From MTV Drama To Mother Of Four: 5 Shocking Things Jessica Smith From Laguna Beach Is Doing Now

The drama of Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County may feel like a lifetime ago, but for fans, the question of "What happened to Jessica Smith?" remains one of the most compelling mysteries from the iconic MTV reality show. As of December 2025, Jessica Smith, now known as Jessica Evans, has completely transformed her life, moving far beyond the scripted reality of Orange County high school and embracing a successful career as a mother, wife, and entrepreneur.

The girl who was once caught in the middle of a high-stakes love triangle with Jason Wahler and Alex Murrel has found a quiet, yet incredibly successful, life on the East Coast. Her journey involves a cross-country move, a marriage that has lasted over a decade, four children, and the founding of a highly popular, family-focused business that has nothing to do with reality television. Here is the complete, up-to-date breakdown of what Jessica Evans is doing today, including her surprising 2024 reunion with a former co-star.

Jessica Evans (née Smith) – Biography and Profile

• Full Name: Jessica Smith Evans (née Smith)
• Known For: Cast member on MTV's Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County (Season 2)
• Role on Show: Known for her relationship with Jason Wahler and her rivalry with Alex Murrel.
• Husband: Michael Evans
• Relationship Status: Married; celebrated 15 years together (met in 2009).
• Children: Four children (names include Michael, Colton, and Brooke).
• Current Residence: Charleston, South Carolina (moved in 2019).
• Current Profession: Entrepreneur, Founder of Minnow Swim.
• Notable Past Relationships: Dated co-star Dieter Schmitz and was involved with Jason Wahler.
• Recent News: Reunited with Kristin Cavallari in May 2024 to recreate a famous scene.

The Cross-Country Move: From Orange County to Charleston, SC

One of the most significant changes in Jessica's life post-Laguna Beach was her decision to leave the West Coast entirely. After years of living in Southern California, Jessica and her husband, Michael Evans, made a major life decision to relocate their growing family to the East Coast..

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

In 2019, the Evans family officially moved from the sun-drenched beaches of Laguna to the historic charm of Charleston, South Carolina. This move marked a definitive end to her reality TV past and a new beginning focused entirely on her family and her burgeoning business career. The change in scenery provided a fresh start, allowing her to raise her four children away from the Hollywood spotlight that had briefly consumed her youth.

The Minnow Swim Empire: Jessica’s Unexpected Career as a Designer

The biggest surprise for fans tracking Jessica's career is her transformation into a successful entrepreneur and swimwear designer. Jessica Evans is the founder and creative director of Minnow Swim, a popular children's and women's swimwear brand.

Her experience as a mother of four heavily influenced the brand's aesthetic and mission. Minnow Swim focuses on classic, timeless, and high-quality designs for both children and adults, emphasizing "inspiring family experiences". The brand's success is a testament to Jessica's pivot from chasing fame to building a genuine, family-focused business.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

Interestingly, her new life in Charleston, with its coastal environment, played a role in inspiring the collection, tying her new home directly to her professional success. The brand has gained significant traction, often being featured in major lifestyle and fashion publications, solidifying her status as a legitimate business owner.

A Lasting Love: Marriage to Michael Evans and Four Children

While her on-screen romances were fleeting and dramatic, Jessica found a lasting, private love shortly after her time on MTV. She met her husband, Michael Evans, in 2009, and the couple has been together ever since, celebrating over 15 years of their relationship.

Jessica and Michael are parents to four children, making her one of the *Laguna Beach* cast members with the largest family. The birth of her children—Michael, Colton, Brooke, and a fourth child—has been the central focus of her life, a stark contrast to the high school drama she was once known for. Her social media often features her family, showcasing a life filled with beach days, family travel, and the joys of raising four kids on the East Coast.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

This commitment to a private, family-centric life is a key reason why she has maintained a relatively low profile compared to some of her former co-stars.

The 2024 Reunion: Recreating a Classic Scene with Kristin Cavallari

Despite her move away from the spotlight, Jessica Evans has maintained a close friendship with her former co-star, Kristin Cavallari. This relationship provided one of the most exciting and recent updates for fans in 2024.

In May 2024, Jessica and Kristin reunited and delighted fans by recreating a memorable scene from their time on Laguna Beach. The lighthearted moment was shared on social media and quickly went viral, reminding fans of their genuine friendship that predated the reality show.

This reunion proves that even though Jessica has left the world of reality TV behind, the bonds formed during those formative years remain strong. She has also appeared on Kristin Cavallari's podcast, *Back to the Beach*, where she discussed the authenticity of the show, explaining that the cast members "were friends first, which was really special about the show".

The DUI Incident: A Moment of Struggle and Redemption

While Jessica's current life is one of domestic bliss and professional success, her post-show journey was not without its struggles. In a highly-publicized incident, Jessica Smith pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor DUI charge.

Following the incident, she received three years of probation. This challenging period in her life served as a turning point, after which she fully committed to a more private and responsible lifestyle. The incident, which made headlines years ago, is now a footnote in a life that has been successfully rebuilt around her family and her thriving business, demonstrating a clear path of personal growth and redemption.

Today, Jessica Evans has successfully transitioned from a teenage reality star to a grounded mother, wife, and respected swimwear designer, proving that life after reality TV can be both private and incredibly rewarding.