Erica has spent over a decade of her life traveling and creating timeless designs for the Nashville community. In doing so, she has created many lifelong relationships and friendships with some of Nashville’s top artists and families. For the last two years, she has shifted focus from her career to this thing called motherhood! Erica is prioritizing her time with daughter, Paris, and fiancé, Jake Owen, to create a HOMEMADE life together!
Erica and Caroline discuss all this and more in their upcoming segment ….
Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:09):
Carala, She's she's getting not afraid, so just let it flow.
No one Caral sounds Carol. I'm so excited because I
have you in the flesh and blood. I have Erica
(00:32):
Heartline in my studio. You know you are one of
the very few people who has actually done a studio
recording with me. Really, yes, because I set this up
and recording a little bit. This is Erica's first podcast everyone,
and I told her it's gonna be painless and it's
gonna be easy, and she's gonna love it. And now
I'm so nervous. Don't be nervous. Within like five minutes,
(00:53):
you're gonna forget the camera it okay, we're zooming it
and we're recording it. Because now I'm just I don't
do many like recording some persons, so I'm scared him
to lose the audience. I just have to double. But
it's gonna be painless, it's gonna be great. And Erica
is it's a beautiful fiance of Jake Owen. Is that
weird to be associated with like someone like that? Now,
(01:14):
because like you, you're such an independent powerhouse woman on
your own. If we're going to get into your life.
But is it like odd to just like have this
celebrity fiance who's not like that to you because like
you know him. And I've known Jake forever too, I know,
which is super cool, like since for at least like
fifteen years, so basically I mean since he's been in town. Yeah. Yeah,
(01:35):
I'm excited to hear more about that, some back some
back history there, which will be fun. I love Jake.
I've always loved Jake. He's been like a brother figure,
like not because we kind of grew up together, like
in the music industry. Obviously he was successful and doing
while I was in a struggling band, but like we
just had a lot of mutual friends and we hung
out in the same groups and he was always just
like a sweet, nice guy. Well that's what he said
(01:58):
when I was like, I'm gonna go talk to Caroline today,
and he was like, I love her. She's awesome. I've
known her forever, so that's great. We never dated, we
never had any chemistry nothing, which is always great because
I was a little bit of a makeup bandit for
a while. But there are certain town. Yes, it is
such a small town. I know. I was so so
glad because like before I married Michael, like and we
(02:18):
Michael and I met super young. I was twenty four
and he was twenty two, So I mean my dating
history was brief para nashural, But I mean I made account.
I definitely got in there. I made it worth while.
But I'm glad that I was like apprud and didn't
like sleep around and stuff because now I'm friends with
so many wives of artists and I didn't really make
out with them any But I'm like, I'm just glad
(02:39):
that it's just all so chill because you know, so
I digress there. But anyway, okay, so what is that
like to be because you were you probably didn't have
any dreams to be like married to someone who's in
the public eye. You're an interior designer, you got your
thing going and then bam, so well it was. It's
so funny because if we rewind just a little bit
(03:01):
and go back to the beginning there, Um, I was
working full time designer, which is badass. You have amazing
style just from your clothes, thank you. Um. But let
me just say really quick, this is incredible to have
a full on adult conversation like no children like we're
able to do it in person, the COVID thing last year.
(03:22):
I was so glad when you said you wanted to
do this in person, because it's so much more fun
in person because you get to hang and you wrought
Paris over and study's here and they're getting to pay
and it's sweet. It just makes it like so much
more cozy. Yeah, personable, yes, yes, um, so thank you,
thank you, thank you. But yeah, it was really funny
(03:43):
when Jake and I met um in the in the
world that I was in at the time. Um, I
was traveling a lot. He was traveling a lot on
the road. I think he was actually on tour with
Kenny that year. UM. And when he was into own,
I was out of town. We were always. He was
remodeling his home, that's where it all began, while I
(04:05):
was working for Restoration Hardware, so I was I was
a gallery designer for Restoration, which and I've got to
do the backstory because Jake walked in and saw you.
I was like, I have never seen a woman this
confidence in my life, Like you were just like telling
people what to do and like a very nice heard that,
And I was like, what is he even saying? About
who loved it? So do you boss him around here?
(04:28):
Anyone around? No? That was really sweet, but no, I
have no idea what he was exactly referring to in
that you were just like making it happen, like running
that ship. Oh my gosh, Well I was. I absolutely
loved what I did. Okay, So what does that mean?
I was a gallery designer? Are you creating like the
way all the rooms look at restoration hardware? So I was.
(04:50):
I'm not like the on the curating team. But what
I would do is I would um, I would take
a lot of them. I can say, I guess term
it V I P clients um, and I mean we
would do uh small projects to full home designs. So
you were like working with clients and designing their houses.
(05:11):
So like if I moved into this house recently and
I could have hired you and you could have done
the whole house, made the flow happen, come up with
the thing that the brand I could only source obviously
because I was working with restoration hardware, So I would
do everything with hard designs. Yes, like a cool thing though,
because restoration hardware is a one stop shop. Yes, you
(05:33):
definitely have to be v I p to do a
full house from restoration hardware, and that's where, um, Nashville.
I got to meet so many amazing people. Oh my god,
the homes that you did. I'm sure we're just insanity.
It was really a fun, fun opportunity. Is that nerve
wracking when like, here's this giant check book that's coming
your way and they're like, okay, Erica, Like I'm gonna
(05:56):
spend maybe hundreds of thousands of dollars on this and
you're going to be the one picking it out? Is
that stressful? No? Because I used to say that my
job was I got to spend other people's money and design.
You know what I'm doing what I love UM And
it was great. But more than just the projects or
the floor plans or the checking the boxes of light
fixture heights and you know, sofa dimensions, it was the
(06:18):
relationships that I created, UM. And you know what I
was doing and what I would tell my team or
my designers or the people that we were working with.
It's um there's nothing more personal than someone's home, you know,
like that this is where they're coming to get away
from the rest of the world. And so being having
(06:39):
that opportunity and sitting down getting to know the people,
getting to know their life, their lifestyle, their family. You know, um,
you really are let in. Yeah, because it's happening, it's
a trust, it's intimate. Yes, because it's like, Okay, this
is what we like to do. This is the vibe
of our family. We want to use this room because
we enjoyed doing this and a lot of the projects.
(07:02):
I mean, it would be someone's lifetime home, like this
is what they had been waiting their whole lifetime to
buy this home and be able to design it with us. Sorry,
I just keep pulling our microphone back. I told you
forget your on microphone. I do. Um, but that's where
I loved, sitting down, getting to meet the client per
se and um walking through what their daily routine, their day,
(07:28):
like who all is in this house? How often? We
did a lot of guest homes as well, and it
was all in Nashville, which dash was the most interesting people. Yeah,
I know, I know, well I did, so I did
get to travel. Um. I did go to uh Chicago
to the very first opening of the r H Cafe.
So that was the first one that RH ever opened,
(07:50):
was in Chicago. Um, I think that was like two
thou or so, that was several years ago, but that
was the first one. So I was there and I
was back and forth. And that was the year at
Jake and I actually met Um. So I was there
for on and off. I think it was a couple
of months um in Chicago. Yeah, so Chicago, and then
I would travel. I went to like a helped with
(08:11):
the Austin. What a cool job you have. This is
about as cool as it gets because a restoration hardware
is the best coolest vibe that ever was. They do
have an incredible everything and it's even like the restaurant
and the drinks in the coffee bar and then you
walk on all the floors. So to be like an
in house designer for restoration hardware, that's baller. It was awesome,
(08:35):
super baller fun. Perfect time of your life too, because
like what you're in your late twenties. Yes, oh, killing
the game. You have all this knowledge. Now you've got
life experience. You're not like young dumb kid. You're you know,
you're a woman, got it going on? Oh is it fun?
Was it a fun season? Yeah? It was. It was
(08:56):
a lot of long, endless hours. To say the East
but it was incredible. But um that, like I said,
the main thing was the people, like the relationships I
created in Nashville, and um, you know, and then that's
when I truly found out how the small town. And
that was before this whole Nashville. I mean, I was
watching the city change, you know, the amount of people
(09:18):
that were moving here daily and especially from l A
and New York and and then you know, all of
it was changing so much, um and was becoming the
city that it's like not no one was prepared for
at the time, you know, I mean it's a full
blown like metropolitan city. Yeah. I had a really big
client move from Chicago to Nashville, and they were talking about,
(09:41):
you know because Chicago is known for food, right, like
food industries, and they were like, Nashville's truly becoming that now.
And this was this was a couple of years ago
that I even you know, had that conversation. But yeah,
so our city is just completely it has evolved, like
and it's still it's like not even about to slow down.
Part of me like is freaking out. I'm like, please stop,
(10:02):
please stop, please stop, because it's like some of these
other big cities. Everyone's leaving them and they're all coming here,
and I'm like, don't overrun our city. It's so big
that it's not the sweet little town it was. I'm
all for progress and changing all that, but you know,
I do love the sweet hometown vibe that Nashville has
always had. Okay, so when you're doing these houses, what
is it like? Did you always mesh well with the
(10:25):
people like the owners of the house or was there
ever conflict? How do you deal with big personality? So
the ongoing joke is that if you're an interior designer,
you're I'm a psychologist too. You have to be. I mean,
it's so true. You sit down and people probably full
one meltdowns on you all the time because like this
is big. Well, the I guess probably, I mean it's
(10:45):
it was hysterical because wives have opinions, some husbands do,
some husbands don't, or it's completely reversed, like the husband's
the one that's, you know, has the creative mind and
wants all of these things, and the wife's like, I
don't really care, and you know, so it was always
managing like the emotions do you have to like how
did how long did it take you to assess your clients.
Do you like go to lunch with them a couple
(11:06):
of times, or like, how do you like prepare for
the personalities? No, I had. Fortunately, I was in a
role where they were kind of, um, not technically interviewed,
but they were sourced out before they would get to me.
So it's like I knew, you know, what category, what level,
that sort of thing. So depending on the project is
(11:28):
basically how it worked. But I mean I could meet
them and sit down with them, and that's that's that's
what I loved, and to figure out who they really were,
you know, and that was always intriguing and and exciting
and it's a discovery because every human is different, every
desire design, you know. And I will say Nashville is
(11:49):
hard because so many creative people are in this city
and they're like, Okay, you're the designer, but also I'm creative,
so like maybe you're wrong, Erica exactly, and like this
is the way it should be. But you're like, that
really doesn't fall It looks terrible. An artist love meshing
all kinds of all kinds of design, right, And it's like, yeah, no,
(12:15):
that's that we can't do that. That's not gonna work.
But then you know you have to you have to
find a blend. But the good thing I will always
get back if you come to restoration hardware and you
want a design, like I have to make it the
aesthetic that we have, Like, that's just that's what I do,
and so we have to make that work. And so
(12:35):
fortunately they wouldn't be there if that's not what they wanted.
In the end. Um, it's just and you know, you're working,
like you said, with restoration hardware materials, so it's going
to be great. Yeah, but yeah, the artists would We're
definitely the most challenging because they were One day they
would come in and say they wanted this. I forgot
about that, the changing of the mind all the time.
(12:55):
One day they would come in and it could be
a few hours later I get emails actually I like
this better, Actually maybe let's go this, And I was like, oh,
the directions are just see. This is why Jake was
so turned on by because he's like, you know how
to handle artists and put like make it have it. Yeah.
I just had to basically tell him I'm like, no,
we can't go that route. That's not gonna work. So
(13:16):
then then there's a whole other things. Okay. So okay,
so you meet Jake in the middle of all this,
because he is now how many years ago is this?
This was? Um, it'll be six this fall when you
met him. Okay. And if you'all hear dogs and children
of screaming, laughing, crying, whatever in the background, that's just normal.
