Evelyn: Chapters of My Life

Summary

Evelyn recounts her life's journey, beginning with her childhood in Europe amidst her father's military service, vividly remembering the food culture and family dynamics. Transitioning to her family's return to the US, she shares experiences of large family gatherings and her eventual education, including a stint in college. Her narrative continues with her professional evolution, from various jobs to finding her niche in event planning and wedding coordination. Evelyn's story is a tapestry of travel, family, career, and the enduring influence of her roots, all underscored by her spontaneous yet planned approach to life.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Evelyn's early life was heavily influenced by her family's military background, which led to her living in France and Germany, and experiencing European culture and food.
• 🍞 A significant memory from her childhood was the unique experience of food trucks delivering fresh bread, meats, and other goods directly to their home in Europe.
• 🏡 Upon returning to the United States, Evelyn has vivid memories of visiting her extended family in Tennessee, which included large family gatherings and traditional Easter egg hunts.
• 🏈 Evelyn was athletic in her youth, playing sports like basketball and baseball, and later lacrosse in college, indicating a strong interest in physical activities.
• 🎓 She attended college in Washington, D.C., focusing on art history, but decided to leave after two and a half years to return home and seek employment.
• 👩‍💼 Evelyn's professional journey includes working as an executive assistant and later starting her own event planning and catering business, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit.
• 💍 Her business evolved into wedding planning, where she has executed over 400 weddings, highlighting her organizational skills and passion for creating memorable events.
• 🍽️ Food remains a central theme in Evelyn's life, influencing her career in event planning and her personal enjoyment of trying new dishes and experiences.
• 🏙️ Washington, D.C. became a significant part of Evelyn's life, where she developed a network of influential contacts and engaged in the city's vibrant social and cultural scene.
• 🌟 Evelyn's life has been marked by spontaneity and adventure, with a willingness to embrace new experiences and a strong sense of independence.

Q & A

What was Evelyn's childhood like in Europe?

Evelyn's childhood in Europe was filled with traveling and living in both France and Germany. She has vivid memories of food trucks bringing meats, breads, and candies, and her family living on the third floor of a building where they would go downstairs to collect fresh bread and meats. She also recalls trying wine mixed with water as a child.

How did Evelyn's family manage when they first moved to the United States?

When Evelyn's family first moved to the United States, they visited Tennessee often to see her father's family. Her father was one of ten children, so family gatherings were large and involved lots of cousins and aunts. They attended church regularly and participated in activities like Easter egg hunts.

What was a memorable event from Evelyn's childhood in the United States?

A memorable event from Evelyn's childhood was finding the 'golden egg' with a Kennedy 50-cent piece during an Easter egg hunt at her grandmother's church in Tennessee.

How did Evelyn's family help her father's family financially?

Evelyn's family would bring suitcases of their old clothes to her father's family in Tennessee, which was considered great new stuff to them. This was a way of helping her father's less well-to-do family.

What was Evelyn's experience like when she was sent to stay with family in Tennessee during the summer?

Evelyn recalls being dropped off for two weeks at a time in Tennessee during the summer, starting from seventh grade. She had an accident there in eighth grade where she caught a football and ran into her grandmother's door, resulting in over 200 stitches.

Why did Evelyn's parents decide to move her and her brother to a private school?

Evelyn's parents moved her and her brother to a private school because they were concerned about the racially charged environment at Petersburg High School, where they had previously been attending.

What sports did Evelyn play in high school?

Evelyn played basketball and baseball in high school, and she liked baseball more than basketball.

Why did Evelyn decide to leave college?

Evelyn decided to leave college after about two and a half years because she didn't really want to stay in college. She wanted to go back home and started looking for jobs.

What was Evelyn's first job in Washington DC?

Evelyn's first job in Washington DC was with Builder Association Builder magazine. She then moved on to event planning, which she loved, and eventually worked her way up in the industry.

How did Evelyn get involved in event planning?

Evelyn got involved in event planning through her jobs in Washington DC. She found that she loved event planning and had several memorable experiences, including working on an inaugural gala for President Reagan.

What led Evelyn to start her own business?

Evelyn decided to work for herself after gaining experience in event planning and working in various jobs in Washington DC. She started a company called Creative Catering, which evolved into a wedding planning business.