BONUS EPISODE: Q&A with the Hosts – Life, Advice & Behind the Scenes

Summary

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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

Transcript

[Jess]

Foreign. We're celebrating 17 years at Alice Lane. Corey, did you compose the song specifically for the podcast or had you already composed it? Corey had this song called Free Rider and it had just come out and Spider man used it for their trailer. Spider man coming home.

[Corey]

Far from home. I want to know from the host, how do you guys define luxury?

[Jess]

Hi, everyone. Welcome to Dear Alice. We have a fun one today. This is a bonus episode.

[Suze]

Oh, my gosh. We've never done a bonus episode.

[Corey]

First. Yeah, first one we felt like we should.

[Suze]

It's kind of like a bonus track on a cd. I lived for bonus tracks.

[Jess]

Yeah.

[Suze]

Did you guys look for bonus tracks?

[Jess]

I know there's like a long pause before it started, but you're like, just wait for it. It's like the best Easter egg.

[Corey]

That's when you were a real fan, when you knew the. About the bonus track. Did you. Did you wait eight minutes of silence? You know? Yeah.

[Suze]

Liar.

[Corey]

You're not a fan. Exactly.

[Jess]

We're giving you guys that bonus track right now. We're celebrating 17 years at Alice Lane. We opened in the heart of 2008 gorgeous years. Yes. Yep. And we're still here. So we thought we'd give you a bonus episode. We're so excited.

[Suze]

A picture from 2008.

[Jess]

We should. Well, this episode, we're answering all of your burning non design questions which you've been begging us to answer. So we've been compiling these personal questions for this very episode. So Corey's going to ask them, we're going to answer them. There's some of these are directed at you, Corey, so you have to answer them.

[Corey]

That's great.

[Jess]

Yeah. So. And I just also wanted to say we're celebrating with an anniversary sale over at Alice Lane home. So make sure and check that out because discounts are up to 25% off the exclusives that Corey and I have been building and making and designing. And you need to live with them. So go check that [e-mail].

[Corey]

Awesome.

[Jess]

Get into it.

[Corey]

Let's do it.

[Jess]

Shall we?

[Suze]

Let's dance.

[Corey]

The first one is from Jordan. L34C. They wrote in and said, I have never heard of Alice Lane before. How long have you guys been in business?

[Suze]

Jordan, have you been living under a rock? I'm just kidding. No, there's a lot of people that don't know Alice. Just go. There you go.

[Jess]

Okay. Well, you. I just said it. 17 years. So we opened in 08 and we didn't realize that the economy was slowly cracking and falling off the world. And we just went ahead and opened Alice Lane. Anyway. It's a really nice high end interior design firm doing really gorgeous custom jobs and selling beautiful furniture. And we somehow are still here. We weathered the storm. It made us stronger. And we've evolved a million times, just like we all do in our personal lives and our work lives. And we're in a completely different animal than we were then. But I'm grateful for all the lessons we've learned over the last 17 years.

[Corey]

Yep. That's awesome. We, we also have a, like a couple episodes like through, over the last couple of years that kind of go a little bit deeper into that. So we have like our love story. Ye. Then we have one with Adam and Jess. Actually, that was probably, I want to say 2,020. 21. 20, 22, maybe. So if you want to learn more about that, go back and see those episodes. Yeah, I think those are some of some of the funnest ones I remember recording.

[Jess]

Adam is my husband.

[Corey]

Oh, yeah.

[Jess]

Yeah. And I'm Jess. Some people think I'm Alice and some people think he's Lane, but we're not. We hide behind this beautiful. It's our old address, Alice Lane. And yeah, we talk a lot about those. And we also had a Dear Alice. 101.

[Corey]

Yes.

[Jess]

Where we start you at the beginning. So those are fun ones to go back and hear a little more about the history.

[Corey]

Definitely. Our next question comes from Michelle from Tennessee. She asks, I need to know about how Suze and Jess met. They are so fun to listen to.

[Suze]

Oh, thanks, Michelle from Tennessee. Well, we know you go, what?

[Jess]

It was December. Do you tell them your side of the story?

[Suze]

Yes.

[Corey]

Oh, yeah. It could be different.

[Suze]

