Fellin' Fine: A Boutique with Style, Purpose, and Heart

PHOTOS BY DANIEL FAYETTE

Feelin’ Fine Boutique Brings Fashion and Inclusion to Mass Ave

A fresh wave of fashion and inclusion is making its way to downtown Indianapolis with the opening of Feelin’ Fine, a new boutique that pairs global style with a bold social mission.

Located at 884 Massachusetts Ave., Feelin’ Fine is more than a trendy retail space — it’s a transformative initiative launched by the LEL Foundation. The boutique is designed to open doors, build confidence and celebrate individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Set to open in early June, Feelin’ Fine aims to become a shopping destination unlike any other in the city. It features a curated selection of unique, sustainable brands from around the world, offering one-of-a-kind fashion finds. But what truly sets it apart is its mission: The boutique will be staffed by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and all net profits will benefit the LEL Foundation’s broader work in inclusion and opportunity.

An Idea Born From Community — and Chocolate

The vision for Feelin’ Fine began during a casual conversation between friends. Carrie Tackett, executive director of the LEL Foundation, was chatting with local business owner Carrie Abbott of Best Chocolate in Town. When Abbott mentioned she was ready to leave her storefront on Mass Ave, Tackett saw an opportunity.

“I’ve been smitten with that space for quite some time,” Tackett said. “Mass Ave is awesome, and with all the new businesses opening on the east end, it felt like the perfect opportunity to do something meaningful.”

Tackett shared the idea with Carmela Toler, CEO of LEL Home Services and chairwoman of the LEL Foundation. Together, they imagined a boutique where fashion meets mission — a place that would sell stylish clothing and empower people with disabilities through employment and job training.

A Mission Woven Into Every Thread

At the heart of Feelin’ Fine is the foundation’s commitment to inclusion. Founded in 2022, the LEL Foundation was created to expand the work of LEL Home Services, which supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Its mission is to foster a world where individuals are included in all aspects of life without explanation and have equitable access to opportunity.

Feelin’ Fine embodies that mission. As an official LEL Foundation initiative, it provides job training, employment and community integration — helping individuals with disabilities pursue “the good life.”

“Those in the disabilities community are often isolated and don’t have opportunities to feel integrated and valued,” Tackett said. “By empowering them with job training and a chance to interact with the public, we raise awareness while normalizing their differences.”

Sales associates at the boutique will work directly with customers, manage inventory and gain hands-on retail experience. These roles are not symbolic — they’re vital, skill-building positions that help lay the foundation for future employment.

Style Meets Sustainability

While Feelin’ Fine is mission-driven, it’s also fashion-forward. The boutique features a selection of clothing, accessories and jewelry for men and women, with many items not found

elsewhere in Indianapolis. Offerings range across price points and emphasize sustainability and small makers.

Among the featured brands:

• Revir – Woman-owned, Michigan-based label known for timeless, minimalist pieces

• Bread & Boxers – Swedish brand specializing in organic cotton basics

• Purple Maroon – San Francisco-based maker of elegant handmade garments

• Hiroshi Kato – Los Angeles designer known for Japanese denim and organic cottons

“Our goal is to offer as many sustainably produced pieces as we can,” Tackett said. “We’re excited to support small brands and bring beautiful, long-lasting items to Indy’s fashion lovers.”

From Employment to Empowerment

Employment is a cornerstone of a fulfilling life, especially for individuals with disabilities. Through Feelin’ Fine, the LEL Foundation is offering more than jobs — it’s creating visibility, connection and confidence.“Many people with disabilities seek purposeful employment,” Tackett said. “Our associates will be doing meaningful work and developing skills that translate beyond the boutique.”

In addition to hiring staff with disabilities, the foundation also partners with Indiana employers to promote inclusive hiring practices. The goal is to create a ripple effect, changing workplace culture across the state.

More Than a Storefront

“We’re not just offering jobs. We’re offering dignity, visibility and the chance to belong,” Tackett said.

Supporting the Arts

Located in the Mass Ave Arts District, Feelin’ Fine also plans to support the local creative scene. The boutique will host First Friday events, highlighting a new artist each month — with priority given to artists with disabilities.

Shopping With Purpose

Shoppers at Feelin’ Fine will not only find standout pieces, but they’ll also support a greater mission. Every

purchase helps fund LEL Foundation programs in employment, education and community building — extending the boutique’s impact well beyond its walls.

Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful gift, a unique wardrobe piece or a way to make a difference, Feelin’ Fine invites you to shop with purpose.

The next time you’re strolling down Mass Ave, stop by 884 Massachusetts Ave. You might leave with a great outfit — or a connection that stays with you long after.