Absolute Living

SHELBY DEMPSEY

CHANGING THE LANDSCAPE OF POVERTY.

CONTENTS

THE ABSOLUTE AGENDA

If January weather has you in the dumps, this month's lineup of all the great happenings in the Indianapolis area is certain to inspire and enliven! Life is meant for living!

EMBRACE YOURSELF

Self-care shouldn't be a luxury. It should be a habit that renews you from within on a regular basis. Check out our picks for practicing self-love in 2023.

Jan/Feb 2023

KISS THE COOK

It may be true that the stomach is the way to your loved one's heart. Let us help you get an early start on your Valentine's Day dinner plans.

ELEVATE YOUR YEAR

Luxury and prestige unite at Bentley Indianapolis. Make this your year.

SUBSCRIPTIONS For more information go to absolutelivingmagazine.com, or call 317.509.398.

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COMMENTS Contact us via social media or email us at jpena@absolutelivingmagazine.com

SHELBY DEMPSEY

AbsoluteThe

AGENDA

By SuSaN Salaz

Jan/Feb

January 23–February 5

Devour Indy Winterfest

Various restaurants devourindy.com

Celebrate long winter nights with delectable three-course meals at your favorite restaurants. We love The Fountain Room in downtown Indianapolis for its upscale supper club vibe, Juniper on Main in the Carmel Arts & Design District for authentic Southern fare and Tucci’s in Carmel City Center for an impressive wine list.

January 25

January Open House The Sixpence thesixpence.com

Explore the gorgeous wedding and event space at The Sixpence (featured in this month’s cover story) while enjoying light bites and signature sips from their custom bar at this winter open house. Here guests can meet members of The Sixpence team as well as vendor partners and wedding professionals.

January

27

Indiana

On Tap Tasting Event 1899 Venue

indianaontap.com

Join the Indiana On Tap Tasting Society for an incredible lineup of breweries, home breweries and distilleries in the dazzling 1899 Venue at Central State Village in Indianapolis. In addition to unlimited drink samples and music by DJ 3PM, food will be served by Smokin’ Barrel BBQ at this one-of-a-kind event.

January 27–28

Hoosier Chocolate Fest

The Sixpence hoosierchocolatefest.com

Chocolate lovers will want to mark their calendar for this year’s annual Hoosier Chocolate Fest. Featuring a wide range of chocolaty treats to try, as well as endless dessert options, chocolate cocktails, demonstrations and live music, you’ll find this all on the grounds of The Sixpence Wedding + Event Space near Zionsville.

February 10

Home & Outdoor Living Show

Grand Park suburbanindyshows.com

Get inspired to make your space a vibrant oasis this year at the Home & Outdoor Living Show, featuring local vendors and area experts. Visit the Spring Marketplace for home décor and gifts, the Enhanced Plant Market for indoor plants and how-to classes, and the Patio for food and wine.

February 17–19, 22–26

Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show

Indiana State Fairgrounds indianapolisboatsportandtravelshow. com

Find your ultimate adventure at the Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show. With a variety of speakers, exhibitors and demonstrations, guests can start planning a year of wild excitement despite the cold of winter—whether you are into camping, boating, or just love the great outdoors.

February 2

Los Angeles Lakers at Indiana Pacers

Gainbridge Fieldhouse gainbridgefieldhouse.com

Cheer on Tyrese Haliburton, Myles Turner and the Indiana Pacers as they take on LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in a fierce basketball matchup. This unforgettable experience will have any sports fan on their feet, with perfect views of all the action inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

February 17–19

GeoFest

Indiana State Museum indianamuseum.org

Join fellow rockhounds at the Indiana State Museum for GeoFest, where you can discover the beauty of rocks, minerals and fossils for three days of fun geo-discoveries. Vendors from across the nation will be gathered to celebrate the 20th anniversary event, educating guests and offering a variety of jewelry and gems for purchase.

February 26

Marc Anthony

Gainbridge Fieldhouse marcanthonyonline.com

See music sensation Marc Anthony in his first-ever arena performance in Indiana for his storied Viviendo Tour. The acclaimed singer-songwriter has won three Grammy awards and six Latin Grammy awards, and has released 13 studio albums throughout the course of his 30-year career in the music industry.

New Year, New Goals, Same Experts

Embrace Yourself

An Absolute Guide to Loving Yourself

By SuSaN Salaz

Start your year off right by reimagining your self-care rituals.

