Entrepreneur launches local dating app to bring people together beyond the screen
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IDAHO FALLS — Fewer people are venturing out, and meeting face-to-face and local entrepreneur Taylor Ann Burtenshaw is on a mission to change that with her new free dating app, Phloii.
Designed to foster connections — whether romantic or platonic— — across all age groups, Burtenshaw’s vision for the app prioritizes safety through verified profiles and strong privacy protections.
To this end, Burtenshaw has partnered with local establishments to help boost their business by bringing people together in real-life interactions rather than hiding behind a screen.
“I was watching a Netflix documentary about how COVID-19 affected people’s social lives. We’re not going out and meeting people like we used to. People will talk on dating apps for months and never meet. No one leaves the house,” said Burtenshaw. “It was then that a light bulb went off to start a dating app.”
Burtenshaw was further inspired when she and her husband, Jake, attended a live event featuring motivational speaker, author, and psychologist Dr. Jordan Peterson.
“(Dr. Peterson) talked about how we all get callings in life and how we should not ignore those callings,” said Burthenshaw. “It became so clear to me that creating a dating app is my calling. I’m going to do this!”
“I was taking a walk one day, and the name ‘Phloii’ just came to me, meaning ‘just go with the flow,’” she added.
Already a busy mother of three and owner of the med spa T.M. Beauty in Idaho Falls, Burtenshaw officially added the title of Phloii ‘owner and creator’ to her resume.
She teamed up with Dakota Sperry at Lynx Digital Designs in Idaho Falls, who helped bring the vision of her app to life.
Burtenshaw has secured local restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and other establishments to help sponsor and launch the app as Phloii-verified meeting places. While the app is off to a great start in Rexburg, Idaho Falls, and Blackfoot, she is working to expand throughout east Idaho and into Utah.
Phloii-verified meeting places include Rusty Taco, Red Rabbit Grill, White Horse Bar, June’s Place, Fizz Rizz Mocktail Bar & Arcade, Daisy Links (Thrift, Craft & Plant Emporium), and Wake-Up Call.
The business sponsors can also join in the fun by providing specials and ice-breaker questions to couples coming in.
“The idea is to help small businesses stay in business. If you meet in a business, you’ll spend money in the business,” said Burtenshaw.
Burtenshaw plans to expand on the app in the future by holding speed dating events where local singles can meet up in one location.
Phloii is available for download on the Google Play Store and will soon be in the Apple App Store.
“I want to emphasize that Phloii is completely free. We do everything for you,” said Burtenshaw. “You just log in and create a profile. If you find a potential match, you can start talking. The goal is not to waste time talking online and to meet in person in a week.”
After launching in January, Burtenshaw says Phloii is gaining good traction. “Everyone is loving it so far. They love the idea and the simplicity of the app. The road has been paved. I can’t wait to see where Phloii goes.”
Check out Phloii’s webpage here or follow Phloii on Facebook.