We Might Just Make It After All Summary and Analysis

We Might Just Make It After All: My Best Friendship with Kate Spade by Elyce Arons is a memoir that chronicles the life and friendship between Elyce Arons and her best friend, Katy Spade, co-founder of the iconic fashion brand Kate Spade.  Through Elyce’s personal perspective, the book explores the journey of two women from humble beginnings to achieving fame and success.

The narrative touches on their deep bond, struggles, and triumphs, offering an intimate look at both personal growth and the challenges of navigating the competitive world of fashion and business.  The book also delves into the evolution of their friendship, the business dynamics behind Kate Spade, and the toll it took on their relationship. It’s a story of resilience, growth, and the complexities of friendship intertwined with professional ambition.

Summary

The story begins in June 2018, four days after the death of Elyce Arons’ best friend, Katy Spade, who would later rise to fame as the founder of the luxury fashion brand Kate Spade.  Elyce visits Katy’s Park Avenue apartment to collect her belongings and is overwhelmed with the changes in the apartment, which feel like a stark reminder that Katy is gone.

The presence of moths in Katy’s closet, which once symbolized the pranks they used to play on each other, brings Elyce to a place of disbelief and grief.

Elyce reflects back on her childhood growing up on a Kansas farm.  She was the youngest of four sisters in a family where her father was a musician, and her mother was an artist and illustrator.

Life on the farm was demanding, but it shaped Elyce into a resilient person.  At 18, Elyce left for the University of Kansas, where she met Katy.

Katy, who would later become Kate Spade, was a preppy, petite girl with an interest in journalism, while Elyce was a farm girl with a strong sense of humor.  Despite their differences, they immediately bonded over their love for the TV show “Mary Tyler Moore” and their mutual desire to have independent careers.

They lived in the same dorm and joined separate sororities, but their friendship remained strong.  They supported each other during tough times, including Elyce’s struggle with her financial aid and the trauma of losing her sister to cancer.

Katy, in turn, confided in Elyce about the pain she experienced due to her parents’ divorce.  The two were inseparable, sharing experiences, laughter, and challenges.

By the end of their sophomore year, both Elyce and Katy decided to transfer to Arizona State University.  They packed up and left Kansas for Arizona, hoping for a fresh start.

They embraced the independence of adulthood, settling into a new apartment complex.  Elyce worked as a beverage cart girl at a golf club, while Katy worked at a preppy clothing store.

Their bond grew even stronger as they navigated new relationships, including Katy’s growing affection for Andy Spade, whom she met while working at Johns & Co.  Andy and Elyce formed a close-knit group with their friend, comedian David Spade.

As graduation approached, Elyce and Katy discussed their futures.  Elyce dreamed of living in New York City and working in fashion or journalism, while Katy aspired to open her own boutique.

Katy decided to travel to Europe for a few months, and although Elyce had hoped they would remain together, she chose to pursue her dream of moving to New York.  In 1985, they both graduated and went their separate ways, with Elyce heading to New York and Katy embarking on her European adventure.

After a breakdown in Oklahoma on her way to New York, Elyce spent some time with her family in Kansas before moving to the city.  Katy had already settled in New York and was living in a boardinghouse on the Upper West Side.

Elyce moved in with Katy, and the two began their life in the city.  They both found small jobs, with Elyce working at Chroma Copy before transitioning to work for Ralph Lauren.

Katy struggled with a temp job but later landed a full-time position at Mademoiselle magazine.  They lived in a small, hot apartment, and while their work was demanding, they embraced the energy and unpredictability of the city.

Eventually, Katy’s boyfriend, Andy, moved to New York, and the group of friends grew closer.  Katy and Andy’s relationship blossomed, and they moved to a small apartment in SoHo.

Elyce and Katy continued to support each other as their careers took off.  Katy began focusing on starting a handbag business, with Andy’s support, and Elyce was intrigued by the idea.

Together, they decided to pursue this new venture, which would become the foundation of Kate Spade New York.

In 1999, the business reached a significant milestone when Neiman Marcus acquired 56% of Kate Spade.  The partners celebrated the sale, which financially secured their future and allowed them to focus on growing the brand.

Katy and Andy also became involved in the New York art scene, and Andy began producing short films.  Meanwhile, Elyce was planning her wedding to Andy Arons, marking a new chapter in her life.

