Have you ever visited a Yelp profile page and saw a little purple box with the letters “CM” in it? If you click on that box, here’s what you’ll read: “Community Managers are Yelp employees that live in your metro and help the community get the most out of Yelp by answering questions, hosting events and getting folks involved! Feel free to say hi!”
I’m Alex T, Senior Community Manager for Yelp Connecticut. Working at Yelp has been a super fun experience. I started at Yelp during the pandemic and it has really been so amazing exploring parts of Connecticut I didn’t even know existed. There are so many awesome, unique and delicious spots all within less than an hour away from where I live in Hartford.
As a community manager, I partner with local Connecticut businesses and plan super fun Yelp Elite Events, Yelp Community Events and help promote the most awesome local restaurants all over Connecticut. I also get to go on the best food adventures and try all of the latest new food arrivals to my state. It’s a foodie dream come true. There are Yelp Community Managers in major metros and states all across the USA.
Recently, I began interviewing other community managers from across the United States in a fun series called CM Kitchen. I get to meet with a different community manager each month virtually via Zoom and cook something or make a craft cocktail together, all while getting to know them better. My most recent interview was with Farah A from Yelp Miami. We made arepas and Mediterranean sangria together.
Farah A graduated from Florida National University with a degree in marketing and before she came to Yelp, she worked in the hospitality industry. She was a brand ambassador for Bumble and also had an opportunity to do marketing for fashion at local boutiques in Miami. When she read the job description for the community manager position at Yelp Miami, she knew she found the perfect job for her.
AT: Farah, what is it that you love about Miami?
FA: Miami is the Sunshine State. The people of Miami are amazing and they bring the sunshine to the city. It’s just such a magical place. There’s so much to do here in Miami. If you want to be a party person, you can live it up. If you want to be by the beaches, you can do that and there’s just so much diversity in Miami. There are so many reasons why I love Miami, but I just think it’s the people and the brightness they bring into my life.
AT: What’s a day in your life like for you as a CM? From morning to night if you had an event…
FA: On event days, I try to get my morning workout in since I know I’ll be busy till night time. I then check off all my main tasks off my list. From responding to emails to social engagement to meetings. I’ll send out my party passes, confirm everything with the establishment and photographer and make sure the wow factor is in place. Once that is done, I make sure all my supplies are loaded up in my car from my storage area. I always like to grab a bite before the event because I rarely eat at my events. I’m too busy talking and mingling to eat. Once everything is set, I like to do a ten minute meditation to relax and then… showtime! I put my favorite outfit on and I let the night take its course!
AT: What’s your superpower when it comes to your role as a Community Manager?
FA: I make things happen! I say yes to a lot of opportunities and I always make them happen. Most recently, The Food Network & Cooking Channel’s South Beach Wine & Food Festival took place in Miami. It’s an annual five-day event located in Miami Beach every February. The event showcases wine, spirits, chefs and culinary personalities. Yelp Elites that attended were able to sample beachside bites from thirty sensational South Florida restaurants, while sipping on wine and cocktail samples. There were demonstrations by chefs, cooking personalities and even a special performance by French Montana. So much food, so many drinks. It’s the most Miami thing you could ever do. There’s something for everyone and so much going on all at once. And such cool music!
AT: Besides attending amazing events, what else is great about being Elite?
FA: Knowing that your review goes a long way and how your voice surely does make a difference. Being in one place where so many people share the same interest as you. Everyone in the Yelp Elite Squad enjoys uplifting our community and loves to support local.
AT: What do you love about your Miami Yelp Elites?
FA: I think the best thing about being Elite is how strong and welcoming the Yelp Elites are with one another. Seeing my Miami Elite Squad create so many beautiful friendships and strong bonds with one another truly brings me, as a Community Manager, so much joy. Food, drinks, and events are great, but what makes all of that more special is who you share it with and I am glad the Yelp Miami Elite Squad enjoys sharing it with each other.
AT: As active Yelpers and Community Managers, we are taking lots of pictures and writing about food all the time. What’s on your food bucket list?
FA: I had been really wanting to try a cronut and at the beginning of 2022, I tried one for the first time! I am still on the hunt to find a croffle- a croissant and waffle hybrid.
AT: If someone is new to Miami, where do they have to go first? What’s your favorite restaurant in Miami? Where would you take someone if they were visiting from out of town?
FA: KYU is beautiful. It’s in our Art District and it’s a BBQ and Asian fusion spot. You need to try their Beef Short Rib dish with sweet soy and garlic! Also, Lagniappe in Edgewater, where you can basically pick whatever cheese or prosciutto or whatever you like and basically it’s a backyard, but it is so Miami. It’s where all the locals go to just enjoy a Thursday night or Friday night. There’s live music with jazz too!
AT: Any life advice to share before we go?
FA: Life is like a wave. You have good days. You have bad days. Always remember the good ones come back again.
