Carmel, IN May 2024

Women

t i m i z e y o u r s p a c e s b e a u t i f u

Celebrating Women

I welcome the opportunity to recognize the women in my life and focus on moms, sisters, daughters, friends, women-owned businesses and women in government who are making a difference. Mother’s Day provides the perfect opportunity to thank the women in our lives who dedicate time and energy to nurture the well-being of others. It is also a time to acknowledge family members, teachers, friends and neighbors doing awesome work in our community, pouring into our lives, making themselves unforgettable and irreplaceable.

This reminds me of a very influential teacher in my life. When I was in the third grade, I transferred to another school, and routine testing showed that my reading level was not where it needed to be at that school. I worked closely with a teacher who encouraged me to read every day. I was motivated to improve so I took her advice seriously and read the recommended thirty minutes each day. By the end of the school year, not only was I reading two grade levels above where I should have been, I had also developed an undeniable love of the written word. Reading and writing would become my favorite subjects and lead me to study journalism and later attend law school. It is amazing to look back and see how this teacher shaped my life in so many ways. Ironically, her name was Mrs. Love, and I think of her often.

One of my favorite parts of my role is connecting with and championing the best of the best when it comes to the women who help make Carmel great. In this issue, we look at how HerMD is impacting women’s health in significant ways, how a powerhouse named Lauren Williamson owns multiple Pure Barre locations and how Mayor Sue Finkam is leaving her mark on Carmel. We also highlight advice from a handful of local women.

This month, in addition to supporting local businesses owned by women, I hope you’ll also take a few minutes to send a text, make a phone call or get your kids on a video chat with the women in your life who deserve recognition. It only takes a minute to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much you love them.

ANDREA KULSRUD, PUBLISHER @CARMEL.CITY.LIFESTYLE

CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/CARMEL

May 2024

PUBLISHER

Andrea Kulsrud | andrea.kulsrud@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Amy Adams | amy.adams@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Logan Clark (Maverick Marketing), Renzulli Photography, Jolene Broad Photography, Christie McLaughlin Photography, Kathy BeMiller, Christy Hunter, Shelly Ruth Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Laura Paige

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

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city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Bridgette Ludlow performs in Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s recent production of Beautiful 2: From right, Insomnia Mom Founder Vikki Duke, gathers with Amie Peele Leake and Patti Parker. 3: Executive Director Jennifer Penix, left, and volunteer Navjot Dhanoa enjoy Taste of Carmel “Starry Nights.” 4: Ballet Theatre of Carmel dancer Ciara Farley shows off costume courtesy of Kauffman/Lowder Collection. 5: CPD Officer Jamie Reynolds and Archie recently received the Top Dog award for Drug Detection. 6: From right, IndyCREW President Kristin Hornberger welcomes Jill Donovan, Rustic Cuff founder, and Renee Czarniak. 7: AH Collection Co-owner Holly Kirsh, center, Melissa Olsen and her daughter Kaylee meet at Clay Terrace.

CARMEL CITY LIFESTYLE

HOLLY KIRSH

CARMEL POLIC DEPARTMENT

KATHY BEMILLER

JOLENE BROAD PHOTOGRAPHY

RENZULLI PHOTOGRAPHY

CHRISTIE MCLAUGHLIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Dr Kristen Blume

Dr. Fisher With Rejuvenate Eye and Face Medspa Announces Partnership

Rejuvenate Eye and Face Medspa and Elite LASIK & Cataract are now partners. With 30 years of medical experience, Dr. Diana Fisher will be providing the same high quality level of care at both facilities. Elite offers LASIK, SMILE, cataract treatment and more; Rejuvenate provides dry eye treatments, plus nonsurgical and aesthetic services; and some services are available at both locations. For more about Elite LASIK & Cataract, visit 2020lasikindianapolis.com

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New Suburban Roofing & Metal Offers Free Inspections, Luxury Roofing

Luxury roofing options are the perfect way to enhance your home's beauty and strength, and spring is the perfect time to do that. New Suburban Roofing & Metal specialty roofs not only add a touch of elegance but also offer unparalleled protection against the elements and last for generations. As a bonus, New Suburban is offering free inspections to help you make an informed decision for your next roof replacement.

