Meet Jennifer Poon | Event Stylist, Creator, Mother, Wife, Finance professional

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

Hi Jennifer, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
It was not my initial intention to start a business, I did not think I could ever become an entrepreneur but everyone else kept reminded me that I should share my creativity with others. It all started as a hobby to plan parties for my kids’ birthdays and milestones. The business idea gradually came after creating more mini parties for my kids and family during the quarantine. 2020 was definitely a trying year for all of us but thanks to my kids and encouragement from my family and friends, that was when I was ready to take a leap of faith and then Evla Designs was born.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
At Evla Designs I offer curated event design and styling for my clients. I am here to alleviate the stress from coordinating the overall aesthetic requests and decor for each event.

Like all other event stylist in the industry, my creativity allows me to able to conceptualize ideas and vision into reality. What sets me apart from others is that my clients are like my friends and family. I care about their events as much as they do so I pour my heart and soul into designing and styling all of the events with the utmost attention to detail.

What I am most proud of would be my client’s appreciation toward my work and how they value my passion and recognize my hard work. I am also proud of how I continue to challenge myself with new designs and setups that I have not created before.

This is still the beginning for me but it does feel quite surreal how I made it this far. I still recall conversations that I had with my sister and husband telling them I need to find that “something” that will make me feel alive again with my creativity. It was not an easy process. All the work and the wait to get to this point where I can share how I found my passion and to be able to say I am doing what I love is unfathomable. It sounds cliche but dreams do happen, we just need to take that one step, that leap of faith.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many places to go in Atlanta and surrounding areas. For breakfast/brunch spot Sun in Belly is a must go, what a cute hidden gem from hot coffees to their divine french toast. After breakfast you if you want a little snack you have to try Sweet Hut with their full assortment of bread and desserts! Another great treat spot is Mocheebees Duluth and do not leave without their famous black sesame donuts or churros donuts. I love me some Ramen so for lunch JInya is a good choice. If you like milk tea as much I do there are so many great choices in metro Atlanta to try, Tan-Cha, Moge Tee in Duluth, Tea Leaf and Creamery, Tea Top in Doraville, Onezo in Duluth and so many more. For dinner if you like K-BBQ 9292 never disappoints, Parkside District in Lawrenceville, Sushi Yoko, Canoe and I can keep going. After dinner for desserts, stop by Mango Mango, Matcha Cafe Maiko, Crazy Sweets, Mac Lab, I have a coffee lover so I cannot finish this question without mentioning Cafe Blue in Duluth. I just realized that I spent the entire question on food and drinks so besides that must visits are North GA wineries, Halcyon, GA aquarium, Stone Mountain, Piedmont Park, Ponce City Market, Dekalb Farmers Market, and IKEA!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Where do I even begin? A big shoutout to my family and friends for the unwavering support they provided since the beginning. First to my friends, those the late night chats, random discussions, and constant encouragement about my work will never be forgotten. My siblings, the ideas you all provided has helped me grow dynamically in this business. Next I must recognize my children, Evan and Mila are the greatest inspiration behind my creativity, they brought it back out in me. The name behind my business was all because of my babies! My husband, Johnson who never missed a single beat throughout the entire process. What else can he not be for me, he is my assistant, business advisor, organizer, counselor, handyman, and so much more but most importantly my cheerleader. I also cannot thank my parents enough for teaching me what hard work and dedication means because I truly believe that hard work can ultimately pay off.

Instagram: @evla_designs

Image Credits
professional photos by Abby Byrd Photography