Stories

A Beautiful Me, Inc. is the brain child of Karen Palka, a Mom with a son and two daughters, who back in 2008 recognized the need in her Port Huron community for a program that would build self-esteem for young girls and teens.  Karen was a successful business owner, she took her time and utilized her network to develop the concept for the mission of A Beautiful Me.   After consulting with friends and colleagues on the direction of the organization, she determined the ultimate goal of A Beautiful Me was to empower youth and strengthen communities by supporting the development of confident young women who would grow into healthy decision makers.
 
In 2009, the first original 4-Part Self-Esteem Workshop Series was launched. The following year, 501c3 status was received, and in 2012 “A Beautiful Me” was trademarked.   Their growth continued in 2013 when A Beautiful Me hosted the first “Bloom” event. Bloom is a night out for middle and high school girls who want to learn more about their true beauty and self worth.  Through programs filled with music, drama and testimonials, girls are reminded how much they matter.  This event has been held annually through 2019 with over 4,000 girls in the community impacted by the festivity and camaraderie surrounding this powerful event and message.
 
In March 2019, “The Closet by A Beautiful Me” opened as a retail store and venue to train young women in business and philanthropy.  Just a few months later, A Beautiful Me held the first class of FLY 360, a 10-week business training class for teen girls.
 
Karen Palka shares the message of A Beautiful Me through her inspireME podcast which airs twice a week. Through the podcast, Karen discusses a variety of subjects and news topics that affect women and promote self-worth. 
 
True to its name, these messages on the podcast inspire and lead others to explore ways they can make a difference.   There are a variety of ways to get involved and support the mission of A Beautiful Me.   In addition to financially supporting their endowment, they are seeking volunteers for their events and workshops.  Karen says they would also benefit from adding new members to their fundraising committees or by supporting one of the community reward programs found on their website.  
 
This summer, A Beautiful Me held its third annual “The Runaway Bride” 5K Run and 2 mile walk and are anticipating another opportunity for “fun” at the signature “FUNdraiser and Avant Garde Hair Show” in Chesterfield on Sunday, November 7th. Please join them!
 
To learn more about the meaningful work of this organization, take a look at their SHARE Detroit page.