Many teenage girls grow up with an obsession for clothing, but for one Tattnall alum it was so much more than a fad. While still in high school, Ashley Smith Johnson ’99, began working retail jobs in women’s clothing. Her love of fashion and customer service led her to pursue a degree in Fashion Merchandising at the University of Georgia with the dream of opening her own women’s clothing boutique one day.  After graduating from UGA in 2003, she continued working in retail sales at a boutique in Atlanta. Five years later, her dream would become a reality when she moved back to her hometown of Macon, Georgia, and opened Rumor Boutique with her mother, Judy Smith, on August 1, 2008. Rumor Boutique is a women’s clothing and accessories store that carries a wide variety of contemporary clothing, jeans, trendy jewelry and accessories.  While keeping up with the current trends, Rumor provides women with clothes that are wearable and fashionable.

Ashley’s story and connection with TSA goes even further than her education. Tattnall Square Academy is also the place where she met her future husband and fellow TSA Alum, Justin Johnson ’99.  When Ashley isn’t working, she spends her time caring for her two children, Kinsley (age 4) and Cole (age 2).

Just recently on January 25, 2014, Ashley was invited to attend the Bulldog 100 Celebration in Atlanta. She was honored by the University of Georgia as Rumor Boutique was awarded the number 72 spot of the top 100 fastest growing UGA alumni owned businesses! Way to go, Ashley!  We are so proud of your accomplishments and can’t wait to see how your business grows.