20 Bad Ass Girl Power Moments of 2015

The main mission of this blog is to highlight women who do amazing things. That means I come across some of the most awe inspiring people I’ve ever met on a daily basis. At the end of every year, it’s such a treat to look at back at the highlights.

1. Building Hugger, Amy Nicole Swift, is a Crafted in Carhartt darling. She and her crew are working to restore old Detroit, one original window at a time. Preserving the integrity of a building with a nod to the architect’s true intentions is her greatest concern. Amy might be tiny, but she’s tough and doesn’t let anything hold her back.
20 Bad Ass Girl Power Moments of 2015 / Crafted in Carhartt

2. Amanda Sugden of the Montana Outdoor Science School makes it her main mission to help kids fall in love with nature and the science behind it all. As a scientist herself, she is able to guide young minds along Montana trails as she shows them the ins and outs of the earth’s mysteries.
20 Bad Ass Girl Power Moments of 2015 / Crafted in Carhartt

3. Alison Wong of Butter Projects in Royal Oaks, Michigan is not only an artist, but the brains behind a gallery space. She’s an immensely talented illustrator and painter. She even taught us all how to stretch our own canvases.
20 Bad Ass Girl Power Moments of 2015 / Crafted in Carhartt4. Sara Morris, co-owner of Mello Velo Bike Shop in Syracuse, played a huge role in building this business from the ground up. It’s not just any bike shop, it’s also a cafe. An undertaking such as this has so many facets that it takes a business and mechanical mastermind to keep it all under control (and it doesn’t hurt if you’re a pro in the kitchen as well).20 Bad Ass Girl Power Moments of 2015 / Crafted in Carhartt
5. Detroit Drag Racer, Molly Straight, knows her way around a garage and the race track. It takes nerves of steel for this kind of competition. Ever thought of throwing your hat in the ring? Here are some tips from Molly.
20 Bad Ass Girl Power Moments of 2015 / Crafted in Carhartt

6. Real life cowgirl, Rachel Smith, is a hero in my book. Not only does she skillfully compete in rodeos, but she also runs a home in Colorado and dominates life on the ranch. She’s fearless and a undeniable part of Americana.
20 Bad Ass Girl Power Moments of 2015 / Crafted in Carhartt

7. Jewelry Designer and all around artist, Tiff Massey, is killing it on the creative scene in Detroit. We got a tour of her studio and took a peak into the artist residency program she has created for talented youth. Take a dive into pieces here.
20 Bad Ass Girl Power Moments of 2015 / Crafted in Carhartt

8. Clare Fox of Mutual Adoration in Detroit, uses symbolism and salvaged materials in her wood shop. Take a look as she works on the Union Table, ideal for a wedding present, composed of two parts that make a whole.
20 Bad Ass Girl Power Moments of 2015 / Crafted in Carhartt

9. Laura Laster, Director of Flight Operations at LeTourneau University, helps young people find their path to becoming a pilot. She’s been flying for 14 years and enjoying the unbeatable view along the way.
20 Bad Ass Girl Power Moments of 2015 / Crafted in Carhartt

10. Dana Eklund and Katie Jacobson work in the equestrian division at Eagle Mount, teaching people with disabilities about horsemanship. Learning these skills and creating a bond with an animal is an opportunity for tremendous growth and happiness. 20 Bad Ass Girl Power Moments of 2015 / Crafted in Carhartt

11. Potter Andrea Denniston has traveled the world to learn about her craft. After spending a good chunk of time in China, she’s brought back many new skills to Syracuse where she creates gorgeous and delicately detailed pieces. Travel and study has opened her world to to following her passions and developing as an artist.
20 Bad Ass Girl Power Moments of 2015 / Crafted in Carhartt

12. Michigan florist, Holly Rutt, started making soaps as a hobby. Combining her love for nature and interest in healing plant extractions and essential oils, she and her husband created a line of body care products. That’s when her side gig became her full time job. All of the items she sells at The Little Flower Soap Co. are 100% American made and crafted with love.
20 Bad Ass Girl Power Moments of 2015 / Crafted in Carhartt

