Created a love letter to Harlem’s small business community.

My contributions:

  • Editorial Development

  • Experiential Strategy

  • New Business Support

The challenge:

Small businesses and the restaurant community struggled with the sweeping effects of the pandemic.

As a leading voice in local experiences, Thrillist set out to develop a program that provided meaningful support at the neighborhood level, offering resources and advertiser backing to businesses during a pivotal moment of reinvention.

The approach:

I led the go-to-market strategy and sell-thru for Harlem Block Party, a small business incubator and experiential event created in partnership with Tren’ness Woods Black of the iconic Sylvia’s Restaurant.

This celebration of Harlem drew 5,000 attendees to 125th Street for a day of food, drink, and performances – spotlighting a selection of beloved local businesses.

Leading up to the event, content and social video powered by DoorDash told the stories of Harlem’s business community. Additionally, Thrillist offered each featured business a spot in its incubator program, backed by advertisers, providing marketing and creative support, raising over $150,000 for participating entrepreneurs.

The results:

+$2M

In sponsor revenue including DoorDash, Coca-Cola, Clorox, and Corona.

$250,000+

In grants and services provided to local Harlem business owners.

5,000+

Event attendees and estimated 30M earned media impressions.