Today we’d like to introduce you to Gretel Young.
Gretel, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Born and raised in the Philippines, I moved to the Atlanta suburbs in 2002 with my family. I’m a Gwinnett County Public School and Georgia State University alum. I’m a wife and a boy mom to an 11-year-old human and a 3-year-old Siberian husky rescue. I was a speech-language pathologist assistant (SLPA) for six years and have a demonstrated history of working in primary/secondary education, as well as private medical practice. I served children and adults with diverse backgrounds and abilities as a volunteer, intern, and SLPA. I’ve always had a passion for helping people and connecting with the community. In 2019, I decided to take a leap and continue to pursue that passion but in another role. I applied for the Yelp Community Manager position for Atlanta OTP (Outside the Perimeter).
Six months later and I still pinch myself. I get to plan fun events with local businesses and interact with passionate locals while helping businesses thrive. I’m loving every minute of it.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Coming from a different professional background, I’m having to adapt to and learn a whole new role. Yelp Community Managers wear so many different hats — from growing the local community here to educating and supporting business owners, to writing a weekly newsletter. Every day is different and brings its own challenges. The job has challenged me and pushed me out of my comfort zone. Although I consider Atlanta OTP my home, there’s still so much to learn and explore.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’m a Community Manager for Yelp Atlanta OTP. I organize, host, and curate creative and fun parties to help promote great local businesses and grow the local Yelp community. My role also includes forming marketing partnerships with cool events around town, socializing with our active Yelpers both online and off, maintaining vibrant social handles, and writing. Most of my work is done at home in my pajamas or at a local coffee shop.
Yelp connects people to some of the greatest local businesses our region has to offer: the best restaurants, the best events, the best experiences, and even the best exterminators and dentists. Yelp is a website and app that provides a one-stop local platform for consumers to discover, connect, and transact with local businesses of all sizes by making it easy to request a quote, join a waitlist, and make a reservation appointment or purchase.
I am most proud of the mighty Yelp Elite Squad we have here in Atlanta. Our Yelp Elite Squad are role-model Yelpers who embody the spirit of Yelp – both online and off – and write useful, funny, and cool reviews. They’re the ones sharing insider scoops through reviews, taking awesome photos, and connecting with one another on the site. By showing our love for local businesses each and every day, I truly feel we are making a huge difference in the local community.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I feel very lucky to be in the position I am in today. I count my blessings every day; however, it’s not pure luck that got me here. I put in a lot of hard work and sacrifices. None of this would be possible without the love and support of my family and friends, and Yelp for believing in me and giving me an opportunity.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yelp.com
- Email: atlantaotp@yelp.com
- Instagram: @yelpotp & @gretelgrubs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Yelp.OTP.atl/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/yelp_otp
- Yelp: https://gretely.yelp.com/
Image Credit:
Agustin Orozco-Tello, Bennie Bates, Blake Longsworth, The Cork Bros
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