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Dr. Emily Hrisomalos, Facial Plastic Surgery, Welcomes Aesthetician Susan Barnes

An Advanced Medical Aesthetician, Susan Barnes comes to the practice with 25 years of experience. She will be providing non-surgical laser treatments like Forever Young/BBL/Hero, Halo, ProFractional Resurfacing, MicroLaserPeel and Morpheus 8 radiofrequency microneedling. Dr. Hrisomalos is a double-board certified facial plastic surgeon with extensive knowledge and experience in performing cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries of the face and neck. Both practitioners strive to help patients achieve their cosmetic goals with gorgeous, natural-looking results.

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CARMEL MAYOR SUE FINKAM BELIEVES ‘IF YOU CAN SEE IT, YOU CAN BE IT’

Know

Limits

ARTICLE BY AMY ADAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOGAN CLARK (MAVERICK MARKETING)

“Are you Sue?” a girl’s voice trailed across the cul de sac.

On a lovely fall afternoon in 2023, then mayoral candidate Sue Finkam had spent the better part of the day knocking on doors and chatting with residents in a subdivision in northeast Carmel.

“Are you Sue?” the girl shouted again as she ran straight toward her.

“I am,” Finkam answered.

“I just wanted to meet you,” the little girl said breathlessly before plunging ahead. She proceeded to talk about how she, too, was an entrepreneur with her own “Mother’s Little Helper” business and how she, too, had political aspirations of being the first female president of the United States.

“You know,” Finkam said, captivated by the girl’s exuberance, “if I get into office, I’d like to get some kids involved.”

Immediately, Finkam’s new best friend began brainstorming about how she could help—making flyers and getting the neighborhood children on board.

By this time, the girl’s mother and father had joined them.

“She’s seen the ads that say negative things about you,” the father told Finkam. “But she's stuck with you the entire time.”

“Why do you think that is?” Finkam asked.

“Because you’re her role model,” he said smiling.

“She made my month—maybe even the whole campaign!” Finkam says later recalling the encounter. “In the grind of a campaign, it's just like one foot after another. Everyday, you're criticized. Everyday, you're unsure of yourself. And you can say all the positive affirmations you want, but it's hard.”

SAIL by Owens + Crawley marks a spot in Carmel along the Monon Trail.

Photo by Amy Adams

Finkam didn’t really have a professional female role model growing up in a small town of fewer than 900 in Michigan.

“I cannot recall one professional woman in our town,” she says.

Finkam was interested in the military and computers, in business and medicine. There was one doctor in town and one attorney—they were both men.

“I feel like if I had seen more options to be successful, I might have jumped in different directions earlier,” Finkam says. “We have incredibly accomplished women in this community. They are world leaders and game changers. They give young professionals something to aspire to.”

She looks at the young women graduating from Carmel High School today and sees a world of hope and possibility—from award-winning performers to having patents to perfect SAT scores.

“Take on the mantra, ‘No Limits,’” Finkam says to them. “Ask lots of questions. Just keep pushing. Whether it's a weakness or a strength, I tend to just plow ahead in the direction I want to go.”

Photo by Amy Adams

This mural by Wilkinson Brothers Design welcomes visitors to Midtown Plaza.

Photo by Amy Adams

In college, Finkam was told she was the top candidate for a university graduate assistantship in sports medicine but that she wouldn’t be placed in the position of working with the football and basketball teams. That coveted position would go to a young man. Instead of taking a back seat, she took a different job.

“I think we’ve all experienced things like that as women,” Finkam says. “We haven’t been necessarily recognized for our skills and abilities but recognized for our gender.”

Taking an industrial athletic training job rather than pursuing her desire to be the first athletic trainer in the NFL, which still hasn’t happened, was a pivotal point for Finkam. What may have seemed like a roadblock changed the trajectory of her career.

Having served on the Carmel City Council since 2012, Finkam was elected mayor of Carmel in November 2023.

Not long after she took office, Finkam was meeting with several professional women who asked her when her name was going up on the city’s welcome signs. Finkam shared that she was thinking of changing the signs to simply read, “The People of Carmel Welcome You.” She was surprised when the women challenged her, insisting that they wanted their daughters and sons to see that a woman can lead a city.

In a world where fewer than 30% of elected office holders are women, Finkam is actually the third woman to be named mayor of Carmel. In fact, the city’s first female mayor, Jane Reiman,  passed along to Finkam a beautiful pin that she wore during her eight years in office in the 1980s.

“I think women leaders lead differently,” Finkam says. “I, myself, like working with a variety of leaders, men and women, I think that makes a healthy environment.”

Finkam is clear that people can’t just wake up one morning and decide they want to run for office.

