Meet Carline Smothers

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carline Smothers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carline, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Creating a brand that is meaningful and fulfilling for me. I was literally on lunch break at my desk, and the thought came to me. When I go shopping are there any brands that reflect my culture? I did a quick search on my laptop and did not find hardly any companies that did. I knew in my heart that this was my purpose. I continued my research once I got home. I jotted down ideas as they came to mind. Business name is ZOE BEAUTEE and I planned to create a clothing line with the phrase Bèl Fanm (which means beautiful woman in Kreyól) I remember sitting at the dentist office drawing an taking notes, waiting for my husband to have his wisdom teeth pulled. I started the business in November 2012. Then, found out I was pregnant with our third child in December. I was worried it would slow me down, but it only fueled the fire.

What should our readers know about your business?
3. I think my brand is unique in that it connects people in a meaningful and uplifting way, while celebrate the beauty an richness of my Haitian culture. The clothing line includes t-shirts, athletic wear, swimsuits, and accessories. I’ve hosted a few fashion shows which included various Haitian designers. I have also written two children’s books which introduces basic Kreyòl and shares my experiences growing up in a Haitian household in America. The process has not been easy, but definitely fulfilling. A few challenges I have encountered along my journey is trying to please everyone. When owning a small business at times I find myself overwhelmed not only by ideas I come up with, but suggestions and ideas from others. I have to stop and take a step back remembering why I started in the first place.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I absolutely love living in Atlanta. We have been here five years now after moving from FL. Although, I tend to be a home body, my family enjoy being outdoors. There’s so much to see an do in GA. Here’s a few places we like to visit with the kids, Riverside EpiCenter, Centennial Park, Six Flags,and Sweetwater Creek. My favorite place to eat is C’est Si Bon Pastry & Restaurant.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family has been on this entrepreneur journey with me. Husband has supported emotionally, physically, and financially. Our children has become young entrepreneurs. Our 12 year son has a YouTube channel called Itz Hxmble, 10 year old daughter published her first book at 6 “N is for Nivea”. Our 7 year old daughter also has a YouTube channel “Talks with Kendall Lashae” a t-shirt line, and we’re working on publishing her first book entitled, “Kendall Lashae’s New Dance Shoes”.

Website: http://www.zoebeautee.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoe_beautee/
Linkedin: Carline Smothers
Twitter: Zoe Beautee
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ZoeBeautee/
Youtube: Zoe Beautee
Other: Gmail: zoebeautee@gmail.com Son’s YouTube: Itz Hxmble Daughter’s Instagram: @n_is_for_nivea Daughter’s YouTube: Talks with Kendall Lashae Instagram: @talks_with_kendall_lashae Books can be found on website and Amazon

Image Credits
Image Credit: Swimsuits Line images @zoe_beautee Image with my daughter’s and book @creativesoulphoto, Image of myself on stage with designers and models @yelnatsphotography, Illustration in books @fuujitakashi and @thiswhimsyme , Model/Artist wearing Bèl Fanm Fashion Tee @mickaelmarabou