Carmel Magazine October 2024

DIRECT IMPACT REVOLUTIONIZING AND ELEVATING WINDOW AND DOOR INSTALLATION WITH FACTORY DIRECT

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Children’s TherAplay

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Celebrating Our Local Women in Business

Nonprofit Clinic Helps Kids Through Therapies on Horseback OCTOBER 2024

NETWORKING REIMAGINED Create deep connections beyond the business cards.

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Brand New 55+ Luxury Living in Westfield GrandView embodies a visionary standard of 55+ living and takes the term “active adult” to an exciting place along the way. Our goal is to provide residents with maintenance-free living in premium apartment homes, while creating endless activities. Our purpose built 1- and 2-bedroom apartment homes unite YOU’RE INVITED!

FALL IN LOVE WITH GRANDVIEW Tuesday, October 29th | 4pm — 6pm Join us for a delightful event where you can meet the GrandView team, enjoy delicious refreshments and lite bites, take a tour of our brand new clubhouse and discover our exclusive offers.

Kindly RSVP by October 26th

residents and promote social experiences.

Amenities like pedestrian trails, two pickleball courts, and a fitness center invite you to stay active with others.

The bistro lounge, outdoor fire pits, and clubhouse offer cozy spaces to create memories with newfound friends.

The emphasis at GrandView is fostering an environment where residents enjoy the opportunity and freedom to live well and enjoy the lifestyle that best suits their interests, passions and needs. Family members will rest easy knowing their loved ones are benefiting from various activity options orchestrated by experienced and caring team members.

GrandView is now leasing and would be happy to provide you with more information on available apartment homes that would be move-in ready Fall 2024. Whether you are considering downsizing yourself or have a loved one far away that you want close, GrandView is an exciting option right here in Westfield.

317-680-3110 | Live-GrandView.com Future Community Address:

18183 Wheeler Road, Westfield IN, 46074 © 2024 GrandView. All Rights Reserved. Models do not reflect racial preference. The information provided is solely for information purposes and is subject to change without notice. *Restrictions apply. See leasing center for further details.

TownePost.com | October 2024 | 3

5 26 TOURISM SPOTLIGHT BUSINESS

SPOTLIGHT

Hamilton County Tourism

Goodness Gracious Kitchen & Cupboard

6 OCTOBER EVENTS 29 CALENDAR PARTNER IN PURPOSE

8 DIRECT IMPACT

Revolutionizing and Elevating Window and Door Installation with Factory Direct

13 BUSINESS

The House: 1922 Helps Clients Show up and Step up

30

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Indiana Ballet Conservatory

32 WARDROBE

SPOTLIGHT

Auravex Gutters

15 BUSINESS

16 CARMEL MAYOR’S YOUTH COUNCIL

34 SHATTERING THE GLASS CEILING

Meet the Women Behind Towne Post Network

20 36 CELEBRATING OUR LOCAL WOMEN IN BUSINESS

OCTOBER 2024

23 BUSINESS

COXHALL GARDENS ART TAKES FLIGHT

38 GOBLINS, GHOULS,

SPOTLIGHT

AND GALLOPING FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Sigma Builders

25 CHILDREN’S

Experience the 16th Annual Ghosts and Goblins 5K/2K

Nonprofit Clinic Helps Kids Through Therapies on Horseback

4 | October 2024 | TownePost.com

CHRISTY HEITGER-EWING JUSTIN SICKING ASHLEY WATTERS JEFF WORRELL

Style Your Way to Empowerment at Fringe & Form

Westfield Premier Physicians

/ATCARMEL

KEY CONTRIBUTORS SARAH BROWNING ASHLEY CALLAN DEVON DEAN MELISSA GIBSON

WONDERS

SPOTLIGHT

THERAPLAY

PUBLISHER LYNDSEY BROWN lyndsey@townepost.com (317) 402-0569

/CARMEL_MAGAZINE

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599 PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011 PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL SERVICES DEVON DEAN COPY EDITOR JON SHOULDERS TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011 FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION, VISIT FRANCHISING.TOWNEPOST.COM CONTACT THE PUBLISHER Have a story idea or suggestion for the magazine?

TOURISM SPOTLIGHT

Fall Fun in Hamilton County, Indiana 4.MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR UNIQUE FALL FESTIVALS & EVENTS.

As we turn the calendar, fall is nearly upon us. Picture it: crisp air, the crunch of leaves under your feet, and the trees showing off their seasonal colors. Find inspiration for your fall adventure with the top things to do this fall.

You don’t want to miss fantastic fall festivals like Potter’s Bridge Fall Festival on Oct. 5 in Noblesville or Arts in Autumn on Oct. 12 in Carmel. There is free admission and dozens of arts and crafts booths to browse.

Several other seasonal events can be found on the calendar at VisitHamiltonCounty. com/Events.

1. VISIT A LOCAL APPLE ORCHARD OR PUMPKIN PATCH. It isn’t fall without an apple cider slushie or pumpkin doughnut. Visit a local pumpkin patch and cider mill to stock up on fall treats, pick a pumpkin and enjoy familyfriendly activities. Locations include Stuckey Farm Orchard & Cider Mill, Spencer Farm, Russell Farms Pumpkin Patch and Fishers AgriPark.

plans to attend the Headless Horseman festival, complete with spooky (or notso-spooky) hayrides. Plus, the popular Apple Store is open through October with delicious caramel apples and other goodies.

3. EXPLORE OUTDOORS AT STRAWTOWN KOTEEWI 2. CHECK OUT THE FALL FUN PARK. Put on your hiking shoes and don’t forget AT CONNER PRAIRIE. Conner Prairie is a year-round family attraction, but it shines bright in the autumn months.

Step into the story of historic Indiana and visit costumed interpreters in 1836 Prairietown or Civil War Journey to see what life was like in the Hoosier state. Climb to the top of the three-story treehouse at Treetop Outpost or ride the 1859 Balloon Voyage high in the sky for aerial views of central Indiana and the corn maze. Make

to pack a jacket. Strawtown Koteewi Park is an adventurer’s dream. Be ready to soar through the air at Edge Adventures, an outdoor treetop obstacle course with ziplines. Feeling a little less exercise is in order? Then try horseback riding at Koteewi Stable & Trails, learn archery at Koteewi Range or hike along more than 10 miles of trails. Make it an overnight adventure and reserve a spot at White River Campground, adjacent to the park.

5. ADMIRE THE FALL FOLIAGE AT LOCAL PARKS AND TRAILS. Fall is the season of “leaf peeping,” the unofficial term used to describe travelers who seek out fall foliage to view and photograph. Some of the best local spots to see the changing colors are Flat Fork Creek Park in Fishers, Potter’s Bridge Park in Noblesville and the Monon Trail.

What’s on your fall bucket list? Tag us in your fall adventures using #VisitHC, and follow @VisitHamiltonCo on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

TownePost.com TownePost.com | | October October2024 2024 | | 17 5

OCTOBER

AROUND THE COMMUNITY, 2024

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

3

HEADLESS HORSEMAN FESTIVAL

6 - 10 PM Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Rd. THE HEADLESS HORSEMAN RIDES. . .

