Welcome to Meet The Elite, where we let you in on the lives of some of our top community members. Today we meet Lauren U, a Yelp Elite since ’12 with a whopping 181 reviews and counting.
Why is it “Sweet to be Elite”?
The best thing about being Elite is the community. Once I had been Elite for a little while, and started seeing fellow Elite Yelpers out and about in my everyday life, I really felt like part of this wonderful group. It’s amazing to have a group of people who come from all different backgrounds but share in the same sense of excitement over tasting the perfect croqueta, meeting the friendliest restaurant owner, and picking up the latest Yelp swag. The Elite events are awesome opportunities to really bond with people who I may never have met otherwise!
What’s your favorite Yelp memory?
I remember being really excited when the Yelp Helps and Yelp’s Fit Club events started. Obviously, events with free drinks and food are amazing, but it was exciting to branch out into new types of events with my fellow Yelpers. These types of events really helped me get to know people better, because it got people talking about their beloved pets and their fitness routines and goals. I’m very willing to try new things at a Yelp event, because I haven’t been led astray so far. I gave a dog a bath for the first time and did a boot camp exercise class for the first time with Yelp!
What’s your favorite local biz?
I love tea, so I was really excited when Small Tea opened in Coral Gables last year. Their menu has pages of different types of teas and an awesome scent station where you can learn about the different varieties. The atmosphere of this tea shop is trendy but calming, and they have a ton of events with live music. I go there sometimes to relax and sometimes to work. It’s great for both.
Why should someone visit Miami?
Miami is such an interesting city! There are so many different areas with distinct vibes, which means there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a foodie, art connoisseur, sports fan, or nature enthusiast, there is a part of Miami waiting just for you. Even as a Miami local, I am constantly discovering new spots in Little Haiti, Little Havana, Wynwood, and other neighborhoods that are not the stereotypical Miami. I love that the options are endless, and I find it a fun challenge to use resources like Yelp to find fun events and places to check out.
What motivates you to write?
Seeing how useful Yelp can be! When I’m traveling, I immediately turn to Yelp to check out whether there are places to grab lunch in the area, how far coffeeshops are from where I’m staying, and generally what to expect in and around the city. It makes me feel exponentially more prepared and also more excited. Through writing, I am doing my part to contribute to the collection of reviews people can use to navigate restaurants, bars, and other businesses.
What does being a Yelp Elite mean? Aside from a sparkly badge that you get to rock with pride on your Yelp profile page, you’ll get the opportunity to attend exclusive events, meet Yelpers from your community in-person, and discover a variety of local businesses you may not have previously tried. You can read more, and even nominate yourself or a fellow Yelper at yelp.com/elite
