Carmel Magazine November 2020

MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2020

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Kits & Kaboodle Classic Toys Moves to New Carmel City Center Location

SINGING WITH THE QUEEN OF SOUL Carmel Mom Shares Memories of Touring With Aretha Franklin for 18 Years

WINE & DASH

Vino Mobile Wine Truck Is a Dream on Wheels For Owner Jenn Kampmeier

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S in g in g With th e Q u e e n of S ou l: Car me l Mom S h are s Me mor ie s of Tou r in g With Are th a Fran klin for 18 Ye ar s

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S h ow & Te ll: K its & Kab ood le Classic Toys Move s to New Car me l City Ce n te r Locati on

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UNPLUG SOY CANDLES MOVES TO NEW FISHERS LOCATION Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Brian Brosmer

Jennifer Sturgill has always adored interior design and décor. She has also loved candles.

“I think there’s something special when you go into someone’s home and they have candles burning,” Sturgill says. “It creates such a warm, cozy environment.”

In 2015, Jennifer began making soy candles in her home. After perfecting the candle making process, she started selling her hand-poured 100% pure soy wax candles at the Noblesville Farmers Market, which

enabled her to gauge customer likes and dislikes. If she found there was a fragrance that flopped, she discontinued it. At the same time, if people repeatedly requested a scent, as they did with Hazelnut Coffee, Sturgill responded accordingly.

Sturgill also started selling her products via Etsy and at local boutiques. Before long, her business really started booming, prompting her husband Joe to come on board full-time.

“It went from making candles in our kitchen, down to the basement bar, then up to the guest bedroom, our 3-car garage, all our spare bedrooms. After a year and a half, atFishers.com FISHERS MAGAZINE / 729 atCarmel.com / / NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 2020 2020 / CARMEL

candles took over our entire house,” Sturgill says. “That’s when we decided it was time to open up our own shop and manufacturing facility in Fortville.”

Though they remained in that location for three years, they quickly outgrew the space. When a location became available in Fishers earlier this year, the husband and wife duo felt fate intervening as a lot of their customers live in Fishers, Carmel, Westfield and Zionsville. Being centrally located was a huge plus, not to mention the extra square footage. The new location has three times the manufacturing capacity and twice the retail space as the previous shop.

They made the big move to Fishers this July, smack dab in the middle of the pandemic.

When COVID-19 hit, Jennifer and Joe did what every other business owner around the country did — they pivoted.

“We decided we needed to pivot and put the majority of our eggs into our online presence during the shut-down,” Sturgill says. “Since we had a workshop room full of vessels, we started offering limited edition vessels to our online community with the option for discounted shipping prices or curbside pickup. Customers absolutely loved it and would come back to shop with us online each week to snatch the unique vessels up!”

Long-time customer Dianna Kennedy has always been impressed with the owners’ passion and commitment to their products and customers.

“Jennifer and Joe are so friendly that when you walk in the door as a first-timer, you walk out feeling like an old friend,” Kennedy says.

Unplug Soy Candles are made of the most environmentally-friendly wax possible, hand-poured in small batches, and use only premium natural fragrance oils with leadfree cotton wicks.

“Pure soy wax candles burn about 60% longer than a candle with paraffin in it so you get a nice long burn,” Sturgill adds.

“The lead-free cotton wicks mean you’re not burning lead into the air. Plus, we highly fragrance our candles so they smell great when they are not lit but even stronger when you light them.”

They sell a total of 19 scents, including holiday fragrances like Balsam & Cedar, which is available year-round due to its popularity. Hazelnut Coffee is hugely popular, as is Sugared Citrus. Sturgill introduces one or two new fragrances a year and will occasionally retire a fragrance to keep things fresh.

They now sell in more than 400 stores nationwide, as well as Canada. Though wholesale is their bread-and-butter, the retail, candle workshops, and the online side of the business have substantially grown these last

“THIS BUSINESS ALLOWS ME TO BRING EVERYTHING I LOVE TOGETHER. I GET TO SHARE THAT LOVE WITH EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY.”

