Today we’d like to introduce you to Evin DeShawn.
Evin, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m originally from the DMV, was born and raised in Va Beach, Va. Stayed in the area until I was about 20 years old. Then relocated to Oklahoma in 2012, to be with my family that relocated there after losing everything in 2011 due to the economy being so bad at that time. That transition was such a culture shock for me. Coming from a city that moves very fast to a place where the days seemed endless. People in OKC they embrace each day and each other so openly. So much hospitality was shown to me and I was not use to that at all. Waving at neighbors as you drive through the community, pumping gas and having a full conversation with a stranger at the next pump. Things like this where I’m from are very uncommon. It took me a while to be able to embrace and appreciate the kindness being shown. But, eventually, I really started to adjust and see how important it is to treat others kindness first.
While in Oklahoma it really forced me to slow down and think about what’s next for me. I would get off my job and just would spend all my free time in my room. Thinking and brainstorming on what truly interests me that I can do to express my creativity, love for fashion and art. While also uplifting others and making individuals feel great about themselves. So I started to do more research on different jobs within the fashion industry. The first thing that stood out to me was a fashion stylist. Then as I started to read more, I have seen how being a stylist can open so many other doors to other things I wanted to do in the industry.
So, as I was watching one of my favorite celebrity stylists speak Rachel Zoe, she spoke on the importance of branding yourself. Making sure that you start to put out work for people to see and creating that name of a stylist for yourself. That encouragement inspired me to save up money to invest in purchasing a camera and a laptop. I wanted to be able to create, shoot and edit my own projects. After purchasing both I would make my friends model for me. I would style them and then come up with shoot locations and concepts to shoot them in. It wasn’t until I started to truly place my own workout, that people started to reach out to me for my services. Being that I had a very different eye for fashion within my own personal style and then the risk I was taking with my clients. Pushing them outside of their comfort zones to create looks and moments was what really got me noticed more and more. Eventually, I started to build up great clientele with different independent artists, gospel groups, and other clients.
It wasn’t until I got an invite to be apart of Mercedes Benz OKC fashion week that I actually found my place in the community. I started to network with other designers, stylists, and creatives in the area. That truly was a moment that validated so much for me just being in a room with like-minded people. After trying to figure so much out on my own within the industry, I felt this was where I belonged and that brought me so much comfort. The community embraced me with so many open arms and so much knowledge. I soaked it all up like a sponge and then that was truly when I knew being a fashion stylist and creative director was for me.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road hasn’t been smooth so far. I’ve endured some of life’s hardest moments. Starting at a very young age I was forced to grow up very fast, due to my family struggles. I started working as young as 12 years old to help and contribute to my household. I’ve been in moments where we had no lights, no food, and sometimes no water. That’s a lot to deal with while trying to make your way through grade school. But, I understand now why I had to go through those things. Because, if didn’t I wouldn’t have been prepared for the biggest challenge I had to face at 24 years old. Which was losing my mother to her fight against lupus.
This by far was the hardest thing I’ve been through. Not only for myself but my little brother Cameron who was only 15 at the time. My mother was literally one of my best friends and biggest supporters. Losing her as my life is just starting to come together I felt totally lost. But I knew I had to figure out what was going to be best for my brother and me moving forward. So we made the decision together to relocate from Oklahoma City to Dallas so I could co-parent with his dad (my step-dad). I literally became a parent overnight. Relocating to Texas was not the easiest transition in the beginning. But we definitely pulled together as a team and family to make it work. The love and support we received here were what we both needed. It’s funny how life has a way of setting you up for lessons you didn’t even know you needed to learn.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a fashion stylist and creative director. I specialize in men’s and women’s styling. I’m most known for my eye for streetwear/street fashion. Also, I’m very known for pushing the elements with my concepts and styling. Which actually allows me to create my own rules and that plays a major part in setting myself aside from others.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success for me is making others see themselves in a different light then what they are used too. While making them feel incredible about themselves. Because when you look good you feel good. A stylist, MUA, and hairstyles have to wear many hats. We have to be your friend, family, therapist.. etc. The most important thing is you have to trust this individual. So as long as I can uplift my clients and make them feel great that is a success for me. People never forget how you treat them or make them feel.
Contact Info:
- Email: evdeshawnstyles757@gmail.com
- Instagram: Evdeshawnstyles
- Facebook: Evin DeShawn
Image Credit:
Khoury H. , Northpark Center, Jason Sherard
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