Bozeman, MT May 2023

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A Spring in Our Step

After a long, icy winter, May flowers look pretty good. Green grass, leaves on the trees and the absence of snow has Gallatin Valley moving forward with a new spring in each step, knowing that we have a lot of warm weather ahead of us, makes our hearts swell.

With that in mind, this month we have done a story on One Valley, a local organization that supports multiple local non-profits. Because May is the “Ladies” theme issue, we focussed on two of these specifically.

“Women who Wine” and “100 Strong” join together regularly to support a variety of our local nonprofits in creative ways for community unity and connection.

Jelt Belt is a locally owned and operated manufacturer and distributor, which happens to be woman owned. We also have contributions from Cappelli’s in the spirit of our theme this month.

Since the start of my magazine three years ago, I have had the privilege to meet many female led businesses that help drive our Bozeman and Gallatin Valley economy and community. Growing up in the Montana ranching world, where much of what I learned on the ranch, in the barn or the fields, or over calving season, or just work in general, was taught by the example and teaching of the women who live that lifestyle. I am not at all surprised by the community role the female leaders play in our valley, but my appreciation is strong and I am always impressed nonetheless.

We also did a story this month called “Love Our Local Workers”. This story came in as a contribution and it brings our attention to the local working people of all industries, and the critical role they play in our community as well. It reminds us to acknowledge them, and not just in tips, but also pleasant eye contact and gratitude. These small actions can do great things for the direction of our community's energy, and it feels good on both sides.

As downtown Bozeman comes to life for the summer season, and left turns on Main Street become something to avoid, take a look at the local businesses, and who the leaders and their support are.

May 2023

PUBLISHER

Brent R Fjeldheim | brent.fjeldheim@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Mala Shea | mala.shea@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Camille Bissell, Mala Shea, Lily Heland, Annie March

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

406 Photo, Ann O'Ryan

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

BRENT R FJELDHEIM , PUBLISHER @BOZEMANCITYLIFESTYLE

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

14th Annual Women’s Circle of Excellence Conference

Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship Women’s Circle of Excellence mission is to enhance and enrich the lives of our women alumni, associates and friends by mentoring while educating and inspiring opportunities. This is designed to further launch and support your success by featuring inspirational speakers to re-energize your personal and professional development. May 22 at Strand Union Building, 751 West Grant Street, 8am-5pm,Ticket: $125 at www.eventbrite.com/e/14th-annual-womens-circle-of-excellenceconference-tickets-560915712997

MSC After Dark: The Great Science Bake-off Featuring Elle’s Belles

Montana Science Center promotes hands-on-learning in science and technology through exhibits, programs, day camps and special events. In this event Elle Fine, local baker extraordinaire, helps us understand why you want to get your chemistry right when it comes to baking. Come and compete in a science-y decorating contest! Thursday, May 18, 6:30 – 8:30pm at Montana Science Center 2744 West Main Street Bozeman, Cost is $25, RSVP,www.eventbrite. com/e/msc-after-dark-the-great-science-bake-off-featuring-elles-bellestickets-574812899857

Wade in Wellness Women’s Day Retreat

Begins at 8-9am: Yoga Flow Practice, 9-10am: Drive to a nearby fly fishing destination (transportation not included), 10am-4pm: fly fishing (bring your own fly fishing gear). Experience is required, and doesn’t include on-water instruction. 4pm-6pm: Soaking at Norris Hot Springs (entry not included). Ticket includes movement practice, lunch, snacks, beverages, pre-retreat digital resource guide, and dry-land basic casting instruction. Sunday, May 7, 8:00am – 6:00pm, Your Yoga Bozeman, 20 East Main Street. $150

Nomadic By Nature’s backpacking trip in Yellowstone

For a powerful backpacking experience, hike Black Canyon of Yellowstone to see wildlife, a raging and untouched river, amazing geology, and waterfalls. First trip on May 21st-25th is a 40 mile trip, and cost per person is $1350. The second trip is May 29th-June 1st and 25 miles long with a cost of $1250 per person.  $300 non-refundable deposit. Visit  www.nomadicbynaturetours.com/ black-canyon-of-the-yellowstone for details of the trips and bookings.

