Meet Elle

Welcome to my world of placemaking, empowerment, and inspiration!

I'm Elle Mejia-Pierce, a multi-faceted professional with a passion for creating thriving retail spaces, empowering women entrepreneurs, advocating for gender equality, and curating a balanced, fulfilling lifestyle.

As a CRE professional, I've honed my expertise in retail leasing and placemaking, managing over 3.4 million square feet of retail space across five continents, and completing deals in Canada, the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, and New Zealand. I've navigated complex deals in diverse markets, from high streets to AAA shopping centers, enclosed malls, and pre & post security airport retail. Through my experience, I have become a trusted advisor in the industry, and my accomplishments have been recognized with the CoStar Power Brokers award for two consecutive years.

Beyond my role as a retail placemaker, I am a published author and a podcast host. In my book, "There's No Crying in Retail Leasing: How O2O has Impacted Brick & Mortar Retail", I delve into the transformative influence of the online-to-offline landscape on traditional retail spaces. On my podcast, "There's No Crying in Retail Leasing", I explore the latest trends, strategies, and stories shaping the retail industry, inviting guests who are at the forefront of innovation and success.

Driven by a strong desire to empower women entrepreneurs, I founded PrettyGirlsWork, an inclusive online community for women founders and entrepreneurs that hosts the PGW Academy (a collection of self-study courses), the PGW Bookstore (a vibrant marketplace showcasing the work of phenomenal women authors and retailers), and the PGW Podcast Network (where talented women hosts share their expertise and experiences to inspire and celebrate high-performance women across all industries).

I proudly serve as a board member for the Women's Centre of York Region. This esteemed not-for-profit agency has been a pillar of support for women in York Region for over four decades, enabling them to thrive personally, socially, and economically. I am dedicated to championing gender equality, fostering inclusivity, and providing resources that empower women to reach their full potential.

Join me on this exciting journey as we shape vibrant retail spaces, empower women entrepreneurs, advocate for gender equality, and redefine success in a way that uplifts and celebrates all aspects of life.

NEW BOOK

The Feminine Advantage

Elevating Performance & Embracing Ease