'A space to build community'

Two McHenry-raised siblings are making their way into the business world together, with the goal of proving wrong the misconception that small rural communities aren't worth the investment.

Kallie (Frappier) Musland and her younger sister, McKenna Frappier, have gone into partnership with McHenry Mercantile, a new business located at 473 Johnston St. in McHenry.

Their love of their hometown and other small towns North Dakotans call home, along with a passion for small business, drives Musland and Frappier's desire to succeed with the Mercantile.

"That was really our motivation for bringing something fun back to serve [McHenry]," says Musland. "So many people are scared to invest in rural towns these days, and we feel the complete opposite."

The sisters got to know many of the vendors whose items they carry through shows where Musland displayed her handmade jewelry from her first business venture, The Less Collective, when she and her husband, Austin, lived in Regent in southwest North Dakota.

McHenry Mercantile's focus is on locally-made products, and the store carries merchandise from 12 different small businesses throughout the state.

Along with Musland's offerings from The Less Collective, some of the other vendors represented in the store are Burnt Brim Boutique of Binford, Little Town Soy Candle Co. of Gladstone, V&V's of Grace City, Teaching Tots Things of Jamestown, BossMare Designs of Regent, and More Than Knots of Bowman.

"We also have a lot of local women who are incredibly talented that bring in their crafts to share too," Musland says.

Items in stock include candles, handmade jewelry, pottery, macramé products, custom burnt hats and handmade wooden decor, among many other offerings.

Within their store space, Frappier's creativity with desserts and beverages contributes to the welcoming, "homey" atmosphere.

Musland says that when the two lived in Bismarck, the eclectic menus from coffee shops and the local boutiques served as inspiration for what McHenry Mercantile strives to be.

"McKenna's always baking up some unique treat, or crafting a fun latte to share with people, and we want you to feel a little bit spoiled when you come visit," says Musland.

"Right now, we're just hoping to provide something a little unique for people to go do with their families, or something to do on a Saturday with the girlfriends," says Musland. "We have dreams to expand it in different ways that could serve the community more too, but for now, we're just excited to be able to offer what we can."

Musland hopes that the Mercantile can serve as a "space to build community" and a reason to get together for McHenry residents and other customers in the region.

"I think there's always the concern of whether you can support your business enough to 'make it' in a small town, but the turnout and visitors we have received so far has been overwhelming," she says.

Both sisters are employed full time with the Midkota School District, as Musland teaches high school science and Frappier is the counselor for Midkota Schools. In that role, Frappier shuffles between the high school, elementary school and also works at Kensal.

With those schedule limitations, McHenry Mercantile is only open on select weekends at the moment.

The next open date will be Saturday, Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Musland says they are in talks with the Hunting Shack Cafe of McHenry and other local businesses to create a "Winter Vendor Event" within the following months.

People are encouraged to follow their Facebook page at McHenry Mercantile, or their Instagram account, @mchenrymercantile, for the latest news on future open dates.

"We currently aim for one weekend a month, and are hoping to be open more regularly in the summer as well," said Musland.

A website is also in the plans, so Musland says that will be another option for shoppers soon.

The sisters wish to thank all who have supported McHenry Mercantile so far.

"Even if you haven't visited in person yet, there are so many people that have shared posts online and spread the word about our shop," says Musland. "We are so grateful for all of that support we've been given."

Kallie and McKenna's parents, Kyle and Jeanne Frappier, still live at the family farm southwest of McHenry. Their brother, Klay, is an accountant for Step By Step in Fargo.