Thursday, April 02, 2026
39.0°F

Entrepreneurs team up to open new store in Superior

MONTE TURNER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 5 months AGO
by MONTE TURNER
Mineral Independent | October 30, 2024 12:00 AM

Christine Wharton and Janeen Willis have each been in the "fun stuff" business for a few years and recently partnered up with Superior retail store The Classy Bee’s Gift Shop at 204 4th Avenue.

“We met at the Superior Saturday Market in June of last year,” Willis said. “And then we hosted craft events or bazaars in Superior last November and December and another one this past March.” 

Her business, Garden Floweerfun Gifts, came about because, “I love to garden, grow flowers and make gifts,” she smiled. 

KCB Creations, Inc., is owned by Wharton, who has other enterprises in the area, and they discovered they had some similar subject-based merchandise. So, through their meeting and working next to each other, the two built a business relationship for a storefront setting. 

“Honestly, this place opened up and we wanted four walls to put our products in so that we are not loading and unloading and setting up and breaking down that those shows require,” explained Wharton. “And we felt the community needed a gift shop.” 

She explained that about 90% of their inventory is made by the two of them at their own homes when they find time between other life duties. The home décor consists of table centerpieces, stationary, greeting and note cards, trivets, baby gifts, painted saw blades, flasks, T-shirts, reusable bags, coasters, napkins, wooden signs, faith based, funny toilet paper, sarcastic, Montana-themed and seasonal items. 

The cozy 200-square-foot space is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. They have plans to offer helium ballons and balloon bouquets but the dust is still settling.

ARTICLES BY MONTE TURNER

St. Regis mill expanding operations, adding employees
March 31, 2026 1 a.m.

St. Regis mill expanding operations, adding employees

Driving along Montana 135 just outside St. Regis, it’s hard to miss the towering stacks of bundled posts and poles, and the large building at Big Sky Forest Products.

Superior students send postcards from the British Isles
April 1, 2026 midnight

Superior students send postcards from the British Isles

Every two years, Superior teacher Jeff Schultz organizes an unforgettable European tour for students and locals touring different countries.

Legion begins refurbishing highway fatality markers
April 1, 2026 midnight

Legion begins refurbishing highway fatality markers

Ray Welch American Legion Post 13 in St. Regis is responsible for maintaining fatality markers along Interstate 90 from Lookout Pass to mile marker 77, just east of Alberton, as well as along Montana 135 from St. Regis to the Sanders County line.