The Rabbit Hole open in Holiday Village

Paris Ralston and Amber Wells are turning their artistic talents into business.

Both women are the owners of The Rabbit Hole, a new portrait studio and boutique in the Holiday Village Mall of Havre.

Ralston said the joint studio-boutique was initially born of a light hearted conversation between her and Wells, a photographer

"So we were just kind of joking around one day and the idea just popped between us," she said.

The Rabbit Hole officially opened in March, but held their grand opening for the store Saturday, May 7.

Wells said the grand opening was scheduled to coincide with a craft show and the North Star Amusement Carnival, both of which were taking place at the mall that day.

In the front end of their shared space, Ralston sells crafts she has made such as fleece blankets, tutus, children's jewelry and hair bows.

Wells uses the back of the shop for her studio.

Neither woman has owned or operated their own brick and mortar store before this, however, both have experience making money from their talents.

Ralston said she has been doing crafts since she was 6. Five years ago she began dabbling in business by selling the items online.

Wells said that six years ago she began doing photography professionally on the side, photographing metal bands at shows in Eugene, Oregon.

However, she said, her love for photography goes back to her childhood.

"I've had a camera in my hand since I was 8," Wells said.

Wells said she is drawn to vintage style photography but is willing and able do most other styles that are more modern and experimental.

On the boutique side, Rolston said, unlike with other area artisans where "when it comes to crafting it is pretty much you get what they make," her products are customized to meet the needs of clients.

She said brides can also come in and order dresses, gowns and flowers.

Moving forward, Wells said, The Rabbit Hole will be focusing on a series of weddings coming up this summer.

They are also planning to increase their profile in the community.

Wells said they would eventually like to host a Princess Party, where youngsters could pose for pictures with performers dressed as iconic Disney princesses and superheros.

She said the actors and their costumes would likely come from a business in Great Falls that specializes in providing entertainment to different social gatherings, parties and charitable events.

When the holiday season approaches, Wells said, they plan to turn their storefront into a "Christmas wonderland."

The Rabbit Hole is located in the mall next to North 40 Outfitters.

Regular hours are 10 to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.