“IF YOU WORK HARD, HAVE A GREAT PRODUCT AND TREAT PEOPLE WITH KINDNESS, THAT’S HOW A SMALL BUSINESS GROWS.”

two years. They offer open candle pouring hours and workshops throughout the week, as well as private parties. As the holiday season nears, exclusive workshops grow in popularity so Jennifer and Joe will likely offer additional workshop opportunities.

Plus, Unplug Soy Candles has a number of collaborative opportunities in the works with other local small businesses.

buy pre-made candles or make their own.

People can also build their own gift basket for just $10.

“They can come in, pick their items, and we’ll make it up for them into a pretty display with fun crinkle paper, a ribbon and a tag,” Sturgill says.

They also sell other fun accessories like match cloches, wick trimmers, candle The weekday open pouring hours require no snuffers, drinkware, bath soaking salt vials, exfoliating sugar cubes, bubbling bath fizz reservation. Exclusive workshops require a reservation, however. If someone schedules and more. a private party — say, for a holiday “We can be your one-stop-shop for a gift celebration or team building event — basket,” says Sturgill, who feels lucky to be everybody makes two candles. Prices vary able to meld her love of interior design with depending on choice of size and vessel. decorating and mingling with people.

Because they are considered an art instruction “This business allows me to bring everything facility, during private parties (which can I love together. I get to share that love with accommodate up to 20 people,) customers can bring in their own food, wine and beer. everyone in the community,” says Sturgill, noting the company’s tagline, “Where incredible fragrances & home décor meet.”

As for shopping the store, customers can

Customers are thrilled about the company’s move to Fishers.

“The new store is top-notch,” Kennedy says.

“I feel like a kid in a candy store, pursuing the huge wall of vessels for pouring my own candles.”

Sturgill feels very grateful to be where she is today.

“If you had told me six or seven years ago that I was going to start and own a successful candle company in five years, I would have laughed,” Sturgill says. “But if you work hard, have a great product and treat people with kindness, that’s how a small business grows.”

Open Monday through Saturday, Unplug Soy Candles is located at 12550 Promise Creek Lane, Suite 108 in Fishers.

For more information, call 317-505-9000 or visit them online at unplugsoycandles.com.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RESTORE IS LEAVING A LASTING IMPACT IN HAMILTON COUNTY Writer / Julie Yates Photography Provided

The Habitat for Humanity Restore, located at 7998 Centerpoint Drive, is a win-win situation for Hamilton County residents.

Not only does the home improvement thrift store sell donated and gently used merchandise at a significant discount to the general public, it benefits Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity. Funds raised make it possible for families in need to own an affordable home.

“The benefits of this model abound: through donated product, the ReStore reduces waste and helps tons of material avoid the landfill each year. The quality home goods are typically 50-75% below retail, making home improvement possible for many who could not otherwise afford it,” says Abri Hochstetler, Associate Director of

Communications and Annual Giving. “The stores provide local jobs, and the ReStore can pick up your large or bulk donations from your home or business, making donating a breeze.”

of cabinets or as small as a set of screws.

Contractors and landlords visit looking for tools and building materials. Because the ReStore is filled with new and used donated products, every visit is a new adventure.

Donations to the store are tax-deductible and make up the store’s inventory. Items for sale range in variety from outdoor garden tools to chandeliers. It’s a place where both practical and off-beat objects become gems for people who enjoy repurposing materials or do it yourself projects. There is no doubt that customers can find some unusual items.

“Donated product comes from all types of places. If you’re completing a kitchen remodel or replacing your washer and dryer, the ReStore can come to your home to pick up the usable items: cabinets, stove, refrigerator, washer, dryer, etc. Or, if you’re cleaning out your garage or home and discover items that have more life, you can donate those home goods as well.”

“We often get unique art such as paintings or posters,” Hochstetler says. “The most interesting thing I’ve seen was a red, heartshaped hot tub. Many times, customers are looking for an affordable fix or improvement to their home. This could be as big as a set 10 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020 / atCarmel.com

Both full and part-time employees work at the store as drivers, cashiers and donation processors. Regular volunteers are gladly accepted. Additionally, commercial partnerships are welcome and regular pick-

ups can be set-up at businesses, churches, company warehouses or other places of work.

The merchandise sold at the restore enables Habitat for Humanity to provide lowincome, first-time homebuyers with the lifechanging opportunity of homeownership.

