Jennie Smythe, the founder and CEO of Girlilla Marketing, has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Resolve Editions, an imprint of Forefront Books, for the release of her memoir in 2025. Resolve Editions, a Nashville-based independent publisher distributed by Simon & Schuster, will bring Smythe’s story to readers nationwide, highlighting her journey as a successful entrepreneur and digital marketing pioneer.

Lessons from a Life of Learning

In her upcoming memoir, Smythe reflects on the lessons she has learned from a variety of mentors, both past and present. "I’ve learned so many things from incredibly smart people—some of whom are no longer with us—and I want to honor them by passing on what they taught me,” Smythe shares. She speaks candidly about the ups and downs of her career, noting the frequent mistakes employees make in their early years, as well as her own missteps as both an employee and a boss. Smythe adds, “Where there was pain and struggle, there’s always been growth and opportunity for me. Where there’s been despair, faith has kicked its ass."

Her goal with the memoir is to share these experiences in a way that resonates with readers, offering insights that may help others avoid similar pitfalls, while also providing inspiration, humor, and a sense of connection.

A Force in the Digital Marketing World

Smythe has made a name for herself as a forward-thinking entrepreneur, leading Girlilla Marketing, the digital marketing agency she founded in 2008. Girlilla Marketing, a female-led company, manages the digital strategies for an impressive roster of entertainers and brands, including Dead & Company, Willie Nelson, Darius Rucker, Blondie, Brooke Shields, Iliza Shlesinger, and Terry Crews, to name a few. Smythe’s success in an ever-changing digital landscape is a testament to her creativity, passion, and dedication.

Award-Winning Entrepreneur

Throughout her career, Smythe has earned recognition in outlets such as Billboard, MusicRow, Fast Company, and People, among others. She has received multiple accolades, including the Nashville Business Journal’s Women in Music City Awards and MusicRow magazine’s Rising Women on the Row honor. In 2023, she was listed on the Nashville Post’s In Charge: Music list, a reflection of her continued influence in the music and digital marketing industries.

Becoming Girlilla: A New Venture

Before the release of her memoir, Smythe is already sharing her insights through Becoming Girlilla, a newsletter and content hub dedicated to digital marketing. Here, she explores a range of topics, including her irreverence for authority, her unconventional path to success, and how common sense and humanity shaped her approach to business. Smythe’s motto is simple: "Be good... online and in real life."

A Story of Resilience

"From the moment I met Jennie and read her manuscript, I knew it was a perfect match,” says Becky Nesbitt, publisher of Resolve Editions. “Her journey to the top of the industry is a testament to her grit, determination, and resilience through both wins and losses. Her story will undoubtedly inspire readers everywhere." Smythe’s experience in the entertainment industry, combined with her entrepreneurial drive and personal battles, including her fight with breast cancer, form the backbone of her memoir.

A Leader in the Music Industry

In addition to her role as the head of Girlilla Marketing, Smythe serves as the President of the Country Music Association (CMA) Board of Directors and is actively involved with the CMA Foundation and Music Health Alliance. She’s also a graduate of the prestigious Leadership Music executive development program. Smythe’s career began at companies like Disney’s Hollywood Records, Warner Bros. Records, and Clear Channel, before she ventured into digital marketing. She currently resides in Nashville with her husband, fellow entrepreneur Shannon Houchins, and their two children.