Hello tribe!
I'm uber excited about my first ever "Artist Spotlight!" A few weeks back, a designer whose business is Chen Burkett NY contacted me via Instagram to see if my mamma bear and I were interested in modeling her custom skirts.
I remember looking through her Instagram upon receiving this inquiry and being blown away by her designs. The gorgeous African fabrics were absolutely stunning! I was astonished by the beauty of these custom skirts. The quality looked superb. Her breathtaking models showcased her pieces beautifully!
Once I told my mother, she was equally thrilled! She loves all things African inspired, especially fashion! (As my mother is the "Shop til you Drop" kind of gal.) We accepted this offer, as we were so grateful that we even had the opportunity to wear these hand-crafted, exquisite, pieces of art! Chen's turnaround time with getting the skirts sent to us was beyond amazing, and it didn't hurt that she was so pleasant to communicate with. She is truly a business professional.
I'm uber excited about my first ever "Artist Spotlight!" A few weeks back, a designer whose business is Chen Burkett NY contacted me via Instagram to see if my mamma bear and I were interested in modeling her custom skirts.
I remember looking through her Instagram upon receiving this inquiry and being blown away by her designs. The gorgeous African fabrics were absolutely stunning! I was astonished by the beauty of these custom skirts. The quality looked superb. Her breathtaking models showcased her pieces beautifully!
Once I told my mother, she was equally thrilled! She loves all things African inspired, especially fashion! (As my mother is the "Shop til you Drop" kind of gal.) We accepted this offer, as we were so grateful that we even had the opportunity to wear these hand-crafted, exquisite, pieces of art! Chen's turnaround time with getting the skirts sent to us was beyond amazing, and it didn't hurt that she was so pleasant to communicate with. She is truly a business professional.
I was literally on the edge of my seat the day the skirts arrived! The anticipation was well worth the wait...the skirts were PERFECT!! Mine was filled with vibrant colors and geometric patterns. I LOVED it and that's an understatement!!! The pop of orange in the skirt GAVE ME LIFE!!! I know that a custom skirt is custom made to fit you, but the fit was perfect. It flowed! I immediately put my hands in the wonderful pockets. (Insert extra large smiley face here because I love pockets). My mother's skirt was rich in the color selection, the pattern was mesmerizing, and it was as if Chen knew us personally and what we liked. We fell in love with our skirts! My mother's was a perfect fit too.
This exchange allowed for an opportunity to get my sister photographer to shoot my mother and I showcasing her skirts. How often is it that you get to spend quality time with your mother during a photo-shoot? The shoot was filled with good vibes, memorable times, and loads of love! I was so happy with how the photos turned out!
This exchange allowed for an opportunity to get my sister photographer to shoot my mother and I showcasing her skirts. How often is it that you get to spend quality time with your mother during a photo-shoot? The shoot was filled with good vibes, memorable times, and loads of love! I was so happy with how the photos turned out!
I corresponded with Chen and asked her a few questions regarding her life and business to see if she was willing to provide us with a little insight into Chen's world. To this, she happily agreed! Below I am sharing with you what she shared with me. I asked her to tell us about her life, career, hurdles she had to jump, and that is what she provided...an unedited, raw edition of how she got to where she is now...the owner of a successful business.
INTERVIEW
Trinity: Out of all of the occupations in the world, why did you choose fashion and design?
Chen: Well, I've always loved fashion, shopping, sewing, and sewing my own clothing during my high school years. I learned to sew growing up in Antigua. My mom sent me to sewing classes. The local seamstress would also let me sit down and watch her cut the fabric. I was so intrigued by it all! I was very tall and skinny and my clothes never fit me very well. So, I started sewing my own trousers. However, I never actually wanted to be a designer.
Trinity: What motivated you to launch CHEN BURKETT NY?
Chen: My dad passed a few years ago and in 2010, my son, Andrew, was diagnosed with autism. I was working for Verizon corporate at the time and I lost my job. We had SO many appointments, therapy sessions, I couldn't keep up! So I ended up getting fired for poor time and attendance.
(To this Chen puts a sad face in our written correspondence.)
Chen: I was completely shattered...we had to downsize our home, we lost our car, the list goes on.
Trinity: I think that pain is one of the biggest motivators. My parents have always told me that sometimes we don't have understanding at the time, but doors are often closed so that others can open, and I feel like that is exactly what happened with your job in order for you to launch your incredible business.
Chen: So, in 2013, I decided to make myself a skirt and all my friends on Facebook said it was great and that I should start selling them! One friend even asked to buy it, I was shocked! I listed my first item on Etsy and well...here I am. I'm not sure if any of this is good enough for your blog...It's nothing fancy, just my life. Most of it was filled with pain and sometimes depression with all that we were and still are dealing with. I don't have any formal training to really speak about, and other than my stylish grandma no other introduction into fashion.
