natural way

I NEVER WOULD HAVE had the pleasure of truly getting to know Evan if it hadn't been for her "jump" to live in Utah this winter and learn to ski. Even after a partially torn MCL halfway through the season, Evan bounced back with fervor and excitement to not let skiing get the best of her. She really gave it her all while she was in Salt Lake City, not exactly the locale of choice for someone accustomed to farming her own food. But the important thing is that she never gave up and eventually identified a whole new way to “jump” and enjoy the challenge. As our Natural Way blog director, Evan shares her knowledge to the SheJumps community regarding self-empowerment through self-healing.

Evan is from Carrboro, North Carolina, and always has a skill, tool, or idea for maintaining her self-sustainable and low-impact lifestyle wherever possible. She has a great time while doing it and loves sharing her knowledge with people. The first time we met, she taught me how to “glean” over-producing and under-harvested fruit trees in my neighborhood then gave me “compost-averted” fruit wine that she made. Before we knew it, we were dining on gourmet vegan (no dairy, no meat) cuisine that was fit for a queen.

Bob Dylan once said, “To live outside the law, you must be honest.” Evan is an outlaw of her own kind, and she strives to find a daily balance through making her life as self-sustainable and well rounded as possible. Before the age of 21, she already co-authored of a book about herbal remedies and obtained a degree in Chemistry and Organic farming from Evergreen State College. She also makes all of her own soaps, tinctures, beer, wine, salves, and essential oils. She is always having fun either playing mandolin, practicing yoga, knitting her own socks, or making yummy cashew cream. I would have to write a pretty big book to highlight all of this young woman’s accomplishments, but luckily for us it will unfold this summer through the Natural Way blog. Evan is always creating and seeking, two powerful attributes that have helped foster a life full of jumps. We are so happy she is a part of our community. —Claire Smallwood