A regular contributor to “Women’s Lifestyle Magazine,” Ashley Cole is involved in the Grand Rapids community and loves supporting local businesses and causes. Ashley is passionate about everything style and design, striving to “create environments that enliven the spirit”. When not designing or writing, she enjoys yoga, dance, travel, photography and occasionally walking the runway. Her design work has been featured both locally and nationally in numerous magazine publications, Joan Kohn’s “It’s Your Kitchen” book and on HGTV’s television show “New Spaces.” Get to know Ashley In Ten:
When did you know what you wanted to be when you grew up?
I knew I wanted to be some kind of artist for as long as I can remember. There was a stint when I had aspirations to be a “fly girl” on “In Living Color” or a back-up dancer for Janet Jackson. In high school I narrowed down the decision to be an interior designer.
Do you have any tattoos?
I don’t. However, there is one I have been designing of a woman’s form emerging from a lotus flower on water, dancing. It combines my lifelong love of dance, yoga and water.
What are you reading?
I just picked up a book by Jim Harrison, The English Major. It’s a really wonderfully written, narrative journey covering an adventure across America both from the inside of a man’s life and the outside. When not reading books, I pour over design blogs and magazines.
Most cherished possession?
Besides photographs, I am not particularly attached to possessions. However, I do have a slight crush on my Subaru Outback. Every inch is filled up with samples and furnishings for my clients. Right now my stand-up paddle board lives on the roof rack. People stop me all the time to ask where I surf big waves in Michigan. They are surprised to hear it’s a SUP- no waves needed.
Ever snoop in other people’s medicine cabinets?
Ha! It’s been awhile. When I was dating in my 20’s, I may or may not have checked out a medicine cabinet or two.
Where do you go to get away from it all?
I go to the Heart Yoga Center on a weekly basis. My other obsession is stand-up paddle boarding on Lake Michigan. And, of course, world travel any chance I can get. Next stop is Italy in the fall. People tell me I may not want to come back.
What’s your most delightful guilty pleasure in Grand Rapids?
Enjoying a bottle of champagne at Reserve or Cygnus.
What’s your favorite room in your home?
Strangely enough, my office. It has a wall of windows that face Wealthy Street. Seeing as I spend most of my time there, it’s a good thing I like it.
What’s the kookiest thing in your purse right now?
It’s not kooky to me because of my profession, but probably my big yellow tape measure.
Best toppings for an ice cream sundae?
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups; I can’t get enough of them.
“In Living Color” Flygirls:
