19 Questions With Alexandra Gater
Photo by Carmen Cheung
by The Candidly Team
This article is part of our series called "People We Like," in which we highlight interesting women, across all walks of life.
Leaders, great cooks, doctors, parents, writers; people who inspire us.
Today, we’re featuring Alexandra Gater, a decorator who specializes in budget-friendly, rental-friendly, and DIY-friendly design solutions that are equal parts whimsical, tasteful, and so chic.
The Candidly Questionnaire
1. What’s your most compelling quality?
I’m genuine.
2. What’s an overrated value you don’t buy into?
That you have to be perfect at something before turning it into a career or side hustle. One of the best things I did was start my channel without really knowing what I was doing. I’ve grown so much as a business owner and as a decorator.
3. What are 3 things someone could do in a weekend to really make their home chicer even if they’re not THAT DIY-y?
Outfit empty corners or surfaces with stylish lights. Floor lights, pendant light and plug-in wall sconces add so much character (not to mention ambiance) without the need to hardwire anything into the wall. Go quirky with your light fixtures — think bold colors or interesting materials. I literally have a bird cage light hanging in my living room! It’s the easiest way to make your space look put together.
Update a small powder room or bathroom with peel and stick decals. There are so many fun ones on the market and they’re so easy to install (they’re literally just like stickers). They’re also completely renter-friendly, so if you get sick of them, just peel them off the wall.
Cover up outdated kitchen backsplash with peel-and-stick backsplash. One of my favorite renter-friendly hacks. You just stick them on top of existing tile. You can often find ones that mimic existing trendy tile shapes (hexagon, fish scale, subway, etc).
4. Are essential oils anything?
Essential oils are everything in my home. Lavender oil is very grounding to me, so I diffuse it almost every morning and evening.
5. What's the most effective beauty trick you know?
Sleep. All the steps in my skincare routine are nothing if I am overtired.
6. How do you get your self-esteem?
From putting myself out there. It’s both terrifying and rewarding to put yourself on the internet and open yourself up to every criticism possible. It’s made me grow a thick skin, but the vulnerability has also made me feel like I can do anything.
7. How do you feel about cilantro?
I don’t think it tastes like soap.
8. What’s the biggest mistake most of us make with our homes, even when we’re trying to make it look pulled together?
Not planning ahead of time. Often, we think certain items or colors will go together in our head, but that’s not always the case. I constantly talk about the power of moodboards, but it’s because they are the easiest way to envision your room before you start ordering.
Putting photos of furniture pieces, artwork and accessories into a Photoshop document (or Word document, or Pinterest board) allows you to virtually try a few combinations before you nail the one you’re most happy with.
9. What’s your favorite item of clothing you own?
My denim overalls.
10. How do you handle conflict in your closest relationships?
Looking inward instead of outward has been hugely beneficial. And of course, communication is key.
11. What’s something you’ve changed your mind about in the last year?
That being busy is a good thing. I’ve realized that taking time out for myself is the only thing that will ensure my career is sustainable.
12. Who is someone in your field of work that you admire?
Emily Henderson, The Sorry Girls, DIY Danie, and Studio McGee.
13. What Insta account speaks to you deeply?
@apartmenttherapy, always. And all those “Target finds” accounts. We don’t have Target in Canada.
14. What’s the single best insider trick we can all use to be better stylists?
So many people feel intimidated by design, but the fun of it is that you don’t have to nail it on your first try. My style has evolved so much over the last two years and that’s just because I’ve practiced, failed and practiced some more.
15. What’s the most delicious bite of food you’ve ever had?
If I could only eat sushi from a restaurant called Sushi on Bloor in Toronto for the rest of my life, I’d be happy.
16. What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned about yourself as a leader?
That I can be nice and be someone’s boss. As women, we’re told that to be leaders, we have to be tough or else we’ll get walked all over.
I’m proud to say that I’ve built a work environment where I can laugh, joke and be open with my employees and that has created a feeling that they can talk to me about whatever they want — business-related or not.
17. Is social media ruining our brains?
There’s a sad side of social media that definitely is ruining our brains. But I also can’t help but think that the power it has to change the world and tell important stories (as we’ve seen in so many ways this year) outweighs the cons.
18. Describe your actual bedtime routine.
I get into my PJs, wash my face, put on some moisturizer and either scroll on my phone or read a book before turning out my light. Sadly, I don’t have an exciting 12-step skincare routine.
19. What’s your relationship with bangs?
I had bangs in my early ‘20s. I LOVED them, but have never gone back. I can’t commit to the maintenance.
What is your single favorite:
Wellness product that *actually* works: Dyson Airwrap Styler. I’m not sure how I lived so long without it.
Lip balm: Province Apothecary.
Mascara: Maybelline Colossal Mascara. I’ve been using it for 10+ years.
Sweats: Smash + Tess.
Last minute gift: A beautiful bouquet of dried florals. Chic and will last forever.
Shampoo: Function of Beauty.
Comfortable shoes: Soludos Platform Leather Espadrilles.
Splurge skincare: Drunk Elephant Vitamin C Day Serum.
Drugstore skincare: CeraVe.
Everyday bag: Madewell’s circle everyday bag.
Guilty-pleasure TV show: 90 Day Fiancé.
Drink: Earl grey tea by day, gin & tonic by night.
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We have to eat.
