Entrepreneur, Creative Director, Founder Non-Profit, Survivor, New York City, USA

She is courageous, she is the daughter of Haitian immigrants, she is a single mother, she is a business owner, she is a survivor, she is giving back to the community, she is a singer, has an entrepreneurial streak, loves her kids and learns from them every day, a proud business owner fearlessly looking forward and getting recognition even during pandemic. She is spiritual, compassionate and her non-profit focuses on serving those in need. I had the privilege of meeting Ms. Carline Beaubrun and her daughter, spending a sunny morning together in Manhattan and learning about her many merits. Happy to be able to shine light on such a beautiful soul.

1. Name

Carline Beaubrun.

2. Where is your hometown?

Valley Stream, New York.

3. What is your profession/career/title/self-label/designation? What does your average day look like?

Creative Director: Events By Carline

We are an event design studio based in Garden City, New York with over 18 years of experience creating memorable, one of a kind events. We design, plan and produce any event your creative mind can think of. Our passion has taken us around the world for events.

Founder and a Host of Event Pros Let's Talk! A Platform of Net Learning - Giving a Voice to Event Pros Everywhere! There’s so much to learn about event planning and design. I’ve experienced everything under the sun in my 18 year career and want to share that knowledge with others. This digital media company provides the platform for me to do this. I interview industry stalwarts who share their own experiences and I also share my experiences on this easy-to-use platform.

Founder & Executive Director of Pajamas & A Purpose Inc., a nonprofit Organization that helps bring birthday parties to the homeless kids (We are doing something amazing for our community!) Pajamas and A Purpose brings women and young girls together nationwide in a strong support network. Any money we raise goes towards projects and initiatives that empower women and young girls.

My average day is always an adventure. No two days are ever alike because I wear so many hats; there’s always something exciting to do and to look forward to...always new challenges to conquer, new people to meet and new things to learn. Whether good, bad or indifferent, I love getting up in the morning knowing I’m about to have an adventure today! Some days I'm a football, gymnastics, homework-checking, class mom of two wonderful boys and an amazing daughter who makes me proud every day. We’re often running to practices, games or competitions, working on projects together, BBQing, traveling and having family time. Other days I’m on a flight or on the road heading to major cities handling contract negotiations, meeting with clients, traveling all over the world designing events, collaborating with lighting techs, caterers and floral farmers. Production day is where the magic happens. I’m having an adventure with hot glue guns, spray paint and floral foam, while directing a team of 25 or more as we produce amazing event experiences.

Community work is also extremely important to me. I pour my heart into my non-profit organization, Pajamas and A Purpose, because it helps women and children going through difficult life changes nationwide. We’ve built a community of supportive women who bond during (and after) our annual pajama parties. Proceeds from these events are used to support programs that encourage and promote self development academically, financially and spiritually. I consider myself blessed beyond measure to do work that I absolutely LOVE to do and be able to work with remarkable people who support and inspire me. I live in anticipation of my next adventure, and look forward to sharing my experiences and knowledge with the world.

4. What did you study in school?

My education didn’t begin in a traditional classroom. In fact, my foray into the world of event planning actually began when I was five years old. I had a knack for decorating, organizing and entertaining. Friends and family would always call on me first to help them put together fantastic events. They provided the training ground for me to become the event planner I am today.

I also gained a lot of practical experience in entrepreneurship growing up in a family of entrepreneurs. My mother’s business was my first learning ground and a real thrust into the world of entrepreneurship; she truly helped nurture my entrepreneurial spirit. I started working for her from as young as 13 years old.

5. What was the journey like to get where you are (in life and career-wise)? Write about some of the achievements that you are most proud of. What was the breakthrough moment for you (in your personal life and/or career?) that set you on the current path in life?

I decided to turn my passion into profit in 2008 amidst a tumultuous divorce. My client list had grown exponentially over the past 6 years and I believed it was time for me to pursue my true calling. It was a great risk because I was starting with $0 in my account and I had three children to take care of on my own. But, I did it anyway. Things were going well until the market crashed a few months later and I lost everything. It felt like every time I made a move, life would throw a wrench at my glass house and shatter it and I would have to start over.

My breakthrough moment was realizing that my tenacity to succeed gave me the strength to rebuild. I was only able to realize this tenacity after handing everything over to God after reaching my breaking point. Leaving everything at his threshing floor helped me understand that I will succeed regardless of the decisions I make.

I learned from every mistake or lesson that came with my shattered glass houses, and changed the dynamics of the design of my life. I had to let go of those who were not adding to the stability of my foundation. I had to choose success. Thankfully, I now run four successful businesses and am the proud mother to three amazing children who’re entrepreneurs in their own rights.

