Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul And Ashley Stewart.
Hi Paul and Ashley, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Paul and Ashley Stewart are the owners of Cozy Cohost LLC, a short-term rental management and design company built from the ground up through grit, creativity, and an unshakable belief in independence. Together, they have transformed what began as a single vacation rental into a growing, hands-on operation known for its elevated design, strong performance, and client-first approach.
From an early age, Paul knew he wasn’t meant to work for someone else. He explored multiple paths trying to carve out his own lane, driven by the desire to be his own boss and build a life outside the constraints of a traditional 9-to-5. His journey, however, was far from conventional. Paul spent much of his time in school in special education and ultimately dropped out of college after just two months. His early adult years were marked by instability, including a period of homelessness, legal troubles, and a lack of direction. After seeing people close to him fall victim to prison or street violence, he reached a turning point at 27 and committed to changing his life entirely.
Without formal education to rely on, Paul turned to self-education, immersing himself in books on business, real estate, economics, and psychology. Over the years, he built discipline, confidence, and a mindset rooted in growth. When the right real estate opportunity came along, he was prepared—and that moment became the foundation for what would eventually become Cozy Cohost.
In early 2018, Paul launched his first vacation rental. Shortly after, a real estate agent in Atlantic City approached him to design and set up a client’s Airbnb property. That opportunity sparked the creation of Cozy Cohost LLC in 2020, which grew organically from there, one property at a time, largely through word-of-mouth referrals.
A major force behind that growth has been Ashley. Paul and Ashley met when they were 19 years old and have been together ever since, building both a family and a business side by side. Today, they are raising two young children while continuing to scale Cozy Cohost. Ashley has played a critical role in shaping the company’s identity and success, bringing both operational leadership and high-level creative direction. Ashley’s background is rooted in wedding and event planning, with a specialization in floral design. She previously served as the head designer for a prominent New York-based wedding and event florist, where she led the design for high-end events throughout New York City and the Hamptons. Her work ranged from professional athletes’ events to upscale social gatherings, giving her a refined eye for detail, presentation, and aesthetic execution. That experience has translated directly into the short-term rental space, helping elevate Cozy Cohost properties with a distinct level of style and appeal.
Within the company, Ashley has evolved into a creative leader, offering interior design packages for clients and curating some of the most sought-after properties in their markets. Her ability to blend design with functionality has become a defining characteristic of the brand. She also serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Cozy Cohost, where her business management degree comes into full effect—overseeing financial strategy, budgeting, and ensuring the company scales in a sustainable and disciplined way. At the same time, she plays a key role in managing day-to-day operations, helping ensure the business runs smoothly at every level. Beyond the challenges of building and scaling a business, Paul and Ashley also faced adversity in their personal lives while trying to start a family. During the same years they were pouring everything into growing Cozy Cohost, they were also navigating fertility struggles behind the scenes. Years of doctor appointments, treatments, emotional stress, uncertainty, and mental exhaustion tested them in ways most people never see publicly. Rather than allowing those experiences to break them, the challenges strengthened their partnership and pushed them even harder toward building something meaningful together. The business became more than a career—it became an outlet, a shared purpose, and something they could continue building side by side through difficult seasons of life. After relocating to Atlantic City, New Jersey, and continuing to grow and stabilize the business, the dream they fought so hard for finally became reality. In 2023, Paul and Ashley welcomed their daughter into the world, followed by the birth of their son in 2025. Those moments represented far more than milestones—they were the realization of years of perseverance, sacrifice, and resilience both personally and professionally.
Beyond her professional contributions, Ashley has also been a steady and resilient presence through adversity. She has faced her own challenges, and during some of Paul’s most difficult periods, he credits her with helping keep his mental state strong when he was at his lowest. Her support, strength, and belief in their vision have been instrumental in both his personal growth and the company’s success.
Together with their business manager, Alanna Zeris, and a dedicated team—including a full-time handyman, operations lead, cleaning supervisor, and an in-house cleaning staff of over 15 employees (growing to nearly 25 in peak season)—Paul and Ashley have built a company that prioritizes hands-on service and operational excellence.
Before entering the short-term rental space, Paul worked as a food broker, where he witnessed firsthand the shortcomings of traditional corporate culture—prioritizing volume over integrity and often telling clients what they want to hear just to close deals. That experience shaped his approach to business. In an industry often filled with self-proclaimed gurus and recycled advice, Paul and Ashley have taken a different path, emphasizing transparency, honesty, and a commitment to doing more for their clients rather than less.
That philosophy has produced real results. Cozy Cohost surpassed $1 million in booking revenue in a single year, went on to exceed $3 million in 2024, and reached $3.4 million in 2025, continuing its steady upward trajectory. What started as a single property has evolved into a scalable and growing operation with a clear vision for the future.
Looking ahead, the Stewarts plan to expand Cozy Cohost far beyond the Jersey Shore. With an existing property in Florida and plans to grow nationwide, their goal is to manage properties across the country and eventually internationally.
At its core, their story is one of transformation, resilience, and partnership. Together, Paul and Ashley Stewart have built more than a business—they’ve built a life centered on growth, opportunity, and the belief that with the right mindset and determination, anything is possible.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Before the financial realities of building a business and the challenges we faced trying to find our place in the world, there were deeply personal struggles that shaped who we are today. One of the most significant was our journey through IVF in order to have children. Atlantic City played a pivotal role in that chapter of our lives, giving us the freedom, stability, and opportunity to pursue that goal and ultimately build the family we always hoped for.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Cozy Cohost LLC?
Cozy Cohost LLC, founded in 2020 by Paul and Ashley Stewart, is a locally based, full-service short-term rental management company in Atlantic City. Originally from Long Island, New York, Paul and Ashley fell in love with Atlantic City. Paul, a former food broker, and Ashley, a former luxury wedding planner, decided to invest in a vacation home in AC. After successfully operating on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, they realized the need for reliable property management services.
Recognizing that need they took a leap of faith, relocated to Atlantic City full-time, and launched Cozy Co-Host. Today, the company manages over 85 properties across Atlantic City and the Jersey Shore, setting the standard for short-term rental management in the region. Dedicated to both community and customer satisfaction, Cozy Co-Host delivers exceptional service to property owners and guests alike.
We are Local Atlantic City, serving the Entire South Jersey Shore Region and Beyond!
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Don’t let your past define who you are or what you can become. Don’t get trapped in the mindset that life is too hard or that you’re stuck in a “rat race” with no way out. Work with intention, but don’t live only looking in the rearview mirror.
Prepare for everything, expect nothing, and trust that things will unfold as they should. When you stay consistent and focused on the right path, preparation and opportunity will eventually meet. Over time, things tend to align—but only if you keep moving forward with purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cozycohost.com
- Instagram: thecozylifeac
- Facebook: Cozycohost
- Youtube: Cozycohost
