Summer Issue 2012
MSM: Can you tell us a little about your career as a model?
EV: When I was fifteen I was spotted by a model agent from Amsterdam and was offered a contract with them. I didn’t have the aspiration to be a model but since I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do with my life, it was a great chance for me to take a little time to explore and see the world. After graduating I started modeling internationally and lived in Paris, Barcelona, Milan, Germany and London. Four years ago I signed with Ford Models and since then I have been living in Amsterdam, New York and Miami. I love the USA, but I also can’t say goodbye to my roots and family/ friends from Holland. It’s the perfect balance to live in both. Clients include Coca Cola, Special K, Target, Livera Lingerie, Elegance, Talkies Magazine, Nouveau, Filippa K, Wrangler, Perfectly Basics, Marks & Spencer, Elle, Marie Claire, FHM, Boots Health & Beauty, Flair, Bella and She Magazine.
MSM: What inspired you to import a boot collection?
EV: I first saw the L’diR boots while I was modeling in Italy and had never seen anything like these boots before, so I had to buy them. When I would wear my boots, people asked me where I had bought them and when I told them that they were only sold in little boutiques in Italy the people always reacted a bit disappointed. I contacted the designers and now I sell the L’diR boots in my online store www.eveintheusa.com I am also the agent of the brand for South Florida, so other stores can carry the boots too. Each pair is handmade in Italy and I love the ‘secret heel’ inside the leather boot. I do not design the boots myself, but I do give advise to the brand on the trends that would go well with the US customer.
MSM: How do you balance your career as a model and your business?
EV: Modeling is a lot of traveling and waiting, so in my ‘waiting moments’ I work on my site, shipping orders, keeping updates and responding to requests etc. During the traveling for my modeling I usually spot the trends and discover new brands. I love unique pieces that you don’t find everywhere. Good quality, yet affordable and trendy. An online store sounds easy but it takes a lot of time, sometimes I fall asleep with my laptop still on my lap.
MSM: What plans do you have in store for your company? Can we expect to see a store in Miami?
EV: First focus is to expand the website of www.eveintheusa.com. Besides L’diR boots I now carry bracelets from Brazil and I am really excited to have the label Fab. I love their bags and accessories. They are very popular in Europe and I’m a fan of their designs and colors. I just ordered new collections and I have connected with great new designers and I can’t wait to add all these exciting brands to my webstore. In the future I definitely see an Eveintheusa store as a possibility. I would love to mix a bit of Dutch hospitality in with it: Shopping and Stroopwafels (my favorite dutch sirop waffles) or something!
MSM: What can we look forward to in both your modeling career and career as an entrepreneur?
EV: More fun stuff, in front of the camera and online!