Handcrafted goods are on full display at a new retail shop in downtown Kalispell.  

Taking inspiration from the energy of a makers market, The MOD Hive showcases the work of about 50 vendors. Goods for sale at the shop in Depot Park Square include scented candles and earrings, wooden birdhouses, felt bags and colorful greeting cards.  

Owner Brigette Mallo had been taking her graphic art designs and custom laser engraved products to area farmers markets, but when the market season was wrapping up last fall, she wanted a place for her and other makers to sell their creations no matter the season. 

“We wanted a brick-and-mortar place for people to sell,” Mallo said. “I love to go to stores like this because craft markets like this are like malls for adults.”  

A graphic designer for 15 years, Mallo had primarily been working as a digital designer through Amazon and assisting businesses with branding. Then her husband suggested she invest in a laser engraver to create custom products using her and customers’ designs. 

The addition to her business – MOD Ohana Designs – kicked off selling made on demand items, like water bottles, key chains, bracelets, notebooks and night lights. Products can be made with available designs, or customers can ask for a name or a picture to be placed on an item.  

“My favorite thing is working with businesses to create an idea,” Mallo said. “Or adding a name to something and seeing a kid’s eyes light up. Putting a picture on something as a memorial.”  

For the store, MOD stands for Makers, Original and Designers. The hive is a nod to a beehive because Mallo’s favorite color is yellow and she likes bees, and also because she wanted a space that is “buzzing with people and ideas.”  

“It’s great to showcase what people have made. It’s hard to find these types of items outside of market season,” Mallo said. “For many of our vendors, this is a side hustle. They are creative people who are trying to figure out how to make it work.”  

Mallo grew up in Evergreen before spending 20 years in Hawaii. At one point, she was selling textiles with modern Hawaiian prints, but working exclusively in graphic design offered a better schedule while raising five children.  

But now her business has returned to those roots as MOD Ohana Designs operates in half the retail shop, providing a space for Mallo to work with customers – whether it’s a one-off design or a small business looking for a dozen T-shirts, or even larger orders.  

“I love working with people to help create graphic design. It’s also so fun to see the things I draw on physical products,” she said. “I like being downtown with all the other businesses and the creative energy that’s happening.”  

Wandering through the shelves at the store, shoppers might find themselves picking up goat milk soap and then selecting a crocheted octopus before grabbing a notebook covered with cork fabric and stopping to admire miniature beaded flower bouquets. 

Some vendors have been selling goods at local markets for years, while others are new to selling their creations.  

One of those newer makers is Flathead Fragrance Co., founded by Kalispell native Schafer Bungay, who produces fragrances tied to Montana landmarks.  The Lonepine for Men is inspired by the single pine standing tall above the Flathead Valley at Lone Pine State Park. It's described as opening with a burst of fresh pineapple and bergamot, then settling into smoky birch and oakmoss. 

A fun feature of the shop is the kids' companies that are scattered among adult vendors. One 13-year-old is selling scrunchies, and under the name KnitKnacks, Mallo’s 12-year-old daughter Annika sells knitted beanies.  

Mallo works with all her vendors on pricing, providing feedback on what is selling well, and for those who need it, she provides a bit of extra guidance on how to sell products online and in bulk.  

“I want to help them find that first space for those who are trying to figure out if they can make this a business,” she said. “I see this as an incubator space." 

MOD Hive is located at 38 First Ave. E, Suite D, Kalispell. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days per week. For more information, visit themodhive.com. 

Deputy Editor Heidi Desch may be reached at 406-758-4421 or [email protected]. 

    Handcrafted Goats Milk Soaps by local artisan Vintage Story Farms for sale at The MOD Hive in Kalispell on Thursday, Jan. 22. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
 Casey Kreider   

    Illuminated wall art by local artist Ryan Becker of Sonray Creative for sale at The MOD Hive in Kalispell on Thursday, Jan. 22. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
 Casey Kreider   

    

    Locally made kids clothing at The MOD Hive in Kalispell on Thursday, Jan. 22. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
 Casey Kreider