Chicago server Alisha Hoath Kozlin received an astonishing gift of 15 designer shoes, valued up to $8,000, from a diner named Evelyn. The collection includes iconic styles famously worn in “Sex and the City” and “Fifty Shades of Grey,” turning a night of service into a viral sensation and a heartwarming story of unexpected generosity.
In a truly heartwarming story of unexpected kindness, a server in Chicago, Alisha Hoath Kozlin, received a surprise gift of a designer shoe collection from a diner, Evelyn. This extraordinary act of generosity, estimated to be worth up to $8,000 new, quickly captured public attention, particularly through a series of viral TikTok videos documenting the astonishing unboxing.
The encounter unfolded on a busy Friday night at a Chicago restaurant where 27-year-old Alisha Hoath Kozlin was assigned to a “VIP table.” Among the guests, one woman, Evelyn, immediately caught Alisha’s eye. Their connection was instant and profound, as Alisha described it, feeling “like our souls recognized each other.” They bonded over shared interests like art and knitting, and Alisha was struck by Evelyn’s “giggly, high-energy spirit” and her thoughtful gesture of bringing a basket of fruits and vegetables for her dining companions.
A Shared Passion for Fashion Ignites a Unique Bond
The conversation took a pivotal turn when Alisha’s manager, aware of her background in fashion, suggested she ask Evelyn about her designer shoe collection. With her past experience managing over 12,000 luxury clients at a high-end consignment brand, Alisha felt a nostalgic pull toward the world of designer footwear.
“When one fashion girl recognizes another, it’s like striking a match — pure fire,” Alisha recounted to People. Evelyn’s husband enthusiastically interjected with “Sarah Flint!” as her favorite brand, a sentiment Evelyn echoed, praising the shoes’ comfort and arch support. She also shared her love for other iconic brands, including Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, and Prada.
The Unexpected Offer: A Designer Shoe Trove
Evelyn revealed that a recent injury made wearing heels difficult, and the thought of selling her extensive collection felt like too much of a burden. She preferred her cherished shoes to go to someone who would genuinely appreciate them. It was then that Evelyn, with a smile, asked Alisha her shoe size. Though internally “freaking out,” Alisha shared her size, a seven or eight, and Evelyn extended an incredible invitation: “Do you want to come over? I have so many shoes for you.”
A few days later, a “huge bag” arrived for Alisha, left with Evelyn’s doorman. What she discovered inside felt like “Christmas morning,” far exceeding her expectations of finding something like J.Crew.
- Jimmy Choo
- Manolo Blahnik
- Louis Vuitton
These luxury brands filled box after box. In total, 15 pairs of designer heels constituted the collection. While the new value was estimated at $7,000-$8,000, Alisha believed their resale value to be around $3,000.
Iconic Footwear: From Manhattan to the Red Room
Among the treasures were pairs that held significant cultural weight, tying the generous gift into the broader world of pop culture and cinema. Alisha’s favorites included:
- Two pairs of Manolo Mary Janes, famously dubbed “The Urban Shoe Myth” by Carrie Bradshaw in “Sex and the City.” These shoes are iconic for their role in defining Carrie’s fashion-forward persona, cementing their place in television and film history. Vogue has highlighted the enduring appeal of these very heels.
- A pair of black strappy Jimmy Choos, a style worn by Anastasia Steele in the “Fifty Shades of Grey” film series. This selection adds another layer of cinematic allure to the collection, linking it to contemporary blockbusters.
Paying Kindness Forward and Going Viral
Overwhelmed by Evelyn’s generosity, Alisha felt a sense of gratitude that compelled her to “pay the kindness forward.” She gave away about five pairs of shoes to friends, her downstairs neighbor, and even raffled off a pair of booties to a college student in Florida.
Alisha decided to share her incredible story on TikTok, documenting the unboxing as a creator and business owner. She never anticipated the video would go viral, reaching more than six million people. The story resonated widely, serving as a “joyful reminder that kindness still exists” in a world that often feels heavy.
An Enduring Friendship Forged by Generosity
The story didn’t end with the viral video. Alisha Hoath Kozlin and Evelyn have maintained their friendship, meeting up for a glass of wine at the Nordstrom Bar, an outing Alisha playfully referred to as “in true Evelyn fashion!” Evelyn, having seen the TikTok, engaged in a three-hour “debrief” with Alisha, allowing Alisha to learn more about the amazing and generous woman who had impacted her life so profoundly.
Evelyn’s life has not been easy, yet her capacity for giving freely left a lasting impression on Alisha. This experience has become a guiding principle for Alisha, who aspires to embody Evelyn’s generosity and open-heartedness. She hopes one day to pass down pieces from her own closet to someone in need, just as Evelyn did for her, ensuring the cycle of kindness continues.