I know it was December. Wait, oh, eight. She opened in September. I was working in downtown Salt Lake, so about an hour north of Provo Orem, which is where the, the first showroom was. And I was, we were. It was around Christmas time. We went Christmas shopping at the mall and then we went to go get a lunch. And there's a place called Sensuous Sandwich. Michelle from Tennessee. Isn't that a fun name? Sensuous Sandwich. It's actually really delicious. Anyway, and it was in like this little plaza. And I'm sitting there with my family waiting for my sandwich to come out. And I look over and I see what is a standalone building in the middle of this, like, corner, busiest corner in Utah Valley. And like, it used to be a mattress store. And then it was like a Halloween spirit and like all of a Sudden, it was like, darling cute, like, scored limestone with black and white awnings and, like, lion door knockers. And I was just like. I asked my husband, I'm like, what is that? He's like, I don't know. And I'm just like, I'm going to be right back. So I scurry over, and I walk into the store, and I'm. I see Jess. She was like, over styling. And I see Adam behind the Cash app, which is her husband, and it was just the most darling store. And I remember, design wise, I was really, really impressed because I had worked out of state and I'd seen what was in, like, available in the marketplace, but Utah really didn't have it, like, this kind of light, bright, transitional vibe. And all of a sudden, like, I saw it, and I'm an interior designer. I'm like, oh, my gosh. Like, I love this. This is so great. And I started talking to Adam and Jess, and they were so lovely and unthreatening, and we just, like, hit it off right from the beginning. And that's when I started to kind of plan my exit from the firm that I was at. And you guys had just opened, so you didn't really have, like, you hadn't gotten into the design space too much as far as, like, full homes. But I remember my boss when I put in my two weeks, and she's like, where are you going again? Oh, wait. And I'm just like, it's just. It's. It's a retail store, and we will do design, too. And she's like, you're committing career suicide. And I was just like, I feel good about it. I really like them as far as trusting your gut. I'm like, we worked, like, we just did a trial run, and we worked together on this, like, parade home, which is just like a show house here in Utah. They're like, oh, let's see how we work together. Show up here at this address, and you guys can work together for a day. And we just hit it off, like, brilliantly, and it didn't feel like work, and it was really, really fun. And I'd worked for a lot of other women designers that had a lot of ego, maybe, like, ethically, like, they weren't my favorite. But I think it's because Jess, she came from just like, a creativity standpoint because her first half of her career was in, you know, she was a creative director in ad agencies. She didn't have, like, necessarily interior design formal training, but she had a passion that just, like, Fueled the fire. And it was just so fun to bounce ideas off of each other when we just worked really well together. And best friends ever.

[Jess]

So fun. So fun. Sus is like this golden penny that walked in the door, and I felt like good luck came as a result. And I think because it was built on such friendship and I think also culture. Right. That was the most important fit for me. We had hired, like, a wrong fit before Sue's, and that's why I was so nervous. I'm like, let's do this show house together and just see in the actual doing of the work how we get along if we can kind of complete each other. It was just like a real tag team, and we just worked together great and got to know each other at the same time. And we are so uniquely different, But I think our different points of view make us a more complete package than us sharing the same brain. And I just think that's so important in. In a work, in a partnership. And it's just been so fun. It hasn't felt like work. We've done hard things together, but it's felt really balanced. And I think there's always, like, laughing emojis at the end of things. And I don't know, it's. It's important that you do things with people you love because it's. Life's hard otherwise. And Susan's brought in a lot of really great talent. And we did have a need to come up with a design service because we did just open as a retail store. And people kept saying, can you come home with me? And we're like, I think so, but I have to stay here because I work here, and there's only a few of us.

[Suze]

Shop closes at seven.

[Jess]

So, I mean, we did work until midnight every night for a lot of. A lot of time until we were able to develop a balance. It's definitely one of those businesses that you really have to work in. You don't get to phone it in. You don't get to have other people hire other people and have them do your job. It's something that you are just all in with. It's a calling.

[Corey]

You have to be passionate about it.

[Jess]

Yeah, definitely.

[Corey]

That drives the boat.

[Suze]

I could shovel poop with her. We've said that before. Like, we could shovel poop together, and we'd have fun.

[Jess]

It'd be hilarious.

[Suze]

It'd be so fun.

[Jess]

And Shirley. Yeah.

[Corey]

Yes. Anyway, I totally agree with everything that was said. The next question is from Janine, and she says, oh, I want to ask okay. Yeah. Okay.

[Suze]

Okay.

[Jess]

Hi, Corey. Did you compose the song specifically for the podcast or had you already composed it? I'm sure none of you hear the song as much as we fans do, but Jess and Suze, do you remember what you first thought that made it the right music for your podcast?

[Corey]

Great question, great question.

[Jess]

And Suze and I. So Corey had just. Corey has this amazing band called Spirit City. You all need to look up his music. You will not believe how awesome it is. Maybe you will, because you know Corey, but it's legit. So Corey had this song called Free Rider, and it had just come out, and Spider man used it for their trailer. Spider man coming home Far from home, Far from home Use it for their trailer. Could not believe it. It's the greatest.

[Corey]

I couldn't believe it when it happened.

[Jess]

Can we play a little clip of it here?

[Corey]

Yeah, we'll see if we can rank. Yeah.

[Suze]

Brian, producer over here. Yeah, yeah, we're gonna have him peek in. He's awesome.

[Jess]

And then you need to look up the Spider man trailer. Janine, since you obviously have cued into the music.

[Suze]

I've been running.

[Jess]

Now you've done it again.

[Suze]

Done it again. I wrote it all down when you sit in, man.

[Jess]

So I remember the part of that song where there's clapping in it, and I was like, that's so fun and so catchy. And I feel like we're upbeat and we're happy, and we try not to take ourselves too seriously. And we've listened to other design podcasts, and they're dead serious. And we. We love design, and we don't even want to listen to those podcasts. So we were like, this needs to be fun. And I love that song. It's my favorite that you've done.

