#BADPennies: Happy International Women’s Day

Dear Pennies & Pens,

So here’s the deal…I recently realized that I know some BAD Pennies. Chicks who are so dope, it’ll make your head spin. They have businesses, blogs, brands, kids, full time jobs, etc. These women do more in 24 hours than most do in an entire day. And that deserves to be celebrated!

That said, I decided to choose a few women whom I personally admire. I chose these women because not only are they fabulous at what they do but they are genuine and authentic. In a world where women pretend to support each other, it’s refreshing to come across women who are actually who they say they are and aren’t spending every other second trying to tear others down.

First up on the list is a young lady, I am extremely partial to…my business partner, Cacha` Lopez! What can I say about Cacha`?! I’ve been working with her for 8 years now and we’re BFFs. Cacha` is so many things…she’s a mother, a sister, daughter, stylist, event planner, creative director, casting director, publicist, man this lady does it all! And somehow she still finds time to deal with crazy lil Penny. #youknowwebefighting #CachaAndPen2DopeBrokeGirls

Cacha` and I believe that God brought us together. See we were introduced by a mutual friend when I was living in NYC. I was living on 158th and Broadway (in Washington Heights) which is the street Cacha` grew up on and where her mother lives.  So after I returned from my first trip to Uzbekistan (see the throwback posts for the scoop here:), we met up and started our business that same day. We sipped tea, ate some food, and came up with the whole concept of the business.

Since then Cacha` and I have been bringing the flavor one event and campaign at a time. It’s so dope working with her because we can talk business, have girl talk, and get shit done. It’s like she’s my sister in life and in business. I cannot say enough about how amazing Cacha` is. She’s truly my ace and I couldn’t do this thing called life without her. One more thing y’all somehow in between raising two toddlers Cacha still finds the time to text/call me back in a timely manner. Love you, Cacha`!!! #CachaandPen #2DopeBrokeGirls. Follow Cacha` here: @CachaLopez and our agency: @8515Agency

Next up on the list are my #QUEENS. These ladies go hand in hand because we all come as a package deal (p.s. Cacha` is a #QUEEN too). We met via Dallas Girl Gang, an AMAZING community for young women here in Dallas (more on DGG lata). I first met Michelle last summer at an event hosted by another blogger. Over the next few months, we saw each other at more events and would touch base on social media. We of course became super cool and I am so pleased to call her friend.

Michelle is a Faith based Blogger and Creator of Our Words Have Power. Every day, Michelle (whom I lovingly call Shelley) delivers uplifting and positive messages. Her content is so unique and refreshing. Not to mention genuine! In a world where everyone pretends to care, Shelley actually does. She genuinely wants to help people and bring them to God. And guess what?! She’s good at it! There have been many times when I caught myself listening intently and eating up every word she says during her Instagram stories. They’re truly awesome!!!

Shelley is absolutely hilarious too! She definitely keeps it real. Also, she’s super creative and is always coming up with fresh ideas. Even better, she’s like the most supportive person ever. If you tell Shelley you have a dream or goal, her response will be go for it! She’s awesome. Shelley is always out and about supporting events. I love her energy, she just lights up the room! She’s also active in her church participating in various different activities and ministries. Check out Shelley on IG here: @OurWordsHavePower

Next up, is Miss Taylor. I met Taylor at a Dallas Girl Gang event (see the trend here?! DGG is dope!), we were at Taqueria La Ventana in Uptown and there I was standing in line ordering my tacos…as soon as Taylor heard me ordering Veggie only tacos with no cheese she immediately asked, “Are you Vegan?!” and I said “Yes!” from there we became Vegan BFFs in a world full of carnivores. #donthatetheplant #hatethegame

But seriously though, Taylor is fabulous! She’s a Life + Style Blogger who’s always sharing “What Taylor Likes” on her blog or the gram. My Tay bae is wayyy better than your bae. Taylor’s dope because she always keeps it real and is always there ready to lend a helping hand.

Plus she hosts FLYY events! Recently, she did an event for bloggers and creatives called “May the 4th Be With You” at the Foundation Room @ the House of Blues and it was soo LIT! The House of Blues gifted us free drinks and provided a tasting of their menu. They even had some fried cauliflower and fruit for us Vegans. I actually had a full plate!!! Y’all know #SkinnyPenny was all over that.

Oh and one last thing about Taylor…her and her mom are seriously #GOALS. Like when your mom has an Instagram and can work a DSLR she’s just…another level. Get on Miss Annette’s level ASAP. She’s fabulous!!! Follow Taylor and Ms. Annette here: @WhatTaylorLikes @Annette_Mosley

Last but certainly not least is the homie Lana (short Milana). Lana is a Fashion & Lifestyle Blogger who’s based in Ft. Worth. I first met Lana when she came to my event, Pen’s Flicks: Black Panther in February. Since then we’ve become really good friends.

In fact, Lana recently saved Penny’s tail y’all. I recently produced a shoot/campaign called “All Pen Everything” and when I was scrambled to find a female model, Lana stepped in. And thank goodness she did because the photos are fabulous! Lana’s super cool because she’s honest, sweet, and that girl knows her stuff when it comes to marketing and social media. She’s taught me a thing or two for sure! She’s constantly dropping knowledge gems in our #QUEENS chat. Follow Lana here: @LoveWithLana

Uh oh…so I’ve got a few more Pennies I need to mention. Lol! Forgive me y’all. Next up is Amanda Smith, Creator of Dallas Girl Gang, Event Planner, Fashion/Beauty/Lifestyle Influencer, and Skincare CEO. Amanda’s definitely dope! Without her, none of the above friendships would be possible because she had the foresight to create a community like Dallas Girl Gang.

