As co-founder of The Good Kids, a local brand design studio, Ashton Hauff focuses on supporting her team, overseeing daily operations, and engaging with potential rebranding clients. As Strategy Director, she specializes in developing strategic roadmaps to help brands achieve their long-term goals.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in business, and how have you overcome them?
In the beginning, it often seemed like most business owners I knew were men, a common image portrayed in the media. This initially left me feeling uncertain and a bit isolated as I started my journey. However, I quickly discovered many women leading successful small businesses, which encouraged me to pursue my goals with confidence.
Because the “male” persona of a businessperson is more familiar to the public, certain assumptions can arise in everyday interactions. My husband is also a local business owner, and although we share responsibilities equally, people sometimes assume I’m the primary caretaker and direct work-related questions to him while focusing on family topics with me.
In our work environment, I’m fortunate to have an amazing cofounder who empowers me in my role, but I’ve noticed that in some public conversations, questions are directed more toward him, with some even avoiding eye contact with me.
These are subtle but real experiences. I’ve navigated them by surrounding myself with incredible businesswomen who face similar challenges, a supportive husband, and a true teammate in my cofounder, Ben.
How do you balance business with your personal life, and what advice would you give to women trying to achieve this balance?
I don’t believe in a perfect work-life balance, but I’m committed to being fully present—mentally and emotionally—wherever I am. At work, I’m all in for my team and clients; at home, I’m focused on my family and friends. The only way I manage both is with the unwavering support of my inner circle. It truly takes a village of family, friends, and a supportive community to navigate daily demands. If you feel lost in this area, the best first step is to start building that inner circle.
Now that my husband and I are expecting our second child, having a routine and a coordinated work-life balance in place has been invaluable. While I make small adjustments as needed, establishing order before any chaos or unexpected events makes a significant difference in maintaining daily work-life balance.
What role do you think mentorship plays in the success of women in business, and have you had any mentors who made a significant impact on your career?
Everyone, not just business leaders, should have a mentor or coach. I’ve been fortunate to have a variety of mentors throughout my journey, including my parents; Justin Walsh of CoSchedule; my father-in-law, Jerry Hauff; John Meyer of Leadmore; and the incredible women in the Female Founder meetup. Their guidance and inspiration have been truly transformative.
The Good Kids
thegoodkids.co
701-595-0202
@thegoodkids
Linkedin | /ashtonhauff