13. My good friends, Jenny and Rachel Boswell, taught us how to plant a tree. She how you can grow your own forest here.
20 Bad Ass Girl Power Moments of 2015 / Crafted in Carhartt

14. Janie Mills and the folks at Near Westside Initiative and Northside Urban Partnership united forces to create Salt Works. This amazing social enterprise pulls in members of the community and teaches them the tricks of the woodworking trade. Recycling materials that would typically be on course to becoming landfill, the carpenters at Salt Works create artisan furniture.
20 Bad Ass Girl Power Moments of 2015 / Crafted in Carhartt

15. Pinky Jones, farm manager at The Michigan Urban Farming Initiative, sees urban farming and gardening as the opportunity to educate and involve the community. Food insecurity is a problem she takes to heart. She teaches new skills to help others form a connection with nature, helping the people of Detroit have a new way to access a healthy lifestyle.
20 Bad Ass Girl Power Moments of 2015 / Crafted in Carhartt
16. Holly LaGrow, Scenic Charge Artist at Syracuse Stage, brings a play’s set to life through her art work. She interprets the surface finishes of a model and translates it into a full scale set for the stage. It’s a huge job in these often larger than life arenas. Take a closer look here.
20 Bad Ass Girl Power Moments of 2015 / Crafted in Carhartt
17. Catie Newell was trained as an architect and now constructs stunning glass formations that interplay with space, form, light, and color. Take a closer look at these unique reflective glass sculptures here.
20 Bad Ass Girl Power Moments of 2015 / Crafted in Carhartt

18. OUR Detroit, an entirely woman run vodka distillery, found its home in an abandoned liquor store. What was once an eye sore in the neighborhood, untrusting with barred windows and forgotten for many years, has been transformed to a transparent business with arms wide open to the community. It’s the new local hangout where you’re a friend as soon as you step through the door.
20 Bad Ass Girl Power Moments of 2015 / Crafted in Carhartt

19. Wake Robin Farm in Central New York has been in the Schrader family for 40 years. They have grown from 4 cows to about 40. That might sound small to you, but as the Schraders say, “All farmers put their boots on the same way, are affected by the weather, and work hard to make a living. We believe that there are more similarities than differences among farms, regardless of size.” Take a look at Meg’s daily routine here.
20 Bad Ass Girl Power Moments of 2015 / Crafted in Carhartt

20. Ryn Adkins is a co-founder of pop-up restaurant, Roux, where food and design have been blended into a whole new type of dining experience. In this photo she’s working on the dinnerware, combining pottery and welding.
20 Bad Ass Girl Power Moments of 2015 / Crafted in Carhartt

Did you like this post? Take an even deeper dive into our past.
2012 / 2013 / 2014

The search for women who do amazing things continue. If you have any special crafts you’d like to share, email craftedincarhartt@carhartt.com.

20 Bad Ass Girl Power Moments of 2014

The ushering in of the New Year always brings about contemplation and a bit of nostalgia. Let’s take a few moments to remember the stories from 2014 that fill us with pride and hope for womankind.

Best of 2014 / Crafted in CarharttMonica Gryoke gives us a behind-the-scenes tour of Two James Distillery in Detroit.

Best of 2014 / Crafted in CarharttThe James sisters of Drought Juice in Detroit teach us about juice that’s alive.

Best of 2014 / Crafted in CarharttPaige and Gunner show us that dog’s are a girls’ best friend.

Best of 2014 / Crafted in CarharttStephanie Revennaugh teaches us to see the beauty in our own backyard.

Best of 2014 / Crafted in CarharttThe horse wranglers at Mountain Sky Ranch let us know that the best man for the job is a woman.

Best of 2014 / Crafted in CarharttGlass artist, Ona Magaro, reminds us that passion and hard work make for the right combination to start your own business.

Best of 2014 / Crafted in CarharttI give a few pointers in the backpackers’ guide to surviving a Montana adventure.

