Left, Michaela Sams (Lisa’s oldest daughter); middle, Lisa Hawley; right, Quill Hawley, Lisa’s youngest daughter
Culture, Connection, and Community
Lisa Hawley and the Heart of 406 Native Roots
January 2025 | by brittany schimke | photos by arianna skoog
When you step into 406 Native Roots, you’re welcomed by a tangible warmth and authenticity. The store is more than just a shop; it’s a vibrant cultural haven, a support hub, and a bridge between communities. At the center of it all is Lisa Hawley, a woman who not only saw a need in her community but took it upon herself to fill it with grace and purpose.
From her full-time healthcare job to her role as a devoted mother and business owner, Lisa’s dedication to serving others has helped make 406 Native Roots a beacon of connection.
Lisa’s vision for the store sprouted from her own experiences. She and her daughter Quill, both artists, have spent decades beading and creating Native regalia. As they set up tables at art markets, they often found themselves in conversations with other artists and customers, discovering a gap in the market for high-quality beads and authentic Native-made products.
When a couple of local bead stores closed, Lisa saw her opportunity. “It felt like perfect timing,” she says, explaining that she wanted to provide a place to buy beads and where Native artists could find the quality products they needed for their work.
Her journey to establish 406 Native Roots hasn’t been without its challenges. Sourcing quality materials was a trial-and-error process. Lisa was determined to keep prices fair for her customers, so she took the time to find vendors offering both quality and affordability. Most of her suppliers are Native-owned businesses from across the U.S., and her commitment to supporting these creators goes beyond just stocking their products. Her store is one of the few places in Montana to carry pieces by the renowned company 8th Generation that “Inspire Natives, not Native-inspired.”
One of Lisa’s greatest motivations for opening the store was her daughter Quill, who has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), conditions that have made traditional employment challenging. “I wanted her to have a place to work where she could be herself and her needs would be understood,” Lisa says. Quill’s role at the store is invaluable, and under her mother’s guidance, she has developed business skills and has a place to create her art, such as abalone carved shell earrings, healing salves, and more. Lisa also shares, “406 Native Roots is like another baby to me.”
The store quickly became more than a retail space. Lisa introduced classes on Tuesdays and Saturdays, where people from all backgrounds gather, learn new Native artistry, and create together. The classes teach everything from beginner beading to moccasin creation, jingle dressmaking, and traditional regalia making. Lisa, her team, and other local artists teach these classes. On Thursdays, the store hosts a “bring your own project” day, a heartwarming affair where artists bond, share stories, enjoy food, and support one another in creating their projects. The atmosphere Lisa has fostered has even saved lives. With tear-filled eyes, Lisa proudly shares how, recently, a customer confided that the classes helped her stay sober and gave her a sense of purpose and belonging. She believed it saved her life. These moments remind Lisa why she started 406 Native Roots, and it’s her goal to keep the environment positive and inclusive for everyone.
Through partnerships with Billings Public Schools’ Indian Education Program and organizations like the Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council, Lisa and other local artists have brought incredible projects to life. They’ve handcrafted seven elk tooth dresses, seven jingles dresses, seven fancy shawl outfits, and three grass dance outfits. Dressing students in traditional pieces for Pow Wows at schools and colleges throughout the region. Watching these young dancers move proudly in attire made from the heart is a joy that Lisa treasures. It’s a proud moment when the kids can connect with their heritage and celebrate their culture in such a meaningful way.
In addition to supporting Native artists and traditions, Lisa strives to give back to the larger Billings community. Fundraisers hosted at 406 Native Roots raise money for coats, hats, and even care packages for people experiencing homelessness. “We’re here to educate people, to pass on culture and traditions, while doing our part to support the community,” Lisa says. Her kindness extends to anyone who walks through her doors, making her store an important touchpoint for many in the area.
Lisa’s store supports around 20 local artists who create unique creations, from jewelry to abalone shell carvings. It also serves over 100 local artists from Montana and continues to help source specific requests and needs. But her dream for 406 Native Roots doesn’t stop here. She hopes to quadruple her inventory and expand her space to better showcase Montana’s vibrant Native art. A bigger store means more opportunities to give back and create a space for Native people to gather, share, and thrive.
At its core, 406 Native Roots is Lisa’s way of building a legacy. She’s a remarkable woman, balancing work, family, community, and culture with an open heart and genuine love for those around her. Lisa's message to other aspiring women and entrepreneurs is simple: “If you have a dream, live it.” Her story is a reminder that passion and perseverance can create something truly beautiful and something that can change a community for the better.
Originally printed in the January 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine
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