Amanda helps Dallas Girl Gang members connect with each other online and offline by planning events and managing a facebook group that has almost 900 members. Not to mention the fact that Amanda plans event for her company, Amanda Smith Events. In fact, she has an upcoming event, this July called the Fearless Event for womenpreneurs of faith. Check out Amanda on IG: @asmithbeauty, @asmithevents, @fearlessevent @DallasGirlGang

Finally there’s Asya & Ashley, two attorneys who are also co-owners of ShuEsq, an online boutique that carries shoes by independent designers. ShuEsq has an exquisite collection of shoes. I first met Asya, a couple of years ago via Circle Seven Five and we’ve kept in touch via social media.

This past January, Asya & Ashley saved my life when I needed to pull shoes for a last minute shoot. So I am eternally grateful. Also, ShuEsq was a vendor at my most recent event, #MP3. Their setup was fabulous and they really added a great vibe to the event! What I love about Asya & Ashley is they are all about “Dreaming More Than One Dream” (also the name of their blog).

These ladies are pursuing full time careers in law but also maintaining an online boutique. They’re also in the process of opening a retail location having won an entrepreneurship competition. Forgive me for not knowing the details. But if you follow ShuEsq on IG, I’m sure they’ll be more than happy to provide. Check em out here: @ShuEsq

Sooo I know I said I was done but I’m not. My bad, y’all. I’ve got two more #BADPennies. My sister Melissa and my BFF Renee Francois (formerly Renee Jones). My sister Melissa is a travel agent with her own travel business as well as an admissions counselor at a hospital in Nashville. She also works for ISLP as our Editorial Assistant helping with research, writing articles, brainstorming product ideas, etc. That said, my sister is BUSY!!!

She’s always traveling, working, or networking. I’m super proud to call her my big sister. We’re very different so we haven’t always seen eye to eye but she’s got my back and I’ve got hers. She just came to Dallas for my Pen’s Flicks: Black Panther event and we truly had a blast. It was so good to see her! Next up, we’re headed to Cali which will be Melissa’s first press trip. Then next summer, we’re reviving Summer in the South with a trip to Nashville.

What I love about my sister is she’s very sweet and supportive. And now that she’s an entrepreneur, she understands everything I’ve been going through with 8515 + ISLP so we truly vibe. Another cool thing about my sister is she’s always changing her hair. I’ve never seen her wear it the same way twice and that’s my sis! #dopestyle #berrystyle

Now for my BFF, Ms. Renee Francois. I met her in college and we bonded over America’s Next Top Model. This show sparked our interest in fashion and we never missed an episode. So it’s crazy how we’re still friends and working together since Renee works for ISLP as our Associate Editor & Producer. Renee creates content, helps with product development, research, and so much more. She’s an integral part of the team.

Renee also works for a major retailer and in her spare time, she runs 5ks. Idk what a 5k is. It sounds far. But Renee is on her fitness grind, lil baby! Last year while we were in KC, Renee and her husband made time to go the hotel’s gym..while Penny stayed in bed (*facepalm*). I am so proud of her for getting serious about being healthy and staying in shape. What’s even better is that Renee often does runs with her mom and siblings. A family that runs together, stays together? #Yasss

Renee got married in September of 2016 and now lives with her husband in St. Louis. This July, we’ll finally reunite when we go to Cincinnati to see Janet Jackson. IT WILL BE EPIC!!! Can’t wait. Then of course, I’ll see Renee again when we go to Cali in September. It’s gonna be lit!

What’s dope about Renee is that she’s always there for me and we literally think the same. Her reaction is most likely to be my reaction. She gets me, y’all. #BFFsForLIFE 

Y’all two more people and I’m done. Next, is Miss October Flower aka Zakiya Odessa Thacker. My A1 since Day 1. Idk how me and October even met at this point. I’ve just known her for forever. We grew up together in Cincinnati and she is truly my sister. We can go days, weeks, months, even years without talking and it’s like it never happened.

We just vibe and connect on another level. She’s truly a friend for life. That’s hard to find so believe me she’s not getting rid of me anytime soon. October is a mom with a beautiful daughter, Anna who is now 8. Can’t believe my niece is that old but I digress. October is an amazing writer and creator not to mention a soon to be nurse. Every time I come home to Cincy, she always makes it fun helping me catch up with Cincy’s latest hot spots. That’s my sis, y’all!!!!

Alright so this it for real this time. Emily Link has been my BFF since 3rd grade in Ms. Cordrey’s class. We were the two rebels and we rebelled throughout our youth. We got into all kinds of trouble but still came out ok…I guess?!

These days, Emily works as an Office Manager for two dental offices in Cincinnati. Additionally, Emily recently graduated from dental assisting school and received her radiology license for the state of Ohio. Emily is also a graduate of Wyoming High School. Emily is a mother of 2, Evander and Emiliana.

The past year has been difficult for Emily because she was diagnosed with a brain tumor last year. I started a GoFundMe campaign for her last year that raised over $3,700. I’m about to work on a special project with Renee to revive it so stay tuned for that. And please keep Emily in your prayers!

Okay so I know like 1000000 other #BadPennies but this post can’t go on forever. So that about sums it up. Pennies are BAD #youknowit and the whole world has to answer right now just tell you once again…who’s BAD?! #Pennies

#sorryPens

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