Meet Kricia Storms

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kricia Storms. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Kricia, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Embracing change, taking risks, and pursuing what truly brings me joy led me to a fulfilling career as a hat maker. By viewing change as an opportunity, I discovered strengths and courage I never knew I had, and I opened myself to new ideas and people I might never have encountered otherwise.

Before I found my purpose, I faced a series of debilitating events that were beyond my control. In 2019, after ending an unhealthy relationship, I moved to Montana to start a new life and career. Four days after relocating, I fell on the ice and broke my femur. Less than a year later, the pandemic hit. Then, just as restrictions were lifting and life was beginning to feel normal again, I learned I needed another hip surgery. As if that wasn’t challenging enough, my cat unexpectedly passed away, and the company I was working for underwent a massive reorganization. I felt like I was on a downward spiral.

I needed some space to think and new territory to explore, so once I was released from my crutches, I booked a trip to Austin, TX. Little did I know that trip would change my life forever. As I limped down South Congress, I stumbled upon a custom hat shop. This wasn’t just any hat shop; it was a place where hats were shaped by hand using century-old techniques and tools. I was immediately captivated by the artistry and craftsmanship involved in hat making.

After I left, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I started researching hat making and soon found myself searching for courses. They were rare and often just brief workshops, but I wanted more—I wanted to master the craft.

During a trip to Florence, Italy, I discovered a 3-month hat-making course. After some planning, I took a risk, put my life on hold and signed up. This was the beginning of my awakening. I began to feel alive again. For the first time in my life, I took a risk and bet on myself. I dove into uncertainty, letting everything either stay or fall away, trusting that what remained was meant for me. The art of hat making opened the door to reconnect with myself: my passion, my creativity, and the indescribable feeling you get from working with your hands. Over a year later, with hundreds of hats under my belt, I now own Bang Bang, a custom hat shop in Bozeman, Montana.

All of the events that happened that were out of my control lead me to a dark place, but when I found a spark of light I was determined to follow it, I’m incredible grateful I did.

Much like my journey, Bang Bang’s mission is to craft hats that are not only heirlooms cherished by future generations, but also hats that reconnect you with yourself and embrace your life’s journey.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

The art of hat making opened the door to reconnect with myself: my passion, my creativity, and the indescribable feeling you get from working with your hands. Making hats forced me to stay present. Whenever my mind wandered, I found myself making mistakes—a pattern that haunted me throughout the entire hat making process. Making hats taught me to slow down, stay focused, and embrace patience. It showed me that, much like life, most things are fixable and there isn’t just one way to achieve a desired result. It taught me not to dismiss a creation just because it didn’t turn out the way I hoped. Instead, it offered valuable lessons about myself and my skills.

I now own Bang Bang, a custom hat shop in Bozeman, Montana. Hat making has connected me with people nationwide, and I enjoy hearing their stories and designing hats that reflect their unique personality and style. Bang Bang isn’t just a catchy name; it’s about creating a unique, custom hat experience that fosters connection, creativity, and empowers individuals to feel bold, confident, and to live a life uncommon.

We offer a unique, collaborative 2-hour experience where customers can enjoy a beverage while designing their perfect hat. During this time, they select the hat’s color, shape, and customizations. Once the design is finalized, the experience truly begins. Using steam and century-old hat-making techniques, I shape the crown and brim to their liking. After the hat is shaped, it is adorned with ribbon, leather cord, feathers, or any other chosen elements that make it uniquely theirs. We also offer virtual and made-to-measure experiences to cater to all preferences.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Three things were crucial to finding my purpose: travel, courage, and determination.

When you feel lost or stuck in a rut, travel. Travel exposes you to new people and ideas you wouldn’t encounter if you stayed in the same place. If you can’t afford to travel far, expand your proximity. Take a new route to work, visit a different coffee shop, or sign up for that course you’ve been thinking about. Change your daily routine as much as you can to meet new people and learn more about yourself.

Once you’ve found something that interests you, explore it. Just showing up will lead you to the next step and the next until you stumble upon the “grand idea.”

After you’ve uncovered your “grand idea,” doubt will inevitably appear. That’s okay. Think of doubt as a passenger, not the driver. Create a plan and follow the steps you’ve outlined. It’s okay if those steps change or if they don’t happen within the expected timeframe. Just keep moving forward.

Then, muster up the courage and take the risk. Anything worth doing often involves taking risks, and you have to decide whether you’d rather venture into the unknown or stay the same. This is often the biggest price to pay, but the reward is inevitable. Even if the outcome isn’t exactly what you expected, you will have learned something invaluable.

Finally, stay determined. Don’t give up, no matter how hard it gets. Executing a plan will come with setbacks, but it will also bring great achievement and fulfillment when you accomplish what you’ve set out to do. So keep at it, even if you don’t have all the answers—just show up.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

“Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself: How to Lose Your Mind and Create a New One” by Dr. Joe Dispenza profoundly impacted my understanding of our thoughts and behaviors. The book reveals how little control we have over our actions unless we intentionally work to change our subconscious mind. Since our subconscious mind governs 95% of our thinking, we operate on autopilot most of the day, repeating the same thoughts, feelings, and reactions. This keeps us stuck in the same mindset and patterns, including the same types of relationships throughout our lives.

To truly change, we must become aware of the thoughts and beliefs that hold us back. By following the steps in this book, my life transformed dramatically. I can’t recommend it enough.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bangbanghats.com
• Instagram: @bangbanghatco

Image Credits

Adam Stevens – Instagram : @adamstevens_m