Ashley & Eric
At Designed With Meaning, we create personalized jewelry and accessories that blend artistry, storytelling, and intentional design. When you shop DWM, you are supporting an independent, family owned small business.
The Artist
Eric’s love for design began with a paper map of Louisville, Kentucky. Fresh out of college, he had moved into an apartment and was saving for his first house. The challenge? Louisville is a sprawling city with countless neighborhoods, and he only knew the area between his apartment and work.
Weekends became house-hunting explorations, with Eric driving for hours, map in hand. These were the days before smartphones, where paper maps were essential, and a Garmin GPS was a splurge. At first, it was about finding his way—but it soon became something more. As he traced the streets and studied the map’s curves, he discovered the artistry hidden in its lines and shapes. Maps, he realized, are more than functional; they can be beautiful if you look at them with the right perspective.
That discovery sparked a lifelong fascination. It’s the lens through which Eric approaches his designs - transcending the literal to find beauty rooted in meaning. For Eric, every design tells a story, blending the practical with the profound to create something that resonates with those who wear it.
The Storyteller
Ashley brings another dimension to Designed With Meaning - a deep love for storytelling and music. To her, lyrics and poems pack a punch, using just a few words to capture the heart of what we’re thinking and feeling. It’s why so many of our designs include space for your words - whether it’s a mantra, a message to someone special, or a line from your favorite song.
But Ashley’s path to this creative work wasn’t a straight line. Her journey began in the courtroom as a trial attorney, where she thrived on challenges yet felt increasingly disconnected from the life she wanted. The transition to motherhood brought new joys and complexities, sparking a desire to reconnect with creativity and intentional living.
Through the roller coaster of self-doubt, unhappiness, and rediscovery, Ashley knows what it means to long for recognition and fulfillment while cherishing life’s everyday moments. It’s this trip from valley to mountain top that gives her ideas to help Eric design pieces that speak to women who are navigating their own journeys - balancing family, dreams, and the desire to live a life full of meaning.
Our family life is messy, busy (but intentionally slow, if that makes sense), and full of moments that remind us why we do what we do.
One reason we sold our house and moved into our van was to create more time to experience life together. The "things" we share are often mundane - and that’s the point. Preparing dinner. Washing dishes. Going for a walk in a new place. Snuggling up for movie night. Tiptoeing outside before bed to look at the stars one more time. None of these moments require us to be anywhere except together.
We believe the best designs come from authentic, lived-in experiences, and we strive to bring that same honesty and connection into every piece we create.
Easy.
Effortless.
Enjoyable.
It’s that simple.
Every piece is thoughtfully designed to be both beautiful and meaningful. Whatever you choose, it’s always the right choice.
With instant customization, creating something personal takes only moments.
We’ve made the process so seamless, you can take a deep breath, sink back into your chair, and say, "ahhhhh." Enjoy the time you’ve saved shopping with us - and maybe linger a little before tackling the next thing on your to-do list.
You’re drawn to what feels personal and authentic - something that reflects who you are. Whether you’re treating yourself or celebrating someone special, you want it to feel meaningful.
