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.

Well, well, well. What do we have here sitting on the lap of entrepreneur Carline Smothers, the CEO of Zoe Beautee. It’s none other than a doll…Carline…And not just any doll. It’s a Haitian doll…a Haitian-American doll! Look for it soon! In the meantime, see how it came about…

Kreyolicious: Growing up…were you obsessed with dolls?
I loved dolls! I remember my cousin getting the Kenya doll. We shared the doll, sometime she was at her house and other days the doll was at my house.

Kreyolicious: Some adults collect dolls. Do you?
I do not collect dolls. However, it wasn’t until having daughters of my own, I did not realize the importance of having dolls who has the same features as myself.

Kreyolicious: So now, you’re launching a doll of your own. What led to this?
My oldest daughter Nivea. When she was five years old, she told me she did not want a poster I was going to purchase. She said the girl in the drawing was ugly. However, the little girl in the drawing looked exactly like her. When prompted to create herself on video games, she never selected characters who looks like her, or the same features. I would ask her why she did not make herself brown and she replied, “Because the brown girl is ugly.” After creating Carline, she has not stopped talking about how beautiful she is, and how she looks so much like her.

Above: Another extension of the Zoe Beautee brand, Fanmi Mwen/My Family, a bilingual children’s books aimed at Haitian-American kids, created by Carline Smothers.

Kreyolicious: Once I read about this thing called the doll test. It was conducted in the 1940s by a sociologist. He gathered girls of color who were like seven, eight years old or something, and gave them the choice of a black and white doll. And they chose the white doll each time. This test was repeated again in other later decades…with the same results.
Sadly, my reaction would have been the same at that age. It has taken me Thirty-two years to notice the issue. I mean, everywhere you look, from the television to books the main characters all look the same. Our voices are typically represented as animal characters in movies and shows. We’re in the background on every cartoon show on television with the exception of maybe one. I asked my children who their favorite black character was, and they were unable to name one!

Kreyolicious: How does this Haitian doll fit into your overall vision for the Zoe Beautee brand?
She celebrates and teaches Haitian culture. I’ve always been proud of being Haitian. However, when I was younger, I was often teased for it. When other African-American children made fun of me, I wish I knew as much as I do now. I would have said, “Haitians were the first black people to free themselves of slavery! We paved the way for our fellow black brothers and sisters!”

Kreyolicious: What should we expect from you next?
I would love to add a few more books to the Zoe Beautee Little Reader’s Collection. Continue selling dolls and books celebrating culture diversity. I haven’t forgotten about my adult supporters, [so I will] possibly have new looks for my clothing line. I have something for the whole family to enjoy! I look forward to learning more about my culture while inspiring others to follow their dreams!

CLICK HERE to keep up with Carline Smothers, the founder of the Zoe Beautee and the creator of Carline, the Haitian doll!| ZOE BEAUTEE ON INSTAGRAM

CLICK HERE to read previous articles about Zoe Beautee-in-charge Carline Smothers!