Allison Yee (UpNext) Is Reframing Retail
In our very first episode of the reframed by Frame of Life Series, I’m joined by Allison Yee, Founder & CEO of UpNext, a Greater Boston-based business redefining how brands launch and grow through pop-up shops, creative activations, and thoughtful partnerships.
Since 2018, UpNext has connected brands, spaces, and communities in meaningful ways, helping entrepreneurs take small, strategic risks with big impact.
UpNext isn’t just raising the bar, they’re popping the top off traditional retail!
Allison’s story is a long and winding road from corporate retail to entrepreneurship. Inspired by shopping local in New England with her husband, UpNext launched Project: Pop-Up in 2021 after Allison had her third child.
A fun fact is we both had 2020 babies and we bond over our unique shared experiences of parenting small children while navigating entrepreneurship during the pandemic!
Project: Pop-Up is a groundbreaking initiative that has transformed underutilized spaces into thriving retail incubators. Since its inception, over 75 emerging brands have popped up in locations across Massachusetts, with partnerships spanning 12 municipalities and 20 storefront locations.
Building on this momentum, Allison and her team introduced The Retail Playground in 2024, a dynamic community designed to fuel innovation, collaboration, and growth for independent retailers and brand founders.
Through masterclasses, interactive events, and hands-on business support, The Retail Playground equips founders with the tools and connections to scale in an evolving industry.
As a mom of three, Allison shares how motherhood fueled a brave pivot out of corporate into building something that aligns with what matters most:
Family, Community & Opportunity.
This topic resonated with me as we discussed The Power Pause book and the Motherhood Untitled Movement by Neha Ruch
Passionate about empowering women entrepreneurs, Allison believes in lowering the barriers to entry for founders by providing access to resources, real-world learning opportunities, and a supportive business community.
She serves on the Board of Directors for the Charles River Regional Chamber, where she co-chairs the Retail Collaborative, advocating for small business growth and vibrant local economies.
Allison holds a BA in Communications and Fashion Entrepreneurship from the University of Connecticut and an MBA from Babson College. She lives in Newton, MA, with her husband and three young children.
Moved by memory-keeping.
From pandemic kitchen dance parties that resurface on Timehop to her tradition of recording a mini interview the night before each child’s birthday, Allison shares her favorite MVP (Most Valuable Photos/Videos) moments that help anchor her family’s evolving story.
What you’ll in this episode learn:
- Why pop-ups are powerful testing grounds for product, price, and brand story.
- How finding a community first can be critical in helping support new emerging brands and entrepreneurs.
- A practical toolkit for managing workflow and staying focused.
- (Asana, Slack, and a simple timer cube)
- Think of your systems wholistically for a better work/life balance.
- How storytelling and documenting your road to entrepreneurship can be an incredibly relatable experience and makes for great marketing content — i.e. Sara Blakely
My Favorite Moment from this Episode:
Allison describes an old notebook filled with early sketches of what became UpNext. It was a fabulous reminder of how ideas that keep returning are often the ones worth building. We both agree that we wish there were more photographs of the process along the way so that they could reflect and share more about the journey!
Her Favorite Recent Purchase:
Pair of earrings from Finding YoYo
Business Book & Podcast Recommendations:
- Who Not How, The Gap and the Gain, 10x Is Easier Than 2x
- Just a Job
- Amy Porterfield
- Mel Robbins
- Rooted to Retail
Explore the Community:
Get connected to entrepreneurs and resources to help your business thrive with the Retail Playground powered by UpNext . Use our code FOL15 for 15% off your monthly subscription.
Get Connected with Allison!
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