5 years ago on August 29, the devastation of Hurricane Katrina changed lives…
I was @ a meeting yesterday, when someone there revealed she was a “Hurricane Katrina” Survivor, and relocated here to ATL.
I wanted to take the time talk with her about how she feels 5 years after the devastation of “HURRICANE KATRINA”.
Meet Keren Charles…
Keren says:
“In New Orleans, a hurricane warning usually meant getting a few days off from work. So my family & I only packed enough to get us through because we knew we would be right back. We had been through this same thing every year during hurricane season.”
Little did Keren know, this time would be different.
Keren was an Assistant Director of Campus Activities at Xavier University of New Orleans at the time of the Hurricane. They had just welcomed their incoming class of freshman that weekend, and now were being told they had to evacuate.
So thinking this would be a temporary situation, Keren and her family got in their cars to drive to Atlanta to evacuate from their homes. Then watched on television their hometown being destroyed.
“It was emotional to have to watch all of this unfold. We couldn’t believe this was happening. Imagine losing everything you’ve worked so hard for, your childhood friends and just your way of life. “
Keren said after the flooding, some of her family members did decide to move back, but for her, the uncertainty of the city rebuilding, unsure if she would be re-hired by her employer, and the emotional impact that Katrina had on her, she decided to stay and make Atlanta her home.
“Hurricane Katrina caused a number of setbacks for my family & me, but I found the courage to continue living to overcome this difficult situation. “
Unsure of her future here in a new city, having to rely on Government assistance, finding temp work when she could, which eventually led to a permanent job as a Corporate Trainer, she felt such a strong need to develop a more entrepreneurial role.
She said:
“I no longer wanted to rely on solely working for someone else..building their dream.”
Fashion Envy LLC, her dress rental studio and personal styling service became a reality. Keren says her passion is helping women reach their personal style goals on any budget. I want my clients to feel confident about their image and personal style.
I asked Keren, it’s been 5 years since that day, what does she feel now?
“Five years later…my faith in God and the drive and ambition to make the best of a traumatic experience… I am proud to call Atlanta my home away from home. I’ve been to New Orleans several times since Katrina. The city is rebuilding but it has a long way to go. At times I feel like I’ve turned my back on my city because I did not return, but I will never question the direction that my life has gone. I’m a firm believer that things happen for a reason. Our steps are already planned out.”
Keren is such a great spirit, and a beautiful lady, and you never know what someone’s been through to bring them where they are. It was my pleasure learning her story.
Make sure you hit up Keren for great fashion styling and wardrobe. Her store was ironically featured in our HOT SPOTS (before I met her)
fashionENVY dress studio
Designer Dress Rentals & Sales
(678) 860- 4253
www.fashiontoenvy.com
twitter: @fashionenvy
facebook: fashionENVY
twitter:@fashion_swap
facebook: swapnista
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Its unfortunate what happened to New Orleans but looking at the glass half full We now have Keren Charles, I love this chick
Very nice read! Keren, we are glad that you made the decision to stay in Atlanta. Without you, there would be no us! Our circle is tight, and I’m complete!
Wow what a story! I am so happy to see You and your family standing strong…