STAY WARY ON THE PRAIRIE! Join us for 16 nights of spooktacular thrills at the Headless Horseman Festival. connerprairie.org

4

BULLPEN TOURNAMENT

8 AM Grand Park Sports Campus, 19000 Grand Park Blvd. https://play. bullpentournaments.com/ season/2024-softball grandpark.org

6 | October 2024 | TownePost.com

PLAYTIME ON THE PRAIRIE AGES 3 – 5

9:30 - 10:30 AM Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Rd. Playtime on the Prairie for 3-5 year olds is an hourlong program designed for early learners and their parents or guardians. connerprairie.org

12

IHSAA UNIFIED FLAG FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP 8 AM - 8 PM Grand Park Sports Campus, 19000 Grand Park Blvd. grandpark.org

8

17

10:20 - 10:30 AM The Center for the Performing Arts, One Center Green. thecenterpresents.org

Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael, 1 Carmichael Square. eventbrite.com

PALLADIUM PUBLIC TOURS

THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC! AN ABBA PARTY

10

26

7:30 PM The Center for the Performing Arts, One Center Green. thecenterpresents.org

9 AM - 12 PM Carmel High School, 520 East Main.

Carmel Education Foundation (CEF) welcomes individuals,

BEN FOLDS: PAPER AIRPLANE REQUEST TOUR

GHOSTS AND GOBLINS 5K/2K

families and groups to join the 16th Annual Ghosts and Goblins race to support Carmel Clay students.

GhostsAndGoblinsRun.com

SPACE ODDITY: THE QUINTESSENTIAL DAVID BOWIE TRIBUTE EXPERIENCE

8 PM The Center for the Performing Arts, One Center Green. thecenterpresents.org

View All Local Events or Submit Your Own

Not your average Jane. Angi Elhaj is a force to be reckoned with. Angi and her husband Adel Elhaj opened their doors in 2006 with only 8 cars on their lot and have grown their business to over 800 cars in stock and 4 locations. While growing their business they also started growing their family in 2009. Now with 4 children and over 85 employees, Angi is involved each and every day with her employees and clients. From training to mentoring or reprimanding, she does it all. She displays confidence and compassion with everyone she comes in contact with. She couldn’t meet a stranger even if she wanted to. She is a talker and so down to earth with an amazing positive outlook on everything that people gravitate to her immediately. If you are looking for a woman in the car business to deal with then look no further…

“Respect is not given - it has to be earned for a woman in this male-dominated industry. It is not a given, even when you’re the owner.”

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—Angi Elhaj, Owner, UNLIMITED MOTORS

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FISHERS 9700 North Hague Road 317-578-2222 TownePost.com | October 2024 | 7

DIRECT IMPACT

REVOLUTIONIZING AND ELEVATING WINDOW AND DOOR INSTALLATION WITH FACTORY DIRECT Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Sarah Browning

8 | October 2024 | TownePost.com

“ At Factory Direct, we believe in a consultative approach that respects our customers’ time and decisions.”

—Brad Bird

E

stablished in 1991, Factory Direct has fostered strong partnerships with over 30 leading American manufacturers, such as Pella, Andersen, Marvin, Simonton, Alside, Polaris, and ProVia. These collaborations provide customers unparalleled flexibility in choosing products that match their preferences and budgetary requirements. Whether customers are searching for energy-efficient windows, trendy siding options, or secure and attractive entry doors, Factory Direct offers various choices to meet diverse needs. In addition to providing exceptional service and lifetime guarantees, Factory Direct offers factory-direct pricing on materials, ensuring that customers only pay for installation.

Brad Bird, the vice president, highlighted, “Our pricing model is designed to make high-quality products affordable. This approach makes home improvement projects more accessible than ever, ensuring you can enhance your home without breaking the bank. Our core value lies in our dedication to installation quality, demonstrated by our team of skilled installers specializing in windows, doors, and siding to ensure precise and perfect installations every time”.

Factory Direct goes above and beyond by providing premium materials that surpass industry standards and manufacturer lifetime warranties that also surpass the industry standard. This commitment to quality ensures that customers receive top-tier products at wholesale prices, giving them peace of mind about their home improvement investments. Factory Direct also emphasizes sustainability and energy efficiency, offering innovative green products, including those with Most Efficient Energy Star ratings, to help you lower energy costs and enhance home comfort.

Over the last 30 years, Factory Direct has built a reputation as a customer-focused business that prioritizes its clients’ needs and preferences above all else. This dedication is evident because nearly 60% of its business comes from referrals.

Bird states, “At Factory Direct, we believe in a consultative approach that respects our customers’ time and decisions. Unlike many competitors who rely on aggressive sales tactics, our consultants visit your home, take precise measurements, offer guidance on product options, and provide estimates - all within a brief 20-minute window. We want you to feel informed and in control, TownePost.com | October 2024 | 9

not pressured into a sale”.

on quality.”

Furthermore, Factory Direct offers a price guarantee and commits to beating any competitor’s quote by 10 to 60% when comparing the exact same windows and doors. On average, most quotes are beaten by 30%, leading to savings of over $5,000 on average in many cases.

Factory Direct’s website, factorydirect4homes.com, offers comprehensive information about its products and services. The website effortlessly caters to potential customers ‘ needs, from exploring different product options and pricing to making purchases online and scheduling in-home estimates.

Additionally, the website features videos showcasing actual Factory Direct installers working on home improvement projects

Bird emphasizes, “This guarantee ensures customers are receiving the best value for their investment without compromising 10 | October 2024 | TownePost.com

and brochures and galleries of recently completed projects.

Whether you are planning a home renovation project or looking for inspiration, visit Factory Direct today!

Factory Direct is located at 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1300 (13th floor) in Indianapolis. For further details, don’t hesitate to contact them at 317-228-3300 or visit factorydirect4homes.com.

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“Your marriage, your family, and YOU are worth it.”

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TownePost.com | October 2024 | 11

15% OFF Hot Pepper Foods*

DSC Members Get An Additional 5% Off The Sale Price Use Code: HOTPEPPER15 *Valid in-store at the participating store(s) listed or by shopping online. One discount per purchase. Offer not valid on previous purchases or sale items.

Offer valid thru 10/3/24-10/14/2024

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Now Hiring 14753 HAZEL DELL CROSSING, SUITE 400 3175668222

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

AURAVEX GUTTERS Writer / Ashley Watters Photographer / Justin Sicking

industry with a new type of gutter business that combines expertise with integrity, foregoing traditional, high-pressure sales Auravex Gutters is taking to the skies to tactics and focusing instead on customers,” offer customers a new perspective on gutter he says. “I wanted to offer quality products installation and maintenance. The company, at a reasonable price and make sure that new to the Noblesville area this year, is using everything’s above board. We want to sell a unique approach that gives customers people what they need, and be able to show greater insight into what’s happening with them why they need it. That’s why we use their homes, using drone footage. drones.”

The company utilizes drones to capture imagery of hard-to-reach areas and identify what’s needed. The technology eliminates the need for homeowners to personally climb up to inspect gutters, an oftendangerous undertaking. “People really like that bird’s eye view of their gutters without having to climb up on a ladder,” says Logan Howard, owner and operator of Auravex.

Auravex specializes in all things gutters, including installation, filters, cleaning and maintenance, as well as downspout replacement, drip edge installation and fascia board replacement. The team has more than 30 collective years of expertise in the industry, and all of the lead technicians have more than six years of installation experience.

The approach has been so successful that the team added a sales rep and second installation crew to meet the local demand.

Auravex services areas across Hamilton County and within a 30-mile radius. The team plans to open a second location in early 2025 to service the south side of Indianapolis. “We’re hoping to be able to service even more customers in the Greenwood, Southport and surrounding areas,” Howard says. “We’ve had requests

from the south side and we are excited to expand in that region.”

Despite the use of drones in capturing footage, all cleaning and maintenance tasks are done by hand to ensure everything is functioning properly. Basic cleaning services begin at $1.50 per linear foot and include an expert inspection to ensure all downspouts are functioning properly, along with clearing any blockages, checking for leaks, inspecting the pitch, and identifying any areas that are sagging or pulling away from the home. Advanced services are offered at an increased rate.

Auravex also offers annual maintenance programs at a discounted rate, which can be tailored to the needs of any home.

