​Scott’s Design Photography, based in South Carolina, offers a wide range of photography services from portraits to event photography. The company’s owner, Lo Scott, tells us what prompted him to bring the Photography and Model Meet Up to Columbia, SC.

​Jeff Amberg was gracious enough to extend his spacious and eclectic photography studio as the venue for the event.  Jeff launched his photography career in 1980 as a photojournalist. He imparted a great deal of photography knowledge during the meet up and commanded everyone’s full attention during his impromptu lesson on posing techniques.  

​Several photography stations were set up throughout the studio with a variety of props. Models arrived with their choice of wardrobe. The creative energy could be felt throughout the venue. I’ve attended a number of events similar in nature, but what set this meet up apart is that participants showed a genuine interest in learning and were enthusiastic about sharing tips with one another. Half-way through the event, Lo gathered all attendees and they discussed their experiences during the first half of the day and everyone brainstormed ideas that could be put to use during the remaining photoshoots of the day.  It was very evident that Lo intended for the event to be, not only a networking event, but a learning experience for all involved.

We all know that a great shot is a team effort. The models who participated in the Meet Up came ready to give it all for the camera. We spoke to a few of them...

We would like to extend a huge thanks to Scott's Design Photography and Jeff Amberg Photography for allowing us to cover this great event. Be sure to connect with both photography companies and stay tuned for future events. Congratulations to Scott's Design Photography for putting on a wonderful meet up!

Check out more interviews from the event on YouTube. Enjoy a few of the behind the scenes photos that we were able to capture...

​It’s an exciting time for budding entrepreneurs! A great number of business owners are wearing multiple hats as they juggle the responsibilities of working full-time and running a business. Now, more than ever, women are taking major steps toward becoming their own bosses. For many, full-time entrepreneurship is the ultimate goal. Penelope Simon, owner of Penelope’s Kids Stop, was able to say goodbye to the 9 to 5 grind in January 2019 when she retired from her job at Blue Cross Blue Shield and became the full-time proprietor of her mobile children’s apparel boutique, Penelope’s Kids Stop. Read on to learn more about this inspiring business owner and the evolution of Penelope’s Kids Stop. 

TC: Tell us a little about yourself.
PS: I am Penelope Simon, the mother of 3 grown daughters. I have been married for 29 years.  I reside in Lamar, SC.  In January of this year, I retired from my job at BCBS (Blue Cross Blue Shield) to operate my business full time.

TC: How did you decide on starting a business in the fashion apparel industry?
PS: I initially started selling hair bundles after hearing the opportunity advertised on the radio. My hair business did okay, but I felt that I needed to add something else. I added hair bows and then children’s clothing. I opened my mobile children’s boutique about 4 years ago. I am the sole owner of my business, but my husband and youngest daughter make a great support team. 
​
TC: What is the shopping experience like at Penelope’s Kids Stop?
PS: I sell clothing and accessories for boys and girls sizes 0-20. I offer a variety of items in addition to clothing, including hair bows, book bags, hats, gloves, and jewelry. I am always adding new inventory for customers to choose from. Customers can order from my website at penelopeskidsstopllc.com or by calling (843)687-5241 to shop in person. You can also find me vending at community events, so stay tuned to my social media pages for these announcements. 

TC: What has been your greatest accomplishment so far?
PS: My greatest accomplishment has been retiring from my full-time job and gaining the opportunity to operate my business full-time. Being a mobile store did take away the fear of sitting in a store, waiting for customers to come in, but it still takes money to reach customers who are interested in buying from you.
​
TC: What is your advice to someone who is genuinely interested in starting a business similar to yours?
PS: I would tell them to prepare my making a list of items that they want to sell, get quotes on everything, and prepare a budget. Do not expect everything to happen overnight. 

​It’s always exciting to share stories of women who are making power moves, whether it be in their corporate careers or as business owners. During a time in which there are many boutique options for adults, Penelope has carved her own lane as a mobile boutique catering to the fashion needs of our little ones. Congratulations to Penelope for taking the steps toward becoming her own boss! Friends, be sure to check out the boutique online or contact Penelope’s Kids Stop to schedule a visit with the mobile boutique. 
Share this Charmed Life Lifestyle Feature among your network, but before your leave, drop a comment to share your thoughts!   

Visit Penelope's Kids Stop online at PenelopesKidsStopLLC.com 
​Follow Penelope's Kids Stop on Facebook

Truly Charmed Life is your fav fashion and lifestyle hub! Read the latest Charmed Life Fashion features! Don't miss a Charmed Life moment! 

​Is there anything more empowering than a queen rocking her crown with pride and confidence? Is there a hairstyle that signifies Queendom more clearly than gloriously coiffed locs? Whether short or long, Sisterlocks or free form, there’s no denying that loc’d styles are versatile and, more importantly, these styles carry cultural significance.  In this second part of the HairStory series, we introduce you to seven loc’d and fierce beauties.  Read on!  

Meet Jessica!
​I am really a quiet-natured person who loves helping and caring for other people. I try to spend as much quality time with my family as possible. Though I have been on my regular 9 to 5 for many years, I still try to make sure my small jewelry business gets attention.

Her HairStory! 
My loc journey began in 2014. I dreaded going to the salon. I had to decide on a natural style that suited me best. Almost 5 years later, I'm still loving my locs.

Nurturing the Look 
From day to day I let my locs grow and fall as they please. I soak them in apple cider vinegar, baking soda, and water at least every two months. For my normal wash I use anything that smells good. I twist with beeswax or Jam and finish it up by spraying my scalp with pepper mint oil. My favorite products are good ole water and hair grease. I maintain my locs on my own. I've never been to a professional for a retwist or style.   