(By this time, I was in tears as some of you may be, at this moment.)
Chen: Thank you so much! You have such an old soul *heart emoji* (We say that in Antigua and it is definitely a compliment!) Yes, I agree with your parents, my parents always told me that too. So, I never questioned God's plan for my life, or his plan for Andrew. I know that he is still working things out. I love what I do now and it's an amazing way to teach my three children about hard work. I even recently went back to school to pursue my masters in taxation. I aspire to be an attorney like my dad and uncles.
Trinity: Thank you, I get the 'ol soul compliment ALOT! I too know the impact of a parent losing a job. My father also worked at Verizon awhile back, the company downsized and he too lost his job. So many similarities in our stories. My mom used to want to be an attorney, but started a family instead. Her interest has now gone because of the time requirements it takes away from the family, so instead, she pours everything she has into her family. You said you were tall and skinny when you were young, well...me too! I used to try to reduce my size because I felt so uncomfortable being so tall at such a young age. My parents have since convinced me that I must always stand tall and embrace these physical attributes. I can now say with true conviction that I am proud to stand tall now!
Chen: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
INTERVIEW
Trinity: Out of all of the occupations in the world, why did you choose fashion and design?
Chen: Well, I've always loved fashion, shopping, sewing, and sewing my own clothing during my high school years. I learned to sew growing up in Antigua. My mom sent me to sewing classes. The local seamstress would also let me sit down and watch her cut the fabric. I was so intrigued by it all! I was very tall and skinny and my clothes never fit me very well. So, I started sewing my own trousers. However, I never actually wanted to be a designer.
Trinity: What motivated you to launch CHEN BURKETT NY?
Chen: My dad passed a few years ago and in 2010, my son, Andrew, was diagnosed with autism. I was working for Verizon corporate at the time and I lost my job. We had SO many appointments, therapy sessions, I couldn't keep up! So I ended up getting fired for poor time and attendance.
(To this Chen puts a sad face in our written correspondence.)
Chen: I was completely shattered...we had to downsize our home, we lost our car, the list goes on.
Trinity: I think that pain is one of the biggest motivators. My parents have always told me that sometimes we don't have understanding at the time, but doors are often closed so that others can open, and I feel like that is exactly what happened with your job in order for you to launch your incredible business.
Chen: So, in 2013, I decided to make myself a skirt and all my friends on Facebook said it was great and that I should start selling them! One friend even asked to buy it, I was shocked! I listed my first item on Etsy and well...here I am. I'm not sure if any of this is good enough for your blog...It's nothing fancy, just my life. Most of it was filled with pain and sometimes depression with all that we were and still are dealing with. I don't have any formal training to really speak about, and other than my stylish grandma no other introduction into fashion.
(By this time, I was in tears as some of you may be, at this moment.)
Chen: Thank you so much! You have such an old soul *heart emoji* (We say that in Antigua and it is definitely a compliment!) Yes, I agree with your parents, my parents always told me that too. So, I never questioned God's plan for my life, or his plan for Andrew. I know that he is still working things out. I love what I do now and it's an amazing way to teach my three children about hard work. I even recently went back to school to pursue my masters in taxation. I aspire to be an attorney like my dad and uncles.
Trinity: Thank you, I get the 'ol soul compliment ALOT! I too know the impact of a parent losing a job. My father also worked at Verizon awhile back, the company downsized and he too lost his job. So many similarities in our stories. My mom used to want to be an attorney, but started a family instead. Her interest has now gone because of the time requirements it takes away from the family, so instead, she pours everything she has into her family. You said you were tall and skinny when you were young, well...me too! I used to try to reduce my size because I felt so uncomfortable being so tall at such a young age. My parents have since convinced me that I must always stand tall and embrace these physical attributes. I can now say with true conviction that I am proud to stand tall now!
Chen: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
A special message to Chen:
From the moment that you reached out, to your willingness to participate in this interview, you have positively impacted me in a way that you might not ever fully know. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for taking time away from your family and busy schedule to accommodate this interview. You being so open and transparent is truly appreciated. We all have stories, and I would almost guarantee that your story will motivate someone, encourage someone, uplift someone and give someone the push that they need to get started in pursuing their dreams. All of the magic takes place outside of the comfort zone. You are a breath of fresh air...truly humble, sweet as pie, a girl boss, and a brave woman that I hope experiences the success that you aspire to have. I wish nothing but blessings on top of blessings on top of blessings for you and your beautiful family. Thank you for positively impacting me and blessing me with a gift that you've been blessed with. The world needs more acts of kindness. I will cherish this experience and pay it forward.