Bozeman, MT May 2026

Ladies Issue

There’s something truly special about taking a moment to recognize the women in our lives who make the world more vibrant and beautiful. Whether it's our mothers, daughters, friends, or colleagues, these women are often the silent forces that shape our days and make life richer.

With Mother’s Day this month, our thoughts naturally turn to all those incredible women—biological mothers and mother figures alike—who have made an unforgettable impact on us. It’s the teachers, the friends, the neighbors, and the family members who offer their love, wisdom, and support in countless ways.

This month, as we celebrate these remarkable women, I also want to encourage you to support local businesses owned by women in our community. One of my favorite parts of this job is connecting with and championing the incredible women here in Bozeman. From movers and shakers to makers and builders, these women bring so much to the table, both seen and unseen. Their contributions, often behind the scenes, create beauty and impact that cannot be replicated.

Take a moment this month to recognize the women in your life. Send a text, make a phone call, or arrange a video call with the women who have made a difference for you. It’s a simple but powerful way to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much they’re loved.

Here’s to celebrating the women who make life so much more meaningful. Happy Mother’s Day and cheers to the ladies who inspire us every day!

MAGGIE HEBRON, PUBLISHER

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Maggie Hebron | maggie.hebron@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Rachel Jackson | rachel.jackson@citylifestyle.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Mila Azcona | mila.azcona@citylifestyle.com

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick Learn

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Tree Care Solutions is warming things up! 2: MSU’s annual Cowboys & Candlelight gala 3: Pure Barre Bozeman has officially relaunched its Reform class! 4: The sauna at Gallatin River Lodge is complete, and fitting right in with the scenery 5: Checking out The Pour Studio candles at Ressler’s Audi Q3 Launch event 6: Delicious Graze Craze charcuteries boards at Ressler’s Audi Q3 Launch event 7: The Bridger Ski Foundation Nordic team won the Junior Nationals club championship in Cable, WI!

Want to be seen in the magazine?

business monthly

Tinworks at the Rialto Presents: The Tengu Club

Benefitting Casting for Recovery, and in honor of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Tinworks is thrilled to share “The Tengu Club”, a beautifully told documentary about fishing, identity, and belonging. Following Hilary Hutcheson, the film uncovers the history of a pioneering Japanese American angling club and the powerful legacy it left behind. Screening is on May 2nd at 6pm. Tickets at: castingforrecovery.givecloud.co/tenguformt

Mobile Grazing For Every Event With Graze Craze Charcuterie Cart!

We’re thrilled to introduce our brand new charcuterie cart, the perfect centerpiece for your next event. From elegant weddings and showers to birthdays, corporate gatherings, and everything in between, our beautifully styled cart delivers an unforgettable grazing experience. Enjoy artisan meats, cheeses, and curated bites served fresh to your guests. Elevate your celebration with a unique, interactive display that’s as delicious as it is stunning. Book our charcuterie cart by calling 406-586-8307 today!

Tree Care Solutions & WoodWorks Montana Offer Custom Creations

WoodWorks Montana, a part of Tree Care Solutions, sees every tree as an opportunity to create something lasting, beautiful, and useful from what might have otherwise been discarded. Our custom woodworking shop was born from a simple idea: when we remove trees, we don’t just burn them, we give them new life whenever possible. We mill everything ourselves on-site, preserving the unique character of each tree and ensuring top quality. Learn more at treecaremt.com/custom-wood-shop.

Bears, Bullies, and Bullets

From elite training to everyday courage, TACTIC is building safer, stronger, and more confident communities

“The reason we get up every day and do what we do is that we believe everyone deserves to feel safe, whether that is protecting yourself from bears in the wilderness, to bullies in the workplace, or an intruder in your home,” says Chris Forrest, who founded TACTIC in 2009 based on his extensive background as a Navy SEAL and as an overseas contractor.