Give Big Gallatin Valley 2023

One Valley Community Foundation’s Give Big Gallatin Valley is a 24-hour celebration of giving to connect community members with causes they care about to raise important funding for nonprofits serving Gallatin Valley. The goal is to  inspire our people to come together, show their pride in their communities, and contribute to support the life-changing work of local nonprofit organizations in Gallatin County. www.givebiggv.org , May 4th, 6pm-May 5th, 6pm.

LSSGB Certification Training course

For System Managers, Engineers, Analysts, Auditors and individuals interested in Lean Six Sigma. Benefits: Implement and control Lean Six Sigma projects in organization;  identify an improvement scope; hypothesis testing and data analysis;  measure product and process; recognize improvement actions for performance. Includes four days of classroom training; LSSGB Certification; Exam fee; Online E-learning for exam preparation; Preparatory Module; and 24 PDUs. May 23rd-26th 9:00am-5:00pm, DownTown Center, Bozeman. $1699, www.icertglobal.com/

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Bozeman

to Apricot Lane Boutique in Bozeman, MT!

This

owned women’s boutique carries a selection of clothing, accessories, and gifts unique to any other location. Our clothing is on-trend, affordable, and ever-changing to ensure you walk away with something one of a kind! We carry a curated collection of well-know brands mixed with new, up-and-coming brands; all of which are high-quality, stylish and affordable. We provide forward trends with a classic style. With limited quantities and new items arriving weekly you are sure to walk away with something unique!

Bring Us All into One Valley Together

ARTICLE BY CAMILLE BISSELL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANICA LEES

One Valley Community Foundation in Bozeman believes that strong vibrant communities don’t happen by accident, and the organization has been serving Gallatin County since 1998 to help enhance the quality of living. Luis Isls is the Director of Philanthropy and says that the mission of One Valley is to connect people who care to causes that matter. “We do that through a variety of ways,” he said. “We work with our fundholders and provide advice on different grants they may make to nonprofit organizations, and we really take a 1000 foot view of the issues affecting Gallatin County. Then, we work with our partners to address said issues.” One Valley also provides free training and workshops to all interested nonprofits.

Women who Wine is one of the non-profits One Valley works with. It was founded in 2007 by local business owner Babs Noelle as a way for local philanthropically minded women to multiply the impact of their giving, by giving together. “Wine is a conduit, not the focus,” said Dr. Cali Morrison. “Our focus is on creating connections between the local non-profits that make our Valley a community, and women who are interested in maintaining that community.” She says that the truly magical element of Women Who Wine is the connections built with each other. “We're not here to network in the traditional sense, we're here to build community.”  As part of the community building aspect of Women Who Wine, winers are the hosts for monthly meetings and can choose to host at their business, home, at the benefitting non-profit, or at a community location.  Dr Morrison says, “The host has the opportunity to choose the benefitting non-profit, and if she doesn't already have one identified, we work with One Valley to help her identify a non-profit that aligns with her passions. We have 11 to 12 events each year and the funding is equally distributed among those non-profits at the end of the year.”

Any woman can become a member and then host for her non-profit in her chosen location. They do ask that women be a guest up to 3 times a year and then make the commitment to become a member. Morrison was fortunate to be invited to the first ever Women Who Wine meeting and has been a member ever since. “I am consistently inspired by the non-profits we learn about and the women in our circle,” she said.

100 Strong is another organization supported by One Valley. It was started in Bozeman in 2019 by Marissa McDonough and Brenda Kitto.  “ A friend of mine started a 100 Strong in another community in Montana and I loved the idea of inspiring giving at all levels,” Marissa said. “You can make a big impact when you give $100 each quarter and pool your money together with 99 others!” Brenda explained that after the two put the word out, their very first meeting in March of 2019 was able to award $10,000 to HAVEN. “Amazingly, 100 Strong members have continued to give $10,000 at each of our meetings since then for a total of $140,000,” Brenda said. “It is awe inspiring to hear about the impact so many charitable organizations are making in our community and it’s fun to be part of a collaborative effort to make these meaningful contributions.”

“What I love is that our members vote each quarter where they want to see their money go,” Marissa added. “This way everyone has equal ability to impact giving in our community. Our focus  is to help both women and children in the Gallatin Valley, from flooring in a women’s shelter, to iPads for cancer patients, to a women’s recovery center, we’ve made a massive impact over the years via our members.”

For more information on One Valley, Women who Wine, 100 Strong and other philanthropic organizations, you can email info@onevalley.org or call 406-587-6262

“Wine is a conduit, not the focus, our focus is on creating connections between the local non-profits that make our Valley a community, and women who are interested in maintaining that community.”

— Dr. Cali Morrison

ARTICLE BY LILY HELLAND

PHOTOGRAPHY BY 406 PHOTO

CELEBRATING SELF CARE

In history, women have been considered the caretakers. Often being viewed as nurturing, ones primarily running the household, raising children, and an essential foundation for their spouse in a partnership. Oftentimes, people who find themselves in these caregiver roles sometimes look back and forget the last time they did something nice for themselves. Self-care promotes relaxation and the ability to boost your physical and mental health, as well as boost your confidence. Growing up, I often heard the term “look good, feel good”. When someone truly feels like their best self, there is a different, stronger confident energy given off. The Capelli’s team focuses on specializing each experience for each guest by finding the perfect way to help you look and feel your absolute best through a multitude of services. Ranging from simple haircut services, luxury facials, microblading, and so much more! Capelli’s owner, Kim Alexander, started in the hair industry, but quickly evolved Capelli’s into a one stop shop with the most recent addition of permanent makeup.

Permanent sounds intimidating, but it helps eliminate the amount of time getting ready can take. A form of cosmetic-tattooing, Capelli’s services for permanent makeup range from Microblading to Lip Blushing. Eyebrow enhancement is a popular service in microblading. At Capelli’s, Kohl and Melissa are your in-house experts. Kohl is a master of microblading & powder brows. Microblading is a semi permanent technique for enhancing your eyebrows with fine, hair-like strokes with a custom color to match. Microblading provides a more natural look; filling in the eyebrow gaps with what appears to be hair for a fuller brow. On the other end of that spectrum is a Powder Brow; which can also be broken down into a “combo brow” or an “ombre brow”. The Powder Brow technique provides a finished makeup look, appearing like you filled in your brows with a brow pencil. Both Kohl and Melissa offer powder brows, while Melissa goes on to offer Lip Blushing and stretch mark removal. Lip Blushing is an enhancement of lip shape and color with a fine tattooing technique. Stretch Mark Removal is a technique that stimulates the skin’s healing technique, producing more collagen and elastin. With the rigorous training and CONTINUED >

education they’ve been through, they can help you attain your ideal eyebrow and permanent makeup goals to determine what service is the perfect service for you!

Nestled upstairs, you’ll find a warm and cozy room filled by Capelli’s only esthetician and current article author-Lily. Esthetics services currently offered at Capelli’s range from head to toe body waxing, to eyebrow laminations, to deluxe facials. The eyebrow services offered include shaping/waxing, laminations, and tints.

The biggest draw of waxing is being able to ditch your razor; whether it’s shaving underarms every other day or dealing with dreaded razor burn. While waxing isn’t the most relaxing service, it’s still viewed as self-care. If you’re looking for a more relaxing way to indulge, try a customized facial. The different tiers of facials offered are:

Express Facials, Custom Facials, and Luxury Facials. While each facial is customized based on your skin’s need, they all have the same staples of a quality spa facial. These facials can include tranquilizing scalp, hand, arm, shoulder, face, and foot massage. Each product used has been chosen specifically for you to leave you glowing and confident.

ABILITY

While giving facials and educating people is part of the reason she does what she does, the most important part to Lily is providing a safe space to unwind and relax..

Capelli’s is well-known for hosting “spa days”. A primary part of every spa day is a manicure and/or pedicure. Our resident nail technician, Alanna, is the nail expert with over two decades of experience, and knows all the professional tips and tricks to make your nails sparkle! When asked what her favorite services to perform, Alanna stated “Hands down manicures. I love the boost in confidence it can give a woman. It’s something that seems so small, but can make such a huge impact on how they view their day. Whether they’re reaching for a cup of coffee or shaking hands to close a business deal, anytime they catch a glimpse of their freshly done nails it just conveys ‘I’ve got this!’ It also allows me to be face to face with my clients. One of the best parts of being the service provider is creating close relationships and important connections with my clients. I love being able

SELF-CARE PROMOTES RELAXATION AND THE

TO BOOST YOUR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH, AS WELL AS BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE.

to see the same people every couple of weeks and hearing about what is going on in their lives. To watch people grow, change, and succeed fills our cups just as much as the service does for them.”

