.

As busy as the company has been since its launch six months ago, Dickerson and Kaigler are already thinking about where Mahogany Mates will be in the next five years.

“Of course, right now, all of our events are happening in our area, in Boston, but we do hope to eventually branch out” to other big markets such as New York and Miami, said Dickerson.

The goal is to continue to have those unexpected, in-person interactions to jump start conversations anywhere, “whether you’re out at a concert, grocery shopping, taking care of your business, at a bar, [or] a jazz club,” Kaigler said. “There’s no stopping where we could take Mahogany Mates.”

In recognition of the Banner’s 60th anniversary, the company is offering a 30% discount on the $80 annual Mahogany Mates membership fee and a 30% discount on the first Mahogany Mates product order. Readers can use the code Banner30Member at checkout for annual membership, and Banner30Product at product checkout. These offers expire Jan. 31, 2026.

ON THE WEB

Learn more at hmahoganymates.com