You’re going to love the newest addition to our “Real Women, Real Clothes” family.
Coming to us from Charlotte, North Carolina is Evelyn Henson. Her bright, happy artwork has attracted more than 56,000 followers on Instagram, and we couldn’t help but fall in love with everything she creates.
Initially sharing her art through an Etsy store, the Georgia native has grown her business to now feature stationery, stickers, coloring books, and so much more. If you’re in the Charlotte area, you can even find Evelyn’s #confettiheartswall in Southend’s design district–between Jeni’s and Superica.
Evelyn also used her talent to create Draper James art for the holidays, which you can see below.
On Evelyn: Cable Sweater Cape
Tell us about yourself.
Brushed with a love for all things creative, I grew up in Columbus, Georgia as one of five kids. After my 3rd grade teacher pulled me aside for writing “too small,” I probably should have known I would be an artist of some sort, but it took me about a decade after that day to finally pick up the paintbrush. I first discovered my love for painting when I attempted a floral still life as a Mother’s Day gift in 2012… I honestly haven’t been able to put down the paint brush since.
With the encouragement of friends and family, I eventually started an Etsy shop. With hard work and patience, my little Etsy shop slowly evolved into a full-time job where I’m able to spend my time creating colorful art and gifts. Everything I create is meant to inspire a more brightly decorated life, where we celebrate the little things and spark kindness wherever we go.
On Evelyn: Winter Berry Flutter Dress
What’s the best piece of life advice you’ve ever received?
My dad has always told me, “All you can do is your best.”
I apply that to everything I do in life; you can’t control the outcomes, but you can control the amount of work you put into something.
What’s the favorite part of your work day?
The hours I get to spend with a paintbrush in my hand. I love listening to an audio-book (frequently pulling from Reese’s Book Club x Hello Sunshine recommendations) and getting into a good painting groove.
On Evelyn: Cable Sweater Cape
What do you do to give back to your community?
I’ve recently become interested in public art, something we need in our communities because exposure to art drastically improves mental health and overall well-being. This includes both passive exposure (like visiting a wall mural) or actively engaging in painting or singing. I specifically love how murals invite the world to engage with art in their everyday life. Without picking up a paintbrush, pedestrians are able uncover the joy art constantly brings me.
I just painted my first outdoor mural (located at 1920 Camden Road Charlotte, North Carolina) called “confetti hearts wall.” I hope people walk by and inspired to throw love around like confetti. There’s so much we cannot control much in the world, but we can control how much love we give to it. I hope my confetti hearts serve as a visual reminder to the community that the world is brighter when we consider, respect, and love each other.
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How would you describe your everyday style?
Sophisticated, classic, and often bright.
What drew you to these particular Draper James pieces?
I love the fit of Draper James dresses—they’re incredibly flattering. The whimsical but classic pattern on the Winter Berry Flutter Dress, in particular, gives me all the festive holiday feels.
Cozy capes and sweaters are my go to for colder months and the Cable Sweater Cape is such a great staple to keep in my closet. Everyone needs a classic cape like this to throw on this time of year for an effortlessly elegant look.
What’s the one thing you can’t live without?
I have a gold locket that my grandmother gave me with a photo of both of my parents on the inside. I never leave the house without it. It’s so special to me.
On Evelyn: Winter Berry Flutter Dress
What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to dressing for your vocation? How do you overcome this?
With art, there’s always the risk that you’ll get paint on yourself, but, most of the time, I’m more likely to spill coffee on myself than paint. I ultimately prefer working in clothes that make me feel comfortable but also put together and confident—sometimes that’s a t-shirt, but, more often than not, I’ll choose a cute top with fun pair of earrings or a dress. It makes me feel ready to conquer the day!
What’s your favorite thing about living in the South?
The warmth of sunshine and friendly people.
Do you have a favorite “Southernism?”
Just hearing “y’all” makes my heart happy. Nothing beats that!
On Evelyn: Winter Berry Flutter Dress
See more of Evelyn’s artwork for Draper James below, and follow her on Instagram here.
Photos by Laura Sumrak
