Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassie Benzinger.
Hi Cassie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Mountain Ash Design Co. grew from my background in art and design, my love for creating meaningful spaces, and the unique path that eventually brought my family to Middle Tennessee.
My husband is in the military, so for several years we moved around the country. During that time, I continued pursuing design and taking on projects wherever we were living. Moving so often gave me a unique perspective on what makes a space truly feel like home and how much our surroundings can influence the way we feel.
When we settled in Middle Tennessee to be closer to family, I decided to turn what I had been building along the way into something of my own. In 2021, I established Mountain Ash Design Co. as a boutique interior design studio.
Today, I work on both residential and commercial projects throughout Middle Tennessee. My background in art and design continues to shape my creative process, but my goal is always bigger than simply creating a beautiful space. Whether it’s someone’s home or business, we spend so much of our lives in these environments, and I believe they should feel comfortable, intentional, and reflective of the people who use them.
What started as design work I pursued while moving around the country has grown into a business that allows me to do what I love while helping others create spaces that feel uniquely their own.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like any business, it has definitely had its ups and downs. Interior design is a luxury service rather than a necessity, so the demand can shift depending on the economy, the market, and even the area. Since we serve clients throughout Middle Tennessee, from Nashville to Columbia, I’ve also learned that every market is a little different.
One of the challenges has been helping people understand the value of investing in professional design. While it is an upfront investment, having a designer guide the process can ultimately save clients a significant amount of time and money by avoiding costly mistakes, making thoughtful decisions from the beginning, and creating a space they won’t feel the need to redo a few years later.
Those challenges have also helped me grow as a business owner, better understand the communities I serve, and continue refining Mountain Ash Design Co. and the value we bring to our clients.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Mountain Ash Design Co. is a boutique interior design studio specializing in both residential and commercial spaces throughout Middle Tennessee. Our work ranges from furnishing and decorating to renovations, new construction, and commercial design.
I would say we’re known for creating spaces that feel collected, intentional, and personal rather than overly designed or trend-driven. My background in art has a big influence on my approach—I love mixing textures, materials, old and new pieces, and unexpected details to create spaces that have character while still feeling comfortable and functional.
What sets us apart is that I really want each project to reflect the people behind it. I don’t believe in giving every client the same “look.” Whether I’m designing someone’s home, a boutique, salon, restaurant, or other commercial space, the goal is to understand their personality, lifestyle, or brand and translate that into a space that feels uniquely theirs.
I’m most proud of how Mountain Ash has grown from something I started on my own into a studio trusted with projects of all different sizes across Middle Tennessee. Seeing a design go from an idea or rendering to a finished space—and watching a client experience it for the first time—is still one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I’ve always been a creative person, so there’s something incredibly fulfilling about taking an idea and watching it come to life. My family, creating, and doing work I genuinely love make me happiest. Whether that’s through art, design, or transforming a space, creating has always been a big part of who I am.
I’m so lucky that I have the flexibility to be present with them while continuing to build a business I’m passionate about. Finding that balance isn’t always easy, but it’s something I’m incredibly grateful for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mountainashdesign.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mountainashdesignco