Neighborhoods and the communities benefit as well by providing places to live that are well built.

“In a time when home has taken on even more meaning and importance, we are grateful that the ReStore provides a connection between usable home goods and those who need them, all while helping Habitat build safe, stable, and affordable homes for our neighbors who need them,” Hochstetler says.

Habitat for Humanity Restore is located at 7998 Centerpoint Drive in Fishers and 4129 West Washington Street in Indianapolis. To donate, visit IndyRestore. com/Pick-up or call 317-896-9423.

atCarmel.com / NOVEMBER 2020 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 11

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12 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020 / atCarmel.com

SINGING WITH

THE QUEEN OF SOUL

Carmel Mom Shares Memories of Touring With Aretha Franklin for 18 Years

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

She didn’t understand the heads-up, but it soon became clear.

I go,” Franklin said with a chuckle. And she did.

Though she wasn’t classically trained, whenever Shelly Ponder stepped inside her church, she was crafting her singing voice.

“To hear Ms. Franklin sing live is one of the most captivating experiences on the planet,” Ponder explains. “It’s easy to get so enthralled with what she’s doing that you completely forget what’s happening around you.”

What started out as a single performance quickly turned into a thriving career, as Ponder toured with Franklin year after year playing giant stadiums, Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center.

“I loved music of all genres - gospel, blues, heavy metal, even country,” says Ponder, a Carmel resident. “Hey, country music is just storytelling with a twang!”

Her singing career started when she was just four years old, when she appeared on a television show with Inez Andrews, one of the greatest gospel singers of all time. She recorded a couple of records before she was 16 years old with choirs out of Chicago.

She never sang professionally until one day Aretha Franklin, who, at the time, was in heavy rotation on radio stations and all over MTV, gave her a call.

“I thought it was a joke so I hung up on her,” says Ponder, who was in her 20s at the time.

“Thankfully, she called back.”

Thankfully Ponder remained focused, but what came next threw her for a loop.

Following the show, Franklin summoned Ponder to her dressing room.

“I figured she was going to tell me that I should keep practicing, but instead she complimented my voice and invited me to join the tour,” Ponder says. “I lost my legs in shock.”

Though she had plans to become a lawyer, she recognized that this was a once-in-alifetime opportunity. Franklin handed her an envelope with $10,000 and instructed her to buy a wardrobe.

A few days later when Ponder showed up for the concert with a complete wardrobe Franklin was doing a concert at the Chicago and $8,000 left to spare, Franklin was Theatre and her backup soprano had fallen ill. flabbergasted.

She had heard about Ponder’s fantastic pipes, so she invited her to audition.

When Franklin asked how she managed to “We got midway through the first song and she stopped me, told me go to the next one, and she did the same thing for all six songs,” recalls Ponder, who steeled herself for rejection but ultimately landed the gig.

Before stepping on stage for the first time, Ponder was told not to get lost in her singing.

get so much and spend so little, she replied, “I spent your money the way I’d spend my own.”

Ponder’s honesty and integrity endeared her to her new boss.

“Remind me to take you shopping next time

atCarmel.com / NOVEMBER 2020 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 13

“She was everywhere,” says Ponder, who cherished their genuine friendship.

When Ponder got married, Franklin gave the bride and groom an eight-piece Tiffany & Co. dinnerware set. When Ponder got pregnant Franklin was elated, and when she experienced a complicated pregnancy, Franklin assured her that her job was secure.

After she gave birth to her daughter, Franklin gleefully announced the baby’s birth to a 60,000-plus crowd in Toronto and sent Ponder a flower arrangement so large that it took three men to carry it into her hospital room. She also gave Ponder a card filled with cash and a note that read, “I know you’re paying for insurance out of pocket. Get the baby whatever she needs.”

“She was protective of me and I’m grateful for that,” says Ponder, noting that Franklin’s diva reputation was not an accurate representation of who she was.

“She’d go into some place and drop $20,000 and say, ‘Don’t mention my name. I was never here. You just got a blessing from some anonymous person,’” says Ponder, who enjoyed 18 years of touring with the Queen of Soul - something she never

dreamed possible.

