Meet Zaevan Cherilus | Co-Founder

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

Hi Zaevan, every day, we know how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
So the team and I wanted to make something that we felt represented all Caribbean nations. Being from a Haitian background we felt at the time that there wasn’t a lot of representation of Haitian culture in the ATL area. We made the name “Karayib” which means Caribbean in Haitian Creole to be a way of giving the spotlight to not only Haitians but to all Caribbean countries as a whole who don’t get talked about as much.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
So outside of Karayib I am diesel mechanic and I am a music artist. I got into my field is because I love working with my hands. I put the same effort into my music and my business because I’ve been raised with a strong work ethic and the desire to always push myself.
Nothing great in life comes easy. It all has its own pitfalls and obstacles to go through. But It all comes down to how you push through it that makes it easy later on.
I overcome challenges by knowing the result is greater down the line. There are people who genuinely love Karayib and love what it represents so I always go the extra mile for them.
I’ve learned that flowers still bloom at night and deserve a chance to get its shine. Bring light to the beauty that never gets the chance to be seen
I want the world to know that despite the challenges, rejections, and all the heartache that we been through starting this company. That If it’s something you love to do with your heart and soul. Never give up on it. It’s ok to make mistakes but it’s what you learn from those mistakes that better you towards success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would probably take them to the belt line by Ponce City Market. There is a bunch of shops, bars, and restaurants to eat at with a walk down the city to where you see beautiful views of the city.
Knowing that I’m Caribbean, a fun place I would take them is Rum Punch Brunch. I think that is a great place to have a fun time and vibe(for the adults).
I just love new experiences and how there is always something to do in Atlanta. I think the Atlanta Botanical Garden is a beatiful place to see the nature and beautiful flowers.
I love to go to the High Museum and Fernbank center to really see the art and gaining knowledge.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We want to shoutout Maad Colors and Grand Anse for giving us the opportunity to further Karayib into something special. They have helped us every single step of the way with such things like advice and giving our brand a place to showcase ourselves. We also want to thank our special friend Katara Phelps for providing us the services to make our events possible. We wouldn’t have been able to do it without her.

Website: https://wearekarayib.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karayibatl/profilecard/?igsh=MWIzYTFiZDZicXg3eA==

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@karayibatl?si=vsGG4oiOV8dsWURO