“You have to put in the sustained, hard work that's called grassroots,” she says.

“And, if a female wants to run, she has to probably put in a little extra work and grind it out.”

The Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University has gathered data and released multiple studies on women in politics.

“One thing they will tell you is that women have to be asked to run,” Finkam

says. “I would say to women, ‘If you are reading this article, you have just been asked to run.’”

Among other goals, Finkam hopes to make headway with community engagement and city transparency over the next four years.

“At the end of my time in office,” Finkam says, “I hope people think, ‘Sue's a thoughtful, energetic and passionate leader who put the community first and drove Carmel forward.’”

EMPOWER, EDUCATE, ADVOCATE

PROVIDERS PUT WOMEN FIRST AT HERMD

ARTICLE BY AMY ADAMS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOGAN CLARK (MAVERICK MARKETING)

Somi Javaid’s mother almost died at the age of 45 because doctors told her it was stress. In fact, it took emergent quadruple bypass surgery to save her life.

“That was my 'aha' moment,” Javaid says. “My mom is alive, but she almost died because of our broken healthcare system. I call it the trend of ‘invisible patients.’ Women are misdiagnosed and have delayed diagnoses all the time or are dismissed and left to suffer in silence.”

With degrees from Northwestern University and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Javaid began practicing medicine in 2005. Yet even after being chosen as a Cincinnati Top Doctor in 2014 by her peers, she was feeling frustrated.

“I didn’t have time or training to take care of certain issues,” she says.

Javaid explains that, in a world where most OB-GYNs have been men, there has been a profound lack of education when it comes to treating women’s health concerns. For example, she says that fewer than 20 percent of OB-GYNs are trained in treating menopause.

“There has been stigma, taboo, shame,” she says. “There’s also a lack of data because women haven’t been included in research trials, and there’s a huge disparity of research funding. Head to toe, women get only 4 percent of research dollars.”

Determined to bring change, Javaid opened her own practice in Cincinnati in 2016.

Patients have come from 35 states and three countries, which just goes to show how much Javaid’s practice is needed.

“I wanted a place where women are truly partners in their healthcare,” Javaid says.

Photo by Christy Hunter

“No one is doing what we are— insurance-based health care combined with the expertise we offer.”

As chief medical officer, Javaid founded HerMD with her sister, Komel Caruso, who is the chief operating officer and handles marketing and brand building, and Kathy Lai, who remains a consultant.

Today, HerMD has clinics in four states, including Carmel where board-certified OB-GYN Dr. Taylor Hahn and nurse practitioners Amy Kinnett, Courtney Cortez, Kendra Rininger and a full staff treat women ages 13 to end of life. While HerMD caregivers don’t deliver babies, they offer unmatched care for women, especially during menopause.

With a goal to make as many services as possible available in house, the facility has ultrasound capabilities, a surgical suite for procedures, like ablations, and offers Pro-Nox, an FDA-cleared analgesia for medical and aesthetic practices.

And they provide all of this in a setting that feels anything but clinical.

“We want women to feel comfortable and safe,” Cortez says, describing how the practitioners utilize extra touches, such as aromatherapy, to create a relaxing environment.

Kinnett says that the practitioners also plan more time into appointments to talk with patients.

“This is a safe place to get into that hard stuff, like life stressors, weight gain and sleep issues,” Kinnett says.

In addition, Rininger, an aesthetic injector, oversees aesthetic services, such as skin care consultations, Botox, fillers, chemical peels, microneedling, lasers and more.

Like the practice itself, the mission at HerMD is more than just skin deep.

Javaid has become a thought leader in women’s health and an advocate for women who are past the age of childbearing. She has been featured in magazines like Vogue and Glamour and has partnered with women like Dr. Jill Biden and actress Naomi Watts, but you are just as likely to find her speaking to high school students about anatomy and health.

HerMD values education for patients and the public. The proprietary HerMD University continues to educate HerMD providers and will soon be available to other providers, as well.

Additional HerMD clinics are expected to open later this year in New Jersey and Tennessee, and plans are to expand to Georgia and Texas.

Director of Content and Partnerships Caro Carmichael shares a core belief of the HerMD team—patients deserve to feel validated in their personal healthcare journey.

"Find somebody who will give you the care that you need," Carmichael says.