Services are also available for commercial projects and multi-tenant residences. Twoyear warranties guarantee the quality and durability of their work.

Howard hopes to see Auravex continue to grow, and he plans to support the local community with superior customer service.

Howard launched Auravex Gutters at the start of 2024 with the help of Anthony Smith and Josh Brown. A resident of Noblesville, he was compelled to disrupt the

CONNECT 463-388-1910 auravexgutters.com

TownePost.com | October 2024 | 13

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER PROGRAMS ADAPTIVE SPEED DATING

ADAPTIVE

PRENATAL AND POSTNATAL YOGA

SPEED DATING Saturday, Sept. 28 | Ages 18+ | Monon Community Center | $12

Designed for singles of all abilities looking to meet new people in a fun and engaging way. We will match participants based on their interests and preferences, ensuring that each date is a meaningful connection. With timed rounds and icebreaker questions, participants have the opportunity to get to know each other quickly and make a lasting impression. Join us for a night of laughter, sparks, and maybe even a little romance!

Saturday, Oct. 26 | Ages 18+ | Monon Community Center | $25

*Program designed for individuals with disabilities.

JUNIOR ARTIST SERIES

This specially designed yoga class includes safe poses for people who are pregnant and exercises to boost postnatal recovery.

Emphasis will be on hip flexors, breathing, and meditation in preparation for giving birth.

KNEE HIGH NATURALIST: AUTUMN COLORS

Wednesdays, Oct. 2-30 | Ages 6-11 | Monon Community Center | $140 Thursdays, Oct. 3-24 | Ages 5 and under | Monon Community Center | $32

Experience the wonders of nature alongside your child! Join us as we make crafts with fall leaves during the vibrant season of autumn. We will then explore Central Park to see how many shades of red, orange, brown, yellow, and green we can find in nature.

Professional artist, Zach Lowe, will guide your budding artist through fun, hands-on activities tailored to their interests! Choose between Drawing & Sketching, Acrylic & Watercolor painting or Clay & Mixed Medium. All necessary materials will be provided.

ADULT SWIM LESSONS: BEGINNER

YOUTH ARCHERY

Thursdays, Oct. 3-24 | Ages 15+ | Monon Community Center | $60 Wednesdays, Oct. 2-30 | Ages 9-14 | Jill Perelman Pavilion | $60

Bullseye! In this class you will get hands-on experience with a bow and arrow alongside our experienced archery instructors.

Participants will learn archery commands, proper stance, safety and technique. Beginners will be trained using a recurve bow.

Please wear closed-toe shoes.

SIGN UP TODAY!

It's never too late to learn how to swim! Learn the basics of swimming and familiarize yourself with the water. Learn aquatic skills such as floating and gliding and begin to develop your freestyle stroke. *No class on October 10, 2024.

www.carmelclayparks.com/program-offerings/ 14 | October 2024 | TownePost.com

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

WESTFIELD PREMIER PHYSICIANS

appointments and a lack of personal connection. At WPP, doctors manage a smaller patient load, allowing for 30-minute appointments or longer if needed.

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Sarah Browning

Drs. Robert Habig, Mary Pat Forkin and Elaine Habig are board-certified physicians who have served families in Carmel and surrounding areas for years. As founders of the American Health Network (AHN), they aimed to provide high-quality, affordable health care through independent practices.

However, after AHN was acquired by Optum (UnitedHealthcare) in 2016, they became disillusioned with the corporatization of health care. They envisioned a model where doctors could prioritize patient care over corporate interests, spending more time with patients and providing accessible, comprehensive care without insurance company interference.

This led them to establish a direct

primary care practice, Westfield Premier Physicians (WPP). The practice operates on a membership basis, offering patients unlimited visits, 24/7 availability, and sameday or next-day appointments without the wait times. Forkin emphasizes that their approach is rooted in a direct, unmediated relationship between doctor and patient, free from the constraints of insurance companies.

To ensure the longevity of the practice, the doctors have welcomed Dr. Mazhar (Mo) Khan, a board-certified family physician, to the practice. Khan likens direct primary care to concierge medicine, but at a more affordable price point, making it accessible to a broader population. He highlights the shortcomings of traditional health care, where family doctors often manage 2,500 to 3,000 patients, leading to rushed

Khan notes a growing cultural shift toward a more holistic approach to health, where patients seek to improve their lifestyle rather than rely solely on medication. He emphasizes the importance of patient education, helping people understand their conditions and the impact of their lifestyle choices on their health.

At WPP, continuity of care is a priority.

Patients have direct access to their doctors through a secure portal, even outside regular office hours. This approach builds trust and ensures personalized care, considering each patient’s unique background, culture and circumstances. Khan is committed to maintaining this level of care, valuing quality over quantity, and believes that if more people had access to this type of care, it could significantly improve overall health outcomes.

CONNECT westfieldpremier.com

TownePost.com | October 2024 | 15

CARMEL MAYOR’S YOUTH COUNCIL

Writer / Jeff Worrell

This year, 70 young adults from area high schools applied to become members of the 2024-2025 Carmel Mayor’s Youth Council (CMYC). Ten final candidates got the nod to join CMYC, and 30 members now represent our mayor and serve the entire Carmel community.

Started by Mayor James Brainard in 2010 and continuing under the Sue Finkam administration, the exclusive club meets several times per month. The aim of the club is to offer a unique leadership and service 16 | October 2024 | TownePost.com

opportunity to youth in our community.

A subset of CMYC members consisting of seniors works closely with Mayor Finkam to advise her on issues specific to youth in our community.

Carmel City Engineer Administrator Josh Kirsh serves as advisor to the club and helps shepherd the students through each class year.

“Watching the crème de la crème of young people in our community from different schools, and watching the way they handle themselves, is something we should all

aspire to,” he said.

He is referring to the fact that the students actually run the meetings, choose and organize the projects, hold elections and govern themselves. “For example, recently we held elections for club officers where there are winners and losers,” he said. “After hard-fought campaigns, the kids are able to process success and defeat with grace and civility. It is different from what you expect in American culture today. Friends compete against each other and when it is over, they can just move on.”

Senior Salima Sher ran as a first-time candidate for vice president. Unfortunately she was unsuccessful, but her perspective was captivating.

“This is my fourth year on council and I have seen many elections where, when it is over, winners and losers are shaking hands and congratulating each other,” she said. “Of course I didn’t feel great, but realizing Ellen Rozmaryn is very capable and will do a great job helped me deal with the loss.”

Nora Mariano, a senior, knows what it feels like to be on the losing side, but it did not

deter her from running again and, this time, winning. She credits a sense of civility for making it easier to try again.

“I ran against my friend, Aidan Hartman, and even after I beat him, that same day he gave me a ride home as if nothing was different,” she said. “Now we are comanagers of bike parking at the Carmel Farmers Market and still good friends.

Civility is the norm at CMYC.” Each Saturday at the Carmel Farmers Market, the students set up shop to safely and efficiently park shopper’s bicycles as a

fundraiser, working off of tips from grateful bike owners. You can also find them as volunteers transporting musical instruments and stage equipment for Carmel PorchFest, picking up trash at CarmelFest, and holding various events they plan and organize to raise money.

The process of choosing the next class for CMYC 2025-2026 will begin January 1, when the application process opens. To apply, visit carmel.in.gov/Government/ Mayor/Youth-Council.

TownePost.com | October 2024 | 17

HELLO! For 50 years, Godby Home Furnishings has been providing Central Indiana with quality furnishings at affordable prices.

