Biography:

My name is Karen Chatelain, I was born in Burkina Faso West Africa, I was adopted when I was 5 months old, and I moved to the United States with my family when I was eight years old. I started school at UNC Charlotte in fall 2007, I am now a senior at UNCC. My major is Communication- mass media with a minor in Africana studies. Certain trials and tribulations have contributed to the views that I have today, but through it all I have always noted the fact of how blessed I am. Therefore I have always kept in mind that I want to help others. My passion has always been art, drawing, crafting, painting, and sewing, and being fortunate enough to be allotted a college education, I realize that I want to use my passion to help others. I therefore, about a year ago started a clothing line called Burkinabe Couture. The line consists of hand drawn designs that use words and designs to bring forth a positive message. Words are so powerful, why not use them to make a difference and uplift people. I also do graphic design for Organizations and individuals around the area.

Vision and Mission Statement

Mission Statement

Burkinabe Couture uses self-expression to change  lives. Our clothes are catered to you, allowing you to create and become the change we want to see in the world. It’s simple, help yourself, help others, and change the world.

 Vision

There is no  better way to express yourself than through your clothes. My graphic- T line Burkinabe Couture, “Express ta vie, Change des vie” is geared toward changing lives by allowing people to express themselves. My main motivation behind the concept is to give back, I was born in a small town in Burkina Faso, and the land is very arid there, so I plan on working with a company that funds agricultural projects in Burkina Faso, meaning a percentage of the money that is raised from the line will be channeled through this company to help the Burkinabe people, Self Help Africa started working with partners in Burkina Faso in 2008. At this time four small pilot projects are in progress. The four projects aim to benefit 1,342, families, 7,605 individuals in total. One of the reasons that I chose this company is because approximately 88 percent of the money donated goes to funding the projects. Reading through the website one of the headings that stood out to me the most was the fact that the company is offering the Burkinabe people a “hand up, not a hand out.” The best way to make change is to enable people to change their own circumstances. Burkinabe Couture is aimed at aiding that process.