We were lucky to catch up with Carline Smothers recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Carline thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?
My brand, Bèl Fanm® which means (Beautiful Woman) in Kreyól name came about while I was at work on my lunch break. When I think of Bèl Fanm® I see and feel strength, confidence, and beauty.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, after graduating from University of South Florida in 2006 with a BA in Communications. I became a teacher and also worked for the school board. Having my own business was not on my mind at the time. In 2010 while sitting at my desk during lunch break I thought of going shopping to get a nice t-shirt that would express how I was feeling at the moment. However, I couldn’t think of any stores that represented who I was or showcased my culture. My parents were born in the beautiful Country of Haiti. I decided to start my own brand, Bèl Fanm® which means beautiful woman/women in Kreyól. At that time my business name was ZOE BEAUTEE which stood for Haitian Beauty. Bèl Fanm® brand includes clothing, accessories, and beauty products. My brand mixes cultural pride with a level of sophistication, while encouraging all to see their true beauty from within. How will you express your beauty?
I started writing in 2015 after realizing my home library did not have any books that would teach my children about their Haitian culture. I too was learning a lot more than I had known due to social media, and started searching the web to find books. My children’s book series, ZOE BEAUTEE Little Reader’s Collection shares a small insight of the Haitian culture in literature.
ZOE BEAUTEE Little Reader’s Collection is a children’s book series with culturally diverse characters. I strives to teach self love while introducing children to the richness and beauty of the Haitian culture.
Being a first generation Haitian I love everything about our culture, but would get criticized for not speaking Creole fluently. My parents spoke Creole in our home and I would respond in English. I didn’t want my peers to think I was trying to write children’s books the way they are written in Haiti. I wanted to find an innovative way to write books that would convey a message from my Haitian American perspective.
Books written by myself are Fanmi Mwen (My Family) and Mmmmm! Soup Joumou. Written by my daughters N is for Nivea, Nivea’s Blue Guitar, and Kendall Lashae’s New Dance Shoes.
I have gotten an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from people all over the world. People who love the Bèl Fanm® brand as well as the books. I am proud to be making a difference in my community and making people happy. I’m living in my purpose and continuing to feed my passion.
With the support of my husband, everything I do is for my family and three children. I think it’s important to leave a legacy, build wealth, and teach our children to go after everything their heart desires.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Something I have a hard time with is micromanagement. I try to do everything myself, which becomes extremely overwhelming. Now I hire others to help build my brand. I’m not afraid to learn or try new things now. I hire people qualified in their field to help along the way.
How did you build your audience on social media?
My social media is a mixture of business as well as our personal family life experiences. I use to overthink what I should share. I find that people enjoy reading and learning more about who we are as a family owned/ran business. They are more incline to support when we are being ourselves, authentic, and transparent.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.belfanmshop.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belfanm_brand
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/belfanmbrand/?ref=bookmarks
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/ZOEBEAUTEE
- Other: Also, http://zoebeautee.bigcartel.com/ https://m.facebook.com/ZoeBeautee/?ref=bookmarks https://www.instagram.com/z_b_little_readers TikTok @zoebeautee
Image Credits
Photographer @alligcoldphotography
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