It’s been established that in today’s world, women are always on the go. The Capelli’s team wants to help your mornings start with ease, by waking up with flawless lashes. Not only does Kohl also provide eyelash extensions, our esthetician Lily also provides lash lifts and tints. Eyelash services provide an extra boost of confidence by adding that “makeup free” look.

An essential part of Capelli’s is the styling team. The stylists work ceaselessly to make sure everyone in their chairs leave the salon feeling like the best versions of themselves. The hair team is made up of eleven women with extensive color and cutting experience. Besides basic cuts, colors, balayage, and highlights; there are services offered such as deep conditions, cellophane treatments, color corrections, perms, Brazilian Blowouts, and extensions. The extension providers here have been trained in multiple methods, and can guide you in finding the extensions right for you. You can even book a consultation to decide if extensions are the right fit for you.

TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF IS NOT ONLY A LUXURY, BUT A NECESSITY. IN TODAY’S WORLD WHERE WOMEN CONSTANTLY GIVE, IT’S TIME FOR WOMEN TO GIVE BACK TO THEMSELVES.

Taking care of yourself is not only a luxury, but a necessity. In today’s world where women constantly give, it’s time for women to give back to themselves.

Oprah Winfrey once said “It is confidence in our bodies, minds, and spirits that allow us to keep looking for new adventures.” At Capelli’s, we love being the ones to help you renew your confidence, as well as boost your spirit. Find our salon on Schedulicity, give us a call at 406-263-2009, or stop into say ‘hello” at 1401 Gold Avenue.

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Make an Impact for Mom

Memorable ways to celebrate the mother figure in your life

The moms and the mother figures in our lives mean everything to us. They deserve the best every day, of course. But at least one day out of the year, we get to shower them with the same love and thoughtfulness they give to us so selflessly.

This year, we hope you’ll consider some memorable ways to make lasting memories with the mom or mother figure in your life. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!

Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Mom feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your mom, wife, sister or maternal figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.

Take a Flower Arranging Class

Mother’s Day arrives just as spring is in full bloom. Take advantage of the season by going to a flower arranging class with mom.

Make a Memory Book or Scrapbook Together

Before Mother’s Day, go through everybody’s camera rolls and Instagram feeds and choose her favorite photos. Get them printed ahead of time so you can make a memory book. You might just love it so much you make it a yearly tradition.

Plan a Spa Day For Her and Her Friends

Mom will truly appreciate you going out of your way to set her up with a massage or facial appointment. Invite her friends along, too!

Craft the Perfect Playlist

Songs about mothers and mom’s favorite songs can come together into the perfect playlist to put on during brunch or dinner. You can either make it for her or take turns being DJ and alternate picks.

Have a Make-Your-Own Pizza Party

DIY pizza: It’s a craft (depending on how artfully you place the toppings), an activity and a meal all at once! Start with basic pizza dough, then everyone gets to add their favorite toppings. Mom gets the first pick, of course.

Hold a Lawn-Game Tournament

Croquet, cornhole, bocce, outdoor Jenga or horseshoes — what’s your family’s game of choice? Split into teams and drum up some friendly rivalry — while soaking in rays — with a backyard challenge. Make it an annual event, and pass around a trophy to the winner each year.

Visit an Amusement Park

For the mom who’s always seeking adventure, a trip to your nearest amusement park will be a welcome surprise. Not only will you be able to treat her to her fill of funnel cakes and caramel corn, but she’ll enjoy all the rides and attractions her heart desires. If you ask us, it’s a win-win.

Have a Backyard BBQ

Sure, backyard barbecues are often associated with Father’s Day, but Mom loves her burgers and dogs, too, so why should Dad get all the fun? If the weather cooperates, fire up the grill!

Make Something Totally Unique

If you do a DIY craft project, write a poem or come up with a silly dance, you know mom will love it because it is 100% you. No one can one-up a one-of-a-kind experience! You can make them for her and present them to her, or involve her in their creation.