That's what's happening. Um. Okay, so six years ago, you're
(13:37):
doing this, he's coming in. Does he hire you like
you don't? You have to go through RH at the time,
so he can't request right, that would be awesome. Well
he I mean I was going to be I was
already over his project. That's happening. So you're already like
checking in with him on the regular. Yes, yes, so
he Actually it's funny. Um, there's a baby crying for
(14:01):
some somebody, don't worry. The kids have babysitters and friends.
They were gonna they got snacks. That's fine everyone. Um.
So it was funny because my whole group, my team
of people, they were always trying to So he would
come in the gallery randomly and say, you know, we
knew the project, we knew what he needed, we knew
what was happening, but I would be out, I would
(14:23):
be traveling, or I'd be in another appointment or in
at it in home, you know, measuring or whatever. So
our schedules were just always off and UM, at this point,
you are just trying to get together to work together. Yes,
zero zero like relationship. You didn't know that you had
Florida gosh. No. So there was one time where one
(14:44):
of my UM designers, they were laughing like we finally
we've got an appointment, We've got a time like this
is like you're here, he's here. Let's get this together
so you can get his project. Because that was the
other thing. It was always a joke in Nashville. We
we knew when there was something go going on in
Nashville before anyone else knew, saying like people needed like
(15:07):
in stock items, full home designs, like whatever it was.
You know, it was all we would always know before
anything else because you're providing all the the furniture and design.
So he was needing UM a lot of um A
full house design basically, and UM we were going we
finally got the appointment scheduled and UM. So then I
(15:30):
mean from there it was really just completely professional. The
whole time I was back and forth to Chicago for
the opening there, and when I can see why you're
so great at your job though, with all these personalities
that you're dealing with, because even when you walk in,
you have these bright eyes that are so cheerful and
inviting and alive. Like when you walk in, you're like,
it's just like health radiots from you, like vibrancy, yes,
(15:52):
and like you just have a great spirit and you're energizing.
You're beautiful, but you're fun, and you're like you're you
don't you're not like you're so beautiful, but you're not,
like you don't carry yourself in a way where it's
like overwhelming to talk to you, because you know, like
some people it's hard to talk to them when they're
like amazing to see because you're like, oh god, I'm intimidate,
but you don't, like you're just so easy to hang
out with. You're so relatable person. Okay, So I can
(16:13):
see why you're crushing at this job. Okay, So then
you have basically we had um his whole family was
coming up for Christmas, so it was just very important
that I mean deadlines, dates, deliveries, he wanted the house done,
done and perfect. And that was one like delivery timelines
(16:34):
and stuff. I mean, you have to be very strategic
planning the installs. So um we were, we were scheduling installs.
Everything was going great, and um, out of the blue,
one night, he sends me this text. It was really cute,
it was sweet. I've actually never said this so good.
(16:54):
But what I said it was I have I forget
the exact wording, but it was like, I have a
perfect are non professional, non business question to ask you?
And I was like, oh, okay, what is that? And
he was like, would you like to get some beer?
Have a beer sometime? And I was like sure, I mean,
(17:15):
and that's it, that's that's that's what started. Yeah, I
mean up until that point, there was zero, like you know,
I mean just he's super sweet and personal as you know,
and so, um, had you felt like attraction to him
before this? No, I he would say something different. But
there was a day he was in the gallery quote unquote,
(17:36):
and um, I knew what I knew things that he
was going through and was he had he just gotten
before he was just going through his divorce and so
you know, I and had I never spoke to anyone
about their anything personal that I knew that was going on.
But he was just so kind and caring and like
open he's he is so honest and open to a fault.
(17:59):
I love that about like this is what you can
keep your mouth just a little bit okay, but no,
he's really open and kind and caring, and we were
just having the best conversation, just honest right there in
the gallery. Um and I said, I just looked at
and I said, I really I want you to know
I'm really sorry for what you're going through. Like I know,
I don't know what it's like publicly, but behind the
(18:22):
scenes personally from you know, past thing, Like I know,
I can't imagine how hard that is with a with
a little girl, because Pearl was only um I think
three ish at that time. Um are two wish um so,
and he just he looked at me just with like
the most caring you know, like I mean, it was
it was really this this moment. And so after that
(18:44):
is when he kind of started really opening up. And
um then shortly afterward when I got the text about
could we have a would you like to have a beer,
And I was like sure, and so were you worried though,
because I mean, this is like kind of a scary
time to start dating someone he's going through. Yeah, well
I didn't. He's got a kid. It wasn't like it
was like we're going to date type thing. You weren't
(19:05):
even like you weren't even like you're not that kind
of girl. You don't even care, right, No, not busy,
I'll go. But you're designs. No, you're not sitting around
dying to meet your husband. No, you're like I am. No. Yes,
So because you're like, okay, I'll give this a world,
why not and be doun Yeah, And so we did.
(19:26):
We went and I love Red Pony, just being horse
industry and some of our because you grew up in
the walking horse industry, which is amazing. I want to
hear more about that later. Okay, well we some of
our we know that I know the owners of Red Pony.
So we went and had drinks there and it was great.
I mean, it was very casual, nothing inappropriate, just a
(19:49):
fun evening of you know, drinks and um, I think
he was leaving the next day to do the Thanksgiving parade. Um,
so he did that, and you know the was just
I knew like that he was very special. I could
say like from that, you know, time on, but there
(20:09):
was definitely a lot of time, you know, I mean
I was busy, he was busy, he was going through things.
And he actually flew back that day from celebrating the
Soul Girl's third birthday, so you know, there was just
there was a lot of um, big heel from things
you've got going. You know, I'm gonna work and focus
(20:30):
on that and then we'll see where it goes. So
then was it kind of continual after that? Yeah, let's see.
So I met his whole family that Christmas, like everything was.
I mean, so he didn't like, he didn't like put
you on the backburner at all, Like he went in
(20:50):
full force like respectful guy, like I'm not going to
like casually did I'm not gonna date you, but then
also have another person I could be dating it. He
kind of like the first the first year, it was
a little yeah, like just okay, you need to take
your time. I'm going to take mine and then we
can kind of did you kind of let them know
(21:11):
that in a way that like I'm not here for
just like I don't even know how you phrase that
eight second ride. Wasn't that one of the songs I'm
not here either, No, no, Um, But there was just
always you know, I mean, I'm a big trust person.
Don't you dare break my trust? Like you can be
(21:33):
honest and you can be wrong and we can agree
but and move forward, but or disagree exactly and don't
but don't don't break my trust because once that's broken,
there's a lot like to heal from that, you know,
and there's there's so much hurt behind. I mean, you
have to trust someone to be able to to move
forward in any type of relationship, friendship, you know, dating, marriage,
(21:59):
anything like that. So you'll have this year of kind
of like knowing there's a vibe knowing are you finishing
his house project in the middle of all this. No,
the house was pretty much done, but that Christmas was
pretty special. We had um so it was his first
Christmas in Tennessee, um by himself, with Pearl and his
whole family. So that was the thing, like we had
(22:20):
to have the house had to just be perfect for
the family. So I was like, you know what, we
have to go and we you have to have a
live like a real Christmas tree. You know at the
time that was always so special and fun to go
and pick one out, and um, so I did. We
Like we got in the car, we went and we
picked out this Christmas tree. They brought it that night.
They delivered it like two am in the morning. But
(22:42):
it was just all this excitement and anticipation and they
was so proud of the new house. Yes, yeah, and
so and you were too, Yeah yeah, and I loved
you know when I did get to meet his parents there,
you know, they were so complimentary and it was sweet,
but it was something that he was so proud of.
But um, you know picking out the Christmas tree and
that's been a thing every year now and then that's
where we actually got engaged with that Christmas tree lot,
(23:04):
which is so sweet. Yes, that was really sweet. So,
so you met the parents right away, and I remember
so he I think it was like some was like
an ABC or CBS special I'm coming home and you
were on it with him. Yeah. That was when I
found out we were expecting. Okay, So I remember him
saying something. I think you were like sitting outside with
(23:25):
his family, or he was talking to his brother because
he's a twin brother, or dad or something, and he
said something, and I remember thinking like this because I
had known Jake before, and so many girls have always
wanted to date Jake. Obviously, you know, he's so cute
and he's charming and fun, I mean, you know, and
he's like a singer and has this presence, but he's
(23:45):
never been that guy as long as I've ever known
him this wanted to be in a serious relationship. So
I remember watching him talk about you, and he said
something like, I know, I just want to at Erica
as like a focus and like include her and like
talk about her and like have her in this orbit
(24:07):
with me. And I remember him saying that, like on
TV something like that, and I'm totally butchering it. But
didn't say something like that, Yeah, that was I don't
remember if that was in the Thanksgiving special. I remember
hearing that he said that because it was always we
were so private, still very private. I love it that way. Um,
And he didn't. He didn't he just because of previous
(24:31):
situations relationship. Um. We kept in for protection of his
little girl, which I will always applaud him for that.
I will always respect that. You know that we kind
of we were very quiet about I love that too,
because it really he really does put his children first. Yeah,
and as you should, as any father should. And so
(24:53):
we were very you know, cautious with that, and then
of course the public eye and there were just several
things that and I do believe and I appreciate so much.
But he was protecting me from things, you know, and
then a lot yeah, yeah, and just coming out of
you know what he was coming out of. So that
(25:13):
with but with his little girl, that was very important
that we take it extremely slow, and we did, and
I loved it. I wouldn't change a thing, you know,
I think it. It grew, He grew as a person
during that time. I definitely grew. There was a lot
to know, learn understand with each other, with you know,
(25:34):
relationships as a whole, especially from as a step mom standpoint.
How did you navigate that? Because I feel like you
have a great relationship with Pearl, and it seems like
Paris and Pearl have the sweet relationship. It's the sweetest
thing ever. Pearl is precious, She's sweet, so cute, and
she's the best big sister and our little girl. Parents
just picks up pictures of her and goes Pearl, Pearl
(25:57):
all the time, so she idolizes her. Um was that
hard for you to take on a stepmom role? Or
was that it was so eat Pearl like she just
made She's so kind and caring and loving and she
just kind of took me in. And we just see that.
You said, Pearl took you in and she did. She
did because she just is. She has the sweetest soul
(26:18):
and and and I pray that Paris gets to watch
that and see that and grow. And it idolized her
as a big sister. I mean we had Pearl all
summer this summer and um pitch. I mean, Pearl is
this little gymnast. She's very athletic. She gets that I
mean from her dad and um Paris. I mean anything
(26:39):
Pearl would try to do Paris as you know, having
an almost two year old, I mean there was every everything,
and um it was it was. It's just great when
we get to have time with Pearl, you know, because
she does. She lives in Florida with her mom. And
is it hard on Jake not to be with her
or they've been able to work out a flow that
feels pretty good. It's it's been hard. I mean it
is hard. I think I'll always be hard because I
(26:59):
mean he wants her as much as he can, but
with his career, um, it's it's limited. And and now
she's in school and last night we were FaceTime and
she's loving gymnastics. And Jake was talking last night he
knows this what when we have her in the summers,
but he's like, the more she gets into you know,
this gymnastics or whatever, you know, he's afraid of how
(27:21):
much time that will take. But he's also so excited
for her because he's finding her passion. She loves. Yeah,
and um, but we we absolutely love when we get
to have her, and she's gonna go. We we have
a birthday. Jake turns the big four, oh next week.
How he feel about it? I mean he's I think
I think everyone is kind of like, oh, wow, that's
(27:43):
really here. And it's crazy that forty is here because
I just earned thirty eight, and I'm like, wow, when
did I become Like I'm not saying forties old, because
it's not old, but like I'm seeing this whole new
batch of young twenties somethings, like even like my babysitter
and your babysitting I don't know how she is, but
she looks twenty two. She's just yesterday Maddie, my babysitter.