[Corey]

Thank you.

[Jess]

Like, is there something with clapping and. Cory, take it from here.

[Corey]

Yeah. So I just got in a studio with a friend of mine, and we kind of just, like, talked over those, you know, that feedback. And it's. I mean, in the world of sync licensing, like, obviously we'd written a song first, and then Sony picked it up and used it in the Spider Man Far From Home trailer. But when it's for something, like, very specific like this and something I was going to be a part of, it just. It didn't seem like we just wanted to take a chorus or something from a Spirit City song that it needed to be its own, like, original thing. And I think sometimes that's a little bit easier to work that way because you can kind of, like, gain inspiration from, you know, feedback. So, yeah, we. I recently went through or that idea that we wrote for Dear Alice and the other ones that we had, and definitely we had three ideas. This one was definitely the best. Looking back on it, and I think it, like, incorporated everything that you were. You were kind of thinking. And then we made one edit on that, and then we were done. So it was, like, pretty. A. Pretty quick. Pretty quick things. So, yeah, it just felt right, like, the clapping and it kind of pushes against the groove a little bit, which is, you know, a little. Which is a little bit off the wall, which kind of felt like us. So, yeah, it's. It's fun, but I'm glad that, like, someone, you know, like, keyed into that and. And like it and. Yeah, it's cool.

[Suze]

I get a lot of comments too.

[Corey]

Really?

[Suze]

Yeah, just like, friends, and they're like. When they find out, like, we have a podcast they go listen to, they're like, that's a catchy. That's a catchy bit at the front. I'm like, qu. Place, everyone.

[Corey]

I'm gonna have to take that and turn it into a song. Yeah, good work backwards on that.

[Suze]

You can name it Justin.

[Corey]

Yeah, exactly. Perfect. Dear Alice. There you go. At the beginning. Yeah, that's a. That's a couple different people. Yeah. But, yeah, there's, like, layers in it and stuff like that.

[Suze]

So I wish you had video footage of, like, you guys recording. That would be such good people.

[Corey]

Oh, my gosh.

[Jess]

Like, you know. You know the beginning of Friends where they clap in the. So.

[Corey]

Oh, yeah.

[Jess]

Or whatever. We'll be the clappers.

[Corey]

Yes. That would have been awesome. If we ever do another one, that's what we should do is, like, our music video. Yep.

[Jess]

Guys, how lucky are we that we have Corey that made our ditty at the beginning, and he's on the podcast with us, and he just knows everything about building and construction and design and.

[Suze]

Good luck.

[Jess]

We love it. We're so proud of it.

[Corey]

Amazing question, so thanks, Janine. That's awesome. Jess, you have an expert tip on how to sleep cool during these hot summer nights. Let's share it with the people.

[Jess]

I really do. Guys, it's the cozy Earth sheets. I have to tell you, they regulate temperature. And by regulate temperature, I mean between me and my husband, we sleep very different. He's a much bigger person than I am, and he sleeps so hot. Even just touching his body is hot. So I got the sheets, and I have to tell you, he's sleeping through the night, and we're Both comfortable. Also, they have this really pretty sheen to them, which I appreciate. Beautiful things as you know. So I think they're gorgeous. The hand is amazing and they just naturally wick away heat and moisture from your body and helping you sleep several degrees cooler. And sleeping in a cooler environment helps offer scientifically supported benefits that enhance your sleep quality and your overall health. So I feel great about that.

[Corey]

Guys, this is a risk free purchase. Cozy earth offers a 100 night sleep trial, so try them during the hottest nights of the year. If you're not in love, return them hassle free. But trust me, you won't want to upgrade your summer. Go to cozyearth.com and use code Dear Alice for up to 40% off best selling temperature regulating sheets, apparel and more. Trust me, you'll feel the difference at the very first night. Sleep cooler, lounge lighter. Stay cozy. The next question is from Michael from England. Super rad. He says, love the pod and all the tips. I was wondering which designers inspire you guys? Yeah, definitely.

[Jess]

We definitely are inspired. I have to say, Stephen Gambrel is a favorite of mine. If I ever get in a rut, I'm like, where's the Stephen Gambrel book? I just need to flip through it and just get my mind right. I also really admire Daryl Carter, his ability to edit. He's really good with black and white and he has bold strokes. You know, I think some designers are really good at like a lot of fine strokes. I think Daryl Carter is like big, bold strokes. And I always admire those people that do things that I don't do. And that's probably also why I just love male designers. Thomas o' Brien has forever been a favorite. He's his American modern, vintage modern looks, they just, they never go out of style. But as far as like Instagram accounts, they're fun to look at and they kind of like light a new fire in me. I think House of Honey is really fun.

[Suze]

Yeah.