“Our mission is to leave people better than we find them,” adds his wife Kate, who helps Chris run the operation that consist of public and private classes, a private gun club on a 300-acre range just 10 minutes from town, a security wing that provides executive protection and an event space that hosts weddings, community concerts and events.

Most recently TACTIC started FORGED in MT, a leadership training school that has brought over 2000 leaders from all over the country to Montana.

“There is nothing that builds a team better than learning a new skill together, so the first day everyone is taught the 8 fundamentals of shooting a firearm,” says Chris. With a one-toone student-instructor ratio, clients not only feel safe, but excel and can confidentially shoot a 7” target at 50’ distance by the end of the day. They also learn powerful tools in leadership including how to effectively lead a debrief, the power of empathy, giving control away, and conflict resolution.

“My husband’s gift is taking a complex subject like shooting a firearm safely and simplifying it, so people learn the skill being taught,” says Kate. She adds, “and he does it in a way where people feel empowered so that by the end of the day people leave with a ‘I got this’ mindset to tackle other harder things in life.”

Joe Dwyer, who has worked as one of TACTIC’s instructors since 2018 says, “Chris is one of the few people I’ve met that really embodies a stoic philosophy in both his personal and work life—he is one of the most loyal and forgiving people I know, but also inspires an environment of excellence where his team has the space and ability to grow, and not only rise to his expectations within TACTIC, but in life.”

MAY IS LADIES’ MONTH AT TACTIC

Whether it is learning how to shoot a firearm, or how to protect yourself from a predator in the woods, TACTIC offers several classes just for ladies.

• May 2nd, Ladies Only Handgun 1

• May 9th, Ladies Only Carbine 1

• May 16th, Winning with Words

• May 23rd, Avoiding Violence

• May 30th, “Surviving a Grizzly Bear Attack”

• June 6th, Ladies Only Handgun 1

Ask Kate what her favorite class is, and she will say hands down, Avoiding Violence. “It’s a course that teaches people what a creepy person will say or do before they commit a violent crime so that you know what to say and do to be a hard target. I am passionate about this class because this material would have saved me from a sexual harassment situation in my twenties.”

Another similar class is TACTIC’s Winning with Words class that teaches 11 techniques for de-escalating conflict when encountering difficult, awkward and unsafe situations.  Both classes cost $225 and are about 6 hours in length.

NOT PERFECT BUT PERFECT FOR EACH OTHER

TACTIC was started after Chris deployed three times to Persian Gulf from SEAL Team One, and five times to Afghanistan as a Protective Security Specialist. He missed having community and being there for his wife and 4 kids back at home. However, once TACTIC started to build momentum it was clear that he could not do it alone.

“My wife is the one who runs things behind the scenes and keeps me organized,” says Chris. Both would agree they are complete opposites when it comes to their personalities, but that’s what makes them a great team.

“We have found that whether it’s writing an email or planning a new course, we always end up with a better product if we collaborate,” says Kate. The combination of Kate’s gift of hospitality and organization with Chris’ ability to teach and lead a team makes them a dynamic team.

Just visit their 300-acre gun range 10 minutes from four corners and you’ll see a unique blend of both. The TACTIC range has up to 300+- AR500 steel targets and some that are over a mile from the firing line with specific bays for Long Range, Carbine, Practical

Rifle, Handgun, Shotgun as well as some other exciting experiences. With a limited number of spots, they find that there is a waitlist every year of people wanting to join their private gun club that offers training and other benefits to their members.

While the gun range is Chris’ dream, it’s the space on top that excites Kate the most. “One of the core values at TACTIC is to help people discover the dream that God has planted in their hearts,” she says. “After a while of doing this for others, I decided I better figure out what MY dream is!”

That’s when EPIC SKIES was born. A unique event space where Kate says she hopes to blend, “truth, beauty, and goodness thru practicum’s, plays and performances.” Just a few years into her dream, Kate says they now offer a 50-person pavilion, an outdoor amphitheater, and most recently flushable toilets! Her hope is to have a main hall someday where she can bring back community dances, the kind like her grandpa met her grandma at! Each summer EPIC SKIES host free community concerts that you can find out about by visiting their Facebook page.

