Kricia Storms
Bang Bang Hat Co
In a world where mass production often overshadows individual expression, Kricia Storms found her calling in offering a unique approach to hat making where she learned learned the intricate art of hat making in Florence, Italy before returning to Bozeman. Unlike traditional retail models, Bang Bang provides semi-custom hat experiences, allowing individuals to choose their hat’s color and shape. Each hat is then meticulously shaped and embellished during a 2-hour appointment to reflect the wearer’s unique personality and style. Handmade from premium European hare and beaver felts, these hats are designed to be lived in, empowering wearers to feel bold and confident. For those seeking an even more personalized touch, they offer made-to-measure and virtual experiences, crafting hats that are molded precisely to the individual’s head. To maintain the quality and intimacy of the hat-making experience, Bang Bang operates by appointment only. However, the studio occasionally opens on weekends for walk-ins and those looking to purchase hat accessories. Their Fall Collection will be launching this month and will introduce fresh colors to the in-person hat experience and expand into more styles for men, ensuring that there’s a perfect hat for everyone.
Shauna White Bear
White Bear Moccasins
A self-taught moccasin maker based in Bozeman, Shauna White Bear embarked on her moccasin-making journey at the historic Carter's Boot location downtown in 2018. As an enrolled member of the MHA Nation, with Hidatsa ancestry—a sister tribe to the Appsáalooke, also known as the Crow—her lineage's moccasins echo softly through the region. White Bear blends modern style with traditional finesse, crafting moccasins for all walks of life. Her choice of Bison leather as the primary medium stems from its exceptional durability, being three times stronger than cowhide. The bison, vital to the plains people historically and culturally, holds significance that should resonate with all of North America's inhabitants. While bison leather remains her staple, she also employs elk and deerskin when available. White Bear Moccasins distinguishes itself as an Indigenous-owned company, with each pair meticulously hand-stitched by Indigenous college students representing various Montana tribes. The White Bear team comprises individual artists, with a commitment to passing down leatherworking skills to future generations and sourcing materials locally whenever feasible. Shauna's innovative artistic vision shines through in her use of diverse materials like wool, elk ivories, brass spots, seed beads, antler toggles, and animal pelts.
Stacy Townsend
Commonform Jewelry
Commonform.co
Inspired by connection and the unique forms of self expression, Stacy Townsend's jewelry line Commonform was born of inspiration, experiences, and conversation not in solitude, but in community. Drawn to both organic and geometric shapes, and the uniqueness of natural stones, her pieces focus on subtlety and timelessness — jewelry for living in and living with. Townsend is a multi-disciplinary creator. Her other works—as a graphic designer and photographer—can be found elevating the vision and work of others, as Townsend Collective. Their recent launch of the Bolo Tie collection has been a great hit, both online and locally. They are in the process of launching a collaborative bridal jewelry line with Jasmine Snyder of Jasmine Lilly Bridal. Their jewelry is made to wear and treasure; jewelry for living in and living with. Aiming to combine the love for creating with a fondness of gift giving, and finding a special piece. Commonform is designed and produced locally in Bozeman where they are guided by the belief that good design is for everyone. They strive to make effortless, modern pieces that are both high-quality and affordable. Signature styles are created alongside some experimental pieces that are often limited editions or special releases, and in collaboration with others.
“Bang Bang isn’t just a hat shop; it’s a place where stories are crafted, and individuality is celebrated.” —Kricia Storms
"Art is everywhere and I’ve naturally been drawn to unique pieces of it." —Shauna White Bear
“We are guided by our belief that good design is for everyone, and aim to make effortless, modern pieces that are both high-quality and affordable.” —Stacy Townsend