Two New Businesses Open Downtown

Two new businesses have opened up downtown in the former Eternal Beauty Ink space at 530 2nd Ave. S., Elle Boutique and Tattoo’s by Sam. Ran by mother, Lisa Martin, and daughter, Samantha Dondero, they are bringing unique items to the Glasgow and Valley County area.

Elle Boutique opened May 17, however the process of opening up a boutique for the area started back in February. Martin, who also works full time at Helland Agency in Glasgow, received questions from people she knew as well as those who called the office inquiring about relocating to the area. Since the closure of Shopko, both in Glasgow and Wolf Point, there was no place to purchase items, such as underwear, bras and socks.

“When thinking about the questions I answered almost on a daily basis, I thought, ‘Huh, we don’t have anywhere to buy the necessities,’” stated Martin. “We can order online, half the time we might get the right size and the other half, well we’ve all done it. Checked the size chart, checked it again, maybe taken some measurements and decided to go ahead. The package arrives and we try it on to find it is not even close.”

She called another local business owner and friend and asked them what they thought of the idea. The friend reiterated the community need for more retail stores that brings the community a variety of things that would otherwise have to be purchased online and hope for the best or wait until an out-of-town trip. With that support, Martin decided to move forward with the goal in mind of bringing to Glasgow things that all ladies need, including the basics of socks, panties, bras, and other intimate items, all at an affordable price.

In addition to the essentials, the boutique also offers swimwear, sun dresses, fun bachelorette party items, sun hats, jewelry and sleep wear. With summer coming to a close, the goal is to also bring in fuzzy robes, Halloween costumes, sweaters and jackets. “When I opened my intent was to sell different items than the other stores in Glasgow. I would love to expand into selling sheets, towels, wedding gifts, in the future. My ideas keep growing, my space does not,” laughed Martin. They currently offer sizes extra small to 3XL and they can also special order many items as well.

Working at a boutique is nothing new for Martin as she worked in one in North Carolina while in her 20s. “I loved it while I worked there. It was such a fun atmosphere!,” Martin exclaimed. The motivation behind the name of the boutique, is the french meaning. “Elle means light or she, so it’s She Boutique,” explained Martin.

Next door to Elle Boutique is Tattoo’s by Sam, owned by Dondero, who has been tattooing for close to 11 years. “I was first an apprentice under my aunt, then under an apprenticeship in Ohio before branching out on my own,” explained Dondero. She did tattoos in Glasgow for eight years at Eternal Beauty Ink before moving and then returning to Glasgow to open up her own business. “I’m really enjoying color pieces and calligraphy. I also do a lot of cover-ups,” Dondero explained. In addition, she is able to do custom art pieces as well as artwork that the client brings to her.

Tattoo’s by Sam is open via appointment by contacting her at 406-351-9201 and she is also available on Instagram.

Elle Boutique is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are also available online elleboutiquemt.com, on Facebook and Instagram @elleboutiquemt. They can also be contacted by phone 406-230-2460.