Arkansas Beacons of Achievement, Beauty, and Excellence (BABE) WOMEN of the Year

The Origin of BABE: From High School to a National Platform

Over 20 years ago, as a student at Little Rock Central High, I got fed up with the same old homecoming courts—the usual popularity contest. I noticed that some of the most brilliant, kind, and humble students were overlooked. That didn’t sit right with me, so, on Valentine’s Day, using my sister’s childhood nickname for me, I started "Bren-Bren’s Babes"—a way to honor those truly deserving. Each year, I handed out certificates, trophies, and long-stemmed roses, giving my peers their flowers—literally. The joy it sparked stuck with me, and to this day, many recipients still remember the moment.

I once dreamed of turning this idea into BABE the Magazine, but self-doubt, the state of journalism, and the reality that printing a magazine is expensive kept me from leaping. Fast-forward 20 years, after producing TV shows in Hollywood, building successful fashion and talent businesses, and helping thousands of entrepreneurs secure millions in funding, I decided it was time to get back to my roots.

By God’s grace, I’m still here, and I’m making the most of it. BABE the Blog is my way of shining a light on the extraordinary men and women across the U.S. who inspire and uplift their communities. Thank you for reading and joining me on this journey—I hope you enjoy getting to know Arkansas’s 2025 BABE Women of the Year!