When my dad, Jim Godby, started this company back in 1974 he never dreamed we would grow to be as big as we are today. It was his friends and family who helped him get started back then, and it is your loyalty and support today that have helped us reach this milestone. We are truly grateful to be a part of this community with you! Please join us as we celebrate you, our friends and family, and this great accomplishment of 50 years as a locally owned and operated business.

Jeff Godby

Your friend,

WANT TO HEAR OUR STORY?

T h a n k y o u t o o u r b ra n d p a r t n e r s f o r c e l e b ra t i n g 5 0 y e a r s w i t h u s !

18 | October 2024 | TownePost.com

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*The Godby Home Furnishings credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Special terms apply to qualifying purchases of $3000 or more charged with approved credit. Minimum monthly payments are required during the promotional (special terms) period.

Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date at the APR for Purchases if the purchase balance is not paid in full within the promotional period. Paying only the minimum monthly payment will not pay off the purchase balance before the end of the promotional period. For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. This information is accurate as of 09/01/2024 and is subject to change. For current information, call us at 1-800-431-5921. Additional percentage off discount offers exclude iComfort® and iComfort Hybrid®, Serta Arctic®, BeautyRest Black® and other Specialty mattresses, HOT BUYS and “WOW” tagged merchandise. Other exclusions may apply. See store for complete details. Images are representations only. Fabrics may vary. Although every precaution is taken, errors in price and/or specifications may occur in print. We reserve the right to correct any such errors. Offer ends10/27/2024.

TownePost.com | October 2024 | 19

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

CELEBRATING OUR LOCAL WOMEN IN BUSINESS KAREN HAYES YOUNG

OWNER, HAYES YOUNG LAW HAYESYOUNGLAW.COM

Karen Hayes Young operates her own law practice, Hayes Young Law, to provide legal services to smalland medium-sized, growing businesses and not-for-profit organizations. Over 80% of HYL’s clients are women- or minority-led entities.

Karen advises her clients in contract negotiation, mergers and acquisitions, dispute resolution, and employment law matters.

Karen is an experienced contract drafter and negotiator, and serves as an adjunct professor at Indiana University McKinney School of Law, where she teaches contract drafting to upper-level law students.

Hayes Young Law is committed to providing needed insights and guidance to business owners and executive directors for making informed decisions and proceeding with confidence.

20 | October 2024 | TownePost.com

SHERYL NEW, PA-C

OWNER AND MASTER INJECTOR, NEW MED SPA NEWMEDSPAS.COM

We are a unique team of skilled medical professionals, master injectors and medical estheticians who are passionate about making our clients look and feel better about their beauty and wellness as they age. When you visit us, you will be welcomed by our friendly and knowledgeable staff in a comfortable environment, where we provide a detailed consultation and present educational options to personalize each treatment for you. We love building relationships with our clients and helping them achieve their goals.

Come be a part of our family!

• Offering a full service of injectables such as Botox, dermal fillers, platelet-rich plasma and exosomes • Regenerative and cosmetic skin treatments with radiofrequency microneedling, laser treatments, DiamondGlow and Glo2 facials • Body contouring and sculpting with EMSCULPT Neo, EMFACE and EMSELLA

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

CARLA MACKIE

FOUNDER, UPLIFT INTIMATE APPAREL UPLIFTINTIMATEAPPAREL.COM

At Uplift Intimate Apparel, we believe every woman has the right to be comfortable. It’s what women want. It’s that simple.

Whether you’re working from home, in the office, on the road, or running at full steam with your kids and families, comfort is all we ever really want.

I’m no different than you. This was my story. Like you, I spent decades being uncomfortable in my skin. It started with my bra not fitting properly, and continued to every intimate apparel item (anything that touches your skin) I owned.

There is hope - and a solution.

Living in discomfort can become a habit. You’ll never know all that it keeps you from doing and being - until you make a change. We’re here to help.

SARAH BROWNING OWNER, VISUAL-RX VISUAL-RX.COM

Happy to meet you.

I’m Sarah Browning, owner of Visual-Rx. In today’s visually saturated world, relying on luck to make your brand memorable just won’t cut it. Many businesses struggle to define a visual identity that truly resonates with their audience. However, our custom photography and graphic design services are here to transform your brand. We don’t just create stunning visuals; we craft images and designs that embody your brand’s authenticity and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Side note: If you like photography, I’m on the board of Photo Venture Camera Club. Come to a meeting some time!

DEVON DEAN

DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL SERVICES, TOWNE POST NETWORK TOWNEPOST.COM

people share their stories.

I’m passionate about storytelling, which is why my work with the Towne Post Network is so rewarding.

Every community is unique, and I love helping

Bringing the voices of central Indiana - my home for the past two decades - to life in print and online is truly fulfilling. It’s a privilege to highlight the places and people I care about most.

ANNE WHITE

CO-OWNER, AH COLLECTION EXECUTIVE AT ISAGENIX AHCOLLECTION.COM

Anne is a proud wife of 42 years, mother to six incredible children, and nana to almost 14 wonderful grandchildren.

Faith and family is everything to her. With over 30 years as a successful retail boutique owner, she has built a career centered on helping others look and feel their best.

Also a network marketing professional in the health, beauty and wellness industry, her mission is to empower women to discover their unique style, to feel and look fabulous, and embrace their inner and outer beauty. She is passionate about inspiring confidence and self-love in everyone she meets.

TownePost.com | October 2024 | 21

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

MEG OSBORNE

LORI MCKEEVER

Owner and founder of MEG & Associates, Meg Gates Osborne, is passionate about life and executing successful events for her clients. Born and raised in Columbia City, Indiana, Meg has been exposed to events all her life.

She studied physical education with an emphasis in aquatics coaching at Indiana University. Meg fell in love with event planning back in the ‘80s with IU Foundation and Little 500. She has a background in sales, teaching (high school), and over 35 years of swim coaching. In 2008 she launched MEG & Associates: events, promotions, marketing and fundraising. She “connects the dots” for people. Meg has built a wonderful group of clients and has raised over $30 million for organizations throughout Indianapolis.

She currently resides in Carmel with her husband, Brad Osborne, and golden retriever, Emily. They have three children and four grandchildren.

Owning Bee Organized Carmel has fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming my own boss and having an impact on the lives of others.

My team of Bees and I are passionate about “simplifying hives.” We are rewarded daily with the gratefulness of our clients, and when we see the stress released from their shoulders by making their home, or move, as functional as it can be.

FOUNDER AND OWNER, MEG & ASSOCIATES MEGPROMO.COM

OWNER, BEE ORGANIZED BEEORGANIZED.COM

I am blessed with my own very supportive hive including my husband, Mike, three daughters, two dogs and a six chickens. Calming the chaos, and understanding that the organization is a journey, not a destination, is key to a functional and peaceful home.

MICHELLE DREW

OWNER, ZING! CAFE ZINGCAFECARMEL.COM

LEAH YORK, CAE

PRESIDENT, TALBOTT TALENT TALBOTTTALENT.COM

Talbott Talent has been at the forefront of revolutionizing the way nonprofits approach hiring since 2017. With over 20 years of experience in association C-suite positions and nonprofit consulting, Leah York founded Talbott Talent to elevate the nonprofit sector through their people. As a recruiting firm exclusively serving nonprofits across the country, Talbott Talent’s mission is to help nonprofits find the best people to move their missions forward through effective executive, staff and board recruitment.

22 | October 2024 | TownePost.com

After years of creating banquets for friends and family and 20 years of teaching, Michelle Drew decided that she wanted to enjoy a dinner party every day. So in June 2022, she retired from teaching and became the owner of Zing! Cafe. She loves her customers, considering them friends and family that have chosen to spend time together at Zing!, Michelle’s “second home.” Michelle lives in the Village of WestClay, just a few blocks from Zing! Cafe. She serves the customers and spends time talking with local owners, neighbors and visitors to learn about their lives and recent events. Whether she is pouring coffee or “spilling the tea,” Michelle loves each daily dinner party at Zing! Cafe.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

SIGMA BUILDERS

Writer / Melissa Gibson

For Kimberly Bowers, co-founding a custom home building company seemed like a natural next step.

