We had the good fortune of connecting with Bekah O’Shea and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bekah, how do you think about risk?

“My thoughts on taking risks are: it’s not gonna be easy, there’s always a chance of failing, but how you handle those challenges is really what defines success.
Truly, what’s worse, never taking the chance and finding yourself stuck doing what’s comfortable, not really pursuing your passion? That was me. I went to college to be a respiratory therapist and did that for many years, it was a good way to make a living, but in my heart of hearts, I always felt I should be doing something creative.
Actually, my first leap into having a creative business was in Colorado making functional, metal art. Sadly, my shop, house, and everything I owned burned down in the High Park fire. Because we were severely underinsured, loss and change became an opportunity to redefine where we were heading and it spurred a chain of events that eventually led to moving back home to the family ranch in Montana. After the fire, I’d really realized that the things that matter in life are not things, and we only have one life to live.
This fueled my decision to start ‘Ride Free’ and pursue my passion for creating quality leather goods, despite having no prior experience in the field of leather-working. I taught myself, starting in my laundry room.
I’ve had some major hurdles, like a stage 3 cancer diagnosis this last year, a Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis of my little girl, but the truth is, these things have only made me more solid in following my heart.
We all should be taking more risks, getting a little out of our comfort zones so we can grow. I trust that God has a plan and try to live by faith. The path is never going to be straight, but I’d risk it all, baby, if it ultimately ends up bringing you joy!”

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

Growing up, my family moved a lot. We were in a different house or place at least every other year. These moves brought many people, different styles, and a love of design into my life. My mom was always fixing up our homes, mostly by herself. She’s also an artist, though never pursued it professionally. Being raised with a passion for art and DIY, and bringing in a lot of influence from Montana, Texas, & Colorado, I think sets my style apart. I call it a mix of the wildness of the west with couture elegance. The pairing of elements like rustic leathers, sterling silver, rare stones, wools and furs is now a signature design feature of Ride Free bags. Each a one-of-a-kind piece of wearable art that I hope to be passed down through the generations.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Welcoming friends to my home in Red Lodge, Montana, is always a good time. I love getting to share the stunning scenery through small adventures. We’d start with a laid-back float down the East Rosebud, soaking in the rugged beauty all around. Then, dinner at the famous Grizzly Bar and watch the sun set with a hot tea from our porch on the ranch. Then wake up early with a drive up over the Beartooth Pass, where we’d first stop at the Circle 17 “Last stop the Top” for some specialty snacks. Come evening, unwind with a drink at Babcock & Miles followed by dinner at Piccola Cucina.
The following morning, go for a four-wheel ride, taking in more scenery, followed by brunch at Regis cafe, then we’d spend the day going to all the local shops. Some of my favs are Paris Montana, home of the famous Pearl Buck, and my hometown location for my bags. We’d see local art like at Heist, and don’t forget a souvenir for your dog at the adorable Lewis and Bark’s Outpost. Later that day, put our feet up and unwind at my house with a home-cooked meal and creekside campfire.
There’s something I love at all of our restaurants, bars, and cafés; each one has a little something special. The atmosphere at Prerogative Kitchen, One Legged Magpie, Marli’s, and the long-standing Bogarts Pizza are a few other favs, and truly I could list our whole town!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shout out to my husband, Bo, for always believing in me, encouraging my every creative whim, and for being the engineer to my artistry. Your selflessness in all that you do – like building my studio even before your own, learning to silversmith, because you saw I had a need and enduring all it takes so I could pursue my passion. Love you!

Website: Ridefreemontana.com

Instagram: @ridefreemontana

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/montanaleatherart

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