Nail salons have been closed as “non-essential” businesses due to Go. Steve Bullock’s stay-at-home order, but the staff at one local nail salon has found a creative way to stay busy—and give back.

David Tiet, the owner of Kalispell Nails, switched his business from manicures and pedicures to producing cloth masks when the COVID-19 outbreak temporarily shut down his salon.

Tiet invested thousands of his own money into buying fabric and sewing machines and asked his nail technicians to start sewing masks instead of painting fingers. Since nail salons are off-limits for the time-being, Tiet said his employees “didn’t have anything to do.” So in their unexpected free time they are getting to work churning out cloth masks.

The masks are now available for free at Kalispell Nails for any community member who might need them.

“Everybody needs a mask,” Tiet pointed out. With national shortages and disruptions in the global supply chain, he decided to take it upon himself and his staff to do what they could to address this need.

“The community supports me on my business,” he acknowledged. “I need to do something for the community.”

“I just feel like I owe this country a big thanks,” explained Tiet, who moved to the U.S. from Vietnam when he was around 12years old. He has lived in Kalispell for the last 17 years, managing Kalispell Nails, Foxy Nails and Hi-Tech Nails.

With this mindset of gratitude and generosity, Tiet has also decided to use his stimulus check to buy canned food to deliver to elderly residents who are at a higher risk for catching coronavirus. Tiet and his employees will deliver canned goods for free to any older individuals who need the supplies during this time.

Tiet said he saw elderly shoppers out at the grocery store without masks and decided to do what he could to help keep these vulnerable populations stay safe, healthy and well-fed throughout the pandemic.

“I feel bad about it,” he said at the sight of the elderly shoppers in the grocery store.

Higher-risk residents can call Tiet for free food delivery at 406-756-6789. Anyone who needs a mask can pick them up at Kalispell Nails, 150 Hutton Ranch Rd #104.

Reporter Bret Anne Serbin may be reached at (406)-758-4459 or bserbin@dailyinterlake.com.