When Vanessa Drozda first filled out an application for a reality dating show, she never imagined it would lead to a starring role on a hit Netflix series — or spark conversations about love across generations.
Drozda, 50, a Jackson Township native and local salon owner, is one of 40 singles featured on Netflix’s new dating show “Age of Attraction,” a series that brings together people of varying ages in search of connection. The show has quickly gained traction, debuting at No. 3 in the United States on the streaming platform.
“I actually applied for a completely different show,” Drozda said in a recent interview. “It was for women in their 40s. Then I got a call from a casting agency about this one, and everything just kind of took off from there.”
The show begins with contestants gathering at a scenic retreat in Whistler, where they participate in speed dating to form initial connections. From there, participants branch into group activities tailored to their interests — from wine tastings to white-water rafting and wellness experiences — before moving on to more focused group and individual dates.
A key moment in the show comes in what’s called the “Promise Room,” where participants reveal their ages and decide whether to continue pursuing a relationship.
For Drozda, that moment carried added weight.
She ultimately formed a connection with a 29-year-old contestant — a nearly 20-year age difference that, she said, challenged both her and viewers to think differently about relationships.
“I went into it with an open mind,” she said. “For me, it was about who I connected with as a person, not a number.”
Drozda acknowledged that age-gap relationships can still carry stigma but hopes the show helps shift perspectives.
“Years ago, people judged interracial relationships or same-sex relationships, and now society has grown,” she said. “I think this is just another area where people can learn to be more accepting.”
While the show focuses on romance, Drozda said the experience itself was just as meaningful. Filming took place in the Vancouver area, where contestants lived together in shared condos and formed close bonds.
“It felt very safe and supportive,” she said. “We all kind of had each other’s backs.”
Before stepping in front of the camera, Drozda was already familiar with production life. As a hairstylist and makeup artist, she previously worked behind the scenes on commercial shoots — a background that made the transition to reality television both surreal and exciting.
Off camera, Drozda’s story is rooted in independence. She said she was engaged shortly after high school and had a daughter, later choosing to focus on raising her child and building her career rather than settling into relationships that didn’t feel right.
“I’ve had a few serious relationships over the years,” she said. “But I’ve never been someone who felt like I needed to be with someone just to be with someone.”
Now, as “Age of Attraction” continues to roll out episodes, Drozda is balancing her newfound visibility with her life back home in Ohio. She plans to return to her salon while also participating in media appearances and promotional events tied to the show.
A reunion episode is already in the works and is expected to premiere April 1.
“It’s been a whirlwind,” she said. “But it’s been an amazing experience.”
Drozda said she hopes viewers take away a simple but powerful message from the show.
“Just be open-minded,” she said. “You never know where a connection might come from.”
