Meet Hilary H., the social mayoress, party princess and walking Yelp of Providence, Rhode Island! This brainy beauty delivers perfectly planned parties to her beloved Yelpers, she puts in the work educating bartenders and business owners alike on the power of Yelp and always offers patient and pertinent advice to her colleagues through video and phone chats. We’re excited to introduce you to a day in her life as she reps the folks on web and mobile that know just the place in America’s Creative Capital.
Why do you love being a part of the Yelp team?
Asking me why I love being a part of the Yelp team is like asking me why I love kittens: there are too many reasons to list! I get to work with some of the most creative, energetic, intelligent, fun and positive people I have ever met, and all of that good mojo oozes into everything we do. We’re constantly encouraged to break the mold, to be original all while being our authentic selves. It’s inspiring!
What is a typical day in the office like for you?
Every day is different from the next, but they all begin with a cup of Earl Grey and a good look at my calendar. It could be a day of buzzing between meetings with potential media partners and local businesses to plan a massive Elite Event, or deciding what crazy booth we’re going to set up at a festival to introduce the people to Yelp. I could be meeting up with a group of Yelpers to grab a beer or hit up a restaurant opening. You’re likely to find me at any one of the amazing shindigs thrown to celebrate different businesses in the city, chatting with locals and spreading the Yelpy goodness. Or, I may have a day of writing ahead of me, which means curling up with my computer (and my cat, Rufus) and pulling inspiration from the Talk boards or the recent reviews feed for Weekly Yelp ideas.
What’s your advice for someone who might be interested in the Community Manager role at Yelp?
That this is more than a job, it’s a lifestyle. CMs don’t hang up our hats at the end of the day – that’s usually when we’re putting them on! It’s important to have a sense of fluidity, a dash of self-discipline and knowledge on how to turn a phrase. Be your authentic self, have a genuine passion for your city, your community and Yelp. It also doesn’t hurt if you’re an adventurous eater and cocktail enthusiast!
What’s your favorite thing about living in Providence? What are you up to when you’re not at work?
I’m a born and bred New Englander and Providence embodies so much of what is special about this corner of the world that I love so dearly. There’s such a sense of community and creativity, pride and a bit of scrappiness, too. I love walking along the river downtown, a bag of scrumptious macarons from Ellie’s Bakery in hand, admiring the mix of colonial brick buildings, gorgeous Victorian structures and modern minimalist architecture.
Providence has amazing culinary talent, and I take full advantage of that at Broadway Bistro, where the seafood is always impeccable and Loie Fuller’s, which I believe has the best steak in the city. When I feel like exploring, I’ll pop over to Downcity to peruse Symposium Books for literary treasures or wander through the boutiques of the newly-renovated Arcade, which is the oldest indoor mall in the U.S.! To end my day, I’ll grab a stool at my favorite bar, The Eddy, where I’ll chat with my friend Jay while he mixes up an amazing cocktail.
What are a few of your current favorite local businesses?
Right now I’m crazy for Sharon Marie’s particular style of yoga at Wayland Square Power Yoga. I’m there at least three times a week, working on my asanas and feeling the heat. Yelpers love this studio because the teachers are kind, compassionate, and respectful. They are all dedicated and inspiring teachers, and the studio is a great addition to the city.
I’m also digging The Grange. They struck the right cord with Yelpers by emphasizing their hyperlocal, health-oriented mission. You almost forget that you’re eating vegetarian food, especially with one of their inspired cocktails as an accompaniment. Their weekend brunch is not to be missed!
When I feel I deserve a little pampering, there’s only one place I go: Alayne White Spa. They really know how to take care of you! Yelpers always comment on how considerate the staff is, how relaxing the environment is, and how incredibly fabulous the treatments are. I’m partial to The Best Facial You Will Ever Have and The Mega Muscle Meltdown Massage, myself. I guess you could say that’s a theme with all successful business in Providence – they care about the people in their community, and strive to form a connection rather than merely an exchange.
