Montana Silversmiths’ Women of the PBR- Strong Ties: Aymie Kolbaba

By: Darci Miller

They say that behind every great man is a great woman. You’ll hear no arguments from the PBR family.

From wives, mothers and girlfriends to stock contractors and broadcasters, the Women of the PBR play many important roles.

Throughout the 2019 season, we’ll be sharing some of their perspectives on the PBR, fashion and the Western lifestyle.

In today’s Q&A, we chatted with Aymie Kolbaba, Derek Kolbaba’s wife, about the friends she’s made in the PBR, how she and her husband support each other and her favorite fashion trends.

PBR.com: Thanks for chatting with us, Aymie! To get things started, where are you from?

Aymie Kolbaba: I live in Walla Walla, Washington. I grew up in a super small town called Bickleton, Washington. A little farming town. I graduated with three people.

PBR.com: Oh wow! How did you first meet Derek?

AK: Actually, my older brother, he rode bulls through high school. He and Derek connected and went on the rodeo road together. And then I went with my brother one time to babysit my little niece, and then I met Derek. We met at a bull riding. I went with my brother and my niece, who was 2 at the time, and I went to watch her, and obviously my brother. And after the bull riding, my brother and Derek were talking and hanging out. We were just all in a group, and we met.

PBR.com: What was your first impression of him?

AK: Really nice. He was really nice. Pretty cute. [laughs]

PBR.com: Were you in the Western sports world at all before?

AK: Yeah, I grew up on a farm. We had cows and I did 4-H, I showed sheep. And I did barrel racing, just at local barrel races and stuff. And then my brother, who’s four years older than I am, he was in high school rodeo so we traveled a lot for high school rodeos. When I met Derek I was still in high school, so after that we traveled to all the different rodeos.

PBR.com: Can you tell us about what it takes, mentally and emotionally, to get ready to watch Derek ride when you know injuries are possible?

AK: Growing up around it, so being familiar with it, has helped a lot. I’m kind of used to it, I guess you could say. It’s still really nerve-racking. I know how dangerous the sport is, but when he rides I’m not very much nervous about him getting hurt. I’m just nervous and anxious for him to do really good.

PBR.com: What do you do for fun in your spare time?

AK: I’m a teacher back home. I taught second grade last year, and then this year we just moved to a new town so I’m substituting there. And then I also have an online boutique (The Fringed Teepee), and in the summertime when I’m not traveling with Derek I’ll travel to different fairs and stuff to set that up.

PBR.com: What kind of stuff do you sell?

AK: Clothing and jewelry. Western to more just your everyday clothing as well.

PBR.com: How does Derek support your endeavors?

AK: He’s very supportive. He’s always willing to help out in any way. He likes to drive, so going to fairs and stuff he’s always willing to drive if he’s home. And he always supports in any way, like taking pictures of new clothing, he’ll always be there to help me, or anything I ask him to do, he’s willing to do.

PBR.com: How often are you on the road with him?

AK: During the school year, I don’t go that often. Maybe once a month, sometimes twice a month, depending, or not at all. And then in the summertime when I’m on break from school, I usually travel with him all the time.

PBR.com: What do you see trending in the fashion industry these days?

AK: Definitely turquoise jewelry, and trousers, wide-leg pants. And boho, I guess you could say.

PBR.com: What’s either your favorite item of clothing or trend to wear?

AK: That’s a hard one. I really like the wide-leg pants. They’re very comfortable and versatile, so you can dress them up or down. And always adding jewelry, to any outfit.

PBR.com: What’s your favorite jewelry to wear?

AK: Montana Silversmiths! Is this a trick question?! [laughs] Definitely necklaces.

PBR.com: When you first started coming to PBR events, who was the first person to befriend you?

AK: The first person would probably be Kaitlyn Davis. Derek’s been on tour for four years, so four years ago she used to go to every single event, so I always knew that she would be there. When I met her she was super nice and welcoming, and helped me kind of get the feel of things.

PBR.com: What’s the atmosphere at events like when you get all the women together?

AK: It’s a lot of fun. We don’t do a lot as a whole big group, because they have kids too so they do different things, but it’s a lot of fun. Especially when we all sit together during an event, we all cheer for all the guys.

PBR.com: What does it mean to you to be a part of the PBR family?

AK: It means a lot! It’s really cool to meet new people and get that experience. And you know that, with it being such a dangerous sport, if something were to happen to Derek or any of the other guys, you know that you can count on anyone to help you in any way, and they’ll be willing to be there for him.

PBR.com: What do you like about the pieces in your Montana Silversmiths collection?

AK: I love that they’re so unique. The white buffalo will match with any outfit, and it’s very versatile. You can wear it with anything, dress it up or down. And the two necklaces, they go together. And again, this silver with the black matches with any outfit. And really, it’s dressy, and I can also wear it to school with any outfit and make it just look classy.

You can check out the latest collections with Montana Silversmiths here. Stay tuned next month as we talk with another of the Women of the PBR.

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