Most fashion designers can trace their fashion obsession to their high school years—sewing a prom dress for a friend, organizing a school club fashion expo, or modeling at a mall back-to-school modeling show. For Carline Smothers, the CEO of clothing line Zoe Beautée, there was no fascination with clothing whatsoever during high school. When Smothers was attending the University of South Florida in the mid-2000s, being a fashion designer was still far from her plans. Inspired by her Haiti-born parents’ journey in America, the Florida-born college student wanted to become a teacher.

After graduating from USF with a Communications degree, Smothers launched a career in education. While working in the public school system, she noticed that the same insecurities that she had felt growing up about her culture, were manifesting in the kids she was teaching. During her lunch breaks, she ventured out to clothing stores and malls, but couldn’t find clothing that had a cultural perspective. “There was not one thing I could put on to represent who I am, and what I stand for,” she recalls. Smothers began scribbling notes in a journal and sought the feedback of her sister and a cousin. From there, the concept of Zoe Beautée was no longer a cherished idea, but an actual clothing line.

The Zoe Beautée brand mixes cultural pride with a level of sophistication, while also winking at street style.

Kreyolicious: What are some of the things you learned while in school that have helped you in starting and building your brand?

While attending the University of South Florida, I saw and met a diverse group of people. Different nationalities, religions, cultures, and beliefs. I also met other Haitians from all over and I instantly connected with them. I was able to appreciate everyone that I came in contact with while attending college.

Kreyolicious: What does it mean to be a Zoe Beautée?

Zo meaning “bone” in Haitian Creole signifying strength and life. Today, most Haitians refer to themselves as a Zoe. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes [and] since I would be making t-shirts, it was only right to combine the two words…Beautée. “Expressing Beauty Through Language” is the slogan I use to describe my t-shirt line.

Kreyolicious: It takes a lot of energy to be in the fashion industry, and even more to be a fashion entrepreneur. How do your days start and end?

I’m currently a stay-at-home mom, my days start with getting our three young children up, fed, and ready for school. In between feeding our one-year old daughter and naps, I network and advertise via social media. My life revolves around our children. Any ideas I my have for my business, I jot down throughout my day. I have to stay organized in order to keep things running smoothly. While I’m sleeping, I’m thinking about ways to improve and grow my business. I feel like I never sleep…However, I’m so passionate about what I’m doing it drives me and give me energy every day!

Kreyolicious: What would you say to others out there who want to start a clothing line?

If you’re passionate about it, go for it! Don’t let your inexperience or others discourage you from your goal. I was able to start my business in 2011 with nothing. No loans, no business degree and still learning along the way. There may be a few setbacks, but do not let that stop you. Keep pushing forward!

Kreyolicious: Would you say that networking is important?

Networking is extremely important. I have met some amazing individuals through networking! Anyone successful did not reach that point without networking.

Kreyolicious: What keeps you going when things get tough?

My family. My husband has been extremely supportive and my children mean everything to me. My parents, cousins, in-laws and close friends have been rooting for me to succeed…I also think of all the youth and people who struggles with self-love and being comfortable in their own skin. All of my supporters have been absolutely amazing! I can’t and won’t let myself—and those who believe in me—down!

Kreyolicious: From the feedback you’ve gotten from your customers, which pieces are the most popular?

From my Bèl Moun Collection—Beautiful People Collection—such as Bèl Fanm, which means beautiful woman or lady—has had such a positive response…as well as Zoe Proud (Proud to be Haitian). All of my shirts are made to be uplifting, inspiring, and bring up self-confidence.

Kreyolicious: What can we expect from the Zoe Beautée brand in the future?

I have been working on expanding my brand. I’ve added a children’s collection which is the Bèl Timoun collection—Beautiful Children Collection. “I remember when I was a little girl, I was almost ashamed to say I was Haitian. I don’t want my children and other children to feel the same way. We must embrace who we are and love ourselves. My shirts are for all races and cultures that would like to express beauty through language!

[Photo Credit: Fred Louis Photography and Roe Michel ]

CLICK HERE to visit the Zoe Beautée STORE| Zoe Beautée on Facebook | Zoe Beautée on Instagram |

One of the most looked-forward-to events of the New York-based organization Haiti Cultural Exchange is its annual film festival. In its second year, the festival offers Haitiphiles and film lovers a peek at little-seen films. The projects screened are largely Haiti-themed or were produced by visual artists with a Haiti connection.

