Montana Makers, Rachel Pohl and Brianna Moore

This week, we’re spending time with Montana Makers, Rachel Pohl and Brianna Moore. These fast friends encourage one another in their art as well as adventure. Both women pour their hearts into working with their hands. When they aren’t busy in the studio, you can find them enjoying the great wilderness that Montana has to offer.

Meet painter Rachel Pohl. Her vibrant landscapes are entirely inspired by her nature filled life in Bozeman. Browse her work here: http://www.rachelpohlart.com.

“My journey as a painter has been incredibly fun and positive for the most part. I value hard work beyond most things, and the patience, skill, and progression involved with my work has been extremely motivating and instructive. I went to college for art, but I ultimately taught myself the technical skills needed for my career long before that. I became enamored with acrylics after my grandfather passed away and I inherited his paints. I was 14. I started oil painting in high school, and took so many print making and some ceramics classes in college. There have been plenty of frustrating moments, including a negative college professor who really despised my work and gave me the only ‘B’ I ever received in college. That experience taught me that there will always be people who don’t appreciate what we do, and to not take it personally. As I have become more competent at painting, a whole world has opened up- I am so excited to improve more and use my work for environmental and social change. The more I create and the more I observe on adventures in the mountains, the deeper my love and obsession for the craft of painting becomes.” -Painter @rachel.pohl

Meet Brianna Moore. She a craftswoman who sells embellished hats, a singer/songwriter, and an outdoor enthusiast. Take a look at her work here: http://www.brimoorecreative.com.

“I’m in constant search of creative expression paired with adventure in the outdoors. The two main jobs I juggle on the daily are my hat business and being a singer/songwriter. The hats I make are hand-embellished, most often of mountain landscapes. These hats are inspired by my passion for being outside and using my body to explore to far and wild places. Most often my exploration is in pursuit of mountain biking, an epic peak summit, or an untouched ski line.” -Maker @brimoorecreative

“Mother nature is our greatest unifier as humans. Our existence is only possible because of her. For this reason, from a young age it’s been inherent within me to respect and protect our earth, while simultaneously indulging in natures gifts as often as possible. The simple pleasures of sunrises, sunsets, expansive views as far as the eye can see, and wild animal sightings are all gifts from nature. Immersed in the natural world is when I’m able to be truly present in the moment, feel grounded, and feel worthy and whole. A day spent in the mountains is what I live for.” -Brianna Moore

“Nature is definitely at the center of all that I do. I grew up in the mountains and that’s where I feel at home. I’d much rather be mountain biking, fishing, or in the back-country for days on end than in a city. Mountains are my sanctuary, where I go to feel simultaneously quiet and exuberant. I also have a healthy respect for nature, as I have lost friends to avalanches and mountaineering/ climbing accidents. But ultimately, these are the playgrounds that make us feel whole and happy, and my paintings are a way for people to bring the mountains home. In the future I want all of my work to have an environmental undertone to it, in order to save wildlife and public lands from being harmed. Because without those places and creatures, my work wouldn’t be the same.” -Rachel Pohl

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help and lean on others for support. I was really unsure of how to even begin the pursuit of starting my own small business and creating a website. I knew I could sew. I was unsure if people would like my hats. I liked them and my friends liked them. If I hadn’t asked for help I wouldn’t have been able to do it. And if it weren’t for encouragement and advice from others I’m not sure if I would have tried.” -Brianna Moore

“I have always loved to both observe and create, and to manifest reverence for special experiences. I was never into TV as a kid, my older brother and I grew up running around the mountains of Montana, we were raised to have creative minds and adventurous hearts. When I was about three or four years old, I started creating vivid imagery of animals and landscapes, where I would fill entire pages with color. Picture a penguin in a field of wildflowers meticulously created by a toddler, they are pretty adorable. I was hooked on the positive responses from both the simple act of making artwork, and the delighted words of encouragement from my parents. I don’t really remember a time when I wasn’t an artist.” -Rachel Pohl

“Painting simply makes me happy. I use vibrant colors that mirror the excitement we feel outdoors, and the concise nature of my style shows the reverence for those places. The fact that I’ll take so much time to create my paintings is indicative of the importance I hold for them. Nothing is better than an exhausting day in the mountains where I become inspired to paint. It’s my way of reliving an experience when I create a painting, and each time I see the painting or a print of it. And I want that to translate to the viewer, for them to feel that infinite and ethereal feeling we all get in the mountains, paddling on a lake, or interacting with wildlife.” -Rachel Pohl

It’s your turn. Get out there and get inspired!

Shaking Up Social Media and How Women Are Portrayed

Let’s take a minute to think about women in media and how we’re portrayed. It’s a common enough topic these days. Many of us are aware that our society is continually bombarded with gorgeous glamazon women, thin and flawless, with glowing skin and shiny hair, perfectly positioned, sitting, standing still, just waiting to be admired.
We all know the wonders of Photoshop, the great works of make-up artists, and the phenomena of calorie counting. Even once the smoke and mirrors are revealed, it can still be hard to shake the conditioned image of what women are expected to be in this day and age. Of course what we need is an adjustment of those expectations. We say we’ll think differently and react on a more educated level when we see these constant reminders of what our culture demands of us. But it can be tough to stand strong against the nonstop barrage.
We need to start consuming media that shows us the real strength and beauty of women. Watch movies and read books that pass the Bechdel Test. That’s simply a work of fiction that features at least two women who talk to each other about something other than a man. Quite shockingly, there are few contemporary pieces that pass. Seek out the ones that do. Toss out the magazines that tempt you into the never-ending chase after a newer, thinner, fitter, happier, sexier you. Trust me, once you find your true path in life and do what it takes to follow it, you’ll be the better version of yourself that everyone hopes to be.
Don’t buy into the misconception that women are catty with each other and just want to compete at all costs. Stop perpetuating that behavior. We need to build each other up. Be inspired by the strong trailblazers who have left a wake that shakes things up. That’s my ultimate goal with Crafted in Carhartt. It’s a place in social media, where women are portrayed as the strong, capable, creative, and awesome people that they truly are. Let’s focus on the good we as women can bring to the world. Be challenged by women making art, building skills, making things, and getting business done. We can all learn from each other’s stories and advice.
I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather see images of women, who are masters of their trade, proficiently swinging a hammer, shoveling coal, and accomplishing something great than someone who is dead in the eyes, forcing a smile as just the right amount of wind tousles her hair. How about you?