By 2000, tensions began to rise within the company.  Janet McDonald was hired as president, and her corporate style clashed with the entrepreneurial and creative culture that the original partners had established.

Elyce and Katy, while continuing to work together, found themselves increasingly sidelined in decision-making.  Katy’s busy travel schedule and Elyce’s personal life began to strain their friendship.

Despite this, they tried to maintain their bond.

In 2002, Katy launched the fragrance line for Kate Spade, but the pressure of the promotional events began to take a toll on her.  She felt unsupported by Elyce, and their relationship began to suffer.

However, despite these challenges, they both remained dedicated to their professional responsibilities and continued to grow the brand.

The year 2003 brought further challenges, including disagreements with the new corporate leadership.  Elyce and Pamela confronted Katy and Andy about the issues, but they struggled to fully understand the gravity of the situation.

Janet McDonald left the company later that year, and many of her hires followed suit.  The company continued to grow despite these setbacks, but Elyce and Katy had to repair their fractured relationship.

They eventually had a heartfelt conversation and apologized for the strain that had been put on their friendship.

Over the next year, the company recovered, and the two friends worked through their personal and professional challenges.  They continued to support each other as they navigated the ups and downs of life and business.

Despite the struggles, they rebuilt their relationship and their company, learning that perseverance, trust, and understanding were the keys to overcoming their obstacles.

Key Characters

Elyce (Narrator)

Elyce, the narrator of We Might Just Make It After All, is an introspective and resilient character shaped by her experiences growing up on a farm in Kansas.  She is the youngest of four sisters and learned the value of hard work early on, alongside a deep appreciation for her family’s artistic and musical background.

Elyce’s bond with Katy, developed during their college years at the University of Kansas, is central to the narrative.  As the story progresses, Elyce moves to New York City, where she navigates the complexities of a fast-paced career and the struggle to find her place.

Throughout the novel, Elyce is portrayed as a strong, empathetic individual, striving for personal and professional growth while grappling with her relationships, especially with Katy.  She shows determination and a deep sense of loyalty, evident in her supportive actions, even when faced with the challenges of living in a competitive environment like New York.

Katy (Kate Spade)

Katy, later known as Kate Spade, is one of the central figures in We Might Just Make It After All.  A woman of contrasts, Katy was initially a preppy and petite college student with an interest in journalism.

However, her dream of opening a boutique evolves as she becomes a major force in the fashion industry.  As a character, Katy is both driven and vulnerable, navigating the complexities of her professional and personal life.

Her relationship with Elyce is a core element of the story, marked by deep trust and mutual support.  Despite her immense success, Katy faces moments of emotional turmoil, particularly as she grapples with the pressures of her career, especially during the fragrance launch and her growing sense of abandonment.

Katy’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through in her vision for her brand, and her ability to grow from a small boutique idea into an internationally recognized name is testament to her tenacity.  However, she also reveals a more complex side, dealing with loneliness, the strain of travel, and the eventual drift in her relationship with Elyce, which makes her a multi-dimensional and relatable character.

Andy Spade

Andy Spade plays a significant yet secondary role in We Might Just Make It After All as Katy’s supportive yet independent partner.  His entrance into Katy’s life marks a turning point in both their personal and professional journeys.

Andy’s background as a triathlete and aspiring entrepreneur shapes his dynamic personality, which complements Katy’s creative and often chaotic world.  Though he is not the focal character, Andy’s involvement in the business, particularly through the creation of the Jack Spade brand, adds a layer of entrepreneurial success to the narrative.

His relationship with Katy is portrayed as both loving and complicated, particularly as the couple’s business grows, and they are pulled in different directions by their careers.  Andy’s calm and steady presence contrasts with the more intense personalities of those around him, making him a grounding figure for Katy, especially during the later stages of her career.

His personal and professional growth parallel Katy’s, and his impact on the narrative is profound, though subtle.

Pamela

Pamela is one of the supporting characters in We Might Just Make It After All, but her role becomes more significant as the company grows and tensions begin to arise within the business.  As a business partner, Pamela’s connection with Elyce and Katy reflects the challenges of working alongside friends while navigating the complexities of corporate growth.