Meet Jessica! 
Hi! I am 40 years old, married, and the mother of three young men. I am also an aspiring makeup artist.  

Her HairStory!
​My loc journey started in 2012. I made the decision to get locs because I was on a self journey. At 33 years old I had yet to learn to love myself inside and out. I was tired of conforming to what society thought I should look like. Starting locs was more of a spiritual journey for me. 

Nurturing the Look
I maintain my locs by using Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo. I then deep condition my hair with cholesterol by Queen Helene. I moisturize by using a  coconut oil or olive oil. 

Shout Out to My Loctician! 
​Sonya Gray
Hairnette's Beauty Salon
Anderson, South Carolina

Meet Keshia!
​My name is Keshia Jenkins and I'm 41 years old. I'm happily married to my husband Jerode of four years and we have 5 children. 

Her HairStory
I was a loose natural, but it required so much time and attention.  My husband and I decided to start our loc journeys together in 2014. I am loving every minute of it. This, by far, has been my best hair decision ever. 

Nurturing the Look 
​My locs are maintained by my loctician, and my all time favorite product is Mane and Tale moisturizer. 

Shout Out to My Loctician! 
​Donna Jenkins (Facebook)

Meet Kim! 
I am a mother, wife, career woman and all out FABULOUS person!

Her HairStory!
My loc journey began February 2018. I was natural for a while but was tired of the weekly rituals that come along with maintaining natural hair. I knew I wanted Locs but not the traditional ones. Someone recommended Sisterlocks and that was it for me.

Nurturing the Look
With Sisterlocks, you get your hair retightened every 6-8 weeks. For daily maintenance, I use water-that's it. If my scalp is itchy, I use a mixture of almond oil, castor oil and tea tree oil.

Shout Out to My Loctician! 
LocsByLainey!!! Follow her on Facebook. She's located in Temple Hills, MD. Follow her on IG @me_myself37_i

Meet Shante'
I am a 45 year old mother of two young men, ages 22 and 16. I am a paramedic who includes plus-size modeling among my self-love activities. I am full of energy and I love to make others smile. 

Her HairStory
I started my current set of locs in Oct of 2013 as this is my second loc journey. I had my 1st set of locs for 7yrs from 2002 - 2009. During those seven years, I went through so many life challenges. So when I graduated paramedic school in 2008, I took them out with the thought process of letting go of all of the negativity and not so happy times that I experienced. Big mistake! As time went on I missed my locs so much. I missed my connection to me, my freedom of expression, my natural imperfect feeling of being beautiful, so I restarted my locs and here I am today.

Nurturing the Look 
I maintain my locs by not overly retwisting them (wash, deep condition and retwist monthly) unless I have a modeling function. For my modeling events, I retouch the edges as needed. My favorite products to use are daily morning and night spray with rose water, nightly alternating applications of Jamaican black castor oil & Wild Growth. I sleep with my locs in a bonnet. I have my low side trimmed biweekly. I am my own loctician. I started both sets of my locs with two strand twists and I retwist them with the palm roll method.

Meet Shariyka!
Shariyka Romero is an influencer who partners with businesses and digital agencies to give their brands a boost and exposure. She has spent nearly a decade as an art consultant working with avant-garde artist Romero. In addition to her extensive social media experience, she holds a BA in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management from East Carolina University.

Her HairStory!
I've had an on and off journey. My father ,avant-garde artist Romero, introduced locs to me in 2001. In 2005, I cut my locs and grew them back in 2008. Locs appealed to me because of the natural look, the beauty, and uniqueness of the style. I can rock my natural hair with confidence while being chemical-free.

Nurturing the Look
​I shampoo and moisturize my locs. Sometimes, I do an ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) rinse to keep my locs and scalp healthy. My favorite products to use on my locs are Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal Oil, Tropical Roots Growth Spray, Castor Oil, Coconut Oil, and Jamaican Mango and Lime Loc Gel.

Meet TishaRaye!
TishaRaye is known for being LOUD and PROUD with her BOOMs on the side every weekend at 102JAMZ in Greensboro, NC. Tisha is a mad cool individual who loves family, loves to laugh and loves LIFE. TishaRaye believes in SUPPORTING whoever needs the support, especially if you are out here in these streets working like crazyyyyy to get what is for YOU! One of Tisha's mottos is...do what you want cause it's your life BUT do it in a positive way and make it worth IT...oh and BOOM!

Her HairStory!
​My loc journey began when I was carrying my only son and when I decided to LIVE my LIFE for me. That was 17yrs ago. I was inspired to be a loc goddess/queen when I was younger and I saw how naturally beautiful other queens and kings were wearing their locs. I admired how they were living freely in an amazing calm, cool way. Also, I have always enjoyed natural, go-with-the-flow hairstyles. The overhead hairdryer is partly to blame lol.  

Nurturing the Look
​I maintain my locs by always wearing my silk scarf or bonnet at night.  I shampoo my hair once or twice a month. I make sure that I keep my oil around. I do not retwist every time I shampoo my locs because I love to massage my scalp and help it breathe. My favorite shampoo to use is OGX , and I only use the shampoo no conditioner. My favorite oil to use is Jamaican Mango & Lime Island Oil.

Aren't they beautifully loc'd + fierce? Thanks to each of the ladies featured in this HairStory segment! ​Are you a loc’d + fierce beauty? Take a moment-tell us a little about your HairStory in comments. Be sure to let our Loc’d+Fierce beauties know if you connected with their hair stories in any way.  

​Did you miss our first HairStory, Cropped + Fierce?  Read it now!