We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Stephanie Penny. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Stephanie below.

Alright, Stephanie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Some of the most important topics that we need or the next generation needs to know isn’t being taught, at least not in the majority of homes. Not pointing fingers at any one but one reason is because the generation before them just didn’t or doesn’t know. My missions are always centered around what value or education can we provide that needs to be known. We strive to elevate, educate and help others reach their goals.

Stephanie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a wife and mother of five; two boys (ages 15, 12) and two girls (ages 9, 2) that are my biological children and a bonus son (14). I’ve had different career paths, from corrections to health care to cosmology, but building something as my own always stood out as the path I needed to be on. I like being able to be there to support my kids, and now my grandmother.

I am a licensed cosmetologist, with my own salon, licensed insurance agent, registered pharmacy technician, certified credit repair specialist and professionally trained tax professional.

Growing up, finances weren’t a hot topic that was discussed.. We were taught, go to school, get a good paying job or go to college and get a good job. I didn’t learn about credit and how important it was until after I was out of school, had gotten a couple of credit cards on my own and then ultimately not being able to keep up the payments. I was in college so I didn’t always have steady income. After having my first son, I began to realize how important credit was and how impactful it was to our lives. Yet still, it would be another two children later before I would decide that this was something I wanted to educate people on and assist them with.

My Company, LD Consults & Co was named after my first three kid’s initials. All of their first names start with the letter “L” and their last names with a “D”. I wanted something gender neutral in case either wanted to eventually own the Company and also to pay homage to them since it was because of them I knew I needed to start it. I added consults and Co because I knew I wanted to educate and provide more than credit services but complete financial assistance. Besides credit counseling, repair and education services, we also provide professional tax preparation services, notary, life insurance and later will add investments. All of these factors can greatly impact an individual and their families, for generations.

I think what sets my Company apart and what I want others to know is that there is no judgement here. I’ve experienced some tuff financial blows myself; collection accounts, repossession, and being denied credit. We understand that life happens, things don’t go as planned. We’re not here to judge past mistakes, but provide assistance and education to elevate and empower you to reach the financial goals you have or want to have.

I’m proud that all of these topics can be broken down into simple terms for anyone to understand. I’ve started teaching my own children about these topics and banking basics. I have created a teen basic banking ebook and a basic credit ebook as well that is accessible for free for anyone, by being on our email list. This is accessible at www.ldconsultsco.com. These topics are becoming more relevant and common now and that’s a good thing.

LD Consults & Co is here to service you, no matter the need or educational point. We are Everything; Financial!

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

To be completely honest, I didn’t consider the initial capital that would be needed to start this business. Lol, I would not recommend that. Financials always need to be considered and it’s part of a good solid business plan. But I knew this was something important that others needed, something that was important to me and I dove in headfirst. What I did do and continue to do when it comes to capital is do things that will have low overhead costs. For example, my website or appointment booking site, I consider if there is a free trial that I can utilize and after that period is over, what’s the lowest cost plan that I can use that will cover what I need it to do. I have been bootstrapping this business but I am planning on applying for grants and building the business’s credit so if there is something more costly needed, it doesn’t directly impact my personal finances.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Honesty. I definitely think that being honest, being transparent and relatable helps with building clientele. I’m not a person that is going to sacrifice my morels, ethics or do something illegal just to say I made money. I’m not going to treat a person a way that I wouldn’t want to be treated or one of my family members to be treated when I know it wouldn’t benefit them.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ldconsultsco.com
• Instagram: Ldconsults_co
• Facebook: LD Consults & Co
• Linkedin: Stephanie Penny
• Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/ld-consults-gainesville-2

Image Credits
Professional headshots: Trav Mullins