Evan Owens

Quick note from Peter: Sometimes you work at Justin Timberlake’s Memphis Barbeque joint, Southern Hospitality, in New York City. Well, at least Evan and I did. My memories of Evan are her kind spirit, her utter humanity in every interaction, and her grit.

And all those qualities have served her well. A new location for her since our last shift at Southern Hospitality and lots of acting, writing, directing, and producing work to go along with the move. In the face of losing something meaningful in this crisis, she offers her wisdom, insight, and empathy.

What were you looking forward to that you lost because of COVID-19?

I booked my first speaking role in a major motion picture and the film was shut down 3 days before my shoot date. Not sure when it’ll resume filming.

What is something (a thought, a family member, a hope, a piece of art, a meme, a song, ANYTHING) that is getting you through?

What’s getting me through is knowing we are all in this together. I touch base with my friends even if it’s just asking “Hi, you good?” I’ve been writing and working on some scripts I’ve had on the back burner.

What do you think has an opportunity to change as a result of this time to reset?

I think there will be a lot of changes once we are all through this. It’s so odd, it feels so significant. I hope that there will be more kindness and patience with others. I’ve read where pollution has decreased, I wonder if it possible to re-evaluate a new strategy for that to continue. There’s got to be some good come out of all of this.

I’ve noticed a lot of posts on social media about how you should be spending your quarantine time and in my opinion that creates a lot of unnecessary pressure. Lots of workout challenges and creative challenges.

Anything else you'd like our readers to know during this time?

What if we just stopped telling people what to do and how to spend their time? Unless of course they feel they should partake in a challenge or need inspiration for things to do. If we could get to a place where we no longer judge ourselves or others on how we spend our time and what we do... and just sit for a minute and be a human without any pressure. Just for a moment. Maybe I’m wishful thinking. I am so thankful for our healthcare workers, delivery drivers, grocery store and pharmacy workers. All of the people that are essential keeping us afloat right now. They are heroes. 

But bottom line. You do you, whatever you feel like you’ve got to do. Day by day. This is all very bizarre and sad and scary but we are in it together. We will get through it. ️

Quarantine Quickly:

Favorite snack: I stocked up on gummy bears.

Home workout routine (you know, if you're into that): I try to do a little yoga or a workout from Beachbody on Demand everyday.

What are you watching: I’ve watched When Harry Met Sally about 4 times so far and The Private Life is Pippa Lee. And lots of Chopped episodes haha.