Whether you take in one of EPIC SKIES’ free concerts or sign up for a TACTIC training at TACTICMT.com you’ll discover a team of people who love doing what they do and want to see others do the same.

grazecraze.com/bozemant-mt

A Place on the River

How did you get into this field of work?

I developed Wade Well because I saw a gap between the demands of angling and physical sustainability. As a fly fishing instructor and functional movement specialist, I was watching anglers spend long days on rivers without truly understanding how to move their bodies well, prevent injury, improve balance, or build resilience to better navigate wild terrain.

Wade Well was born as a method — a way of blending fly fishing with functional movement and mobility and recovery protocols to support longevity and confidence in the sport. It became the foundation for how I teach people to tend to their bodies so that they’re better able to methodically wade rivers, cast efficiently, and move through dynamic environments with awareness and strength.

Over time, that work naturally expanded into women’s programming — which ultimately led to the launch of Aquila Women’s Fly Fishing Academy. Wade Well is for any and all anglers, but I’ve always been passionate about supporting women across outdoor recreation and sport, so I was excited to build something impactful in the fly fishing education space as well.

Tell us about your newest program, Aquila Women’s Fly Fishing Academy!

After five years of running women’s fly fishing retreats, workshops, and casting events under Wade Well, I officially launched the Aquila Women’s Fly Fishing Academy in late 2025 to create a dedicated home for women’s education.

Aquila represents precision, vision, and tenacity — all qualities that I see in the women that I work with, and also qualities that are embedded in the practice of fly fishing.

Wade Well remains the movement methodology — the lens through which I teach body awareness, mobility, and functional movement for all anglers. Aquila is now the official academy that hosts women’s fly fishing education, clinics, socials, and immersive experiences. It brings clarity to the mission: Aquila leads women in fly fishing education. Wade Well supports how we move on the water.

Aquila

represents precision, vision, and tenacity - all qualities that I see in the women that I work with, and also qualities that are embedded in the practice of fly fishing.

Why is it so important to provide women with opportunities for learning and growth in the fly fishing space?

Women are the fastest growing demographic in our sport, and there are definitely more and more brands building product lines and marketing to women now, which is wonderful. But true educational ecosystems built specifically for women still seem to be fairly limited. What was missing wasn’t just gear. It was:

• Structured curriculum

• Long-term skill development

• Women-led instruction

• Psychological safety to learn without pressure

That’s the gap that Aquila aims to fill. As women-led fly fishing programs continue to grow across the sport, it’s exciting to see how eager our demographic is to fully invest in their skill development.

Can you talk about the value of community, inclusivity, and women in leadership within the male-dominated fly fishing space?

Representation in leadership really does matter. When women see other women teaching, guiding, and leading on rivers, there’s a subconscious shift, and it completely changes what feels possible. It moves the dynamic from “invited guest” to “belonging.”

While we still oftentimes see the same small segment of women being positioned as the few female leaders in our sport,

I think it’s important to keep broadening that scope. Women have been leading and shaping fly fishing since its inception, and there are countless women across the globe who’ve paved the way and continue to make a massive impact. We aren’t just hobbyists or enthusiasts—we’re dedicated professionals.

It’s also not about “us” versus “them” – many of my personal mentors are men and I love to see men supporting women in angling. But I’m also passionate about the idea that we need more women who’re confident in taking up space and owning their place as leaders.

Fly fishing often appears solitary when we look at the typical photos featured on magazine covers, and many do love to spend a good deal of time fishing solo, myself included. But it can also be a really powerful connector. I think most would agree that fly fishing isn’t just about the fish and it isn’t just about the ecosystems we explore. It’s very much about the people.

The social element can also help to reduce intimidation while building the accountability needed to continue learning, and at the end of the day, I think we’re all looking for connection with others across shared interests.

