‘One-woman show’: Barrington resident brings home-grown business to historic Ice House mall
Barrington resident Montana Bellagamba is bringing her passion for books to the town where she grew up — and filling a need in her hometown.
Bell House Books, 200 Applebee St., is holding its grand opening Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the historic Ice House Mall & Village Shops.
Bellagamba began the business out of her home — its name refers to both her name and the business’ domestic origins — and began hosting pop-ups at women-owned shops in the area, as well as the village’s farmers market, now known as Thursday Night Out.
Now, she has her own nearly 1,100-square-foot space.
Bellagamba’s background is in hospitality, food and beverage, which translates into a public-facing business. She and her husband Thomas Bellagamba, whom she met at Countryside Elementary School, moved back to Barrington from Chicago and have two young children. She has spent the past seven years working for consulting firms.
After they moved back, she found people she knew had also moved back. She also found a network of other female entrepreneurs who were willing to welcome her into their spaces, including the Pepper Pot, a needlepoint and mahjong store located within the mall.
“One thing that really took me by surprise is just the amount of female entrepreneurs in this town and how truly inspiring they are,” she said. “They are willing to connect and collaborate and help you grow.”
The goal is to provide a general interest bookstore that also acts as a community hub, hosting author events and book clubs.
“I’ve been an avid reader my whole life,” Bellagamba said. “It’s always brought me a lot of joy.”
This was especially true during the COVID years, when reading provided an escape. Much of her motivation in starting her business was to create a space where people could connect again after difficult times.
Her own reading leans toward Romance. But she is broadening her scope to include areas like science fiction and nonfiction to better serve her customers.
“The intention is to have something for everyone,” she said.
Barrington Village President Mike Moran welcomed the addition.
“A bookstore is the number one thing I’ve seen requested on social media,” he said.
“I really am a one-woman show,” Bellagamba said.
She handles all the administrative tasks, other behind-the-scenes work, as well as the customer service and hosting events. She takes pride on the book shop being woman-owned, saying there needs to be more of them.
“Just because I have a full-time job and little kids doesn’t mean that I can’t chase dreams as well,” she said.