Dear Alice | Interior Design – BONUS EPISODE: Q&A with the Hosts – Life, Advice & Behind the Scenes

Release Date: July 18, 2025

In this special bonus episode of Dear Alice, hosts Jess Bennett and Suzanne Hall celebrate 17 glorious years of Alice Lane Interior Design. Co-hosted by Corey, the episode delves deep into personal anecdotes, professional insights, and heartfelt discussions, offering listeners an intimate glimpse behind the scenes of a thriving high-end interior design firm.

Celebrating 17 Years

The episode kicks off with a festive atmosphere as Jess announces the milestone:

Jess (00:50): "We're celebrating 17 years at Alice Lane... And we're still here."

Suze complements the celebration by likening the episode to a "bonus track on a CD," emphasizing its special nature.

Foundations of Alice Lane

Listeners are treated to the backstory of Alice Lane's inception amidst economic challenges:

Jess (02:12): "We opened in 2008, didn't realize the economy was slowly cracking and falling off the world. Yet, here we are, weathered the storm and evolved a million times."

Corey highlights past episodes that delve into the personal journeys of the hosts, including their love stories and the origins of Alice Lane.

How Jess and Suze Met

Michelle from Tennessee poses a heartfelt question about the hosts' meeting:

Suze (04:00): "I saw this adorable store filled with light, bright, transitional vibes that Utah lacked. We just hit it off brilliantly... Best friends ever."

Jess adds that their unique perspectives complement each other, making their partnership both productive and enjoyable.

The Magic Behind the Podcast Music

Janine inquires about the creation of the podcast's theme song. Corey shares the serendipitous moment when his band’s song was featured in a Spider-Man trailer, leading to its inclusion in the podcast:

Jess (10:19): "I love the part of that song where there's clapping. It’s fun and catchy, reflecting our upbeat and happy approach."

Corey elaborates on the creative process:

Corey (09:38): "It was quick and felt right with the clapping pushing against the groove, which is a bit off the wall—just like us."

Inspiration and Design Heroes

Michael from England asks about the designers who inspire the hosts. Jess names favorites like Stephen Gambrel and Thomas O'Brien, while Suze admires artists such as Rosie Miyake and Rose Charlo for their authentic and intentional designs.

Jess (15:40): "I love designers who do things I don’t, like Daryl Carter with his bold strokes. It complements my style perfectly."

Suze emphasizes the importance of original artists and their personal spaces as sources of inspiration, showcasing a deep appreciation for nuanced and authentic design.

Dream Projects and Future Aspirations

Sarah Fallon shares her long-term support and asks about dream projects. Suze dreams of designing for musician Benson Boone, highlighting their passion for working with creative individuals.

Suze (20:38): "Designing a musician's house would be incredibly fun because they have great stories to tell through their interiors."

The hosts express their enthusiasm for projects that allow clients to express their unique personalities and lifestyles.

Expanding Horizons

Karen from Michigan expresses a desire to visit the Alice Lane store and inquires about expansion plans. While acknowledging the appeal of Grand Rapids, the hosts explain their current focus on alicelanehome.com to manage resources effectively.

Corey (22:16): "Building out showrooms is time-consuming, so we’re concentrating on our online presence for now."

Advice for Aspiring Interior Designers

Jasmine Perkins seeks guidance on starting a career in interior design without a formal degree. Jess and Suze offer empowering advice:

Jess (33:17): "You have to be bold enough to walk into shops, express your passion, and be willing to start small. Confidence is key."

Suze adds:

Suze (33:42): "Find a shop or designer you admire and show your enthusiasm. The ones who stand out are those who are hungry and passionate."

They stress that practical experience, willingness to learn, and genuine passion can often outweigh formal education in the interior design industry.

Defining Luxury

In a poignant final question from Camilla in New York, the trio explores their personal definitions of luxury.

Corey (35:00): "To me, luxury is the freedom to express yourself and not caring what others think."

Suze (35:48): "I define luxury as time—the most precious gift you can give yourself and others."

Jess connects this to personal growth and the desire to embrace confidence:

Jess (36:08): "I hope to reach a point where I don't care what people think anymore, allowing me to design unapologetically."

Their collective insights reveal a shared belief that true luxury lies in personal freedom, confidence, and the ability to cherish time both personally and professionally.

Closing Reflections

The episode concludes with heartfelt gratitude to listeners and encouragement to participate in future Q&A sessions. Jess and Suze emphasize the importance of community support in their enduring success.

Jess (40:47): "Thank you to all your listeners. You make possible what we're doing here. We're so grateful for you."

Listeners are invited to rate and review the podcast, ensuring the continued growth and sharing of their design journey.

Notable Quotes:

• Jess (02:12): "We opened in 2008, didn't realize the economy was slowly cracking and falling off the world. Yet, here we are, weathered the storm and evolved a million times."

• Jess (10:19): "I love the part of that song where there's clapping. It’s fun and catchy, reflecting our upbeat and happy approach."

• Suze (35:48): "I define luxury as time—the most precious gift you can give yourself and others."

• Corey (35:00): "To me, luxury is the freedom to express yourself and not caring what others think."

This bonus episode of Dear Alice not only celebrates the longevity and success of Alice Lane Interior Design but also deepens the connection with listeners through personal stories and invaluable professional advice. Whether you're an aspiring designer or a passionate home decor enthusiast, Jess, Suze, and Corey offer inspiration and wisdom that resonates beyond the world of interior design.