Meet Ashley Rouse

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley Rouse. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley below.

Hi Ashley, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

Developing my confidence and self-esteem has been a decade-long evolution, deeply shaped by my journey as an entrepreneur. Running a CPG jam company for eight years taught me that even on the days when you don’t feel confident, you often have to show up as if you are. Success demanded that I lead, speak boldly, make decisions, and take risks—even while navigating fear or uncertainty underneath. And I’ve learned that confidence isn’t something you “find” once and keep forever; it rises and falls with the natural challenges of life. What has grounded me most is my faith. When I listen to God, stay obedient, and walk in the purpose He’s given me, I trust that everything else—courage, clarity, confidence—will follow.

I’ve also discovered that confidence grows when you allow yourself to pivot. So many of us stay in situations that no longer serve us because we’re afraid of change, but that fear can chip away at your self-esteem more than the transition itself ever could. Closing Trade Street Jam Company in 2024, after nearly a decade of building it, was one of the hardest but healthiest decisions I’ve ever made. Each pivot I’ve made has led me closer to joy, alignment, and peace. Confidence isn’t just about pushing forward—it’s also about knowing when to let go, trusting yourself enough to seek new opportunities, and believing that you’re worthy of a life that fits who you’re becoming.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I launched rouse like house creative house in 2024 as a home for all the creative work I’ve spent the last decade building. It’s a multidisciplinary design studio where I bring together my two main passions: interior design—something I’ve practiced for more than eight years—and brand strategy. I help small businesses elevate their visual identity, marketing, and overall presence in a way that feels cohesive, intentional, and true to who they are. My goal is always to create beauty and clarity, whether I’m shaping someone’s home or helping a founder refine the soul of their brand.

This year, I also introduced a new passion project into the studio: Good Old Fashioned Lovers, a cocktail-focused platform I run with my husband. What started as a shared love for old fashioneds has quickly grown into monthly cocktail classes in East Cobb—intimate, high-vibe experiences centered around great drinks and community. At my core, I’m a multihyphenate creative, and rouse like house is the space where all of my creative expressions can coexist, evolve, and expand.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Three qualities have shaped my journey more than anything else: versatility, hospitality, and grit. Running my jam company for eight years was truly a masterclass in entrepreneurship—I had to learn every single part of building a brand, from marketing and finances to storytelling, networking, and showing up confidently as the face of the business. My culinary and hospitality background added another layer, teaching me the value of genuine customer service and how to build a community grounded in honesty and integrity. And underneath it all is grit—something I learned from being raised by a single mother. That resilience and perseverance have carried me through every pivot, challenge, and reinvention.

For anyone just beginning, my biggest advice is to stay curious and stay connected. Talk to people in your industry, build your community, and don’t underestimate the power of shared knowledge—so much of what I’ve learned has come from conversations, not classrooms. Keep learning in every way you can: masterclasses, books, events, mentorship, anything that sharpens your craft. The combination of constant learning and real human connection will take you further than you think.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m always looking to connect with clients and collaborators who value creativity, strategy, and quality. For my branding and marketing services, I work with personal brands and small businesses seeking guidance in brand identity, marketing strategy, newsletters, graphic design, or social media—drawing on over 10 years of experience growing my own company into a seven-figure brand. Email me at [email protected] to get started or follow me at @rouselikehouseinc on Instagram for more info.

On the interior design side, I partner with clients who love thoughtfully curated spaces and want help transforming their homes into personalized, elevated environments, whether in-person or virtually, from small apartments to luxury residences. Email me at [email protected] to get started or follow me at @rouselikehouseinteriors on Instagram for more info.

And for Good Old Fashioned Lovers, our cocktail classes are perfect for folks in the greater Atlanta area looking for a fun, engaging experience—whether a girls’ night out, date night, or simply learning to craft exceptional cocktails at home. Anyone interested in connecting can reach out directly to explore a collaboration or class. Head to helloelo.co/pages/cocktailclass to book a class or follow us at @goodoldfashionedlovers on IG or TikTok for more info!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rouselikehouse.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rouselikehouseinc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleymarierouse/