2019 40 Under 40: Summer Trottier, 35

SBJ photo by Wes Hamilton

As co-owner of e-commerce company Culture Flock Clothing, Summer Trottier viewed the business’ creation in 2013 as an exciting challenge that forced her to take risks, find opportunities and build confidence in her decision-making.

Five years later, she and fellow owner and wife Brittany Bilyeu took the leap into a brick-and-mortar venture, opening their first store in Galloway Creek.

She credits building relationships with wholesale clients as a key to the evolution and success of the company, which emphasizes brands that are women- or minority-owned and create a feeling of empowerment and inclusiveness.

Away from Culture Flock, Trottier has previously served on grant committees with the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, and co-founded and organized the Queen City Craft Show festival. 

What are you doing to make the Ozarks better? We are proud to be part of a growing diverse population in the Ozarks and want our shop and workshop space to feel intersectional, inclusive and welcoming to everyone.

What app gets you through the day? Instagram.

What’s your most treasured possession? My grandparents’ vinyl collection. They owned so many records of the jazz greats and listening to their collection makes me feel close to them. 

What did you learn the hard way? Being your true self is the key to everything.