Meet Pharren Evans: Chef, Teacher and Beauty Lover

We had the good fortune of connecting with Pharren Evans and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pharren, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
My favorite quote is, “If your dreams don’t scare you they aren’t big enough!” This quote reminds me to always shoot for my dreams despite fear and/or adversity. At one point in time or another, I believe we all face imposter syndrome or get discouraged by big aspirations. There’s an underlying feeling that we have to be better, bigger, or compare ourselves to others. Sometimes that creates doubt and we tend to let go of the unique attributes that we innately possess. The funny thing is, it’s those same qualities and uniqueness that would push us to the next level. There’s only one you. So, when you feel most afraid is when you should lean further into your greatness. Don’t give people what they want, give them what they never knew they needed and that’s YOU!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

Normally when people ask me to explain what I do I try to keep it relevant to what is current in my life, professionally. The thing is it could vary from day to day. It could be a chef, a teacher, an entrepreneur, a painter, a beauty and natural skin care creator and the list could go on. I’d like to think of myself as a lover of creative things and giving back. My current profession is an educator, but I am also a chef (I specialize in baking and pastry). I’m also currently in a graduate credential program for Home Economics which combines my love for food and teaching. When I had more time previously I took on clientele and sold upscale desserts and specialty cakes. I’m a lover of all things pretty and tasty, so I combined non-traditional flavors and abstract and elevated designs and put that into cakes, cupcakes and other desserts. My favorite slogan is “make it pretty and pay attention to detail.” As a hobby I paint, and I occasionally host/instruct paint and sips events. Painting allows me to channel my creative inspirations onto the canvas which in turn shows up in my food or when I teach students. I’ll also soon be launching a natural beauty and candle line.

Being multifaceted is what I believe sets me apart from a lot of entrepreneurs and people in my various industries. It takes a large amount of courage and tenacity to break through the multiple industries and be at least a little successful. My creative spirit motivates me to figure out ways to use my talents and gifts and bring joy to others. Some might call it humanitarian, I like to think of it as paying it forward and aligning yourself with your purpose in life. Everyone loves things that are pretty, taste good and can bring a smile to their face. I’d like to think I accomplish that in my work.

The road for me had been less traveled and full of transitions. I’m a single mother of two beautiful children that I had during my undergraduate years at UC Santa Barbara. Being a full time student and raising children was tough. I’ve always been a bit resilient, but I believe this is where my true resilience and courage emerged. After leaving college I went into banking at a large corporate company to provide for my children, however years passed and I couldn’t find joy in my job. I’ve always been drawn to food since I was a kid. So, I mustered the courage to leave the bank and enrolled in culinary school at LATTC. I’ve worked at amazing restaurants in LA, hotels, catering events and more. No matter what I do I always incorporate my love for food.

The biggest lesson I have learned along the way is to never give up on yourself. There will always be a bunch of no’s and closed doors. You just have to get creative and figure out how to turn it into a yes while searching for the open door. My kids are my biggest inspiration and show me that anything is possible, just keep going.

I’d like for people to know when they experience my brand they’re getting a piece of my heart, dedication and perseverance. It will be made with care and the highest level of integrity. I pay attention to detail and the end goal is to bring joy! Oh, and it will be PRETTY!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My spots across LA are: Redbird DTLA, Watergrill Santa Monica, Post and Beam restaurant, Poppy and Rose, Earles Grill, Perch DTLA, and Rush Street Culver City.

Places to go would for sure be Santa Monica Beach and Pier, Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach, Griffith Observatory, LACMA museum (especially the lights at night), The Grove, Southcoast Botanical Gardens, Association DTLA, and Leimert Park.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shout out to my children, Malykai and Makeda. Thank you for being a continuous light in my life. The blessings I didn’t know I needed as a young woman, the example of unconditional love and resilience, and the joy in my life. I love you always. My mom, I love you and thank you for your support and encouragement.

I’d like to also shout out my father, my newest angel, I hear you, I thank you and I will continue to push. Love you!

Instagram: @sweetpharytale @mypharladyandco

Image Credits
Charrita Nelson