Alison Victoria has had a lifelong eye for interiors. Even in elementary school, she enjoyed beautifying spaces.”I’ve been passionate about design since childhood,” says the popular HGTV personality. “At 9, I began experimenting with rearranging furniture in the room I shared with my sister, using creative solutions to define my own space. By 10, I was already redesigning my friend’s room. This early interest allowed me to stay focused and accelerate my career in design. I always knew this was my calling.” Every house is a scrapbook of moments. “A home is a reflection of its inhabitants, capturing their memories and milestones. Each home tells the story of the life lived within it.” Alison’s unmistakable zeal produced multiple award nominations. “It feels like a culmination of years of dedication. I’ve worked hard to reach this point, and being recognized by prestigious institutions like the Emmys is both surreal and validating. Windy City Rehab was a trailblazer for HGTV’s docu-series, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished. Being nominated and sitting among industry leaders feels like a rightful acknowledgment of the quality and impact of our work.”
The chance to revitalize houses in the city that first sparked her dreams means everything. “Having grown up admiring Chicago’s rich architectural history, being part of it now is incredibly fulfilling. From brownstones to bungalows, this city’s architecture shaped my passion. Knowing that my work will inspire future generations, just as I was inspired as a child, is a true honor. Being part of Chicago’s architectural legacy is both humbling and deeply rewarding.” Away from the Windy City, Alison gets a kick out of exploring some structural style that is….less than aesthetically pleasing. Fun and silliness lead to creative synergy. “Ugliest House in America is a tremendous source of joy for me, filled with creativity and the freedom to design. With a generous budget of $150,000, I can bring my visions to life without needing to seek approval from anyone. The quick pace of the project allows me to see my designs materialize in a remarkably short time frame. Additionally, collaborating with Retta has been a highlight; we have developed a genuine friendship that extends beyond work. We frequently text and make an effort to spend time together whenever I’m in LA, sharing dinners and celebrations like her annual pink party. Our dynamic is full of laughter, which provides a refreshing contrast to my usual professional routine.”
Alison is pursuing a professional renovation through founding her own production company, Briefly Gorgeous Productions. The promise of agency was a key motivator. “For me, it’s about taking ownership of my ideas. I am constantly generating concepts because I have a passion for the development process. If I’m going to be the one creating, it makes sense for it to be under my own brand—a venture that I can cultivate and potentially sell in the future. I’ve never had the opportunity to build something from the ground up before. Having control over the content I produce is incredibly important to me. Additionally, I have established strong relationships within the network and understand the industry well. Given the recent mergers and acquisitions, it’s an opportune time for me to shift my focus away from being in front of the camera. The shows I envision creating—especially after being offered the chance to develop our show—allow me the creative freedom to explore new ideas and opportunities. I’ve spent the past year pitching various concepts and have some exciting projects on the horizon. Being recognized by Variety Magazine for my work has been incredibly fulfilling, and I look forward to sharing more news about my new company soon.”
She intends to recapture reality in the genre. Hosts and creators need not fear baring it all. “My primary goal is to keep reality television as authentic as possible. There’s far too much superficiality in the industry, and I want to capture genuine moments and the true essence of people’s experiences. Having gone through my own challenges, I understand the hesitation to be vulnerable on camera. Initially, I was reluctant to share my struggles, fearing judgment. However, I realized that my purpose in this industry is to showcase the complete truth. Embracing vulnerability has allowed others to connect with me on a deeper level. People relate to my journey, recognizing that I experience the same fears and setbacks as anyone else. I have tasted both success and failure, faced moments of uncertainty, and navigated financial challenges. My aim is to document all aspects of this journey—the highs, the lows, and everything in between.” Windy City Rehab airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on HGTV.
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Alison Victoria is Designing Her Own Destiny. Photo Credit: Sarah Barlow.
