Excellent Resources Power Williston Entrepreneurs

Meet two Williston entrepreneurs who have launched successful businesses, thanks to the programs available in the region.

By Erica Buehler on September 15, 2023

Erin Vournas Photography

If you have an insightful idea, you can find the resources to turn your dream into reality in Williston, ND, no matter if you’re a native or new to the area.

Typical challenges for small businesses, such as finding affordable retail space, are made easier with resources like Williston Economic Development or its business incentive programs like the STAR Fund. Meet two Williston entrepreneurs who are finding success in this stunning North Dakota city.

Alissa Renner Photography

Finding a Niche in Williston

Kari Hauge, a Williston native and owner of Exhale Yoga Wellness Center, opened a permanent location downtown in 2021. Today, the yoga studio hosts daily classes and community events, plus it has a storefront that offers athletic clothing, self-care products and other health and wellness items. 

Born and raised in Williston, Hauge spent some time in Austin, Texas, practicing and learning how to teach yoga. “When I moved back to Williston, I realized there weren’t a lot of classes here,” she says. 

Hauge gave teaching in Williston a shot in 2017, beginning in a small, garage-like space with just “some flooring and a heater.” 

After outgrowing that space, she relocated to a spot in Harvest Hills in 2018, which is still in operation today. Then in May 2021, Hauge’s success led to a second studio location opening downtown. “With the opening of the second location, we were able to provide some retail,” Hauge says. 

Plus, she says the downtown location has proved excellent for its foot traffic and many downtown events. “We’re right across from Main Street Market, which provides a great opportunity to support local, handmade and homegrown products,” Hauge says. “It jives very well with our business.” 

Hauge says the best thing about Williston is that, as a community, it loves to support local. 

“Right off the bat from our grand opening, there was a lot of support. There is naturally a lot of foot traffic down here, but we’ve felt especially supported from day one.” 

Going with the Flow 

Bre Staal, owner of Lilac Lane Children’s Boutique, opened a new location in 2022, where residents can find affordable, boutique-quality clothes for ages newborn to size 18. 

Staal navigated several career paths and lived in several states before Williston became home, as well as the place she became a mom of two. That’s when she started to see the lack of certain resources, like child care and children’s clothing stores. 

“I realized that every time I wanted to do something special for family photos, I had a horrible time finding stuff for my kids,” she says. “We only had a Walmart here and a one-room JCPenney, so the options were really limited.” 

When a friend suggested Staal open her own boutique in Williston, she didn’t jump at the idea. “Owning a children’s boutique was not my dream,” she says. “But I thought, it’s really hard to be a mom here with no family, especially if you come from a city with lots of options.” 

Staal began what is now Lilac Lane as a pop-up. She then operated within a pharmacy a few hours a week – since she had to bring her kids to work – before finding an 800-square-foot shop, which also allowed her to start hiring staff. 

“We thought we wouldn’t find another space we could afford, but when another business moved, we were able to get into that space – right on Broadway in June 2022,” she says. 

Flexibility Helps Ignite Success

Opening a business amid nearby oil and industrial companies poses certain challenges for Williston entrepreneurs, especially competing for talent on wages. 

As a result, she made the schedule at Lilac Lane extremely flexible, which has aided in employee retention. 

“We have a backroom where we can set our kids up with a bassinet and a pack-and-play,” Staal says, noting that they’re actively working around the challenges in the area. 

“It’s hard being a small-business owner, but then someone says something nice, and we’re reminded that we’re not just here to sell stuff; we’re here to make a difference and make people’s days better,” she says. “And the community is so supportive. Williston Economic Development encourages prospective business owners to come in with ideas and is excited to help.” 

Networking for Williston Entrepreneurs

In Williston, networking events like 1 Million Cups, Williston Young Professionals and Coffee & Conversation are available to help emerging Williston entrepreneurs get the word out about their startups. 1 Million Cups meets the first Wednesday of every month from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Young Bucks Coffee & Eatery on 26th St. W. Various entrepreneurs present their individual elevator pitches about their growing businesses.

Williston Young Professionals schedules a variety of social, educational and volunteer events throughout the year, and everyone ages 18-40 is welcome to participate.

Activities in 2023 have included everything from ax throwing and trivia nights to cooking classes and Lunch & Learn sessions. Coffee & Conversation is a morning get-together that the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce schedules each month, and the events are highlighted either with roundtable networking or a featured presenter.

– Staff writer Kevin Litwin contributed to this article.