I met Ariene Bethea in 2020, back when she was running her brick-and-mortar shop Dressing Rooms Interiors.
- It was a time when the world felt uncertain and travel was paused, but you could feel the world open up, stepping into her shop on Sharon Amity.
Recently I checked in with Ariene, and, as expected, she shared so many inspiring words of wisdom. Here’s a look at how her love for home and intuitive nature have helped her build a storied business.
Tell me about your relationship to home and design.
Home has always meant more to me than a place — it’s a feeling, a story, a reflection of who we are and what we carry with us. I see design as a form of storytelling. The objects we choose, the colors we live with, the pieces we keep — they all hold meaning.
- My work has always been about helping people create spaces that feel layered, personal, and lived-in rather than perfectly staged.
- I believe a home should feel soulful, not just styled.
When did the world of interiors first pique your interest? Is there a specific memory in your mind?
I grew up watching the women in my family take pride in their homes. My grandmother believed in restoring pieces she loved, and my mom was a true DIYer — refinishing floors, recovering dining chairs, swapping pillows with the seasons, even covering our white kitchen cabinets in patterned contact paper. So color, pattern, and giving things new life were just normal to me. I didn’t know it then, but that was the beginning of my design education.
Tell me about your career path, where did you start and where are you now?
My path into design wasn’t linear. I began my career in human resources, focused on training and development, which taught me a lot about people, communication, and how environments influence behavior.
- Over time, my personal passion for interiors and vintage pieces grew into Dressing Rooms Interiors Studio.
- What started as an online shop evolved into a brick-and-mortar boutique, and today it’s a design-driven brand centered on vintage sourcing, styling, and my lacquered lampshade collection.
Now my work sits at the intersection of retail, styling and storytelling. I curate pieces, design products, and help people think about their homes less in terms of trends and more in terms of personality, history and meaning.
Did you always want to be an entrepreneur?
Not consciously. I always knew I was independent and creative, but entrepreneurship revealed itself gradually. What I did know was that I wanted to create something of my own — something rooted in my perspective and values. Once I started DRIS, I realized entrepreneurship wasn’t just about owning a business; it was about building a world and inviting people into it.
Was there a moment in your life that didn’t make sense at the time, but looking back, actually led you to where you are now?
Closing my brick-and-mortar shop was one of those moments. At the time it felt emotional and uncertain, but it forced me to rethink what I was building and how I wanted to live.
- It pushed me toward a more flexible, focused version of my business — one that prioritizes storytelling, product design and curated experiences rather than just maintaining a storefront.
- Looking back, it was less of an ending and more of a refinement.
You’ve had a retail store and now have a booth at Slate. How did you make the decision to close shop and open something a little different?
Owning a standalone store taught me so much about community, merchandising and customer relationships, but it also showed me how much energy goes into maintaining a physical space. Moving into Slate allowed me to keep the part I love most — curating and connecting with clients — while giving me room to expand the brand in other ways. It felt like choosing sustainability over scale, and intention over obligation.
What has been your biggest lesson and greatest joy of your career so far?
My biggest lesson has been learning to trust my point of view. Early on, I worried about whether my aesthetic or approach fit into the design world (and Charlotte). Over time, I realized that what makes my work resonate is that it’s personal, layered, and rooted in story.
- My greatest joy is seeing people connect emotionally to a piece — when someone tells me a lamp, a chair, or a frame makes their home feel more like themselves. That’s magic for me.
You’re a fantastic treasure hunter. Tell me about one of your personal favorite finds in your own home.
Thank you! One of my favorite finds is a pair of vintage lamps painted in black and cream, shades included. They have so much presence that they make a statement no matter where I place them. I still find myself staring at them — they’re exactly the kind of soulful, character-filled piece I’m always hunting for.
Anything else we should know?
One thing people may not know is that I also host small group trips centered around design, culture, and discovery. They’re for people who love beautiful spaces, meaningful travel, and a little adventure.
- Upcoming journeys include Morocco and Egypt, where we’ll explore markets, architecture, craftsmanship, and the stories behind the objects that inspire my work.
- It’s been such a joy to see travelers form real friendships while experiencing these places together. If that sounds like your kind of experience, you can follow along with Dressing Rooms Interiors Studio to hear about upcoming trips.
