When Kalispell native Amy Massie paired up with Chantelle French to help grow her brand nearly five years ago, the pair didn’t think they’d have a Kalispell store in just a few years.  

As of June, Forever French, a baby and lifestyle brand owned by Chantelle French of Arizona, now has roots in Kalispell, offering the local community a boutique children's and lifestyle store.  

“We have mindfully curated pieces that you just can’t find anywhere else here,” said Massie, store manager and French’s first brand employee. “I’ve always had a desire to bring something to this community, and this was just the perfect fit.”  

Forever French began as an online business in 2019 after Chantelle French received her daughter’s autism diagnosis. Inspired by the beauty and resilience of her daughter, French began selling the store’s iconic soft, stretchy and breathable fabrics from her home in Arizona. Her daughter, Charli, created art that is printed on clothing.  

Massie, a mom herself who connected with French via Instagram, joined the Forever French team in 2020, creating content for the brand through photography and graphic design. For the carefully curated collection of items, Massie draws all the prints.  

Over time, the brand grew. In 2021, French opened her first physical store in Gilbert, Arizona. Then Arcadia, Arizona followed suit with a new storefront in July of 2023.  

Kalispell, the franchise’s first location outside of Arizona, opened in June of this year.  

“I feel like our community just needs more [options],” Massie said. “We started looking for something to possibly buy here, and this just popped up... it has been perfect for us.” 

Over the past five years, French’s team of two has grown to a network of over 30 employees from Arizona’s deserts to Montana’s mountains.  

Alongside a multicolored print created by Charli, Forever French offers a large range of styles and colors in all their clothing. Ranging from newborn to 10 to 12 years, clothing for children is the core of the modern lifestyle and baby brand.  

The pajamas are made from premium bamboo, ranging from designs of yin and yang to checkboards. 

However, in-store only, the shop offers a curated collection of women’s clothing as well, from pajamas to athleisure wear. There is a smaller selection of home goods, such as candles and vases, and personal care items.  

The Kalispell store has already seen many interested shoppers, some recognizing the logo from their time in Arizona or its online presence.  

“The response from the community has been one of our favorite parts,” Massie said. “Without the community, we wouldn’t have the store.”  

From grandparents shopping for a new grandchild to a first-time mom coming in to ask questions, the storefront has allowed the community to come together.  

“We get to see so many firsts here,” said Peyton Lemburg, an employee at the store’s Kalispell location. “You get to be a part of something so precious.”  

Forever French bought the Second Street West building at the end of last year, renovating it for the June opening. French and her family were in Kalispell at the time it opened.  

The online store releases new items every Friday at foreverfrenchbaby.com. The Kalispell storefront also updates its selection weekly.  

Forever French is located at 142 Second St. W, downtown Kalispell. The store is open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday through Saturday, and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Reporter Kate Heston can be reached at kheston@dailyinterlake.com or 758-4459.

    Bamboo pajamas hang at Forever French's new location in Kalispell. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)
 Kate Heston   

    Forever French, a new children's and lifestyle boutique in downtown Kalispell, has clothinig options for all kids and women. (Kate Heston/ Daily Inter Lake)
 Kate Heston   

    Forever French sells home and lifestyle goods. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)
 Kate Heston