Invest in Peace of Mind
For over 50 years, we have dedicated ourselves to helping individuals and institutions achieve their financial goals through comprehensive wealth management services. Trust us to help support and protect your investments so you can focus on living your best life.
DREAM. INVEST. LIVE.
This Mother’s Day, it’s time to celebrate you
All year long, you’re busy doing what you do best — caring for your family. But sometimes, you need to refocus on your own health and well-being. At Ascension St. Vincent Carmel, we’re here with the care you need, from checkups to specialty care.
To learn more about women’s healthcare resources and services available in Carmel, go to ascension.org/StVincentCarmel or scan the QR code.
You Are Enough!
Dear Readers,
At Carmel City Lifestyle, we dedicate our May issue to the remarkable resilience and sustaining strength of the women who surround us. Whether they're entrepreneurs or executives, mothers or role models for other people’s children, each woman paves a path that takes hard work and dedication. And each of those paths weaves its way through our community, making an impact all its own.
With twists and turns, our paths often take us places we never expected. In this issue, we highlight women who have persevered through health crises, financial challenges and career changes to find personal and professional success and to make the world around them a more delightful place. We hope you'll take the time to gather inspiration for your own journey from Gwendolyn Rogers of The Cake Bake Shop, Elizabeth Cain of Elite Health Resort and Cecily Fox of Sweet Peas Flower Farm. Then take the time to visit these and other women-owned businesses in our area, which offer us the opportunities to celebrate the women in our own lives.
I do have one request if you're a woman reading this issue: Resist the urge to measure yourself by the women on these pages. We live in a culture of comparison that too often leads us to ask ourselves, “Am I enough?”
Allow me to join with the chorus of female voices around us to say, “You are enough!”
ANDREA KULSRUD, PUBLISHER @CARMEL.CITY.LIFESTYLE
May 2025
PUBLISHER
Andrea Kulsrud | andrea.kulsrud@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Amy Adams | amy.adams@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Logan Clark (Thynk Creative), Brianna Richardson
Photography, Lori Adams, Steven Keath, Beth Maier, Gabby Walter, Jill Winkleman, Diana Coyle
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
We offer simplicity from start to finish .Our process includes a complimentary site review and water test conducted by WQA-certified technicians. During this process, we gather information, educate you on the scope of the repairs or installation, and answer your questions.
Dr. Kristen Blume
inside the issue
Cecily
Beyond
city scene
1: Carmel resident, Katie Lucas, president of Lucas Oil, speaks to women at She L.E.A.D.S. 2: Andrea Kulsrud hosted a table for inaugural She L.E.A.D.S. conference with Mayor Sue Finkam, center. 3: Pure Barre Carmel welcomes lead teacher Kristy Kapela. 4: These ladies recently worked through Transform 40, a mindfulness journey with Fire & Flow Yoga. 5: Dr. Amy Robinson, Restore Your Core, speaks at Menopause Education Night presented by Solid Wellness at Field Brewing. 6: A panel of experts speak to guests at the COhatch International Women’s Day Event. 7: Endurance Mental Health sponsors a Carmel’s Dad’s Club Basketball team with Coach Auston Beier.
8: The ABC Supper Club checked “V” off their list with Sunday brunch at Vivante. 9: Metropolitan Youth Ballet of Indiana dancers competed at Youth America Grand Prix at The Tarkington. 10: Artist Melissa Balint shows her artwork on display at Elite Health Resort.
DIANA COYLE
business monthly
Fire & Flow Yoga Open House
Check out the Fire & Flow open house May 16-18, starting with a Power 45 Happy Hour class Friday at 5:30 p.m. with snacks and a sound bowl demonstration to follow. Try sampler classes Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Sunday throughout the day. Register for the free classes and find out about guest vendors and summer class pack sales at FireAndFlowCarmel.com.
