The search for love has been big business for some time with dating sites for every imaginable niche. For what happens after we find who we think we want, Sheila Brown, an entrepreneur in Chicago developed a board game. Much like the getting-to-know-you stages of a relationship, Authenticity helps a couple talk about the things that matter long term: Do you want children? Do you want to get married someday? Sheila developed the game from her own experience when, as a single woman, she spent too much time with the wrong person because some things where just too awkward to talk about. “The purpose of the game is to provide a forum that is fun and laid back where couples can open up about themselves and in that way get to know each other” says Sheila.

Teaming up with a creative team, Sheila implemented the vision of her creation with questions and scenarios that couples dwell on. The result is a colorful board game that consist of 1 die, 2 game pieces, 40 life cards, 40 finance cards, 40 family cards, 40 situation cards, 40 actions cards, 40 sex and romance cards, 40 religion cards.

MCAE had a Q&A with Sheila about being an entrepreneur in the early stages of her launch and like the board game she created, where she sees her business relationship going.

As an entrepreneur who is just starting out what have been your biggest challenges?
Having a stronger business plan and a more focused direction on where I want to take the game. Many people give me their opinion, tell me what I should do and how. For me it’s important to stay focused on the business plan and the marketing plan. I have not gone to the MBDA or SCORE and should probably look into them because they are great entities for people starting out.

On the production end, I had some challenges with finding a good manufacturer and a good graphic designer.

What are some future plans for your endeavor?
My goal is to sell 2000 games by March of next year; I’ve already sold 200 so far. After meeting my goal of selling 2000 I will look to place them with major retailers. I want to create more buzz about the game before it goes into stores. I’d like to see it at Borders, Barnes & Noble, Target and some specialty stores like Lover's Lane and Victoria ’s Secret, and even Anthropology which I love.

A reader shared her current situation with us. How could she use the game so solve her dilemma: I’ve been dating my boyfriend for five years, he has one daughter from a previous marriage. He is very happy with our relationship as it is and doesn’t think we need to change anything. I just turned 33 and am thinking about marriage and children. I’m having a hard time getting it through to him that I want more out of this.

Where the game can help her is that men sometimes get intimidated when you ask too many questions, they don’t open up. The game can allow him to open up and have a dialog. This way she can find out if he does not want to get married or have children. That is something that she needs to have a deep, open, honest dialog and this way the pressure is off. A category in the game is family, here, she can get her boyfriend’s thoughts on children and on marriage and get the answer she needs and deserves.

Where is the board game available?

It's available on the Authenticity website and 4 locations in the Chicago area: Red Bliss, Divine Shoe Salon, Freedom Salon, Alabasta. The cost is $29.95

Visit: www.playauthenticity.com