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.

Zoe Poze is what his fans on social media know him as. But before he was sending them into loud guffaws, he was known as simply Clarck among friends and family. But yeah, back to the Zoe Poze of the present.

At Twenty-Two years old, he rules as one of the most popular Haitian-American comedians on social media. He was one of the featured comedians at the Haitian Pride Festival in Lauderhill, Florida recently along with colleagues like Plus Daddy, Haitian Husbands, and Success. The week before that, he was a part of comedy tour that brought him to New York and New Jersey. His success isn’t just on social media, thank you very much. And it isn’t necessarily just in the comedy sector either. Movie directors call on him to MC their movie premieres, and cultural organizations bring him in as host to pull in Haitian-American collegiates to their events.

Nothing is built overnight—not even Noah’s Ark. So, how did Zoe Poze become Zoe Poze?

Kreyolicious: Tell us more about how you became Zoe Poze.
I came up with the name Zoe Poze since 2007-2008 when I was in the seventh grade. Before that name, I went through so many different types of names such as…THB 93(True Haitian Boy), Haitian Papi, ZoeLife, Real Zoe, Haitian Sensation etc. But I came up with the name Zoe Poze because when I was in eighth grade it was a renaissance here for me, and [I didn’t] want to fight anymore [and] getting trouble with any of my peers or administrators. Everyone already knew me as Zoe—which to me means Haitian American. So, I told everyone that in the school year I’m going to be poze—chilling—and that’s how I got my name.

Kreyolicious: Were you the quiet type who eventually came into his own, or were you like the class jester?
I was a little bit of both really. Before middle school, I was always the quiet and shy one but when it was my time to shine I was quite verbose! Once I stepped into the middle and high school scene. It was over with, there was no more quiet side of me unless I was mad.

Kreyolicious: Now, if you weren’t a Zoe Poze, who would you be?
I would be someone with a normal life, a more frequent writer, working my into being a police officer in a local city near me. Basically the average person.

Kreyolicious: What do your parents think of you being in comedy?
They totally love it! Believe it or not one of my dad’s hobbies was humor storytelling and creating blagues. They always help me juices up my ideas which contain vital details on Haitian mannerisms and those are very important. They really think this can go far, and I agree.

Kreyolicious: How do you plan out your videos?
I just start shooting when a concept comes to mind. Simple as apple pie. Although, after a while I starting writing down all my ideas because there are some I save and there are those I tackle immediately but this past year I’ve just been jotting down ideas and not shoot as much because I believe I have created content that can be used to create a storyline, a movie.

Kreyolicious: You feature your videos on platforms that sometimes have time constraints. How does that affect your creative process?
Having constraints doesn’t really affect my creativity. Rather, it presents an alternate way to be creative. For example, Vine only allowed six seconds in the beginning, and it helped me get straight to the point and still be able to add my creativity. It adds a whole dynamic, if you will, to short skits.

Kreyolicious: Do you think that the comedians of today have it harder than those…say from last century?
I myself am not entirely a comedian, but since I dabble so much in comedy I might as well have that as one of my titles. Comedy is a hard line of work no matter the century because each century has to comprehend and cater to the lifestyle and trends around them. To answer your question, I think comedians from before our century have it harder because of how easy it is for today’s comedians to showcase themselves through social media and etc. I want to add that I don’t classify my work as a specific genre. Everything I create is art.

Kreyolicious: What would you say to someone who’d like to be a comedian?
Do plenty of writing, be creative and think as if there is no box!

Kreyolicious: What’s next for you? Will you be branching out in other platforms?
Yes. I definitely will! Acting is one of my passion but comedy came into my life as well so I will be heading out to Los Angeles, California for ten days to see what’s in store for me. Hopefull,y I meet someone who is willing to give Haitian comedy a chance on the big screen. Not Just for me—but for everyone with me and after me. My vision isn’t just business. It’s also a legacy.

CLICK HERE to keep up with Zoe Poze on Instagram.

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!

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 ]

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