Scan to read more
Pups & Pints Returns to Clay Terrace
Pups & Pints returns to Clay Terrace for another year of furry fun. Mark your calendars for Fridays, May 16-30, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., for a paw-some "Yappy Hour." Gather with fellow pet parents at the Clay Terrace Dog Park, located across from Old Navy. Grab a cold brew and let pups play while you socialize and unwind after a long week. Find more details at ClayTerrace.com/events
Scan to read more
Tourism Gives Awards Grants To Local Organizations
Carmel Arts & Design District/City of Carmel and Indiana Wind Symphony are among more than 40 local organizations that recently received grants from the Hamilton County Tourism’s 2025 Tourism Gives program. Tourism Gives has provided more than $15 million in funding since its inception in 2025.
Scan to read more
Photography by Steven Keath
Photography by Jordan Campi
IN FULL BLOOM
Cecily Fox Spreads Beauty One Bouquet at a Time
ARTICLE BY AMY ADAMS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOGAN CLARK (THYNK CREATIVE)
Flowers speak to people in so many ways — a vibrant array of colors representing love and congratulations, soft petals and sweet perfume offering comfort and peace.
“I can’t look at a bunch of colors and the faces of flowers and not be happy,” says Cecily Fox, owner of Sweet Peas Flower Farm.
Fox grew up on her family’s farm in Hamilton County.
“The love of the outdoors, and plants in general, was instilled in us growing up,” Fox says. “We were always outside and always involved in growing.”
However, after working in landscape design for a handful of years after college, she found herself less than fulfilled.
“I loved designing outdoor spaces for people to enjoy, but I didn’t like the time behind the computer,” she admits. “I wanted to be outside using my hands.”
Sweet Peas Flower Farm produced its first harvest in 2014, with pastel ranunculus, brightly colored anemones and clouds of delphinium dotting what had previously been farm fields 20 miles north of Indianapolis.
Fox says she put up one high tunnel greenhouse.
“I built it with my dad and husband,” she shares. “It was full circle for me because I have a photo of my
mom’s dad helping them build one of their first greenhouses.”
The soil is truly in the family’s genes … or jeans. It’s not unusual on any given day to see Fox’s 9-year-old son mowing and her 7-year-old daughter watering.
As the flowers have bloomed, so has the business. Fox and her husband, Wes, now work together and have expanded the number of high tunnels, which helps extend the growing season.
For years, the majority of the business has come from wholesale sales as well as predesigned bouquets sold at roadside stands and local grocery stores, such as Harvest Market in Carmel and a variety of Kroger locations throughout the area.
“A mixed bouquet is a labor of love because I know how long it’s taken for each bloom to reach that point,” Fox says. “It’s almost like reminiscing with each flower that goes into the bouquet. There’s a lot of pride in there.”
While premade bouquets are still regularly available at the roadside stand at 15431 Summer Road in Noblesville by the original field, the Sweet Peas Flower Farm team recently debuted their new retail space, located at 11351 E. 156th St. in Noblesville.
The Bloomery is a U-Pick flower farm with a mini-garden center filled with potted succulents and herbs, baskets, handcrafted dried floral products and patio arrangements. In addition, the Bloomery offers a place to gather. From mid-May until frost, The Bloomery will be open Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with expanded hours during the height of the season.
"We want to create a space where people can come experience the beauty and joy of these flowers and be a part of the process like we are each day,” Fox says.
When the U-Pick experience opens in late May, visitors likely will see rows of ranunculus, along with stock, dianthus, fever few and snapdragon. Summer offerings, such as zinnia, sunflowers, aster and larkspur, will be emerging.
“Each month is different, which gets you excited for the next,” Fox says.
Check out hours, reservations and events at Bloomery.SweetPeasFlowerFarm.com
EXPERIENCES AND RECURRING EVENTS
• Cut & Create: Hand-select and cut favorite flowers to create a one-of-a-kind arrangement.
• Stay & Play: Enjoy a beautiful evening with fire pits and live music.
• Bloomery Buds: Bring preschoolers for a sensory-rich class at the flower farm.
• Petal Pals: Kindergarteners through third graders can experience hands-on exploration.
• Ladies Night Out: Grab girlfriends for an evening of connection and creativity.