And I'm like, oh my god, Like they know all
(28:04):
this fashion and all this lingo. I just learned what
chugy bean. And I'm like, there's so many things I
have the right choogy. It's like out of style. It's
like it's like people who think something's still in style,
but it's out of style. So like, I feel like
a lot of things that I think are in style
could be cheggy. Now who are these people saying it's cheggy?
I used to be cool and like in on this scene,
(28:26):
and now I feel like I'm like, totally, it happened
so fast. You're not chugy You still you're keeping it
all that. I don't know how you're keeping everything up now.
I'm sure I am at something. There's just so many
things to keep up with with all the new trends
and everything changing. And I'm like, I just like, we're
working out close for the past two years, and everyone
had under a rock. I mean the fact that we
have have jeans on, you have jean shorts on right now.
(28:49):
You look you're ready to go, Like you're ready to
go to Restorational Hardware. Actually no, no, no, you're sweet,
but thank you. I know, but it's weird that like
forty is here. So that's next week. Um, we're going
to go out of town and Pearl's gonna get to go.
We're actually, um, we have a trip plan, so our
baby girl is not going to go, I don't think.
(29:10):
So he's super excited that Pearl is gonna get to
go and bring that all back to Pearl. You know,
she's just she's absolutely wonderful when we love her to death.
So when did you and Jake know that you like
this was it like you guys were going to go
the distance and you're gonna get married. When did you know, like,
because like I'm sure there's just a lot going on,
Like it's like you know you got well we it
(29:32):
was and you have to sign up for this lifestyle. Yeah. Yeah,
So I'm trying to think sixteen, like I said, that
was just a little back and forth. Seventeen and to
be honest, um seventeen he was out in Vegas when
they had the shooting and that night was my birthday actually,
(29:54):
and um, I just I remember he had just we
had just gotten this property where we of now which
we love on this farm. Is that a real shot?
Um the music video yes, made for you, which is
the greatest song, thank you too. But he Um, so
we got this farm and we were we've been so
(30:14):
excited all these plans and um, you know, to build,
build a barn and build a home, and like it
all kind of started happening. But you know, I remember
that night which everyone does, which was just like whoa
you know, but he flew back home. Uh did he
play the night of the shooting? Yeah, he was there.
And I remember right before Jason he was and I
(30:36):
remember I had a friend called me. I was already
in bed, scheduled for a meeting the next morning at work.
I mean I was never I never traveled with him
to this point still because I was working and um,
had a friend text me and she's like, you need
to know that there's a shooting, a live shooting happening
right now. Um have you heard from Jake? And I said, well,
(30:57):
he tried to call me a minute ago, but I couldn't.
I couldn't hear anything. I couldn't hear him because there
was so much static. But I knew he was off stage.
But it wasn't he laying on his bus and bullet
holes went through. It was that there were holes. Um,
I don't do they like they got down on the bus. Yeah, yeah,
they were. They were he finally, I mean he had
to run and um like jump and to get to
(31:21):
his bus. But yeah, so he was in the middle
of it. He was on I think he was I
don't know if it was left or right stage, was
on stage on yeah, side stage with some friends and
then but they to hear them talking like they no
one knew where which direction, like where to go and
if you're running, like if you're running into it and
running away from it. And it's still something he doesn't
really talk that much about. And I don't pry because
(31:44):
I know I can't imagine the trauma of anyone there,
of any especially Jason and Brittany and that, like you know,
the artist and um, but the families. I mean it's
just so heart but I mean you just sit I
remember just sitting there crying and watch ching, you know,
and just praying for everyone involved. Um. But yeah, that
(32:05):
that that next morning, I mean, they couldn't get off
the bus, they couldn't leave you know, And then I
remember hearing him talk about the next morning trying to
get out everything people, and did he spend the night
on the bus? They could, they wouldn't let him out
because they're just there, and um, I mean I don't
remember timelines. I don't remember, you know, anything exact, but
(32:27):
I remember he called and they were trying just to
get a flight home, just get out of there, just
anything they could. And it was my birthday and he
made it back home, and all I wanted to do
was just hug on him, you know, and thank God
that he made at home and safe and prayers for everyone.
And he had planned a surprise birthday dinner for me.
(32:48):
We need to cry a little bit. This is like
really heavy, and um, he had planned a surprise birthday
party for me that night and he did he would
not cancel it, and the port I am getting emotional.
I'll cry with you. This is your life. I mean,
this is like yeah, And so he had planned this surprise,
so all of my friends were like coming to this
(33:08):
dinner and he had not even been to bed and
he wouldn't cancel. He would not cancel it. And so
I was like, oh my gosh, I love this man,
you know, like how incredible. And I know, I know,
so that was a very special and I still look
back on it and I can't I still, I mean,
I can't even imagine what everyone went through. But that
(33:30):
was a very special sign to me that, wow, you
guys are really in this through thick and thin and
through four it all right, right. And then we not
to mention, we lived once we got the property, we
lived like in a tiny house together for like nine months,
you know, and it's kind of like okay, and then
then we moved. So I think we've been through several
(33:51):
several tests, but you know, you might as well just
go ahead and throw yourself into the fire because I'd
rather find out on the front end, and then you know,
you can weather all the storms because life for everyone,
I mean, you and Jake have this like idealic romance,
especially to the world looking in. You know, it's like
people see you guys and they're like, oh my gosh,
(34:13):
if only I could be like that, or have a
marriage like that, or look like that, or have careers
like this. But you guys are still going through the
ring or with life too. But absolutely that everyone goes
through it. But It's like when you put yourself in
all these situations to really test yourself to live with
each other, see if your personalities get along, to go
through some of the most traumatic, heartbreaking things to some
(34:34):
of the highest highs, then it's like, okay, okay, I
can do this. Is that what you all felt living
together in a tiny house? That's no joke. What did
you learn about each other there? Please tell me? Oh
my gosh, they're so much. I mean, what are some
secret things that came out about Jake that he would
be okay with you sharing? You know what? I don't
not have to think about that one. But the time,
(34:55):
we actually absolutely loved it because he we went back
and worth of are we gonna like buy a home
and then build, you know, rent a home, build, And
we both were kind of like, we actually just want
to be on the farm. We just want to be
on the property, whatever that looks like. And little did
we know, like this perfect little tiny home was going
to roll in the tiny home, I mean it was
(35:16):
it was actually tiny home. Yes, it was crazy. We
had someone wanted like as soon as we finished with
so you know, divine timing when all the flows, Yeah, yeah,
and it was actually great. I mean the property. Was
it like a loft or was there a bedroom? Did
just leave in the loft? No, there was a bedroom
and then this little tiny loft and had a full
(35:38):
little kitchen where what was so what was your routine
in the tiny house? Like? What did y'all do in there?
We were never in there, which was the good thing
because we were just outside, yeah, on the property and
we were currently building the barn um that we have now.
And I mean there was just constantly. He was on
the road. He was on tour, you know, that started
up pretty soon, and I was working and it was
(36:00):
just kind of you would drive to work and y'all
live out town, like thirty minutes or so, so you
would drive in and this was like y'all's retreat. Would
you like ride four wheelers? And like what do y'all do? Fish?
He has rangers? We fish and there's a country girl.
Yeah I am. I was raised on a farm, so
I'm good with it. Hut I don't I don't hunt. Um,
I'll go sit in the deer stand. Oh yeah, okay,
(36:22):
which he just took up like I mean, he's a
Florida boy, so um, he and his brother loved turkey hunting,
and then he just kind of started to taking him deer.
Do you'll have like any sort of golf situation on
your farm? Now? We do now, but not not during
the tiny home So he has a like a little
putting green type thing. Um, but he we do live
(36:46):
close to the golf club, so he's out there all
the time, which is great. He loves it. Okay, yes, okay,
so y'all y'all are living this tiny home. You're not
you're not engaged, we're building. No, you're not pregnan not pregnant.
Is this when you get pregnant? No? Not yet? Okay,
when do you get pregnant? Basically when we moved right
into the barn, like tiny is perfect timing. Are you
(37:08):
worried about getting pregnant? Are you cool if you got pregner?
We were, Yeah, so you were fine maybe like loosely trying. No,
I don't think we're not necessarily not yet. But you
weren't worried about like trying to like get engaged, get married,
have a baby. No, we totally did it backwards and
you didn't care about that. No. I think it's it's
just something that we're very excited about and do you
(37:30):
have a date. We do not have a date yet.
We have a timeline that we're thinking we all do
it at your farm. Um potentially okay, yeah, okay, okay,
So lots of TVD Yes? Yeah. Did you grow up
super traditional and your values? Um, not super traditional but
pretty yeah, pretty southern. My family were from Georgia, So
(37:54):
talk to you about this horse walking the horses that
you have. Oh my gosh my, So we live in Georgia,
this little tiny town right below noon In, which is
where Alan Jackson is from, back Brown. There's there's some
good music from there. But we my family lived there
and then we moved to Shelbyville, Tennessee, a little small
(38:15):
country town right below Murphy Sparrow. Four horses for the
walking horse industry. And what is a walking horse industry?
So the Tennessee walking Horses. It's it's really just this,
it's a community. I mean, it's it's people. I mean
people do travel all over the country. Um. For they
have which is coming up in a few weeks. It's
called the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. It's held in Shelbyville. Um,
(38:38):
it's really it's I don't know if you've ever have
ever ridden horses or relationship. Okay, yeah, and English riding
English and Western. But it's like a performance. So the
horses have a show horse, Yes, they have like a
like saddle Bread's. Do you know anything about saddle Bread's horses? Okay,
well they all they have a gate and a gate.
(39:00):
It's their performance. The way they walk so okay, So
like best in Show where they walk the dogs and
someone's walking the dog is just like that, but with
the horse. So are you you like trotting along with
the horse? Well, so, Tennessee walking horses are known for
their smooth gate. So they're very smooth. Most of them
are very gentle and calm and sweet and side by
side with them you're like, you're yeah, I mean them,
(39:22):
you're riding them obviously. Yea. So they have they have
all kinds of divisions from lead line like I could
have Paris in a lead line class. Now you know,
like me that it's just a little tiny ponies that
you know, juvenile riders which are like eleven and under.
There's there's just there's a lot of huge details to it.
But um we I grew up in that in the industry,
(39:45):
and my family bred and raised um horses, so like
the mare and folds, which is something I love so much,
being able to raise the babies, and then of course
if you're in the industry, then you then you sell
the babies, and it's just like a you know, the
whole thing. It's kind of a dream for a kid
to get to like be with all these animals and
(40:05):
in this environment. How fun did you like it? I
love it. I love it, and I'm I miss it.
I actually still have to u two horses of my own,
um that I don't get to ride that much, but
I still have lots of friends in the industry. So
do you love to ride? Oh? Yeah, so you're saying
your friends with Tatiana Houser, which makes sense for so
many reasons, but now even more because she loves to ride. Yes,
(40:27):
she's like a professional writer. Have you all ever ridden together? No?
We haven't, so right, I know. I know she does jumpers,
um so and I've actually I've never ridden a jumper um.
But yes, I want to. We need to plan a
barn date and go out and take the babies out,
and it'll be so fun. She's so sweet. That would
be awesome. I love that. That's awesome. Okay, so we're
(40:50):
your parents. Did they know who Jake was? Where they
skept cool about you marrying someone who's in the limelight,
or where they like totally cool, we get it, we
love this guy. No, it's so funny because in the
role that I was in and the people that I
was working with, No, I wouldn't. I didn't tell anyone,
like for the longest that we were actually dating, right
because I had I will never name names, I had producers,
(41:14):
I had all these people say like, never go there, right, like,
don't get involved, don't with any of these types of
an individuals. Yes, because they're all like, yeah, they're the lifestyle.
