katherine evans

Who are you and what do you do?

Hi, I’m Katherine Evans—founder and heart behind Tallu, CA, a wellness and lifestyle brand born from personal loss, deep love, and a desire to create something truly intentional. After many years working with luxury brands and running my own hospitality marketing business, I found myself yearning for more meaning and alignment. That longing became the seed of Tallu. Tallu was born in the quiet heartbreak of COVID, after I lost my heart horse, Preston.

As an equestrian since childhood, horses have always been a grounding force in my life. In the wake of Preston’s passing, I spent long days in the barn with Tallulah—Preston’s companion and the namesake of Tallu. There, surrounded by stillness and nature, I began creating simple, clean home products that made me feel connected, calm, and at peace. It was my way of healing. And it quickly became something much bigger. Today, Tallu is a brand rooted in mindfulness and non-toxic living. From our hand-poured candles to our thoughtfully blended rituals and home goods, every product is made with care to enhance your space—emotionally, energetically, and aesthetically.

I’m passionate about creating pieces that support conscious living and allow people to build their own sacred moments, even in the midst of everyday chaos. I live in Vancouver with my partner, young son Sam, our dog Charlie, and my current horse, Aberdeen. When I’m not in the studio creating new blends, you can find me riding at Thunderbird Showpark, kayaking through False Creek, or chasing joy wherever I can find it. Tallu is more than a brand to me—it’s my soul project. It’s a love letter to slow living, to healing, and to finding beauty in the simple moments. I’m beyond grateful to share it with the world.

What did it take/how did you get started?

Tallu began with grief—but grew out of love, purpose, and the desire to create something that felt deeply healing, both for myself and others. In 2020, like so many people, I was forced to slow down. The world had come to a halt during COVID, and I was processing the devastating loss of my heart horse, Preston. The barn, which had always been a place of peace for me, became my sanctuary.

It was there—alongside Tallulah, Preston’s quiet and gentle companion—that I began making small, intentional things just for myself. I started hand-pouring candles with clean ingredients, blending essential oils that helped calm my nervous system, and creating little rituals that helped me cope with loss and anxiety. As I shared some of these creations with close friends and family, something clicked. People weren’t just responding to the products—they were responding to the feeling behind them. The care. The intention. The authenticity.

I realized there was a deeper problem I wanted to help solve: so many of us are moving through life on autopilot, disconnected from our homes, our habits, and even ourselves. I wanted to create something that helped people come back to themselves, without the overwhelm of complicated routines or toxic ingredients. That’s when Tallu took on a life of its own. I leaned into my background in branding and hospitality marketing, and began building Tallu as a space where mindfulness and modern living could meet. It wasn’t about following a wellness trend—it was about offering real, grounding tools to support emotional clarity, self-connection, and intentional living. It took heartbreak to begin—but what’s come out of it has been full of so much hope, creativity, and joy.

What does the future look like for you and your business?

The future of Tallu is rooted in deepening connection—both with our community and within ourselves. We’ve built a beautiful foundation of products that support mindfulness, intentional living, and emotional well-being, and now we’re ready to expand that impact in meaningful ways. In the near future, we’re looking to grow our product line to include more ritual-based tools, expand our range of non-toxic home goods, and launch seasonal collections that reflect the natural rhythms of life.

We’re also exploring collaborative partnerships and wellness experiences—think pop-up shops, curated workshops, and community gatherings that bring the heart of Tallu offline and into real, shared spaces. Personally, I’m excited to continue nurturing a brand that stays grounded in authenticity. I never want Tallu to feel mass-produced or impersonal. Every candle we pour and every blend we curate will always be made with intention, care, and purpose. Long-term, I see Tallu as a lifestyle ecosystem—one that helps people slow down, reconnect, and create beauty in their everyday moments. Whether it’s lighting a candle after a long day or carving out time for a simple ritual, I want Tallu to be that gentle reminder that peace lives in the pause.

What drives / motivates you on a daily basis?

At my core, I’m driven by the desire to help people feel more connected—to themselves, their spaces, and the present moment. In a world that moves fast and often feels overwhelming, creating small, meaningful pauses has become my personal mission. I know firsthand how transformative those quiet moments can be, and it motivates me every day to share that with others.