Best of 2014 / Crafted in CarharttI explore some of the best hot springs that Montana and Wyoming have to offer, come rain or shine.

Best of 2014 / Crafted in CarharttI share a few photography filter hacks to bring new life to vacation photos.

Best of 2014 / Crafted in CarharttCaitlin Kerr of Foxglove Studios in Chicago reminds us that a career switch to the job of your dreams is possible if you take it one step at a time.

Best of 2014 / Crafted in CarharttCrafting time can be the best quality time. My mom and I give a helpful guide on how to make a rain chain.

Best of 2014 / Crafted in CarharttBukola shares stories about her past and present, from life in Nigeria to living in Portland. She also teaches us the Japanese craft of Monigami.

Best of 2014 / Crafted in CarharttAimee Inouye shows us that handmade furniture beats ready to assemble pieces any day of the week.

Best of 2014 / Crafted in CarharttThe Building Hugger, Amy Nicole Swift, makes Detroit a better place one house at a time.

Best of 2014 / Crafted in CarharttI take a look at social media and how women are portrayed. Find out how changing your media consumption can create worthwhile affects.
Best of 2014 / Crafted in CarharttXimena Bedoya explores the transformation of her plastic art through a series of breathtaking gifs. Take a look here.

Best of 2014 / Crafted in CarharttAnne Bujold of Riveted Rabbit Studio in Portland inspires us to take classes and learn about what interests us. It pays off in the long run.

Best of 2014 / Crafted in CarharttMeegan Czop of Rebuilding Exchange in Chicago does her part in changing the dialogue of what women can do, one demolition after another.

Best of 2014 / Crafted in CarharttI explore the lives and contributions of six amazing women in history. They all make for great costume ideas when Halloween rolls around as well.

Peaceful Power in Sculpture

Stephanie Revennaugh / Crafted in Carhartt
Stephanie Revennaugh / Crafted in Carhartt
Stephanie Revennaugh / Crafted in Carhartt
Stephanie Revennaugh / Crafted in Carhartt
Stephanie Revennaugh / Crafted in Carhartt
Stephanie Revennaugh / Crafted in Carhartt
Stephanie Revennaugh / Crafted in Carhartt
Stephanie Revennaugh / Crafted in Carhartt
Stephanie Revennaugh / Crafted in Carhartt
Stephanie Revennaugh / Crafted in Carhartt
Stephanie Revennaugh / Crafted in Carhartt

Stepping into the front room at Stephanie Revennaugh‘s house, I knew I had happened upon a tremendous artist. Her work thoughtfully placed among her beautifully Montana inspired living space played a melody between rich colors, textures, and elements of nature. Different projects were sprawled out, not quite finished, but still breathtaking. She captures a perfect moment of movement in her sculptures, full of life and resounding with a peaceful power.

Stephanie began her career as an artist in oil painting. After a few years, she took a sculpture workshop and felt she’d finally found her native medium. In the thick of the thrill of starting a new piece loaded with endless possibilities, she relishes the challenge of embodying the clay with a spirit all it’s own. Then in turn, seeing the finished work speak to and affect others.

Stephanie’s advice for other women hoping to get into the arts as a full time career is to “start right now clarifying your desires and acting on them consistently.  The road is guaranteed to be full of challenges. Keep showing up through them. Build the best support network around you that you can (which often starts with family) and stay dedicated. The most challenging part for me is balancing creating work with running the business end of an art career. My Mom has stepped into a business manager position for me, which has been wonderful. I’m all about hiring people who have skills in areas I don’t. It relieves frustration, saves time and usually money as well. “

That being said, if you’re dreaming of it now, get after it! There’s no sense delaying when you could be finding your way and building skills as you go. Focus and hard work can get you places. Take it from Stephanie and “trust your creative instincts and passionately create what is in your heart.”

