Like all small business owners, Colette Gross wears many hats.

As the owner of Station 8 in Columbia Falls, she divides her time between the shop floor, buying trips, administrative tasks in her office, and networking with other business owners, to name just a few duties. And she’s starting her 10th year this month.

“I have absolutely evolved,” she said of the shop’s long run.

Gross moved from California to Montana at the age of 19, got a degree in fashion merchandising at the University of Montana, and worked in corporate retail before embarking on her own.

“I had always wanted to have my own shop. When I was a little girl I thought it would be clothing because I loved fashion,” she noted.

But then she fell in love with home decor and vintage, and Station 8 was born in 2008.

Her advice to other small business owners reflects her journey.

“Be true to your vision. Do what you want to do and do what’s best for your location and your community,” she said.

She’s proud to have been and to continue to be part of the “revitalization, renaissance, and positivity” in Columbia Falls, and is grateful for the perpetual support of the community.

All are invited to a birthday party for the shop on Saturday, June 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. There will be specials, giveaways, drawings, and cupcakes.