BÈL FANM:
Bèl Fanm means beautiful woman/women in Kreyól
Slogan:
“Expressing Beauty Through Language”
Products and services:
Retail store for women, men, and children
Mission statement:
“We aim to inspire people to express their true beauty from within. While celebrating cultural diversity.
Meet Carline Smothers a wife, mother of three, and CEO of the brand BÈL FANM®️, which means beautiful woman/women in Kreyól.
Inspired by her Haiti-born parents’ journey in America, the Florida-born college student wanted to become a teacher. Prior to college, Smothers worked in retail even becoming an assistant manager. After graduating from University of South Florida 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 could not find clothing that had a cultural perspective. Smothers began scribbling notes in a journal, and with over ten years retail experience the concept of BÈL FANM®️ was no longer a cherished idea, but an actual brand.
The BÈL FANM®️ brand mixes cultural pride with a level of sophistication, while also winking at street style.
Written by Kat @Kreyolicious