Tallu started as a form of personal healing, but it has grown into something so much bigger than me. Every time someone lights one of our candles during a tough day, journals their thoughts using one of our prompts, or simply feels held by a ritual we've created—that’s what keeps me going. Those moments of impact, no matter how small, are what fuel me. I’m also deeply motivated by my family—especially my son. I want to model what it looks like to build something with heart, to live with intention, and to create from a place of authenticity. That’s a legacy I hope to leave—not just through the products we make, but through the way we show up as a brand and as humans. Ultimately, I'm motivated by the belief that beauty, peace, and purpose can exist in the everyday. And if Tallu can help even one person find that, it’s all worth it.

What advice would you give someone interested in doing what you do?

Start with your why. It sounds simple, but it’s everything. When you’re building something from the ground up—especially something as personal as a wellness or lifestyle brand—your why becomes your anchor. It keeps you steady when things get messy, when imposter syndrome kicks in, or when the path ahead feels unclear. Tallu wasn’t built overnight—it came from heartbreak, healing, and a deep sense of purpose. That purpose is what continues to guide every decision I make.

Also—start small, and start messy. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Perfection is the enemy of progress. Pour the candle, make the label, launch the site—even if it’s not flawless. Let the process shape you. You’ll learn as you go. Surround yourself with people who believe in you. Entrepreneurship can feel lonely, especially when your work is emotional and creative. Build your community. Ask for help. Celebrate the little wins. And finally—honour your own pace. You don’t have to hustle to be successful. You don’t have to burn out to prove you're committed. Build something that aligns with your values and your life. That’s where the magic happens.

What has been the hardest part of your business journey?

One of the hardest parts has been learning how to hold both the passion and the pressure at the same time. Tallu came from such a personal and heartfelt place—it’s my soul project. But turning something so emotionally meaningful into a business comes with its own set of challenges. Suddenly, it’s not just about creating what you love—it’s about production timelines, inventory management, customer service, packaging costs, shipping delays... and doing all of it while trying to maintain the original intention behind the brand.

There’s also the mental and emotional load of entrepreneurship—especially as a solo founder and mother. Some days, you feel like you’re on top of the world; other days, you question everything. Navigating that self-doubt while still showing up creatively and consistently is tough. And truthfully, it can be hard to slow down when you’re trying to build something with intention. I’ve had to learn that rest is part of the process. That doing less sometimes creates more. And that staying true to my vision—even when it's not the fastest or flashiest route—is the most powerful thing I can do.

How have you managed burnout thus far?

Managing burnout has been a journey—and honestly, it’s something I have to stay mindful of all the time. As someone who poured my heart into building Tallu from such a personal place, it’s easy to blur the lines between work and self. I care deeply about every detail, every product, every customer experience—but caring deeply also means I can overextend myself without even realizing it. What’s helped me the most is actually practicing what I preach.

I lean into the same rituals Tallu was built on: lighting a candle to reset my nervous system, journaling when things feel overwhelming, and carving out time for stillness—even when everything around me is moving fast. I’ve also learned to listen to my body and say no more often. Rest is not a reward—it’s a requirement. Whether it’s a walk in nature, time at the barn with my horse, or a quiet moment with my son, those grounding moments are non-negotiable now. They keep me rooted. And lastly, I’ve started to give myself permission to not do it all. Delegating, setting boundaries, and asking for help have been game-changers. I’m learning that preserving my energy is an act of leadership—and that I can’t pour into others if I’m running on empty.

What are a few resources that you'd recommend?

Building Tallu and nurturing both my business and personal well-being has been deeply influenced by a handful of inspiring resources that I keep coming back to. Here are a few that I’d recommend to anyone interested in entrepreneurship, wellness, and mindful living:

Books:

- “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown — A powerful guide on embracing vulnerability and authenticity, which is so essential when building a brand that truly reflects who you are.

- “Atomic Habits” by James Clear — This book has helped me understand how small, intentional daily actions can create meaningful change over time, both personally and professionally.

Podcasts:

- “The Goal Digger Podcast” by Jenna Kutcher — A great resource for creative entrepreneurs looking for practical advice delivered with warmth and authenticity.

- “On Being” with Krista Tippett — This podcast explores deep questions about meaning and connection, perfect for anyone seeking inspiration beyond just business.

Websites & Communities:

- Mindful.org — A wonderful resource for mindfulness practices that help me stay grounded and present amidst the hustle.

- The Wing — A vibrant community for women entrepreneurs that offers support, events, and resources to connect and grow. These resources have helped me stay aligned with my values, manage the challenges of entrepreneurship, and find balance in the process. I encourage anyone starting out to seek out tools that nourish both their business ambitions and their inner well-being.