Stephanie’s workwear: Carhartt Women’s Hayward Henley, Carhartt Women’s Sandstone Mock-Neck Vest/Sherpa-Lined, & Carhartt Women’s 1889 Slim Double Front Dungaree

Free Fall DIY-ing

Bringing the Outdoors In / Crafted in Carhartt
Bringing the Outdoors In / Crafted in Carhartt
Bringing the Outdoors In / Crafted in Carhartt
Bringing the Outdoors In / Crafted in Carhartt
Bringing the Outdoors In / Crafted in Carhartt
Bringing the Outdoors In / Crafted in Carhartt
Bringing the Outdoors In / Crafted in Carhartt

Bringing the Outdoors In / Crafted in Carhartt

There is so much to appreciate about fall: crisp air and crunchy footsteps, soft earthy tones and speckled foliage. It marks the start of bonfire season and cuddle-up in-warm-blankets season. I’m a big proponent of surrounding oneself with the great outdoors. That being said, it feels natural to pluck up a few flowers from the yard and put them in a vase, but what about leaves? They can be just as lovely, with free flowing branches and freshly turned hues. Why not give it a try? It’s a free way to decorate for the season and it challenges you to see the beauty in what most consider mundane.

what I wore: Carhartt Women’s Belton Shirt & Carhartt Women’s Series 1889 Sim-Fit Double Front Denim Dungaree 

 

 

 

Glass Artist Ona Magaro

Ona Magaro / Crafted in Carhartt
Ona Magaro / Crafted in Carhartt
Ona Magaro / Crafted in Carhartt
Ona Magaro / Crafted in Carhartt

Ona Magaro / Crafted in Carhartt
Ona Magaro / Crafted in Carhartt
Ona Magaro / Crafted in Carhartt
Ona Magaro / Crafted in Carhartt
Ona Magaro / Crafted in Carhartt
Ona Magaro / Crafted in Carhartt
Ona Magaro / Crafted in Carhartt
Ona Magaro / Crafted in Carhartt
Ona Magaro / Crafted in Carhartt

In a time when men outnumber women in films 3 to 1 on screen, unequal pay based on gender still unfairly affects females on a day to day basis, and social media and advertising outlets are repeatedly beating women down with unrealistic and often times contradictory expectations about beauty, health, and happiness; it’s time we stand together and let out stories and experiences bring about an era of change. Let’s applaud the women who are out there defying stereotypes and pushing forward in careers and fields where they are outnumbered. From one woman’s triumph shared to another’s inspiration spurred, small changes will amount to larger ones that can eventually redefine what it means to be a working woman.

Ona Magaro’s glass creations and her life story are quite the achievements to admire. She has turned her passion into a thriving business. After years of fine-tuning her craft, her work is breathtaking and unlike any I’ve seen. Take a look at the glass sculpture Ona created for us, from start to finish. She envisions the body of a bird by utilizing the simplicity of a single color and an elongated curve, free flowing and elegant. But don’t let the airy nature of her art fool you. It’s hard work, requiring a tremendous amount of physical strength and a heaping load of creativity. Her advice to anyone hoping to follow in her footsteps is to study marketing, accounting, and writing to build a successful business around the artistic talent.

As Oscar Wilde would say, we live in a world where “life imitating art” is an everyday occurrence. May Ona’s art and experiences be something that young women can look up to and hope to emulate as they grow and discover what path they’ll pursue. When I asked Ona what she wanted to teach her children about the arts, and how she hoped her work will affect the way they interpret the world around them, her simple response is what I hope to share with you, “That anything is possible.”

Ona’s workwear: Carhartt Women’s Long-Sleeve Signature T-Shirt, Women’s Series 1889 Slim Double-Front Dungaree, & C-Grip Knuckler Glove

