We were lucky to catch up with Carline Smothers recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Carline , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
In 2010 I was sitting in my office one day during my lunch break I started thinking of places that I could go to in the mall that would represent my Haitian culture. I couldn’t think of any stores. That’s when I started the Bèl Fanm brand. Transitioning from teaching after having my third child and began my author journey in 2015 after realizing I could not find many books my Haitian American children could relate to. I created the Zoe Beautee Little Reader’s Collection, which includes three books written by my daughters. In creating these brands, I found my purpose, I strive to share and celebrate the beauty of the Haitian culture, with relatable stories told through literacy, imagery, and creating stories told by a Haitian author. My motto is, “Expressing Beauty through Language” I am truly doing what makes me happy.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
“Hello my name is Carline Smothers I’m a wife to an amazing supportive husband, Vershumn, mother of three creative children, Trae, Nivea, and Kendall, Author, and the CEO of the BÈL FANM®️ brand, which means beautiful woman/women in Haitian Kreyól. My incredible parents were born in Haiti and migrated to America. Therefore, English was a second language in my household. My parents would speak Kreyól to us and we would respond in English. Listening to Kreyól helped me understand the language, but I didn’t speak Kreyól fluently. Although, my parents knew quite a few words in English, they were also learning to speak it fluently. My bilingual parents also speak French and Spanish. These language barriers made it difficult for me in school. I struggle with reading and writing. I was retained in first grade. I had to attend speech therapy class throughout elementary school. My sister, Velma loved reading books and would encourage me to read with her and to start a book clubs. But my struggles wouldn’t allow me to participate. I would rather play basketball outside with my brothers, Madnick and Massman. I stayed persistent started checking out more books that caught my eye and continued practicing, although I was not the best writer and reader throughout my school years I did not let that stop me from improving myself. My 8th grade year of middle school, I entered a writing competition for the Take Stock in Children College Scholarship, and won. This boosted my confidence, and the insecurities that I felt growing up about my writing. After graduating high school, I attended the University of South Florida in the summer of 2002, there I began a work study job tutoring elementary school students in reading. This brought me so much joy to see the students from where they began to reading fluently and on grade level.
Growing up Haitian was difficult students would tease us because we had accents and our parents spoke a different language. We dressed and ate different foods. There were a lot of negative stereotypes about Haitians. I never understood why we were teased because when I looked at the children who teased us, they looked exactly like us. Dark hair, dark eyes brown skin. My parents always emphasized they did not leave their home country because it wasn’t beautiful or they did not want to live there, but for better opportunities for their future children.
Inspired by my parents’ journey in America. I launched a career in education. I worked for the Polk County school board as a Parent Outreach Facilitator for a few years before I became a kindergarten teacher. The school I was working at had a large Haitian population, I became the go to person in the school to communicate with the parents and students in Kreyól. Which I thought was really funny since I struggled so much with speaking Kreyól fluently, growing up, and now I was a translator. While working in the public school system, I noticed that the same insecurities that I had felt growing up about my culture, were manifesting in the kids I was teaching. I would share how our culture is rich in music, food, the arts.
In 2010 I was sitting in my office one day during my lunch break I started thinking of places that I could go to in the mall that would represent my Haitian culture. I couldn’t think of any stores. That’s when I called my sister, Velma and cousin, Masline to ask their opinion, and started jotting down notes, business names, and phrases in my journal. Bèl Fanm which means beautiful woman what popped in my mind. With over ten years of retail experience the concept of BÈL FANM®️ was no longer a cherished idea, but an actual brand for men and women. The BÈL FANM®️ brand mixes cultural pride with a level of sophistication, while also winking at street style. The Bèl FANM brand has extended to beauty and cosmetics. I aim to inspire all to express their true beauty from within.
Transitioning from teaching after having my third child and began my author journey in 2015 after realizing I could not find many books my Haitian American children could relate to. I created the Zoe Beautee Little Reader’s Collection, which includes three books written by my daughters Nivea, and Kendall. I strive to share and celebrate the beauty of the Haitian culture, with relatable stories told through literacy, imagery, and creating stories told by a Haitian author. My motto is, “Expressing Beauty through Language”
My journey has seen the brand reach global audiences, with notable milestones such as clothing worn by Andre Berto in a high-profile match against Floyd Mayweather and hosting charity events to support Haitian causes.
Recognized with awards for my contributions to Haitian culture, including a publishing deal with Scholastic Books, which was a full circle moment for me. Also, Educa Vision who partnered with Room to Read a nonprofit organization to create The Ansanm Children’s Books Collection with seven group of amazing Haitian women (men), authors, and illustrators. The Fanm Kreyól Storytellers were recently invited on 103.5 The Beat iHeartRadio with Stichiz to share our stories.
My mission to celebrate Haitian heritage through literature and fashion has resonated worldwide.
Through dedication and persistence, I strive to inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles they face.”
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back the qualities, skills, and or knowledge that were the most impactful in my journey is
1. The ability to take chances and believing in myself.
2. Not giving up. Figuring out why something isn’t working out and finding a solution for it.
3. Being organized
In this journey of entrepreneurship, there are highs and there are lows. It’s okay to not know or have it all figured out. Something that has been extremely beneficial for me is surrounding myself with like-minded people, who has my best interest at heart, and is there to help build myself and brand along the way.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me… My parents, Marcel and Hermane Joseph left their beautiful home country of Haiti, everything they knew and loved in order to have a better opportunity for their future children, myself included. They created the life they envisioned for themselves. They tell me all the time how proud they are of me, but I don’t think they know how proud I am of them. My parents are a big part of what made me the woman I am today. I love and appreciate them for all their hard work and dedication.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://zoebeautee.bigcartel.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoe_beautee?igsh=ZHp3c291N3p1dHl3&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ZoeBeautee/?ref=bookmarks
- Linkedin: https://linktr.ee/belfanmbrand?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZsfWiHw0cULCqKwyXIG6B7_-Gh_ceBbYLig7WNL30DUnxi75Ogty1RnkE_aem_ARB4BA7MUr2MbmrBiAn4LmtSifRl1DWzwARcBpDd4C4qPbNZ1RooU5wTu-lOisQMasa3u2a1kbGF3hy1flfB9AAQ
- Youtube: Zoe Beautee
Image Credits
Photo of myself holding the book and group photo with the 6 women were taken by @sophiabarrettstudios
Bèl Fanm Men’s swimsuit shorts image by @sheepishnarco
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
