A Beautiful Me is a 501c3 charitable organization with a passionate group of people who work to empower youth and strengthen communities with confident young women.  Using a workshop curriculum, exclusively created by A Beautiful Me, outcome data characterize a new definition of performance because they are consistent regardless of where the workshops are presented.  Wealthy suburban communities, poor Latin American communities, inner city schools, and small city neighborhood schools will gain healthy decision makers.

History of A Beautiful Me, Inc.

A Beautiful Me’s Founder & Executive Director, Karen Palka, is a mother of one son and two daughters.  Prior to launching A Beautiful Me, she was a sole proprietor and creative director of a graphic design studio, Carousel Creations, for 20 years.

In her early 40’s she began to realize her own self-worth.  As she watched her own daughters and their friends grow, Karen had an overwhelming feeling laid on her heart that her community was in need of a program to build self-esteem.

During the summer of 2008, many friends, business owners, and acquaintances were asked questions and gave input as the direction of A Beautiful Me metamorphosized.

With a deep passion for mentorship and faith-based leadership, Karen has spent years creating programs that inspire girls to see themselves as capable, valued, and beautifully made.

Under her leadership, A Beautiful Me has expanded its reach locally and globally, including mission-based initiatives that serve girls in underserved communities. Karen is known for her relational leadership style, her commitment to community collaboration, and her unwavering belief that when girls are equipped with confidence and hope, entire communities are transformed.

Dedicated to empowering girls to discover their worth, build confidence, and develop resilience, Karen lives out the mission she leads—encouraging others to lead with purpose, gratitude, and faith.

April 24, 2008: Articles of Incorporation were signed for A Beautiful Me, Inc.

January 2009: The first original 4-Part Self-Esteem Workshop Series was launched.

March 2010: The 501c3 tax-exempt status was received.

October 2012: Intellectual property attorneys secured the “A Beautiful Me” name with a registered trademarked.

March 2013 – March 2019: Partnered with Power 88.3 FM (HOPE FM) to host an original annual event called BLOOM, a fun night out exclusively for teens which impacted over 4,000 girls.

November 2013: Launched inspireME Podcast on WGRT 102.3 FM, a weekly 60-second spot aired twice a week to encourage women of all ages.

January 2019: The Closet by A Beautiful Me was opened. The Closet is a social enterprise retail store that trains teen girls in business and philanthropy skills.

June 2019: The first class (Flight I) of FLY 360 provided 10-weeks of business training for teen girls.

May 2020: A Beautiful Me original emerge360 business program launches with one-on-one training with girls in 8th-12th grades.

July 2025: A Beautiful Me Corporate Office moved with The Closet by A Beautiful Me to a combined location in downtown Port Huron.

February 2026: BLOOM with A Beautiful Me returns with a fun night out designed specifically for teen girls to know they matter.