last photo above taken by Jessie Moore

Jennifer Philipps of ERA Test, LLC in Montana

ERA Test / Crafted in Carhartt

ERA Test / Crafted in Carhartt

ERA Test / Crafted in Carhartt

ERA Test / Crafted in Carhartt

ERA Test / Crafted in Carhartt

ERA Test / Crafted in Carhartt

ERA Test / Crafted in Carhartt Wake up early. Analyze lab results. Prepare reports for clients. Go to scheduled air inspections in commercial and residential environments. Submit samples to a lab in Washington. Then back to office work and equipment maintenance. That’s the typical day in the life of an Indoor Air Quality Inspector. Meet Jennifer Philipps of ERA Test, LLC in Montana. She and her mom, Lisa, own and operate the business. They test air to detect threats like mold, asbestos, radon, and methamphetamine. Together they are able to work across the entire state. The dynamics of the mother/daughter relationship in a work environment have brought the family closer together. They are able to lean on and learn from one another. It’s much more common to come across family businesses that are passed from father to son. I must say, it was really exciting to come across a multi-generational family trade that not only involves the women, but is entirely run by them. What an awesome gift of knowledge and skill to bestow. Jennifer’s work wear: Carhartt Women’s Clarksburg Zip-Front Sweatshirt & Women’s Sibley Denim Cropped Pant  

Backpacking Hacks

Backpacking Tips / Crafted in CarharttBackpacking Hacks / Crafted in CarharttBackpacking Hacks / Crafted in Carhartt Backpacking Hacks / Crafted in Carhartt Backpacking Hacks / Crafted in Carhartt Backpacking Hacks / Crafted in CarharttBackpacking Hacks / Crafted in Carhartt Backpacking Hacks / Crafted in Carhartt Backpacking Hacks / Crafted in Carhartt Montana is one of the most beautiful places on earth. I was lucky enough to spend a few days backpacking around the area. It’s filled with geysers, natural hot springs, wildlife, and so much nature to explore. Here are a few tips I researched before I set off on an adventure:

1.) Avoid poison ivy, poison sumac, and poison oak. (pictured above)
2.) When packing a backpack for the trip, pack the heaviest items closest to the middle of your back, lighter items on the front and bottom of the bag, and medium-weight, frequently used items on top.
3.) To gauge how much daylight is left in the day, outstretch your arm and hold your hand just under the sun. Count how many times you line up your hands in the distance between the sun and the horizon. Each finger is equivalent to 15 minutes of sun, therefore each hand is equivalent to about an hour of daylight remaining.
4.) You guys know I’m a picture-a-holic, but don’t get so camera happy that you forget to step back and appreciate the glory around you. Make sure to put down the electronics for a bit to really soak up as much wilderness as possible.

Now get out there and experience the natural beauties the world has to offer!

my adventuring gear: Carhartt Women’s Calumet Long-Sleeve V-Neck, Carhartt El Paso Shorts, Women’s Wellington Boots, Carhartt D89 Backpack, & Carhartt Water Bottle 

Park Ranger Kat Barker

Montana Trail Guide / Crafted in Carhartt
Montana Trail Guide / Crafted in Carhartt
Montana Trail Guide / Crafted in Carhartt

Montana Trail Guide / Crafted in Carhartt

Montana Trail Guide / Crafted in Carhartt

Montana Trail Guide / Crafted in Carhartt

Montana Trail Guide / Crafted in Carhartt

Montana Trail Guide / Crafted in Carhartt

Montana Trail Guide / Crafted in Carhartt

Montana Trail Guide / Crafted in Carhartt

 

When you think of a wilderness ranger, who do you think of? Do you picture a big burly bearded man, covered in plaid? Would it blow your mind to see a woman ranger, wearing pink, with a pickaxe in tow? If so, consider your mind blown.

Meet Kat Barker, a trails and wilderness supervisor. She and her crew head to the backcountry for 8 day long trips of 10-hour work schedules, consisting of clearing downfall, maintaining drainage structures, trail and bridge construction, etc. It takes a tremendous amount of strength and wherewithal to perform the daily tasks and move camp every night. The job may be tough, but it comes with the best office space around. Every night ends with a good meal at the campfire with friends, and rest is sweetest after collapsing into a sleeping bag, every limb aching from the typical routine.

It’s inspiring to see this role, historically dominated by men, being filled by strong, independent women. Kat’s advice for young girls who hope to follow a similar career path is that, “You can do it! If you love being in the mountains and enjoy working really, really hard and sweating a lot, there is nothing stopping you.  It can be difficult to get your foot in the door with public land management agencies, but do your applications, and call, call, call!  Making actual connections with the people in charge of trails and wilderness programs goes a long way in getting hired.  Or there are many other arenas like firefighting, range work, biology technicians, etc. that are open for newcomers as well.  Once you get hired on, even more doors will open.”

