We recently had the chance to connect with Gretchen Evans and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Gretchen, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day is getting myself ready and then making sure my kids are ready and off to school.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Gretchen Evans. I am the owner of I Make Wigs LLC. I make wigs for theatre, film and personal clients in GA and throughout the country. I also share my wigmaking knowledge through IG and wig making workshops held in McDonough Ga.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My mentor and friend, Charles LaPointe, as well as Tom Watson were a huge influence on my work. I helped run their wig studio in NYC for 8 years. They shared their knowledge of wigmaking and helped me believe in my own abilities as a Wigmaker. Most pointedly, both often asked my opinion on how I would approach building a specific wig. They genuinely listened to my ideas and would change their approach if they felt it was bettter. I learned no matter how good you are, there is always room to learn and improve. Seeing them take into consideration the ideas of someone with so much less experience is what keeps me striving to always learn more. Never stop.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have been times when everything seems difficult. Recently with the struggles within the film industry, I have had a lot of uncertainty concerning whether I will be able to continue in this field as I have been for the last 20 years. While I have not given up yet, seeing others in the film world who have been at it for as long, or longer, than I have walk away gives a lot of pause. I am hoping things will turn around for the industry in the US. I really can’t imagine doing something else.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
I have found within the arts, there can be alot of insecurity and gatekeeping. Fear others will succeed if you share too much and it will mean you are left behind. I’m not sure how many people agree or disagree with this, but I am a strong believer that a rising tide lifts all boats. If we lift others, we also will be lifted. That is why I choose to share wigmaking with others who are interested. I know some people don’t agree with that. I have forged some great relationships through my classes and I still hold on to that belief.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
I think they would miss my attention to detail. How I listen to exactly what they want and can translate those needs/concepts into the wig I am building. I’m a big proponent of quality over quantity and taking the time that is needed to do something, even when I am not granted the time I would like. I always strive for excellence in spite of circumstances.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Imakewigs.com
- Instagram: Gretchenmakeswigs
