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Single mom who’s made R190 000 dating strangers: ‘I’m able to afford things now that I won’t have been able to’

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Kelly Popilek.(PHOTO: CATERS/WWW.MAGAZINEFEATURES.CO.ZA)
Kelly Popilek.(PHOTO: CATERS/WWW.MAGAZINEFEATURES.CO.ZA)

Kelly Popilek (37) has been on countless dates – with men who pay for her company at the dinner table – to ensure her 10-year-old daughter Ariana leads the best life.

Using the extra cash to pay for her daughter’s school supplies, clothes and household bills, Kelly says she’s hoping to inspire other moms to do the same.

A native of California in the US, she wants to make it clear that just because she dates for cash it doesn’t mean she’s a “gold digger”.

Kelly, who runs a real estate business and has used the website WhatsYourPrice for two years, says she has no intention of stopping her dating anytime soon.

 “I use the money from the dates to pay for bills, clothes, food, school supplies and everyday things for my daughter.

“I’ve earned around $13 000 from dating the men I’ve met online and it has led to business partnerships too.

“It has given me and Ariana a great lifestyle. I'm not a gold digger though, I'm only dating these men to make my life better not because I want a relationship.”

Kelly has gone on every type of date from a formal dinner date to a karaoke bar and charges no less than $150 (R2 175) for her time.

 “One time I went to a karaoke bar with a guy who actually paid my friend to accompany us as well. I have recommended it to a lot of my friends even though I know this lifestyle isn’t for everyone.”

Kelly dates strangers at least once a week but says she’s picky with her dates.

“I’ll only date someone if we have things in common as there’s no point not having anything to talk about.

“They have to understand that my time is valuable and that I won’t accept any lower than $150 for two hours of my time.

“I always ensure we meet in a public bar or restaurant and will tell my friends where I am at all times.”

Kelly is adamant to continue with her dating business and feels it’s made her a better mom.

 “I’m able to afford things now that I won’t have been able to. We don’t need anyone else’s support to ensure we can lead the best lives possible.

“Ariana now has all the school supplies and clothes she needs and it’s all because I’m able to date strangers for extra cash.”

 

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