The lifestyle, I mean, it's not conducive a country music
is actually becoming very family oriented. I do think there's
(41:36):
a lot of people who are loving healthy family life
and country music. Now it's like a wave, but it
is also spotty. It could be the other way too, yes,
and and well, it's just I mean, I guess the
best word is lifestyle, you know. And so and I
had a lot of close friends that you know, would
just laugh and like, don't go there, don't do that,
(41:56):
you know, and um, but that was before anyone like
New Jake, you know, and and especially the person I
know who is I swear as polar opposites of you
know that on stage like persona and um. So I
know my family absolutely loves him though loves him. We're
(42:18):
like he because he's just so fun and he's so
personable and he's just genuine really, you know, and he
wants to get to know them as much as they
want to get to know him. And there's just kind
of a respect there, which is great. Son. So, were
you ever like jealous of other girls are like worried,
(42:41):
Oh gosh, we going there and we don't have to
go all the way there. I'm kidding now. And then
there's this other Viba female which I feel like a
lot of wives in the country music industry are this way.
We're like rooting for each other and loving and like
have their own gifts and talents and they were using
that to to prosper in their life instead of let
(43:03):
me show you how to shake it. Yeah, yeah, yeah
for sure. And I think there's tons of respectful women
out there and their tons not so much. So I
just try to stay away from that. I know, we
were briefly talking before we started this podcast, and I'm like,
when I was younger, I loved being in a scene
doing all this stuff, like and I used to like
(43:24):
want to be at all this everything and I would
just gosh constantly. And now I'm like, I just want
to live under a rock and stay quiet and not
get involved with anything anymore. Now I have. UM. I
laughed because I read. I think I believe it was
Bradley Cooper that said this, and it's truly incredible. Um.
(43:44):
And it's kind of how I do see like our
relationship and our our our family. But I think I
don't remember word for word what he said, but it
was like fall in love and don't tell anyone, like
travel the world and don't tell anyone. And there was
something else, but it was like people can ruin beautiful things,
(44:04):
and it's like that's so true, you know. I mean,
people can make things even more beautiful too, But there
is a huge truth to that that I see for yourself,
like you're not you don't have to like like keep
it to yourself and with your special loved one, you know.
And and I do think that that's kind of I've
(44:25):
never heard it termed like that. But that's something that
I think we have stayed private for a reason like that,
if you were going to describe yourself in three words,
what would they be? Oh my god, oh let me
see three words? Like in the same thing? I know?
(44:47):
But yeah, no, I very um. I if you're in
my like loop, will have like I'll do anything for you.
So have you done Instagram? Yes? So I have? Okay, wait,
I want to guess what you are? Okay, Jake is
big into this as well, so we had to do it.
(45:07):
Are you an eight? Wing? Nine? No? Well, just because
you're so loyal, but then you have the peacemaker two
T and um. The reason I say eight is because
I feel like you can, like challenger get it done,
that is, but with a peacemaker wing. Yes, that's true.
That's true. And my dad's an eight. I know it's
(45:30):
a hard one to call someone because it is an
aggressive number. But I don't feel you're aggressive. I just
feel like you are like a badass. My dad's an
eight and he like, he's incredible. It's so funny. Has
Jake took this? He did the take Jake's and eight
okay wing? What I don't know I forget what his
wing is eight win seven because he loves have a
good time. I thought he's eight winks seven. First, I
(45:51):
think you're I think that's right. But we were talking
about this the other night, just to prove how truly
he is an eight. We were talking about eights being
a challenger or whatever, and he's like, no, I'm not
an eight. I'm not gonna and I'm like, yeah, okay,
here we go. So you're two week three that, I think. So,
I think that's right. Helper with a achiever, I bet
(46:12):
or one because the one is like super organized and
get stuff done and like it has a moral compass.
My sister is a one, and she's like there's like
in her head always she can hear the right and
wrong version. She always knows what's right and wrong okay,
like always, and that's her one and her I don't
know if you feel that I do. I do. I
(46:33):
um gosh, I feel like I took that so long ago.
But that's funny how people. I mean, that's working, like
for people to be able to communicate, you know, and
to understand who they live with, work with, Like I'm
a four, it's like an emotional wreck. Is what minus like.
It's it is like, look at what FO is like
(46:53):
when an unhealthy four is like an emotional train wreck.
And that has been me the majority of my twenties
when I started in therapy and like working on myself.
But it creates creativity and passion and empathy and all
these things, but it also like just sends me into
like emotional tailspins. And I, um, it's so funny because
I was talking to Jake's mom, who I love so much,
(47:14):
Miss Mitsey, Miss Mitsey. But she we laughed because I
can cry if I'm sad, I can cry if I'm mad,
I can cry if I'm hurt, like you know, and
she's the exact same way. So I don't. I'm maybe
four to like somewhere in there. But um, yeah, we
were talking about that, which is it's funny how how
(47:35):
that's truly changing communication though for everyone, which what's your
instogram number? But but then you like, if you've done
your research and your study, you really know how to
interact with that person. It's very helpful. I love that. Okay,
so I'm gonna wrap up soon, but I have one
more little question I'm ask you before I wrap up.
What has motherhood changed and taught you about yourself? Oh
(47:57):
my gosh. Well we were talking a little bit about
this before, but um, what does it change? And talk,
what it has changed is how you look at life truly,
every day. Every day is a gift. Every day. Um,
you're going to have a challenge that you weren't expecting,
but most importantly to um, be grateful for the time
(48:21):
that you have and just watching growth, I mean watching
your own little girl just become I mean become a
toddler now from birth. You know, it's just like all
the things. And honestly I had no idea how much
to fear too, like and then the like, I mean
truly you're given this gift of life. And then just like,
oh my god, but is she okay? What do I
(48:44):
need to you know, worry about every single day? There's
something I'm terrified of too, you know. It's it's you
can't I don't even know that I can put into words,
you know, the gift of being able to be a mother,
and so thankful for we have. We have been through
lots of challenges with because you have some health scares.
(49:06):
Harris has severe exema, yes, and so that's cause it's
allergies and then the asthma that we were discussing, and UM,
I've learned far more about that than I ever even
knew existed. I didn't even know that that was a thing,
and that was like a chronic illness. Truly is this
(49:26):
exema um term and cases can be so mild and
then extremely severe. UM. We we have gone through. We're
doing lots of medical you know, research and treatments to
try and just get her comfortable because honestly, she's she
hasn't been comfortable and so long. So we're working through
that and UM, but we're thankful that you know, we've
(49:49):
spent time in hospitals and UM, it's it's so it's
so heartbreaking when you're there to see what's happening with
other children too, and you know, you just pray for
healing and comfort for for the families and especially the baby.
And I mean the moms. I mean, I've had so
(50:10):
many amazing people reach out to me UM caring and
they're just like being a mother, you know, they're like,
we we know how much your heart is hurting right now,
Like what can we do to help you? What can
we do? And that's where it's a community because once
you are a mother and you get your mother's heart
(50:32):
in your body, it's literally like the first year Sunday's life,
like everything made me cry and then you hear I
couldn't watch the news because you hear stories of kids
suffering and kids who have trauma and abuse and all,
and it's just like the innocence, the innocence of a
child and the love of parents. It's just it's such
(50:55):
a such an honor and a responsibility to be a parent.
Like I feel like that's what it's taught me so much,
is that I'm just like I really want to show
up as my best version every day because I can
see how Sunny is modeling everything we do and like
everything she's learning it's from us. So it's like I
really need to be checking myself because I want to
(51:15):
program her. Well. Yeah, I mean that's Paris has learned
this week, has learned like all of her colors, and
I mean it's just like Jake, we sat with her life,
I know, like we sat with her last night and
she's putting these little puzzle pieces to the colors into
the shape, and it's just it's incredible to watch the change,
(51:36):
you know, in the growth. And like you said, but
I mean anything that you're saying, anything that you're doing.
There's I've always heard the term that they're little sponges,
but it is so true and it's so cute too,
the sweetest. So it's been kind of like COVID has
been heard on everyone, but the blessing with artists, they've
gotten to be home with their families. So Jake has
(51:56):
really gotten to spend a lot of time with parents. Um,
and that was we were I don't want to say
we were thankful for that for last year, but we
were thankful for the time because otherwise he would have
we have never had. He was home for milestones from
birthdays to first steps and you know, the the talking
and the words and um, just to be able to
(52:20):
be there for her. And that's what we have honestly
kind of been worried about with this year because she
is so attached to Daddy. She thinks Daddy is the
greatest hero in life. She worships him and to the
point that even if I'm in the room, I mean,
she only, oh my gosh, are you kid? He is
(52:41):
the most fun. That's why she's obsessed with him. I
mean he had he will run and play and just
make her laugh until I mean, I pray she finds
a man when time comes that can make her smile
and laugh the way he does every single day. I mean,
she he brings pure joy to her life. And that's it,
Like it's the sweetest thing ever. Yeah. So, I mean
(53:05):
it's just I'm so grateful for their relationship. And I
know that it's just only going to get That's what everyone,
It's only going to get better every you know, and
you try to savor every little thing, from every little
giggle to you know, every little word. And it's just
the sweetest thing I know for you two, it's like
being an artist, um spouse. But to see her expression
(53:27):
and her excitement when she hears her dad and and
knows him on the radio or if I have it
on in the car, and I mean, it's just that's yeah.
And his his new song came on the other day,
and I mean made for you, because made for you? Yeah, yeah,
and uh it's made for you. How was that a
few ago? I'm so out it was. It was the
(53:48):
last one was the sweetest and all of y'all in
the music video and parents and pearl and it makes
me teary? Was that fun to be and that it
was sweet? Yeah? It was what it was during COVID
when we filmed it, So it was kind of it
was like we were just going to do this at
the farm, and you know, everyone was very cautious. Everyone
was so professional and and it was just relaxed and comfortable.
(54:11):
And that was mart felt, which is what that song is. Yeah. Yeah,
and that that was his full intention for that video,
which I thought was super, super sweet and great for
something that will have forever for the both girls to
be there and be able to be in that. Okay,
well I always have. I derailed you. You're talking about
this new song though, because she's saying that Paris when
(54:33):
it comes on that he she just loves it and
she loves to rock out. This kid loves music, and
so she's just back there like head bang into the beat,
and I'm like, girl show yet Oh yes, Okay, does
she love it? Oh my gosh. The problem is is
she loves it so much and loves him so much
(54:54):
that I'm side stage and I mean it's all I
can do to keep her running to him. Does she
run out some? Oh? I mean, I haven't let that
happen yet. There's gonna be a time that I can't
hold her and she's just gonna, you know, leave me.
So I'm doing the best I can right now to
keep her calm and on the side. And normally, I
mean normally it's so late when he is going on
(55:15):
stage that she's winding down and quiet. There was one
a few weeks I guess it's been a month or
so ago that it was his first show back, and
I think they said four four hundred and sixty two
days or sixty three or something. And so I had
her out and we were I was, she was sound asleep,
and he wanted he wanted to take her out, and
he just woke her up and she was just you know,
(55:37):
as happy as she could be and smile, you know,
ear to ear to see everybody. And so that was cool, like,
you know, for her to get to to experience these
scenes because she didn't at all last year. Um, but yeah,
she's that A life is a little kid growing up
seeing this the world from side stage you know and backstage. Yeah,
I love it. Okay, So I always wrap up with
leave your light. Has this been bad? It hasn't been
(55:59):
said bad, it's actually been great. It was like, it's
not going to be bad. I know when I ever
every time I get a new new person who has
never podcasted before, which is often a lot of newbies,
and I'm always like, it's gonna be totally fine. You
make it. You're so great, you make it. You do
make it very easy and thanks. I'm just saying this,
so you give me compliment. It works. Okay. So I
(56:23):
always leave with leave your light, and it's super open ended. Okay,
what do you want people to know? And it can
be about you, about life anything, or both you and life.
Oh wow, what do I want people to know? Um? Wow,
that's very that's very open and dis first thing that
comes to mind. I would say, um, your faith and
(56:45):
family first, you know, and never um, never leave, I would.
I would say, just to never leave, you know. I
love that. Well, you're such an example of that, Erica.