• Creative Bloom Workshops: Learn various floral arranging techniques and gain insights into plant care in a relaxing and inspiring atmosphere.
The Sweeter Side Of Life
BEYOND ICONIC CONFECTIONS, CAKE
BAKE FOUNDER GWENDOLYN ROGERS CREATES JOY
ARTICLE BY AMY ADAMS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOGAN CLARK (THYNK CREATIVE)
It’s nearly impossible to live in the Carmel area and not know about The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers in Carmel City Center, or its sister location in Broad Ripple.
From birthdays and anniversaries to brunch and afternoon tea, Cake Bake is the go-to spot for a celebratory atmosphere with a full, tantalizing menu and a plethora of decadent desserts. It’s more than a bakery of exquisite layer cakes — it’s a concoction of festive foliage, shimmering chandeliers and tiny twinkle lights that dazzles one's senses. From the moment you arrive, the elegantly appointed staff makes sure your experience is, well, magical.
It’s no wonder that the newest Cake Bake location just opened in the fall of 2024 at Disney’s Boardwalk in Walt Disney World Resort, “the most magical place on earth.”
It’s also no wonder that “cake-baker to the stars” Gwendolyn Rogers’ journey from mom to maven has been what some might call magical as she continues to find happiness in the most unexpected places.
With the continually climbing success of The Cake Bake Shop, now employing 450 nationwide, one might think Rogers always wanted to be a baker.
“I never thought, ‘Ooh, I’m a great baker,’” Rogers says. “I had three boys, and I was lucky enough to be a full-time mom. I just wanted to make breakfast, lunch and dinner. All I wanted to do was be with my kids.”
Rogers also expected to rear her boys and grow old with her husband in the home they built together in Idaho. But when circumstances changed, they had to rent out their dream home to make ends meet. Rogers’ family ended up moving to Indiana.
“I was in my mid-40s,” she says. “I didn’t have many friends, so I volunteered at the kids’ school a lot. If the kids had baseball or violin or choir, I would bring stuff to every event because it was after school, and, of course, they were hungry.”
She began making treats for teacher appreciation and school events. Word spread.
“It eventually just snowballed,” Rogers says. “I couldn’t afford to keep doing it, so I had to start charging people. That’s when I was like, ‘OK, I could actually do something with this.’”
For more than eight years, she baked out of the tiny kitchen of their rental house. Finally, in 2014, she opened Cake Bake in a house she had renovated from the ground up at 6515 Carrollton Ave. in Broad Ripple.
Rogers describes the experience as “diving into an empty pool, hoping it fills up before I hit.”
The pool filled up! People lined up out the door, and Rogers quickly had to hire more employees.
Though she didn’t necessarily plan to open a second location, the Broad Ripple location kept having to turn people away.
In 2018, Cake Bake opened in Carmel City Center with just more than 4,500 square feet and a 2,000-squarefoot professional kitchen below the restaurant where every item on the menu is made from scratch, never compromising quality.
“I feel so blessed,” Rogers says. “But it’s super hard work. It’s not an easy job at all. I’ve seen so many restaurants open and close.”
Certainly, the tried and tweaked recipes Rogers has collected over the years contribute to Cake Bake’s
CONTINUED >
“I had three boys ... I just wanted to make breakfast, lunch and dinner. All I wanted to do was be with my kids.”
“My life is over here, and suddenly it all goes left. But if it didn’t go left, I wouldn’t be where I am right now.”
draw, as does her tradition of filling every nook and cranny of the shops with elaborate seasonal decor.
But the true recipe to Rogers’ success? A dash of serendipity and a heaping helping of making the best out of unexpected situations.
“I don’t quit,” she says resolutely.
When a friend who lived in Florida was having a top name from Disney to her house for dinner, she suggested that Rogers send her a cake. Cake Bake had never shipped a cake.
Instead of turning down the offer, Rogers went to work. For months, she ordered cakes from bakeries across the country and dismantled them to try to learn how they had been prepared for shipping. She then began shipping her own cakes to herself whenever she traveled.