Reaching for More

WHAT BEGAN AS A PASTIME FOR LAUREN WILLIAMSON HAS BECOME A PASSION

ARTICLE BY AMY ADAMS

BY LOGAN CLARK (MAVERICK MARKETING)

Lights dim, music flowing, hand on the barre, she placed her foot in just the right position and mimicked the instructor’s subtle movements, feeling the burn with each repetition.

PHOTOGRAPHY

“Pure Barre was super different than any kind of workout I had ever done before,” Lauren Williamson says. “I loved the challenge and how I felt afterwards. It left me wanting to come back for more.”

After that first class at the Carmel studio in 2012, Williamson was hooked.

“I quickly fell in love with the technique, the community at the studio and the results I was seeing,” Williamson says.

Today, Williamson owns that Carmel studio, along with one in Zionsville and a new location coming in Westfield.

Not long after taking her first class, Williamson began working at the front desk in addition to her day job teaching elementary school.

When she and her husband moved to Denver the following year, she looked for a Pure Barre close by, eventually stepping into the role of studio manager and getting certified to teach classes.

“That really got my wheels turning about someday owning my own studio,” Williamson recalls.

After moving back to Carmel, Williamson helped open a studio in Indianapolis. Near the end of 2021, the opportunity opened up for her to purchase the Carmel and Zionsville studios.

“It was definitely a full circle moment,” Williamson says. “We have very loyal members, so some of them are still here from 2012, and I still have two of the first teachers that helped open the Carmel studio.”

One of those two instructors is Courtney Smith who taught the first class Williamson attended. At that time, there was one standard Pure Barre class. Today, the studio offers classes in four different formats.

“There’s something for everybody,” Williamson says. “We have people of all fitness levels and all ages. We have people who are starting a fitness routine for the first time. We have people coming off injuries who need something that’s more low impact. It’s also great for aging populations. My mom comes to class all the time. I’ve done Pure Barre through my pregnancies. It is just great for people in so many walks of life.”

CONTINUED >

LAUREN WILLIAMSON, OWNER

Owner Lauren Williamson

CLASS FORMATS TO DO AT HOME

“Full classes are 50 minutes,” Williamson explains. “They all focus on strength, there’s just some variety in each of our formats.”

Classic is the signature barre class that is set to music and shows more of the ballet background. High repetitions of small movements aim to strengthen, tone and improve flexibility.

Empower provides a cardio-centric workout in a circuit model that gets the heart rate up.

Align focuses on balance and flexibility.

Define is a fusion of barre and classic weight training using dumbbells up to 20 lbs.

Pure Engage has just launched as a 30-minute sample class to give those new to Pure Barre a sample of what to expect.

“Everybody starts somewhere,’ Williamson says. “No one is an expert the first time they come in.”

As always, check with your doctor before attempting any new exercises.

Forearm Plank

Come to your toes and forearms with your feet hip-width apart and forearms shoulder-width apart. Inhale. As you exhale pull your abs up towards your spine to engage your core. Tuck your hips under and hold for 30 seconds. Repeat the tuck and hold. Feel your entire core turn on to warm up your body!

Seated Stretch

Sitting, extend your right leg to the side, pointing your toe. Bend your left knee, folding your leg in toward your thigh. With your right arm down, reach your left arm overhead, leaning toward your extended leg. Hold to stretch. Rotate your chest toward your right thigh, reaching for your toes. Hold to stretch. Repeat on the other side.

Carmel Lead Teacher Courtney Smith demonstrates Forearm Plank.

Smith demonstrates Seated Stretch.

ARTICLE BY AMY ADAMS

Woman to Woman

WHAT’S YOUR BEST ADVICE?

BECCA GOLDSBERRY

Sales and Leadership Coach, Southwestern Consulting

“A well-crafted morning routine empowers women, setting a positive tone for the day ahead, fostering productivity, self-care and mental clarity.”

MOLLIE TAVEL KABACK

Vice President, Dr. Tavel Family Eye Care

“Stand strong in your convictions. Believe in yourself and your goals, while acknowledging that not everyone needs to agree with you. In fact, you will likely get a lot of ‘no’ in life, but it only takes one ‘yes’ to make progress.”

BRENDA HANNING

Owner, Cereset

“Women tend to carry a high burden of stress and often aren’t aware of their stress levels. Stress can make you sick. It’s important to find ways to de-stress since your health, relationships and quality of life depend on it.”

BONNIE RILEY

Assistant Vice President, Executive Banker, Community First Bank of Indiana

“Persist in pursuing your ambitions, cultivate a supportive network, remember that your worth is not defined by society, defy limitations and always own your journey.”

