FUEL FOR THE FUTURE 

Why We Started The Women in Business Series was conceived to give Montana women business owners an opportunity to share their stories in an authentic and meaningful way. Every story was a collaboration, and my hope is that the featured business owners feel as proud of the work as I am. So much love and passion from everyone involved has gone into this series, and it shows. This has been such an amazing journey, and I’m excited to share the impact that it’s had on me and the M

Shelby Humphreys was in digital marketing for ten years before deciding to step into the world of entrepreneurship. Now, she offers a full range of digital marketing services like social media management, email marketing, and website development to businesses across the Missoula area. Shelby combines creativity and a passion for community in her work through her business, Missoula Social Media. A Lifelong Blend of Creativity and Tech Creativity and design have been a part of

Jenna Nord first fell in love with photography in 2011 after taking community classes. Now, fourteen years later, she is using her talents to capture birth, motherhood, and more for people in Missoula and the surrounding areas. In addition to this work, she also does small business brand photography and wedding photography. Using her camera, Jenna captures vulnerable, powerful moments, creating space for reflection and celebration. The Birth of a Purpose-Driven Business When

Amber and Cassie Coburn didn’t set out to own a restaurant. In fact, they swore they wouldn’t. But today, the sisters co-own The Jawbone—a 1920s-themed cocktail lounge and eatery—in the heart of White Sulphur Springs, Montana. “We kind of always said that we would never own a restaurant,” Cassie admitted. “But we love White Sulphur Springs, we love Meagher County. And so we felt like if we brought something that White Sulphur didn’t already have, it could be a really cool thi

Rooted in Family, Built for the Future Showdown Montana isn’t just a ski hill; it’s a piece of family history. Avery’s grandfather, George Willett, ran the ski area for nearly five decades. In 2020, Avery, her husband, her brothers, and her mom purchased the business from him. Then, in 2022, they added the Edith Hotel to their portfolio, revamping a former Super 8 into a boutique gem. "We were just really honored to be able to continue his legacy," Avery says. "We, of course,

For Ivette, the founder of Ive & Co., creating beauty isn’t a business strategy—it’s a way of life. Based in Huson, Montana, just outside Missoula, she describes herself as a lifestyle artist and her work as a blend of artistry, intentional living, and space refinement that’s entirely her own. “I create art, refine spaces, and elevate lifestyles,” she explains. But this offering didn’t come from a business plan. It came from within. Since she was little, her interest in spac

When Keely Morrison launched her social media management agency, Planina Social, she wasn’t just starting a business. She was stepping into a deeper mission. Based in Missoula, Montana, Keely partners with nonprofits to help them share their stories, connect with their communities, and grow their impact through social media. Her journey started in 2019 when she began managing social media for a nonprofit right before the pandemic hit. At the time, she loved social media but w

A Sweet Start When Leslie Grotjohn signed up for a bake sale to support her stepdaughter’s competitive cheer team, she didn’t know she was about to change the course of her life. She wasn’t a baker. She wasn’t a businessperson. She was a stay-at-home mom with a creative spark and a desire for something that was just hers. The cake pops she made for that fundraiser sold like crazy, and, three months later, Leslie launched One Sweet Bite, a custom cake pop business that now sup

Centering People in the Workplace Bonnie Bishop is a public health professional, trained storyteller, and founder of Mazí Health, a Missoula-based company that supports organizations across Montana in improving employee wellbeing and transforming workplace culture. With a foundation of curiosity and compassion, Bonnie’s work focuses on closing the gap between well-intentioned leadership and the lived experiences of workers. Telling Stories That Matter One of the most powerfu

Jessica Catron is a professional cellist, teaching artist, and founder of Grow Music Missoula, a youth-centered music school offering strings education, ensemble experiences, and mentorship in western Montana. Drawing from her career in performance and her passion for youth development, Jessica created a place where musical growth and personal growth go hand in hand. Starting with Curiosity and Creativity Jessica’s path to entrepreneurship wasn’t linear. Her business evolved

April Werle is a Missoula-based painter with a passion for storytelling through art. From an early interest in architecture to a residency in Morocco, April’s journey to entrepreneurship and art has been wholly unconventional. Her art explores themes of cultural heritage, with specific emphasis on the experience of biracialism. Over years of trial and error, April has crafted a sustainable career in fine art. Early Creative Influences and Career Pivot As a kid, it was agreed

In the heart of Montana’s wilderness, Chandra Brown has built a business that bridges education, adventure, and creativity. As the founder of Freeflow Institute, she has crafted a unique model of university-accredited outdoor learning experiences, bringing together writers, educators, and professionals for immersive trips through rivers and backcountry landscapes. Since launching in 2018 in Missoula, Freeflow Institute has grown into a thriving community of thinkers and story

In the heart of Billings, Montana, Micayla D'Ambrosia is weaving more than just chunky yarn blankets—she’s weaving a story of resilience, creativity, and community. As the founder of Grown Cozy, Micayla has transformed a personal struggle into a thriving business that brings warmth and comfort to others, one handmade piece at a time. A Humble Beginning Grown Cozy was born in the fall of 2021, during a time when Micayla was navigating the emotional and mental challenges of pos

From Childhood Creations to Business Success Emma Jacquelyn is a lifelong artist with a natural entrepreneurial drive. From selling hand-drawn paintings to her neighbors as a child to launching her branding and web design business, Desert Rain Design, Emma’s passion for creativity and business has always been intertwined. When the COVID lockdown gave her unexpected time to invest in her dreams, she seized the opportunity to build her design business, transforming her artistic

Morphos Homes isn’t just a cleaning business—it’s a testament to resilience, adaptability, and community-driven entrepreneurship. Founded by Missoula-based business owner Ashli Fry, Morphos Homes began with a single conversation and a leap of faith. Three years later, Morphos Homes has evolved into more than just a cleaning service—it’s a company that uplifts its employees, empowers its clients, and inspires others to turn challenges into opportunities. Morphos Homes was bor

Sustainability and sentimentality are at the heart of Superbloom Gear Repair, a business born out of Marijke Stob’s vision to reduce waste in the outdoor gear and clothing industry. Recognizing that items often tossed aside due to minor damage could have a second life, Marijke has made it her mission to help people repair and cherish their belongings. Superbloom combines technical skill with environmental mindfulness, proving that repair is a powerful alternative to replaceme

Maria Isabel Bonilla Uribe, the spirited Colombian entrepreneur behind Blue Mare Equestrian Services in Billings, Montana, embodies the resilience and creativity that define successful businesswomen. Isabel specializes in horse training, animal care, and a suite of related services, and her story inspires women across Montana to pursue their passions and build businesses that align with their values. Her Colombian heritage plays a vital role both in her work as an equestrian

Ariel Sohn Brand is a homemade kimchi maker, and she really loves cabbage (although there are many other kinds of kimchi), falling more in love each time she makes a batch of kimchi. She also goes by Jung-a, the Korean name her grandmother gave to her, and the name of her business, Jung-a's. Her mom is from Seoul, South Korea, and her dad is Jewish, Hungarian-American who grew up in New York. However, she grew up in Connecticut before eventually moving to Montana in 2015. Aft