Thank you for coming out here and share your story
and letting Garrison Sunny become friends. Like you're the laughing
big time back there after, I like, I don't want
(57:07):
to like get in their mess up. Okay, Bye,
Carala, She's she's getting not afraid, so just let it flow.
No one Caral sounds Carol. I'm so excited because I
have you in the flesh and blood. I have Erica
(00:32):
Heartline in my studio. You know you are one of
the very few people who has actually done a studio
recording with me. Really, yes, because I set this up
and recording a little bit. This is Erica's first podcast everyone,
and I told her it's gonna be painless and it's
gonna be easy, and she's gonna love it. And now
I'm so nervous. Don't be nervous. Within like five minutes,
(00:53):
you're gonna forget the camera it okay, we're zooming it
and we're recording it. Because now I'm just I don't
do many like recording some persons, so I'm scared him
to lose the audience. I just have to double. But
it's gonna be painless, it's gonna be great. And Erica
is it's a beautiful fiance of Jake Owen. Is that
weird to be associated with like someone like that? Now,
(01:14):
because like you, you're such an independent powerhouse woman on
your own. If we're going to get into your life.
But is it like odd to just like have this
celebrity fiance who's not like that to you because like
you know him. And I've known Jake forever too, I know,
which is super cool, like since for at least like
fifteen years, so basically I mean since he's been in town. Yeah. Yeah,
(01:35):
I'm excited to hear more about that, some back some
back history there, which will be fun. I love Jake.
I've always loved Jake. He's been like a brother figure,
like not because we kind of grew up together, like
in the music industry. Obviously he was successful and doing
while I was in a struggling band, but like we
just had a lot of mutual friends and we hung
out in the same groups and he was always just
like a sweet, nice guy. Well that's what he said
(01:58):
when I was like, I'm gonna go talk to Caroline today,
and he was like, I love her. She's awesome. I've
known her forever, so that's great. We never dated, we
never had any chemistry nothing, which is always great because
I was a little bit of a makeup bandit for
a while. But there are certain town. Yes, it is
such a small town. I know. I was so so
glad because like before I married Michael, like and we
(02:18):
Michael and I met super young. I was twenty four
and he was twenty two, So I mean my dating
history was brief para nashural, But I mean I made account.
I definitely got in there. I made it worth while.
But I'm glad that I was like apprud and didn't
like sleep around and stuff because now I'm friends with
so many wives of artists and I didn't really make
out with them any But I'm like, I'm just glad
(02:39):
that it's just all so chill because you know, so
I digress there. But anyway, okay, so what is that
like to be because you were you probably didn't have
any dreams to be like married to someone who's in
the public eye. You're an interior designer, you got your
thing going and then bam, so well it was. It's
so funny because if we rewind just a little bit
(03:01):
and go back to the beginning there, Um, I was
working full time designer, which is badass. You have amazing
style just from your clothes, thank you. Um. But let
me just say really quick, this is incredible to have
a full on adult conversation like no children like we're
able to do it in person, the COVID thing last year.
(03:22):
I was so glad when you said you wanted to
do this in person, because it's so much more fun
in person because you get to hang and you wrought
Paris over and study's here and they're getting to pay
and it's sweet. It just makes it like so much
more cozy. Yeah, personable, yes, yes, um, so thank you,
thank you, thank you. But yeah, it was really funny
(03:43):
when Jake and I met um in the in the
world that I was in at the time. Um, I
was traveling a lot. He was traveling a lot on
the road. I think he was actually on tour with
Kenny that year. UM. And when he was into own,
I was out of town. We were always. He was
remodeling his home, that's where it all began, while I
(04:05):
was working for Restoration Hardware, so I was I was
a gallery designer for Restoration, which and I've got to
do the backstory because Jake walked in and saw you.
I was like, I have never seen a woman this
confidence in my life, Like you were just like telling
people what to do and like a very nice heard that,
And I was like, what is he even saying? About
who loved it? So do you boss him around here?
(04:28):
Anyone around? No? That was really sweet, but no, I
have no idea what he was exactly referring to in
that you were just like making it happen, like running
that ship. Oh my gosh, Well I was. I absolutely
loved what I did. Okay, So what does that mean?
I was a gallery designer? Are you creating like the
way all the rooms look at restoration hardware? So I was.
(04:50):
I'm not like the on the curating team. But what
I would do is I would um, I would take
a lot of them. I can say, I guess term
it V I P clients um, and I mean we
would do uh small projects to full home designs. So
you were like working with clients and designing their houses.
(05:11):
So like if I moved into this house recently and
I could have hired you and you could have done
the whole house, made the flow happen, come up with
the thing that the brand I could only source obviously
because I was working with restoration hardware, So I would
do everything with hard designs. Yes, like a cool thing though,
because restoration hardware is a one stop shop. Yes, you
(05:33):
definitely have to be v I p to do a
full house from restoration hardware, and that's where, um, Nashville.
I got to meet so many amazing people. Oh my god,
the homes that you did. I'm sure we're just insanity.
It was really a fun, fun opportunity. Is that nerve
wracking when like, here's this giant check book that's coming
your way and they're like, okay, Erica, Like I'm gonna
(05:56):
spend maybe hundreds of thousands of dollars on this and
you're going to be the one picking it out? Is
that stressful? No? Because I used to say that my
job was I got to spend other people's money and design.
You know what I'm doing what I love UM And
it was great. But more than just the projects or
the floor plans or the checking the boxes of light
fixture heights and you know, sofa dimensions, it was the
(06:18):
relationships that I created, UM. And you know what I
was doing and what I would tell my team or
my designers or the people that we were working with.
It's um there's nothing more personal than someone's home, you know,
like that this is where they're coming to get away
from the rest of the world. And so being having
(06:39):
that opportunity and sitting down getting to know the people,
getting to know their life, their lifestyle, their family. You know, um,
you really are let in. Yeah, because it's happening, it's
a trust, it's intimate. Yes, because it's like, Okay, this
is what we like to do. This is the vibe
of our family. We want to use this room because
we enjoyed doing this and a lot of the projects.
(07:02):
I mean, it would be someone's lifetime home, like this
is what they had been waiting their whole lifetime to
buy this home and be able to design it with us. Sorry,
I just keep pulling our microphone back. I told you
forget your on microphone. I do. Um, but that's where
I loved, sitting down, getting to meet the client per
se and um walking through what their daily routine, their day,
(07:28):
like who all is in this house? How often? We
did a lot of guest homes as well, and it
was all in Nashville, which dash was the most interesting people. Yeah,
I know, I know, well I did, so I did
get to travel. Um. I did go to uh Chicago
to the very first opening of the r H Cafe.
So that was the first one that RH ever opened,
(07:50):
was in Chicago. Um, I think that was like two
thou or so, that was several years ago, but that
was the first one. So I was there and I
was back and forth. And that was the year at
Jake and I actually met Um. So I was there
for on and off. I think it was a couple
of months um in Chicago. Yeah, so Chicago, and then
I would travel. I went to like a helped with
(08:11):
the Austin. What a cool job you have. This is
about as cool as it gets because a restoration hardware
is the best coolest vibe that ever was. They do
have an incredible everything and it's even like the restaurant
and the drinks in the coffee bar and then you
walk on all the floors. So to be like an
in house designer for restoration hardware, that's baller. It was awesome,
(08:35):
super baller fun. Perfect time of your life too, because
like what you're in your late twenties. Yes, oh, killing
the game. You have all this knowledge. Now you've got
life experience. You're not like young dumb kid. You're you know,
you're a woman, got it going on? Oh is it fun?
Was it a fun season? Yeah? It was. It was
(08:56):
a lot of long, endless hours. To say the East
but it was incredible. But um that, like I said,
the main thing was the people, like the relationships I
created in Nashville, and um, you know, and then that's
when I truly found out how the small town. And
that was before this whole Nashville. I mean, I was
watching the city change, you know, the amount of people
(09:18):
that were moving here daily and especially from l A
and New York and and then you know, all of
it was changing so much, um and was becoming the
city that it's like not no one was prepared for
at the time, you know, I mean it's a full
blown like metropolitan city. Yeah. I had a really big
client move from Chicago to Nashville, and they were talking about,
(09:41):
you know because Chicago is known for food, right, like
food industries, and they were like, Nashville's truly becoming that now.
And this was this was a couple of years ago
that I even you know, had that conversation. But yeah,
so our city is just completely it has evolved, like
and it's still it's like not even about to slow down.
Part of me like is freaking out. I'm like, please stop,
(10:02):
please stop, please stop, because it's like some of these
other big cities. Everyone's leaving them and they're all coming here,
and I'm like, don't overrun our city. It's so big
that it's not the sweet little town it was. I'm
all for progress and changing all that, but you know,
I do love the sweet hometown vibe that Nashville has
always had. Okay, so when you're doing these houses, what
is it like? Did you always mesh well with the
(10:25):
people like the owners of the house or was there
ever conflict? How do you deal with big personality? So
the ongoing joke is that if you're an interior designer,
you're I'm a psychologist too. You have to be. I mean,
it's so true. You sit down and people probably full
one meltdowns on you all the time because like this
is big. Well, the I guess probably, I mean it's
(10:45):
it was hysterical because wives have opinions, some husbands do,
some husbands don't, or it's completely reversed, like the husband's
the one that's, you know, has the creative mind and
wants all of these things, and the wife's like, I
don't really care, and you know, so it was always
managing like the emotions do you have to like how
did how long did it take you to assess your clients.
Do you like go to lunch with them a couple
(11:06):
of times, or like, how do you like prepare for
the personalities? No, I had. Fortunately, I was in a
role where they were kind of, um, not technically interviewed,
but they were sourced out before they would get to me.
So it's like I knew, you know, what category, what level,
that sort of thing. So depending on the project is
(11:28):
basically how it worked. But I mean I could meet
them and sit down with them, and that's that's that's
what I loved, and to figure out who they really were,
you know, and that was always intriguing and and exciting
and it's a discovery because every human is different, every
desire design, you know. And I will say Nashville is
(11:49):
hard because so many creative people are in this city
and they're like, Okay, you're the designer, but also I'm creative,
so like maybe you're wrong, Erica exactly, and like this
is the way it should be. But you're like, that
really doesn't fall It looks terrible. An artist love meshing
all kinds of all kinds of design, right, And it's like, yeah, no,
(12:15):
that's that we can't do that. That's not gonna work.
But then you know you have to you have to
find a blend. But the good thing I will always
get back if you come to restoration hardware and you
want a design, like I have to make it the
aesthetic that we have, Like, that's just that's what I do,
and so we have to make that work. And so
(12:35):
fortunately they wouldn't be there if that's not what they wanted.
In the end. Um, it's just and you know, you're working,
like you said, with restoration hardware materials, so it's going
to be great. Yeah, but yeah, the artists would We're
definitely the most challenging because they were One day they
would come in and say they wanted this. I forgot
about that, the changing of the mind all the time.
(12:55):
One day they would come in and it could be
a few hours later I get emails actually I like
this better, Actually maybe let's go this, And I was like, oh,
the directions are just see. This is why Jake was
so turned on by because he's like, you know how
to handle artists and put like make it have it. Yeah.
I just had to basically tell him I'm like, no,
we can't go that route. That's not gonna work. So
(13:16):
then then there's a whole other things. Okay. So okay,
so you meet Jake in the middle of all this,
because he is now how many years ago is this?
This was? Um, it'll be six this fall when you
met him. Okay. And if you'all hear dogs and children
of screaming, laughing, crying, whatever in the background, that's just normal.
That's what's happening. Um. Okay, so six years ago, you're
(13:37):
doing this, he's coming in. Does he hire you like
you don't? You have to go through RH at the time,
so he can't request right, that would be awesome. Well
he I mean I was going to be I was
already over his project. That's happening. So you're already like
checking in with him on the regular. Yes, yes, so
he Actually it's funny. Um, there's a baby crying for
(14:01):
some somebody, don't worry. The kids have babysitters and friends.