“She was iconic to the world for her music, but she was iconic to me for other reasons,” says Ponder, who came off the road a year before Franklin passed away because she wanted to spend more time with her young daughter. Franklin completely understood Ponder’s decision. During her final performance, Franklin told the massive crowd that Ponder was the best soprano she had ever had.

Though the touring lifestyle sounds grueling, Ponder insists that for a true performer, it’s more exhilarating than exhausting.

“For us, music is like breathing air,” explains Ponder, who flourished as an artist, singer and performer thanks to her time with Franklin.

Shelly Ponder (right) with Aretha Franklin

“I taped every single show for my own reference to make sure I was on my part,” Ponder says. “And when we were on the

bus and Ms. Franklin would start randomly singing, I’d hit my recorder just to get it on tape.”

Although she’s open to the idea of singing professionally again some day, Ponder recognizes that she’s already worked with the cream of the crop.

“It was interesting to do the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and have Mick Jagger pull me aside, trembling as he asked me if I could introduce him to (Franklin),” Ponder recalls.

“That type of thing happened all the time.”

Franklin passed away on August 16, 2018.

Talking about her gets Ponder choked up.

She’s grateful to have saved phone messages and personal home videos, but she’s still processing the reality that she can’t pick up the phone and talk to her friend and mentor.

“My life with her was wonderful,” Ponder says. “Every gig was a blessing.”

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10 ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR HOSTING THANKSGIVING atCarmel.com / NOVEMBER 2020 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 15

Writer / Abigail Hake Photography Provided

Can you smell the turkey and stuffing already? Thanksgiving dinners are not something that happens without preparation and strategy. If the day doesn’t flow just right, you could be in for disaster.

But here are a few helpful tips for hosting your big dinner with ease of execution.

1. BAKE DESSERTS EARLY

3. WRITE OUT A SCHEDULE

The key to hosting Thanksgiving like a boss is execution. So the best way to execute flawlessly is to know how you want the day to go down. Write out a schedule showing the order you’ll be putting things in the oven and include how long and what temperature. Leave spaces in between where you can add in what you’ll be doing on the stove during those cooking times. A schedule will really help the day go much smoother and prevent forgetting things.

Or buy them pre-made. Honestly, this is one thing that you don’t NEED to worry about if you don’t want to. If there’s that one pie that 4. EMPTY EVERYTHING you make every year, then make it, but make Trashes, Dishwasher, Fridge. Lots of things it early. Make it a day (or two) before and it are going to be happening in the kitchen and you don’t want to have the extra stress will still taste just as good, if not better! of needing to unload the dishwasher and shove things in the fridge when you should 2. SET THE TABLE PRIOR be checking the turkey. Remember, there If you can, set the table at least the day will be LOTS of dirty dishes and LOTS before, do it. Gather your florals, your of leftovers so make sure there is room for plates, your flatware and arrange them both before you even start the day. This is a how you like. Not only will you be able perfect task to do the night before. to enjoy the table setting for a day or two longer, you will have taken one more thing 5. MAKE BREAKFAST EASY off your plate for the big day and given With all the food that’s going to be available yourself more time! in just a few short hours, don’t worry too much about preparing breakfast for everyone. Grab store bought muffins, donuts, or cinnamon rolls to set out early in the morning that the kids and husband can 16 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020 / atCarmel.com

grab as they like. Or, if you have houseguests who prefer a warm breakfast, have the rest of the family take them to the best local cafe.

This will give you a nice, quiet time before the other guests arrive.

6. DON’T DENY HELP

It can be hard to open up your kitchen and allow others in, especially when you have a plan or idea of how everything is going to go. But if you’ve written it all down, don’t deny someone asking to help. Take all the help you can get! This might even allow you to sneak in a shower which you probably haven’t taken yet. With the morning schedule being written out, others can see your plan and can help without hindering. If you don’t have it all written out, make sure when you accept the help from others that you give specific tasks so no one is feeling in the way.

7. DON’T FRET OVER THE APPETIZERS

Look, there’s going to be a lot of food, so don’t fret the small stuff. Appetizers can be kept to easy charcuterie boards, fruits and veggies. If you are famous for certain appetizers, feel free to still make them, but try to make them ahead of time so all you have to worry about on the big day is setting them out.

