Get to Know Me: 5 Things You Probably Don’t Know

One of the most important ways to age well isn’t found in a skincare bottle. It’s found in the relationships we build along the way. Many of you know me through my YouTube videos, blog posts, emails, or social media. You know I love teaching about healthy skin, simple wellness habits, and intentional self-care. But there’s so much more to every person than what we see online.

So I thought it was time to let you get to know me a little better. Since most of us will probably never have the opportunity to meet in person, I thought it would be fun to share five things you probably don’t know about me. Some may surprise you. Some might even make you laugh.

Then it’s your turn. I’d love to hear something about you—one thing, five things, or anything in between. One of my favorite Girl Scout songs growing up was “Make New Friends, But Keep the Old.” I still believe that one of the greatest gifts we can give each other is genuine connection.

So… let’s get acquainted.

Get to Know Me: Five Things That Helped Shape Who I Am

1. I Wish I Was a Sports Fan

I have to admit, I wish I were a sports fan. Not so much because of the games themselves, but because I love watching the sense of community that grows around a team. The cheering, the team colors, the traditions, and the unwavering loyalty are fascinating to me. People from different backgrounds, cultures, ages, and walks of life come together with one thing in common—they’re all rooting for the same team. I love that.

The funny thing is… that’s just not me. I’ve never been athletic. In elementary school, I was the girl no one wanted on their team. Hearing “No, you take her!” from the team captains still echoes in my memory. I was decent at neighborhood kickball, but that was about it. If hopscotch counted as a sport, I was in great shape. I also loved jumping rope, but I never became coordinated enough to master double Dutch.

Even so, I’ve made a few attempts to become a sports fan. Back in 1997, I told my husband, “Sure, I’ll watch the Super Bowl with you.” I thought I was committing to a couple of hours. I had no idea how long a football game actually lasts!

More recently, I decided I would finally watch part of the FIFA World Cup. Believe it or not, I had never even heard of it until this year. I came home from church excited because I was finally going to watch the championship match. The television was already on, but first I made myself a sandwich. By the time I sat down in front of the TV, everyone was cheering.

The game was over.

I missed it… again!

Maybe I’m just not destined to be a sports fan. But that’s okay.

I’ve discovered there are plenty of other communities where I feel right at home. I love connecting with people who enjoy learning, growing, encouraging one another, and making time for meaningful conversations. Those are the communities that make my heart come alive. And honestly, I wouldn’t trade them for the best seats at the big game.

2. I Have a Passion for Singing

Apparently, my love for singing started when I was a toddler. At least that’s what I’ve been told. I knew all the commercial jingles and happily sang them whenever I had the chance.

As I got older, my audience expanded from commercials to television theme songs. I’d grab my trusty hairbrush, stand in front of the TV, and sing my little heart out. These days I’ve traded the hairbrush for a real microphone, but every now and then I still pull out my old record player, put on an LP, and sing along. Yes… albums. Real vinyl records. Sometimes it’s fun to go old-school.

If you ever pull up beside me at a stoplight, if I’m not listening to teaching ministries, there’s a good chance you’ll catch me belting out a song in my car. Just don’t ask me what the verses say. That’s my little secret. I almost never know the lyrics.

The chorus? I’ve got that covered because it’s repeated over and over. But the verses? Not so much. Every now and then, I’ll stop singing long enough to actually listen to the words of a song I’ve known for years. Sometimes my reaction is, “Wait… that’s what this song is about?”

I’ve always been a little naïve when it comes to subtle messages. More than once, I’ve discovered that a favorite song meant something completely different than I thought. Let’s just say… there have been a few surprises!

My favorite place to sing, though, has always been in church. I loved singing in gospel choirs and worshiping alongside others. Those are some of my happiest musical memories.

Now, here’s the honest truth. I have a passion for singing… but not necessarily the tune for it. Every song sounds absolutely beautiful in my head. Somewhere between my mouth and my ears, though, something gets lost in translation!

Thankfully, God doesn’t ask us to sing perfectly. He simply tells us to “make a joyful noise.” Now that is something I can do with confidence.

3. Anxiety and Depression Are Part of My Story

When I tell people that anxiety and depression are part of my story, they are often surprised. I understand why. I am naturally joyful, hopeful, and full of life. But joy and emotional struggles can exist at the same time.

My joy is rooted in my faith. God is the strength of my life and the source of my joy, just as He promised. Still, there have been times when my heart has felt heavy and clouded, even when nothing specific was wrong.

Looking back, I can see signs of anxiety and depression throughout much of my life. In the 1980s, a close friend and fellow preschool teacher would notice when I became quiet and withdrawn. She would ask what was wrong, and I would always answer, “Nothing.”

In truth, nothing was wrong—at least nothing I could explain. I simply thought I sometimes preferred being alone. I did not yet have the words to describe what I was feeling.

It was not until 2021 that anxiety finally had a name. That was the year the COVID-19 vaccine became available and, once again, people across the country became deeply divided. There was so much noise, arguing, and judgment surrounding other people’s personal healthcare decisions. I felt overwhelmed by it.

When I explained my feelings to my doctor, she recognized the anxiety immediately. Once I understood what it was, I began reflecting on the many times I had experienced similar feelings without knowing how to identify them.

My doctor also understood that I preferred not to take medication unless necessary. She encouraged me to use an essential oil that had helped me feel calmer, but she also wrote a prescription. She told me, “You may feel better simply knowing you have access to it.”

She was right. Just knowing the medication was available brought me comfort. I never needed to take it, and the prescription has long since expired. But I appreciated having a healthcare professional who listened to me and understood what would help me feel supported.