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, but as you shop for the perfect gifts for your partner and loved ones, why not consider honoring yourself with a little more love? Self-care shouldn’t be a luxury. It should be a habit that renews you from within on a regular basis—physically, mentally and emotionally.

Here are our top five picks to practice self-love in the coming year. With a healthy combination of moving and stretching your body, managing your pain naturally, taking care of your skin, enhancing your appearance and plunging to new depths to find the ultimate energy source, our hope is that you will embrace yourself with practices that are not only effective, but fun and rewarding. Self-love is a commitment—and a worthwhile one to nurture through every stage of life.

Physique 57

350 Monon Boulevard, Ste 14, Carmel

@physique57indianapolis on Instagram

With every class created to be an experience, Physique 57's high-intensity, low-impact routines will leave you loving your body more than ever.

If you are looking for a next-level workout where every movement serves a purpose, then Physique 57, just steps off the Monon Trail in Carmel, is for you. Here, every class is created to be an experience, says owner Leslie Lupton of the lively barre classes. “Our trainers expertly create our signature sequences and playlists to make class invigorating and uplifting,” she says, adding that each instructor has a dance and performing arts backgrounds. This real-life experience in anatomy and movement, enhanced by the vigorous training, ensures every move, big or small, is safe and effective. You'll never plateau, always be challenged and continually grow.

Each class Physique 57 offers will leave you feeling energized, not depleted, through a unique blend of strength training, cardio and stretching that meets you where you are on your fitness journey. “We often say that we sell endorphins and confidence— what everyone needs to feel great throughout the year,” Lupton says.

The high-intensity, low-impact classes take 57 minutes (hence the name) and will leave you loving your body more than ever before.

Physique57.com/indianapolis

Leslie Lupton

Cold Plunge Studios

2792 E. 146th Street, Carmel coldplungestudios.com

@coldplunge_studios on Instagram

Plunging into a tank of freezing water might not seem like your idea of fun, but according to Jesse Gambert, Managing Partner at Cold Plunge Studios, the mental and physical benefits are worth it. “You enter this Zen state,” says Gambert, comparing it to a runner’s high. He goes on to say, “It's just like a blanket over you. And then when you get out, your energy level is tripled for at least eight hours,” noting not only relief of muscle aches and fatigue, but heightened endorphin release, elevated dopamine levels and even increased metabolism.

It only takes a few minutes a week to reap the rewards on your body, your mind and your mood—and don’t worry, it’s not all ice-cold. “Our thing is contrast therapy,” says Gambert. Saunas are available so that guests can rotate between hot and cold, furthering the pleasure of this cool new experience, as well as the benefits. In fact, research has shown consistent use of saunas decreases the likelihood of stroke and heart attack by over 50%.

A few minutes a week in ice-cold water may be exactly what you need to reach maximum energy—and improve your overall health.

2462 E. 146th Street, Carmel

on Instagram

According to Matt Maloney, who opened StretchLab Carmel in 2021 with his wife Susan, StretchLab is for everybody and every body. “We really fell in love with the concept and knew it could help so many people move, feel and live better,” he says of the unique wellness studio offering customized stretching services. Just as no two people are exactly alike, neither are the stretches here. “Our approach to one-on-one stretching is about identifying tightness and imbalances in your body and then customizing a stretch routine that is just for you,” he explains, adding that trained Flexologists work with your specific needs.

Good flexibility and range of motion is an integral part of overall health and wellness, allowing for better movement, reduced muscle and joint pain, better balance and improved posture. It feels really good, too. “Most people leave after a stretch feeling relaxed, loose, and renewed,” says Maloney. Stop by for a MAPS 3D body scanning assessment and introductory stretch to get a customized plan to meet your goals.

stretchlab.com

Increase your flexibility and range of motion— and feel so much better about yourself!

@stretchlabcarmel

Susan and Matt Maloney

The E Spot Spa

11405 N. Pennsylvania Street, Ste 102, Carmel

@espotspa on Instagram

Take care of yourself from the inside out with the E Spot Spa's noninvasive laser treatments, used for pain relief and enhanced healing.

Prioritizing your health and wellness is essential when it comes to self-care, and at the E Spot Spa, achieving optimal health and beauty from the inside out is their passion. This unique spa is known best for its non-invasive laser treatments, used to relieve pain and enhance healing, and offers the only Class 4 cold laser therapy in the state (a more efficient and effective treatment and the only laser safe for all skin colors). “Taking care of your pain will increase your productivity and allow you to do the things you want and need to do in life,” says owner Patrick Cowherd, who co-owns The E Spot Spa with Margi Beaver, adding that the team of professional healthcare providers will assess your needs and develop an individualized treatment plan.

