Last summer Jade Owens stepped outside her comfort zone and began a venture — an adventure, really — that is connecting her to all kinds of people in need of a little encouragement and unconditional love.

It began with a clothing boutique called Fashion Outlet. Owens started the store in Kalispell in July 2015 because she was frustrated she couldn’t find clothing that fit well. The ultra-petite businesswoman began creating her shop inventory by traveling to fashion outlets in Los Angeles and Seattle to handpick clothing in a wide variety of sizes.

A California native who once was a lounge singer in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, Owens quickly made connections with vendors and outlets in the L.A. area. Her goal is to find quality merchandise that’s still reasonably priced.

She soon added select clothing items made in India, Italy and other countries. Along the way she decided to offer Christian clothing and books after seeing a niche for those products. The store sells a variety of Kerusso brand products such as Christian-themed T-shirts and accessories.

Tencel brand “eco fashion” clothing made of wood fiber is another featured line at Fashion Outlet.

Owens even has a smattering of IKEA household products for sale at her eclectic boutique.

She is using the proceeds from Fashion Outlet to financially support her other passion, the Lighthouse Lounge, a small Christian connection center in the back of her clothing store. It’s a large enough space for small gatherings, study groups or private events. It also is a hangout for young people, musicians and others.

The Lighthouse Lounge has become a beacon for a wide variety of people in need of support.

“It’s a fun, safe place, very nonjudgmental,” Owens said. “We try not to be Bible-thumping. We’re just loving on people and meeting them where they’re at.”

Recently she staged a “Change for a Change” fundraiser for A Ray of Hope, a local Christian ministry for the homeless and those who need a hand up. Participants could bring either the extra change in their pockets or a change of clothes to donate to A Ray of Hope.

There’s a revival service every Tuesday night led by Bill Fisher.

“I’m trying to create an atmosphere where you can have fun and find joy,” Owens said. “It’s a hangout, with boundaries of respect.”

Lighthouse Lounge is affiliated with a Kalispell-based ministry called WorldLink Mission.

Owens moved to Kalispell four years ago after working in the information technology industry in Helena for 12 years. At one point during her time in Helena, she sought protection at a women’s shelter for her and her children due to an abusive relationship with her now ex-husband.

That experience gave her insight into domestic abuse and compassion for abused women.

“I want every woman to be brave,” she said. “I recovered and healed and that healing comes from unconditional love. Not even medication can reach into the deepest part of their hurting.”

Owens has since remarried and said it was her faith in God that allowed her to step outside her comfort zone and start a business and Christian ministry here.

“I’m trying not to let fear get to me,” she said. “If you have God in you, you’re not afraid.”

Right now Owens is the sole proprietor of her store and ministry, though volunteers help lessen the workload. She relies on her younger clients to help get the word out.

“I tell them, ‘Go push this on Facebook,’” she said.

Fashion Outlet and the Lighthouse Lounge are located at 1035 U.S. 2 W. in Kalispell, next door to Chinatown Restaurant. Call 406-309-2855 or go to fashionoutletmt.com.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by email at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com.