About the owner

My Story

My name is Monique, and my journey begins between Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso… and Québec.

I was born in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to parents originally from Burkina Faso. Together, they ran a small corner shop in the neighborhood. But when I was three years old, everything changed — my parents separated. My brother was sent to live in Bobo-Dioulasso with one of my father’s cousins, who had two wives and many children. As for me, I was entrusted to my grandmother in a small village in Burkina Faso called Pilimpikou.

That’s where I grew up. Far from comfort, but surrounded by strong values: resilience, simplicity, connection to the land, traditions… and most of all, women.

At 14, I moved to Montréal to join my father. The culture shock was intense: a new language, a new school, a whole new world. I started working early, while continuing my studies. I quickly realized the traditional academic path wasn’t for me. But I loved learning — in my own way, through experience, observation, and self-teaching. I completed a few years of university.

Over time, I held various roles in administrative support and project coordination. I learned how to structure, plan, and solve problems. But deep down, a dream was taking root — to build something in my own image. A project that was useful, grounded, sincere… and above all, meaningful.

That’s how Pilimpikou was born — named after the village of my childhood. A boutique that celebrates handmade craft, authenticity, ancestral knowledge… and most importantly, women creators.

Why women?
Because they are the ones who carried me.
Because their talent deserves to be seen, recognized, and valued.
Because I want to give them a platform — a space, a voice — and help them turn their creativity and their dreams into a sustainable livelihood through entrepreneurship.

 

Monique Sawadogo

Would you like to discuss business with me? Contact me at info@pilimpikou.ca