Meet Momo Penelli, this is her story.

Monique Jones is a self taught, 19 year old, Jamaican designer. She’s currently juggling University and her business venture. I met Momo through a friend, at the end of 2014 actually and she seemed cool, as she was into the same things I liked, and when she started Momo Penelli Designs in 2015, I was intrigued and excited. I loved the Afrocentric theme of her designs and I knew I had to support her.

When I decided to make a Shout Out Saturday post about Momo, I contacted her to tell her and I asked one question, “Why did you decide to start Momo Penelli Designs?”

She explained that the clothes she liked in stores were very expensive, so she started watching D.I.Y. (Do-It-Yourself) videos on YouTube, which led to her purchasing her very own sewing machine. Being self taught, she made clothes to her liking, with an Afrocentric style. Her friends and family were amazed that she was self taught, and at the uniqueness of her designs, thus she started getting requests for pieces.

After much more practice she took her love for African prints and African culture, and turned her new talent into a business. Momo Penelli is different because a lot of people associate African fabrics with long, big dresses and other boring outfits, so she added a modern twist. The colours are fun, vibrant and suitable for wear all year round.

“I’m a lover of colour, and the mixing of different prints and colours to create a whole outfit comes from my love of nature, plants in particular. I get a lot of colour coordination from multicoloured flowers.”

“It has been a year since I started Momo Penelli Designs and I must say, starting was not easy, and I’m still learning as I go, with hope to grow. I give thanks for reggae music, African people and their culture, Mother Nature, my family and friends, valued customers, and Jah Kings and Queens who motivate I. They all inspire Momo Penelli Designs.” -Monique

Another part of my birthday gift was a beach day, I bought a Kimono/Swimsuit cover from Momo Penelli and I love it! Look out for my beach day post!

(Click to see full photo.)

Check Momo out: (International Delivery available.)

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Featured image from Momo Penelli’s facebook page.