Meet Renika Allen: Founder & CEO of Scribbles N’ the Skye LLC and Canvas Your Thoughts

We had the good fortune of connecting with Renika Allen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Renika, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was simple. I’ve always wanted to have my own. To create a space that I felt would lead to many positive attributes. Things that would create change, generational wealth and provide opportunities for those coming up with me and after me. I’ve had many ideas since I was a little girl. My first was to run my own magazine, then it was to have my own poetry lounge or wine bar. It wasn’t until I had been working nonstop without using PTO or taking sick time for years and missing out on pivotal moments in my daughter’s life due to work, that I realized it was time to follow my plans to start my own business. I knew I wasn’t happy and needed to do things with passion and purpose so I created my own and have been building ever since.

What should our readers know about your business?
Scribbles N’ the Skye is all about giving everyone a creative outlet, especially our youth. I love to see young children create their own masterpieces. That’s what sets us apart. Although we service all ages, we are dedicated to giving children a space to be creative and at peace. I hear so many girls and boys at our events or parties saying how relaxed they feel or how much they like their artwork. Of course we have some who tend to be harder on themselves but I always say, “There are no mistakes in painting, just happy accidents.” You never know what you may end up with. We build confidence! We have Fun! We paint! Especially in this climate that we are living in, peace is essential.

I got to where I am today business-wise because I gave myself realistic goals to achieve. I stayed focused on what I set out to do and I made sure that I pushed through the frustrating moments. It wasn’t easy in the beginning, I was working crazy hours and I was spread thin but I was determined to get my business off the ground. My first year was about learning how to be a business owner. Anyone can create a business but not too many know how to run one. It’s all about trial and error. Finding the right team and putting yourself out there. It was all a gamble but I knew failing was not an option and I would much rather bet on myself than not. I had to realize that everything is a learning experience. I had to put my energy into everything I was building. It’s been four years now and it’s been challenging with sometimes being the only one working at events and still working full time. It requires balance.

We have now launched our Vision board portion of the company “Canvas your Thoughts” which is all about motivating and providing you with essential tools and inspiration to help you obtain your goals. We have provided team building events via zoom for a couple of corporations recently and are looking forward to doing more as we get back to a bit of normalcy after the pandemic. We are happy to be accountability partners for those who need the added push.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So I am really big on being outdoors. I would definitely take my friends on a bike ride around the city with one of the best bike groups in LA. “Ride Wit Us LA” I joined this bike group during the pandemic to get some fresh air and a mental break from the day to day stresses of the world. I’ve met so many amazing people from all walks of life. Business owners, chefs, Therapist and more on these bike rides. Even the President/Owner Kellie Hart has really motivated me with how she stays focused and determined. Rides are on Tuesday’s and Thursdays as well as Saturdays.

I like going to various Hiking trails in LA as well. So driving down the coast to head to Malibu to have brunch after hiking would be much needed or even Pasadena.

We would for sure go to a few of my favorite eateries like Rockin’ Cajun Seafood in Carson, Tin Roof in Manhattan Beach. Javier’s or some of my local spots like – All Flavor, No Grease, Shads New Cali Catering. I’m a foodie so I can name so many places that I love.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a shoutout to my family and friends. My mother who pretty much showed me what it meant to have work ethic and to be dedicated to anything you put your mind to. I watched her wear many hats and I was always in awe in how she seem to balance everything with such a positive attitude. My family has really been my sounding board when I have ideas or when I am feeling discouraged. They always remind me that I am on the right path. They push me for sure. Im big on words of affirmation so to hear “I’m proud you” means so much you. I want to give a shout out to anyone who has sown into my business from the very beginning and continuously supports me and my brand. Anyone who has worked with me on an event, referred someone to me, shared a post, liked my material or simply just sent a positive word. It encourages me more than they know, especially when it comes from other business owners and complete strangers.

Website: www.scribblesntheskye.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/Scribblesntheskye