Pictured above is Detroit artist, Kate Silvio. Read more about her and her work here.

 

The Empowerment Plan

Perhaps one of the greatest attributes of a good leader is not to be daunted by unfulfilled needs. To instead see obstacles as a problem to be solved and not a crippling factor that prevents progress. Just four years ago, Veronika Scott was challenged by a class assignment to create something that solved a social need. After spending time at Detroit homeless shelters, Veronika envisioned a waterproof, heat-trapping jacket that could transform into a sleeping bag.
A good leader is also open to criticism and input. So when one of the women staying at the shelter told Veronica that they needed jobs, not jackets, Veronika listened. The jackets did seem like a temporary fix to a larger issue. How could this project meet an even greater need in the community?
One of the most devastating blows a society can thrust upon itself is an environment where women don’t realize how valuable they are. Veronika stepped up to the plate to knock down those misconceptions. She is now the founder and CEO of The Empowerment Plan, a non-profit that employs women in homeless shelters to make jackets for the homeless of Detroit. It’s an atmosphere where women who once had little hope can learn and change their way of thinking. They have the opportunity to realize that they hold the power to change their future. They are strong, independent, and capable.
Meet Teia. She’s been a seamstress at The Empowerment Plan for over a year. Teia recognized this job as a once in lifetime opportunity and she has used it as a step in the right direction for herself and her two children. Way to go, Teia. Your efforts are an inspiration to us all.

Teia’s outfit: Carhartt Women’s Force Performance Tank, Clarksburg Zip-Front Sweatshirt, & Slim Fit Nyona Jean 

Under Construction

 

The path of your career, your craft, and even your hobbies can be long and hard.
Don’t forget, there isn’t a set path for everyone. Find your own way.
If you make a mistake, don’t give up. Keep up the hard work.

“The road to success is always under construction.” -Lily Tomlin

take a look at the El Paso Utility Vest pictured above

Imani of Keep Growing Detroit

 

There is a certain feeling of empowerment and resolve that come with sticking your own two hands in the soil and growing your own food. Dusting the dirt off your clothes after a hard day of work never felt so good. To watch your labor generate new life is almost as satisfying as taking a big bite out of a your fresh produce.

Spend some time with the folks at Keep Growing Detroit and you’ll know what I’m talking about. This non-profit organization makes it possible to grow fruits and veggies in the city limits for the people of Detroit. Their focus is to help residents create a healthy relationship with food, spread knowledge about growing and farming, and cultivate a sense of community.

After a few minutes of following Imani around as she worked in the gardens, I sensed her connection with the land. With experience and dexterity, she performed each familiar task as if she were having her daily conversation with the ground. The interdependent relationship between Mother Nature and those who harvest its potential is one that should be respected and never taken for granted.

Included above are some tips to starting your own garden. Take a look at some of Imani’s Carhartt gear that helps her get the job done: Carhartt Women’s Force Equator Jacket, Carhartt Force Performance Quarter-Zip Shirt, Original-Fit Canvas Crawford Dungaree, Wellington Boot, and Soft Hands Gloves. 

“but I don’t think I would be near as happy working 9-5 in a suit”

Meet Josey Butler. She grew up on a rural Missouri cattle farm and now lives and works in Texas, training horses and competing in rodeos. Josey is a fireball if I’ve ever met one. So much skill and determination flow from her as she steps into the arena. She’s confident and bold. Her horses knows who’s boss. She’s authoritative and filled with compassion and understanding at the same time. The relationship with a horse and his master is so complex and unlike anything else. When I asked Josey to explain that connection to me, I was blown away by her response.

“Being the weird horse girl growing up has taken me places nationally a lot of people will never see. It’s extremely hard work, people think you just ride horses all day, and there is so much more too it than that. You have to be a part time vet and part time therapist to a 1200 lb animal who can’t just tell you what’s wrong. You have to be a carpenter, plumber, electrician, and mechanic because things don’t always malfunction during business hours, and running a horse training facility relies on all those things daily. You’re also an accountant and secretary because the government still wants taxes, and there is an amazing amount of paperwork involved in both billing and accounts payable when your entering events and such. On the other hand when you’re recieving checks, or an award for a job well done for a client, or even just sitting on a great horse at the end of the day, watching the sunset– it’s unbelievably satisfying. Most people who train in the horse industry never end up on the cover of Forbes but I don’t think I would be near as happy working 9-5 in a suit.”

A life and career driven by passion and a solid work ethic is worth the sweat. Find what drives you and make it happen. Be grateful for the little things you do day-to-day that remind you why you’ve chosen the path you’re on. Find joy in the sunsets.

see Josey’s work gear here: Carhartt Women’s Norfolk Henley, Marlinton Vest, & Carhartt Women’s Jasper Jeans