8. MOCKTAILS & COCKTAILS

Very. Important. Make sure you have drinks available for your guests. If you don’t want to have a full self-serve bar, pre-mix a seasonal drink for everyone to enjoy. Maybe keep the alcohol to the side so your guests can add if they choose. Grab juice boxes for the kids so you don’t have spills all over the place too!

9. PLAN FOR EARLY ARRIVALS

No matter what time you set the start of dinner, people will arrive earlier than you expect. Make sure you are ready. Have football on in one room and Thanksgiving parades in another. This is also where premade appetizers are perfect! Just pull them out as the doorbell rings and you are sure to be on the top hostess list.

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No matter how you spend your day, be sure to share how grateful you are for the amazing gifts you are all sharing. Whether everyone writes something down or you go around the table and share what you are grateful for out loud, make sure you do this.

It’s always great to come together and share the good things we are blessed to have.

Whether it is your first time hosting or you are a seasoned pro, with all these tips, you are sure to be the hostess with the most-ess and sparkle throughout the day!

Just remember not to sweat the small stuff and enjoy the little things, after all, we are celebrating all the things we are thankful for and there’s no reason to stress if something doesn’t go just the way you planned. Give yourself grace and you are sure to have the best Thanksgiving yet.

Angie Berg, JD

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Show Tell Kits & Kaboodle Classic Toys Moves to New Carmel City Center Location 18 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020 / atCarmel.com

Writer / Julie Yates Photographer / Linda Oldiges

Kits & Kaboodle Classic Toys, a wellestablished Carmel toy store, is now located at Carmel City Center. The move marks the start of the shop’s sixteenth year of providing engaging, appropriate toys to children from birth to age 12. Owner Teneen Dobbs is enjoying the experience of welcoming both old customers as well as new shoppers discovering the establishment.

“We reopened at the Carmel City Center in the middle of July and it’s been a fun and exciting move,” Dobbs says. “Our footprint is smaller but our location now has more exposure. We are near the Cake Bake Shop and other retailers. People staying at the nearby hotel, or residents in the apartments and their visitors, come over and buy gifts.”

In keeping with the European sensibility of Carmel City Center, the store has adopted a British theme. An umbrella reminiscent of the Mary Poppins character is included in the store’s logo. In addition to the store’s atCarmel.com / NOVEMBER 2020 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 19

quality toys manufactured in the United States, several of the products offered are imported from Europe.

Over the years Dobbs has kept her eye on toy trends, and stays current by attending trade shows. Recently, cuddly plush animals have surged in popularity and can provide comfort during these uncertain times.

The store carries a line of collector-worthy stuffed animals made of mohair that are manufactured by the German company Steiff. Vanilla-scented dolls produced by French manufacturer Corolle provide

another example of the store’s varied inventory.

“It’s been a very different year,” Dobbs says. “The bestsellers this year have been anything that involves the whole family and creates bonds, such as arts and crafts.

Puzzles have been in big demand, especially by adults. Science, technology, engineering, art and math [STEAM], and science, technology, engineering and math [STEM] activity toys are continuing to sell well.”

Prices in the store range from $4.99 for impulse-buy items like yo-yos, to $250 or $300 for collectables. Midrange items include LEGO sets for around $49. Toys appropriate for every developmental milestone are offered, including books, BRIO trains and Fat Brain Toys products.

Owner Teneen Dobbs

Although the store is located within the interior plaza of the Carmel City Center, it is readily accessible and parking is typically easy to find. From City Center Drive, customers can park on the plaza level. The underground garage is accessed from Range

20 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020 / atCarmel.com

“

It’s been a very different year. The bestsellers this year have been anything that involves the whole family and creates bonds, such as arts and crafts. - Tennen Dobbs Line Road or City Center Drive. Veterans Way garage is another parking option.

“Our toys aren’t just one-and-done, but can be used and played with over and over,” Dobbs says. “I love that they bring families closer together. Everyone, no matter their age, should play every day. That aspect of our lives should be celebrated. It keeps people young and sharp.”

Kits & Kaboodle Classic Toys is located at 723 Hanover Place in Carmel. For more info, visit KitsAndKaboodleToys.com or call 317-566-8101.

