Meet Mackenzie Foster | Owner

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

Hi Mackenzie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The idea for Evelyn James first started when my business partner and I could not find decent options for flower girl dresses. The options out there were either cheap and poorly made, or beautiful but astronomically expensive for a dress that may only be worn once. Since we have our sister company, Kit, where we make women’s custom clothes, we though why not start our own line of flower girl dresses that are priced well, sewn in house and beautifully made. Quality is very important to us and we want these dresses that are made for such sweet, special occasions to shine.

We started Evelyn James in March of 2023 and have never looked back.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I would say what sets us apart from other flower girl dress companies and flower girl dress companies is that we make EVERYTHING in house, we have custom options available and can pretty much make anything you want! For example, we have been turning a lot of previously worn wedding dresses (of mom or grandma etc.) into flower girl dresses. I love this and love the idea of us making special little things to cherish for years to come. We can also make matching items for the family or if someone has an idea or fabric in mind, we can make that idea come to life. It is definitely a fun process. We have also been in business making custom clothing items with our sister company for 9 years so we have highly talented seamstresses as well, a great team and great customer service.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Wow! This is a hard question but I would definitely admit I am a foodie for sure. I love trying new restaurants with friends frequently. If I had a friend visiting town I would take her to Marmo. Marmo has delicious Italian food, an intimate vibe and typically live music. Jun is another one of my favorite restaurants with a great chef and delicious cocktails. For some good TX BBQ? Truth BBQ is always a great spot. Pizza? I mean, I love every place but Bollo has that great thin Neapolitan pizza. Sushi? Soma Sushi in Washington, best happy hour food and drink menu! If you want a more intimate sushi experience try out Hidden Omasake, you need reservations but it is SO FUN! INow if you’re looking for good Mexican food and I know this will be a debate in Houston but I LOVE Mi Cocina in the Galleria area. It’s a new restaurant from my hometown of Dallas and it has great food, a fun vibe and the best margaritas I’ve ever had. There is a reason they call the margaritas Mambo Taxi’s, because you might need to go home in one. 😉

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
As far as a mentor and support, I couldn’t have launched this company without my business partner, Merin. She is extremely talented, creative and business savvy. Since she launched our sister company, Kit solo 9 years ago she has learned a lot of tips and tricks a long the way that have really helped us grow. Merin is 100% the beauty and creativity of Evelyn James. She sketches, sews at times, built our website, has incredible vendor relationships and even keeps me smiling and laughing through the occasional tough times owning a small business. I am very lucky to have her in my life and as a friend, mentor and business partner.

Website: https://evelynjames.co

Instagram: @evelynjamesllc

Image Credits
Katie Edwards Photography