“The first one was a disaster,” she says. “It took me 25 tries to figure it out, but that’s still how we ship cakes to this day.”
Gwendolyn’s Famous Earl’s Court Chocolate Cake arrived in perfect condition for the Disney dinner. As cakes often do, one piece led to another.
Invited to meet with more Disney execs, Rogers filled her Suburban with anything she could fit that would represent Cake Bake. Once in Florida, she spent two days baking cakes, pies, macarons and more in her friend’s kitchen with a professional mixer borrowed from the neighbor. She set up a pseudo-shop in the Disney board room.
That was almost 10 years ago.
That borrowed mixer now sits in the nearly 10,000-square-foot Disney location of The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers.
“You think you’re headed in one direction, and all of a sudden you get thrown a curveball, and you’re like, ‘Wait, this is not supposed to be happening,’” Rogers says. “My life is over here, and suddenly it all goes left. But if it didn’t go left, I wouldn’t be where I am right now. If I had never moved to Indiana, I wouldn’t have started baking out of my house. Now, all the stuff that led up to me being here makes sense.”
For all the change in Rogers’ life, all the moving and adapting, one aspect has remained the same.
“My family is the most important thing,” Rogers says. “I have them with me everyday, which is fantastic.”
All three of Rogers’ sons work for her as adults. Not only that, even as the family now splits its time between Indiana and Florida, they still make it a goal to prepare a family dinner together multiple nights a week.
“I wake up happy every day,” Rogers says.
One of her goals is to spread that happiness.
Rogers especially loves partnering with the Makea-Wish Foundation. In the past, she created a special Wishes Cake to celebrate the birthday of a Make-a-Wish child. She helped another child bake cakes for her care team. Most recently, she welcomed her first Make-aWish child to the Disney location, and she looks forward to helping grant more wishes.
So what’s next for Cake Bake?
Rogers looks to expand the reach of her brand of happiness as The Cake Bake Shop Rosé Bubbles and Chocolate Truffles debut this month on the Disney Cruise Line.
Rogers believes this is just another step in creating a “great big brand that makes people happy.”
CONTINUED >
“My family is the most important thing. I have them with me everyday, which is fantastic.”
“I feel so blessed,” Rogers says. “But it’s super hard work. It’s not an easy job at all. I’ve seen so many restaurants open and close.”
W HATYOUR BODYNEEDS
ELIZABETH CAIN SHARES WHAT HAS HELPED HER THROUGH A DIFFICULT DIAGNOSIS
ARTICLE BY AMY ADAMS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIANNA RICHARDSON PHOTOGRAPHY
“Get busy living or get busy dying.”
In the spring of 2015, Elizabeth Cain lay hospitalized following the onset of a series of odd symptoms, mentally shocked and frightened at her recent diagnosis of muscular sclerosis (MS), a degenerative autoimmune disease for which there is no cure.
Cain says the words of Andy Dufresne, played by actor Tim Robbins in The Shawshank Redemption, kept running through her mind: “Get busy living or get busy dying.”
Not one to say, “Oh, woe is me,” Cain chose to dive head first into a healthy lifestyle despite her diagnosis.
Having attended massage school after earning her MBA, Cain began pursuing natural treatment options. She eventually discovered the benefits of alternate therapies, such as red-light and cold plunge. Today, she claims incorporating these therapies, as well as following an auto-immune diet and exercising “like crazy,” have contributed to her staying medication free and in remission.
“I may not be able to cure this disease, but I choose to manage it and keep it at bay the best that I can,” Cain says. “Only a few of my clients know that I have MS. And when someone finds out, they always say, ‘I had no idea!’ I just smile because that's my goal.”
Cain now follows a gluten- and dairyfree diet, has cut her caffeine intake by 90 percent and takes vitamin D3 and Omega-3 daily. She partakes in the BlueCube’s Cold Plunge and Halo Vitality Booth almost every day, saying that both have been a game-changer for her MS, helping her to feel reenergized and rejuvenated. She also learned to listen to her body, meditating in prayer every morning and every evening before bed and making sure to get at least seven hours of sleep every night. She exercises on a regular basis. In fact, in honor of the 10th anniversary since her diagnosis with MS, Cain has been training to run the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on May 3.