[Jess]

And I really also love EMD, their design studio. E.M. design Studio. It's a cap, capital EMD at the beginning. And I just think everything they're doing is so chic and so intentional and interesting. I think that's what we want to see at the end of the day is something that feels interesting, something that feels hard. Honestly, I like looking at somebody break their brain over something that nobody else has thought of or has done and isn't over processed. That feels really original. Yeah, those are a few. Those are five of my faves currently. What are you. I know these are improv.

[Suze]

This is improv for me.

[Jess]

You had prep time.

[Corey]

I'm gonna say this, and I'm not saying this to be a homer or anything, but I can honestly, like, I vividly remember the time where, like, a passion was. Is. Was ignited in me for interior design, and it's from listening to Sue's talk about it in our. Like, it was a long time ago in the Orem showroom, and you were doing, like, trainings and stuff, and I was like, man, like, so just working with both of you two. Like, you're super inspiring. A. And, like, the detail that you guys, like, see when you look at something has, like, literally transformed my eye. Like, I look at things differently because of it. I'm like, ah. Like, I can't believe you guys picked up on that. Like, it. It has helped me drill in. So I'm gonna say Jess Bennett and Suzall.

[Jess]

Oh, thanks.

[Corey]

Yeah.

[Jess]

Sweet.

[Suze]

I know. I just thought of a couple just, like, off the cuff. Yeah. Thank you. That was sweet.

[Corey]

Of course. Yeah. Yeah.

[Suze]

I think a lot of we always say this when we're talking about our favorite books and designs. I just love original. I love original artists, and I love their homes, and I, like, love how they reside. I love the thoughtfulness, like, looking to a designer's home. And it might not be a big, famous designer, but I just think, like, you see little nuances and stuff of just, like, how collected it is, and I key into those things. I'm like, oh, that's such a unique way that they. You couldn't have, like, formulated that idea without living with that thing for a long time and then, like, happening upon this, like, little corner to put it in.

[Jess]

I don't know.

[Suze]

There's like, a real authenticity when you see how a designer lives and how an artist lives. I love it so much. So those are, like, almost unidentifiable, like, the miscellaneous columns of all those books that are my very, very, very favorite. So all the Vogue books, anyway, all the 80s stuff, the international stuff, I just, like, eat it up. I'll say, like, Rosie Miyake. I love her stuff. Her book is incredible. Like, her details are so great.

[Corey]

She.

[Suze]

And it's so simple. But then when you look closely, you see, like, there's, like, this little petal on the iron railing, and you're just like, oh, it's so. It's. It's easy, and it feels effortless, but it's so intentional. Like, just, like, little bits like that that, like, take a lot of care and thought and are custom, but aren't like, chest pounding.

[Jess]

I'll tell you what. It's at the showroom, but it sells out all the time.

[Suze]

I know.

[Jess]

I think it sells out because our own people buy it. Maybe it's the public, too, but it's. If you don't have it on your cocktail table, highly suggest.

[Suze]

It's so beautiful. Another rose I love is Rose Charlo.

[Jess]

Yeah.

[Suze]

I love her stuff. And she does, like, the most beautiful, like, interiors, but she also. And again, a real authenticity that's not yelling too hard, but it's super, super interesting and just very intentional. I love her stuff. I'll say, like, Instagram, like, de Gorny. I repost them all the time anyway. Just the spaces that they do with their wall coverings and their layering, and there's like a. I'm sure an army of designers that's, like, working in there, just, like, brewing things up. And I'm eating it. It's so good.

[Jess]

Yeah.

[Suze]

Those are just, like, a few places I get inspiration. I want to say everyone. Kelly Wearsler. I mean, doy like, yeah. I'm like, there's just, like, icons that you're just like, continue. Like, what. What they do. And Kelly's just always. Just anytime you like. What if you walk through the proper hotel in Santa Monica? You felt it.

[Jess]

Yeah. You know.

[Suze]

You know, and I feel like Kelly.

[Jess]

Is just such a student of design, and she's always just mixing the unimaginable together, and she's fearless about it. Yeah. And I think that's the reaction that everybody feels when they're looking at her work. And I think she's probably the biggest global designer in the world today. Yeah. She's created her own world, you know.

[Suze]

And she has her own genre, her.

[Jess]

Own licenses amongst all of them. And it's. She's not loud about it, but her work is loud. It speaks for itself. And she's just a fun follower.

[Suze]

She's just cool.

[Jess]

Yeah.

[Suze]

Look at the way she dresses. Like, that girl's cool.

[Jess]

Yeah. She knows who she is.

[Suze]

Kelly, you don't need to hear it from me, but you're really cool.

[Jess]

Yeah. There it is.

[Suze]

Yep.

[Corey]

The next question is from Sarah Fallon. She asks. I have been watching since day one. That's amazing.

[Suze]

Thanks, Sarah.

[Corey]

Almost six years.

[Suze]

Day one was probably rough.

[Corey]

Yeah.

[Suze]

I'm like, a little better.

[Jess]

I can't believe you're still with us.

[Suze]

I wonder what our hair looks like.

[Jess]

We haven't even looked back at day one.

