We had the good fortune of connecting with Karen Chatelain and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karen, what do you attribute your success to?
I am from Burkina Faso west Africa. As a young child I always wanted to do something that would bring awareness to my country and would allow me to financially support myself in a way where in the future I could give back to the country that I’m from.

The name of my Brand is Burkinabaé, named after Burkina Faso West Africa. Similar to many countries in west Africa the artisans in my country are extremely talented; bringing awareness to their work, through my work has always been a major goal of mine.

I believe that when we attach philanthropy to passion….Whatever we’re doing when we get back in which ever way we can through what we love. That is the beginning of real change.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a designer of accessories. I also started a home collection within the last year. Creatively I love putting colors and texture together. I’ve done different work in the industry with certain celebrities, which has helped my brand grow over time. Along the way I’ve learned that we have to put love and passion in everything.

The journey will not be easy but if we keep working hard and we keep being consistent things will line up the way that we want them to lineup, and sometimes even better and bigger than we could ever imagine. I keep God and Love at the center of all that I do.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We would absolutely have to hit the beach. Santa Monica is beautiful. The boardwalk is super cute with little restaurants in mom and pop shops. Runyon Canyon it’s also a must even if you don’t like hiking you’ll love this hike the views of the city are absolutely incredible. Santee Alley is totally a thing for wholesale clothing and other tidbits.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout is dedicated to James Lumsden, a voice of encouragement, growth, healing and direction throughout my life.

Website: www.burkinabae.com

Instagram: @burkinabae

Image Credits
Ilaira De Plano ; Michael J

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