The question we hear most often, right after “how do you make money from a DIY blog?”, is undoubtedly, “what’s it like working with your significant other?” It’s as if the very idea of Jared and me both working full-time for Sugar & Cloth is the most astonishing feat we’ve accomplished. While it might sound daunting to some, for us, it’s simply our reality—a reality that’s often incredibly rewarding, sometimes surprisingly challenging, and always an adventure. Many couples dream of building something together, and we’re here to share the unvarnished truth about navigating a creative business and a marriage under the same roof.

There are days when our synchronized workflow feels like the peak of professional synergy, where ideas flow effortlessly, and tasks are executed with intuitive understanding. Then there are other days when it feels less like a well-oiled machine and more like a comedic struggle for creative control. To truly illustrate the dynamic of our daily lives and the unique blend of professional partnership and personal relationship, we’ve put together a candid video that offers a glimpse into our world.

Our journey of working together actually began long before Sugar & Cloth. Jared and I first crossed paths while employed at Smilebooth several years ago. From the very start, our relationship has been interwoven with demanding schedules, tight deadlines, and the constant hum of a bustling work environment. We essentially only know each other in a context of working long and often irregular hours. This long-standing history, in many ways, has made our current arrangement feel more natural, a continuation of a pattern rather than a sudden shift. However, even with years of shared professional experience, we still encounter moments where our individual approaches diverge. Sometimes, Jared has a clear “vision,” and I, of course, have what I believe to be the “real vision.” These creative differences, while sometimes amusing, are also a fundamental part of our collaborative process.

To give you an even deeper, more entertaining insight into our partnership, we’ve decided to openly share our favorite and least favorite aspects of working side-by-side every day. Get ready for some honest confessions and relatable observations about what it truly means to be business partners and life partners, all at once.

Working with Your Significant Other: An Inside Look with Sugar & Cloth Founders

The concept of merging personal and professional lives can spark a lot of curiosity. We’re often asked about the specifics, the joys, and the challenges of this unique arrangement. Here, we delve into some of the most common questions and give you our unfiltered answers.

The Challenges: Our Least Favorite Things About Working Together

Ashley’s Perspective on Jared’s Stubbornness

Working closely with anyone means getting to know their quirks, and with Jared, his stubbornness can sometimes reach legendary proportions. It’s not always about major strategic decisions or the big picture, which you might expect. Sometimes, it’s about the most hilariously trivial things. For instance, imagine being mid-styling session for a shoot, needing to get the perfect angle, and Jared, in a less-than-stellar mood, refuses to budge an inch, obstructing my view. It’s in these moments that I just have to laugh, even if it’s a frustrated chuckle. It’s a constant reminder that even in a professional setting, we’re still two individuals with our own moods and ways of doing things, and finding that balance is an ongoing dance.

Jared’s Take on the Pressures of Deadlines

For me, meeting deadlines is hands down one of the least enjoyable parts of the job. The pressure of getting everything done on time, especially when you’re managing multiple projects, can be immense. And to add another layer of complexity, those stressful moments often coincide with other… environmental factors. Let’s just say that when one person in the room (no names mentioned, but you can guess) gets a little “hangry,” the atmosphere can shift dramatically. The stress of the deadline combined with the palpable tension of someone needing a snack makes for a rather intense work environment. It’s a reminder that even when you love what you do, the logistical realities can sometimes test your patience and your stomach.

Areas for Growth: What We’re Actively Working On

Ashley’s Journey Towards Emotional Detachment in Business

One of my biggest personal challenges in our business partnership is trying to keep my emotions from bleeding into professional decisions, especially when deadlines loom or unexpected issues arise. I’m naturally a very passionate person, and sometimes that passion can translate into heightened emotions when the pressure mounts. It’s easy for me to get stressed, and unfortunately, when that happens, I might start giving out the “stink-eye” like it’s free candy! I’m actively working on developing a thicker skin and a more detached, analytical approach to problem-solving, understanding that business decisions, no matter how personal the stakes, require a clear head. It’s a constant learning process to separate my feelings from the task at hand and respond with calm professionalism.

Jared’s Quest for Singular Focus Amidst Multiple Responsibilities

Staying focused is a significant area of improvement for me. As a small team, particularly with Ashley and me at the helm of Sugar & Cloth, we wear countless hats. One moment I might be handling finances, the next I’m troubleshooting a technical issue, then suddenly I’m reviewing creative concepts. This constant juggling of diverse responsibilities can be overwhelming. While it might be the ADHD in me speaking, I often find myself wishing for the luxury of completely finishing one task before having to pivot to the next. The reality of running a dynamic, growing business means constant context-switching, but I’m striving to develop strategies that allow for deeper, more sustained focus on individual projects, even for short bursts, to maximize efficiency and minimize the feeling of being spread too thin.

Our Pet Peeves: The Little Things That Get Under Our Skin

Ashley’s Inability to Tolerate Loud Chewing

This might sound trivial, but my absolute biggest pet peeve is loud chewing. The sound of it, especially when I’m trying to focus, can send shivers down my spine. It’s one of those visceral reactions that’s almost impossible to control. I can honestly cringe just thinking about it. In an open office environment, or even just working side-by-side at home, it’s a sensory experience that can instantly derail my concentration and test my patience. It’s a small detail, but in the confined space of a shared workspace, these little things can become surprisingly significant.

Jared’s Dislike for Tardiness

My biggest pet peeve, without a doubt, is being late. I absolutely despise not being on time, whether it’s for a meeting, an appointment, or even just starting a task at the agreed-upon time. Punctuality is something I value highly, both in myself and in others. I believe it shows respect for other people’s time and schedules. When plans are delayed or deadlines are missed due to tardiness, it creates unnecessary stress and inefficiency, which are things I actively try to avoid in both my personal and professional life. It’s a point of principle for me that often surfaces in our daily work rhythm.

The Rewards: Our Favorite Things About Working Together

Ashley’s Joy in Sharing Experiences and Opportunities

The world of blogging and creative entrepreneurship is genuinely wild and unpredictable. It constantly presents us with incredible opportunities, takes us to amazing places for travel, and allows us to have experiences we never could have imagined. What I love most about working with Jared is that I have the best possible excuse to bring my best friend along for every single one of these adventures. Since we’re truly in this together, every success, every new destination, and every exciting project is something we get to share and savor as a team. It makes the journey infinitely more meaningful and the memories much richer. Having a partner who understands the unique highs and lows of this career path makes all the difference.

Jared’s Appreciation for Constant Companionship and Shared Growth

My favorite aspect of working with Ashley is simply being around her every single day. We get to experience new things together, face challenges as a united front, and celebrate our wins side-by-side. There aren’t many jobs out there that offer the unique opportunity to spend so much quality time with your significant other, blending personal and professional life in such an integrated way. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have this opportunity. It’s not just about building a business; it’s about continuously strengthening our relationship, growing as individuals and as a couple, and creating a life that is truly ours, shaped by our shared passions and hard work.

We hope this deeper dive into our experience sheds some light on what it’s like to navigate the entrepreneurial journey as a couple. It’s certainly not without its complexities, but the rewards of building something meaningful together far outweigh the challenges. We value the connection with our community, so if you have any other burning questions you’ve been eager to ask, please don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below or send us a direct message!

We truly hope you enjoy the candid insights shared in our video as much as we enjoyed creating it for you!

Video production by Kelly Christine