Curating a place that encourages creativity and expression has always been the goal behind Forage and Floral, owner Savannah Gentry said. Doing so with beautiful and colorful flowers is a major plus.  

Forage and Floral has brought color to the Flathead Valley since opening in October 2020. Five years later, the flower shop expanded to downtown Kalispell and is about to open a newly renovated shop on Nucleus Avenue in Columbia Falls. 

“I am just thankful,” Gentry said. “I’m proud that I keep growing and that I get to share this with other people.”    

Born and raised in the Flathead Valley, Gentry’s family has always been invested in entrepreneurship. Her mom owned a boutique in Kalispell and her uncle owned the Spotted Bear Ranch in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Gentry, at the time, never envisioned she would also own a business.  

After graduating from Flathead High School in 2015, Gentry left to study merchandising marketing at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles. She did a series of internships, many in floral design and the wedding industry, there and in San Diego and Austin, Texas before returning home to Motana in 2020.  

“I always grew up thinking I wanted to run away,” Gentry said, sitting in her temporary Columbia Falls location. “It was after I left that I realized this was the best place ever.” 

During her time away, she did take one with her one important notion: she loved floral design. 

When she returned to Montana, there was a flower shop for sale. Her friends and family encouraged her to buy it, but the timing didn’t work out. However, it sparked an interest in her and the people around her kept that spark alive, she said. 

In October of 2020, Gentry officially opened her first flower shop, coined Forage and Floral at Scout & Gather in Columbia Falls. From there, the shop moved to a temporary location on U.S. 2 while construction finishes on the new Nucleus Avenue location. 

Forage and Floral is known for same-day orders and deliveries on bouquets for any occasion. They also create floral arrangements for events like dinner parties and weddings. With bright colors and soothing pastels, each bouquet is unique and captivating. Gentry gets her flowers from a wholesaler in Washington, who delivers the blooms to the store. 

“We try to create modern-day art, making each bloom stand out,” Gentry said. “Even the shape is art.” 

In February of this year, a former employee of Gentry’s was looking to sell her flower shop, Flower Child, in Kalispell. Gentry acquired it and rebranded, officially expanding Forage and Floral’s retail access to Kalispell.  

“I wasn’t necessarily looking to expand, but it worked out so well,” Gentry said. “I’m grateful.” 

There is something special about being in the flower business, Gentry said. Flowers are a gift to give when there are no words or anything else to offer.  

“It’s a selfless gift,” she said. “You know they’re going to die, you’re enjoying the beauty while it’s there.” 

Forage to Floral’s retail locations feature an array of home goods, decor and knickknacks, such as a large array of vases, gifts, candles, many purchased from women-owned businesses.  

The Kalispell location is at 4 First St., Ste. 100, downtown. All retail shops are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and closed on Sundays.  

The current Columbia Falls shop is located at 7309 U.S. 2 East in Columbia Falls. The new location on Nucleus Avenue is slated to open in September or October.  

For more information, visit forageandfloralkalispell.com.  

Reporter Kate Heston may be reached at 758-4459 or [email protected].