They were gonna they got snacks. That's fine everyone. Um.
So it was funny because my whole group, my team
of people, they were always trying to So he would
come in the gallery randomly and say, you know, we
knew the project, we knew what he needed, we knew
what was happening, but I would be out, I would
(14:23):
be traveling, or I'd be in another appointment or in
at it in home, you know, measuring or whatever. So
our schedules were just always off and UM, at this point,
you are just trying to get together to work together. Yes,
zero zero like relationship. You didn't know that you had
Florida gosh. No. So there was one time where one
(14:44):
of my UM designers, they were laughing like we finally
we've got an appointment, We've got a time like this
is like you're here, he's here. Let's get this together
so you can get his project. Because that was the
other thing. It was always a joke in Nashville. We
we knew when there was something go going on in
Nashville before anyone else knew, saying like people needed like
(15:07):
in stock items, full home designs, like whatever it was.
You know, it was all we would always know before
anything else because you're providing all the the furniture and design.
So he was needing UM a lot of um A
full house design basically, and UM we were going we
finally got the appointment scheduled and UM. So then I
(15:30):
mean from there it was really just completely professional. The
whole time I was back and forth to Chicago for
the opening there, and when I can see why you're
so great at your job though, with all these personalities
that you're dealing with, because even when you walk in,
you have these bright eyes that are so cheerful and
inviting and alive. Like when you walk in, you're like,
it's just like health radiots from you, like vibrancy, yes,
(15:52):
and like you just have a great spirit and you're energizing.
You're beautiful, but you're fun, and you're like you're you
don't you're not like you're so beautiful, but you're not,
like you don't carry yourself in a way where it's
like overwhelming to talk to you, because you know, like
some people it's hard to talk to them when they're
like amazing to see because you're like, oh god, I'm intimidate,
but you don't, like you're just so easy to hang
out with. You're so relatable person. Okay, So I can
(16:13):
see why you're crushing at this job. Okay, So then
you have basically we had um his whole family was
coming up for Christmas, so it was just very important
that I mean deadlines, dates, deliveries, he wanted the house done,
done and perfect. And that was one like delivery timelines
(16:34):
and stuff. I mean, you have to be very strategic
planning the installs. So um we were, we were scheduling installs.
Everything was going great, and um, out of the blue,
one night, he sends me this text. It was really cute,
it was sweet. I've actually never said this so good.
(16:54):
But what I said it was I have I forget
the exact wording, but it was like, I have a
perfect are non professional, non business question to ask you?
And I was like, oh, okay, what is that? And
he was like, would you like to get some beer?
Have a beer sometime? And I was like sure, I mean,
(17:15):
and that's it, that's that's that's what started. Yeah, I
mean up until that point, there was zero, like you know,
I mean just he's super sweet and personal as you know,
and so, um, had you felt like attraction to him
before this? No, I he would say something different. But
there was a day he was in the gallery quote unquote,
(17:36):
and um, I knew what I knew things that he
was going through and was he had he just gotten
before he was just going through his divorce and so
you know, I and had I never spoke to anyone
about their anything personal that I knew that was going on.
But he was just so kind and caring and like
open he's he is so honest and open to a fault.
(17:59):
I love that about like this is what you can
keep your mouth just a little bit okay, but no,
he's really open and kind and caring, and we were
just having the best conversation, just honest right there in
the gallery. Um and I said, I just looked at
and I said, I really I want you to know
I'm really sorry for what you're going through. Like I know,
I don't know what it's like publicly, but behind the
(18:22):
scenes personally from you know, past thing, Like I know,
I can't imagine how hard that is with a with
a little girl, because Pearl was only um I think
three ish at that time. Um are two wish um so,
and he just he looked at me just with like
the most caring you know, like I mean, it was
it was really this this moment. And so after that
(18:44):
is when he kind of started really opening up. And
um then shortly afterward when I got the text about
could we have a would you like to have a beer,
And I was like sure, and so were you worried though,
because I mean, this is like kind of a scary
time to start dating someone he's going through. Yeah, well
I didn't. He's got a kid. It wasn't like it
was like we're going to date type thing. You weren't
(19:05):
even like you weren't even like you're not that kind
of girl. You don't even care, right, No, not busy,
I'll go. But you're designs. No, you're not sitting around
dying to meet your husband. No, you're like I am. No. Yes,
So because you're like, okay, I'll give this a world,
why not and be doun Yeah, And so we did.
(19:26):
We went and I love Red Pony, just being horse
industry and some of our because you grew up in
the walking horse industry, which is amazing. I want to
hear more about that later. Okay, well we some of
our we know that I know the owners of Red Pony.
So we went and had drinks there and it was great.
I mean, it was very casual, nothing inappropriate, just a
(19:49):
fun evening of you know, drinks and um, I think
he was leaving the next day to do the Thanksgiving parade. Um,
so he did that, and you know the was just
I knew like that he was very special. I could
say like from that, you know, time on, but there
(20:09):
was definitely a lot of time, you know, I mean
I was busy, he was busy, he was going through things.
And he actually flew back that day from celebrating the
Soul Girl's third birthday, so you know, there was just
there was a lot of um, big heel from things
you've got going. You know, I'm gonna work and focus
(20:30):
on that and then we'll see where it goes. So
then was it kind of continual after that? Yeah, let's see.
So I met his whole family that Christmas, like everything was.
I mean, so he didn't like, he didn't like put
you on the backburner at all, Like he went in
(20:50):
full force like respectful guy, like I'm not going to
like casually did I'm not gonna date you, but then
also have another person I could be dating it. He
kind of like the first the first year, it was
a little yeah, like just okay, you need to take
your time. I'm going to take mine and then we
can kind of did you kind of let them know
(21:11):
that in a way that like I'm not here for
just like I don't even know how you phrase that
eight second ride. Wasn't that one of the songs I'm
not here either, No, no, Um, But there was just
always you know, I mean, I'm a big trust person.
Don't you dare break my trust? Like you can be
(21:33):
honest and you can be wrong and we can agree
but and move forward, but or disagree exactly and don't
but don't don't break my trust because once that's broken,
there's a lot like to heal from that, you know,
and there's there's so much hurt behind. I mean, you
have to trust someone to be able to to move
forward in any type of relationship, friendship, you know, dating, marriage,
(21:59):
anything like that. So you'll have this year of kind
of like knowing there's a vibe knowing are you finishing
his house project in the middle of all this. No,
the house was pretty much done, but that Christmas was
pretty special. We had um so it was his first
Christmas in Tennessee, um by himself, with Pearl and his
whole family. So that was the thing, like we had
(22:20):
to have the house had to just be perfect for
the family. So I was like, you know what, we
have to go and we you have to have a
live like a real Christmas tree. You know at the
time that was always so special and fun to go
and pick one out, and um, so I did. We
Like we got in the car, we went and we
picked out this Christmas tree. They brought it that night.
They delivered it like two am in the morning. But
(22:42):
it was just all this excitement and anticipation and they
was so proud of the new house. Yes, yeah, and
so and you were too, Yeah yeah, and I loved
you know when I did get to meet his parents there,
you know, they were so complimentary and it was sweet,
but it was something that he was so proud of.
But um, you know picking out the Christmas tree and
that's been a thing every year now and then that's
where we actually got engaged with that Christmas tree lot,
(23:04):
which is so sweet. Yes, that was really sweet. So,
so you met the parents right away, and I remember
so he I think it was like some was like
an ABC or CBS special I'm coming home and you
were on it with him. Yeah. That was when I
found out we were expecting. Okay, So I remember him
saying something. I think you were like sitting outside with
(23:25):
his family, or he was talking to his brother because
he's a twin brother, or dad or something, and he
said something, and I remember thinking like this because I
had known Jake before, and so many girls have always
wanted to date Jake. Obviously, you know, he's so cute
and he's charming and fun, I mean, you know, and
he's like a singer and has this presence, but he's
(23:45):
never been that guy as long as I've ever known
him this wanted to be in a serious relationship. So
I remember watching him talk about you, and he said
something like, I know, I just want to at Erica
as like a focus and like include her and like
talk about her and like have her in this orbit
(24:07):
with me. And I remember him saying that, like on
TV something like that, and I'm totally butchering it. But
didn't say something like that, Yeah, that was I don't
remember if that was in the Thanksgiving special. I remember
hearing that he said that because it was always we
were so private, still very private. I love it that way. Um,
And he didn't. He didn't he just because of previous
(24:31):
situations relationship. Um. We kept in for protection of his
little girl, which I will always applaud him for that.
I will always respect that. You know that we kind
of we were very quiet about I love that too,
because it really he really does put his children first. Yeah,
and as you should, as any father should. And so
(24:53):
we were very you know, cautious with that, and then
of course the public eye and there were just several
things that and I do believe and I appreciate so much.
But he was protecting me from things, you know, and
then a lot yeah, yeah, and just coming out of
you know what he was coming out of. So that
(25:13):
with but with his little girl, that was very important
that we take it extremely slow, and we did, and
I loved it. I wouldn't change a thing, you know,
I think it. It grew, He grew as a person
during that time. I definitely grew. There was a lot
to know, learn understand with each other, with you know,
(25:34):
relationships as a whole, especially from as a step mom standpoint.
How did you navigate that? Because I feel like you
have a great relationship with Pearl, and it seems like
Paris and Pearl have the sweet relationship. It's the sweetest
thing ever. Pearl is precious, She's sweet, so cute, and
she's the best big sister and our little girl. Parents
just picks up pictures of her and goes Pearl, Pearl
(25:57):
all the time, so she idolizes her. Um was that
hard for you to take on a stepmom role? Or
was that it was so eat Pearl like she just
made She's so kind and caring and loving and she
just kind of took me in. And we just see that.
You said, Pearl took you in and she did. She
did because she just is. She has the sweetest soul
(26:18):
and and and I pray that Paris gets to watch
that and see that and grow. And it idolized her
as a big sister. I mean we had Pearl all
summer this summer and um pitch. I mean, Pearl is
this little gymnast. She's very athletic. She gets that I
mean from her dad and um Paris. I mean anything
(26:39):
Pearl would try to do Paris as you know, having
an almost two year old, I mean there was every everything,
and um it was it was. It's just great when
we get to have time with Pearl, you know, because
she does. She lives in Florida with her mom. And
is it hard on Jake not to be with her
or they've been able to work out a flow that
feels pretty good. It's it's been hard. I mean it
is hard. I think I'll always be hard because I
(26:59):
mean he wants her as much as he can, but
with his career, um, it's it's limited. And and now
she's in school and last night we were FaceTime and
she's loving gymnastics. And Jake was talking last night he
knows this what when we have her in the summers,
but he's like, the more she gets into you know,
this gymnastics or whatever, you know, he's afraid of how
(27:21):
much time that will take. But he's also so excited
for her because he's finding her passion. She loves. Yeah,
and um, but we we absolutely love when we get
to have her, and she's gonna go. We we have
a birthday. Jake turns the big four, oh next week.
How he feel about it? I mean he's I think
I think everyone is kind of like, oh, wow, that's
(27:43):
really here. And it's crazy that forty is here because
I just earned thirty eight, and I'm like, wow, when
did I become Like I'm not saying forties old, because
it's not old, but like I'm seeing this whole new
batch of young twenties somethings, like even like my babysitter
and your babysitting I don't know how she is, but
she looks twenty two. She's just yesterday Maddie, my babysitter.
And I'm like, oh my god, Like they know all
(28:04):
this fashion and all this lingo. I just learned what
chugy bean. And I'm like, there's so many things I
have the right choogy. It's like out of style. It's
like it's like people who think something's still in style,
but it's out of style. So like, I feel like
a lot of things that I think are in style
could be cheggy. Now who are these people saying it's cheggy?
I used to be cool and like in on this scene,
(28:26):
and now I feel like I'm like, totally, it happened
so fast. You're not chugy You still you're keeping it
all that. I don't know how you're keeping everything up now.
I'm sure I am at something. There's just so many
things to keep up with with all the new trends
and everything changing. And I'm like, I just like, we're
working out close for the past two years, and everyone
had under a rock. I mean the fact that we
have have jeans on, you have jean shorts on right now.
(28:49):
You look you're ready to go, Like you're ready to
go to Restorational Hardware. Actually no, no, no, you're sweet,
but thank you. I know, but it's weird that like
forty is here. So that's next week. Um, we're going
to go out of town and Pearl's gonna get to go.
We're actually, um, we have a trip plan, so our
baby girl is not going to go, I don't think.
(29:10):
So he's super excited that Pearl is gonna get to
go and bring that all back to Pearl. You know,
she's just she's absolutely wonderful when we love her to death.
So when did you and Jake know that you like
this was it like you guys were going to go
the distance and you're gonna get married. When did you know, like,
because like I'm sure there's just a lot going on,
Like it's like you know you got well we it
(29:32):
was and you have to sign up for this lifestyle. Yeah. Yeah,
So I'm trying to think sixteen, like I said, that
was just a little back and forth. Seventeen and to
be honest, um seventeen he was out in Vegas when
they had the shooting and that night was my birthday actually,
(29:54):
and um, I just I remember he had just we
had just gotten this property where we of now which
we love on this farm. Is that a real shot?
Um the music video yes, made for you, which is
the greatest song, thank you too. But he Um, so
we got this farm and we were we've been so
(30:14):
excited all these plans and um, you know, to build,
build a barn and build a home, and like it
all kind of started happening. But you know, I remember
that night which everyone does, which was just like whoa
you know, but he flew back home. Uh did he
play the night of the shooting? Yeah, he was there.
And I remember right before Jason he was and I
(30:36):
remember I had a friend called me. I was already
in bed, scheduled for a meeting the next morning at work.
I mean I was never I never traveled with him
to this point still because I was working and um,
had a friend text me and she's like, you need
to know that there's a shooting, a live shooting happening
right now. Um have you heard from Jake? And I said, well,
(30:57):
he tried to call me a minute ago, but I couldn't.
I couldn't hear anything. I couldn't hear him because there
was so much static. But I knew he was off stage.
But it wasn't he laying on his bus and bullet
holes went through. It was that there were holes. Um,
I don't do they like they got down on the bus. Yeah, yeah,
they were. They were he finally, I mean he had
to run and um like jump and to get to
(31:21):
his bus. But yeah, so he was in the middle
of it. He was on I think he was I
don't know if it was left or right stage, was
on stage on yeah, side stage with some friends and
then but they to hear them talking like they no
one knew where which direction, like where to go and
if you're running, like if you're running into it and
running away from it. And it's still something he doesn't
really talk that much about. And I don't pry because
(31:44):
I know I can't imagine the trauma of anyone there,
of any especially Jason and Brittany and that, like you know,
the artist and um, but the families. I mean it's
just so heart but I mean you just sit I
remember just sitting there crying and watch ching, you know,
and just praying for everyone involved. Um. But yeah, that
(32:05):
that that next morning, I mean, they couldn't get off
the bus, they couldn't leave you know, And then I
remember hearing him talk about the next morning trying to
get out everything people, and did he spend the night
on the bus? They could, they wouldn't let him out
because they're just there, and um, I mean I don't
remember timelines. I don't remember, you know, anything exact, but
(32:27):
I remember he called and they were trying just to
get a flight home, just get out of there, just
anything they could. And it was my birthday and he
made it back home, and all I wanted to do
was just hug on him, you know, and thank God
that he made at home and safe and prayers for everyone.
And he had planned a surprise birthday dinner for me.
(32:48):
We need to cry a little bit. This is like
really heavy, and um, he had planned a surprise birthday
party for me that night and he did he would
not cancel it, and the port I am getting emotional.
I'll cry with you. This is your life. I mean,
this is like yeah, And so he had planned this surprise,
so all of my friends were like coming to this
(33:08):
dinner and he had not even been to bed and
he wouldn't cancel. He would not cancel it. And so
I was like, oh my gosh, I love this man,
you know, like how incredible. And I know, I know,
so that was a very special and I still look
back on it and I can't I still, I mean,
I can't even imagine what everyone went through. But that
(33:30):
was a very special sign to me that, wow, you
guys are really in this through thick and thin and
through four it all right, right. And then we not
to mention, we lived once we got the property, we
lived like in a tiny house together for like nine months,
you know, and it's kind of like okay, and then
then we moved. So I think we've been through several
(33:51):
several tests, but you know, you might as well just
go ahead and throw yourself into the fire because I'd
rather find out on the front end, and then you know,
you can weather all the storms because life for everyone,
I mean, you and Jake have this like idealic romance,
especially to the world looking in. You know, it's like
people see you guys and they're like, oh my gosh,
(34:13):
if only I could be like that, or have a
marriage like that, or look like that, or have careers
like this. But you guys are still going through the
ring or with life too. But absolutely that everyone goes
through it. But It's like when you put yourself in
all these situations to really test yourself to live with
each other, see if your personalities get along, to go
through some of the most traumatic, heartbreaking things to some
(34:34):
of the highest highs, then it's like, okay, okay, I
can do this. Is that what you all felt living
together in a tiny house? That's no joke. What did
you learn about each other there? Please tell me? Oh
my gosh, they're so much. I mean, what are some
secret things that came out about Jake that he would
be okay with you sharing? You know what? I don't
not have to think about that one. But the time,
(34:55):
we actually absolutely loved it because he we went back
and worth of are we gonna like buy a home
and then build, you know, rent a home, build, And
we both were kind of like, we actually just want
to be on the farm. We just want to be
on the property, whatever that looks like. And little did
we know, like this perfect little tiny home was going
to roll in the tiny home, I mean it was
(35:16):
it was actually tiny home. Yes, it was crazy. We
had someone wanted like as soon as we finished with
so you know, divine timing when all the flows, Yeah, yeah,
and it was actually great. I mean the property. Was
it like a loft or was there a bedroom? Did
just leave in the loft? No, there was a bedroom
and then this little tiny loft and had a full
(35:38):
little kitchen where what was so what was your routine
in the tiny house? Like? What did y'all do in there?
We were never in there, which was the good thing
because we were just outside, yeah, on the property and
we were currently building the barn um that we have now.
And I mean there was just constantly. He was on
the road. He was on tour, you know, that started
up pretty soon, and I was working and it was
(36:00):
just kind of you would drive to work and y'all
live out town, like thirty minutes or so, so you
would drive in and this was like y'all's retreat. Would
you like ride four wheelers? And like what do y'all do? Fish?
He has rangers? We fish and there's a country girl.
Yeah I am. I was raised on a farm, so
I'm good with it. Hut I don't I don't hunt. Um,
I'll go sit in the deer stand. Oh yeah, okay,
(36:22):
which he just took up like I mean, he's a
Florida boy, so um, he and his brother loved turkey hunting,
and then he just kind of started to taking him deer.
Do you'll have like any sort of golf situation on
your farm? Now? We do now, but not not during
the tiny home So he has a like a little
putting green type thing. Um, but he we do live
(36:46):
close to the golf club, so he's out there all
the time, which is great. He loves it. Okay, yes, okay,
so y'all y'all are living this tiny home. You're not
you're not engaged, we're building. No, you're not pregnan not pregnant.
Is this when you get pregnant? No? Not yet? Okay,
when do you get pregnant? Basically when we moved right
into the barn, like tiny is perfect timing. Are you
(37:08):
worried about getting pregnant? Are you cool if you got pregner?
We were, Yeah, so you were fine maybe like loosely trying. No,
I don't think we're not necessarily not yet. But you
weren't worried about like trying to like get engaged, get married,
have a baby. No, we totally did it backwards and
you didn't care about that. No. I think it's it's
just something that we're very excited about and do you
(37:30):
have a date. We do not have a date yet.
We have a timeline that we're thinking we all do
it at your farm. Um potentially okay, yeah, okay, okay,
So lots of TVD Yes? Yeah. Did you grow up
super traditional and your values? Um, not super traditional but
pretty yeah, pretty southern. My family were from Georgia, So
(37:54):
talk to you about this horse walking the horses that
you have. Oh my gosh my, So we live in Georgia,
this little tiny town right below noon In, which is
where Alan Jackson is from, back Brown. There's there's some
good music from there. But we my family lived there
and then we moved to Shelbyville, Tennessee, a little small
(38:15):
country town right below Murphy Sparrow. Four horses for the
walking horse industry. And what is a walking horse industry?
So the Tennessee walking Horses. It's it's really just this,
it's a community. I mean, it's it's people. I mean
people do travel all over the country. Um. For they
have which is coming up in a few weeks. It's
called the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. It's held in Shelbyville. Um,
(38:38):
it's really it's I don't know if you've ever have
ever ridden horses or relationship. Okay, yeah, and English riding
English and Western. But it's like a performance. So the
horses have a show horse, Yes, they have like a
like saddle Bread's. Do you know anything about saddle Bread's horses? Okay,
well they all they have a gate and a gate.
(39:00):
It's their performance. The way they walk so okay, So
like best in Show where they walk the dogs and
someone's walking the dog is just like that, but with
the horse. So are you you like trotting along with
the horse? Well, so, Tennessee walking horses are known for
their smooth gate. So they're very smooth. Most of them
are very gentle and calm and sweet and side by
side with them you're like, you're yeah, I mean them,
(39:22):
you're riding them obviously. Yea. So they have they have
all kinds of divisions from lead line like I could
have Paris in a lead line class. Now you know,
like me that it's just a little tiny ponies that
you know, juvenile riders which are like eleven and under.
There's there's just there's a lot of huge details to it.
But um we I grew up in that in the industry,
(39:45):
and my family bred and raised um horses, so like
the mare and folds, which is something I love so much,
being able to raise the babies, and then of course
if you're in the industry, then you then you sell
the babies, and it's just like a you know, the
whole thing. It's kind of a dream for a kid
to get to like be with all these animals and
(40:05):
in this environment. How fun did you like it? I
love it. I love it, and I'm I miss it.
I actually still have to u two horses of my own,
um that I don't get to ride that much, but
I still have lots of friends in the industry. So
do you love to ride? Oh? Yeah, so you're saying
your friends with Tatiana Houser, which makes sense for so
many reasons, but now even more because she loves to ride. Yes,
(40:27):
she's like a professional writer. Have you all ever ridden together? No?
We haven't, so right, I know. I know she does jumpers,
um so and I've actually I've never ridden a jumper um.
But yes, I want to. We need to plan a
barn date and go out and take the babies out,
and it'll be so fun. She's so sweet. That would
be awesome. I love that. That's awesome. Okay, so we're
(40:50):
your parents. Did they know who Jake was? Where they
skept cool about you marrying someone who's in the limelight,
or where they like totally cool, we get it, we
love this guy. No, it's so funny because in the
role that I was in and the people that I
was working with, No, I wouldn't. I didn't tell anyone,
like for the longest that we were actually dating, right
because I had I will never name names, I had producers,
(41:14):
I had all these people say like, never go there, right, like,
don't get involved, don't with any of these types of
an individuals. Yes, because they're all like, yeah, they're the lifestyle.
The lifestyle, I mean, it's not conducive a country music
is actually becoming very family oriented. I do think there's
(41:36):
a lot of people who are loving healthy family life
and country music. Now it's like a wave, but it
is also spotty. It could be the other way too, yes,
and and well, it's just I mean, I guess the
best word is lifestyle, you know. And so and I
had a lot of close friends that you know, would
just laugh and like, don't go there, don't do that,
(41:56):
you know, and um, but that was before anyone like
New Jake, you know, and and especially the person I
know who is I swear as polar opposites of you
know that on stage like persona and um. So I
know my family absolutely loves him though loves him. We're
(42:18):
like he because he's just so fun and he's so
personable and he's just genuine really, you know, and he
wants to get to know them as much as they
want to get to know him. And there's just kind
of a respect there, which is great. Son. So, were
you ever like jealous of other girls are like worried,
(42:41):
Oh gosh, we going there and we don't have to
go all the way there. I'm kidding now. And then
there's this other Viba female which I feel like a
lot of wives in the country music industry are this way.