Spruce Up The Garden

Gardeners know that Mother’s Day is the perfect time to start planting seeds. Get the whole family outside and dig in the dirt together. Every time she sees them, she’ll be reminded of the special day — it’s the gift that keeps on giving! Some flowers that are fairly easy to maintain include sunflowers, marigolds and sweet peas.

Make Pottery

Not only will you leave with a one-of-a-kind piece, but you’ll also be able to bond as you explore a new activity.

Head to the Farmers Market

There’s nothing like waking up with the sun and going to the farmer’s market on the weekend. Pick fresh produce and discover new favorites with mom, coffee in hand.

Watch Home Movies

Whether this involves digitizing old VHS tapes or getting video files off your phone and onto the TV, dig into the family archives and host a home-movie marathon. She’ll get emotional seeing how much everyone has grown.

Check Something Off Her To-Do List

Dad knows - Mom has a to-do list a mile long. Whether it’s tasks around the house or a DIY project, find out what has been nagging Mom and help her cross it off her list by doing it for her!

Planting Spring Flowers

Helpful tips for planting spring flowers

Sun-Loving Plants:

Spring is here! We compiled a list of flowers that - depending on your planting zone - can be planted in the season.

Plumbago

Has beautiful dark blue or white flowers on a large shrub of 3 to 5 feet. This tends to freeze down in winter and comes back from roots in the spring.

Hibiscus

The tropical variety will not survive the winters so move those pots inside. The plant can get up to 5 feet tall and there are many different colors and varieties. The perennial varieties will freeze to the ground but come back in the spring. The variety Moy Grande is known as the dinner plate hibiscus. The Texas star hibiscus has beautiful flowers in red or white.

Bougainvillea

These colorful plants can be planted in baskets and pots, not in water-logged or low areas where water might collect. They will grow best when given enough space to spread out, and should be planted in an area that will allow them a minimum of 5-6 hours of sunlight every day. Colors include orange, pink, purple, white, red, tangerine and fuschia to name a few.

Purslane

This is great in baskets for trailing leaves with lots of colors. The bees love it!

Butterfly Weed

This 3 to 4-foot bush is a must for monarch lovers. Monarchs feed on the leaves before making their cocoons. It has beautiful orange and yellow flowers.

Lantana

This is a great hot weather plant that comes in many colors and varieties. Trailing varieties only get about 1 foot tall but can get 3 to 4 feet wide. There are bush varieties that get 4 feet tall and dwarf bushes only get about 2 feet tall. It comes in yellows, purples, reds, oranges, pinks, fuschia, and many others.

Greggs Blue Mist

This fuzzy light blue flower is a butterfly favorite.

Pentas

This is another bee and butterfly favorite that grows about 10 to 12 inches tall. There is a graffiti variety in different colors that works in beds or pots.

Vinca/Periwinkle

This plant comes in upright or trailing varieties. There are many colors to choose from: lavender, white with a red center, peach, white and red pink to strawberry.

Sages

There are many varieties of sage. The Texas sage is a shrub that has beautiful lavender flowers - a favorite for bees. They usually bloom around the time it rains. Henry Duelberg variety is a smaller bush 18 to 20 inches tall with blue stalks of blooms. Russian Sage is a tall silver lacey foliage with light blue flower spikes and grows to 4 feet tall. Deer tend to stay away from most of the sages.

ARTICLE BY LORI HAWKINS

Shade-Loving Plants:

Turk’s Cap

This plant makes a large bush of red or pink flowers. It has low water needs once established and can tolerate drought conditions and hot temperatures. Prune back plant in winter if it gets too leggy.

Impatiens

These need more water than most other plants and come in many colors. They are valued for their vibrant colors, abundant blooms, and tolerance for shade.

Caladiums

With lush multicolored leaves, many larger than the palm of your hand, caladiums have become one of the most popular foliage plants for shady or semi-shady gardens—with many recent introductions being sun tolerant.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

Food Truck Festival

325 SOUTH CHURCH, BOZEMAN | 4:00 PM

Cancer Support Community to announce their very first Food Truck Festival. Mark it on your calendar, tell your friends, this event is going to be so much fun! Come out for some amazing food trucks, live music and to support their incredible cause. Thursday. May. 4   4-7pm, Bogart Park Pavillion, 325 South Church, Bozeman.

