Yelp’s March in Formation!

During the last week of March, Yelp Nashville and WeWork partnered up to celebrate Women’s History Month with an impactful and memorable event: Yelp’s March in Formation. The campaign invited women-business owners from the Nashville metro to come together, connect, and share their stories. According to a 2018 NAWBO study, 35% of small local businesses in Middle Tennessee are run by women. That’s momentum worth supporting! Yelp’s March in Formation kicked off with a pre-event virtual campaign informing Middle-Tennessee women-business owners about the best online practices to attract, retain, and engage customers. Business owners were encouraged to check-in, show love, message, and come together.

The campaign ended with women-business owners coming together at WeWork. Business owners checked in and then were free to network with other attendees while enjoying refreshing beer from Jackalope Brewing Company, a spicy, sweet and salty popcorn bar from Kernels Gourmet Popcorn, a fresh cabbage and chicken salad from Vui’s Kitchen, gourmet chocolate truffles from Tempered Chocolates & Cafe, and nutritious and delicious juices and acai bowls from Clean Juice Five Points. Guests also had a blast snapping pictures from Go Bonanza! Photo Booth.

After guests had time to eat, drink, and connect, they gathered together to have a comfortable, informative, and open “fireside chat” — with questions from the audience. The discussion was lead by an incredible panel of business owners: Bailey Spaulding (owner of Jackalope Brewing Company), Amber Greer (co-owner of Kernels Gourmet Popcorn), and Katherine Forbes (owner of Designing the Row). Each panelist drew a question at random and then shared their answers and stories. The discussion, then, opened to the rest of the group. The panelists discussed how they got their business started, their biggest struggles and how they overcame them, questions they hate being asked as a female in business, and what they were most excited about for this year. The evening ended with more, informal networking. It was amazing to see business owners learning from each other and making plans to team up in the future. Women supporting women at its finest!

Thanks again to all of our amazing sponsors! You can check out photos here. Also, thanks to all of the incredible women-business owners who attended Yelp’s March in Formation. While Women’s History Month is one month long, Yelp Nashville continues to support and celebrate all women every day!