Ashley Powers is a interior designer, entrepreneur, founder of House of Mentra, creator of the Montana Design Network, and a firm believer that creative people are better when they’re connected to each other.
In Episode 124 of Mountain Mule Media, Ashley joins Tim for a conversation about interior design, entrepreneurship, Alaska, Montana Festival, community building, and the surprising challenges that come with working independently in a creative industry. What emerges is a thoughtful discussion about creating spaces—both physical and social—that help people do their best work.
Listen on:
Growing Up in Alaska
Before Montana, there was Alaska.
Ashley grew up in Anchorage and spent much of her childhood around her family’s hunting and aviation business. Whether helping prepare hunting camps, calculating aircraft weights, or flying to remote locations accessible only by floatplane, she was exposed early to entrepreneurship, logistics, and the outdoors.
She also attended an alternative public school where students could create and teach their own courses. Ashley used that opportunity to teach herself interior design—a decision that would ultimately shape her career.
Discovering Interior Design
Ashley’s interest in design started at home.
Her mother was constantly sketching floor plans and finding creative ways to improve the functionality of their house. Watching those ideas come to life sparked an early fascination with how people use space and how thoughtful design can improve everyday life.
Today, through House of Mentra, Ashley works on everything from luxury vacation homes to large-scale remodels and new construction projects throughout Montana. Her approach isn’t about imposing a signature style. Instead, it’s about understanding the client, uncovering what matters to them, and creating spaces that reflect who they are.
More Than Decorating
One of the most interesting parts of the conversation is Ashley’s explanation of what interior designers actually do.
Design isn’t simply choosing furniture or selecting paint colors.
It involves collaborating with architects, builders, engineers, tradespeople, and homeowners while balancing functionality, aesthetics, budgets, timelines, and lifestyle considerations.
Every decision—from the placement of a light fixture to the finish on a door handle—contributes to how a space feels and functions. Ashley describes the role as both creative and deeply practical, requiring equal parts design expertise and communication skills.
The Birth of Montana Design Network
After leaving a large design firm and launching her own business, Ashley discovered something she hadn’t anticipated.
Working independently could be lonely.
Many designers, creatives, and entrepreneurs were experiencing the same thing.
That realization led to the creation of the Montana Design Network, a growing community designed to connect interior designers, photographers, artists, and other creatives throughout Montana. What began as an Instagram account quickly evolved into events, networking opportunities, educational programming, and eventually a physical studio space in downtown Bozeman.
Better Together
One of Ashley’s core beliefs is that creative industries don’t need to operate from a mindset of scarcity.
Instead of viewing other designers as competitors, she sees them as collaborators.
That philosophy has become the foundation of the Montana Design Network.
The organization provides shared resources, event space, educational opportunities, vendor presentations, and a place where creatives can connect, learn, and support one another. It’s built around a simple idea:
We’re better together than we are alone.
Montana, Creativity, and Community
Throughout the conversation, Ashley repeatedly returns to the importance of community.
Whether discussing Montana Festival, downtown Bozeman, creative work, or entrepreneurship, she believes people thrive when they’re connected to something larger than themselves.
For Ashley, creativity isn’t just about making beautiful spaces.
It’s about creating environments where people feel inspired, supported, and capable of doing meaningful work.
Connect with Ashley
Montana Design Network
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montanadesignnetwork/
Mountain Mule Media
Mountain Mule Media exists to build real connection between Montana’s businesses and the people they serve.
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