“I pray for every client ... that they feel better when they leave the studio.”
The Elite Health Resort Fire & Ice Room combines access to the infrared sauna and cold plunge.
However, Cain’s motivation doesn’t end when she crosses the finish line of the many races she runs. A single mom and sole proprietor of Elite Health Resort, Cain has served as campus director of Indiana Wellness College and president of the American Massage Therapy Association. She currently chairs the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency’s Massage Therapy Board.
Through Elite Health Resort, home of Indy’s Elite Massage, Cain aims to make the tools that have helped her in her journey available to others. Building on her expertise in sports and medical modalities of massage, Cain holds a certification in advanced cupping from the International Cupping Therapy Association. She also has a certification in bamboo-fusion massage and a specialization in the Graston Technique, a form of soft tissue instrument-assisted mobilization.
In addition to massage, Elite Health Resort has welcomed David Evans, D.C., with Glow Stick Chiropractic into the space and also offers access to state-ofthe-art equipment, the Halo and BlueCube being among some of the first of their kind in Indiana.
Clearlight Sanctuary II Infrared Sauna: This commercial grade sauna gives users the ability to choose their own temperature, from 85 to 175 degrees, as well as light color to give the specific effect sought from sauna experiences. For many, infrared sauna helps with pain relief. However, because of the heat, there are contraindications with sauna use, based on age, medication and diagnoses.
Halo Vitality Booth Plus: Because her MS diagnosis prevents her from using the sauna, Cain uses the Halo Vitality Booth Plus nearly every day. The patented professional booth provides a combination of red-light and salt therapies. With space for one or two, this relaxing experience has been associated with improved respiratory health, reduced inflammation, rejuvenated skin and other health benefits.
BlueCube’s CoreChill3 Elite Cold Plunge: According to Cain, this is the same cold plunge found in Joe Rogan’s gym in Texas. Though she admits the first 20 seconds are “brutal,” she also says it is hands-down her favorite therapy device, as it immediately calms her spinal cord and reenergizes her.
“From massage therapy, cold plunge, infrared sauna, halo booth and now chiropractic care, this is truly your local destination tailored to helping achieve health goals,” Cain says.
While, in the past, people may have viewed massage and other such modalities as extravagant, Cain says people are becoming more receptive to alternative ways to care for their bodies properly.
“Since COVID, people are more aware of how important self-care really is,” she says. “They're realizing it's more of a necessity than a splurge.”
Cain says her clients run the gamut from elderly to high school students in sports, from stressed out moms to professional athletes. She also sees clients with diseases similar to her own.
“I pray for every client who walks in my door,” Cain says. “I just pray that they feel better when they leave the studio.”
PREVAIL’S SPRING FASHION SHOW
Friday, May 9, 10 a.m. Ritz Charles
Fashion Forward
Prevail Aids Survivors of Crime and Abuse
ARTICLE BY AMY ADAMS PHOTOGRAPHY BY LORI ADAMS
For nearly 40 years, Prevail has provided comprehensive advocacy and support to victims of crime and abuse throughout Hamilton County, having helped more than 3,100 victims last year alone.
In its 13th year, Prevail’s Spring Fashion Show invites community members and local vendors to join them in their mission.
Following browsing and social time, a delicious luncheon leads into the eagerly anticipated large runway show, where local boutiques highlight fashion trends for the coming season.
Guests can shop runway outfits along with a diverse array of other stylish clothing, jewelry and accessories at a variety of vendor displays, with a percentage of all sales going to Prevail. This year’s vendors include AH Collection, Bash Boutique, Jill Duzan Jewelry, Juler’s Row, Linden Tree, Tangerine Cards & Gifts and The Field - Women’s Provision.
Although fashion may take center stage, according to Christi Crosser, Prevail board member and event committee co-chair, the most inspiring portion of the event for most attendees is hearing from a recent survivor.
