Each month, the Concord Young Professionals Network spotlights one of its up-and-comers. This month, we have the pleasure of introducing you to Elyssa Paris.
How old are you? 28.
Where do you live? Concord
Where do you work? I’m vice president/store manager of Zoë & Co., Professional Bra Fitters at 92 N. Main St. We help women find the “perfect pick-me-up” every day! I’m also vice president of Intown Concord, the non-profit organization responsible for Halloween Howl, Midnight Merriment, Market Days and many more of the events that make Concord the vibrant and active community you know and love.
Where did you go to school? I have a B.S. in retail management and an A.S. in fashion merchandising from Southern New Hampshire University.
What do you like to do for fun? I like to sew, embroider or cross-stitch as often as I can. I’ve been doing it since I was 4-years-old and, as it turns out, it’s just about the only activity capable of slowing me down for any period of time. Ask your grandmother; there’s something eerily calming about repeatedly pushing a needle through fabric.
Favorite places to be? Truthfully – downtown Concord! I’m a big believer in supporting small business and shopping locally whenever possible. What could be better than grabbing a coffee at True Brew and wandering in and out of my favorite local spots like Zoë’s, Lotions ‘n Potions and the Concord antique mall? Don’t ask me my second favorite place to be, because it’s my couch.
Last book you’ve read? I’m currently alternating between The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov and Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls by David Sedaris.
How did you find out about CYPN and how has it benefited your business or you personally? I was already attending the Chamber’s Business After Hours networking events when my boss saw an article about CYPN in the Concord Insider and told me about it. I went to my first CYPN event in August of 2009 and immediately knew I wanted to get more involved. I joined the marketing and steering committees, and it’s been such a rewarding and fun experience. CYPN is great both personally and professionally – in a world where nearly everything is digital, it’s nice to have face-to-face interactions with people who truly care about what they do. Young people get a bad rap – we’re all supposed to be lazy and unmotivated, right? The Concord Young Professional Network is proof that there are young professionals out there in our community who are passionate, hardworking and involved. Take advantage!
What organizations are you involved with? I’m a member of the Chamber of Commerce, CYPN, Intown Concord, the Downtown Merchant’s Roundtable and the Woman’s Club of Concord. I also completed Leadership Greater Concord this year.
Most inspirational person in your life: Every day at Zoë & Co. I meet a new person to be inspired by. We see women from every walk of life and their stories and experiences are my inspiration to keep doing what I do every day.
Greatest role model? My parents. Two of the most hard working, humble and generous people you could ever meet. If I didn’t grow up watching them put 110 percent into everything they did, I wouldn’t be half the person I am today.
What’s your favorite restaurant in Concord? I’m trying so hard not to write “the Co-op hot bar” here.
What’s your favorite place to go in Concord? Well I just discovered the vegan froyo at Dips, so…
Favorite movie of all time? The Big Lebowski.
What is one of your life goals? To meet Lemmy Kilmister without embarrassing myself or mentioning I named my cat after him.
What has been your favorite CYPN event so far? Our most recent event at the NHPR studios was not only a great venue, but an amazing crowd. I met so many new people, it seemed like everyone had a lot of fun and the studio tour was just icing on the cake!
Favorite famous person? It’s a tie between Lucille Ball and Madonna – two strong women with a killer business instinct who changed the game forever. People are quick to dismiss women who don’t play by the rules, but these two stayed relevant for decades and paved the way for all who followed. I like hearing about people who don’t take themselves too seriously but still get the job done.
If you could visit any country, where would you go? Sweden, for the music and the landscape.
Where is the best place you’ve visited? New York City – I love the chaos and the architecture.
The Concord Young Professionals Network is a professional and personal development initiative created by the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce just over five years ago. Free events are held on the third Wednesday of every month at various Concord venues, where hundreds of young professionals of all ages can interact socially, build a network of contacts, exchange ideas and have fun. To receive notices of upcoming events, please visit concordypn.org or visit facebook.com/concordypn.