Many of the Aquila participants end up building meaningful friendships, which is a really big part of what makes these group clinics and events so special. And despite my taking the seat as educator and facilitator, I also get to meet and form relationships with the amazing women who attend Aquila events. I think there’s something very human about coming together in community, learning new skills, and cultivating

new friendships.Especially as adults, making new friends can be hard! And social wellness is important. So I like to think that Aquila really speaks to many different avenues for health and growth.

The photos in this article were taken during one of your workshops at Gallatin River Lodge. Tell us about your experience working with them, and why it’s so important for local businesses to support women’s programming.

Hosting at Gallatin River Lodge has been such a fantastic partnership. The setting allows for a perfect blend of education with experience. I can host casting socials on beautiful grounds, integrate mindful movement sessions from the Wade Well method, and highlight their exceptional food and beverage program. It elevates the experience beyond a standard lesson and creates an immersive and relaxed environment that supports both learning and connection. Their space aligns perfectly with the Aquila mission: depth, intention, and quality over quantity. And their team is top notch and a joy to work with, too.

Collaboration is always so important when building a community-first small business, and the Bozeman network has been incredibly supportive. I’ve been fortunate to partner with many lodges, outfitters, gear brands, and local businesses that actively support women stepping into fly fishing. Some of the highlight partnerships have been Gallatin River Lodge, TroutChasers, Bodhi Farms, Simms, Oros, Gastro Gnome, The Well Juicery, and Field & Stream Lodge Co.

When local businesses visibly invest in women’s programming, it signals something that I think is really important: women aren’t a niche audience — they’re part of the core fly fishing community. That support strengthens the entire ecosystem, and it creates economic opportunity and ultimately helps to expand participation and create collaborative momentum.

How does your focus on one-on-one lessons compare to the experience of guided fishing?

One-on-one instruction is very different from guided fishing. A guided trip is, at its core, focused around catching fish in real-time. As a client, when you book a guided day of fishing you can expect that the guide will take you to the river, provide the gear, select the flies, tie them on, tell you where to cast, and net your fish. Which isn’t to minimize the fact that many guides are fantastic coaches and absolute experts at their craft. Every guide shapes their own program, and some implement teaching elements more than others. They bring you to incredible fisheries that they have in-depth relationships with and help you to

When women see other women leading on rivers, there’s a subconscious shift... it changes what feels possible. It moves the dynamic from “invited guest” to “belonging.”

experience those places with a fly rod in hand. Guided fishing is also frequently the gateway for many new anglers; it’s the experience that leaves them realizing that they want to begin going deep. Many of my students share that after going on several guided fishing trips, they’re now ready to sit down and start studying.

My private lessons provide that opportunity to begin digging into the intricacies of the sport in an education-first setting. Students receive a manual and we move through a defined curriculum. We break down gear and casting mechanics, learn knots, and work on rigging, entomology, fly selection, trout behavior and reading water. We also discuss stream etiquette, safe fish handling, and stewardship ethics.

If you’re looking for someone to take you out for a day of fly fishing, book a guide. If you’re excited about committing to the work of becoming a capable and well educated angler, book a lesson with me. Many women who come to Aquila want the independence and confidence to get out and fish whenever they’d like. One-on-one work accelerates that process dramatically.

What programs do you currently have available?

Through Aquila Women’s Fly Fishing Academy, I currently offer:

• Beginner Fly Fishing Foundations day schools and multi-week series

• Fly casting socials

• Seasonal clinics

• One-on-one and custom small group instruction for skill development and mentorship

Each program focuses on technical fly fishing education with elements of the Wade Well method integrated to teach women how to implement strong casting mechanics, wade safely and confidently, and understand how to navigate rivers efficiently, effectively, and mindfully for the long-term. Multi-day retreats have been on pause, though I plan to bring them back into the Aquila programming in the near future.