“Our experts are here to help you achieve vitality and be your very best you,” says Cowherd. In addition to the laser treatments, the E Spot Spa provides IV therapy and aesthetics. Cowherd recommends preventative aging treatments, such as dermabrasion, microdermabrasions, and skin laser treatments. He notes that as we age, our skin ages, too. And while we can't stop time, there are steps you can take to reduce its effects on your skin. Cowherd recommends getting a start early, as young as your 20s.

espotspa.com

Wise Aesthetics

2325 Pointe Parkway, Ste 110, Carmel

@wiseaestheticscarmel

Specializing in medical aesthetics, Wise Aesthetics is committed to helping you become the best version of yourself this year. They offer a wide variety of full facial non-surgical rejuvenation services including clinical facials, laser treatments, injections, hair reduction, skin tightening, and more, all in their state-of-the-art facility. Here, the dynamic team of experienced providers is focused on achieving beautiful, natural-looking results, says owner and Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner Crissy Wiseman of the highly trained aestheticians and nurse injectors. “We take our patient’s goals as seriously as they do, and with our combined clinical medical knowledge and experience in medical aesthetics, we are able to leave them feeling refreshed and rejuvenated,” she says.

“We work with each patient individually, listen carefully to their goals, better understand their individual anatomy, and only then come up with a treatment plan that will garner incredible results,” she says. She adds that taking care of your self-image and appearance is great for your confidence and, in turn, your mental health, because, according to the team at Wise Aesthetics: self-care is self-love.

wise-aesthetics.com

The focus at Wise Aesthetics is always on achieving beautiful and natural-looking results.

on Instagram

Crissy Wiseman

ALL FOR LOVE

SHELBY DEMPSEY

By SuSaN Salaz | PhotograPhy By Gabrielle Cheikh Noel | artwork By eduardo Peña (promotional content)

Shelby Dempsey’s well-appointed event venue is more than a memorable wedding site—The Sixpence is an experience that honors every detail imaginable.

MakeuP By Abby PrAther

Gorgeous homes and horse pastures dot the countryside on the drive north of Zionsville. Just beyond a quaint saltbox farmhouse, a marvelous white barn emerges from the pastoral landscape. A few years ago, the land consisted solely of farm fields with an overgrown creek running through. But with an artistic eye, an intricate understanding of the wedding industry, and the unending support of her family, Shelby Dempsey went to work to create a purpose-built space that could meet every need of today’s modern couple.

The Zionsville native studied communications at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida, but found a passion for photography and worked full time capturing weddings along the coast and around the globe while still a student. In 2016, she started Amavi, a luxury wedding studio offering seamless photo and video services. This gave her a front row seat to an array of celebrations across a range of styles, and as she honed her visual skills, she also noticed what was working and what was not in the many wedding venues she visited. Some of the most beautiful spaces lacked functionality, while event venues that worked well often missed the mark aesthetically. From her perspective as a photographer, Shelby says she was always looking for different backdrops and spaces with strong indoor natural light, but also appreciated pleasing designs that could support various styles and color palettes. A good “rain plan” is essential for

outdoor events, and things like spacious restrooms, ADA accessibility and HVAC were non-negotiables in her view. With characteristic sagacity, Shelby envisioned a venue that combined it all, and she went to work discerning her dream.

In her heart, Shelby knew the idea was a good one, but as a professional, she couldn’t go much further on just a hunch. And she knew she would need some help. After months of research, with data, spreadsheets and business projections in hand, Shelby took the concept to her parents, and a family business was born back home in Indiana. “Once the three of us started working on it together is when it really started moving forward,” she says. They closed on 17 picturesque acres in Boone County in January of 2020, the same month Shelby began dating her now-husband Seth Dempsey, and just weeks before the COVID pandemic shut us all down. From idea to execution, Shelby says the story of The Sixpence has been a study in the human experience, with elating highs and implausible lows, as her youngest sister, only 12 at the time, was diagnosed with and undergoing treatments for an aggressive childhood cancer. But now with the first year in the books, her sister’s cancer in remission, and her own wedding anniversary coming soon in April, Shelby and her family couldn’t be happier with what they have accomplished. “We have so much gratitude for the precious community we have formed here with our team, clients, families and vendors, as well as the greater Zionsville community. The way this community has supported and celebrated us is humbling and such a joy,” Shelby says.

