The COVID-19 pandemic left many businesses scrambling and just trying to stay afloat.

However, one Soda Springs business used the pandemic to find its niche and has continued to grow ever since.

The Til Then Boutique, 182 S. Main St., opened its doors amid unfavorable circumstances, hoping to give local crafters and artists the opportunity to sell their wares during the economic recession caused by the pandemic when many craft shows were being put on hold.

Plans were to stay open for just a few months, according to Jesse Elgan of Til Then Boutique.

“It was just gonna be until Christmas,” Elgan said. “But we had people coming in, asking us to keep this going beyond Christmas. So we were like okay, we are gonna go until Valentine's Day. And people kept coming in and supporting us, so we were like okay, we’re going to go until Mother’s Day. And that’s how we got started.”

Now four years later, business is stronger than ever for the cooperative boutique that enlists the talents and time of 15 local artisans, who each pay a portion of the rent in addition to a small commission on items sold in the shop.

They also take shifts in the store itself, manning the cash register and helping customers find just what they’re looking for.

About the artisans at Til Then, Elgan said, “What's really neat about this store is that we’re like a family. We all help each other and encourage each other to succeed. Everyone’s always willing to chip in, and we’re always open to new people if they want to come in and be part of our team.”

While customers might not always see the same smiling face working behind the counter at Til Then, it's even more rare to see the same custom-made items on the shelves for more than one visit. The merchandise is constantly changing and evolving to fit the seasons, holidays and current trends and fashions.

From toys and lollipops to jewelry and home decor, there truly is something for everyone in the sprawling store that’s easy to get lost in. One room is filled with 3D-printed toys, embroidered Idaho-themed hats, magnets and a collection of stunning photography, while another room brims with handmade soaps, candles and bath bombs.

One section contains kitchen items such as towels, wooden spoons and cutting boards, while another boasts a wide variety of clothing, from socks to bras to hoodies all the way to dress-wear. All of the clothing is new and there's even a selection of newborn onesies.

Though the name "boutique" might conjure up only images of items that would appeal to a more feminine audience, the store contains a healthy collection of gifts for the fellas, including leatherwork, RFID wallets and enough Sasquatch-themed items to attract even the most dedicated outdoorsman.

The diverse collection of goods is all part of the plan, according to Elgan, sharing “There’s a really nice variety because folks have different styles.”

While some of the "best sellers" are kept in stock year-round, many items change with the seasons as Til Then's artisans do their best to create T-shirts, hats, gifts and home decor to help locals celebrate holidays such as Easter, Mother's Day and the Fourth of July. And they do so with competitive prices.

The store has plans to add a few new rooms in the coming months. A section of local high school "spirit packs" is in the works, containing fan gear for local teams including the Grace Grizzlies, North Gem Cowboys and Soda Springs Cardinals.

Til Then is also looking to expand its custom work. They presently utilize a laser engraver for wood and leather, while also offering embroidery and silk-screen services. They will soon add a metal engraving service to their repertoire.

Giving the customers exactly what they want is a high priority, according to Elgan, who related a brief story showing just how the Til Then Boutique can meet the needs of just about any request.

Elgan said, “I just had a lady come in last week that was looking for a necklace that said 'aunt' on it, and I didn’t have anything in there, so I hand-stamped something for her. That’s another thing unique that we offer. … If we don’t have it, there’s probably a really good chance that between the group of us, there’s someone who could do it.”

In many ways, this quaint shop goes beyond what a typical boutique might provide, not just for locals looking for just the right gift, but also for the tight-knit group of artisans who call the shop home.

“For me, I’ve always wanted to be part of a group where there were opportunities for people to be able to sell their goods, to give people a place where they could sell their goods and encourage art in the community at a reasonable price,” Elgan said.