YAY DUDE TEAM
At Yay Dude, you’ll get to know the people behind the passions in Oklahoma City from our team of entrepreneurs and local leaders. We’ll bring you what’s new, what’s now, and what’s next so you’ll know the best places to celebrate with your people and how to support local. We’re a celebrations community committed to cheering each other on, collaborating, and building community.
Bookmark our site to check back each week for new stories in style, sports, eats, arts, people, and events, and sign up for our FriYay Fan Mail so you’ll get the best events happening in OKC, curated by our team. If you own a business and want more information on joining us, email malena@readyaimgrow.com. If you have a story idea, use the subject line Yay Dude Pitch for consideration.
Get to know these entrepreneurs who are making a difference in Oklahoma City. A huge thank you to all of our fans.
MALENA PUTNAM
Chief Inspiration Officer, Yay Dude, Chicks in Charge Brand Strategist + Storyteller
Malena Lott Putnam is a brand strategist, marketer, communications manager, speaker, and author. A married mother of three, Malena hails from Western Oklahoma, where she learned to live with tornadoes and love football, and received a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Comm at the University of Oklahoma where she was an Alpha Chi Omega and McMahon Scholar. Malena has won numerous writing and advertising awards and was named OKC’s Alpha Chi Omega Panhellenic Woman of the Year in 2022 and named to the Journal Record’s 50 Women Making a Difference in 2022. She is a social butterfly who loves supporting local events and eateries and is the CEO and Chief Storyteller of Yay Dude and Chicks in Charge.
JILL CASTILLA
CEO Citizen’s Bank
Jill Castilla of Edmond, OK is the CEO and president of Citizens Bank Edmond. She joined Citizens in 2009 and helped transform this once struggling institution into the most innovative community bank in the nation. She has became widely known and has received many awards and recognition for her leadership and innovation at Citizens.
Jill’s entrepreneurial spirit spills into community engagement as she is the founder of “Heard on Hurd”, a monthly street festival in Downtown Edmond each year from June through October. Heard on Hurd has impacted the Edmond community by creating an inspiring platform and generating over $30 million in immediate economic impact.
ED WRENN
Eddies, Hott Wings and The Lounge Owner
Ed Wrenn, is the owner and founder of Eddies Bar & Grill, Hott Wings and The Lounge in Edmond, OK. He grew up in New York and was a part of a tight knit family where they would gather at his grandfather’s place on 300 acres. In this large area, it was easy to get lost on the way there. He could never find the property line in the dark except for one thing: a red moose on a barn that meant he was exactly one mile from his Papa’s place. For Ed, that moose meant family and that memories were about to be made. So, when Ed founded his restaurant, Eddies in Edmond, he used the red moose to symbolize a special place with good food, drinks and good times.
Dr. Lisa Urrutia
Connected Life Chiropractic
Dr. Lisa Urrutia obtained her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Parker College of Chiropractic in January of 2000. She opened a practice in Edmond that same year and loved helping the many patients under her care achieve improved health. As a chiropractor, she is committed to providing quality chiropractic care to her patients by creating a custom care plan and walking alongside them on a personal level, helping them realize and achieve the life, health and wellness God intended.
DAVID SOUTHARD
Bourbon St. Cafe Owner
David Southard of Oklahoma City, OK attended Oklahoma State University and is the owner of Bourbon St. Cafe in Oklahoma City.
Bourbon St. Cafe was established in November of 2000, just after the opening of the Bricktown Canal in Oklahoma City. Customers will find the value of Southern hospitality and will also experience the flavor, style, and festive vibe of New Orleans. Including versatility, local live music, craft cocktails, Cajun food, featured local breweries, chill atmosphere, and patio views along the canal.
MARA & MIKE ENGLISH
Waters Edge Winery Moore Owners
Waters Edge Winery Moore is a family-owned winery in the heart of Moore, OK. Waters Edge Winery is the city’s first winery. We source our grapes from the best vineyards located in the finest grape-growing regions: France, Italy, Spain, Australia, South Africa and the United States. Under the guidance of our Head Wine Maker, Conner Meek, we hand craft each and every small batch of our wines locally.
Jennifer Hodgens
OklaHome Real Estate
With over 20 years experience in OKC metro real estate, Jennifer Hodgens & her OklaHome team understand that buying/selling a home isn’t a transaction – It’s a life adventure full of excitement, nerves, stress & fun. To help you through this journey, they’ve assembled a full-service team with tools & preferred partners to assist you at every step. From professional stagers, to financing partners to organizers, packers & movers & even interior designers, they have you covered. Let them guide you through the process. They promise a lot of fun & an adventure along the way!
Cyndy Hoenig
Pure PR Oklahoma City
Cyndy is a veteran publicist who owns Pure PR in Oklahoma City where she handles businesses of all sizes nationwide!
Tracy Reece
Smile Time Photo Booth
Smile Time Photo Booth was started in in 2010 by Tracy & Britt Reece. With 24 years of photography experience this may be the most fun we have had photographing any event type.. We have three children and love having fun in a photo booth!
We loved putting smiles on face everywhere we go! It is important to us that your photo booth be fun and entertaining for all guest. Lots of fun props, glasses, signs & Hats. We create custom graphics for all events and have great background to complement the graphics.
RHIANNON ABLA
Balloon Masters Owner
Rhiannon Abla is the CEO, owner and designer of Balloon Masters of Oklahoma City, OK. She lives in Oklahoma City with her husband and two littles and attended school at Heritage Hall and The University of Oklahoma. She enjoys experimenting with new ideas, craft products and designs.
Balloon Masters was originally established in 1985 by her mother, and after a few years of bouquets and telegrams, they discovered that corporate event decorating was where all the artistic challenge and serious growth was. So, the name changed to something more descriptive of what we aspired to be and, “Balloon Masters” was born.
Balloon Masters specializes in corporate decor and our expertise is developing your theme by transforming an ordinary room into a magical place. Balloon Masters delivers and decorates in Oklahoma City and the surrounding areas. We bring your event to life by filling it with creations that will WOW your guests and make them remember your event for years to come!
JULIE REISING
Life Coach
Julie Reising is a Mindset & Empowerment Coach who utilizes her 20+ years of experience as a licensed therapist turned life coach to help men and women rediscover who they are and what they REALLY want so they can live a life of abundant time, energy and money that’s anchored in their core values. Julie helps eliminate emotional blocks that keep them stuck in uncertainty and inaction, create healthy boundaries, and practice their “no” so they can say hell YES to their most cherished goals and dreams.
SHAY WOOD
Wood Insurance Agency OKC
A modern insurance team to do life with. Life. Home. Auto. Health. Business. Our agency is built on relationships and being with you every step of the way with smiles and solutions. A woman-owned insurance agency located in Bethany, OK and serving Oklahoma with solutions and a smile! A modern insurance team to do life with. Knock on Wood. We’re here to help.
BEN NOCKELS
Commonplace Books Edmond
Commonplace Books is a gathering spot for people who want to lead meaningful, thoughtful lives. Our collection of unique books and small goods are thoughtfully curated by a small, caring staff with great input from our community.
