Chyla Bechtel grew up in a small town in Bayfield County in northern Wisconsin. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a Bachelor’s of Science in Athletic Training. Her first job was as an Athletic Trainer with Orthopedic Associates of Wisconsin. She also worked as an athletic trainer/sports medicine for ten years at Arrowhead. Chyla and her family currently reside in Oconomowoc where she grows cut flowers for her business, Mason Creek Flowers.
About Chyla Bechtel
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I never imagined I would be so fortunate to have 3 incredible beings I get to call my family. My husband, Dave, and I will have been married for 5 years in June. I do believe he was made for me! We have an almost 3 year old daughter named Brielle. She’s my little bestie and she’s wild but so very sweet! David Joseph III will be 8 months old and is a very happy, sweet baby! Oh, and you cannot forget our goofy Great Pyrenees pup, Knox. Life is busy right now and I wouldn’t have it any other way. My two older brothers still live in Mason, Wisconsin which has a population of less than 100 people.
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
I am currently staying home to raise our babies and grow my flower farm business. I worked as the full time head Athletic Trainer at Arrowhead for ten years and now work as a substitute Athletic Trainer for ProHealth Care. During those ten years, I was blessed to have built countless lifetime relationships with athletes and their families, staff and people of the community. I absolutely loved working as their Athletic Trainer and couldn’t imagine doing anything different throughout my 20s.
A couple of years ago I shifted gears to stay home with our children and turned a passionate hobby, growing flowers, into a small business! Again I’ve met so many wonderful people in this community who are willing and happy to support local and cheer you on.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
Athletic Training- Functioning in a high stress environment and helping athletes return to their normal level of sport. Building relationships and working my tail off was what I enjoyed most about working at AHS. The flower farm gives me a bit of flexibility while staying home, raising 2 kids and a crazy pup. I get to be outside, where I am most happy, and giving flowers truly makes my heart happy!
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
Life is hard. Work is hard. But you have to make the most of it because it flies by! The most challenging part is always getting out of my comfort zone. I had a very difficult time learning how to speak in front of people which I have now overcome!
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
Knowing that actual hard work pays off and if you chase your dreams, those dreams just may come true!
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
Growing (pun intended!) my local flower farm. We’ve been growing slowly the last couple years, to focus on our babies, and we’re picking up steam this year. My hopes are to succeed at providing wedding flowers for a few couples this year, and continue to grow our bouquet subscriptions. Also to partner with local businesses on hosting events such as bouquet bars, and doing a few build-your-own-bouquet workshops! Big, big dreams!
We will be building a pole barn on the flower farm to house the equipment and supplies and to have a place to conduct workshops on wreath making, flower arrangements, bouquets and others (hopefully by the end of this summer). It will also become the facility where I create the bouquets and flower arrangements. Hoops houses and a tractor are also future dreams. My husband and I just planted 400 saplings of White Pine trees and we look forward to watching them grow!
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
I’ve always worked off this simple piece of advice: Head Down, Boots Up. Also, don’t be afraid to try and fail. Keep going! Keep trying!
Chyla Bechtel & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
After growing up in the middle of the woods in northern Wisconsin, I never pictured myself living in SE Wisconsin. But now after living here, I am so happy to call it home! I love the natural beauty of Lake Country. There are so many amazing lakes to fish and trails to hike. I love the fun and inviting bars, restaurants, coffee shops and markets. Plus, all of the playgrounds and opportunities for kiddos.
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
Oh gosh, so many. Amy Kielma was a customer of mine last year and she absolutely blew my mind with her support, caring nature and welcoming into the community. She said she pays it forward every chance she gets and I truly believe she does!
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
We love The Fox and Hounds Restaurant. Dave took me there for our first date ten years ago. The smell of the fireplace and large barn beams remind me of my grandparents house! My grandparents’ home also had a shop located off one side.
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Giving. Motivated. Beautiful.
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
My dad was a member of the 1980 Olympic Gymnastics Team. I was Valedictorian of my high school graduation class.
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
Favorite song… We Danced Anyway by Deana Carter. Give it a listen and try not to smile and dance!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My Mom. She’s an amazing human and I am so lucky to call her mine. She is strong, independent, giving, and caring. She will drop everything to “be in my corner.” I am inspired to be like her.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
Seeing genuine smiles on people’s faces- mainly my children’s!
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
Enjoy it. No matter what you’re doing, no matter where you are. There’s always something to be grateful for.
Where to Find Chyla Bechtel
Email: masoncreekflowers@gmail.com
Phone: (262) 370-4682
