About Ash + Chess

Ash + Chess is a stationery & gift company run by queer and trans couple Ashley Molesso (she/her) and Chess Needham (he/him), based out of Kingston, NY. They create greeting cards, art prints and more in bold, retro color palettes, often using their artwork to uplift the queer community. Their company made its debut at the National Stationery Show in May 2017, and since then over 1,000+ retailers throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia sell their art and stationery. In the short time they've been in business, Ash + Chess have worked on many collaborations including artwork for Target, Smartfood, Skittles, Nooworks, Belletrist, Plaza Style, Brooklyn Roasting Co.; Transfigure Print Co., HarperCollins, Workman Publishing, Running Press Studio, Macy's STORY and more. They are the authors of multiple publications, including: The Gay Agenda: A Modern Queer History & Handbook (Morrow Gift) 2020 Queer Tarot: An Inclusive Deck and Guidebook (RP Studio) 2022 My Queer Year Guided Journal (RP Studio) 2022 ABC-Deconstructing Gender (RP Kids, May 2023) Just Like My Family (RP Kids, May 2024) Queer Animal Oracle Deck (forthcoming, RP Studio, Spring 2026) They are the owners of recently opened brick & mortar store Everywhere Shop in Kingston, NY, a gift and stationery shop highlighting small business, queer makers, local artists and their own Ash + Chess line. Read their story