Small Business Saturday served as the perfect occasion for the official relaunch and soft opening of the St. Regis Moxie Market. 

Still located in the cute red barn along Montana 135 in St. Regis, but under new management, featuring new Montana-made goods, and big plans for the future. 

The barn opened its doors to the public Nov. 29 and had a steady trickle of both customers coming to shop as well as local artisans and entrepreneurs interested in joining in this cooperative business venture. 

The St. Regis Moxie Markets’ new platform is filling the barn with area vendors who desire to get their goods, crafts, treats, and artwork available to the public. 

Jelena Banks, one of the three savvy business ladies leading the helm, explained, “We are offering retail consignment; vendors would receive a 35 percent commission on what they sell, and we handle all the sales, advertising, website promotions, and evening shipping items.” 

Around the store, beautiful handmade items like wooden bowls, metal artwork, local photography, intricate sculptures, clothing, knitted blankets and much more. 

Banks shared that her hope is for the building to become a place for the community to gather as well. 

She noted, “I would love for this space to accommodate something like a morning coffee crew.” 

The store has a cozy corner with couches, seating, and a coffee table. The barn has a small commercial kitchen, which, once they are permitted through the state, the Market would be able to serve light food for breakfast or lunch. Book clubs have already reached out to inquire about hosting their groups in the barn's warm space. 

Ashley Dillon, the baker behind Lillies Sweet Treats, had a wonderful array of cinnamon rolls, mini pecan pies, cookies, and lemon bars at the St. Regis Moxie Market on Saturday. With Christmas coming up, she will plan to have holiday goodies and treats in the weeks to come. Following the Montana Cottage Food safety regulations, the market can allow for vendors to sell non-hazardous food items like baked goods, jams, dried fruits, and candies. 

Currently, the barn has 13 local vendors selling a variety of goods and gifts, with several more signed up to join. Danielle Ratkowski, one of the co-founders, is excited about the market's potential. 

She stated, “It’s really nice to have a job that I look forward to being at; we are all just trying to make a living and get by, and so are these folks coming to sell here.” 

The third business partner, Jennifer Hickenbottum, along with Ratkowski and Banks, all have a heart for curbing hunger in the community and helping with food security. After the property purchase is complete, they plan to use the nearly two acres of land the barn sits on to create a garden and greenhouses. The produce grown would be available for purchase. 

Hours for the St. Regis Moxie Market are Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. And Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Their Saturday Market days provide additional vendor space for those interested in selling on a once-a-week or less frequent basis. 

For information on vendor spots, contact them via email [email protected] or call 406-550-6852. And while they are still fresh and green, come pick up a Montana Christmas tree to bring home this season. The address is 406 MT Highway 135, St. Regis.