Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Bastien.
Hi Christine, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m Christine Bastien. I’m an entrepreneur of Haitian descent, a devout Christian, and the founder of two brands deeply rooted in Haitian culture: CREABO, a beauty and wellness company that promotes natural skincare and empowerment, and Zesty Lakay, a brand of Haitian spice blends that brings the vibrant flavors of Haitian cuisine to every kitchen. Raised in a caring, strict and caring Christian family, I’m often referred to as the “miracle child.” I’m passionate about quality and authenticity. I inspire confidence, well-being, and a love of culture through my work.
I have a degree in Computer Science and Telecommunications from Canado Technique in Haiti. I have acquired technical skills that support my entrepreneurial project.
My faith-based approach and commitment to preserving my culture have made me a respected figure within the Haitian diaspora and wellness community.
I was working in Haiti in one of the big companies that provided internet and that’s where it all started. My journey began in 2020 with a passion for natural beauty and wellness. I launched CREABO, inspired by my desire to protect my hair and create hair and skincare products using natural, nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, vanilla, and coffee. At the time, I was also caring for a loved one, which motivated me to build something meaningful.
I started small making satin bonnets and experimenting with handmade products in my kitchen, learning through trial and error, and listening to my customers. Over the years, CREABO has grown into a trusted brand, now offering a range of hair care, body care, accessories, and candles.
A pivotal moment came when the health of my Mom inspired me to launch a second project promoting my culture and encouraging healthy eating through spice blends and natural ingredients. This initiative allowed me to share the flavors of my heritage while advocating for wellness from the inside out.
Each step has been fueled by faith, family, creativity, and community. Today, I’m proud to say that CREABO products are available in Haiti-USA. Alongside running my business, I work in the food service industry, where I continue to grow professionally and remain rooted in the values that have guided me from the start.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all! The road has been filled with challenges. Building CREABO has been a journey marked by both enriching moments and significant obstacles.
In the beginning, managing resources was one of the biggest difficulties. Limited funds, sourcing quality ingredients, and finding suitable packaging all posed challenges. Each step required creativity and a great deal of confidence.
Another major challenge was maintaining balance. Juggling my personal life, professional responsibilities, and the demands of launching and developing a brand was no easy task. Especially during the pandemic, everything seemed uncertain. There were moments of doubt when I questioned whether people would truly connect with what I was offering.
A particularly trying time was after my mother’s hospitalization, which led me to move to the Dominican Republic. Due to the situation in my country, I received threats, and being my father’s only daughter and my mother’s only child, it was an emotionally taxing period. However, it also became a time of reflection and renewal. It taught me resilience and reminded me why I started CREABO: to bring comfort, healing, and joy through natural care.
Despite these challenges, each struggle has shaped my vision, deepened my mission, and made the victories even more meaningful.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a social media marketing coordinator at ANYA (Atlanta North Seventh Day Adventist Church), where I focus on crafting engaging content and fostering meaningful connections online. My passion lies in building strong relationships, whether through digital platforms, entrepreneurial ventures, or the food industry.
As the founder of CREABO, a natural beauty and wellness brand established in 2020, I specialize in handcrafted hair and skincare products made with nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, vanilla, and coffee. Our offerings have expanded to include accessories, candles, and Zesty LAKAY a vibrant collection of spice blends and natural juices that celebrate cultural heritage and holistic wellness .
In addition to my entrepreneurial endeavors, I serve as a manager at Chopt Creative Salad Co. in Georgia. There, I bring the same commitment to quality and customer experience to a dynamic restaurant environment, ensuring every salad served is fresh, delicious, and expertly prepared .
What I’m most proud of is transforming a personal passion into a trusted brand that resonates with customers both locally and internationally. Building CREABO from the ground up and receiving heartfelt feedback from our community affirms the impact of our mission. Balancing this with my role at Chopt has been a rewarding journey.
What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to authenticity, resilience, and attention to detail. Navigating personal challenges, such as caring for a loved one and the uncertainties of the pandemic, has taught me adaptability and perseverance. These experiences have strengthened my dedication to creating products that not only meet practical needs but also bring comfort and joy to others. My ability to effectively manage multiple projects without compromising on quality and customer satisfaction, combined with creativity and strategic planning, allows me to craft products and experiences that stand out in both sectors.
Through CREABO, I aspire to inspire others to embrace natural beauty and wellness, rooted in cultural pride and personal empowerment.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5 to 10 years, I see the beauty and skincare industry continuing its shift toward sustainability, personalization, and transparency. Consumers are becoming more conscious of what they’re putting on their bodies they want clean, ethically sourced ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, and brands that are transparent about their values. I also expect a rise in tech integration, no matter what (LOL) the world is changing and evolving, we have to deal with it. I believe natural, holistic approaches will keep growing, with more people looking for multi-functional, wellness-centered products that tie into overall lifestyle choices. During this time, I believe my business will continue to evolve and move forward with the trends of the times over the next 5 to 10 years, staying relevant, innovative, and connected to the needs of my customers.
Pricing:
- Glow Gear Set (Bonnet + Brush + Scrunchie): $22
- Blissful Bundle (Body Care) – $45
- BO’HAIR Bundle (Hair Care) – $65.99
- Zesty Lakay Bundle (Spices + Tea) – $15
- Food Safety Consulting Basic (ServSafe & Compliance) – $150
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.creabo.shop
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris_teeh and https://www.instagram.com/creabo_
Image Credits
Widline Barthelemy, Gesnerca Vallon, Christine Bastien
