Meet Ashley Grisel | Owner & Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Grisel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
432 Design began from a desire to create with purpose and bring more beauty into the everyday. I was seeking a path that encouraged love, positivity, and deeper connection. After years of working in corporate design roles that no longer resonated with me, I felt the need to reconnect—with nature, creativity, and a sense of meaning.

My background spans many areas of design—from apparel and interiors to graphic and surface pattern design—so starting this business, incorporating my passion for color and pattern, felt like a natural evolution.

The name ‘432 Design’ came from learning about 432 Hz while traveling to the Blue Zone in Costa Rica. This specific frequency is believed to promote harmony and alignment with the rhythms of the body and the universe. It’s said to foster unity, elevate awareness, and restore balance. The idea really stayed with me as I was personally seeking harmony and balance in my life.

Why tea towels? The kitchen has always felt like the heart of the home—a space where people gather, connect, and create memories. I was struck by the thought that even something as simple as a thoughtfully designed tea towel could carry that same energy. It could be both useful and uplifting, offering a small moment of joy or calm in the day. So I began illustrating bold, nature-inspired designs—often drawn from adventures with my family—and printing them on soft flour sack cotton.

My hope is that our tea towels bring warmth, color, and intention into your home—adding joy to the everyday moments that matter most. Elevating your everyday.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Was it easy? Not always. Were there challenges? Absolutely. Have I learned lessons? So many—and I hope I never stop learning.

I’ve had a tiny slip of paper from a fortune cookie taped to my desk for years. It says, “All the preparation you’ve done will finally be paying off.” I glance at it often, and it reminds me that this path—while full of ups and downs—is exactly where I’m meant to be.

I’ve been putting in the work, the preparation, for over two decades. I’ve always dreamed of being a business owner, even if I didn’t always know what form that would take. The creative journey can be deeply personal—and as an artist, self-doubt can be one of the biggest hurdles. Putting your work out into the world is vulnerable. But it’s also powerful.

Finding my story and building this brand has been a natural progression, but it’s also been a process of personal growth. I’ve had to trust my instincts, stay open to learning, and keep showing up—even when it’s hard. I’m proud of how far it’s come, and I’m so excited to see where it goes next.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
While we love to travel the state, my business and our life is based out of Fort Collins, Colorado. One of the most charming things about Fort Collins is that it’s home to Colorado State University, giving the city a vibrant, youthful energy while also being so naturally scenic nestled by the foothills.

There are endless options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—no matter what you’re craving. With more breweries than you can count and miles of biking trails, hopping on a bike and visiting a few breweries is a must. Spend an afternoon strolling through Old Town, where you can browse local shops, grab an ice cream, and catch live music on a sunny patio.

For nature lovers, a paddleboard session with the dogs at Horsetooth Reservoir is the perfect way to unwind. And no visit is complete without a short 45-minute drive up the scenic Poudre Canyon, with a stop at The Mishawaka for a drink, meal, or live show by the river.

In Fort Collins, the real question isn’t where you want to go—but where do you want to start?

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My story wouldn’t be complete without a shoutout to the two people who inspire and support me daily—my husband and daughter. They are both a driving force behind 432 Design and everything I strive for.

My husband has been my biggest cheerleader from the beginning. He encourages me every single day, often offering his (sometimes unsolicited) business advice—which I wholeheartedly welcome. He proudly tells anyone and everyone about 432 Design. We’re in this together—first and foremost as partners in life but also as supportive business partners.

My daughter may not fully realize yet just how inspiring she is. She’s honest, strong, and wise beyond her years. I admire the way she tells it like it is—a trait that keeps me grounded. Her feedback is honest and thoughtful, and I not only love it—I need it. I want her to be part of this journey so she can see that dreams and hard work really can come together to create a beautiful, meaningful life.

Website: https://www.432design.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleygriseldesign