March is International Women’s Month. This month we showcase the ongoing work and pursuit of a gender equal world. A tribute to a month dedicated to commemorating and celebrating the vital role of women in our society. For the past three years, we’ve focused our efforts in highlighting and sharing the stories of the many talented women in our very own community – makers, community members, neighboring businesses, leaders and our own team of brilliant women. Women Supporting Women is our theme for the month of March.

In celebration of International Women’s Month, we've collaborated with our beloved local female makers to create an exclusive collection: Women for Women. Please enjoy getting to know these amazing women and see for yourself why we adore them and the wonderful products they create.

Above photo courtesy of The Bee in the Fox. 
Interviews by Heyday team writer, Porter Margolis.

Natalie Van Dusen and Deejay Newell have been fearlessly roasting since 2013 with the core mission to provide a unique and excellent coffee experience. Treeline is a small batch, artisan coffee roaster in pursuit of an unforgettable cup of coffee. They pride themselves on sourcing excellent coffees seasonally and roasting each bean to highlight the unique flavors that make for a rich and dynamic cup of coffee. Based in Bozeman, Montana.

1. What are you excited about these days?

NATALIE: Growing our team and our brand.
DEEJAY: Building our brand, e-commerce. Getting recognized more as a household name and contender in the specialty coffee world.

2. What makes you feel the most like yourself?

NATALIE: Exploring new places and adventuring outside.
DEEJAY: Frolicking in the sun after a day at work that left me energized and recharged.

3. When are you the most inspired?

NATALIE: When I have free time and am going about my life, whether it’s daily activities or on a trip. When I can observe my surroundings, I find inspiration in what’s around me. I like to take things that already exist and use them in new ways.
DEEJAY: When something new and exciting is happening, I find myself drawn to the energy and want to be a part of it. I then harness that energy for Treeline or for my personal life.

4. How would you define yourself in three words.

NATALIE: Enthusiastic. Traveler. Empathetic.
DEEJAY: Enthusiastic. Thoughtful. Yellow.

5. A person you admire?

NATALIE: I always get hung up on a question like this, because I admire so many people. In the business world, I admire my old friend Sam Bell. She was a camp counselor of mine who went on to open her own camp in Australia where the American style of camps is foreign. She blazed her own trail and built an inspiring business.
DEEJAY: Natalie Van Dusen, for letting me tag along on her dreams all these years :)

6. What does success look like to you?

NATALIE: A healthy balance of work and play, but always pushing forward.
DEEJAY: A thriving business that helps provide to our community and is deeply intertwined with both the Bozeman, Mountain Town, and Coffee cultures.

7. If you could collaborate with any other maker or company, who would it be?

NATALIE + DEEJAY: Collaboration is our jam! We love working with others and have the pleasure of doing so often. There is no one person we'd like to collab with, rather we enjoy working with those who share our values and mission. Lucky for us there are so many amazing people to collaborate with within our community.

8. You get pit access and backstage passes, what concert do you choose?

NATALIE + DEEJAY: Lizzo, always.

9. One thing that's still on your bucket list?

NATALIE: Coffee sourcing trips to Africa
DEEJAY: Northern Europe

10. Best advice to your 12 year old self?

NATALIE: Take every opportunity
DEEJAY: Constructive criticism is not a challenge or reflection of success, but an opportunity to grow and learn.

Started by Tatum Johnson, Intrigue Ink is a women-owned business dedicated in creating unique handcrafted clothing and goods from over 20 local artists. The talented Intrigue Ink team hand draws each graphic and hand-prints the design on a variety of wares including apparel, tea towels and hats. Designs feature different local artists in historic downtown Bozeman. They screen print all of their awesome products by hand and put pride into every single piece the create. Made and based in Bozeman, Montana.

1. What are you excited about these days?

Is it too early to say summer?! Not only am I excited for the warm skies and green grass, but also our summer 23 collection is going to be sooo fun and delicious. We are in the middle of a slight re-brand and cannot wait to share it with you!

2. What makes you feel the most like yourself?

I feel most like myself when I am at home, in the garden, with a coffee in hand and my cat Ponyo at my feet!

3. When are you the most inspired?

Inspiration hits in the morning, in the spring, in the moonlight, in nature, in the company of strong people, in the car, on a bike, with my family, in a book, when it snows, and on the dance floor.

4. How would you define yourself in three words?

Funky-Fresh (that’s 1 word), cheerful (the definition of my name) annnd creative (I just want to make things!).

5. A person you admire?

My husband, Tim White. He is so generous, action-based, self-reliant, confident and beautiful! He continues to inspires me to be my best self and to push the proverbial envelope!

6. What does success look like to you?

Success has changed a lot for me over the years. Today it means Intrigue Ink runs smoothly and efficiently, it means we have an amazing team of hardworking women. It means we are purposeful and have fun at work. It means we are in control, balance and grounded. It means we are generous and free. It means we continue to meet our goals, make money and push our limits. It means we are stronger together and that we beat to our own drum.

7. If you could collaborate with any other maker or company, who would it be?

I would love to collaborate with Dolly Parton…obviously.

8. You get pit access and backstage passes, what concert do you choose?

Oh mannn, Beastie Boys.

9. One thing that's still on your bucket list?

I have never been to Europe, who’s coming with me?!

10. Best advice to your 12 year old self?

Don’t worry what other people think, no one will do it for you, be action-based, trust yourself, and keep going BB!!

Stacy Townsend is the founder and designer of Commonform jewelry. Her pieces focus on subtlety and timelessness — jewelry for living in and living with. Inspired by points of connection and classic beauty this jewelry line is a place of inspiration, experiences, and conversation. Commonform’s mission is to keep jewelry wearers kitted out in brass, silver and stones. Combining a love for creation and gift giving, their collections are produced by hand by women in Bozeman, Montana.

1. What are you excited about these days?

I feel excited about the ability to travel internationally with ease again. Much has changed in the last few years, and it feels so good to be living - really living - in our new norm.

2. What makes you feel the most like yourself?

I feel the most myself anytime that I am creating. The process of designing, making, and creating anything with my hands and mind is an experience that I'm completely hooked on.

3. When are you the most inspired?

I feel the most inspired when traveling. It cracks me open to see and experience the infinite ways people express themselves and their brands, make art and design spaces. I am constantly fascinated by how expression has evolved in various cultures over time. Those feelings and experiences have an immeasurable influence on my work.

4. How would you define yourself in three words?

Creative, curious and kind.

5. A person you admire?

Kelly Wearstler. The way she plays with form and color, and her collaborations with emerging and established artists, is infinitely inspiring.

6. What does success look like to you?

The best form of success I can measure has been building a resilient business that provides abundance and goodness for myself and others. It is a gift to get to create a space where we can all show up and be our most authentic and whole-human selves and support each other while doing good work that supports our clients and customers.

7. If you could collaborate with any other maker or company, who would it be?

If you could collaborate with any other maker or company, who would it be?I love this question; collaboration is so important to us, and a process that we really enjoy. I have always thought it would be fun to work with a costume designer on a futuristic film. The task of imagining how we'll be adorning ourselves deep in the future feels exciting and interesting.

8. You get pit access and backstage passes, what concert do you choose?

Brandi Carlile!

9. One thing that's still on your bucket list?

Learning to weld. I feel excited to take what I know about joining metals at a very small scale, and apply it to larger more practical pieces, like furniture and more.

10. Best advice to your 12 year old self?

Follow your heart... and play! Ignore the "shoulds" and projections that the world puts on you, and follow what you know you love. The rest will fall into place.

Glo Luxury Oils is committed to creating and delivering 100% natural and organic products to nourish, protect, and regenerate your skin without compromising on health, safety, quality or sustainability. Their ingredients are sourced from farms around the globe that are wild crafted, free of chemicals, herbicide, or pesticides and are of fair-trade value. Founder Megan Ulrichs visits farms and botanical gardens around the U.S., Europe and Morocco, passionately sourcing ingredients and creating personal connections with growers and local communities. Glo is based in Bozeman, Montana.

1. What are you excited about these days?

SO much! I’m currently researching and formulating 10 small batch products and a secret new product line within Glo. I feel like a percolator with ideas and formulas bubbling out of me these days.

2. What makes you feel the most like yourself?

Being in my lab with music while concocting, being solo in nature or simply flowing at home with my man in my comfy cozies.

3. When are you the most inspired?

On vacation or after taking serious down time with lots of sleep, fresh air and movement. Taking breaks seems to open this portal of ideas that just flow through me.

4. How would you define yourself in three words?

Rooted in love

5. A person you admire?

My mom. She is clever, creative, kind and eternally grateful and positive..despite her challenges

6. What does success look like to you?

Creating a life doing what I love..it’s not about the money so much as it is about carving out space to play hard, love deeply and create freely. Abundance is a mindset~I feel incredibly abundant in this life.

7. If you could collaborate with any other maker or company, who would it be?

Goop~ I admire Gwyneth Paltrow and what she’s created in her company: Sustainability, female and minority empowered, authenticity with a little bit of spice!

8. You get pit access and backstage passes, what concert do you choose?

Definitely Dead and Co..but I’ll donate my back stage passes bc I turn into a total star struck goob in the presence of rock stars 🥴

9. One thing that's still on your bucket list?

To visit more botanical farms around the world while sourcing more ingredients and connecting with growers. I learn SO much during each visit and it inspires me to be more generous with my knowledge and passion.

10. Best advice to your 12 year old self?

Trust every season of your life young lady. Slow down and marinate in the beauties of everyday living. Run towards the things that scare you. Don’t bite your tongue! Speak your truth..with compassion, rooted in love.

Lori Palmer of Uncommon Scents has been hand-pouring candles since 1993. She is both thoughtful and meticulous in her selection of signature scents, quality of her 100% soy candle wax, and use of full cotton wicks and unique vessels. This all comes together to forge a truly local and Montanan candle that we are proud to carry. Her top-selling candles are a Heyday customer favorite. Lori’s passion for capturing memories in scent for people to hold onto and cherish.

1. What are you excited about these days?

Spring! I have been lucky to live most of my life in an area of our country that experiences all four seasons, and I would have to say my favorite time of the year has always been spring. The feeling of renewal and re-awakening after a long winter along with the promise of new growth and new beginnings fill my soul.

I’m also excited for this next chapter of my life; traveling with my hubby and experiencing and enjoying the beautiful state of Montana, as well as supporting and growing my little candle business one flicker at a time!

2. What makes you feel the most like yourself?

I’m happiest with dirt under my fingernails after gardening, creating something with my hands, or trying out a new recipe.

3. When are you the most inspired?

After a good conversation with a loved one, when I dream of future trips and travel, after brainstorming candle sessions with my sister, or when I discover a new candle idea or scent. I’m probably most inspired when I’m taking care of myself and allowing moments of stillness to rest and re-fuel. Making time to read a book, go for a walk, call a friend, it’s all so very important. I’m also inspired when I watch my three adult children navigate this crazy, wacky world and seeing them always lead with kindness first. I find inspiration while watching a sunset, observing a beautiful Bozeman snowfall, after connecting and visiting with customers at heyday, and after being treated to a coffee by a co-worker. I’m so very grateful for these small, intimate connections.

4. How would you define yourself in three words?

Dependable, kind and creative.

5. A person you admire?

So many…I find the most admirable people are those who make a difference without needing to be “loud.” Doing what is right because it is right, not because of the accolades received from others.

6. What does success look like to you?

Helping other people –– any shape or form.

7. If you could collaborate with any other maker or company, who would it be?

I’ve already experienced a couple dream collaborations… Ryan Mitchell of Gangbuster’s Pottery as well as Lauren Woods of Hustle & Throw. Not only are these two amazing humans, they are also so incredibly talented. I often find myself pinching myself that I’ve gotten so lucky to partner with these remarkable artists.

8. You get pit access and backstage passes, what concert do you choose?

So hard to name just one artist..Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett and John Mayer would be few.

9. One thing that's still on your bucket list?

A trip exploring Europe’s many sites!

10. Best advice to your 12 year old self?

Enjoy the process and be brave. Push those comfortable boundaries as growth lies beyond them. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Take pause daily to reflect and express gratitude. Lead with kindness. Model patience. Laugh a lot. Remind yourself we are all works in progress. It is an incredible, amazing journey.

Katie Gilbert is an artist who gravitates towards intentional kindness and compassion in the world. She deeply enjoys pursuing an active mountain lifestyle with her family, which inspires her art. She strives for faith in everything she does. Heyday is proud to stock her beautiful artwork on greeting cards, which portrays Montana's Lone Mountain Peak, in the most picturesque form.

1. What are you excited about these days?

Most recently I’ve been excited to be out skiing with my family. Enjoying fresh mountain air and exercise.

2. What makes you feel the most like yourself?

I feel the most like myself when my creativity is flowing.

3. When are you the most inspired?

I'm the most inspired when my mind is quiet and the house too ;)

4. How would you define yourself in three words?

Faithful, grounded, creative

5. A person you admire?

I have countless individuals in my life who I admire. All of them share the same quality of showing kindness and compassion.

6. What does success look like to you?

Success to me is embracing anything that's hard and finding avenues to work through it.

7. If you could collaborate with any other maker or company, who would it be?

Getting to collaborate with other artists in the field of art and design.

8. You get pit access and backstage passes, what concert do you choose?

Concert of my choice … Carrie Underwood!

9. One thing that's still on your bucket list?

Traveling overseas with my family someday would be exciting!

10. Best advice to your 12 year old self?

Remain patient and kind. Work hard and stay humble. Have faith in all that you do.

Santral Lusin is an artist, illustrator, and teller of tales. She is intrigued by the colorful world around her and sees art as a medium through which our dreams speak. Kids need to see themselves reflected in joy filled stories not just biographies, historical fiction or cause books. Heyday is proud to stock her first of a three part series of books, Cloud your Burps are Loud is about the sounds you hear during a rainstorm and where those noises come from.

1. What are you excited about these days?

Pockets….if a dress has pockets I’m buying it. Seriously, though right now I'm working on several picture books that I'm really excited about. Kids need to see themselves reflected in joy filled stories not just biographies, historical fiction or cause books and I plan to be a part of that change.

2. What makes you feel the most like yourself?

Rib Nights

3. When are you the most inspired?

I am most inspired when I am talking with my kids. They have the best outlook on life and say the funniest things. My daughter is such a great artist. She’s only 8 and she sews, knits and writes poetry. She’s mastered the lost arts for sure.

4. How would you define yourself in three words?

Loyal, Conscientious, Creative

5. A person you admire?

My Grandparents….when they left the south during segregation they had relatives begging them not to leave. Some believed going North was a mistake. That they were putting their family at great risk of physical harm or even that they might lose their lives. It was the unknown, but they knew they wanted a better life for their kids and they were willing to risk it all to give them that. I owe all of my success and privilege to their courageous choice. They did that so I can do this.

6. What does success look like to you?

I feel like there are two types of success in this world…one that feeds your bank account and one that feeds your soul. The ladder is the success I desire most. Knowing our children are positively purposeful in their actions and that we have a loyal group of friends that we can rely on no matter the need. That’s success to me.

7. If you could collaborate with any other maker or company, who would it be?

Electric Coffin- being able to see a 3D representation of one of my books would be amazing. I love the medium he works with, he is so talented, and to tell one of my stories in that way would be fantastic.

8. You get pit access and backstage passes, what concert do you choose?

Diana Ross. Her career, legacy, the things she’s experienced and influenced from The Supremes, to Mahogany, to Beyonce.

9. One thing that's still on your bucket list?

To be awarded the Caldecott Medal or be on the New York Times/Amazon Best Sellers List.

10. Best advice to your 12 year old self?

People will tell you exactly who they are. You just have to listen.