Meet the Women of Nashville’s Parthenon PR
Francie Corcoran and Jena Thomas help local businesses thrive through their Nashville-based firm, Parthenon PR. They've even launched a new grant program to help women with limited resources spread the word about their organizations. (The application deadline is August 31!)
This year, Francie Corcoran and Jena Thomas — the co-founders of powerhouse Nashville firm, Parthenon PR — are celebrating their business’s fifth anniversary! We caught up with the duo to learn more about what led to their success, how they’re commemorating their exciting milestone, and what prompted the launch of their new passion project, the Graces Grant Program. Get to know these inspiring FACES of Nashville!
How did the two of you meet, and what inspired you to begin Parthenon PR?
Francie: We originally met through a mutual friend, and then worked together for a few years. But the more memorable initial meeting was our lunch at Burger Up in 12South, where Parthenon PR was born. Neither one of us thought we’d start a business that day, but our instant reconnection and rediscovery of our shared passion for PR said otherwise. Jena and I have always held the same values and vision, which made Parthenon PR a no-brainer. I can’t imagine working alongside a better friend and businesswoman — there is no one like Jena Thomas!
Parthenon PR recently hit its five-year anniversary! What are you doing to celebrate?
Jena: In true entrepreneurial form, we are already focused on how we can continue to evolve and make year six even better than the last. However, we have also had some intentional moments of celebration. We marked our fifth anniversary in March by throwing a fun birthday party for our team and their families. It was such a special time to be together, surrounded by the people who make Parthenon PR so special. We also have an event in the works for this fall that will celebrate this milestone with a bigger crowd of our clients and community partners at our office at The Malin in Wedgewood-Houston.
You recently launched the Graces Grant Program. Can you tell us about it?
Francie: Currently, Parthenon PR is a team of women. Time and again, we share local female-led businesses, organizations, nonprofits, and other women worth knowing about in our community with each other. We find ourselves in the position of saying, “Wow, people in Nashville need to know about what this woman is doing for our community.” But we also know publicity and promotion take a lot of work and resources. It doesn’t always happen naturally.
Jena and I have always been passionate about giving back to the community that has given so much to us over the years. Graces Grant is the marriage between our team’s PR minds and philanthropic hearts. Check out our Instagram post for more details! We’ve extended the application deadline to August 31.
Jena: The Graces Grant idea initially came about from a conversation at our annual staff retreat last December. A few team members had listened to an industry podcast where a member of the media shared that as much as they love working with PR agencies to discover stories, they also love to hear the stories of people who are doing incredible work that may not be able to afford to work with an agency.
Our team has always been community-minded and offered pro bono work throughout our agency’s history, but this was the spark that led us to think about an intentional way to bridge that gap to help amplify the deserving voices of those with a meaningful story to tell. It is a need-based opportunity we are offering the community, but we encourage Middle Tennessee women who are leading the charge — or who know someone who fits that description — to send in an application.
Where can we find you when you aren’t working?
Jena: During the post-kid bedtime hours, when all the busyness of the day is done, I love to be on my screened-in porch chatting with my husband or at a restorative yoga class at Hola Yoga.
Francie: Teaching or taking a class at barre3 Brentwood, enjoying breakfast tacos at Lady Bird Taco, or walking in the neighborhood with my husband, Tom, daughter, Wynne, and pups, Petey and Ike.
What is one misunderstood facet of PR you wish more people knew?
Francie: Simply put, people think we write press releases and send them out for media coverage. Instead, we act as a strategic partner to our clients, offering a variety of creative marketing services like executing digital marketing campaigns, facilitating meaningful partnerships, planning memorable events, and consulting on brand image. We aren’t just another vendor. We act as a true extension of our clients’ teams, sometimes even playing the role of unofficial Chief Marketing Officer when needed.
Jena: There’s a misconception about what PR actually entails — so much so that I sometimes joke that the public relations industry could use some of its own PR. PR isn’t just about cleaning up a crisis or making someone or something “go viral.” When it’s done best is when it’s a long-term investment (not an overnight sensation) of building a genuine connection with your customer and the community you’re in. We have clients I’ve worked with for more than a decade, and we are still finding fresh ways to tell their stories and help keep them relevant and top of mind.
What are your favorite hidden gems in Nashville?
Francie: Great Harvest Bread Co.’s spinach feta bread, Bucca Reflexology, and Happy Retales for the best doggie groom by Trey, benefiting Middle Tennessee pet rescues.
Jena: Nashville is a city filled with gems, but Walk Eat Nashville comes to mind as a favorite. Their neighborhood food tours are as appealing to locals as they are to tourists. The guides do a phenomenal job of including so many local treasures and insider stories throughout the tours.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Francie: When I got married, my dad wrote me a letter and hid it inside the book 12 Rules for Life by Jordan B. Peterson. I recently found the book, with the unopened letter inside. I cherish these words from him: “Someone out there is smarter, faster, wealthier, prettier, and more successful. Be proud of what you accomplish, and never compare yourself to others.”
Jena: “No new initiatives after noon on Friday.”
Outside of faith, family, and friends, what three things can’t you live without?
Jena: Coffee, Emily Ley’s Daily Simplified Planner, and travel.
Francie: Live music, exercise, and a bubble bath with a glass of wine.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Self-care item you can’t live without?
Francie: Facials at Profile Skin Studio with Shannon Melidis. She is so much more than an aesthetician!
Jena: iS Clinical Active Peel System — it’s my current favorite part of my Sunday night ritual!
What was your most recent memorable meal, and where were you?
Francie: Sea Club at Cap Rocat in Mallorca, Spain.
Jena: For the food, Tailor. For the company, pizza by the pool on the last night of our annual family vacation to Folly Beach.
What is the best book or podcast you recently discovered?
Francie: We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle.
Jena: Huge fan of the Raising Boys & Girls podcast with Sissy Goff and David Thomas as I navigate how to best raise my daughter and son.
What under-the-radar Nashville business should we keep our eyes out for?
Francie: Ricey & Co. for the ultimate at-home sushi experience.
Jena: I love the work Brooke Griffith is doing with Glen & Effie, an heirloom jewelry designer here in town. And for parents, don’t miss Kelly Terrell Art’s kid commissions — it’s my most prized masterpiece. Beyond that, I’m looking forward to reading through our Graces Grant applications to discover more!
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Meet more inspiring Nashville women over at our FACES archives!
Jenna von Oy Bratcher
Jenna von Oy Bratcher is StyleBlueprint's Associate Editor and Lead Nashville Writer. The East Coast native moved to Nashville almost two decades years ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.