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WINE & DASH VINO MOBILE WINE TRUCK IS A DREAM ON WHEELS FOR OWNER JENN KAMPMEIER Writer / Jamie Hergott Photographer / Eli Beaverson

Jenn Kampmeier-Aaron has been an entrepreneur since the tender age of seven, her first company being a bubble gum route. Since then, she’s started a total of 13 companies. But Vino Mobile, a mobile wine truck, just might be one of her favorites.

How does it work? When someone hires her, Kampmeier-Aaron shows up with the truck, pops it open, and starts serving her four boutique wines, two red and two white. After a couple hours, she typically hollers, “You don’t have to go home, but I am!” She rolls out, honks the horn, and is done with her shift.

“I sit on the bus, and I hear these amazing conversations out there,” she says. “I can’t put into words how cool it is to see and hear what goes on.”

atCarmel.com / NOVEMBER 2020 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 23

Kampmeier-Aaron was “feeling a little bored” in 2014 and had been thinking about the wine truck idea for six months.

It’s an idea that has been touted in memes on the internet for a while. In fact, 90% of the time when she tells people what she does, Kampmeier-Aaron says they tell her, “Hey, I had that idea!!”

But Kampmeier-Aaron is the first in the United States to independently own a wine truck. She credits her adventures in parenting and love for wine, both being tied together in a way most can understand and the business venture just made sense.

“This wine we serve, you cannot walk into any store and purchase,” she says. “We pour from 94 points and up, and it comes from Washington, California, or Oregon.”

She can do a cash bar, open bar or a combination of the two. She has even been making her mark in the wedding market.

One of the biggest challenges was understanding liquor laws in the state of Indiana.

“I did my research, found out what I needed to do get my license,” Kampmeier-Aaron says. “I went with my dad to pick out a school bus, drove it home, pulled up to the house and my husband goes, ‘Oh dear heavens, what are we doing now?’”

Owner Jenn Kampmeier-Aaron

She told him her idea of making the bus into a mobile wine truck. Per usual, he embraced her idea, albeit with caution, and got to work on the bus with his friends, retrofitting it with cabinets and equipment, all anchored down. The inside features quaint rugs, wine glasses, twinkle lights, wine storage and room for beer kegs.

The bus even has a name — Vinnie.

“My husband literally built my dream,” she says.

She did her first event on May 28, 2016, and says it’s been nonstop ever since. The Vino Mobile does four types of events: corporate, non-profit, weddings and private events and parties, such as neighborhood or birthday parties.

In fact, since the global pandemic, her work has been just as busy as it was before.

24 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020 / atCarmel.com

THIS HAS BEEN A GREAT WAY FOR PEOPLE TO GET OUT, SOCIALIZE AGAIN AND KEEP SAFE DISTANCING WHILE ENJOYING EACH OTHER. JUST TO GET THAT FEELING OF NOT BEING ALONE OR ISOLATED IS REALLY AWESOME TO SEE.

“We’ve done 50-plus events since May,” Kampmeier-Aaron says. “This has been a great way for people to get out, socialize again and keep safe distancing while enjoying each other. Just to get that feeling of not being alone or isolated is really awesome to see.”

She has a staff of 11 servers, all exceptional workers she handpicked to create a memorable experience for her customers.

Kampmeier-Aaron got so busy that she had to add a second smaller bus, whose name naturally became Vito, in 2019. She hopes to own another big truck someday, but that’s for the future.

For now, she’s embracing where she’s at and enjoying the adventure. For up to date information, you can follow Vino Mobile on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and online at vinomobilebar.com. You can also give them a call at 317-517-9920 for more information.

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SEW FUN

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It may have started as a fun activity to do with her daughter, but Valerie Salmon has expanded her lifelong passion for sewing into a small business.

A Sewing Studio occupies a quaint storefront in the Village of WestClay in Carmel and caters to children aged seven to 12, but even teens take classes. The business grew from its inception in Salmon’s nearby home in 2012 to a commercial location in 2016.

As a child, Salmon grew up around her mother’s tailoring shop in the Philippines, where she learned the craft from talented seamstresses and tailors. She made doll clothes when she was young, and grew with her skills to make prom dresses and eventually evening gowns.