Nothing beats a barrel of determination and love for nature. Let your passions be your driving force in life.

Kat is wearing: Carhartt Women’s Force Performance Quarter-Zip & Women’s Original-Fit Crawford Canvas Dungaree 

Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply Store in Bozeman

Murdoch's in Bozeman Montana / Carhartt Women

Murdoch's in Bozeman Montana / Carhartt Women

Murdoch's in Bozeman Montana / Carhartt Women

Murdoch's in Bozeman Montana / Carhartt Women

Murdoch's in Bozeman Montana / Carhartt Women

Murdoch's in Bozeman Montana / Carhartt Women

Murdoch's in Bozeman Montana / Carhartt Women

Murdoch's in Bozeman Montana / Carhartt Women

After spending a week in Montana, you’re never quite the same. I just got back from a road trip across the beautiful state in search of hardest working women around. The talent I discovered and the beautiful scenery I took in blew me away.
Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply Store, based out of Bozeman, was designed with the ranchers’ needs in mind. From extra large parking spots out front to the down to earth staff inside, every detail of the store invites you stick around and enjoy the shopping experience. I was able to outfit 19 women in Carhartt gear at Murdoch’s so that they’d be ready for a hard days’ work. In the weeks to come, I’ll be sharing each one of these Montanans’ stories with you.

Take a closer look at Murdoch’s and find a store near you. You can even live chat with a ranch hand for advice and tips. 

Meegan Czop of Rebuilding Exchage

Rebuilding Exchange / Crafted in Carhartt

Rebuilding Exchange / Crafted in Carhartt

Rebuilding Exchange / Crafted in Carhartt

Rebuilding Exchange / Crafted in Carhartt

Rebuilding Exchange / Crafted in Carhartt

Rebuilding Exchange / Crafted in Carhartt

Rebuilding Exchange / Crafted in Carhartt

Rebuilding Exchange / Crafted in Carhartt

Rebuilding Exchange / Crafted in Carhartt

Rebuilding Exchange / Crafted in Carhartt

Rebuilding Exchange / Crafted in Carhartt

Rebuilding Exchange / Crafted in Carhartt
Rebuilding Exchange / Crafted in Carhartt

Rebuilding Exchange / Crafted in Carhartt

Rebuilding Exchange / Crafted in Carhartt

I think there are a lot of women (myself included) who often feel as though they are without a voice; be it in the workplace, the construction site, on the range, in social media, or during everyday life. It can be infuriatingly overwhelming to stand against the dialogue that already dictates those venues and arenas: the ideas that men are better leaders, women can’t perform as well in tough, blue-collar jobs, or even that women are better suited to clerical tasks rather than being out on the field.

Women, let’s stick together and raise our voices simultaneously to create a new discussion. We are capable. We are strong. We can swing a hammer or wield a crowbar. We can be contractors and painters and cattle ranchers and mechanics and engineers. We can do whatever job we want. We can lead, and we can do it well. WE CAN.

That brings me to Meegan Czop and the folks at Rebuilding Exchange. Many women there fill roles that are typically considered a man’s job. Meegan spends time on the ground scavenging through demolition sites for materials that can be resold through the non-profit to the public for re-use. It’s a tough job and she’s often the only woman to step foot in the work zone.

I tagged along on a trip she made to a Chicago warehouse that was ruined by fire a few months ago. With a jump in her step, she explores areas that would make most people nervous. A job that requires an adventurous spirit requires a special person. Meegan is changing the dialogue of what women are capable of with the elbow grease she puts into every day, the hard work she does to preserve and better the community, and the way she defies stereotypes with confidence and competence.

Meegan is wearing: Carhartt Women’s Force Performance Verdon Polo & Series 1889 Slim-Fit Double Front Denim Dungaree