MARYANNE GRISZ
President & CEO, Fashion Group International, Inc
BURKINDY
Founder, BURKINDY
BIO: Burkindy is a multi-talented designer, who hails from Burkina Faso, a country in West Africa, from which he takes his name. The words Burkina Faso can be translated “Land of the upright people”. Similarly, in the tribal dialect of the Mossi people, Burkindy translates to integrity, something Burkindy strives for in all his work. He believes each piece, no matter the medium, should maintain strength of quality and character.
Burkindy draws inspiration from the flaws in a piece of work, and finds a way to incorporate the perceived flaw in one piece into an intention in another. He also finds himself constantly revisiting his roots, and has worked on a variety of pieces reflecting his heritage, most recently including work with tribal masks. There are frequently references to sacred animals and objects. He is heavily influenced by tribal art, believing it to be candid, that there is a reality in the simplicity and perfection in the imperfection.
He also finds himself responding to and attempting to mimic the beauty and forms found in nature, plants, and animals. There is something fascinating to him about the intricacy and the details- details he enjoys translating into the perfect custom piece.
Burkindy now lives and works in Brooklyn, New York, but he maintains a goal to support people in his home country. He continuously work with his parents to educate and enable his countrymen, and hopes to help emerging talent. He also holds a dream to one day open a museum in Burkina Faso, drawing attention to all the traditions that have inspired his own work. In 2023, Burkindy and Jahnkoy opened their store, located in Crown Heights, Brooklyn,New York. It is the fashion and art store, that homes Burkindy’s jewelry designs, artwork, and collectables.
In 2023 Burkindy became a winner of FGI “Rising Star” award in Jewelry Design.
WEBSITE: BURKINDY.COM
ASSOCIATION TO FGI: FGI Rising Star Winner
Q and A with FGI President and CEO, Maryanne Grisz
What city were you born in? Ouagadougou ( Burkina Faso )
What is your star sign? Aquarius
What were you obsessed with when you were a child? Nature and making sculptures out of trees roots
What do you value most in a friendship? Honesty and integrity.
What’s your proudest moment? Receiving the Rising Stars Award.
What’s the best part of your job? Even though I enjoy the process, customer satisfaction is the best part.
What’s your biggest fear? Not quite sure but I would say The socio political atmosphere of today.
What’s the best meal you’ve ever eaten? Bagbenda dish is a traditional meal from Burkina Faso.
What’s next for you in your career? The next step is to grow the business in production, distribution and exposure.
What’s the last thing that made you laugh out loud? My one year old daughter’s facial expressions when she disagrees.
Who or what in your life brings you the most joy? My two kids and when I’m creating art works.
How do you spend your day, or what does an ordinary day look like for you? It starts with a wallet, my kids and then off to work on jewelry or apparel at the shop, attend to clients and another walk with the kids and the day is over.
What approach would you take differently if you had to build a business from scratch today? In my personal case the things I have been doing for the love and the passion have become over time the business. In that aspect I wouldn’t change anything. I do have to admit it is not easy task to build a business without financial backing, so I would seek for a good financial partner.
What is your favorite quote of all time, and why? Do what you enjoy. I do believe one has to enjoy his everyday life! Why not at least do what you love!! It is quite simple, straightforward and obvious, I think.
What books will you recommend that everyone should read once in their lives? Tao Te Ching.
How do you maintain a work-life balance? As I enjoy most of what I do my work life is every intertwined. I’m fortunate to have the ability to move from one medium to another when time comes. Sometimes I paint, at times I do film photography, jewelry, and some sculpting this allows me to escape when needed.
What is the best advice someone ever gave you? Stay true to yourself.
Who inspires you the most and why? The everyday citizen who disputes life challenges and still finds a way to laugh with friends and family. The clouds moving in the sky or the leaves of a tree moving with the wind. It reminds us to move with flow and dance with the rhythm of life. To be part of it and accept it completely.
What’s the next thing you’re going to do in life? Operating an art Center to allow People with talent to grow and sustain themselves.