“It was a fluke thing,” says Salmon of starting a children’s sewing school. “I had an elementary school-age daughter and

A Sewing Studio Sows the Seeds of Creativity

taught her friends to sew. I thought it was fun for the kids. Sewing is kind of a dying art, and I’ve been around it my entire life and wanted to pass it down to another generation. I had no idea it was going to be a hit.”

to A Sewing Studio for years. While they’re busy having fun, the students are focused, following directions, learning machine mechanisms and patience through mistakes, using math skills and mastering hand-eye coordination.

When the kids’ pickup time resulted in cars circling her home-based business, it was time to find a larger space. Now, with a son entering his senior year in high school and a daughter attending classes at Indiana University, Salmon remains as busy as ever.

Salmon says the simple act of sewing can be therapeutic and relaxing.

To her students she is known as Miss Valerie, and her once-per-week classes are attended by 75 to 100 children during the school year with a curriculum she developed. Self-paced projects include clothes, bags, zipper pouches, stuffed animals and even aprons.

“I keep it fun or they will lose interest,” Salmon says.

Some of her students have been coming 26 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020 / atCarmel.com

“The hour goes by so fast, and they’re never ready to leave,” she says. “They’re around people with similar interests, music is playing, and they’re chatting, roaming and watching other projects. They might be standing, pinning, cutting - there’s some snacking going on. It’s their time to unwind from busy school activities. It’s their fun hour.”

A Sewing Studio also offers camps, weekend workshops and birthday sewing parties. For these events, Salmon precuts the chosen craft materials and the students go home with their finished projects.

“Most kids love instant gratification and are happy with not having to do the preparations,” she says with a laugh.

Salmon often coordinates themes with upcoming holidays such as ghosts, Frankenstein figures and bats. Thanksgiving might bring bunting banners with pumpkin pie slices, or appliqué turkeys and acorn purses. During the winter holidays, she has patterns to make banners for decorating the house, a 3-D fabric Christmas tree, gingerbread men and even secret gifts for moms and dads from their crafty kids.

Owner Valerie Salmon

During her recent two-and-a-half month closure during the statewide order related to the coronavirus pandemic, Salmon found a way to give her clientele a creative outlet with project kits. Her $15 precut kits came boxed with instructions in kid-friendly form, and included more than 30 types of animals to choose from or a sleepover theme to create pajamas for 18-inch dolls.

“I’m resourceful, and my wheels are always turning,” Salmon says. “What can I do for all the bored kids playing video games and FaceTiming?”

Weekly classes started back up in early August, now with a reduced class size and a face mask requirement. All equipment is sanitized between uses. While some students showed an interest in making face masks early on, Salmon says they still prefer their more fun and creative projects.

“The main goal is to keep the kids interested,” she says. “My husband thought it would be a short-term thing and he supported me, and then this exploded by word of mouth and became something new to the community. Nine years later, and I’m still doing it. I love kids - they’re sponges and they’re great people. When I go to work, it truly is not like a job. We’re creating and it’s fun.”

I love kids - they’re sponges and they’re great people. When I go to work, it truly is not like a job. We’re creating and it’s fun.

- Valerie Salmon -

A Sewing Studio is located at 12775 Horseferry Road in Carmel. Call 317-4407709 or visit asewingstudio.com for more information.

atCarmel.com / NOVEMBER 2020 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 27

WISH-TV Personality Dick Wolfsie Retires After Nearly 40 Years on Indianapolis TV 28 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020 / atCarmel.com

Writer / Shelly Sack Photographer / Eli Beaverson

Longtime television personality Dick Wolfsie seems pretty content on a comfortable August afternoon in Geist relaxing on his back porch. From his raised perch, he can keep an eye on the flowers, birds, squirrels and even “Rocky,” the raccoon who pops out from the treeline from time to time begging for grapes Wolfsie sneaks behind his wife’s back.

Aaah. The life of a recent retiree who has more than earned his time to sit back and enjoy whatever comes next.

His official last day was July 30, from WISH-TV channel 8, where he had told other people’s stories for the past 30 years.

