Making “Our Place” Her Place
By Susan Ferrier ’03

hannel-surfing some weekday morning, you might see an old classmate. As co-host of “Our Place” on HGTV, Renai Ellison ’89 can be found in living rooms all over the country. Combining metropolitan sophistication with country simplicity, “Our Place” is the perfect venue for Ellison.

Ellison has enjoyed success on many fronts and fashion has been the common thread. After college, Ellison began her affiliation with QVC, first as a model, then a host. She has contributed to several style magazines as a fashion editor and freelance writer. As a lifestyle correspondent for several FOX affiliates, she represented various clothing companies including Jones New York, Land’s End and Sears.

In April 2001 Ellison began a new relationship with QVC when she suggested her own clothing line. Since then, the Renai Ellison Collection has gone into production with a New York manufacturer. Ellison brings her flare for style to this collection of coordinating separates in a bouclé knit. Ellison admits, “I like to surround myself with nice things.” Her new line gives women of all sizes the opportunity to do the same.

The glamour of modeling, fashion and television hasn’t spoiled Ellison. She is well-rooted in her East Vineland beginnings. Raised by her mother, a glass-factory worker, Ellison worked during high school as a produce packer—a choice her mother found unsettling. It was her mother’s encouragement that prompted Ellison to pursue a degree in communications and journalism at Rowan University.

Ellison speaks fondly of her college years. “Some incredible things happened for me,” she recalls. As Rowan’s first African-American Homecoming Queen, Ellison admits she was astonished not by the selection of an African-American, but a size 18 woman. “I was very self-conscious of my size and looks,” she confesses. Victory improved her self-image and built the confidence she would need to succeed. “It gave me a vision.”

As part of her coursework, Ellison interned in the Public Relations Department at KYW Television in Philadelphia. While there, she began to envision a future in front of the camera, something she had considered “a long shot.”

Ellison met some important people at KYW, including Nancy Glass, then the host of “Evening Magazine.” At Glass’s suggestion, Ellison competed and triumphed against 4000 women in the National Model Search, launching her modeling career. These experiences and four years at Rowan earned Ellison much more than a degree. “It helped me see what I could achieve,” she said.

For now, Ellison concentrates on “getting the most out of the moment I’m in now.” Her focus these days is “Our Place.” Each show pro€les a professional artisan, then walks viewers through a simplified make-at-home version of the artist’s work. When asked about her artistic ability, Ellison concedes, “I am creative but not artistic… I get a lot of help.”

When her manager suggested she audition for “Our Place,” Ellison knew immediately this was the opportunity she had been seeking. But after her audition, HGTV had concerns—was Ellison too perky? They requested a second audition. This time Ellison nailed it. Now, in its fourth successful season, HGTV should no longer be concerned about Ellison’s bubbly personality.

Ellison’s living room has the feel of a chic Manhattan studio. Surrounded by the elegant décor, it is easy to forget this is a modest New Jersey residence. Purchasing her home a year ago, Ellison shunned New York and Hollywood, choosing to settle close to her roots. She lives a simple lifestyle that is reflective of her values. She said, “I have more than I could ever have asked for.”