Daily Inspiration: Meet Malinda Evans

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

Alright, thank you for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us how you got started?
I’ve always enjoyed dancing. My parents taught me to dance, and I took various forms of dance growing up African dance, Hip-hop dance, tap dance, and square dance. In January 2010, I began taking line dance classes taught by Leigh Williams of Line Dance Fever and Fitness. I enjoyed the classes and would help other students learn the dances. Leigh asked me to teach classes, and I loved it. I was also a member of the performance group Bull City Sliders. I taught line dance classes with Rachel Fowler and Stefhon Cave of Dare 2 B Different. I began teaching my line dance classes in 2012 under Party of One, Inc. I wanted to teach free beginner-level classes for exercise; I applied for and received non-profit status in 2013; I’ve taught line dance classes at various libraries, recreation centers, and schools in Durham. I’ve also taught at national line dance conferences/events. Furthermore, I provide line dance lessons for other organizations such as fundraisers, health fairs, festivals, bridal showers, birthday parties, etc. I love interacting with people through dance, helping them with a healthier lifestyle, and watching them have fun.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One challenge I face is finding experienced people to serve as board members to keep the non-profit moving forward. There have also been monetary costs that I’ve had to cover personally because the organization had no to very little budget.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a Registered Nurse by profession; I cared for patients for 10 years in hospitals, home health, and nursing homes; I’ve spent the last 18 years in the pharmaceutical industry. I love helping others!! When someone isn’t feeling well, having someone that truly cares about you, advocating for and helping you makes a big difference. I treat every person I care for, like my mom or dad. I loved them, John and Katy Evans. They raised me to love and care for others, so I try to live by that daily. I also try to make people smile and laugh. Life has difficulties, so I like a person to take their mind off their problem(s) for a minute or two.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My mom and dad, John and Katy Evans, were my biggest inspiration to start Party of One, Inc. They both served the community through church and various organizations. My mother was a nurse and founded The Nurses Breakfast Club in 1971 with other nurses to provide free health and wellness services to people throughout Durham. I’ve had help from a good friend, Cozzetta Caldwell, who founded a non-profit organization, An Invitation for Trans4mation. She’s my confidant and keeps me grounded; Angela Jeter has encouraged me since day one. She created my logo and designed the initial Party of One shirt I still wear. I love my students!! If it weren’t for them, I couldn’t teach.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.partyof1.org
• Instagram: @partyofone_2012
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/partyofoneinc
• Twitter: @partyofone_2012

Image Credits
Shawnta Wright and Tracy Brewer