His former colleagues prepared a half-hour special recounting some of his memorable guests (Richard Simmons anyone?). The station passed along a letter from Gov. Eric Holcomb and a declaration from the mayor’s office declaring it “Dick Wolfsie Day,” in the city. Even the Indianapolis Colts got in on the accolades and gifted him with a special No. 8 jersey for broadcasting excellence.

“Over the summer, I realized I wanted to go out on my own terms. I thought I’d just fade away,” Wolfsie says of his surprise to have his colleagues recognize him and his life’s work.

“What a thrill. It was great.”

Wolfsie didn’t know it back in March that a particular segment would be his final career piece. He highlighted two women from Marion who had adopted a dog from the Humane Society that had been there for seven years. With the statewide shutdown looming due to the pandemic and other guests canceling, Wolfsie says he realized he wouldn’t be able to continue his type of show due to virus concerns, coupled with his age and health status as a cancer survivor.

He booked his nearly 3,000 segments personally and was known as a storyteller.

He was always out in the community and his stories ranged from hilarious to controversial to educational to serious topics. On-air hair transplant? Check. His atCarmel.com / NOVEMBER 2020 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 29

I WAS PROUD OF IT AND STILL AM, WITH OUR STAFF OF THREE VERSUS THEIRS OF 20 OR 30, WE PRODUCED A SHOW WITH INTERESTING GUESTS AND TOPICS.

beloved beagle Barney barking up a storm?

Check. Organ donor families and recipients meeting live on air? Check.

“With our staff of three versus theirs of 20 or 30, we produced a show with interesting guests and topics.”

Wolfsie had been a mainstay on Indianapolis-area stations since the mid1980s. After being paired with Patty Spitler for an afternoon show, the station came under new ownership and Wolfsie was out of a job, but 36 years later he says the short stint changed his life. He moved on to Fox59 (WXIN) under different call letters for a late-night talk show that aired once weekly. He said it was similar in vein to early Jerry Springer Show days, but quick to add he did some topics first. Due to expenses of a live show, Wolfsie once again found himself looking for a job.

When he lost the show in 1990, it was Channel 8 that came to him in the name of former News Director Lee Jiles.

“My whole career was not being fired, just losing jobs,” he says.

With a little time on his hands, he found himself strolling around newly constructed Union Station and the idea of a morning show took root. Not one to dawdle with an idea, Wolfsie made an agreement with Channel 13 (WTHR) and his mornings from 9-10 o’clock were full for the next five years. He proudly recalls standing up pretty well against the likes of Oprah Winfrey and Phil Donahue.

“I was proud of it and still am,” he says.

“Lee called and said, ‘I have a crazy idea and I think you’d be perfect for it. Go out from 5-7 a.m. and do reports.’ I obviously took the job, but at the age of 44, I thought, ‘If I’m still doing this when I’m 50, shoot me.’ And I did it until I was 73. My skill — I knew how to find good stuff,” Wolfsie says.

In the early part of his pre-television career, Wolfie earned his master’s in American literature from George Washington University and taught at his former high school in New Rochelle, N.Y. for nine years.

His first television gig was in Columbus, Ohio, where he was recognized with an Emmy for best host in the Midwest. His show was early to the game when cable television boxes could allow viewers to interact with the programming by providing their opinions. He went on to audition for Good Morning New York, which he says was beyond his experience level. His replacement? Regis Philbin.

30 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020 / atCarmel.com

Then on to Boston and Chicago doing short-term hosting before making Indianapolis his and Mary Ellen’s home.

The couple have a grown son Brett.

Throughout his career, he has received dozens of honors, including a second Emmy and a Casper award.

The Comeback Kid, who managed to stay on television for nearly four decades and written 12 books, may have retired but has plans to keep his side gig as a syndicated humor columnist.

As he sits on his porch, Wolfsie instantly names Steve Allen as his hero, when asked about memorable interviews. Allen is remembered as co-creator and the first host of The Tonight Show, but was also a musician, actor, radio host and author.

Ever the humorist himself, Wolfsie says he recently stumbled upon a third-grade report card where the teacher comments, “He doesn’t shut up, tries to make people laugh and I’m concerned about his future.”

As far as what’s next?

“I don’t know. And I’m okay with that,” he says.

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