From opera stages to AI platforms, Evan Marie Carr embodies the power of reinvention driven by purpose. A former professional opera singer turned AI founder, Evan is the co-creator of darkviolet.ai, where she works to ensure technology enhances human potential rather than replacing it. Humans of Fuzia is proud to feature Evan’s story to inspire our 5-million-strong global community, rooted in the belief of She for She and He for She, and committed to supporting women who dare to pivot, rebuild, and lead with intention in a rapidly evolving world.
Q: Evan, can you tell us about your journey and what led you to your current work in AI?
My journey has been anything but linear. For most of my life, I was an opera singer and a vocal teacher. Music was my world. But when COVID hit, my husband became severely ill and eventually disabled due to complications. That moment changed everything.
I realized I needed to build something sustainable and scalable, something that could support my family long-term. I’ve always loved technology, even though I wasn’t a programmer at the time. I took a leap of faith, enrolled in intensive courses, pushed myself far beyond my comfort zone, and discovered that programming was one of the most creative mediums I had ever touched. From that point on, there was no turning back.
Q: What is the vision behind darkviolet.ai and your focus on human-centered AI?
At darkviolet.ai, our core belief is that AI should elevate humans, not automate their lives away. Many people see AI as something to hand off responsibility to, but that’s dangerous. AI isn’t truly intelligent in the way humans are.
What we aim to build are immersive learning experiences where AI acts as a companion to curiosity. Whether for children or adults, the goal is to help people think deeper, ask better questions, and engage more meaningfully with content rather than passively consuming information.
Q: How is your learning platform different from commonly used AI tools today?
Most AI tools are general-purpose. They pull from vast pools of information and often hallucinate or oversimplify. Our approach is very different.
We create structured learning environments where the AI interacts only with vetted, specific content, such as a book, article, or course. The learner can ask questions directly within that context, reflect through guided prompts, and engage in exercises designed to deepen understanding. It’s immersive, intentional, and built to support real learning rather than quick answers.
Q: You initially focused heavily on education for children. What challenges did you face there?
Honestly, it was heartbreaking. What we built for children was transformative. I watched my own kids reach levels of understanding far beyond their age group. I assumed schools and educators would immediately see its value.
But they weren’t ready. Whether due to fear, overwhelm, or resistance to new technology, adoption just didn’t happen. That realization was painful, but it forced me to accept that what I wanted wasn’t aligned with where the world currently was. Pivoting toward adult learning opened new doors and possibilities I hadn’t initially imagined.
Q: What has been the biggest business challenge for you as a founder?
Letting go of a vision that didn’t take off the way I hoped was the hardest part. Building something incredible and watching it not gain traction tests your resilience deeply.
At the same time, learning how different business motivations work compared to artistic ones was eye-opening. As a singer, the product was me. In tech, the product has to speak for itself. I’m still learning, still adapting, but every challenge has sharpened my clarity and confidence as a founder.
Q: How do you approach growth and awareness for your work now?
I believe deeply in organic growth driven by genuine value. I want people to be drawn in, not pushed. Collaboration with creators, educators, and organizations feels far more aligned than traditional marketing.
When people experience something meaningful and exciting, they naturally want to share it. That’s the kind of ecosystem I want to build.
Q: What are your aspirations for 2026, both professionally and personally?
Professionally, my goal is to launch the platform fully, listen closely to users and creators, and refine the experience based on real feedback. I want the first impression to be powerful and lasting.
Personally, I want my children to see that dedication, resilience, and belief in yourself truly matter. I want them to witness firsthand that when you commit fully to something that feels right, success becomes possible. That lesson matters more to me than anything else.
“If you put your heart, mind, and energy into something that aligns with who you are, success isn’t a question of if, but when.”
Connect with Evan Marie Carr:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanmarie/
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