Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Moran
Hi Ashley, 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?
My journey into design began in high school, where I discovered a genuine love for creating and bringing concepts to life. This passion led me to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree focused on business and graphic design in 2008, grounding my creativity in practical, strategic knowledge.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with renowned local brands like The Ritz Carlton Dallas, Gaylord Hotels Grapevine, AT&T Performing Arts Center, Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe, and Gilley’s Dallas. Each experience helped me grow, sharpening my skills and deepening my understanding of branding’s role in shaping customer experiences.
Today, my focus is on crafting purposeful visuals that go beyond aesthetics. Through my company, I aim to create designs that give intent and direction, connecting brands with their audience in meaningful ways. Working primarily with hospitality and lifestyle brands, I help clients achieve their goals by aligning every element of their brand with a clear, resonant message. It’s rewarding to watch these visuals come to life and truly make an impact.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road certainly hasn’t been smooth; it’s been filled with its fair share of challenges and moments of doubt. I’ve often found myself questioning: did I choose this path, or did it choose me? The design industry can sometimes undervalue creatives, treating them as disposable after gaining the benefits of their hard work. This perception drove me to start my own company, where I’m working to create a balance—ensuring employees can enjoy an affordable, comfortable lifestyle while offering clients pricing and packages that respect the value of professional design without inflated costs.
It’s a give and take, and finding peace during slower seasons has become a valuable lesson. In busy periods, I’m careful to avoid burnout, aiming to appreciate the work without running myself into the ground. One of my biggest growth milestones has been the ability to say “no” to projects or clients that don’t align with my values or communicate in a way that feels respectful. Early on, I said yes to every project, regardless of the urgency or my capacity, which often left me feeling drained. Now, I prioritize taking time—at least 24 hours—to consider each opportunity thoughtfully. After all, we’re designers, not surgeons, and rushing creativity rarely leads to the best outcomes.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Chump on the Run, I specialize in creating intentional, research-driven branding that not only sets my clients apart but also resonates deeply with their audiences. I work closely with each client to understand their goals and target markets, ensuring that the visuals and messaging we create build dependability and encourage loyalty.
What I’m most proud of is the lasting impact my branding efforts have on customer retention. By honing in on target audiences, setting the right tone, and enhancing customer experience, I help brands foster genuine loyalty and keep customers coming back. My process is transparent and deadline-oriented, breaking down each project into clear, manageable steps to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure we meet every goal on time.
One of my favorite parts of the work is creating full brand books and style guides. There’s nothing quite like diving into audience profiles and mapping out the direction for a brand’s content and design—it’s incredibly rewarding to see a client experience that “WOW” moment when they see how everything comes together. I strive for consistency across platforms and pride myself on immaculate, unmatched vibes that bring each brand to life in a way that’s memorable and authentic.
Ultimately, I want working with Chump on the Run to feel like a true partnership. My clients can expect easy payment plans, open communication, and a clear understanding of what they’ll receive, all designed to build trust and make the process enjoyable for everyone involved.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was always creating—whatever I could find around the house became my next project, and I loved every second of it. Art was my way of building my own world, and nothing felt more exciting than that freedom. Tim Burton’s work was a major inspiration for me, and I knew every line of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland by heart. I spent countless hours exploring the neighborhood on my bike from morning until sunset, fueled by what I like to call “pure sassoline” and an insatiable curiosity about the world and the people in it.
I like to think that both my 8-year-old and 16-year-old selves would be proud of where I am today, still driven by that same creative spark and thirst for knowledge. Not much has changed—I’m still as eager to learn and explore as I was back then.
Pricing:
- The Scoop $900
- The Dirty Double $1300
- The Whole (Damn) Sundae $1600-1900
- Just Toppings $650 Monthly
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chumpontherun.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chumpontherun/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chumpontherunnn/
Image Credits
Rhea Hinger