Following the economic downturn of 2008, Bowers was working with builders and developers to help fund the industry and bring it back to life when banks weren’t lending, but by 2016, she decided she wanted to become a builder herself and created Sigma Builders with her partner.

“I bring expertise in how to put processes in place, how to put IT in place, customer experience and technology,” Bowers said.

“My partner, Dave R. Berman, has been in the building industry for 30-plus years, so he brings the experience in that area to Sigma Builders.”

It’s rare to see a female partner in the building industry.

Bowers recently won the first-ever Women Build It Woman of the Year Award at the Women Build It Conference, thanks to her leadership in the industry.

“It was unbelievable,” she said. “I was humbled and honored, but there are few partner-level women in custom building and I really have a passion for bringing that next generation along because they are our future.”

At Sigma Builders, the team prides themselves on creating their own home design, using 3D technology and their innovative approach to crafting luxury homes for their clients.

“Building is a partnership,” she said. “When you’re building a custom home, you want to find people you are comfortable with and you trust. We try to prove that from the first contact, and we truly view our tradesmen, staff and customers as extended family.”

Many potential buyers are interested in seeing what options are available in new home builds.

Sigma Builders recently participated in Home-A-Rama, showcasing one of their custom builds in Promontory of Zionsville.

“We have a very elegant home that doesn’t go out of style,” Bowers said. “There were a lot of comments from people about the softness and colors in the house and the timelessness of it.”

What’s unique to Sigma, however, is the way the home is designed to fit the land, not the other way around.

“As developments pop up, we purchase

some of the best land from the most sought-after lots in Central Indiana,” Bowers said. “Always ask us about our lot inventory and where we are for the area you’re interested in.”

The importance of building around the piece of property can involve options like utilizing the placement of windows where the views enhance the home, or designing a large outdoor living space for the family that expresses the need.

Most recently, Sigma Builders designed a home with a view directly down two fairways, using the land to their advantage.

“It’s about listening and connecting to each client,” Bowers said. “I always tell people to put their money in the space they will experience the memories. Maybe that’s in the kitchen or maybe it’s in the outdoor space. We want to help them figure out what’s important to them and bring their dream home to reality.”

CONNECT 4630 Lisborn Drive, Carmel, IN 317-203-3070 sigmabuildersllc.com TownePost.com | October 2024 | 23

Premium Quality H ai r E x t e n s i o n s & Cu s t o m W i g s

Christina Lockett, owner of Christina Ann Hair Boutique and Christina Ann Luxury Hair Collection, is a eighteen-year licensed cosmetologist. Top educators and industry leaders from all over the world have trained Christina during her career.

What makes Christina a unique hairdresser is she can tackle any hair type or hair texture, which makes up a huge part of her clientele base and a more marketable hair stylist in any demographic region.

Christina is also certified in over 8 different hair extension methods to accommodate her client’s various hair type. Christina also handcrafts custom made wigs for hair loss clients, for hair enchantments and editorial shoots, which she applies her advanced cutting, coloring and style techniques to. Christina’s client base ranges from loyal in-salon clients to news anchors, NBA dancers NFL cheerleaders, pageant contestants and corporate leaders.

It is Christina’s mission to give back to the community when not working with clients. She founded the nonprofit organization, U Glam Girl Inc., with the vision to empower and encourage women to be at their best foundationally. Their goal is to pull together a network of resources that engage women from all walks of life, and to implement a regimen of physical and mental health care from every sphere. Learn more about U Glam Girl and how to get involved at www.uglamgirl.com

P ro d u c t s & s e rv i c es offered: • WIGS • Custom wigs designed

by Christina Ann • Raquel Welch Wigs • Crown enhancers and toppers

HAI R EXTENSIONS: • Invisible beaded rows • Great lengths fusion extensions • Tape-In extensions • I- tips extensions • Sew in the extensions • Clip in extensions • Ponytail extensions

12749 Meeting House Rd Ste 110 | Carmel, IN 46032 24 | October 2024 | TownePost.com(317) 560-6026 | christinaannhairboutique.com

CHILDREN’S THERAPLAY

NONPROFIT CLINIC HELPS KIDS THROUGH THERAPIES ON HORSEBACK Writer / Ashley Callan

Revolutionizing pediatric outpatient therapy through hippotherapy, The Children’s TherAplay Foundation, Inc. is making great strides in the progress of their patients’ growth and development through the use of horses in speech, physical and occupational therapy.

“What started with one therapist, two horses and a handful of kids has grown to a 50-person staff, 17 horses, and we serve over 300 children every year,” says Kathy Pelletier, the executive director of Children’s TherAplay, who has been working there since January of 2019.

Kathy Pelletier

In 2001 Children’s TherAplay was started after a local occupational therapist approached William Craig Dobbs and asked if she could rent a couple of horses to help treat children with disabilities. Moved by the benefits of hippotherapy, philanthropist and businessman Dobbs created The Children’s TherAplay Foundation, Inc.

“Half of the therapy sessions are conducted in the newly renovated therapy clinic, and the other half takes place in our horse arena with one of the therapy horses,” she adds. “Therapists meet with parents before and after each session to share information to ensure their ability to work together and improve each child’s outcomes in therapy. To meet the increasing demands of central Indiana, the Dobbs and Towriss Community Engagement Center is slated to open in 2025 and will provide additional space for therapy, and support collaboration and engagement to serve families better.

“Each therapy session conducted is dynamic and customized to the needs and goals of that child,” says Pelletier. “Physical therapy focuses on strength development, coordination, balance, and helping the child develop skills that help keep them safe in their daily life. Occupational therapy has a broad focus on developing each child’s abilities to perform the activities of daily life, eating, sleeping, grooming, playing, socializing, etcetera. Occupational therapy also helps children learn how to regulate their behavior and process their emotions to help them adapt better to social situations. Speech therapy helps a child develop communication skills, which can be verbal, through an assisted communication device, or sign language. All our therapies work together to improve the overall health and well-being of each child, so that they can lead more independent futures.”

Children’s TherAplay is an outpatient therapy facility in Carmel where licensed physical and occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists, incorporate horses in a child’s therapy. The therapist uses the patterns and speeds of the horse’s movement, rhythm and Safety is a priority at Children’s TherAplay. The staff undergoes repetition to achieve therapeutic goals in a safe and caring environment. extensive training, and the barn and therapy teams are in constant collaboration. There are 17 horses used at Children’s TherAplay and “Many people think we are a place where children with disabilities can each horse goes through a trial period to ensure they are a good fit for ride horses and develop strength and skills, but we are so much more hippotherapy. These horses are either owned by Children’s TherAplay than that,” says Pelletier. “We provide skilled, evidence-based therapy or are care-leased where Children’s TherAplay has maintenance interventions, we accept all major medical insurance including Indiana ownership of the horse in covering their feed, board, and routine Medicaid, and we have been bringing transformative growth and veterinary care in exchange for being used in the therapy. development to children in central Indiana for over 23 years.”

To become a patient, a child needs a prescription from a primary care With a background in oncology and fundraising, Pelletier fell in love physician or a specialist to receive the therapy services. Most insurance instantly while touring the facility during her job interview. “Children’s companies will pay for physical, occupational and speech therapy for TherAplay is such a happy place where kids feel strong, confident children with a medical diagnosis. All major insurances and Medicaid and independent, sitting high on top of their therapy horse,” she says. are accepted to ensure families have access to this unique medical “Children with complex medical conditions have seen so much growth service. in development, speech and communication, behavior, and selfregulation, and many children are now thriving at school and in their To learn more, visit childrenstheraplay.org, where you can find home lives. It is amazing to see the impact our services can have on the parent testimonies and information about physical, occupational and entire family.” speech therapy, the therapists and staff, horses, and other parent resources.

TownePost.com | October 2024 | 25

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

GOODNESS GRACIOUS KITCHEN & CUPBOARD Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Sarah Browning

Preparing food has always been an intuitive process for Tobi Mares, who calls herself a “homegrown cook.”

“I never measured anything,” she says. “I just went by taste and smell.”

In November 2020, she contracted COVID and lost those senses. Although neither have since fully returned, she hasn’t lost her adoration for homegrown cooking.

These days she prepares meals by following recipes. It’s a practice that she’s incorporated into her new business venture, Goodness Gracious Kitchen & Cupboard, which officially opened this past summer.

“I’ve always had a fascination with cookbooks - I’m food obsessed,” says Mares, who decided it would be fun to open an eccentric restaurant focused on preserving tradition with food. Prior to opening Goodness Gracious, Mares worked in hospice and end-of-life elder care.

“They were the greatest generation because they had a different perspective on life - and on food - than we do today,” says Mares.

“They had regular Sunday dinners and made memories from those meals.”

This is precisely why Mares created the Food Legacy, where she invites patrons to share their family stories, recipes and memories. Often people bring in something for the restaurant, too - perhaps a piece of their mom’s China, some doilies, or a coffee cup.

“They come in, eat the food their loved one used to make, all while reminiscing,” Mares says.

She has one woman who comes in several times each week because it makes her feel closer to her mom, who passed away. That means so much to Mares, who lost her own 26 | October 2024 | TownePost.com

mom to Alzheimer’s.

“There are a lot of tears in my restaurant,” she says.

Decorating Goodness Gracious was a fun endeavor for Mares. She calls her style “a little bit of this and a little bit of that.”

Mares, a self-proclaimed fan girl of author Laura Ingalls Wilder of “Little House on the Prairie” fame, jokes that she’s trapped in the mind and spirit of a 90-year-old woman. When Mares toured the author’s house, she found a broken piece of a butter crock on the property, which seemed like a serendipitous sign that she was on the right track with her newfound business venture.

The public certainly is pleased to see the opening of Goodness Gracious.

“Our menu is a little bit fancy and a little bit comfort,” Mares says. “Mostly we offer yummy, basic recipes that are nostalgic in spirit.”

When you bite into her creations, you just might be instantly transported back in time. For instance, customers love the fried bologna sandwich. Mares even had a customer who drove all the way from Fort Wayne for it. “I was like, ‘You know you can make that at home, right?’” Mares says. “But he came for the atmosphere.”

She suspects part of the appeal is the fact that we live in a complicated world so people are longing for simpler times. “As we move away from the past, it’s nice to hold onto a food memory,” she says. And memories are tied to tastebuds.

One of their most popular menu items is skate wing, a mild succulent fish.

“It’s the best fish I’ve ever had,” Mares says.

“It’s better than grouper. I think I’m the only restaurant around here who has it on their menu.”

Top sellers from their brunch menu include the chicken salad, tuna salad and egg salad.

Other popular items are the beef tips over noodles and smoked pork loin with a cherry bourbon sauce.

The space seats up to 50, so it’s large enough for parties but small enough to feel intimate, making it an ideal spot for private events such as baby showers and business happy hours. They also offer a picnic service for which customers can order online, selecting a sandwich and side, the date, and whether they want an insulated basket.

The name Goodness Gracious was formed well before the restaurant launched. When Mares was raising her two daughters, she used to say playful phrases like “Goodness gracious” and “Holy guacamole.”

“Goodness gracious is an old-school comfort term, and so it fit with my comfortfood concept,” says Mares, who bought the domain name in 2012, not really knowing what she would do with it. When she moved to Carmel in June 2015, she was pleased to find such a happy, pleasant community.

“I felt like I had found the end of the rainbow here,” she says.

Suddenly the wheels started turning as she recognized the connection between her two loves - the elderly and delicious food.

In the future, Mares plans to add classes on crocheting, quilting, crafting and cocktails.

For now, she recently started a Supper Club and hopes to soon offer a Supper Club for

vegans. In addition, she hosted a Ladies Comedy Night in September and plans to do a Pumpkin Decorating event in October.

In November she’ll switch all of their dishes to Christmas china, transforming the place into a winter wonderland.

“I want it to feel like Christmas morning 1976,” says Mares, who envisions Goodness Gracious enduring well beyond her time on Earth.

“I think of it as a living museum,” she says. “I hope this restaurant is something that will remain in the community forever.”

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CONNECT 24 N. Rangeline Road, Carmel, IN 317-564-0454 ilovegoodnessgracious.com TownePost.com | October 2024 | 27

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PARTNER IN PURPOSE THE HOUSE: 1922 HELPS CLIENTS SHOW UP AND STEP UP Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Sarah Browning

Courtney Senousy is a big believer in the idea that access to the right resources can set people up for success…and she is on a mission to do just that.

She launched House of Shamaiah (which means “God heard”) to provide one-on-one coaching for people who feel a purpose in their lives but don’t know how to access it.

As Senousy grew up, she always struggled with finding a sense of belonging, searching for anything she could grasp onto. At 19 she gave birth to her daughter, and then raised her while attending college. As she tried to break the generational cycles that continued to make her feel as though she was hitting roadblock after roadblock, the pieces fell into place, and she found her purpose - to pave the way for others.

She was ramping up her business when her mother died unexpectedly. For a time, she limited her clientele, focusing on larger, more established nonprofit contracts.

Despite doing very little marketing, people would always find her. She worked her way up the ladder in the nonprofit industry and studied at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

She built her first business while using a cracked iPhone, held together with tape.

One week, instead of buying groceries, she opted to purchase a coaching program to teach herself marketing skills. This led to learning how to build a website and then transferring this knowledge to others in her community. As fate would have it, she wandered into the world of working with mission-driven individuals on journeys similar to hers, and eventually working for and consulting with major nonprofits throughout the city.

Senousy found many nonprofits are born out of passion, but the people who launch them don’t always have access to the resources they need to amplify their voices.

“I started to get my momentum back and began to feel the urge to return back to House of Shamaiah full time,” she says. This led to the rebirth of House of Shamaiah, now called simply The House: 1922. Named after her great-grandmother, who was born in 1922, The House: 1922 covers everything from inception, launching, scaling and, most importantly, sustaining. Senousy and her team help define what a client wants to create, then dig deep to help them bring it to life.

“We ask our clients to reflect on what they are really passionate about so that we can develop that into something that’s impactful,” Senousy says. “It all starts with reflection.”

The mission is to empower and equip those who are operating in a purpose-driven

organization, whether that’s a nonprofit, a social enterprise, or a corporation that’s seeking to be more socially responsible.

Senousy provides an arsenal of online tools and monthly group life coaching. In addition, she invites subject-matter experts like lawyers and accountants to speak monthly so they can shed light on legalities or public relations.

The House: 1922 offers comprehensive programs at various tiers to equip clients of all sizes with the tools they need to thrive as businesses. Services are offered through an online community, including an app, and an in-person coworking space called The Impact Xchange. The Impact Xchange offers an incubator and accelerator program for mission-driven organizations and small businesses, micro monthly cohorts, bespoke professional development that mixes comedy, education, and live interviews, and, as always, VIP experiences where strategy is king.

The new coworking space is set to open in November 2024.

