Penelope Bent-Lippincott

FINESSE Creative Productions and FUSE Bay AREA Fashion Magazine was never a plan. It was a journey, a lifetime of vision, of passion and of persistence. Finesse is the perfect example of the entrepreneurial spirit at its best."

1972 Dorothea's of California

Penelope Bent-Lippincott broke into the world of business in 1972, at the age of twenty-two, with the purchase of a family owned gift shop in Folsom, California, Dorothea's of California. The experience was huge when I look back over my life. That little store taught me more about myself then any college degree could have. It challenged my self-discipline. If I wanted to eat, I'd better keep regular hours, be on time, and show up even when I was sick. I learned about determination, I was determined to make my own way. It also taught me about vision and the art of creating. That little store had much more potential and after two years of expansion, remodeling and a slightly new direction, an all year around Christmas shop was created, Dorothea's Christmas.

1974 The Sutter Street Merchants "Christmas Faire"

I'll never forget laying awake the night before the event worried no one would show. It was my first attempt at producing. I had been flying by the seat of my pants, making decisions with pure gut instinct and intuition. The whole town was relying on the event. That morning I arrived to greet twenty thousand parents and children waiting to see Santa arrive by stagecoach."

1975 Clymer Studios

In 1975 Penelope sold the Christmas store, which by the way is still a thriving business, opened up a portrait studio in the rear of the Christmas store, Clymer Studios. "It was a great concept, the rent was cheap, the store had great foot traffic, "I had no reputation as a professional photographer it was a wonderful way to introduce my product. On the day of opening, I booked my first photo shoot and the rest is history." At the time Boudoir Photography was becoming a trend and Penelope jumped on board as one of the few female photographers in the area.

1980 Clymer Studios to Macy Plaza

By 1980 Clymer Studios had expanded to an upscale retail area and was a prominent name with the carriage trade. Boudoir photography was a great introduction to the Fashion photography business. "It was a great wave and a hell of a ride. I went from driving a VW Bug to my own custom made limousine."

1983 Clymer's Modeling & Talent Agency

After eight years working as a professional photographer and discovering not all professional models had a strong grasp of the job. Penelope opened up Clymer's Modeling and Talent Agency. "My goal was to develop a program that taught the true job of a professional talent and at the same time encourage women to have more then one revenue stream.

1984 Clymer's Limousine Service

1986 Bob Hope's Photographer

"Having the opportunity to work with Bob Hope was one of the greatest highlights of my photographic career. It was and experience of a lifetime. Thanks for the memories."

1987 International Front Cover

"My first front cover was a really launching pad for my fashion photographic work."

1989 A Woman a-Faire

There was such a need for women to be heard and seen not only in the fashion industry but also in the world of business. It was such a great success.

1994 Sold the Clymer companies and expanded to the Bay Area

1996 Finesse Creative established in the Bay Area

1996-2001 Penelope's on the Avenue 1800 sq ft. fashion boutique in San Anselmo, CA

1996-present Finesse Creative Productions Advertising & Marketing Division

2001-present Expanded to Sausalito, CA.

2006-present Fuse Bay Area Fashion Inc, Lafayette. CA

*A full service advertising and marketing company, specializing in marketing and special events for fashion retail stores, designers and manufactures.

*Bay Area fashion magazine.

 *Talent development division.

*Health & Wellness division