Meet our 'Single Guy of the Month,' Michael McConnell »

When more than 500 emails poured in for ESSENCE's June 2009 Single Man of the Month Michael McConnell, we knew readers wanted to know more about our 30-year-old hot Brooklyn bachelor who is looking for love. In between juggling his marketing company, Team Mancini Lifestyle Inc., and launching a website that documents Brooklyn's flourishing creative scene (www.thebrooklynromance.com), we caught up with the single father to discuss his dealbreakers, what makes his granny proud, and his search for a local leading lady.

ESSENCE.COM: You received tons of e-mails. What other great feedback has come your way?
MICHAEL MCCONNELL: It's been a great experience so far. My grandmother told me, "Baby, I'm so proud of you. You look so good." I've been working so I haven't been hanging out that much, but one woman did stop me on the street to say, "Hey, you're in ESSENCE magazine this month!"

ESSENCE.COM: I find it hard to believe that you're "single-single." There's not anybody in your life?
MCCONNELL: I've met people and the sparks were there, but they always live far away and so it kind of fizzles out. If I'm not feeling that there is some chance that we could be together, that we could be in love, then I'm not gonna string you along.

ESSENCE.COM: So you're looking?
MCCONNELL: I am the most romantic person on the face of the planet. I am definitely looking right now.

ESSENCE.COM: Tell me about your 6-year-old son. He's such a little cutie!
MCCONNELL: I let women know that from the beginning that I'm a proud and responsible father. Elijah is the love my life.