[Corey]

And then she says, love you guys so much. Super nice of her. It's awesome. And then asks. It feels like you have all worked on so many different projects. Do you have a dream project you want to tackle?

[Suze]

I'm so glad you asked. I'd like to design Benson Boone's house.

[Jess]

Yes.

[Corey]

That's awesome.

[Suze]

Anyway, how to put it out there?

[Jess]

We believe in manifesting. We actually do have a life size cutout of Benson Boone in the design center. We have his outfits taped to the wall in the hallway and we're taking great inspiration from what he wears and we're just. We. He actually, he actually lives near us and we feel like we'd be a really good fit. It'd be really fun. So if anybody knows him out there, put in a good word for us. We would really love to do.

[Suze]

Yes.

[Jess]

Something for Benson. I think an interesting character will make for an awesome house.

[Suze]

I do too.

[Jess]

And so we do love it when we can get those people that are passionate and a lot of people are private, which is really fun too. And they're passionate. They have great stories to tell through their interiors. So anything like that.

[Suze]

Yeah. Musicians in general, I just think would be really, really fun because again, like there's creative and they're not.

[Corey]

Yeah.

[Suze]

I don't know.

[Corey]

They're an artist.

[Suze]

They're an artist, but I don't know. They can. Yeah, you get it. Yeah.

[Corey]

The next question is from Karen from Michigan and she says, I want to visit the store so bad. Ye us you need to.

[Jess]

We want to see you when you do come. Yes. DM us. That way we can meet you.

[Corey]

Yes, yes. And then obviously tell us when you're going to be here. We'll. Yeah, we'll make sure we are. And then she asks, when are you going to expand out to Michigan?

[Suze]

Man, Good old Grand Rapids would be really cute.

[Jess]

Yeah, that would be fun.

[Corey]

I would say like right now, like, man, these. That our build outs are so tough and time consuming that we've really just been focusing on alicelanehome.com because that's really like, you know, the sky's the limit. Yeah. Yeah. So. And then we can take, you know, a lot of our efforts from that and, you know, turn it into cool pieces for your home that we can sell on there. So like when we were doing this, the building the showroom, now I've like, literally my entire job was just swallowed up from doing that. So took a lot of time. One day. That would be awesome. Who knows? I'm not saying never.

[Suze]

Dear Alice pop up store on tour.

[Corey]

Exactly. Yeah.

[Suze]

Really fun.

[Corey]

The next one is from Mariah. And she says, this is such a fun podcast to listen to. Really enjoyed the drapery episodes since I was working on them. It's awesome. Serendipitous. Yeah. And she asked, I was just curious what inspired you guys to start this podcast? It was a special project.

[Jess]

Suzanne and I, in the old days, in the first showroom, we used to be moving furniture around the floor. And we will have gotten done with the designs and design presentation, and we'd be like, man, I was going so good until the husband came in, ruined everything. And then sue and I would say, chapter two in our book is going to be called Husbands, and we're gonna. We're gonna tell people how they the breaks. Yeah. We'd be like, the women. The women are the gas, and the husband are the brakes weeks. That's not true today. A lot of times, the husband is the gas, which is really fun. It's so fun when everybody is gas. But we were like, someday we're gonna have a book, and we're gonna call chapter two Husbands, and we're gonna talk about this in the book. And, oh, let's teach this principle, too. And finally, we were like, I don't know if this book's gonna happen. It's gonna take so much time. We should just get a podcast, and then we can talk about husbands whenever we want or whatever. We're learning or need to unpack. But we finally just thought this was. This would be the easiest thing to do. We've probably spent a billion more hours doing the podcast than we ever would a book. But I don't know. I also think there's just something about tone. You know, even when you're reading a text, you're like, I would rather somebody send me a voice memo. I would rather them send me a Marco Polo because I want to feel their energy.

[Suze]

They didn't put an exclamation point on it. So they're mad at me.

[Corey]

Yeah.

[Jess]

From Suha without emojis, usually the two hands up in the air. She'll even be delivering bad news, and she'll be like, yeah, So I don't know. There's just not enough emojis to be able to feel the energy. And I think the podcast is the best way to communicate something. I also don't like to read, so I like looking at pictures, which is why I love design books. I'll read a little paragraph, but I'm not one that's going to sit and pour over a design book to learn. I want to really learn. And by Somebody talking about it, showing images. I just think a podcast is such a great medium for that. So we decided to give it a try. We. Corey's over special projects. We're like, hey, do you think you can figure out how to make us podcast?

[Corey]

I did my best. I could say that. Yeah, we were. Yeah, we were shooting from the hip back.

[Jess]

It's been several different versions in lots of different locations.

[Suze]

And then we have a producer, Ryan, over here.

[Jess]

Yeah. Was it just last year that we went on YouTube? The idea of putting it on video was like, oh, no.

[Corey]

I think it's going to be two years this fall.

[Jess]

Okay.

[Corey]

That we've been on YouTube, which is good faces.

[Jess]

We got to try and smile all the time.

[Suze]

I think we. The first time we recorded, we saw. We saw ourselves. We're just like, nope.

