When Julie Christenson moved from California to Tennessee’s Upper Cumberland, she brought with her not just her family, but a love for entrepreneurship and a passion for building community. That vision came to life in The French Market in Monterey, a boutique and gift store that has quickly become a local favorite.

But beyond running her shop, Julie holds another title she cherishes most: mom to rising Nashville artist Ash Ruder.

Ash, who now lives in Music City with her husband and young daughter, has been capturing attention online, most recently with her song “Blue Genes,” a track that has gone viral thanks to its powerful message and timing alongside Sydney Sweeney’s blue jeans campaign. “Ash’s song was definitely not inspired by the ad,” Julie explained. “She actually wrote it back in 2021–22. The marketing team leaned into the attention the ad got because of the similar play on words. The song itself is about inheriting struggles, whether mentally or through life circumstances, and choosing how to grow from them. I cried the first time I heard it. I know it’s going to touch a lot of people who have gone through hard things.”

Building a New Life in Tennessee

Julie and her husband Bryan first came to Cookeville after Ash’s American Idol run, when Ash and her husband decided to move to Tennessee to pursue music. “They convinced our son to move too, and we didn’t want to be left behind,” Julie said with a laugh. “Coming to a new area stretches you to build community and settle into a new rhythm. What you miss most is familiarity, but the people of Cookeville and Monterey have been so kind. The move has been an adventure for all of us.”

That spirit of community is what inspired Julie to open The French Market. “I’ve always had a heart for downtown revitalization,” she said. “One day I realized I needed to do something with purpose, and that’s how the shop was born. It’s grown into a staff of three, and I couldn’t do it without my right-hand ladies Zoe and Alyssa. Our goal has always been to create a place where people gather. We host classes throughout the year to give people a place to connect and thrive. I love when people walk in and say, ‘This is the unexpected in Monterey,’ and now they come to expect it.”

Ash’s Musical Roots

Julie isn’t surprised by her daughter’s success. “Ash has always been musical,” she recalled. “By the time she was four, she knew every word to My Fair Lady and The Sound of Music. She’d perform anywhere she could create a stage. She inherited her ear for music from both of her grandfathers and her dad, and she’s been writing lyrics since she was 10 or 11. She literally has journals full of songs.”

When asked if there was a moment she knew her daughter’s talent would lead somewhere, Julie didn’t hesitate. “I always knew. When she was in her early teens, a producer wanted to promote her as a child star, but we chose to wait and protect her. I’ve always believed she had a special, God-given gift, and I prayed that when the time was right, it would blossom.”

Viral Momentum and “Pinch-Me” Moments

The release of “Blue Genes” is shaping up to be that moment. Julie admitted the momentum has been both exciting and a little nerve-racking. “Seeing her videos reach millions of views, watching her on Fox News, and remembering her with her dad on American Idol — those are real pinch-me moments,” she said. “What touched me most on Idol was how people responded to Bryan’s sobriety journey. Now with Blue Genes, it feels like Ash is telling more of my side too, growing up with a dad who struggled with addiction and a mom who battled depression. It’s deeply personal.”

Balancing Family and Dreams

While Ash builds her career, Julie is proud to play a steady role in family life. She often helps care for Ash’s young daughter. “Our granddaughter is such a sweet part of our lives,” Julie said. “Sometimes it’s hard to balance between the shop and being available, but you just make it work. What’s more important than family? Nothing. Being a mom and now a grandmother is my legacy. I’m my children’s biggest cheerleader, prayer warrior, and champion.”

Roots and Wings

When it comes to advice, Julie keeps it simple. “My goal was always to give my kids roots and wings. At this stage of Ash’s life, I don’t give much advice unless I’m asked. My job now is to listen, pray, and support. I know she will always remember her roots.”

Her proudest moment so far? “Her hometown concert in Turlock, California, this summer,” Julie said. “Seeing family and friends gather, hearing her sing her new songs — it was incredible.”

Looking ahead, Julie hopes for balance in her daughter’s future. “I want her dreams to come true. I hope she’s well known but also able to keep a private life she enjoys. I just want to see her thriving, enjoying the journey, and making the world a better place through her music.”

And what makes Ash’s music resonate so deeply? Julie doesn’t hesitate: “Plain and simple, her heart. She has a way of turning life experiences into songs that touch people from all walks of life deeply. Just wait, you’ll see what I mean.”

Stop by The French Market in Monterey at 107 W Commercial Ave, Monterey, TN 38574 or visit their website at https://www.frenchmarketmonterey.com.

Stream “Blue Genes” HERE and follow Ash Ruder on instagram HERE.