Check Out Dwynn Evans’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dwynn Evans.

Hi Dwynn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Let’s just start by saying, people LOVE food…and I am people. No matter where you are or what you are eating, the experience behind a good meal is something unparalleled (and I LIVE for that moment). From travel to the start of my career, I’ve always worked in industries that valued culture and found innovative ways to appreciate their employees. One being, free provisions of food and drinks. Since we catered from a variety of local restaurants DAILY… this really birthed my love for food diversity, authenticity, and how local food moves culture. Throughout the week, I would find myself catching up with colleagues over coffee at McLain’s or grabbing happy hour with friends at Summit Bar & Grill….and every week, it would be the same exploration just at a new spot. Friends would catch on and ask for recommendations and I’d say, “Oh, while you’re here, you gotta try this… or make sure you get xyz.. it’ll change your life”. At one point, friends and strangers would ask about food recommendations so I decided to share my food journeys via WhileUAreHere. Highlighting some of my favorite meals and drinks across town.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Honestly, I battled with the concept for so long. All of the thoughts surrounding uncertainty, doubt, and fear flooded my mind at the start of ideation. I remember catching a red-eye to Paris on September 8, 2017 (and I only remember this because I still have the original note saved in my phone, lol) and in flight, I googled everything possible identifying places that carried ” pain au chocolat” to “L’avant comptoir wine”. I was so excited and wanted to share my explorations with everyone but didn’t really believe in myself or know how it gets started. Here to say, whether you know or not START. Half the battle is taking the first step and remaining consistent…the rest will follow.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
During the day, I’m a Product Owner for one of the largest construction rental and technology companies located in the Midwest and at night, I’m a food extravagant. Most people have no idea what a product owner is and often times shuffle it in with project management. While the characteristics are similar, I’d like to think we’re the sexier of the two. From the early stages of innovation to overseeing the development stages and watching a product you’ve spent the last two quarters building launch/go to market is thrilling. My experience has always been in data management and ingestion. Monitoring the data pipeline and essentially processing it in a way it can be stored, analyzed, and accessed. In the technology industry, everyone is brilliant. Being smart alone won’t set you apart, but when paired with empathy, curiosity, humility, and resilience you’ll go far. That’s what’s set me apart, that’s what’s helped me get to where I am today.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
The only impossible journey is the one you never begin, so START. Take small steps if you need, but take steps nevertheless towards your goal. I can only imagine where I’d be if I had started in 2017 vs. during the pandemic. Also, remember to celebrate the little victories. As you grow, things like your first partnership will take on a greater meaning.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whileuarehere/
• Other: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=1wi2hZ5fAhRoF4A5eA084A

Image Credits
All photos were taken by me (Dwynn Evans)