[Corey]

Yeah. Because we were originally. Originally we were going to do a recorded one version of it, and we.

[Jess]

Did one through six. Probably were recorded and never showed those because we did not like them.

[Corey]

Yes. Yeah. We weren't good with lighting and all of that back then, and we were in a darker room, so that was, like. That made it really difficult. Yeah. Yeah. So. And I think we did it in a good way because having to tackle both at the same time, like, I feel like we needed to get used to juggling just the podcast production. Yeah.

[Jess]

Yeah.

[Corey]

So.

[Suze]

And I think also being able to, like, we're. We're good at talking about design, but it's such a visual medium that, like, being able to express what we're trying to get out, like, without a video, I think, like, really upped our game as far as being able to talk about design.

[Corey]

I've. Intellectually, I tell people all the time, like, I have. I feel like I have a degree just from being on the podcast. Yeah.

[Suze]

Yeah.

[Corey]

And I remember because I was just thinking, yeah, we're gonna, like, start a podcast, and I'm gonna sit behind the camera and I'm just gonna listen to you two talk, you know, and then Jess, one day, I, like, remember it happening. She was like, yeah, like. And then you're gonna be on the podcast and, you know, give perspective. Yeah. I was like, okay. Like, I didn't feel. I felt had some imposters interview.

[Suze]

Exactly.

[Corey]

But, yeah, I think it's. It's. Honestly, it's been the favorite part of my job. And, yeah. I mean, obviously love hanging out with you guys and it's. It's fun, so. And I learn a ton, so it's awesome. Yeah. That's the reason we did it, love. The next question is from Gordon. He says, you three are so funny. Thursdays are the best days of the week since we get a new episode. If you could steal one design item from each each other's homes, what would it be and why? That's an amazing one of your guitars. Okay.

[Suze]

Okay.

[Corey]

That's awesome. And I just realized I did not do this homework that I was supposed to do. Sorry, Jess.

[Suze]

One of your guitars. Jesse's home. I need to, like, go through my archives. Hold on.

[Corey]

I'm gonna do. I would do your primary vanity just with the double nose.

[Suze]

Yeah, just like, get that.

[Corey]

You get that over here because it's so dope. Yeah.

[Jess]

Yeah. You just won the game.

[Corey]

I'll trade your guitar for it, actually. I know.

[Suze]

I'm just like Gucci wallpaper.

[Jess]

I want to steal some of Susan's original art. Yeah, I actually. I love Susan's bathroom, but her entryway, like, she made love out of nothing at all. You know that song by Air Supply?

[Corey]

Yep.

[Jess]

Like, she just has this little Hal hallway. And she made this moment with this Frida painting that's, like, neon yellow and this French chest, which you'd never put the two together. It's great. Mirror. And she has this rosary that's all twisted up, you know, on a couple different nails. And always fresh flowers and always the best candle. And it's just such a moment. It's such an artsy all in Suzanne hall moment. I can't steal it because it's so her, but I just am, like, so proud of her when I see that. I'm like, I don't know how you did that, that there wasn't even space for that. You. It's awesome. Also, your art collection is bananas. Thanks, Jess. Yeah. So, I mean, you know, just like 50 of her art is just steal it just so that I could have more art.

[Corey]

Yeah.

[Jess]

And she. I mean, she's got art from her floorboards to her ceiling. She's probably got art in places that are, like, in storage rooms. You've got so much art and just.

[Suze]

Take it to the framer and he stores it for me.

[Jess]

Yeah, it's good to do it.

[Suze]

Yeah. Your purple piece of original art that sits over your bed, I'd steal that right now.

[Jess]

Oh, yeah, that's. I want that in, like, three places in my house.

[Suze]

No, I'm like, I could think of so many spots for that right now.

[Corey]

I would say the lighting in your house is amazing. Yeah. But also, one thing that I have never mentioned, but I've Always admired is your balustrades. Like, I love. Yeah, Yeah. I love that the. They're white and the railing is. Is it. What kind of wood is it?

[Jess]

It's white oak.

[Corey]

Okay. I've always profile just when you're walking into your house just like that, that view of it. Like, I've always just noticed the railing and balustrades and the fact that you.

[Suze]

Fit, like, a center hall table, like, within a corridor, like, I know.

[Corey]

Yeah. So rad. Yeah, so rad.

[Suze]

Thanks, Christopher. Marley. Those bugs stacked in your family room, I'd steal those two. I put that in my purse.

[Jess]

Oh, yeah, you would. Haven't been your house yet. But you know what? I love that you did.

[Corey]

Okay.

[Jess]

I love that you have a green kitchen, and I love that you have a pink closet. Don't you also have a pink primary bathroom?

[Corey]

Yes.

[Jess]

Yeah.

[Corey]

Yeah.

[Jess]

I love that you're afraid of color. And especially as a guy, like, I think you instigated those decisions.

