We were lucky to catch up with Ashley Bruggeman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ashley, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Is there a historical figure you look up to? Who are they and what lessons or values have you learned from them?

While serving on the Board of Directors for Honor Flight Kentucky—a nonprofit organization that honors the service of WWII, Korean, and Vietnam War veterans by flying them to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials dedicated to their sacrifice—I had the profound privilege of acting as Flight Director for Kentucky’s first all-female veteran flight in 2022. We flew 134 remarkable women to our nation’s capital and hosted a full weekend of meaningful celebrations back home in Kentucky. It remains one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

As a gesture of gratitude from our organization, I chose to gift each veteran a copy of Healing Wounds by Diane Carlson Evans, a Vietnam War nurse and tireless advocate for the establishment of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial. Her journey is one of extraordinary resilience. For years, she faced dismissive and at times demeaning opposition—including being told, “If the women get a memorial, then the Canine Corps will want theirs,” by a leader of the Fine Arts Commission. And yet, after a decade of determined advocacy, the memorial was approved and installed on the National Mall—a permanent tribute to the thousands of women who served with honor.

Though she may not be a household name, Diane Carlson Evans embodies the quiet courage and tenacity I admire most in a historical figure. Her unwavering commitment to honoring others reminds me that even the most formidable challenges can be overcome with persistence, grace, and conviction. Her story has deeply influenced my own belief that resilience and purpose are the keys to achieving even the most ambitious goals—especially when the odds seem insurmountable.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My passion for interior design and architecture began early—at just seven years old, I was sketching elevations of my bedroom before rearranging the furniture. That childhood curiosity evolved into a lifelong career. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from the University of Kentucky and later received an Executive MBA through a joint program with the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville. In 2009, I became a LEED Accredited Professional through the U.S. Green Building Council, a designation that reflects my longstanding commitment to sustainability and wellness in the built environment.

Over the past two decades, my professional journey has spanned both residential and commercial design. I’ve worked with leading manufacturers in the commercial space, managed distribution partnerships, educated fellow designers on product innovations and sustainability, and ultimately, founded Ashley Morgan Interiors in 2024. At AMI, we specialize in luxury residential design and select commercial projects, delivering timeless, tailored interiors with an emphasis on both aesthetic beauty and operational excellence. Our work is rooted in a thoughtful blend of sophistication, environmental consciousness, and client-focused design.

One of the values that sets us apart is our emphasis on approachability. We recognize that for many clients, their home is their most valuable investment—both financially and emotionally. We take that responsibility seriously. Rather than imposing a singular design signature, we prioritize our clients’ visions and lifestyles, ensuring each space feels deeply personal, functional, and enduring. What we’re most proud of is that our work doesn’t just look beautiful—it reflects the people who live in it. That’s what makes it meaningful.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I launched my business, I did so with the stability of a long-standing corporate career still in place. That role allowed me to build Ashley Morgan Interiors during evenings and weekends—carefully managing early projects, remaining financially solvent, yet not at a point where I could draw a salary. Then, unexpectedly, I was laid off. In an instant, the safety net was gone, and I had to pivot—quickly and decisively.

That turning point required a reevaluation of priorities. I had to cut back on certain brand-building opportunities I had planned—initiatives designed to elevate market visibility—and instead shift focus toward strategies that would drive immediate revenue. It was a humbling but clarifying moment that sharpened my understanding of what it takes to sustain a business in real time.

While some of the long-term goals I envisioned have been temporarily sidelined, others have accelerated—particularly those tied to profitability, scalability, and client acquisition. Navigating this pivot has ultimately helped me build a more resilient, adaptable business model, and I’m proud of the growth that’s come from being forced to move faster and think more strategically than I had originally planned.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

In the world of interior design, word of mouth is truly unparalleled. Our work is deeply personal—we’re not just selecting fabrics or furniture; we’re often entrusted with the most intimate aspects of our clients’ lives. From understanding daily routines to navigating family dynamics, the level of trust required is immense. That’s why the perceived risk of choosing the wrong designer can feel so high.

Clients naturally wonder: What if the designer doesn’t share my vision? What if communication breaks down? What if they prioritize their aesthetic over my needs? These are valid concerns, and the only thing that reliably eases them is a trusted recommendation. When someone a client knows and respects can speak firsthand to the experience of working with us, it serves as the ultimate endorsement—more powerful than any portfolio or polished pitch.

Word-of-mouth referrals aren’t just our strongest source of business—they’re a reflection of the relationships we build and the trust we earn, project by project.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ashleymorgan-interiors.com
• Instagram: ashley_morgan_interiors

Image Credits

Ashley Morgan Interiors, LLC