She is often at odds with the decisions made by the new corporate leadership, particularly Janet, and plays an essential role in the confrontations that arise regarding the direction the company is taking.  Pamela is portrayed as pragmatic and fiercely protective of the original vision of their brand.

As the business experiences turbulence, Pamela’s character highlights the tension between creativity and the commercial aspects of business.  Her relationship with Elyce and Katy, though somewhat strained at times, remains rooted in mutual respect and a shared history, and Pamela’s contributions help push the narrative forward in times of uncertainty.

David Spade

David Spade’s presence in We Might Just Make It After All adds a layer of humor and levity to the otherwise serious and ambitious world of fashion and business.  As the brother of Andy Spade, David plays a less central role but serves as a comedic relief throughout the story.

His career as a comedian and his interactions with the main characters, especially Elyce and Katy, showcase his wit and playful nature.  David’s role in the story, though secondary, underscores the importance of relationships outside of business.

His friendship with Elyce also adds depth to her social circle, and his light-heartedness contrasts with the high-stakes pressures of running a growing business.  Though not directly involved in the business side of the story, David provides support and acts as a grounding force for the characters, reminding them of the humor and joy in life beyond work.

Gayle

Gayle is an important secondary character in We Might Just Make It After All, and she plays a pivotal role in Elyce’s life as her close friend and later roommate.  Gayle’s presence provides Elyce with a sense of stability and friendship, especially during the challenges of adjusting to life in New York.

Their relationship develops as they share both personal and professional struggles, and Gayle becomes an essential part of Elyce’s support system.  Although Gayle is not a central character in the larger narrative, her friendship with Elyce adds depth to the portrayal of city life and the complexities of navigating relationships in such a fast-paced, competitive environment.

Gayle’s role is crucial in providing Elyce with a balance between career ambitions and the need for human connection in an otherwise lonely and demanding environment.

Janet McDonald

Janet McDonald serves as a key antagonist in the latter part of We Might Just Make It After All, representing the corporate forces that clash with the original entrepreneurial spirit of the company.  Hired as president, Janet’s corporate style creates significant friction with the founders, especially Elyce and Pamela.

She embodies the challenges of maintaining the authenticity and creativity of a business as it expands into a larger, more structured entity.  Her leadership decisions are often met with resistance, and her role in the narrative highlights the tensions that arise when a creative business moves into corporate territory.

While Janet’s character is not deeply fleshed out in terms of personal background, her impact on the company and its relationships is felt strongly throughout the story.  Her presence adds complexity to the business dynamics and serves as a catalyst for conflict between the original partners and the new corporate leadership.

Each character in We Might Just Make It After All contributes to the overarching themes of friendship, ambition, and the challenges of navigating both personal and professional lives.  The relationships between Elyce, Katy, and the other supporting characters reflect the complexities of growing up, chasing dreams, and dealing with the realities of success and failure.

Analyis of Themes

Friendship and Emotional Support

The core of the narrative in We Might Just Make It After All revolves around the deep and evolving friendship between Elyce and Katy.  This theme explores how the bond between them sustained them through both joyous and challenging moments.

Their friendship, built on mutual trust and shared experiences, allowed them to navigate the complexities of their personal and professional lives.  From their college years, where they supported each other emotionally through losses and hardships, to their adult years, where they juggled careers, relationships, and entrepreneurial ventures, their friendship remained the bedrock of their existence.

Elyce’s support during Katy’s emotional struggles, particularly after her parents’ divorce, and Katy’s unwavering presence when Elyce faced her own challenges, highlights the significance of emotional reciprocity in a close-knit friendship.  As they grew older and achieved success in their respective careers, the narrative doesn’t shy away from showing that even the strongest of friendships face strains.

Yet, the theme of friendship is resilient, as seen when both women work through misunderstandings and conflicts to restore their relationship, ultimately recognizing that their shared past and deep bond are worth fighting for.  The shifts in their friendship are a testament to the complexity of long-term relationships, demonstrating that time, distance, and success may alter dynamics, but genuine emotional support remains integral.

Personal Growth and Change

The journey of personal growth is intricately tied to the characters’ individual evolutions throughout the book.  We Might Just Make It After All emphasizes how life experiences, career choices, and personal challenges contribute to shaping one’s identity.

Elyce and Katy’s stories unfold against the backdrop of their careers, relationships, and personal milestones, reflecting how they matured and adapted over time.  Elyce’s transition from a small-town farm girl to an independent woman in New York City encapsulates the challenges and rewards of personal growth.

She learns to navigate a fast-paced, competitive environment, struggling to balance her aspirations with her personal life.  Katy, on the other hand, undergoes a significant transformation as she pursues her dream of building a successful fashion brand.

The pressures of success, along with the personal sacrifices she makes, reveal the evolving nature of her character.  Both women experience the tensions between professional ambitions and personal fulfillment.

Their journeys reflect how personal growth is not just about achieving one’s goals but also about adapting to unforeseen changes, managing relationships, and understanding one’s true self.  The book emphasizes that growth often comes with discomfort and conflict, and learning to navigate those challenges is a part of the evolving process of becoming who one is meant to be.

Ambition and Professional Success

Ambition, in both its positive and challenging aspects, is a central theme in We Might Just Make It After All.  Both Elyce and Katy demonstrate a relentless drive to carve out their careers in highly competitive fields.

Katy’s ambition to start her own business, despite not having traditional experience in the fashion industry, reflects the courage to follow one’s passions and break through barriers.  Elyce’s own professional journey is equally marked by ambition, as she initially struggles in New York, then transitions into a career that eventually leads her to significant professional achievements.

The rise of Kate Spade, from its humble beginnings to becoming a globally recognized brand, symbolizes the power of determination and vision.  However, the book also addresses the complexities of ambition.

The narrative reveals the sacrifices, emotional tolls, and strained relationships that often accompany the pursuit of success.  Katy’s journey, in particular, highlights the toll that professional ambition can take on personal life, with the eventual dissonance between her career demands and her friendships.

The theme of ambition is depicted not only as a force that drives individuals to achieve but also as something that can create tension between personal happiness and professional achievement.  Through these struggles, the book provides a nuanced portrayal of ambition’s role in shaping identity and relationships.

The Impact of Loss

Loss plays a critical role in shaping the emotional depth and resilience of the characters in We Might Just Make It After All.  The story begins with the sudden death of Katy, which sets the tone for the reflective nature of the narrative.

Elyce’s grief and disbelief highlight how loss can reshape one’s worldview and relationships.  The narrator’s journey of picking up Katy’s belongings and revisiting their past together underscores the lasting emotional scars left by death.

Loss also extends to the broader theme of how people change, as both Katy and Elyce experience the deaths of loved ones during their youth, which profoundly impacts their personal development.  Elyce’s loss of a sister to cancer and Katy’s loss of emotional stability due to her parents’ divorce set the foundation for the strong emotional support they provided each other.

Throughout the book, the characters encounter various forms of loss: familial, relational, and even the loss of dreams or past identities.  The narrative poignantly illustrates how loss, while deeply painful, can also propel individuals to live more fully, honor their memories, and deepen the connections they maintain with others.

The death of Katy marks a final moment of profound loss, but it also acts as a catalyst for Elyce’s reflections on their shared history, reminding the reader of how loss shapes both the present and future.

The Struggles of Work-Life Balance

The theme of work-life balance runs throughout We Might Just Make It After All, exploring how the characters try to navigate the demands of their personal and professional lives.  Elyce and Katy each experience their own struggles in finding this balance.

For Elyce, juggling various jobs in New York while pursuing a career in fashion and journalism becomes increasingly difficult, and the narrative reflects the tension between professional ambition and personal happiness.  Katy, too, faces this challenge, especially as her role in the fashion industry grows and her responsibility to the Kate Spade brand intensifies.

Both women wrestle with the pressures of their careers, which sometimes leave little room for personal connection or relaxation.  Elyce’s frustrations with her job at the China Club and her transition to Café 57 are indicative of the dissatisfaction many people feel when their work takes up so much of their time and energy.

For Katy, the pressure of constant travel and public appearances during the fragrance launch leaves her feeling unsupported, demonstrating how the demands of success can isolate individuals from their closest relationships.  The theme of work-life balance explores the universal struggle of managing professional aspirations with the need for emotional connection, rest, and self-care.

Through their experiences, the book shows that achieving this balance is often elusive and requires continual adjustment as circumstances evolve.