[Corey]

100. Yeah. Everyone always thinks it was my wife that did that. Like, I was like, no, this I loved it.

[Jess]

Green kitchen I ever saw was Cameron Diaz's kitchen that Kelly Wearsler did for her green kitchen. Brass countertops. So dope. And you're the second green kitchen.

[Suze]

I know.

[Corey]

Thank you.

[Jess]

It's awesome. It's very rock star of you.

[Corey]

I love it. So thank you. Thank you so much. Learned it from you guys from the best, you know. Yeah. The next question is from Jasmine Perkins. She wrote in and asked, I'm wondering if you all could answer how to start a career in interior design. I don't have a bachelor's degree. I was looking into going to school to get an interior design degree, but the recent issues with student loans and colleges getting rid of degrees from lack of funding, I am hesitant to start. If you have any tips on how to get internships or apply for jobs, I would really appreciate it. Great question.

[Suze]

That's a great question.

[Jess]

Really good question. I think this is. Jasmine, this is super normal. I want you to know that. And actually, one of my favorite podcasts is called Second Life, and they always talk about somebody who went to school for something and then they got into something else because it was like their heart just drove them to it. And sue and I, we were just answering the same question on our carpool Q and A the other day. And a lot of people ask us, like, how is there a way just to get into it without having a degree? And it's really common to be able to have people like this within a firm helping in other ways. And you're going to have a superpower that somebody else doesn't have. So you just have to get rid of that part of your brain that has imposter syndrome that says you can't do it. I don't have a degree in interior design. I actually studied advertising design. Went through the design wing and all of the, the studies there and the schooling there. And then I worked in ad agencies as an art director and loved it. But I had this bigger pull to with three dimensional stuff in design and it really lit me on fire and I couldn't stop. So it's definitely a calling and if you're feeling called to it, you need to do it. I mean, we have, we have room for stylists in the showroom. We have room for support in the interior design firm where you can be on projects helping to manage it. We need people with left brains and right brains in design. There's a place for you. There's a lot of people that might start as a stylist and then move into design. You might even just have to pick up a few classes to learn AutoCAD if you want to. I just think you have to be bold enough to be able to walk in the doors of a few shops and see what's available. Or if there's even somebody that works on their own and they need a second set of hands. Maybe you do it for free for a little while and then you really cut your teeth and get into it. I don't know. What advice do you have? Sue?

[Suze]

I was about to say confidence carries. Like if you have confidence and yeah, you do. And every artist has imposter syndrome. I have it like every day still and I have a degree, blah, blah, blah. But I do think that if you love. I always tell people if they're wanting to get into interior design and they don't want, they're they in a situation where they're not going to go back to school, whatever. That's. I get it. I would find a shop or a designer that you admire and I would just like really express to them your passion and that your, your drive to do anything. I think those are the people that always stand out to me that have worked for us, that have grown the quickest are the ones that say, put me in coach. Like, like, I'll organize your samples, I'll do anything. I just want to be here.

[Jess]

I'll help you with your social media.

[Suze]

Exactly.

[Jess]

I'll be on the other end of the camera. You talk.

[Suze]

I Had one gal that she just helped me, like, and spend the biggest blessing, like, organize my Pinterest into folders. And I was like, thank goodness she walked through the door, you know, but just like, those are the people that just, like, they start small, and they're memorable because, like, they were just. They're hungry, they're passionate, and that's not something that school necessarily teaches you. You haven't, so.

[Jess]

And interior design is one of those jobs that could never sleep. I know I'll fall asleep at night, and I'm still trying to solve for things in my head. And having an extra set of hands, somebody willing to do anything, is pretty rare today. And I think that willingness goes a long way in your ability to work hard. And there's just so much work to always be done. Anybody would appreciate more hands.

[Suze]

Yep. Yeah. Good luck.

[Corey]

So this next one is our last question. And I know you know what it is, Jess, but, Suze, you don't. And I'm just gonna say this is prob.

[Suze]

Like, am I gonna cry?

[Corey]

No, but just such a thoughtful question. And. Yes.

[Suze]

Okay.

[Corey]

And we. We know she's a fan from the question. So her name is Camilla. She's from New York, and she wrote it and asked. This is so silly. It's not. But since you ask it for every interview, I want to know, from the host, how do you guys define luxury?

[Suze]

Good question.

[Corey]

Yeah. I mean, super thoughtful guys go first. I'm gonna think I have an answer if you want me to go first, please. I'm not saying that I think there is room for. I mean, you have to care about others, what others think of you. But I think luxury, to me, is the freedom of doing what you want within reason and what expresses you, and having the freedom of not caring what other people think of that, you know, or, like, the. The jealousy that other people might get or, like, if it's not their vibe. You know, that lady saying to you, like, that's. Oh, that's career suicide. It's like, well, guess what? You're not the one doing it, so it doesn't matter, you know, and just having the. That. Yeah. Like, freedom and.

[Suze]

Kind of the courage.

[Corey]

Yeah. Courage to just. To do it and to be you. And that's. You know, as I get older and older, that's something I'm kind of growing into more and more. And, yeah, to me, that. That's what, like, luxury is just having that. Getting rid of the anxiety of what others think of you. So.

