We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Evie Bernard a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Evie, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I started to develop a love for hookah about 7 years ago, however, when I took a trip to Dubai in 2016, that’s when I was able to experience hookah the right way and It peeked my curiosity even more. The hookah was smooth and refreshing and the vibe they created was unmatched.

When I came back to the states I started to frequent different hookah lounges locally as well as abroad. Unfortunately, nothing came close to what I had experienced at that Arabian BBQ.

In the summer of 2019, I began to research the possibility of starting my own mobile hookah service. I knew that I could bring this experience not only to my friends, but also to the world. I wanted every customer to leave their hookah feeling like they had a luxury experience.

Incorporating fruits and fruit bowls along with decorating the hookahs was going to be one of my wow factors! Using all glass hookahs was also an attractive feature for me. Not only are they beautiful and helps make a beautiful fruit display, but they have smoothest pull and have no harshness like the traditional style hookahs.

By that September I officially started the process and by January 2020, Evisha launched and had grown tremendously over the past couple of years.

Even though being the first black owned branded hookah company has been difficult at times, I find happiness knowing that everyone who has tried an Evisha hookah will tell you that it is the best hookah they have ever had.

Evie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am originally from Trinidad and Tobago and my parents moved us to Brooklyn, New York when I was almost 5 years old. My family instilled in us that nothing in life is free and you have to work hard to get to your goals.

In 2000 I decided to join the United States Navy and use that time to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. After being in the military for 4 years, I STILL didn’t know the direction i wanted to go into (lol), however, I was a veteran and that opened many doors for me.

In 2009 I entered into the Information Technology career field and have been thriving as a SharePoint developer to this day. Unfortunately, I was still not satisfied and felt like I was not being used to my full potential. I am a creative ambitious person and desired to try something different. While working my full time job (still to this day), I began pursuing entrepreneurship and instantly fell in love with the rush of that lifestyle. Because let’s face it, it’s not just a career change, it’s a whole lifestyle.

I now own a makeup and photography company, as well as an all natural hair and skin care company called OBE Naturals. Evisha Luxury Hookah is my 4th business to date and I haven’t even scratched the surface. Even though it has been challenging at times, I know that the possibilities for success are endless!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2010 my life changed drastically. I was a young mother of 3 toddlers and was faced with divorce. By October 2011, I was officially a single mom with no financial stability. There were many times I struggled with even finding out where our next meal was coming from. I was tired of asking for help and knew that I had to find other streams of income. I decided to turn my hobbies into businesses.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

My most effective strategy for growing your clientele is perfecting my customer service skills. Understanding that the wants and needs of the customer is the main priority was a hard lesson to learn. Ultimately, they are the reason why I am still in business.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.evishaluxuryhookah.com / www.obenaturals.com/
• Instagram: @evishahookah / @obenaturals / @onlybyevie
• Facebook: @evishahookah /@evie.r.bernard / @obenaturals
• Youtube: @eviesview / @evishahookah