American Aquarium

THE ARMORY MUSIC HALL IN BOZEMAN | 7:00 PM

The Armory Music Hall in Bozeman in cooperation with Deco Music Group is proud to present the American Aquarium in concert on May 6th at 7:00pm. This alternative country band from North Carolina has released 7 albums since they came together in 2006. For more information on the band and ticket purchase, visit www.armorymusichall.com .

Save And Fix Your Relationship/Marriage (FREE Webinar) Belgrade

VIA ZOOM

HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/8547870302  | 4:00 PM

Marckenson Meristil has been a Relationship Coach for over 11 years helping couples to rekindle communication, passion and intimacy into their relationship. He’s hosted over 5540 plus Virtual Live Webinars the last 3 years and over 10,000 people in Live Webinars. Sunday, May 7,  4:00– 5:30 pm, Via Zoom us02web.zoom. us/j/8547870302

Lifeguard Instructor Course - Bozeman

1 MAIN ST BOZEMAN

World Academy of Safety & Health (WASH) Lifeguard Certification course is designed to prepare participants to effectively train individuals who wish to become lifeguards. Successful completion of this instructor-level course is the first step to start teaching pool, waterpark, and waterfront lifeguard classes. May 12th -14th at  1 Main St Bozeman. Registration is $350 at www.eventbrite.com/e/lifeguard-instructorcourse-bozeman-mt-tickets-484401436737

Monthly Couples Dinners at Historic 1889 Barn

1889 BARN, 12670 PORTNELL ROAD BOZEMAN | 5:00 PM

Enjoy appetizers and drinks in the loft and dinner on the main floor surrounded by beautiful artwork. Desserts can be enjoyed either inside or out in the garden afterwards. The menu is set, these nights are not for restricted diets. $225 per couple. May 19, 5:00pm–7:00pm, 1889 Barn, 12670 Portnell Road Bozeman. www.1889barn.com

Gary Renard "A Course In Miracles: Wholeness is Healing"

THE RIALTO, 10 WEST MAIN STREET | 10:00 AM

Gary is an insightful  and courageous spiritual speaker. Over the past five years, Gary has spoken in 44 states, 31 countries, and was a keynote speaker at the international A Course in Miracles Conferences in Utah and California. Saturday May 20, 10:00am-5:00pm at The Rialto, 10 West Main Street. www.garyrenard.com

Love Our Local Workers

ARTICLE BY ANNIE MARCH

What makes Bozeman great is the love of community; from businesses, to nonprofits, to events, and the wonderful outdoor activities available for us. One of our deepest passions is to support local businesses. This month we want to shine a light and show love to all of our local workers whether they are employed at locally owned or big box businesses to keep Bozeman a beautiful and supportive place to live.

As we all know, Bozeman is the home of our beloved Montana State University, but what would our school be without the students? Many of those students are Montana residents, with most working while studying for their degrees. These are hard working students! And you best believe we can consider them their own businesses: working hard for their tuition, their lives outside of school, and maybe even their families. These students contribute services to the community they live and study in by working in the restaurants, retail, labor, etc, supporting themselves while at the same time bettering themselves and their community.

With the growth rate of Bozeman rising every single year, new families join our local families in this lifestyle. Families like my own who have found a home here 8 years ago, or those who moved in last week, the growth is extraordinary, and we are all here with a common goal: work hard and play hard.

Many families have both parents working full or part time jobs. These parents are also contributing services and even goods to our community, just like our students. Think about it! In service industries, the tips collected by these parents can pay for dance lessons, Christmas presents, you name it! Let’s face it. Living in Bozeman is rather expensive, but very much worth it!  With such a connected community, we help spread the word verbally or virtually about the old and new “brick and mortar” businesses. That is what makes them thrive! Take Capelli’s for example. Twenty-two plus years in business and we are still being discovered by local and visiting clients. The word gets around and keeps going. It can be difficult for locally-owned businesses to succeed in their community. It is up to us to maintain the environment and connectivity in our community to encourage the expansion of our local businesses. If you discover a new, upcoming store/boutique/restaurant, share the news!

We love our local businesses here in our ever-expanding Bozeman. Everyone: service providers, sales people, laborers, retailers, etc. We are all here together to live our best possible lives. There is nothing better than a community that helps each other, spreading the kindness and love that this wonderful town has to offer. Remember to tip your server!