We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennie Smythe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennie, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
I disagree with needing a traditional business plan. It’s more important to focus on your business idea and test what works (or doesn’t) over having a perfectly curated document that you don’t ever look at.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am proof the American Dream is still real! I came from a middle class background, I dropped out of college, I had a dream I pursued relentlessly with passion and grit, I created something from the ground up that seventeen years later continues to inspire and challenge me. It was not easy, it is still not easy but a common sense approach to digital media is needed more than ever now – and we are fortified with the experience to help usher is, what I hope is a revolution online – one that is approached with opportunity and humanity.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
**A Perfect Weekend**

On Saturday morning, after we grab coffee at Sam & Zoe’s, we are heading to class at Fahrenheit Hot Yoga. For lunch, we’re grabbing a taco board at Fonda. That night, we are going to Broadway early for margaritas at Casa Rosa.. because Miranda Lambert is the best and when it starts to get super busy dowtown, we head for a quieter place to have a snack and a martini at the Thompson Hotel.

On Sunday, we take a long walk at Radnor Lake and have a brunch at Mere Bulles followed by a day of exploring The Country Music Hall of Fame.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to honor the companies and teams I had the privilege to work alongside with before I founded Girlilla Marketing in 2008. I had the best seat in the house to learn and grow at Elektra Entertainment, Hollywood Records, Yahoo! Music, Warner Bros. Nashville and Clear Channel.

Website: https://www.girlillamarketing.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlillajennie

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniesmythe

Other: https://www.girlillamarketing.com/becoming-girlilla – Book out April 15th!

Image Credits
Matthew Simmons & Jennie Smythe

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutTennessee is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.