Meet Eve Tilley-Coulson | Corporate Litigator & Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eve Tilley-Coulson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eve, how do you think about risk?
I was raised to believe that I could do anything I wanted. Though a slightly optimistic and skewed perspective, it has pushed me to take on any challenge (or risk), and believe I could both do it and succeed at it. Through this lens I have started multiple companies, run multiple marathons, applied for jobs that I technically wasn’t qualified for and grown in those roles, and began a successful TikTok. It would have been easy to say this company won’t be successful, or I am not qualified for this position, and not taken the risk of believing in myself. But, I think you stagnate your own growth with that mindset, and if you don’t believe you can do it, and you’re not willing to take the risk on yourself, why should anyone else believe you can do it or take a risk on you?

Specifically, in the TikTok sphere, I have taken the risk of being very authentic and vulnerable with who I am, my weaknesses and struggles. And while this has garnered trolls and mean comments, I have also received countless messages from people who have gone through similar experiences, and can relate.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I recently made a career change from corporate litigation to an in house position, supporting multiple brands in their litigation needs and legal compliance. This has allowed me more time to balance my 9-5 job with growing my personal brand on TikTok. While at a firm, I wasn’t able to devote time to my TikTok growth, and would often make videos in my car, while working, without good lighting, editing, or makeup. Doing so helped me to grow very comfortable speaking and also very comfortable with my actual, unedited appearance and voice. In Los Angeles, where appearance is put on a pedestal, I found that I gained more confidence the more I put myself out their without focusing on my appearance. But, social media still has a negative connotation for a lot of people, especially in the corporate world. And, being a single woman over 30 is still a stigma. Last year I went viral for saying that I would pay $5000 to the person who introduces me to the man that I end up marrying. And, I had to deal with that story being sent around my law firm, and many people saying I was desperate or not understanding where I was coming from or why I would put that out there – my mom included. But, from that experience, I was able to create a business to help other people meet their partner in more organic ways, and push myself to get off the dating apps and meet people through shared activities and experiences. I also was able to re-craft the narrative about single women. I’m not in a hurry to “meet my person” and I don’t even know if I believe in marriage any more. But, I do know that my friends probably have a lot better idea of who I would be a good match with than any dating app, and I wanted to encourage them to keep me in mind and introduce me to people through a silly wager.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I could write a book about this topic. I love meeting people, so I always prioritize places that have good vibes and the ability to meet others in non-intimidating ways. I also have a love of the west side. Thus, my perfect week would include beach tennis with Ola Beach Tennis on Tuesday night, run club with Venice Run Club on Wednesday night followed by margaritas at Baja Cantina, martinis at Gran Blanco or The Georgian Room on Thursday night followed by the comedy show at Rooster Fish. Then on Friday night we would go to live music at Penmar for their Sunset Sessions, followed by drinks at Belle’s Beach house and late night dancing at Market. Saturday we would spend the morning driving down the PCH, and maybe doing the Ray Miller Trailhead hike. Saturday afternoon we would go to my favorite sports bar, Jamesons, to watch whatever games were on and end the night at Hinano’s for the best burgers on the west side. Finally, Sunday we would go to Coffee & Chill in the morning, and then drive down to Manhattan Beach for beach volleyball and lunch at Shellbacks. If we had time we would also get a tuna melt at Big Dean’s, and ride the ferris wheel and people watch on the Santa Monica Pier.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are a few people that have helped me embrace myself, take risks, and grow my confidence such that I could succeed. I think my parents played a large role in teaching me that I could do anything I wanted. They never limited my beliefs, or defined success for me, and truly supported me. I also would thank Joel Kelly, who I would say has been my biggest mentor in my legal career, as well as supported me in my creative endeavors alongside my legal career. Finally, I would say Shelly Mendonca. I would not have created a TikTok, if we had not been sitting on her bed three years ago, discussing how she wanted to make a TikTok to explain her egg freezing journey. She inspired me to be open, put your story out there, and not be ashamed of your experiences. In my past I struggled with being my true self to others, because I was ashamed of some of my innately female experiences, including fertility and being single over the age of 30. I was ashamed of success in the work place as a woman. I was afraid of being real on social media, and being made fun of for who I was. But, I have found the direct opposite has been true. The more I share my experiences, the more I find and meet others who have had those similar experiences, and the more confident in being myself I have become.

Instagram: @ebtilley

Other: @ebtilley on TikTok

Image Credits
I took all of the photos, including the screen grab of the Fox news interview and my TikTok videos.