Later, when the demands of caregiving began taking a toll on me, I gave myself the gift of four months of counseling. I originally went to talk about caregiving, but—as often happens in the movies—the counselor helped me go deeper.

We talked about anxiety, depression, and feelings that reached back to my early childhood. I began to understand that I had spent years learning how to manage emotions I did not yet know how to name.

That experience is one reason I care so deeply about intentional self-care and emotional wellness. When I teach women about caring for themselves through my blog, YouTube videos, workshops, and conversations, I am not teaching from a place of perfection. I am teaching from personal experience. I know what it is like to keep showing up for others while quietly carrying something heavy. I’ve had to do that all my life.

Self-care does not replace professional care, and no one should feel that she has to manage anxiety or depression alone. I often encourage women to speak with a healthcare provider, licensed counselor, or trusted clergy member when they need support. Please do. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Sometimes it is one of the strongest and most loving steps we can take for ourselves.

When you know more, you do better. And when you understand what you are experiencing, you can begin taking the small steps that help you care for your whole self.

4. I Once Dreamed of Attending Theology School

A few years after earning my bachelor’s degree, I had another dream. I wanted to attend a school of theology. I’ve always loved studying the Bible—not just reading it, but digging beneath the surface to better understand God’s Word. I was fascinated by the history, culture, and customs of biblical times. I loved hearing pastors explain the Greek and Hebrew meanings behind a passage and seeing familiar verses come alive in a whole new way.

Before long, my bookshelves were filled with Bible dictionaries, concordances, commentaries, and study guides. I spent countless hours reading, researching, and writing Bible studies simply because I loved learning.

Then life took an unexpected turn. Some people in my life discouraged me from pursuing theology school, and I allowed their opinions to change my direction. Looking back, I wish I had followed that dream anyway.

Instead, I continued studying on my own. While I learned a great deal through personal study, it wasn’t quite the same as the formal education I had hoped to receive.

Even so, my love for Scripture has never faded. Teaching has always been one of the greatest joys of my life. Whether I was standing in an elementary school classroom, homeschooling my daughter, writing Bible studies, or teaching women how to care for their skin, I’ve always loved helping people understand something new.

I still hope to lead Bible studies again someday. When that day comes, I’ll trust that it will be in God’s perfect timing.

5. I’m an Ambivert — And I Love Both Worlds

If you’ve ever met me at an event, you might assume I’m an extrovert. I enjoy meeting new people, laughing together, sharing stories, and encouraging women. Hosting workshops, teaching classes, and spending time in conversation genuinely fills my heart.

But if you know me well… You also know that I’m perfectly happy spending a quiet evening at home. Give me a comfortable chair, a good book, a Hallmark movie, a cup of tea, and maybe a little chocolate, and I’m one happy woman.

For years, I thought I had to be either an introvert or an extrovert. I never felt like I fit neatly into either category.

Then I discovered the word ambivert. An ambivert is someone who enjoys both social interaction and solitude. Depending on the situation, we can be energized by people or refreshed by quiet time alone.

I smiled the first time I read that definition because I finally had a word that described me. I love meaningful conversations, but I don’t enjoy being the loudest person in the room. I enjoy getting to know people one-on-one or in small groups, yet I also look forward to coming home afterward to recharge.

I’ve learned that neither side of my personality is right or wrong. They’re simply part of how God created me. That understanding has also helped shape the community I’m building through Purple Essence By Evelyn. Whether you enjoy lively conversations or prefer to quietly learn from the background… whether you thrive in a room full of people or treasure peaceful moments by yourself… I hope you’ll always feel welcome here.

Because there isn’t just one “right” way to connect. The important thing is that we keep showing up for ourselves and for one another. After all, aging well isn’t just about taking care of our skin. It’s also about caring for our hearts, our minds, our relationships, and the beautiful person God created each of us to be.

Final Thoughts

Thank you for taking a few minutes to get to know me a little better. I hope these stories have helped you see not only who I am, but also why I care so deeply about helping women age well with healthy skin, simple wellness habits, and intentional self-care.

Life has taught me that we don’t have to have everything figured out. We don’t have to be perfect. We simply need to keep learning, growing, and giving ourselves grace along the way. Whether your journey includes laughter, disappointment, unexpected challenges, or dreams that are still waiting to unfold, I hope you’ll remember this:

It’s never too early or too late to begin caring for yourself.

If you’re new here, welcome! I hope you’ll grab a cup of tea, explore one of my blogs, watch a few YouTube videos, and join me as we learn together. My goal is to encourage you, educate you, and remind you that you’re worth the time it takes to care for yourself. After all, aging well isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about embracing each season of life with grace, confidence, hope, and purpose. And remember…

When you know more, you do better.

So keep learning, keep growing, and keep taking the small steps that help you age well with confidence.

Now I’d love to get to know you. What’s one thing about you that most people probably don’t know? Share it in the comments or send me a message. I’d love to hear your story.

About Evelyn

Hi, I’m Evelyn!

For more than 26 years, I’ve been helping women over 40 care for their skin with confidence. Through Purple Essence By Evelyn, I share practical skincare education, healthy wellness habits, and intentional self-care to help women age well with grace, confidence, and purpose.

Whether you’re looking for skincare tips, product recommendations, or simple ways to prioritize yourself, I’m here to help you build a routine that’s effective, enjoyable, and easy to maintain.

Before You Go…

🎁 I’d love to send you my free Self-Care Routine Guide!

When you subscribe, you’ll also receive weekly skincare tips, simple wellness habits, and gentle encouragement to help you age well with confidence. From time to time, I’ll share special offers and invitations to upcoming events, too.