Jessica Alba and Lizzy Mathis are friends with opposing personalities who beautifully balance each other out. Together the mom friends bring their aesthetics, perspective, and design to the table as they co-host and executive produce Honest Renovations on Roku Channel.
We met up with the duo in Toronto and chatted about the show’s influences, their mommy-advice, their friendships, and, of course, their love for the city.
How did the idea of Honest Renovations come around and why was this something that was important to you?
Lizzy: Jess and I are friends and we have always wanted to do something together. We met when our kids were in preschool and became pretty tight. During COVID, we started doing a lot of projects together. It was random at first; Jess would pull me into little things that she was either working on.
We always laughed and balanced each other out when it came to aesthetic, perspective, and design. So we were like, "Hey, how do we make this into a show while also bringing some of the mom experience we have in terms of design and homes?" So that's the brainchild of how it was created!
You renovate these spaces for families and for parents to have their own space and sanctuaries. Where is your sanctuary at home?
Lizzy: I think my bedroom is my sanctuary at home; that is really important to me. But also bathrooms... I think it's just that whole spa feeling! So when we did it up (for the families), we wanted natural lighting, bath salts, and beautiful Honest products in there. We wanted them to walk in and feel like they were in a spa.
Jessica: I’d say my bedroom, bathroom, and closet. Those are my three spaces that are all kind of connected. That's where I probably spend my alone time.
What are some of the takeaways of this show for parents and non-parents?
Lizzy: We're hoping to let people know that they don't have to make the design bigger than what it is... which is sometimes the hardest piece to get started. Whether you are part of a family, in a couple, single, or whatever your situation is we really want (the audience to learn) how to repurpose objects, recycle things, and upcycle pieces.
Jessica: It’s not just for families to enjoy the show — we want everyone to have a takeaway!
I love your friendship that we also get to see on the show. How would you describe each other as friends?
Jessica: Lizzy is a loyal, emotional, and very reliable friend. She's a good time and she drinks heavily… just kidding. Everyone likes her! She's makes people feel comfortable. And I'm awkward, so it's a great (balance).
Lizzy: I think Jess has so many strengths…
Jessica: But I can't think of any… (laughs)
Lizzy: She's one of those people that will try anything and be good at it. I think she really cares a lot and that's a really positive thing. Anything that she puts her name on or puts her efforts behind, she really gives 100%.
Jessica, you once said Canada is a second home for you as you filmed movies here in Toronto and Vancouver. What do you love about this city and how will you spend your time here?
Jessica: I'm probably going to walk around and just soak in the energy here; it's so beautiful. I like how multicultural it is and I like how kind people are. Every neighborhood just has a vibe. And you can really walk through the city and get that experience.
Lizzy: I'm the foodie; I have to try food as soon as I touch down in any city. Toronto feels a little bit closer to home since I'm from Detroit. It's such a beautiful city. And I think the people are so kind and the food is amazing.
Jessica: I don't know if I have any favorite (Toronto) places. But just being here, it's nice because it's a walking city. In LA, we're stuck in our cars and traffic. And here, you just feel like, "Oh my god, what a beautiful city!". You walk around and people are nice and there's trees.... not that there's no trees in LA.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.