“Treat

AMANDA GARANT, Registered Dietitian

each meal as a new meal. Do not let what you have eaten before dictate your choices at your next meal. Listen to what your body wants and respect your needs.”

“Show

CHRISTINA LOCKETT

Owner, Christina Ann Hair Boutique

up as your authentic self. We all were blessed with unique personalities, gifts and characteristics, and when we show up authentically people support that.”

“Know

KATIE VIGIL

Director & Producer, That’s What She Said Indianapolis

your why. Be willing to take risks, and get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Don’t wait for motivation; just start. Stay resilient, let go of things that don’t serve you and prioritize health above all else.”

ELIZABETH SCOTT

President, Junior League of Indianapolis

“Be confident in your abilities, embrace your unique

perspective, and support and uplift

other women. Remember your voice and contributions are valuable and important.”

VIKKI DUKE

Founder, Insomnia Mom

“Being responsible with your time is lifechanging! Prioritize productivity over preoccupation, delegate tasks, limit constant access to you, schedule an hour a day for distractions and find authentic connections.”

DIY VANILLA ORANGE SUGAR SCRUB

Create your own DIY sugar scrub for a perfect gift for a special person in your life.

To make one 8 ounce mason jar of vanilla orange sugar scrub, you need:

• 1/4 cup of coconut oil

• 3/4 cup of sugar

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 10 drops of orange essential oil

Soften the coconut oil in the microwave for a few seconds. Next add the vanilla extract and the orange essential oil. Then, stir in the sugar, a little at a time. Print off a fun label or attach a ribbon to the jar, and your gift is ready. Enjoy!

SATURDAYS

Carmel Farmers Markets

2 Carter Green | 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Support local vendors and find fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, eggs, plants and more, in a fun, casual atmosphere every Saturday, May through September, rain or shine. Find out more at carmelfarmersmarket.com

MAY 2ND

Prevail’s Spring Fashion Show

Ritz Charles, 12156 N. Meridian St. | 10:00 AM

One of Prevail’s largest fundraising events of the year, the Spring Fashion Show raises money to support, educate and empower victims of crime and abuse in a confidential, nonjudgemental environment. The event includes lunch, shopping, a runway fashion show and an inspirational speaker who is also a survivor. Get tickets at prevail.ticket.qtego.us/tickets/list

MAY 6TH

Cheftacular

Carmel High School, 520 E. Main St. | 6:30 PM

This collaborative tasting event allows more than 20 local, professional chefs and Carmel High School culinary arts students to work together in the spirit of competition and giving back. All proceeds go to support the Cheftacular Scholarship with the Carmel Education Foundation, CHS Culinary Arts and the Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank. Find more information at carmelculinaryboosters.com/cheftacular.

MAY 11TH

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

You don't even have to leave home. | ALL DAY

Each year, the National Association of Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive helps provide assistance to Americans who are struggling with hunger. To participate in the largest single-day, all-volunteer food drive in the U.S., simply leave a bag of nonperishable food by your mailbox on May 11. All donated food stays within the local community. Learn more at nalc.org/community-service/food-drive

Luxury Outdoor Furniture at a Fraction of the Cost

Axis Home is the premier destination for high-end luxury outdoor furniture. We offer a wide range of products, including dining sets, lounges, and accessories, all made from the finest materials and designed with the utmost attention to detail.

We offer a premium product at a fraction of the cost of other luxury retailers. That’s because we believe that everyone deserves to enjoy the beauty and comfort of a luxurious outdoor space, regardless of their budget.

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All private rooms in a bright and spacious home-like setting with the highest caregiver-to-patient ratio

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The Restoracy of Carmel 616 Green House Way, Carmel, IN 46032

events

MAY 11TH

Midtown Block Party

Midtown Plaza, 365 Monon Blvd. | 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Don’t miss the City of Carmel’s annual kickoff to summer. A movie will begin at 2 p.m. followed by live DJ music from 4 to 6 p.m. along with balloon art, face painting, food and beverage vendors, Touch-A-Truck and more.

MAY 18TH

Art of Wine

Carmel Arts & Design District, 30 W. Main St. | 5:00 PM

All ages are welcome in the Carmel Arts & Design District for Art of Wine. Adults ages 21 and over can enjoy unlimited wine tasting for only $30. A limited number of VIP tickets will be sold for $50 each. For tickets and more information, go to carmelartsanddesign.com/art-of-wine

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