Exchange Skills, Not Dollar Bills – Join BRX NOLA!

Join the Founding Circle of Brown Ribbon Exchange: New Orleans — a members-only bartering network for women entrepreneurs to trade services, skills, and in-person support.

JOIN BRX Nola

What Is Brown Ribbon Exchange

Brown Ribbon Exchange is a community-powered platform where women entrepreneurs barter skills, services, and products using Brown Ribbons as a unique currency. With our national app for virtual exchanges and the launch of our New Orleans chapter for in-person bartering, we’re creating a seamless experience for women to build, trade, and grow—together. Whether you’re a coach, hairstylist, marketer, doula, or designer, your skills are valuable here. This is more than networking—it’s a sisterhood in strategy rooted in trust, generosity, and shared success.

Why Join BRX NOLA

Community-Focused

You're tired of doing it all alone.

Service-Driven

You need real services, not just advice.

Locally Rooted

You're craving meaningful, in-person connections.

How It Works

Apply to Join

Fill out a quick form with your business info.

Get Approved

We review your application and let you know if you're a good fit.

Pay Your Dues

Choose your founding membership plan — $35/month or $399/yearly to join

Start Trading

Get 300 Brown Ribbons each month to barter for services.

Connect & Contribute

Offer your skills, attend events, and earn extra Ribbons by teaching, volunteering, or referring others.

Who We're Looking For

Women with a tradeable skill or business based in the Greater New Orleans area.
Whether you're a hairstylist, house cleaner, doula, massage therapist, photographer, marketing professional, accountant, event planner, social media manager, or anything in between — if your skill can help another woman grow her business or her life, we want you in this community.

We welcome service providers who:

Have a business website or active social media presence
Can provide one client reference
Hold certification/licensure (if required for your industry)

JOIN BRX Nola

Features & Perks

🪙

Brown Ribbons

Receive 300 Brown Ribbons each month to use as barter currency for services from other members.

💬

Referral & Volunteer Bonuses

Earn extra Brown Ribbons by bringing in new members, teaching a class, or volunteering in the community.

🎟️

Events & Classes

Attend exclusive events, workshops, and skill-sharing sessions designed to help you grow and connect.

🌟

Founding Member Badge

Early supporters get a special badge and recognition as part of the original BRX NOLA circle. You also get to help shape our community.

🤝

In-Person

Connections

Meet face-to-face with members in your area to build authentic relationships and trade services locally.

🌐

Access to nationwide BRX network

Connect with entrepreneurial women across the country to trade services, find collaborators, and grow beyond your zip code.

💼

Business Directory

Get listed in our local directory to showcase your services and easily find other women to trade with.

📈

Business Growth & Strategy

Get support, tools, and feedback to help you scale smarter — not just hustle harder.

What is BRX NOLA?

Brown Ribbon Exchange NOLA is a local, in-person chapter of the national Brown Ribbon Exchange platform — designed for women entrepreneurs in the Greater New Orleans area to trade services, attend events, and grow their businesses through community and skill exchange.
Who is BRX Nola for?

Women entrepreneurs, freelancers, and creatives within a 50-mile radius of New Orleans who want to grow their business without always spending money — by trading their skills and connecting with like-minded women.
Is this the same as the BRX app?

Nope — the national BRX app is for online exchanges and is currently in beta. BRX NOLA is a local, Heartbeat-based community for in-person and real-time engagement. You get access to both with your BRX NOLA membership. Our goal is to eventually combine them.
How much does it cost to join?

Introductory price through December 2025 $100 initiation fee AND Monthly Dues $35 paid monthly or $350 paid yearly
What do I get with my membership?

300 Brown Ribbons monthly (to trade for services) Access to our private Heartbeat community Listing in our local business directory Invitations to monthly in-person events (like Third Thursdays) Opportunities to earn bonus Ribbons through referrals, volunteering, or teaching Workshops, spotlights, and more!
What are Brown Ribbons?

They’re our community’s barter currency — 1 Ribbon = $1 in service value
How do I earn more Brown Ribbons?

Referring a new member = 50 Ribbons Teaching a workshop or class = 50 Ribbons Volunteering or leading an event = 50 Ribbons Additional ways may be added as we grow!
Can I cash out my Brown Ribbons for money?

No — Brown Ribbons are not redeemable for cash. They are a barter currency used only within the BRX community to exchange services. Think of them as community credits: their value comes from what we’re able to share and build together, not dollars.
Do Ribbons expire?

Yes — unused Ribbons expire after one year. Use them intentionally!
What are Third Thursdays?

Our signature monthly in-person meetup for connection, co-working, trading, and good vibes. Open to members (free) and guests (paid).
How do I teach a class or lead something?

Use the “Event/Class Proposal” form in the Heartbeat community. Admin approval is required before adding to the calendar.
Can I bring a friend to an event?

Yes! Guests can attend select events for a small fee. Members get priority access.
How do I offer or request a trade?

Inside the Heartbeat community, there are spaces for: Offering your service Requesting a service Matching up via admin support if needed
What kinds of services can I offer?

Anything professional, creative, or helpful! Think: logo design, bookkeeping, social media, legal templates, branding advice, coaching, product photography, and more.
How are exchanges tracked?

You’ll complete a Trade Form, and an admin will approve and deduct the appropriate Ribbons from your balance.
Where does BRX NOLA live?

On Heartbeat — a private community platform. You'll get a link to join once your membership is confirmed.
Is there an app?

Yes! Heartbeat has an app for mobile access. The BRX national app is separate and in beta (you’ll get access with your membership too).
How do I track my Ribbon balance?

Your balance will be tracked in Airtable, and you'll get regular updates via Heartbeat.
What’s the Founding Member Badge?

If you join in 2025, you’ll be recognized as a founding member — with early access perks, features, and priority opportunities.
Can I be on the advisory board?

Yes! Applications are open. Ideal candidates are committed to the mission and have experience, vision, or community connections.
How can I feature my business?

We spotlight members regularly on social, in our directory, and at events. Stay engaged and submit your info when prompted!