What does a girl who grew up with jeweler as a father and metal sculptor for a brother become when she grows up? A jewelry designer of course. I met Evelyn Brooks, the craftswoman behind the ingenious Fashion Fights Poverty charm at a recent DC Fashionistas event at The Part at 14th. Immediately drawn to her enthusiasm and welcoming demeanor, I asked for the opportunity to feature her work on District In. We convened at the ever charming Le Madeleine in Old Town Alexandria for a stroll down memory lane, conversing about her self-effacing beginnings as an aspiring jewelry designer and how certain illusive life events set in motion her tireless impulsion for achievement.

The date was September 10, 2001, while on a United Airlines flight to Pennsylvania Evelyn had no idea that the exact airplane she was aboard would be the very subject of immense tragedy the next day. Working as a flight attendant, bustling in and out of cities and countries was business as usual; but what happened the following day was anything but. Fast forward three weeks and Evelyn found herself back in her native country, Peru reluctantly taking lessons from her father about setting precious stones.

“After 9-11, on October 2, I was laid off from my job with the airline and sent back to Peru. While I was there, my dad gave me a box of rubies, emeralds and sapphires and asked me to put together a design. I would always say that I would never design jewelry; but I’ve [since] learned to never say never.”

It was that exact day, October 2, six years later that Evelyn reversed the roles and laid off her employer to take on the Evelyn Brooks Design venture with full gusto.

“[Evelyn Brooks Designs] did so well that summer, selling out of the cuff links for the men’s collection in the first week. Also, I knew that with Fashion Fights Poverty coming up, things were going to [in a good way] get really crazy. I knew that if I had to give up my comfort and eat beans and rice to live, I was willing to do that.”

Evelyn emphatically praises Empowering Women International’s Training for Success program for aiding her in focusing her ideas and providing guidance for putting together her first portfolio. Margo Fripp, President of Empowering Women International was so impressed with Evelyn’s progression that she awarded Evelyn the outstanding Artist Achievement Award November 2007. Acclaimed designer Donna Karan also took notice of Evelyn’s work, sited and photographed wearing her designs at Fashion Fights Poverty, New York.

“Being an immigrant, it feels so good to be on the same level, given the same opportunities, and have the same level of professionalism as everyone else. I credit the Empowering Women International organization for helping me to develop my confidence and point of view as a designer.”

Evelyn’s aesthetic is modern and contemporary with tribal influences that can be linked to the Incan lineage of the Peruvian culture. The current collection, Kon-Tiki, is a reverential ode to the Sun God of ancient Incan civilization, which stood for strength and wisdom, bringing light and beauty to the world.

Evelyn's jewelry designs make stunning and unique Valentine's Day gifts.  Featuring both men's and women's collections, you're sure to find a gift favorite for everyone on your list. 

Photos: www.ebrooksdesigns.com

Shown (top to bottom): Sodalite Necklace, Men's Bullet Charm, Citrine Bracelet (Editor's Pick)