We're like rooting for each other and loving and like
have their own gifts and talents and they were using
that to to prosper in their life instead of let
(43:03):
me show you how to shake it. Yeah, yeah, yeah
for sure. And I think there's tons of respectful women
out there and their tons not so much. So I
just try to stay away from that. I know, we
were briefly talking before we started this podcast, and I'm like,
when I was younger, I loved being in a scene
doing all this stuff, like and I used to like
(43:24):
want to be at all this everything and I would
just gosh constantly. And now I'm like, I just want
to live under a rock and stay quiet and not
get involved with anything anymore. Now I have. UM. I
laughed because I read. I think I believe it was
Bradley Cooper that said this, and it's truly incredible. Um.
(43:44):
And it's kind of how I do see like our
relationship and our our our family. But I think I
don't remember word for word what he said, but it
was like fall in love and don't tell anyone, like
travel the world and don't tell anyone. And there was
something else, but it was like people can ruin beautiful things,
(44:04):
and it's like that's so true, you know. I mean,
people can make things even more beautiful too, But there
is a huge truth to that that I see for yourself,
like you're not you don't have to like like keep
it to yourself and with your special loved one, you know.
And and I do think that that's kind of I've
(44:25):
never heard it termed like that. But that's something that
I think we have stayed private for a reason like that,
if you were going to describe yourself in three words,
what would they be? Oh my god, oh let me
see three words? Like in the same thing? I know?
(44:47):
But yeah, no, I very um. I if you're in
my like loop, will have like I'll do anything for you.
So have you done Instagram? Yes? So I have? Okay, wait,
I want to guess what you are? Okay, Jake is
big into this as well, so we had to do it.
(45:07):
Are you an eight? Wing? Nine? No? Well, just because
you're so loyal, but then you have the peacemaker two
T and um. The reason I say eight is because
I feel like you can, like challenger get it done,
that is, but with a peacemaker wing. Yes, that's true.
That's true. And my dad's an eight. I know it's
(45:30):
a hard one to call someone because it is an
aggressive number. But I don't feel you're aggressive. I just
feel like you are like a badass. My dad's an
eight and he like, he's incredible. It's so funny. Has
Jake took this? He did the take Jake's and eight
okay wing? What I don't know I forget what his
wing is eight win seven because he loves have a
good time. I thought he's eight winks seven. First, I
(45:51):
think you're I think that's right. But we were talking
about this the other night, just to prove how truly
he is an eight. We were talking about eights being
a challenger or whatever, and he's like, no, I'm not
an eight. I'm not gonna and I'm like, yeah, okay,
here we go. So you're two week three that, I think. So,
I think that's right. Helper with a achiever, I bet
(46:12):
or one because the one is like super organized and
get stuff done and like it has a moral compass.
My sister is a one, and she's like there's like
in her head always she can hear the right and
wrong version. She always knows what's right and wrong okay,
like always, and that's her one and her I don't
know if you feel that I do. I do. I
(46:33):
um gosh, I feel like I took that so long ago.
But that's funny how people. I mean, that's working, like
for people to be able to communicate, you know, and
to understand who they live with, work with, Like I'm
a four, it's like an emotional wreck. Is what minus like.
It's it is like, look at what FO is like
(46:53):
when an unhealthy four is like an emotional train wreck.
And that has been me the majority of my twenties
when I started in therapy and like working on myself.
But it creates creativity and passion and empathy and all
these things, but it also like just sends me into
like emotional tailspins. And I, um, it's so funny because
I was talking to Jake's mom, who I love so much,
(47:14):
Miss Mitsey, Miss Mitsey. But she we laughed because I
can cry if I'm sad, I can cry if I'm mad,
I can cry if I'm hurt, like you know, and
she's the exact same way. So I don't. I'm maybe
four to like somewhere in there. But um, yeah, we
were talking about that, which is it's funny how how
(47:35):
that's truly changing communication though for everyone, which what's your
instogram number? But but then you like, if you've done
your research and your study, you really know how to
interact with that person. It's very helpful. I love that. Okay,
so I'm gonna wrap up soon, but I have one
more little question I'm ask you before I wrap up.
What has motherhood changed and taught you about yourself? Oh
(47:57):
my gosh. Well we were talking a little bit about
this before, but um, what does it change? And talk,
what it has changed is how you look at life truly,
every day. Every day is a gift. Every day. Um,
you're going to have a challenge that you weren't expecting,
but most importantly to um, be grateful for the time
(48:21):
that you have and just watching growth, I mean watching
your own little girl just become I mean become a
toddler now from birth. You know, it's just like all
the things. And honestly I had no idea how much
to fear too, like and then the like, I mean
truly you're given this gift of life. And then just like,
oh my god, but is she okay? What do I
(48:44):
need to you know, worry about every single day? There's
something I'm terrified of too, you know. It's it's you
can't I don't even know that I can put into words,
you know, the gift of being able to be a mother,
and so thankful for we have. We have been through
lots of challenges with because you have some health scares.
(49:06):
Harris has severe exema, yes, and so that's cause it's
allergies and then the asthma that we were discussing, and UM,
I've learned far more about that than I ever even
knew existed. I didn't even know that that was a thing,
and that was like a chronic illness. Truly is this
(49:26):
exema um term and cases can be so mild and
then extremely severe. UM. We we have gone through. We're
doing lots of medical you know, research and treatments to
try and just get her comfortable because honestly, she's she
hasn't been comfortable and so long. So we're working through
that and UM, but we're thankful that you know, we've
(49:49):
spent time in hospitals and UM, it's it's so it's
so heartbreaking when you're there to see what's happening with
other children too, and you know, you just pray for
healing and comfort for for the families and especially the baby.
And I mean the moms. I mean, I've had so
(50:10):
many amazing people reach out to me UM caring and
they're just like being a mother, you know, they're like,
we we know how much your heart is hurting right now,
Like what can we do to help you? What can
we do? And that's where it's a community because once
you are a mother and you get your mother's heart
(50:32):
in your body, it's literally like the first year Sunday's life,
like everything made me cry and then you hear I
couldn't watch the news because you hear stories of kids
suffering and kids who have trauma and abuse and all,
and it's just like the innocence, the innocence of a
child and the love of parents. It's just it's such
(50:55):
a such an honor and a responsibility to be a parent.
Like I feel like that's what it's taught me so much,
is that I'm just like I really want to show
up as my best version every day because I can
see how Sunny is modeling everything we do and like
everything she's learning it's from us. So it's like I
really need to be checking myself because I want to
(51:15):
program her. Well. Yeah, I mean that's Paris has learned
this week, has learned like all of her colors, and
I mean it's just like Jake, we sat with her life,
I know, like we sat with her last night and
she's putting these little puzzle pieces to the colors into
the shape, and it's just it's incredible to watch the change,
(51:36):
you know, in the growth. And like you said, but
I mean anything that you're saying, anything that you're doing.
There's I've always heard the term that they're little sponges,
but it is so true and it's so cute too,
the sweetest. So it's been kind of like COVID has
been heard on everyone, but the blessing with artists, they've
gotten to be home with their families. So Jake has
(51:56):
really gotten to spend a lot of time with parents. Um,
and that was we were I don't want to say
we were thankful for that for last year, but we
were thankful for the time because otherwise he would have
we have never had. He was home for milestones from
birthdays to first steps and you know, the the talking
and the words and um, just to be able to
(52:20):
be there for her. And that's what we have honestly
kind of been worried about with this year because she
is so attached to Daddy. She thinks Daddy is the
greatest hero in life. She worships him and to the
point that even if I'm in the room, I mean,
she only, oh my gosh, are you kid? He is
(52:41):
the most fun. That's why she's obsessed with him. I
mean he had he will run and play and just
make her laugh until I mean, I pray she finds
a man when time comes that can make her smile
and laugh the way he does every single day. I mean,
she he brings pure joy to her life. And that's it,
Like it's the sweetest thing ever. Yeah. So, I mean
(53:05):
it's just I'm so grateful for their relationship. And I
know that it's just only going to get That's what everyone,
It's only going to get better every you know, and
you try to savor every little thing, from every little
giggle to you know, every little word. And it's just
the sweetest thing I know for you two, it's like
being an artist, um spouse. But to see her expression
(53:27):
and her excitement when she hears her dad and and
knows him on the radio or if I have it
on in the car, and I mean, it's just that's yeah.
And his his new song came on the other day,
and I mean made for you, because made for you? Yeah, yeah,
and uh it's made for you. How was that a
few ago? I'm so out it was. It was the
(53:48):
last one was the sweetest and all of y'all in
the music video and parents and pearl and it makes
me teary? Was that fun to be and that it
was sweet? Yeah? It was what it was during COVID
when we filmed it, So it was kind of it
was like we were just going to do this at
the farm, and you know, everyone was very cautious. Everyone
was so professional and and it was just relaxed and comfortable.
(54:11):
And that was mart felt, which is what that song is. Yeah. Yeah,
and that that was his full intention for that video,
which I thought was super, super sweet and great for
something that will have forever for the both girls to
be there and be able to be in that. Okay,
well I always have. I derailed you. You're talking about
this new song though, because she's saying that Paris when
(54:33):
it comes on that he she just loves it and
she loves to rock out. This kid loves music, and
so she's just back there like head bang into the beat,
and I'm like, girl show yet Oh yes, Okay, does
she love it? Oh my gosh. The problem is is
she loves it so much and loves him so much
(54:54):
that I'm side stage and I mean it's all I
can do to keep her running to him. Does she
run out some? Oh? I mean, I haven't let that
happen yet. There's gonna be a time that I can't
hold her and she's just gonna, you know, leave me.
So I'm doing the best I can right now to
keep her calm and on the side. And normally, I
mean normally it's so late when he is going on
(55:15):
stage that she's winding down and quiet. There was one
a few weeks I guess it's been a month or
so ago that it was his first show back, and
I think they said four four hundred and sixty two
days or sixty three or something. And so I had
her out and we were I was, she was sound asleep,
and he wanted he wanted to take her out, and
he just woke her up and she was just you know,
(55:37):
as happy as she could be and smile, you know,
ear to ear to see everybody. And so that was cool, like,
you know, for her to get to to experience these
scenes because she didn't at all last year. Um, but yeah,
she's that A life is a little kid growing up
seeing this the world from side stage you know and backstage. Yeah,
I love it. Okay, So I always wrap up with
leave your light. Has this been bad? It hasn't been
(55:59):
said bad, it's actually been great. It was like, it's
not going to be bad. I know when I ever
every time I get a new new person who has
never podcasted before, which is often a lot of newbies,
and I'm always like, it's gonna be totally fine. You
make it. You're so great, you make it. You do
make it very easy and thanks. I'm just saying this,
so you give me compliment. It works. Okay. So I
(56:23):
always leave with leave your light, and it's super open ended. Okay,
what do you want people to know? And it can
be about you, about life anything, or both you and life.
Oh wow, what do I want people to know? Um? Wow,
that's very that's very open and dis first thing that
comes to mind. I would say, um, your faith and
(56:45):
family first, you know, and never um, never leave, I would.
I would say, just to never leave, you know. I
love that. Well, you're such an example of that, Erica.
Thank you for coming out here and share your story
and letting Garrison Sunny become friends. Like you're the laughing
big time back there after, I like, I don't want
(57:07):
to like get in their mess up. Okay, Bye,
Host
Caroline Hobby
Popular Podcasts
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.