Business Spotlight: Cactus Blossom
Cactus Blossom Collective is a thoughtfully curated, woman-owned and operated, artisan boutique, located at 111 W. Callender Street in Livingston. Established in 2015 by co-owners Jessica Konley and Kristi Reed, two visionaries with a passion for creating, Cactus Blossom is a space where artists can share their work with the community.
Konley and Reed were introduced by a mutual friend and quickly bonded over motherhood, creativity, and their dreams of entrepreneurship. Neither had formal business training prior to starting Cactus Blossom but had both successfully run businesses of their own. Konley previously owned Paper Airplane Designs, which occupied the space where Cactus Blossom is now located, and Reed started Windy Peak Vintage, an online vintage shop.
Growing up in the suburbs surrounded by big box stores, Reed has a longstanding appreciation for thoughtfully curated artisan concept stores. When Konley decided she needed a break from her nursing career, they both saw this as an opportunity to create a space to explore their own artistic passions and share them with other artists and the community.
Konley and Reed have created a space that transcends a traditional concept store—Cactus Blossom is a place where they honor their own artistic abilities while also elevating other artists in the community. Over the past decade the maker community at Cactus Blossom has grown to include over a hundred artists.
While most artists featured in the shop are local to Montana, Cactus Blossom also displays products by creators and small businesses from all around the world—countries such as France, Spain, New Zealand and others. Local artists showcased have included, but are not limited to, Standing Rattle (beaded jewelry), Gumbo Lily Pottery, Cynthia Handle (sculptor and metal smith), and long-standing in-house artist Katie Sisum of Glassisum Designs (stained glass and glass blower). Konley also features her handwoven and needle punched rugs in the boutique.
When curating their inventory, Reed and Konley emphasize a set of core values they want to promote in their shop. In a world where fast fashion has become the norm, they have created a space to display unique, handmade pieces crafted using natural fibers and sustainable processes—supporting and elevating artists from near and afar who align themselves with their mission.
Cactus Blossom not only offers a retail experience but also hosts social events. Throughout the year, the business holds gatherings organized by Hilary Honadel, a print maker who features her art in the store. Hilary explains that gatherings are “come as you are” types of events where everyone is welcome. Through her gatherings, she hopes to elevate local artists by raising awareness about their work and create a community of artists and art lovers alike.
Hilary also hopes to create meaningful change by partnering with non-profit organizations for select gatherings. For instance, Forward Montana will have representatives at the shop’s Art Walk event this Friday, July 25th from 5 to 8 pm to raise awareness about their mission to politically empower the youth of Montana. The event will present Some Lamps, a collaborative sculptural lamp show featuring Josie Parry and Ned Bardsley, as well as live music provided by local musician Ted Robinson.
Most of all, Konley and Reed want Cactus Blossom to be a safe space for everyone from all walks of life. They work hard to create a welcoming environment where people are free to be themselves and enjoy their surroundings. During the Community School Collaborative’s Cougar Fridays, for example, Sleeping Giant middle school students venture out into the community to explore career paths at local establishments, including Cactus Blossom. Konley describes a feeling of pride and accomplishment when, as she explains, “young artists eyes light up seeing (possibly for the first time) that art is a valid career choice” upon entering the store.
Cactus Blossom is now celebrating its ten-year anniversary. Both Konley and Reed express their hopes to continue building their community of artists that has grown over the last ten years. They want everyone to know that they are welcome and encouraged to “stroll on in” and experience Cactus Blossom.
“We love this community, these people, our downtown business friends, and we are here to keep growing together,” says Konley.
You can visit the Cactus Blossom Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5:30 pm and on Sundays from 10 am to 3 pm. Visit their website at https://www.cactusblossomcollective.com or contact their staff at (406) 600-3800.