Billings Community Member Highlight: Kaitlyn Bolotas of House of Colour West Billings
One of my absolute favorite things about living in Billings is the community that comes with it. Even though Billings is the largest city in Montana, there’s just something about it that brings a small town feel.
Regardless if you’ve been living here for years or if you’re new in town, you quickly start to meet friends that feel like family, find places in the community that become your go-to’s and you grow a quick appreciation for all of the people that work to make Billings what it is.
As a real estate agent in Billings, I get the pleasure of meeting a LOT of people and hearing their stories and it's without a doubt the best part of the job.
Since everyone doesn’t have the ability to meet all of these amazing people face to face, I wanted a way to share with you my favorites and what better place to do that than on the blog?!
Welcome to your first edition of the Billings Community Member Highlight series that aims to introduce people who I consider to be the best of the best around town.
Through this series, you’ll meet various business owners who I personally know and work with and I believe these people play a massive part in making Billings so amazing.
First up in the series, meet Kaitlyn Bolotas:
A long time friend of mine who happens to double as one of the best color and style consultants that I know through House of Colour!
Billings, Montana House of Colour Consultant
Kaitlyn is the owner of House of Colour West Billings where she helps women (and some men) find their best colors and personal style!
House of Colour and color analysis is all about finding harmony with your clothes, make-up, and hair while increasing your confidence and enhancing your natural beauty.
Kaitlyn’s personal mission with her business is to drape every woman in Billings, and the surrounding communities, so they can show up as their best selves in every area of their life.
“As women, when we feel really great and confident in what we wear, there isn’t anything we can’t do!”
As someone that got my colors done almost a year ago, I can say cheers to that. 🥂
When asked what inspired Kaitlyn to start her business in Billings, she said:
“Getting my own colors done truly changed my life – my confidence, getting dressed and ready in the morning, the way I showed up in my work, my life, my role as a mom and a wife.
I knew I had to make that same transformation possible for the women here in Montana and specifically Billings. Billings is full of local businesses and it’s fun to be a part of that community!
There is a really positive culture of supporting local businesses here in Billings that I’m not sure you get in many larger cities.”
Before Kaitlyn opened her House of Colour business in Billings there were no other options for color analysis in the area, so she truly filled a need that was lacking.
“What I offer is unique to the community and also to the individual. If you are someone who hates to shop, never has anything to wear, or wants to enhance your current style, a color analysis is the best place to start.
It’s the foundation to everything else, including your next hair appointment, nail appointment, shopping trip, brand photoshoot, facial, botox appointment, new running shoes, etc.
Everything is easier when you know your best colors and style.”
Just imagine this for a moment ⬇️
An entire community showing up with their best foot forward every single day feeling confident in every single room they walk into!
That’s what’s possible when you get your colors done with Kaitlyn.
When you feel really great in what you’re wearing, you are more productive at work, you’re more likely to smile at your neighbor or the stranger on the street, and you’re even a more present, intentional parent and your child will feel more seen, known, and loved than ever before.
One of the most admirable things about Kaitlyn and her House of Colour business is the way it allows her to contribute to the local community and support other businesses in Billings.
“Now that clothing is my primary focus, I love visiting local boutiques, visiting with the owners, and seeing what they have!
I’m also always recommending them to my clients who ask “where do I even shop in Billings?” My current favorites for local shopping are Roc House and Something Chic.”
When asked how she engages with her clients and continues to build strong relationships within the community, Katilyn said:
“Most of my business so far has come from Instagram and referrals – that’s where I can continue to engage with clients and provide them with more resources after their initial appointment.
In the next few months, I’m presenting at a few women’s groups and am really excited to get into the community and into conversation with women.
Additionally, I’m a part of our local co-working space which is fun to pop into and have also considered joining our Chamber of Commerce for the opportunity to network with other business owners.”
Kaitlyn's business is just getting started and there is so much more to come. When asked about future plans, Kaitlyn mentioned that:
“I would love to host an open house in the next few months to welcome the community in!
My vision within a year is to hire an associate and have a larger retail space for color and style analysis, where local business owners can also showcase their products that we categorize by season, of course.”
I for one can’t wait to see that come to life. 🎉
Aside from doing business in Billings, Kaitlyn also lives in the area and does life with her family and friends.
I personally have my favorite spots around town and always love to hear what everyone else’s are, so I asked Kaitlyn a few personal questions to get an inside look at what her life looks like when she’s not in her color studio.
“I have a two-year-old and our two favorite things to do right now are go to the zoo or go to Scheels when it’s cold out to expend his energy. We always love finding new paths to walk down or hidden gem playgrounds!”
And because you know I’m all about the best places to eat around town, I had to hear Kaitlyn’s go to spots!
“Our go-to brunch and lunch spot is Sophie’s Kitchen, hands down! You know you are always going to get the same high quality food and service every single time.
My favorite thing to order for brunch is the Stacy’s Scramble with coffee of course, and if I’m hitting it at lunch time, I go for the 149 Burger or Southwest Salad with a side of fries (because they are gluten free!) and Diet Pepsi.”
When asked what her favorite part of living and working in Billings is, she said, “I’ve loved seeing Billings expand over the years. Even with all the growth we have seen, I think Billings does a really great job at supporting its local businesses.
Sure, it’s cool when a big name store or restaurant comes into town, but it’s WAY cooler when I see someone I grew up with opening up a small business and getting to highlight their talents!”
I 100% agree with her on this one! 👏🏼
Lastly, because I’m in deep with the various communities around Billings as a real estate agent, I was curious to know if Kaitlyn had a favorite community of her own (everyone usually does) and she said:
“My parents live near Rocky and it has to be one of my favorite areas to go on a long walk. Whether you’re walking to Roots Garden Center or Great Harvest, the neighborhoods are fun to explore.
Heights will always have a place in my heart because it holds so many memories since that’s where I grew up.
Now that I work downtown, it’s becoming one of my favorites! In another life I’d live in a tiny studio apartment in New York and work somewhere exciting, thriving with the hustle and bustle of downtown life. Working in Downtown Billings lets me play that out at times!”
How to Work With Kaitlyn
If you’re in need of color and style analysis in Billings, Kaitlyn is hands down your go-to girl! She knows her stuff, is passionate about the work she does and serves her clients so well.
Connect with Kaitlyn on Instagram or if you’re ready to book your appointment, click here for more information!