The sprawling parcel starts with the 8,000-square-foot, open and airy, ADAcompliant barn (complete with luxurious restrooms, a spacious bridal party suite, an impressive bar, crystal chandeliers and plenty of photo ops). Add to that three outdoor ceremony spaces (the concrete pavilion outside the barn, the grassy lawn near the creek, and the new wooded grotto across the creek). Finally, throw in The Homestead (the fully renovated 1851 farmhouse that sleeps 10); The Gardens (a collaborative partnership offering fresh cut blooms from Bluebell House Flowers); and The Workshop (a deluxe man cave perfect for the groomsmen). The venue’s entirety is basically a blank slate, allowing couples freedom to shape the space into their ideal wedding day. In addition to functionality and aesthetics, Shelby’s main priority is customization. “I like having options,” she says. “I want couples to feel like their unique style and feel and budget can be supported by The Sixpence.”

Offering varied daily and weekend-long rentals with an extensive list of included amenities, The Sixpence sets itself apart from other event sites. “As we grow, I want to continue establishing ourselves in the industry as a name couples can trust,” says Shelby. The process is very resource based—personal meetings, multiple walkthroughs, and a comprehensive online concierge planning portal help clients manage preparations with ease—and additional services such as tables and chairs, setup and teardown, and security are a part of every plan. Custom bar packages are all provided in-house, but the otherwise open vendor policy allows

clients to benefit from a medley of external vendors offering the best in the business— from food to photography to flowers. “If you can dream it, we can host it,” Shelby says.

While her parents remain involved, Shelby and Seth mainly lead daily operations, and her best friend Brooks Daigle is the director of marketing and advancement for the venue, which also has a skilled management team and a dedicated group of more than 30 full- and part-time inhouse employees. To Shelby, the team they have cultivated at The Sixpence is the secret ingredient to its success. “We always work together, and we always defer to each other’s skill sets,” she says of the many valuable perspectives that contribute to the team’s dynamic.

When asked about the name, Shelby recites the traditional wedding poem, “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” She then pulls out an old British coin—a sixpence—to finish the poem, “and a sixpence in your shoe.” This last wedding day tradition, she explains, is often overlooked, but not here at The Sixpence. Each couple receives one, serving as a promise from Shelby and her team that they will be conscientious and attentive down to every last detail.

To find out more, read Shelby’s blog or schedule a tour of The Sixpence, visit thesixpence.com online. For photos and wedding inspiration, follow @the_sixpence on Instagram.

DempSey, who co-ownS The Sixpence wiTh her parenTS, chriS anD Tana henry, anD her huSbanD SeTh DempSey, haS alwayS haD an eye for STyle. She DeSigneD The STunning venue from a phoTographer’S perSpecTive, flooDing iT wiTh naTural lighT anD charming DeTailS.

ABSOLUTELIVING

Shelby

wiTh phoTo anD viDeo experience ThaT incluDeS more Than 400 weDDingS anD evenTS arounD The worlD, Shelby DempSey Took her experTiSe in The inDuSTry To DeSign a purpoSe-builT evenT venue wiTh The moDern couple in minD. The Sixpence offerS boTh aeSTheTicS anD funcTionaliTy in an elevaTeD SeTTing for your Special Day.

KISS THE COOK

By SuSaN Salaz

Love is the secret ingredient for a special Valentine’s Day meal. Here are some of the best local restaurants we are crushing on right now, for all the right reasons.

FOR THE ROMANCE:

Convivio italian artisan Cuisine

40 S. Main Street, Zionsville and 11529 Spring Mill Road, Carmel convivioindy.com

To chef, owner and native Italian Andrea Melani the essence of Convivio is to enjoy the special moments that come with sharing a meal. Here, he sweeps you off your feet—taking you back to his home country without ever leaving town. His meticulous, yet simplistic menu features fresh pasta made daily and changes seasonally to highlight regional Italian fare in an intimate setting.

FOR THE ATMOSPHERE:

the Fountain room 830 Massachusetts Avenue, Indianapolis thefountainroom.com

“The Fountain Room is a great place on Valentine’s Day due to its unique and lively atmosphere,” says owner Blake Fogelsong. But the stunning space with boozy drinks, velvet banquettes, glowing chandeliers and a reel-to-reel machine evokes a sense of nostalgia and entertainment anytime. For Valentine’s Day, Executive Chef Andrew Popp will be featuring scallops, lamb lollipops, and a surf-and-turf special, along with homemade cherry amaretto and chocolate pie.