To learn more about Lindsay and Wade Well, visit lindsaykocka.com; more info on Aquila Women’s Fly Fishing Academy can be found at aquilaflyfishing.com.

Friday, June 26, 2026

5:30 pm – 8:30 p.m. | Age 21+

$60/member | $65/non-member | $125/VIP Ticket

Casual or Western Attire Encouraged. Outdoor Living History Farm at Museum of the Rockies

Get ready for an unforgettable evening under the big Montana sky at MOR’s Taste of the Rockies!

This beloved summer celebration brings together the best flavors, music, and spirit of the West, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Northern Rockies. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a firsttime guest, Taste of the Rockies is where community, culture, and a little cowboy flair come together for one lively night.

Come hungry. Come ready to dance. Come ready to celebrate the spirit of the West.

Inside Out Sun Protection

“The most important factor for me in protecting against harmful UV rays and environmental toxins is an inside out approach.”

Finally! The beauty industry is waking up to the harmful effects of toxic sunscreen products! Hear me out, I believe whole heartedly that we need to protect our skin from over exposure to harmful UV rays. My personal way of doing this is by exposing my skin to morning sun without sunglasses to optimize my circadian rhythm and heighten my body’s natural UV protection compounds. I wear hats and light weight clothing to fully block sun during the heat of the day and use Protect Oil (SPF20) between the hours of 10am - 4pm. My 1/16 Italian skin is darker in pigmentation and tans easily whether I apply Protect Oil or a natural Zinc SPF. The most important factor for me in protecting against harmful UV rays and environmental toxins is an inside out approach.

Lets think about it, Centuries ago and even 100 years ago our skin cancer rates were very low or non-existent. Given the influx of chemical exposure that has exponentially risen over the last 80 years, it’s no wonder the US skin cancer rates are currently so elevated. Indigenous peoples used food and herbs to protect against harmful rays, yet we increasingly rely on harmful, toxic loaded topicals which disrupt our endocrine system and clog our filtering organs. Now more than ever, it is imperative that we use food and herbs to bolster our skins natural defenses with UV absorbing and protective compounds.

The compounds to look for that act as UV absorbents defending the skin from the inside out are: Lycopene, ferulic acid and cartenoids. These compounds are found in foods and herbs and should be consumed to complement topical SPF’s.

FOODS:

Carotenoids and Lycopene: Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, butternut squash, mango, papaya, goji

berries, sea buckthorn berries or juice, kale, spinach, dandelion greens, swiss chard, parsley, red pepper, watermelon, spirulina and astaxanthin rich eggs (think bright orange yolk)

Ferulic Acid rich foods: rice bran, oats, brown rice, barley, apples, oranges, tomatoes, eggplant, artichokes, coffee, flaxseed, grapefruit, pineapple

Vitamins A, C, D, E rich foods help to repair DNA and support collagen production: Free range eggs, fatty rich fish (salmon, sardines, anchovies) free range animal protein, citrus fruits

Basically, eating a rainbow colored, plant heavy diet is a surefire way to boost your  body’s natural solar defenses. HERBS that are rich in catechins and antioxidants can neutralize UV generated free radicals and support collagen and elastin production from within. These include: Green Tea, matcha, rose petals, viola petals, borage flowers, holy basil, chamomile, lemonbalm, lavender, calendula, red clover, white tea, rosemary, turmeric, gotu kola, ginkgo biloba, shisandra berry, milk thistle, nettle,

Combining any of these herbs in the form of a tea, tincture or toppings for salads is a great approach to inside out resilience to UV exposure.

While I believe it is important to expose yourself to early morning and early evening sun for the sake of balancing your circadian rhythm (the body’s internal clock that helps you adjust to sleep and wake hours, improving sleep and energy throughout the day) and getting vitamin D and red light therapy naturally; I also feel that its important to protect the skin from harmful UV rays caused by over exposure to sun and burning the skin. The inside out approach is a great compliment to topical protection. I hope this helps you enjoy your outside time in the sun and allows you to stay radiant and feeling so alive in your skin!