Some of my most proudest achievements include:

Office of the President Borough of Brooklyn City of New York Citation - Exemplary Leadership - 2020
YGB Power-N-Motion Women Empowerment Award - Outstanding and Empowering Leadership - 2020
United States Congressional Award - Outstanding and Invaluable Service to the Community - 2020
New York State Senate - Commitment and Dedication of Leadership & Service to the City of New York -2020
The Public Advocate for the City of New York - Sustained Dedication of Service to the City of New York - 2020
YGB Entrepreneurial Awards- Strategic Innovator Award in Event Management - 2020
Garden City, New York - Best Event Planner 2019
Professional Recognition - #5 of Special Events Top 25 Event Industry Professionals - 2019
International Live Events Association Rising Star - 2019
Wedding Industry Experts Awards - 2018
Wedding Industry Experts Awards - 2016
Wedding Wire Rated Brides Choice Award for 2014- 2019

6. What was the turning point that got you your first contract? How did you get to the first relationship with a client?

My 2001 wedding was a grand affair. It was the first large-scale event I planned and we went all out! A white horse rode me into the wedding in a glass carriage. Trumpeteers announced my arrival. Birds were released after our first kiss as husband and wife. It was a theatrical experience.

The guest of a family member was so impressed that she hired me to plan her own wedding. That’s where I learnt how to create a truly personalized experience for a client because her tastes and interests were very different from mine. Other guests also hired me to plan their weddings and my business has really grown by word-of-mouth since.

How do you grab opportunities?

Each event I plan is an opportunity. My team and I strive to create events that guests and hosts will never forget for all the right reasons. The number of guests in a room represents the number of clients I could potentially have in my eyes. So, we treat all guests special, ensure they’re comfortable and leave gifts for each of them from my company at their tables.

7. How is your life different from what you pictured at 20?

Let me be real with you. I honestly believed I would still be happily married living the cookie cutter life with the perfect husband and wonderful children. My ex-husband and I were childhood sweethearts. We met when I was 8 years old (he was 10 years old) and our relationship began in our teen years. He proposed to me when I was 20 and we got married when I was 21. That relationship didn’t turn out the way I had expected.

8. Was there a time when life knocked you down or out and how did you get back up on your feet?

This journey called life isn’t always pretty; it isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts and even breaks our hearts. Nonetheless, my experiences have molded me into the woman I am today. This year would make 13 years since I escaped the wretched hands of domestic violence.

I left my marriage because I wanted to live and create a better life for my children and myself. It was a bold decision; my life was shattered and I lost everything. My babies were 8 years old, 5 years old and 8 months old at the time so imagine having to take care of these children with nothing.

As I stated earlier, I decided to start my first event planning business at the start of my divorce and the market crash. I lost this business and my home. My only option was to move back into my parent’s house. All four of us (my three kids and I) crammed together in the bedroom I grew up in.

Living with my mom helped me get back on my feet. She was my support system and, along with my younger sister Ruth, helped me crawl out of the dark hole I had buried myself in. I had gotten to a point where I was numb to everything and was just going through the motions of life. I was still active in church but couldn’t even pray because I just felt so disconnected from God and hopeless. My mom and sister sat me down one day and told me that I had to get myself out of this. I needed to open my Bible and just talk to God. He truly revealed himself to me that day and I felt a huge weight being lifted off my shoulders. It was an empowering moment.

However, I also knew that living with my mother put a heavy weight on her. I couldn’t remain dependent on her and needed to get back on my feet. So, that’s what I did. My parents and ancestors taught me that failure is never an option and my three children were counting on me. I was determined to succeed. Through the tireless days and nights of rebuilding my life and finding the courage to love myself, I started truly discovering WHO I AM.

I held onto the faith of knowing that this journey God has allowed me to go through was not in vain and that each tear was meant to mold me into the woman I’m supposed to be. Today, I can proudly, but humbly, say that I am the mother of a gold medal winning Junior Olympics Gymnast, and two national travel team football players. I am an event industry leader, speaker and educator helping to pave the way for aspiring event industry professionals. I am the owner of two successful event industry businesses. I am the founder of a non profit organization helping empower and support women and children going through difficult life changes nationwide. I am truly blessed and highly favored.

I share this story because success in life comes when you simply refuse to give up, with goals so strong that obstacles, failure and loss only act as motivation. My favorite motto is “Where there’s a will there's a way!”

9. Advice for other women?

Don’t Give up!!! The road to success is never easy. Define your own meaning for success based on your talents, your life’s goals and your personal situation.

Advice sometimes can be meaningless if it doesn’t relate to you. Although someone may mean you well by giving you advice, you are the only one who can create the narrative. Have faith in yourself and in the higher powers that will take you through the process. Trust the process no matter how hard things get, no matter how many times you fail. Trust that there is a lesson in every failure, to teach you what you need to do better. It’s not defeat; it’s all a part of the process which is forming a foundation for you to grow and become the woman you are meant to be.

On days you feel like crying and screaming, DO IT!!! LET IT OUT!!! Give yourself the time you need to heal from whatever has your heart burdened, but also set a time to say, “Ok enough! LET’S GET BACK INTO THE GAME!” Then go hard, fearlessly.

10. Knowing what we know now in a current political climate, can women be "all that we can be" in today's world? What is the way forward, as you see it, for "feminist values"?

Women can accomplish anything we set our minds to achieve. The battle we face as African-American women is difficult. It’s even been particularly difficult for me because I’m the child of an immigrant, a woman of Haitian descent. What we have to remember though is that we have a calling that’s bigger than us, a calling we can only fulfill if we form a united front. Feminist values will only remain relevant if we stand together as sisters and support each other.

