This post is sponsored by GemShare, but all the opinions expressed are my own.
I don’t know about you, but I have been burned by online reviews for hairstylists or restaurants. It took me a while to figure out what the pattern was, and it seems to boil down to this: a 20-something looking for ombre color might love a certain salon, while a not-20-something like myself might be looking for a completely different experience. Same goes for food. A new mobile app started up by a couple of San Francisco Bay Area working moms aims to change that. GemShare, created by Maryam Mohit and Claudine Ryan, aims to solve that problem by creating groups, so that you can see reviews from people you know. After all, I know that many of my friends have similar taste — and if there are things they don’t like, they can explain why in terms I understand.
Yeah… I need more friends on GemShare. Come join me!
When you look up the “gems”, you’ll find there are three levels of recommendations: “gem”, “gem for some”, and “heard good things”.
The groups are geographically based, so you can find a plumber or optometrist in your own community. My groups will be mostly focused on the Bay Area — San Jose, San Francisco, Palo Alto, and East Bay — but check for groups in your metropolitan area, too!
I’ve been testing out the GemShare app and have been uploading lots of recommendations, including many places to eat, drink, and even do yoga in downtown San Jose. Whether you’re headed to the BlogHer conference or if you live in the Bay Area, take a minute to check out my “gems”.
Here’s how to use GemShare
- Go to the App Store and download GemShare
- Create an account — it’s free!
- Click on Network, then Groups, and find HapaMama San Jose
- Join my group and see my picks!
At this time, GemShare is only available on iOS platforms for iPhones or iPads, but an Android version is in the works.
For more information about GemShare, check out these articles on Fast Company, Forbes, Cool Mom Tech, and the TechCrunch.
Disclosure: new accounts joining the HapaMama San Jose group may result in a commission for HapaMama.