Coming Soon To A Page Near You: Pennies & Pens and LPZ

Dear Pennies & Pens, 

I am so beyond hype to announce that I’ve got some new ink coming soon to a page near you. Over the past few months, I took a much needed extended break from my business, blog and social media. I needed to relax and regroup so I could figure out what my next move was going to be. I also wanted to get my ink-ducks in a row because my business wasn’t where I wanted it to be. 

My break proved to be restorative because I have accomplished so much! I obtained an LLC for ISLP so we’re officially ISLP, The InkSpot, LLC! I also opened a company bank account. Additionally, I secured a Paycheck Protection loan so I’ve got some startup capital to help with the relaunch. 

In essence, for the past few weeks, I’ve slowly but surely been getting back into the swing of things. I just finished writing my new business plan and I’m working on two new products Pennies & Pens and LPZ. I am not ready to reveal what these products are yet but I can give you a hint. Pennies & Pens is vegan, organic and sustainable whereas LPZ is Femme Pop music project. 

Also, I’ll still be working with clients as a Publicist, Stylist and Photographer. Under the new ISLP, we’ll also have a creative agency, The InkSpot (hence the double name ISLP, The InkSpot) where we’ll offer branding, marketing, public relations, copywriting, styling, makeup and photography. If you’ve been following me for a while you know that I used to co-own an agency called 8515. However, I decided to part ways and make a clean break to go out on my own. 

It was a scary move — one that I had been needing to make for years. That lesson taught me that in business you absolutely must make the tough decisions. You have to take a hard look at your business and truly identify what is and what isn’t working. Then you have to adjust accordingly. You also have to work your behind off. You cannot work with anyone who is not willing to put forth the effort that you are. 

So these ink-days, ya girl LoudPen is in a much better place. I feel like my energy is such a vibe right now. I finally truly believe in myself and I know my worth. I also recognize how genius ISLP’s business plan is. 

When I first launched ISLP, I was surrounded by too many haters so I was always doubting myself. Because the thing is, I want ISLP to be an international brand with multiple different product lines that span fashion, music, publishing, film, beauty and home. When I first wrote my business plan and launched the business, I would always get this negative feedback or people looking at me like I was crazy. There was this constant tone of “focus on one thing” or “find a niche”.

I now recognize that all that negativity was people placing their limitations on me. Because the thing is, I’ve written, edited and published two books and two travel guides, I’ve worked with over 90 brands who’ve sponsored my projects, events and content, I’ve worked with over 20 clients to provide branding, marketing, PR, styling and photography, and I’ve planned over 15 events. So what was that again? I couldn’t hear your QuietPen trying to hate on my LoudPen. 

So anyway, I’m dope. And I’m about to do something even doper. Pennies & Pens and LPZ are coming soon to a page near you. 

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