My Current Obsessions

GIRL GET AFTER IT FOUNDER CASSIDY VANORDEN'S GO-TOS

edit: The Mountain

Morning cup of the Alpine roast from Ghost Town—it’s the perfect start to a slow morning or an epic adventure.

Photocredit: Ghost TownCofee

Photocredit: Bozeman MediaDesign

My Kindle goes everywhere with me. I’m currently working my way through every Kristin Hannah book I can find.

Our local Girl Get After It chapter is everything to me—getting women together to try new things, move their bodies, and build real friendships is the heart behind what we do.

The Mountain Project

The Full Metal Strength class at The Mountain Project is one of my favorite ways to feel strong and stay agile for the mountains. Who doesn't love a challenging workout with a side of Metallica?

I love signing up for local races through Bozeman Running Company. They keep me motivated, connected to the community, and always give me something fun to train for.

GET PRE-APPROVED IN MINUTES, NOT DAYS

Show sellers you’re serious with Smart Underwrite.

Imagine applying and getting pre-approved for a home loan in the time it takes to grab your morning coffee, do a load of laundry or attend an open house.

It’s not just wishful thinking. Rates AI-powered Smart Underwrite Technology makes getting pre-approved unbelievably fast and simple.

Put

Power Behind your Offer

The average home listing gets multiple offers, so you’ll need a competitive advantage. Within minutes, Rate empowers you to confidently compete with other buyers – even cash offers – to win the home you love.

Speed

We validate your credit, income, and assets in minutes.

Know exactly what you’re eligible for, with no surprises

100% digital application process means less paperwork, less hassle

APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS

Decorate Your Space With a DIY Floral Design

Spring: the days grow longer, weather turns warmer, and the earth’s greenery starts to make its reappearance. During this time, flowers shoot up from the ground in a ballet of colors and movement. Walking outside becomes a cherished moment to breathe the fresh air and immerse yourself in lush surroundings. Being inside your home turns dreary and dull, everything that thrives is now outside, but this can easily be remedied. Why not bring some life inside? Make a spring floral bouquet to lighten up your space. Flowers add color and character to any room that needs a little lift, and our step-by-step guide will inspire you to create something grand.

Supplies:

• Flowers of your choice

• Scissors

• Twine or floral tape

BY

• Ribbon (optional)

• Decorative paper (optional)

• Bouquet sleeve (optional)

Directions:

Step 1: When creating a beautiful floral arrangement, the first thing to do is decide on a color scheme and prepare the flowers.  Have fun deciding what colors you want to play with. Perhaps go pastel for spring or match the hues to other decor items in your house. Once you have picked your flowers, you need to do a little prep work. First, remove extra leaves and damaged petals from the stems. Then make a fresh diagonal cut to the bottom of all the flowers. This allows each bloom to soak up as much water as they need.

Step 2: Now it’s arranging time — think focal and filler. The best way to start the arranging process is by choosing your most interesting or favorite flowers — this will be your focal point. Hold the focal flower(s) upright and add your supporting blooms around it. Make sure to turn the bouquet as you build so that the design is as desired. Once this is complete, add your filler flowers to finalize the look. Filler options include baby’s breath, ivy, fern, eucalyptus and more.

Step 3: Let’s get ready to tie. Once you’ve arranged your bouquet, tie all the stems together using twine or floral tape. If using twine, we recommend securing it in a small bow in case you would like to rearrange at any given time. Floral tape is easy to move on and off for this purpose as well.

Step 4: Add the finishing touches. At this point, you are almost done with your bouquet and all that’s left is embellishments. There are so many ways to further adorn your creation: one way we love is to wrap it in fun decorative paper or put it in a special sleeve made just for flowers. If this idea isn’t for you, we recommend going to Pinterest for inspiration. Just remember, whatever way you choose to decorate your bouquet, you will end with a personalized piece made with love and care.

ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BECKY HILLYARD

From Side Hustle to Style Empire

The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”

She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s, she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.

Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?

A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.

Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?

A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.

Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?

A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.

Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?

A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?

A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.

This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”

— Becky Hillyard

flooring

transforming homes

quality carpets, hardwood, laminate,

and

Our expertise ensures every customer gets the perfect flooring solution backed by unbeatable prices and service you can trust. When it comes to experience, selection, and value, no one does it better.

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

APRIL 30TH - MAY 1ST

Give Big Gallatin Valley 2026

Greater Bozeman | 6:00 PM

One Valley Community Foundation’s Give Big Gallatin Valley returns from 6 pm April 30 to 6 pm May 1. Explore hundreds of local nonprofits and support the causes you care about completely fee-free. Learn more and donate at GiveBigGV.org.

MAY 1ST - 2ND

Handmade Montana Spring MADE Fair

Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, 1 Bobcat Cir, Bozeman, MT 59717 | 5:00 PM

We are excited to bring all that our events offer for artisans, non-profits, and the local community to the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse for the Bozeman SPRING MADE fair. Enjoy shopping a curated collection of over 195+ skilled artisans and non-profits. There is something for everyone, from affordable functional art to heirloom-quality fine art.

MAY 1ST - 3RD

Downtown Bozeman Restaurant Week

Downtown Bozeman | 9:00 AM

Participating downtown restaurants, pubs, and cafés come together for a weeklong celebration of local flavor. Enjoy off-menu specials, exclusive dining experiences, drink features, and opportunities to win prizes from local sponsors.

MAY 9TH

Ressler Motors Cars & Coffee @ Audi Bozeman

Audi Bozeman, 31908 Frontage Road, Bozeman, MT 59718 | 9:00 AM

Join us for the first Ressler Motors Cars & Coffee of the Summer 2026 season. All are welcomed! Learn more at resslermotors.com/carsncoffee.

MAY 16TH

Dog Ball - A Galaxy Fur Fur Away

MSU Strand Union Building, 280 Strand Union Bozeman, MT 59715 | 6:00 PM

Heart of the Valley is proud to announce the 41st Annual Dog Ball! Dog Ball is no ordinary dinner-auction, its pawsitively one of the best parties in town. Join us for a hosted cocktail hour and shop the silent auction. Then it’s time for a delicious dinner followed by dancing and time to play catch up with your friends. Learn more: heartofthevalleyshelter.org/dog-ball

MAY 23RD

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony

Armory Music Hall, 24 W Mendenhall St, Bozeman, MT 59715 | 7:00 PM

Legendary hip-hop icons Bone Thugs-N-Harmony hit Bozeman! One night only at The Armory Music Hall. With over 30 years in the game, their live shows are a celebration of classic hip-hop energy, lyrical precision, and anthems that defined an era. Experience true legends performing their greatest hits — live at The Armory Music Hall in Bozeman. Tickets: armorymusichall.com/events/bone-thugs-n-harmony

Bozeman Location

Garden Center

NEW to Kenyon Noble

Refine your outdoor oasis with this Brook Ranch outdoor set. Includes sofa sectional, bench, lounge chair, and cushions in brown and warm, neutral hues.

• High Performance Fabric

• UV Resistance

• Stainless Steel Hardware

• All Weather Resistance

• 20 Year Warranty

• Solidcore™ Durability

• All-Weather Performance

• ColorStay™ Technology

Eagle Mount is proud to announce the Bridge to Our Future initiative. Thanks to many generous supporters, this transformational campaign is providing the funding for critical improvements including pool roof replacement and renovations to the Tim & Mary Barnard Aquatics Center, acquiring an additional 19.05 adjacent acres, and essential accessibility improvements to Eagle Mount's campus. Your support will help us complete the pool project this spring. Make a splash ~ for Eagle Mount participants and for our community!

Participate, volunteer, support and learn more at eaglemount.org