She’s had brunch with Oprah, traveled to Kenya to meet with young girls and been honored by Black Girls Rock!
Not bad for a tech-loving 16-year-old who doesn’t have her driver’s license yet.
“It’s really crazy,” said Penn, with her halo of dark hair and wide, engaging smile. “I will be running errands with my parents and someone will recognize me and say, ‘I saw you on TV or in a magazine’.”
She takes it all in stride.
“I’m adjusting,” said the Canton resident. “I’m just blessed that I can inspire others. I don’t have all the answers yet. I’m still just a teenager and growing and learning every day.”
Penn will sign copies of her new book, “You Got This! Unleash Your Awesomeness, Find Your Path, and Change Your World,” at 5 p.m. Saturday at Barnes & Noble, 2900 Peachtree Rd. N.E.
She hopes the book will inspire other teens and young adults to discover their passions and reach their full potential to lead creative and successful lives.
The book is printed on recycled paper.
“The environment is still a huge part of everything I do,” she said.
Penn is the CEO of Maya’s Ideas, which she formed in 2008 to create eco-friendly clothing and accessories. Her designs are sold in several nations, including Denmark, Italy and Australia. Between 10 percent and 20 percent of the profits are funneled to local and international charities.
At four, her father taught her to take apart a computer and put it back together again. She built her first website herself and has made animated series.
Her work has paid off. Penn said she has made enough money for college and at this point is leaning toward SCAD.
The biggest challenge, she said, is keeping up with the growth of her business, but “the more my business grows, the more I learn and experience.”
She advises others to believe in themselves and what they’re passionate about. “Don’t view your mistakes along the way as a setback, but as an opportunity to learn and grow.”
