Pen.Style: All Pen Everything

Dear Pennies & Pens,

Sometimes you set off with the best intentions but things just don’t go according to plan. Take my latest shoot, All Pen Everything, for example. In so many ways, this shoot didn’t go according to plan. But somehow, it still ended up being amazing!

Let me back it up and tell y’all the full story. So first off, I had originally hired a photographer to shoot and edit the photos. Unfortunately, about 2 weeks before the shoot, I learned that we had miscommunicated about the scheduling. So I started scrambling to find someone else.

Unfortunately, everyone was pretty much booked. And since I didn’t really have the budget to hire a photographer, I was like idk why I’m even bothering. Then I realized that I could just buy my own camera and shoot the photos myself. And that’s exactly what I did. Literally the night before the shoot (that was payday y’all don’t get all judgey, lol!), I bought a Canon T6 Rebel from Target.

This is by far the best decision I have ever made! I’ve only had the camera for a month and it’s already well worth the investment. Now that I have a camera, I can do all my shoots in house and shoot my own events. I feel so empowered and like I can control my own destiny.

As far as how the shoot came together that was a true whirlwind. The easy part was coming up with the concept. Originally, the shoot was supposed to feature photos of me working. I am a Lifestyle Entrepreneur with two different businesses, 8515 + ISLP. That said, I have a few different titles that I use for each company.

With respect to 8515, I am a Publicist, Event Planner, Creative Director, Stylist, Makeup Artist, and Casting Director. In reference to ISLP, I am a Lifestyle Blogger & Influencer, Writer, Editor, Product Developer, Producer, Director, Designer, Photographer, and Author of #MakeUrPenLoud: How To Be A Lifestyle Blogger. So as y’all can see, I literally do EVERYTHING!!!

Everyone is always asking me what I do and it’s because I do so many different things that friends and family can’t keep it all straight. And who could blame them? It honestly depends on the day of the week or what project I’m working on. For the past few months, I was a Stylist, Photographer, & Event Planner having styled two shoots and planned two events.

However over the next few months, I’ll be focusing on writing and blogging as I have upcoming press trips to DC and California in June and September. Then in July, I’ll be a Publisher & Event Planner because I’m going to Iowa to participate in the Indie Author Book Expo. I’ll also be planning and hosting a special event that will teach attendees how to create and manage a lifestyle business.

In between all that, I’ll be designing and producing since ISLP is creating a fashion line and compilation hip-hop and r&b album. And if I find an extra five minutes, I’ll be signing some new clients so Cacha & I will be busy launching dope marketing campaigns for 8515’s clients.

For those that what to know why I do so many different things the answer is simple. I want to make my money while I sleep. To do that, I need to develop multiple streams of income. And that’s exactly what having my own agency and production company will give me. Once I get everything established, the loot will be rolling in.

So back to this photoshoot, I started the process as I usually do by creating a moodboard. I knew I wanted the concept to be British fashion/Savile Row. I wanted the looks to be a mix of masculine and feminine since that fits my tomboy style. Next, I started looking for models and researching brands that I could pull from.

I worked with the male model Greg on a previous shoot so I simply reached out to him directly about this casting. For this shoot, finding a female model was a little tougher. Since this shoot was so last minute a lot of models were booked. But luckily, my homie Lana came through and modeled for the shoot. And boy did she SLAY!!!

Lana was serving all sorts of face in this shoot. She really did an amazing job and was fabulous to work with! Don’t be surprised if you see more photos of Lana pop up here in de la Pen or on our Instagram. Greg also did an amazing job! He has truly learned how to work the camera by understanding how to pose and look natural on camera. It’s a talent that sadly not every model masters. Follow Lana & Greg to keep up with their latest here: LoveWithLana & @G_peoples. 

Lastly, I’d like to talk about my sponsors/brand partners. E. Leigh’s provided the women’s clothing and jewelry for the All Pen Everything shoot. I first discovered E. Leigh’s after attending a Dallas Girl Gang brunch. During the shopping event, I purchased a fabulous pair of sandals that I wear literally all the time…they are so comfy!

Since E. Leigh’s has such a diverse collection of pieces, I decided to reach out to them about the collaboration. To my luck, they agreed. I pulled from their Southlake store (I had never even been to Southlake y’all…the things a stylist will do for clothes). The styles in this store were amazing! I seriously had a hard time deciding what to pull (I was only pulling 3-4 looks) so of course I had to edit.

Leigh’s store manager, Caylen was so helpful and knowledgeable! This young lady knows her fashion and even better she knows the products that E. Leigh’s carries. So often you visit retailers (large and small) and the employees just seem to stare at you blankly when you ask a simple question. #terrible #rantover Thank goodness this is not the case with Caylen.

Definitely check out E.Leigh’s because they’ve got some wonderful finds and even better deals. The sandals I bought were only $10! Like come on y’all!!! Check out E. Leigh’s here: E. Leigh’s (website) @eleighsboutique (Instagram)

The next sponsor/brand partner was Deck of Scarlet. Deck of Scarlet is a makeup line and bi-monthly subscription service. I discovered Deck of Scarlet via a Facebook group I’m in called PR, Marketing, CZARS. I connected with their Publicist in December right before Christmas because she was looking for makeup artists to write reviews of their products. Since I knew I would be doing a lot of shoots in 2018, I decided to reach out so I’m glad we were able to make this happen.

I absolutely love Deck of Scarlet’s makeup! They have eyeshadow, blush, and lip gloss included in the palette they sent me (find the name). This palette has a lovely selection of shades and colors and you can create so many different looks with it. I can’t wait till I do more shoots so I can play with it more. They also sent additional eyeshadow samples and those were flyy too.

I also loved their packaging! It’s so chic and fashion forward. Major props to the design team on that one. I also like the fact that Deck of Scarlet is Vegan and cruelty free. Y’all know I’m Vegan so I am over brands who test on animals and/or use animal based products. It’s so unnecessary! Thank goodness Deck of Scarlet isn’t like that. Check out Deck of Scarlet: www.deckofscarlet.com

My last and final sponsor/brand partner shoutout is Civilized Cosmetics. Once again, I used their amazing lip gloss for this shoot. It’s the only brand of lip gloss that Lana wears in this shoot. Why? Because it is that good! Civilized Cosmetics originally sponsored my AfriDally shoot last October but since I love their products so much I decided to use them for this shoot as well. Hence why I’m giving them another shout out.

Civilized Cosmetics is completely Vegan and they offer makeup as well as skincare products. I adore their products! I also really like their packaging too. It’s really fresh and modern. Not to mention chic. The best part is the product on the inside is just as good as the design! Be sure to check out Civilized Cosmetics here: www.civilizedcosmetics.com

Last but not least check out www.theinkspotlp.com to learn more about the ink behind de la Pen…All Pen Everything and www.8515agency.com to learn more about the agency that handles our marketing.

And there it is. de la Pen…All Pen Everything. With us, keeping it real never goes wrong.