FOR THE WINE:

tuCCi's 11 W. City Center Drive, Carmel tucciscarmel.com

Known for their lengthy list of premium wines, extensive by-the-glass offerings and discerning sommelier service, Tucci’s in Carmel City Center is a favorite fine-dining destination serving steaks, fresh seafood and pasta. From January 23rd through February 5th they are featuring a three course dinner for Devour Indy week, and always offer complimentary valet service.

FOR THE SWEET TREATS:

Gallery Pastry

1101 E. 54th Street, Indianapolis 319 E. 16th Street, Indianapolis 110 S. Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis gallerypastry.com

All of the desserts for the trio of Gallery Pastry locations are made on display at the downtown Indianapolis location (Gallery Pastry Bar), and none of the decadent treats, from the macarons they are famous for to classic French croissants, tangy fruit tarts and ultimate dessert boards last long in the cases, or on your plate. On Valentine’s Day, you’ll fall in love with a multicourse, interactive experience featuring sweet and savory plates from the Gallery Pastry chefs and a complimentary glass of champagne at the original Gallery Pastry location in SoBro.

FOR THE COCKTAILS:

verde Flavors oF mexiCo

12727 E. 86th Street, Indianapolis 11680 Commercial Drive, Fishers 1111 W. Main Street, Carmel 3221 S. US 421, Zionsville verdeflavorsofmexico.com

Tequila will never go out of style, but according to owner Paul Aréchiga, mezcal can brighten up any gray winter day. The specialty cocktail currently turning heads is Verde is Vida (meaning“Verde is life”). Made with Mezcal and agave nectar, with hints of orange, lime and cucumber, this drink pairs perfectly with the authentic and elegant Mexican cuisine that Verde is known for.

awarded by Good Housekeeping & Shape Magazines

By SuSaN Salaz

ELEVATE YOUR YEAR

Get behind the wheel of modern luxury and prestiGe at bentley indianapolis.

More than a century ago, Bentley Motors was founded in London by W.O. Bentley, who sought to make what he called “a fast car, a good car, the best in its class.” Today that still rings true, and you can find this legendary, one-ofa-kind quality at Bentley Indianapolis—the first and only Bentley dealership in the city.

“We chose Bentley for several reasons,” says Moe Barham, who started the franchise with his brother Yousef Barham in 2021, after more than twenty years of success at Coast to Coast Imports. “Every Bentley that rolls out of Crewe, England, has been designed and manufactured with a specific purpose,” he says of the bespoke automobiles. Whether that purpose is to celebrate arrival or to serve a more utilitarian need, each car is manufactured with exceptional care by a significantly credentialed workforce. “Craftmanship is probably our biggest selling point,” continues Moe, explaining that in a world where rapid automation

reigns supreme, Bentley holds to a more 20th century approach. Every stitch of interior fabric finds a home at the hands of someone who has successfully completed an apprentice to master program. Every piece of interior wood is selected, shaped and installed by some of the best carpentry specialists in the world. Despite all the luxury and uniqueness, Moe says they are equally exhilarating to take down the road. “To date,

we’re one of the last manufacturers that still offers eight- and twelve-cylinder engines—lots of power there.”

Bentley’s heritage is evident in all of the interior and exterior styling of their automobiles, going above and beyond the standard expectations of luxury. A Bentley just feels different, but with the tangibility in the showroom and the personal attention of the team, the atmosphere at Bentley Indianapolis is approachable. “We put a strong focus on building relationships with our customers,” says Moe, adding that this enables them to understand what they are looking for in a vehicle and better meet their automotive needs. “Our Bentley line has a lot of character, so it’s very important to understand the vehicle owners and their preferences,” he says.

In addition to the namesake Bentley line, Bentley Indianapolis offers several other European luxury marques and a variety of specialty and exotic cars for those seeking a truly custom driving experience. The onsite service department offers maintenance not only to the Bentley line, but to many other luxury and high-performance vehicles. “Our relationship with the customers doesn’t stop post-purchase,” insists Moe, explaining that the service department handles everything from standard oil changes, ceramic coating, window tint and more. “As in the beginning, we remain car enthusiasts with the same mission to connect consumers with a great product while providing seamless purchase and service experiences.”

If you’re ready to take your year to the next level with a distinguished car, visit Bentley Indianapolis, located near 96th Street and Keystone Avenue at 9450 Aronson Road. Find out more and view the inventory online at bentleyindianapolis.com and follow @indianapolisbentley on Instagram for new arrivals and luxury automobile inspiration.

Now is a great time for employers to review their employee benefits. You may provide additional benefits that can lead to increased retention and productivity. You may also save on costs.