Senousy wants mission-driven individuals to know support is available for them, and wants corporations to feel like they are giving back in a way that emphasizes social responsibility.

For more information, visit bio.site/ theimpactxchange.

TownePost.com | October 2024 | 29

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

ALYONA YAKOVLEVA FOUNDER AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR which fuses elements of different ballet traditions to increase body awareness for a greater expressive range in movement.

Yakovleva’s career includes notable roles as a performer, teacher and choreographer. She served as a professor at Dongduk Women’s University in Seoul, South Korea, where she performed and taught, before moving to the U.S. to work with Ballet Internationale. Her transition to founding IBC was driven by a desire to create a ballet school that would serve both aspiring professionals and local dance enthusiasts.

In a ballet world traditionally dominated by male leaders, Yakovleva has made a significant impact through her proactive approach and entrepreneurial spirit. She has carefully assembled a team of skilled instructors to maintain the high standards of IBC, allowing her to focus on her strengths in artistic creation and dancer development.

Yakovleva’s method emphasizes not only technical proficiency, but also the broader life skills that ballet instills, which benefit students in any career path.

The school’s alumni have joined over 35 international ballet companies and received numerous scholarships for higher education. The reputation of IBC attracts students from around the world, enhancing Indiana’s cultural landscape.

Writer / Devon Dean

If all the world’s a stage, then Indiana Ballet Conservatory (IBC) is front and center.

The Carmel-based academy has achieved recognition as an elite ballet training facility thanks to the efforts of its founder, Alyona Yakovleva.

IBC is celebrated for its elite preprofessional ballet training, and ongoing commitment to offering recreational dance opportunities to the local community.

Influenced by her family’s background in 30 | October 2024 | TownePost.com

sports and the performing arts, Yakovleva began her ballet journey in St. Petersburg, Russia. Her mother was a figure skater, and her father was an Olympic lifter, creating an environment that valued discipline and physical excellence.

Yakovleva trained at the Academy of Ballet in Novosibirsk before continuing her studies at St. Petersburg State Institute of Culture, graduating in 1999 with degrees in professional ballet dance performance, choreography, and ballet instruction. She further refined her skills through seminars at the prestigious Vaganova ballet academy, known for its rigorous Vaganova method,

IBC’s success is a testament to Yakovleva’s vision and dedication, reflecting the transformative power of ballet education.

IBC will perform “The Nutcracker” on Saturday, November 30, and Sunday, December 1. Tickets can be found at indianaballetconservatory.org/productions.

CONNECT 463-273-6441 indianaballetconservatory.org

TownePost.com | October 2024 | 31

WARDROBE WONDERS STYLE YOUR WAY TO EMPOWERMENT AT FRINGE & FORM Writer / Ashley Watters

Michele Dieckmeyer is no stranger to struggle. As a child she wrestled with obesity and her body image. During her teenage years she became pregnant, dealt with poverty and depression, and later overcame breast implant illness. Instead of admitting defeat, she focused on a nursing career and funneled energy into personal styling to help raise her self-esteem. This passion led her to provide the same services for other women at her newly opened boutique, Fringe & Form, located in Carmel City Center.

Fringe & Form offers designer fashions from around the world, with many items coming from Italy, Spain and Germany.

Unlike other boutique stores, Dieckmeyer hopes to reform the shopping experience to empower women through thoughtful wardrobe curation and style coaching, which she hopes will boost self-confidence and encourage women to make positive life changes.

The store space has been carefully designed to create a safe, comfortable environment for women to explore new and exciting options. “The try-on experience was a key factor in designing our space, which features large mirrors in the dressing rooms, allowing women to decide for themselves how they 32 | October 2024 | TownePost.com

feel in new pieces without any pressure to like a particular style,” Dieckmeyer says.

“Our goal is to help women find things they love, avoiding the high-pressure sales environments found in some retail stores.”

Dieckmeyer has also made it part of the store’s mission to support women as they navigate their personal journeys. The boutique offers style coaching to help women feel more confident while working toward personal goals, whether moving on from a personal relationship or targeting new job prospects. “We are more than just a retail store selling high-quality, sustainable fashion,” Dieckmeyer says. “We aim to be a safe space where women feel comfortable exploring new additions to their wardrobe in a thoughtful way, fueling self-expression through conscious and sustainable style.”

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The boutique store has a selection of additional services to help bolster female confidence. They offer color and shape analysis for a fee, and even provide inhome styling services and Girls Night Out bookings for special occasions.

“Personal styling, once a hobby, became a commitment to uplift and empower women through style coaching,” Dieckmeyer says.

“Beyond fashion, my mission is holistic nurturing physical health, mental wellness and self-esteem.”

Ultimately, Dieckmeyer wants the shop to serve as a supportive oasis for women who may be struggling with their own life circumstances - something she understands on a personal level. “We actively support our community through charity styling, helping women who are starting over to regain confidence and feel good about themselves,” she says.

“If you know someone in need, you can nominate them on our website. We’re committed to showing women that their past doesn’t define their future. They can feel empowered, look great and embrace the bright future ahead. You’re a masterpiece, so dress like one!”

To learn more about Fringe and Form, visit their website at fringe-form.com.

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TownePost.com | October 2024 | 33

“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you are an excellent leader.”

—Dolly Parton

SHATTERING THE GLASS CEILING MEET THE WOMEN BEHIND TOWNE POST NETWORK

Kim Senkus, Kokomo/Tipton, Jeanne Britt, Towne Post Network, Inc. Co-Owner and President, Alison Gatz, Fishers, Lyndsey Brown, Carmel and Mandi Lewandowski, The Lakes East and West

One of the most inspiring aspects of being part of the Towne Post family is witnessing the remarkable contributions of our exceptional female publishers and leaders. This month, we’re sitting down with these dynamic women to get a closer look at what drives their success.

JEANNE BRITT, TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. CO-OWNER AND PRESIDENT

showcasing all that makes each community great.”

The Britts initially operated their business out of a spare bedroom, with Tom focusing on sales, Jeanne managing the finances, and Jeanne Britt and their small children folding and sealing the her husband, Tom, newsletters as they were back then - just six recognized the need to showcase the uplifting things pages. As the company started to grow, the pair saw the potential for this model to work happening in the community. In 2004 they in other communities. Therefore, in 2015 started Britt Interactive, LLC, with the atgeist.com Community Newsletter, which they converted Towne Post Network, Inc. to a franchise system. “It has been so rewarding to eventually became Geist Magazine and bring the love for showcasing our community led to Towne Post Network coming to life. to our franchisees and see them grow in Twenty years and 19 publications later, it bringing the Towne Post Network mission still remains a labor of love. of advocating for local businesses, being a positive voice, and a champion for the “Connecting people and businesses in the nonprofits in their communities,” Britt says. community is a source of pride for us,” Britt says. “We hope to bring a publication to Being part of the Towne Post Network family, readers’ coffee tables that is as enjoyable to she has been involved with many community read as it is filled with positive information 34 | October 2024 | TownePost.com

events such as co-founding Vines for Life to benefit local cancer charities in Geist, and working with the Geist Half Marathon organizers in its early days.

Through the years, Britt has taken part in women-owned business groups and has found that the primary challenge most women express is finding a healthy work-life balance. “I love being a part of a community of women supporting one another in that endeavor,” she says.

ALISON GATZ, FISHERS Fishers has been home to me longer than any other place.

Even though we have seen a lot of growth, I believe we

can still have that small-town feeling when we feel connected. Local publishing is the perfect platform to bring residents, businesses and nonprofits together, so when the opportunity came available, I jumped at the chance! I have never worked in publishing before so there’s quite a bit of learning left to do, but our team and awesome advertisers make it so much easier.

My favorite part of the job is storytelling!

