Engage 

Every experience is layered with moments that engage the six senses.  That's right, six senses-sound, sight, smell, touch, taste and CONNECTION.

CREATE COMMUNITY

Connect each other.  Find ways to create conversations. Common experiences bind people together as a movement. Allow your community to empathize, laugh and engage with one another.

WHY NOT WHAT

Talk less about what you do and more about why you do it.  People want to hear a story that builds faith in a cause they can join.

IGNITE PASSION

Invest in the people, places and priorities that matter most.

At MISSOULA RIVER LODGE we combine fresh local ingredients with inspiring flavors and a beautiful view.  The result is lively conversation, new found friends, and happy bellies. 

Dinner at Missoula River Lodge is more than an adventure for your tastebuds it's an experience in each other.  Each evening is a flurry of conversation, laughter and shared enthusiasm for the moments ahead.  Together we take a tour of Montana and sample delicacies like cheese, honey and seasonal vegetables farmed and produced in the Big Sky State.  We don’t use recipes at the lodge we let the seasons and flavors lead the way, so you never know quite what to expect, except for an amazing meal.   

“The food was fabulous! Chef Carrie truly lived up to the Americas Top 100 billing!!!”

“Chef Carrie Nowlen provides extraordinary meals paired with fine wines.”

“The food of chef Carrie Nowlen is terrific and showcases the best ingredients Montana has to offer.”

“Executive Chef Carrie Nowlen provided a great variety of meals, each one delicious and filling.”

"My partners Crystal Smith, Carrie Nowlen, Lacie Ellis, and I, as well as all of our dedicated mentors, instructors, and participants, put a lot of ourselves into this, and all of that good energy and love is what makes the OULA experience." Kali Lindner on OULA Fitness, Montana Magazine

In 2012 Crystal Smith formed OULA Fitness® to share Oula with people outside of Missoula, MT where it was born.  Smith, selected a core group of partners to serve as a well-rounded executive team.  Together we reimagined the brand and experience to include a global audience and appeal which meant moving away from Oula: Inspiring dance workout to an all encompassing logo and service mark that became OULA Fitness:  Dancemania for the Soul. Supported by a team of volunteer mentors we implemented the new branding, policies, procedures and training that created a platform to transform a local class into a national community and a workout into a lifestyle.  I am extremely proud of my contribution to this team, which led to opening OULA Studio (national headquarters and fully operational fitness studio) and drove overall 330% growth during 2012 and 2013.  In April of 2014 Smith sold OULA Fitness to the woman she made co-owner in the fall of 2013.

The lessons I learned during my time with the company will impact me for the rest of my life.  My decision to leave during the ownership transition in 2014, made me stronger, smarter and more resilient than I thought possible and has led me to a clear understanding of what truly fuels my soul.

Check out my Passion Projects

In 2009 after losing my Step Dad to cancer I began my four year (2009-2013) journey with the  AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY and RELAY FOR LIFE

"Cancer never sleeps and we won't either".  Relay For Life was imagined in 1985 by Gordy Klatt in Tacoma, WA and grew to be the largest non-profit fundraising event in the world.  Raising over four billion dollars since it's inception Relay For Life has positioned the American Cancer Society as the largest private contributor to cancer research in the nation.

As a Community Relationship Manager for the American Cancer Society my job was more than FUN-draising and leadership development it was an immersion in storytelling and articulating why each contribution of time, talent and funds makes a difference.  

Focusing on WHY people support the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life led to volunteers in my region contributing over $750,000 in the fight against cancer.  Developing strong relationships and integrating the American Cancer Society mission into every effort became the backbone of collaborations with community leaders.

During my time with the organization I increased American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network memberships by 101%, acted as lead staff for the largest Relay For Life Summit in Montana state history (over 300 volunteers from across the state), served on the Great West Division Staff Advisory Group and significantly improved relationships with key volunteers and partnering organizations which created a safe environment for cooperative actions and alliances.

Leaving the American Cancer Society to pursue a career as a partner at OULA Fitness in April of 2013 was bittersweet.  During my time with the organization I received a priceless education in the contagious nature of belief and the power of the people and walked away with the invaluable knowledge that a little inspiration goes a long way.

I am still an avid supporter of the American Cancer Society and continue to contribute as a volunteer and donor.