[Jess]

Excellent answer.

[Corey]

Thank you.

[Jess]

I do see how. I mean, I heard Gwyneth Paltrow say something along those lines where she's like, when you get to a certain age, you get that upgrade right in your brain where you don't care what people think anymore. It's like, you know, you go to bed and you plug in your iPhone and then it upgrades in the night. And for Gwyneth, she said that happened when she turned 50, and I'm actually going to turn 50 in August. And I. I'm like, I can't wait to wake up in the morning and have that upgrade in my brain to where I don't care. Because I. I constantly am so aware and caring what people are thinking because I'm trying to read them, because we design for them.

[Corey]

Yeah.

[Jess]

And I would love to just unapologetically just go forward without the fear or the care and just do what I know absolutely is a full body. Yes. For me. You know?

[Corey]

Yeah.

[Jess]

I just. I really feel that. I think that's such a fantastic answer.

[Corey]

Thank you. Thank you. Yeah. I think it's, you know, that's something you probably. Everyone works at their entire life is just having to just be comfortable in their own skin.

[Jess]

Yeah.

[Corey]

You know, and be who they are.

[Jess]

Yeah. So kudos to you.

[Suze]

Thank you.

[Jess]

You're so young, too.

[Corey]

Thank you.

[Jess]

So young and fresh. Yeah.

[Suze]

38 years of age.

[Jess]

Do you know your answer? I don't know mine.

[Suze]

You don't? The thing that I. I've thought about this before, like, a little bit. I wish I had prepped a little bit more for today, but off the cuff, I think. How do I define luxury? I define luxury as time. Like, I think time is, like, the most precious thing that you can give yourself. It's the most precious thing you can give clients. Like, it's the most precious thing you can give your family and just your head. I think there's so much always pulling at us, especially in my stage of life right now. Like, we work full time. I have three little boys. Like, there's not a whole lot of time, but whenever I do get time, you know, to fraction it to anything that I really, really love, be it to, like, one of my kids or to one client that I really get to just, like, sit in thought and think about it and, like, really develop it. Like, there's like, a magic that happens, like, chemically in your brain that you just like it. It instills confidence. Time instills confidence. And I think confidence kind of goes back to what you were saying, that you're just, like, you're confident in the idea moving forward, you're confident in presenting it, you're confident in yourself, you know, and so I think time for me feels like such a luxury right now, but I think what time gives me is confidence to be proud of the thing that I'm spending time with or on or who, you know, so. Time.

[Corey]

Yeah, awesome answer.

[Jess]

That's great. I love that. I think downtime is such a luxury.

[Corey]

Yeah, what's that? Yeah, exactly.

[Suze]

Tell me about that.

[Corey]

Seriously, 2025, it's hard to just even.

[Jess]

Think your own thoughts, you know, because there are so many distracting things that are screaming at you for energy. So just to plug a phone in and put it face down on a surface and leave it alone. And I love a pair of silk pajamas and I like to just put those on and get out of my clothes. And lately I've been loving to just go out on my porch. I think it's because we recently, like, styled it and planted it and everything and lay down on the love seat so nobody can see me and just try and think my own thoughts and just have stillness and quietness. Feels like such. Such a luxury, right?

[Corey]

It's. Everything's so loud and fast paced and like all the time just everyone's tech can text you and call you and, you know, do all these.

[Jess]

And even on Saturday morning, I'll like, go open up the blinds and I'll crank open my window and I'll just go back and lay in bed and just listen to the birds chirp because it's. It's like, I don't know, or like going through a walk through the forest, but just doing the things to really unplug with time, which we don't have enough of, to just get your brain to reset and not have to be constantly, constantly grinding and just time with people you love. You know, I think that's such a reset for the batteries to just recharge and free to remember who you are. Yeah, you know, it's. It's rough out there and I think what we have is so valuable in that we do get to do this work for other people, but we do need to be able to reset it and go in and have energy for them too.

[Corey]

Yeah, so true. Great answers. Well, guys, that was cry. No. Yeah, almost did.

[Jess]

Yeah, you did good.

[Corey]

Well, Camilla, thank you so much for that question. It was super thoughtful. Thank all of you guys for the questions. Yeah, we are so excited that we were able to record an episode like this and yeah, answer some more of the personal questions you guys have so if those are the questions you guys do have, send them in. You know, we'll, we'll have to do a bonus episode like this again. So yeah, if you do, send them to Dear alice alice lane home.com yes.

[Jess]

And thank you to all your listeners. You guys make possible what we're doing here. We're so grateful for you. If you do have time, rate and review, it helps the podcast grow. And don't forget to get yourself something really nice. Alicelanehome.com right now during the anniversary sale. We'll catch you guys next time. Hey, thanks for listening. If you like our show, please leave a five star rating.

[Suze]

Mama Papa Mi C.

[Jess]

So Vietra La.

[Suze]

Moda Konos Precious Bacos de la vuelta Classes Amazon Amazon Gastamenos Sonrimas.