I love telling the stories of the local businesses that have been around forever, the mom who finally expanded her garage business to a brick-and-mortar, the resident who spends all their free time supporting our first responders, nonprofits working endless hours to bridge the gap in services for residents, and the history of our growing city for newcomers to join in setting their roots. It’s a pretty cool gig!

FREDDA KOVACS, CENTER GROVE I received the Towne Post Network community magazine for years and loved it. I always looked forward to a new monthly issue, as did my husband. It was the one publication that we fought over who would get to read it first. I’d always learn something new and interesting, whether it was a new restaurant or shopping spot, an interesting hidden-gem story about someone in the community, local organizations that positively impact our lives, things happening in and around town, and school-related information. The content was, and is, always local, relevant and timely.

My career is rooted in the media, dating back to my time in radio sales. I wasn’t actively seeking a change, but I found I wanted to be closer to the community I live in. Our hyper-local publications are a perfect platform to inform, engage, entertain, and have a positive impact on the community. It has allowed me to have more personal connections and interact one-onone with advertisers while doing good in the community.

LYNDSEY BROWN, CARMEL As an extremely curious person, I’ve always been intrigued by the stories behind success.

Questions such as: Who’s idea sparked an invention, and how did they use that idea to increase productivity or produce something for the greater good? What chain of events took place that brought someone from a position of seemingly impossible circumstances to a place of victory? How did these ideas grow and develop in the minds and efforts of passionate individuals?

You might say I enjoy an underdog tale.

As publisher of Carmel Magazine, I have a unique opportunity to share these stories of our local leaders and business owners with the community. Celebrating the success of those who have taken up the challenges of owning and operating a business, supporting a valiant cause, or investing in a community is one of my greatest pleasures.

KIM SENKUS, KOKOMO/ TIPTON I just want to tell everyone’s story. I want Kokomo to know the people behind the businesses, in the classrooms and in the community.

Kokomo Magazine was launched to remind us how and why Kokomo truly is a great city! I loved growing up here. Marsh’s fresh donuts, Fred’s smooth voice, Hill’s fireworks, birthdays at Happy Joe’s, and the Russiaville ballpark made my childhood!

I went to Purdue with many of these classmates and remain friends.

There is so much tradition in Kokomo. It’s a small enough town where people know who Hope is, but a large enough city to sustain a revitalization that now includes concerts in the park, farmer markets, bike paths, First Fridays, and festivals galore!

MANDI LEWANDOWSKI, THE LAKES EAST AND WEST My husband, John, and I started The Lakes Magazine, a division of Towne Post Network, in 2019. When John first suggested starting our magazine, I thought he was crazy! We had just had a baby, were in the middle of building our dream home, and both had comfortable jobs, John in marketing and me as a registered nurse.

However, owning The Lakes Magazine has allowed me to step away from the demanding hours of nursing and create my own schedule. The biggest reward has been spending more time at home with our son before he started kindergarten, and during the summers now that he’s in school.

The past five years as a magazine owner have brought me more joy than I ever imagined.

We’ve been able to expand and now cover eight counties with The Lakes Magazine East and West editions. As an owner, my favorite part is featuring local businesses, organizations and individuals each month.

I love getting a glimpse into their world, learning about their journeys from where they started to where they are today, and sometimes even hearing about their plans for the future. It’s incredible to see their dreams come to life.

Personally, the most rewarding experience is handing someone a copy of the magazine in which they’re featured. Seeing their excitement and the feeling of being a local celebrity is hard to put into words. The magazine has given me the opportunity to meet and develop working relationships with many wonderful people, all while learning about their new products, businesses and organizations. It’s an honor to help share their goods and services with our local communities and sometimes beyond.

TownePost.com | October 2024 | 35

COXHALL GARDENS ART TAKES FLIGHT Writer / Devon Dean

Coxhall Gardens has a new art installation for visitors to enjoy - a vibrant mural under the Campbell Crossing Bridge. Designed and painted by Christina Hollering, an associate professor at the Herron School of Art and Design, the mural beautifully depicts native birds found at Coxhall Gardens.

Hollering’s artwork captures the area’s avian diversity, featuring a green heron, a great blue heron, a great egret and a sandhill crane. “This mural is a beautiful way to celebrate the rich biodiversity of our local wildlife and will inspire a deeper appreciation for the birds that call this area home,” said Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Director Chris Stice.

completed in mid-August and is Hollering’s second contribution to Coxhall Gardens; she also painted the “Whispering Walls” in the Children’s Garden last summer. “We were very impressed with the ‘Whispering Walls,’ so when she showed us the design for the bridge, we knew it would be a wonderful addition to the park,” said Mary Robinson, president of The Coxhall Guild. “The mural will be a stunning visual for park visitors.”

Hollering holds both Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Fine Arts degrees.

For more information on Coxhall Gardens, visit hamiltoncounty.in.gov/1941/CoxhallGardens.

Stay up to date with events at Coxhall Gardens this fall with the Towne Post Located under the iconic Campbell Crossing Bridge, the mural serves as both an Community Calendar at townepost.com/ educational and inspirational feature. It was carmel-indiana/carmel-calendar.

36 | October 2024 | TownePost.com

When accidents happen, access to orthopedic walk-in care for back, bone, joint and muscle injuries makes all the difference to a faster recovery.

OrthoIndy Westfield 288 E. 175th St. 317.802.2000

317.802.2000 Scan the QR code or visit OrthoIndy.com/urgent-care to see all six locations and their hours.

TownePost.com | October 2024 | 37

GOBLINS, GHOULS, AND GALLOPING FOR A GOOD CAUSE EXPERIENCE THE 16TH ANNUAL GHOSTS AND GOBLINS 5K/2K Writer / Devon Dean

If you want to kick off the weekend before Halloween with some family fitness fun before the candy barrage on October 31, the Carmel Education Foundation has the perfect event. The 16th Annual Ghosts and Goblins 5K/2K will kick off at 8 a.m. on Saturday, October 26 at Carmel High School.

Clay Schools (CCS) students and teachers through educator and student grants, scholarships, and district-wide programs.

One of the oldest foundations of its kind, the Carmel Education Foundation was created to help Carmel Clay students achieve their full potential. The foundation has awarded over $2,100,000 in college scholarships to Carmel High School seniors and over $1,000,000 in education grants to inspire lifelong learning for Carmel Clay students since its inception in 1966.

Costumes are not only welcome but encouraged. The only stipulations are that whatever you choose must be schoolfriendly, and allow for easy movement and visibility. Yes, there will be a costume The Carmel Education Foundation is contest because no Halloween event is complete without prizes for the best-dressed governed by a volunteer board of directors who give their time and energy to accelerate racers. the foundation’s mission by funding grants, awarding more than 80 scholarships The event will wind through the annually, and expanding resources for neighborhoods around Carmel High Carmel Clay Schools.

School. While strollers are welcome, race officials ask that four-legged friends stay Registration for this spook-tacular race is home. open all the way to race day morning.

This annual fundraiser benefits Carmel 38 | October 2024 | TownePost.com

REGISTRATION DETAILS: SEPTEMBER 3 TO SEPTEMBER 30 $35 ($20 CCS students) OCTOBER 1 TO OCTOBER 25 $40 ($25 CCS students) RACE DAY REGISTRATION $55 ($30 CCS students) Register at ghostsandgoblinsrun.com/ Race/Register.

Circle of comfort.

Sara H., patient

Discover cancer care that empowers you to simply focus on getting better. Our multidisciplinary approach keeps everyone on the same page throughout treatment. With our team guiding you every step along the way, you’ll never feel alone. eCommunity.com/cancer TownePost.com | October 2024 | 39

New Event Calendar

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