Podcast Summary: Totally Booked with Zibby – Episode Featuring Elyce Arons

Episode Title: WE MIGHT JUST MAKE IT AFTER ALL: My Best Friendship with Kate Spade
Release Date: June 19, 2025
Guest: Elyce Arons
Book Discussed: We Might Just Make It After All, My Best Friendship with Kate Spade

Introduction

In this heartfelt episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens welcomes Elyce Arons, the co-founder of the renowned handbag company Kate Spade and CEO of Francis Valentine. Elyce discusses her latest book, We Might Just Make It After All, My Best Friendship with Kate Spade, which delves into her lifelong friendship with the late Kate Spade, the evolution of their business, and personal anecdotes from their journey together.

Elyce Arons’ Journey and Friendship with Kate Spade

Elyce begins by sharing the genesis of her book, highlighting the therapeutic process of recounting cherished memories with Kate Spade. She states, “I’ve known Kate since we were 18 years old, and we’ve been through so much together” (04:29). Elyce emphasizes that the book serves as a dual memoir—both a business chronicle and a personal coming-of-age story.

Building the Kate Spade Brand

Zibby inquires about the early days of Kate Spade, prompting Elyce to reminisce about the humble beginnings of the business. Elyce explains, “Andy Spade had the idea to start the handbag company, and together with Katie and Pamela, we believed we had everything we needed to succeed” (09:53). She details the collaborative efforts in design, production, and sales, noting the absence of a formal business plan: “We never had a business plan ever. And so thank goodness we didn’t know what we didn’t know because I don’t know if we would have started it” (20:29).

Creative Decision-Making and Brand Identity

A pivotal moment in the company’s history is discussed when Elyce recounts the decision to place the brand name on the bags’ exterior. “Katie looked at the labels and said, ‘There’s something missing. We need somewhere for the eye to go.’ And that’s when we decided to sew the labels on the outside” (11:50). This decision, though challenging, transformed Kate Spade from merely a handbag company into a recognizable brand.

Navigating Challenges and Team Dynamics

Elyce openly discusses the struggles faced while growing the business, including internal conflicts and operational hurdles. She shares, “We would get into the biggest fights about the smallest things, and it was really always about a different way to do the same thing” (26:10). Despite these challenges, the strong bond and mutual respect among the team members, especially between Elyce and Katie, helped them persevere.

Tribute to Kate Spade

The conversation takes an emotional turn as Elyce addresses the tragic loss of Kate Spade. She shares her personal grief, stating, “I miss her every day. It was a devastating loss for all of us” (06:57). Instead of focusing on the loss, Elyce chose to celebrate Katie’s life and legacy. “The book really focuses on how she lived and what she was like, not on how she left us” (07:47).

Transition to Frances Valentine

Post-Kate Spade, Elyce and Katie ventured into a new endeavor—Frances Valentine. Elyce describes the transition, saying, “We sold Kate Spade after 13 years and thought we might never work again, but we missed creating and fashion” (21:42). Frances Valentine launched on Valentine’s Day in 2016, embodying the same spirit of joy and creativity that defined Kate Spade.

Maintaining Personal Life and Friendships Amidst Business

Balancing a thriving business with personal life is another topic Elyce touches upon. She highlights the importance of supportive relationships, both professional and personal. “Having my business partners and my husband, who is also very social, helped me maintain friendships and balance my life” (28:09).

The Writing Process and Book Marketing

Zibby inquires about Elyce’s experience writing the book. Elyce reflects, “It was a completely different world from fashion business. The editing, fact-checking, and writing were challenging but rewarding” (31:20). She emphasizes the importance of documenting stories and memories, encouraging listeners to start writing their own narratives.

Closing Thoughts and Future Collaborations

As the episode concludes, Elyce expresses excitement about potential collaborations with Zibby in the book and fashion worlds. Both hosts share a mutual appreciation for each other’s work, culminating in a warm farewell and encouragement for listeners to engage with Elyce’s book and ongoing projects.

Notable Quotes

• Elyce Arons on Starting Kate Spade:
  “We never had a business plan ever. And so thank goodness we didn’t know what we didn’t know because I don’t know if we would have started it” (20:29).

• Elyce on Tribute to Kate Spade:
  “The book really focuses on how she lived and what she was like, not on how she left us” (07:47).

• Elyce on Persevering Through Challenges:
  “We would get into the biggest fights about the smallest things, and it was really always about a different way to do the same thing” (26:10).

• Elyce on Balancing Work and Personal Life:
  “Having my business partners and my husband, who is also very social, helped me maintain friendships and balance my life” (28:09).

Conclusion

This episode of Totally Booked with Zibby offers an intimate glimpse into Elyce Arons’ personal and professional life, celebrating her enduring friendship with Kate Spade and the legacy they built together. Elyce’s storytelling provides valuable insights into the fashion industry, the importance of collaboration, and the resilience required to navigate both business and personal challenges. Listeners are encouraged to engage with Elyce’s book for a deeper understanding of her remarkable journey.