11. Where in the world do you feel “tallest” (i.e. where is your happy place)?

My happy place is with my children. They’re my shining stars; their light helps me navigate the darkness I sometimes face. We have a wonderful bond with each other and I’m enjoying watching them become the people they’re meant to be.

12. What extracurricular activities/hobbies are you most proud of? Why?

I love to sing! I won a scholarship back in my high school days that helped me pay for college. I used to write and sing. I miss those days of running to the studio right after school and working with some of the music industry’s most talented music producers. At times, I wouldn’t leave the studio till the sun came up. I love music! Music is definitely another passion of mine.

13. What do you want to be when you grow up? Future goals/challenges?

I’m 40 years old now and want the next 20 years of my life to be about empowering and inspiring others. I want to share my story with others and empower women globally.

14. What fears are you still hoping to overcome?

The biggest fear I face is doubt. I think my history of risk has made me doubtful about my ability to take on (and manage) risk. Every decision I make is my responsibility and not only impacts me, my children feel the impact too.

15. Anything you'd do differently, if you had another go at life?

My relationship really derailed my life. Growing up with my parents was like living an oxymoron. I love them dearly but they were teaching me two things. On one hand, I was taught to be independent. On the other hand, I was told that I could never leave their house until I was married.

The money I earned from working in my mother’s salon helped put me through college and also helped me purchase my first property when I was 20 years old. I couldn’t move into my own home though unless I was married. Their iron fists influenced me to get married too early and I lost a huge chunk of myself in that marriage.

If I had the chance to redo things, I wouldn’t have gotten married when I was 21 years old despite my parent’s advice. I would have gone against the grain and made mistakes in my early 20s before I had the responsibility of kids. My younger years were the perfect opportunity for me to truly discover myself independent of my parents and a man.

16. What inspires you?

My children have inspired me to be the best person I can be. As a single parent, I knew I had a major responsibility to set the right examples for them. They have truly made me a better person. Seeing the beauty in each of them as they continue to grow and become amazing individuals has helped me see the beauty in life. Even at life’s worst, when I wanted to give up, I knew I couldn’t.

Seeing my children discover their special talents reminded me of why I needed to pursue my own passions in order to show them how to embrace and use their talents.

They have taught me what true love really means. They have also taught me patience and inspired me to be brave during the toughest times of my life.

17. What are you hopeful about?

I’m looking forward to a lot of things like:

My children growing into successful adults
Finding true love
Making a difference in people’s lives
Finding my true self (after the kids have left the nest)...there’s still so much about me I think I have yet to discover.

18. What are some ingredients to a good life?

Find outlets that bring you joy and peace so you can laugh your hardest and smile your brightest.
Surround yourself with those who can support and inspire you.
Love yourself because you are unique and created with a purpose for your uniqueness
Use the gifts you were granted to leave this world a little better than the way you found it.

19. What are (at least) three qualities you most love about yourself and why?

Three qualities I most love about myself are my strength, creativity and my “I don’t take s*** from anybody!” attitude. I have been through really tough times in my life. I feel so blessed to have been granted the strength to endure, learn from and conquer all of the obstacles that come my way. I also feel blessed to have the ability to be creative enough to create a way even when there seems there isn’t a way. My willpower and creativity combined make me unstoppable.

My “I don’t take s*** from anybody” attitude, helps me weed out all of those who try to get in my way of being the woman I am meant to be. If you are not bringing positivity into my already stressful life, you have to go— period!

20. What advice would you give your 14-year-old self?

You are amazing and going to do great things.
Don’t take “No” for an answer.
You don’t have to listen to everything your parents are telling you.
The fairytale life doesn’t exist.

21. What are you reading now? (what books do you gift most and what are your favourite reads?)

I like to read but I haven’t had time to pick up a book. My reading revolves around emails (lol).

22. Who is a WOW WOMAN in your world who inspires you and why? Can you nominate three (or more) women you know who perfectly fit WOW WOMAN description? What would you tell them, if you had an opportunity, why you admire them?

My mom is the ultimate WOW WOMAN in my world. I admire her resilience and strength. She grew up in poverty in Haiti and came to America with only $20. She supported herself and opened a highly successful salon. My mom graduated at the top of her class and has created a legacy for my siblings and I.

Two other women come to mind who perfectly fit the WOW WOMAN description - my sisters Ruth and Joanne. I’d love to tell Ruth to always remember that she’s amazing. She has a strong spirit of determination and motivation and has been a tower of strength for me. She graduated at the top of her class and is now a Physician’s Assistant and lecturer.

Joanne is the woman I’d love to remind that she’s got this! She pours so much of herself into others that I don’t think she appreciates herself enough. She’s an amazing mother to four beautiful children and works with underprivileged youth.

23. Where can others find you/your work (links to websites, blogs, etc.)?

Websites:

Blog: Get Inspired!!!

Nonprofit Organization: We are doing something amazing for our community!!!

Instagram:

LINKEDIN ;

Fa: @eventsbycarline

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