In a world dominated by dating apps, speed dating events, and matchmaking services, Lisa Catalano, a 42-year-old self-employed woman from the Bay Area, has decided to take matters into her own hands. In an attempt to find her future husband and start a family, Catalano has embarked on a bold, unconventional mission: she rented a dozen digital billboards along Highway 101 from Santa Clara to San Francisco, hoping to catch the attention of potential suitors.

This unorthodox approach to dating has captured both the curiosity and skepticism of the public, raising questions about her personal journey and what led her to resort to such a dramatic strategy. With her billboards proudly displaying the website marrylisa.com and an invitation for eligible bachelors to apply, Catalano is hoping to turn a viral campaign into a real-life love story.

A Woman Ready for Marriage and Children

Lisa Catalano’s mission is simple but earnest: “I’m looking for a husband, a committed relationship, and hopefully the love of my life.” On her website, she provides an in-depth profile of herself, detailing her interests, her past experiences with dating, and, most importantly, her desire to settle down and have children.

Catalano’s quest for marriage has been years in the making. She initially started the marrylisa.com website as a joke to herself, a way to vent her frustration after another failed dating attempt. But as she refined the site, it became clear that a more unconventional approach might be just what she needed. She soon realized that Silicon Valley, where people are no strangers to trying bold new ideas, might be the perfect place for such an audacious venture.

Why the Billboards?

With her website up and running, the next logical step was to drive traffic. Rather than rely solely on traditional social media or dating apps that had failed to produce results in the past, Catalano decided to take a more creative approach: renting out digital billboards along Highway 101. “I figured the best way to reach local guys was on their daily commute,” she told ABC7.

Since September 2, her advertisements have been on display, each featuring a simple message: “Looking for a husband. Serious inquiries only. Apply at marrylisa.com.” The billboards have become a part of the daily commute for many in the Bay Area, generating a great deal of conversation. But what has been the real impact of this campaign?

Catalano’s Dating Journey: What Went Wrong?

For those unfamiliar with Catalano’s past, her journey to find love has not been without its challenges. In her 20s, she focused on her education and career, choosing not to prioritize dating. As a result, she spent her 20s working toward personal goals while largely remaining single. Now, as a 42-year-old woman in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, she has found it increasingly difficult to meet men who share her values and goals for the future.

Catalano’s 30s were marked by a long-term relationship, which ultimately led to an engagement. However, the relationship ended tragically in 2023 when her fiancé, who had been terminally ill, passed away. This loss devastated Catalano, and she found it difficult to move forward in her dating life. She became increasingly frustrated with dating apps, which failed to provide her with meaningful connections. “The dating apps aren’t going well at all,” she wrote on her website, expressing that she had reached a breaking point and needed a drastic measure.

Is Catalano’s Approach Realistic?

Many have questioned whether Catalano’s expectations are too high, especially at 42, when the pool of eligible bachelors tends to skew younger. Men in their 40s and early 50s are often seeking partners who are younger, and the reality is that women in their 40s face challenges related to fertility and conception. Is Catalano’s desire for marriage and children, with her biological clock ticking, realistic? Or has she set the bar too high in her search for a partner?

On her website, Catalano admits to being “non-negotiable” when it comes to certain traits, such as a monogamous relationship and a clean criminal record. While these are understandable qualities to seek in a partner, many have questioned whether her preferences may be narrowing the pool of eligible candidates. Some experts suggest that Catalano might need to adjust her expectations and be more flexible about the type of man she’s seeking.

For example, Catalano has set her sights on men between the ages of 35 and 45. But should she consider men in their 50s and early 60s, particularly if they are established and ready to settle down? After all, many men in their 50s and 60s may be interested in starting a family or may already have grown children. The reality of her biological clock, along with the financial implications of fertility treatments, may limit her choices even further.

The Price of Love: How Much Did the Billboard Campaign Cost?

While Catalano has not disclosed the exact cost of her billboard campaign, such an effort is not without expense. Renting a dozen billboards along one of the busiest highways in California is no small undertaking. For those wondering about the financial impact of this strategy, it’s likely that the cost runs into the tens of thousands of dollars, given the high visibility of the billboards and their strategic placement along Highway 101.

However, Catalano remains hopeful that the money spent will be worth it. Since the billboards went up, the website has seen a surge in traffic, and Catalano has received dozens of applications from men interested in dating her. “The response has been overwhelming,” she shared. “I’m hopeful that one of these men could be the right one.”

The Power of Social Media: A Viral Campaign

Catalano’s campaign has gained significant attention online, particularly on TikTok, where the story of her billboard campaign has gone viral. Many people have applauded her boldness, while others have expressed concern over her desperation and the potential risks of such an unconventional approach. Regardless of the reactions, the campaign has succeeded in generating buzz, with some men even applying to take Catalano on a date.

While it’s unclear if Catalano will find the “love of her life” through this campaign, her willingness to step outside of conventional dating methods and take control of her own love story has sparked a larger conversation about dating, expectations, and the role of technology in modern relationships.

A Final Thought: Is Love Really Just a Billboard Away?

In the end, whether or not Lisa Catalano’s bold billboard campaign will result in a lasting relationship and a family remains to be seen. But her story highlights a fundamental truth about love: it’s not always easy, and it doesn’t always come when we want it. Catalano’s determination and willingness to try something different may very well open the door to a future filled with love and fulfillment.

As she continues her search for the right man, one thing is clear: she’s not afraid to take risks, and she’s willing to put herself out there in hopes of finding the one. Only time will tell if her unconventional strategy will lead to the happily ever after she so desperately desires.