Dear Pennies & Pens,
So almost 10 years ago, something epic happened. 8515 was started. It was in 2010 that I met my business partner and best friend, Miss Cacha Lopez. On that same day, we started a business. And as Cacha famously said, “It should be called The Network”.
At the time, we decided that The Network was going to be a literal network of businesses. As business partners, we’d work together to provide management and public relations for independent artists. Cacha was the Owner of Cacha Management and me, Pen PR. And together, we made up The Network.
We were just two young millennial women with a dream. In the beginning, we had no idea what were doing. We signed some models, a fashion and hair stylist, as well as an accessories designer. We did everything for free so it was easy to get clients.
After we signed our first set of clients, we started coordinating shoots for them to help build their portfolios. Our first shoot was a complete diaster. We knew nothing about lighting, styling, or photography so we showed up to the space we rented with nothing but cameras, clothes, makeup, and models.
We had absolutely no lighting equipment even though we were shooting in all white studio with no windows. Yes, we were that dumb. Then Cacha & I got into a huge fight because we both did things that got on the other’s nerves and it was just a mess. On top of the fact that the photos looked horrible. We had a great concept but terrible execution.
So as the years went on, Cacha & I learned how to style and shoot photos. We just kept practicing and shooting until we finally got it right. Now we finally have a dope portfolio. We’ve worked with a variety of different models, designers, and boutiques like E. Leigh’s, BabaAfrik Outfits, Strut on Bishop, Y-Clad, Durrah Jewelry, and more.
In essence, we’ve grown so much since 2010. We even have a new name. Did you peep how I originally started talking about The Network not 8515?! That’s because in 2015, we rebranded and renamed the agency. Since Cacha came up with our original business name it was only fair that I would come up with the second.
I remember that night like it was yesterday, I was in the tub and I was thinking of this event that Cacha & I were planning. It was an event for multicultural millennials and I was like what name fits that?! Then I somehow 8515 (eighty-five fifteen) came to me.
It combines 1985 + 2015 — two very important years to millennials. Both years are the sweetspot of the millennial generation because they symbolize many births and entrances into adulthood. We’re the generation that half remembers life without the internet and the other doesn’t.
The ones they call spoiled, entitled, and lazy. Just because we don’t show up to work early when we’re not getting paid or want to work at a company for 30 years and retire. We want to start our own shit and retire at 40.
Anyway, that night I texted Cacha the name and she loved it. So that week, Cacha designed our new logo and we redesigned the website. And we’ve been leanin and rockin wit it ever since.
Although now, we’re going to specialize in event planning, styling, photography, and writing. So we’ll still be a multicultural creative agency since we’ll focus on working with multicultural brands — our service offerings will just be different. Still gotta update that website though. There’s always ink to add to the page.
So the question is: will you move to Flavor Street with us? #8515Agency
And there it is. de la Pen…All Pen Everything. With us, keeping it real never goes wrong.