“The Prevail Spring Fashion Show is more than just a stylish luncheon,” Prevail Executive Director Tami Wanninger says. “It’s a powerful opportunity to make a difference. Every dollar raised helps provide critical support and resources for survivors of crime and abuse in our community.”
Find tickets at PrevailFashionShow.home.qtego.us or learn more at PrevailInc.org
E C A N H E L P
OsteoStrong®
•
MAY 4TH
City of Carmel Cherry Blossom Festival
Japanese Garden, 1 Civic Square | 1:00 PM
Celebrate spring at the newly redesigned Japanese Garden as Mayor Sue Finkam welcomes the Mayor of Kawachinagano to celebrate 30 years of friendship with Carmel’s sister city. Located just off the Monon Trail behind Carmel City Hall, the garden will come to life from 1-4 p.m. with performances by a Japanese violinist, calligraphy exhibits, a traditional tea ceremony and more.
MAY 9TH
Prevail’s Spring Fashion Show
Ritz Charles, 12156 N. Meridian St. | 10:00 AM
Doors open at 10 a.m. for shopping with eight local vendors, a portion of proceeds going to Prevail, Inc. Then, at 11:30 a.m., the luncheon, guest speaker and fashion show begins. Prevail assists victims of crime and abuse on their path to healing. Tickets can be purchased online at Qtego.us/l/PrevailFashionShow/tickets.
MAY 10TH
Midtown Block Party
Midtown Plaza, 365 Monon Blvd. | 2:00 PM
Kick off the Midtown event season in style with the sixth annual Midtown Block Party May 10 from 2-6 p.m. Born from a one-time celebration of the award-winning Midtown Plaza, this event has become a must-attend for Carmel families. Expect a day packed with fun: kid crafts, mouthwatering food trucks and live music that will get everyone moving.
Sip, Shop & Be Social
CONTINUED
MAY 17TH
Outdoor Class with Fire & Flow and Pure Barre Carmel
Midtown Plaza, 365 Monon Blvd. | 8:30 AM
Join Fire & Flow Yoga and Pure Barre Carmel to kick off the outdoor summer class series on the green outside Sun King with a 60-minute combo class. Guests can also enjoy some giveaways and juice samples from Pure Green. The event is free of charge and there is no registration required, but participants should bring their own mats.
MAY 18TH
Noches Calientes, Indianapolis Wind Symphony
The Palladium at The Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, 3 Carmel Green | 4:00 PM
Artfully weaving together classical and contemporary pieces crafted by acclaimed Latin composers and offering diverse musical genres and styles, the concert concludes with Dennis Llinás’ captivating composition, “Un Cafecito.” In addition, the prestigious James B. Calvert Outstanding Music Educator Award will be presented during this concert, recognizing exceptional contributions to music education. Find tickets at TheCenterPresents.org/ tickets-events
MAY 31ST
EidFest
Civic Square Gazebo, 1 Civic Square | 12:00 PM
EidFest offers a glimpse into Muslim culture through family and food. The celebration from 12-3 p.m. will feature food trucks, music and performances at Civic Square and the Gazebo, showcasing the sweeter side of Eid al-Fitr and the joys of life.
MON-FRI 9AM-5PM, SAT 9AM-NOON
HAND - SELECTED, ONE - OF - A - KIND STONES
INDIANA’S ONLY LOCALLY OWNED LUXURY STONE IMPORTER AND DISTRIBUTOR
Specializing in marble, granite, and quartzite. We travel to the world’s best locations where natural stone is sourced and personally selected for our expansive inventory of exotic natural stones. Open to the public, our team welcomes you in to experience our showroom and warehouse.
| 317-734-3862
Where you are Where you are going W e d o m o r e
We solve problems We create solutions
We connect the dots We are the space between where you are and where you are going. We are Indy’s premiere boutique real estate firm.
.
We promise...
• Complete confidentiality
• Honest, comprehensive assessments.
• Cancel the listing at any time.
• Modern brokerage fee schedule.
Scan to Learn more circle-re com