Zoe Beautee founder Carline Smothers started out as a dream factory worker, and now she’s a dream execution master. Her brand is one of the most recognizable in the Haitian-American market. When she started out, she saw the demand for cultural significant clothing aimed at both sexes, and dived right in.
The Florida-born, Atlanta-based entrepreneur has been stomping the grounds, putting in work to stretch her brand’s limits. Last year, she held the Zoe Beautee Awards and this year she’s moved on to the next phase of her branding strategy: the book series.
Read on as your girl Kreyolicious questioned her about Zoe Beautee’s growth and what’s next for her.
Kreyolicious: In terms of all you have accomplished in the past year as CEO of Zoe Beautee, which accomplishment makes you proudest?
I would say creating Zoe Beautee Little Reader’s Collection, writing Fanmi Mwen (My Family) a bilingual children’s book—which is the first in my series. When I was younger, reading, writing, and spelling did not come easy to me. I was retained in the first grade, and had to take speech all of my elementary school years. English was a second language for my parents, they spoke Kreyol and I would always respond in English. For that reason, I comprehend Kreyol very well, but never spoke fluently. I’m determined to bring more cultural diversity in children’s books. I would like our youth to be culturally conscious of who they are, which will in turn bring a sense of pride. This book goes hand and hand with my slogan “Expressing Beauty Through Language”.
Kreyolicious: It takes a great deal of drive to be an entrepreneur. What keeps you motivated?
My husband, children, parents, family, and supporters. With each accomplishment I achieve, my children are watching me every step of the way. They encourage me to keep going, even share their ideas with me. [Laughter] I want them to follow their dreams, no matter how much it scares them! I have a lot of people I’ve influenced in so many ways, I can not give up. One day all the hard work, and long hours will pay off.
Kreyolicious: Can’t remember who this quote is from…but it said something to the effect of…if you can’t possibly want to be a successful entrepreneur, without being an avid reader. What are some inspiring books that have helped you in your journey?
Well, due to all my struggles with reading in the past, I rarely read for myself. However, having young children, I read to them often. I have a small book library in our home, to build a love of reading.
Kreyolicious: I saw at least two articles this year about mental health issues including stress, lack of sleep and exhaustion that comes with running a business. How do you stay maintain that healthy balance?
My mind is constantly going, even while I am asleep. It’s a struggle, but to keep my sanity, I balance work and play. Play is anything that does not include working. Whether it be calling my parents, taking my children to the park, or something as simple as laying in my husband’s arms. I also set aside work time, which typically around early morning or late night while our children are at school or asleep. I could get more done that way. At times it could get extremely difficult being a wife, mother, and businesswoman. My family comes first so there are plenty of times I turn down great opportunities simply because I have to be home to take care of them. However nothing in life worth having comes easy. I take it one day at a time.
With fellow entrepreneur Pascale Rowe at an event.
Kreyolicious: You’ve made it clear that your heritage as a Haitian-American led to your founding Zoe Beautee. Do you think it’s brought you closer to the community?
It definitely has. I have met so many amazing people since starting this business. I’ve also learned so many new things about my culture. We are not taught about our culture in schools, so we have to talk to our parents, research, and teach ourselves. That is why I’m really excited about my children’s book series! It will teach young children growing up outside of Haiti about their heritage.
