Go Solo

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Nearly three years ago, Carolyn Walton Lynch made good on a plan to move to Baltimore. Divorced, an empty nester and a new transplant — “all the things that upset your social circle” — Lynch was determined to get out and learn her new city, even if it was alone.

A supportive yet incredulous response to these solo  treks on B’more’s social scene was curious to her. “Why is it courageous to do the things you want to do,” Lynch asks. But she realized a key factor of humanity that became a  key point in her business plan: Solo people often opt out  of activities.

A tour and tasting at Brew House No. 16/Photo by Amy Berbert

The reasons vary: They may be single but uncomfortable going out alone. Or perhaps they have an interest their spouses don’t share. Or maybe their partners travel or are in the military. Regardless, these singletons were staying home. Lynch, a CPA who co-owned an IT firm with her ex-husband, had no interest in being a homebody herself and in early 2017 started Mixolo, an app and website that provides carefully curated events for solos looking for a night on the town.

The first few events included dinner at Brew House No. 16 in Mount Vernon and a play at the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company and have grown to encompass cooking and cocktail classes, walking tours and concerts. Lynch also works directly with businesses to develop events that are not date nights and will make solo customers feel welcome.

This is not a dating site, Lynch stresses. The concept behind Mixolo, which will have an official launch party next month, is a “cultural shift,” she admits. “There is still that stigma. People would rather be coupled or grouped,” she says. But now solos can go out, knowing that a group awaits them.

For more info, visit mixolo.io.

 

 

 

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