At this year’s edition, actress and director Martine Jean’s The Silent Treatment was on the cinematic menu, as well as Wòch Nan Soley (Stones in the Sun), a feature by screenwriter-director Patricia Benoit. Rachelle Salnave, whose documentary on Haiti’s elite em>La Belle Vie has been garnering a great deal of buzz since pre-production, offered—The Father of Little Haiti—a short documentary on the life of Viter Juste, a pioneer in the Haitian community in Florida. The Canadian-Haitian community wasn’t left out of the programming. Créer Pour Se Recréer [Create to Recreate] by Marie-Denise Douyon of Canada was also part of the festival’s programming, as were several shorts from Ciné Institute, Haiti’s film school.

Michelle Stephenson, the co-director of the festival, shared some thoughts on this year’s edition.

Q & A

The HCX Haiti Film Fest is in its second year. What were some of the lessons that you learned and some things you noted from the first edition?
The biggest thing we noted from the first edition is that in NYC there is definitely a demand for films about and by Haitians. We had sold-out crowds to our events and screenings. This just motivated us to regroup and continue a tradition. This second round is equally as exciting. Our plans are now to have this event on a bi-annual basis. We hope it becomes an integral fabrics to New York City cultural life. Something people look forward to and plan for.

As someone who has a film background—you are the co-founder of a film production company Rada Film Group—does being a part of a film fest…is that an easy task?
It’s never an easy task. Putting a film festival together is like producing a film. It’s a production. Luckily, I have not had to do much of the heavy lifting. Regine Roumain and her team have been able to produce the festival in such a seamless way that it appears effortless. but that is the beauty of hard work. I have simply had the pleasure of watching films and help in the curation of the festival programming. It was a delight.

What do you think of the current state of the Haitian film industry?
Hmmm… what I do know is that there is a vibrant community of Haitian filmmakers, both in Haiti and abroad, who are eager to tell their stories and share their experiences in such a variety of ways. Support for making these films, is not as easy. That is the missing link. We know there are audiences and the talent exists. The question is really about how do we bridge that connection. We need to think outside of the box when it comes to getting these stories told and made. The internet has somehow made some of this possible.

The film fest also features an Emerging Filmmakers Networking Event, a rare, if not a first in the Haitian community in terms of being an all-around networking and connecting opportunity for industry newbies and veterans.
We believe it is crucial for there to be an exchange between the generation of filmmakers. So lessons learned and opportunities for collaboration and mentoring can happen. It is truly crucial to have mentors in this industry, in order to be able to move ahead and share knowledge. We hope our event can foster those relationships

In terms of the long terms objectives of the festival—what are you and the HCX Haiti Film Festival team planning for fans for next year’s edition?
HCX has actually planned to have the festival on a biannual basis. So the next edition will be in 2015. Having the festival biannually allows for more new film product to be made and for us to choose from.

Stephenson poses with Haiti Cultural Exchange staff members at the Haiti Cultural Exchange Film Festival.

Among the projects being screened are some of the works from Cine Institute, Haiti’s only official film school.
Our Cine Institute pieces are part of the fabric of the festival. We did this during the first film fest in 2011 and I believe we will continue to do this for the upcoming festivals as well. We need to support the school and the students’ work in Haiti, and what better way than to showcase their stories.

What factors went in programming the festival? You co-chaired with David Belle. Was it difficult eliminating it down to 21 films?
Yes, paring down the films is always difficult. Part of our approach was to make sure that Haitian filmmakers were represented from all walks of life and from different parts of the diaspora. In some ways, we want the festival to be a reflection of our own varied Haitian experience and just how our diaspora is spread out, while many of us still maintain such strong ties to our families and friends in Haiti.

One of the selections of the festival is Viter Juste, The Father of Little Haiti directed by Rachelle Salnave. When you first viewed this film, what was your overall impression of this pioneer?
He felt like family even though I had never met him. The stories his son told about him seemed so familiar to the black immigrant experience. At the same time, Viter seemed like such an exceptional man who wanted to not just leave a legacy for those who would come to Miami after him. But it seemed like he wanted to also send a clear message to the majority culture in this country. We are here, we are proud and we are here to stay and be respected. I was blown away by his commitment to community.

What do you think viewers will get from viewing that documentary?
It depends on the audience. Some will connect, like I did—like family. Others, unfamiliar with Haiti and its diaspora will be taught something new, and hopefully will gain a more complicated sense of what Haitian identity means.

[Photo Credit: Stephenson headshot—Ozier Muhammad]