What happens when you stop putting pressure on every date and start living like “Vacation You”? For Colleen, it changed everything.

In this episode of the Smart Dating Academy Podcast, I sit down with Colleen Sarihan, whose journey is a reminder that love can show up when you least expect it—and often in the most magical ways.

Colleen first heard me speak at a women’s networking event (hosted by my good pal Anna Valencia, who is now City Clerk of Chicago). During Q & A - someone started their question by saying, "I swear, there are ZERO good men left in Chicago. Every time I leave Chicago, I meet guys everywhere!" I told her that something must be shifting inside of HER that makes her more open & receptive when she LEAVES Chicago -- that it's not a "no guys here" issue! You could hear a silence fill the room. Little did I know that a certain audience member, Colleen, was intently listening to this answer, and it shifted her mindset that DAY. Fast forward a year: Colleen had just lost her job, her landlord was selling her condo, and she had bought a one-way ticket to Rome. With no expectations and nothing to lose, she decided to fire up the dating apps—simply to enjoy good food and new company. That’s when she met Vaibhav on Hinge - and was CONSCIOUS about bringing "vacation Colleen" to the date! A year to the day after their first date, they were married—followed by a beautiful summer celebration blending Hindu and Western traditions. You need to hear the whole episode to hear how magical this whole story is!   

Today, Colleen and Vaibhav are the proud parents of two wonderful children, after navigating IVF together, and their love story is proof of what can happen when you stay open, playful, and true to yourself.

💡 Inside this episode, you’ll hear:

Colleen’s journey is a beautiful reminder that so much can change when you give yourself permission to live fully and trust the process. Who knows? Your own “Vacation You” moment might be right around the corner.

Need help with getting your mindset into 'vacation me?!" Are you ready to invest in yourself as Colleen and so many others have to find love? You have two choices:

Ready to redefine your dating life or need guidance on your journey to love? Visit Smart Dating Academy to learn more about our transformative programs.