Geist Magazine February 2023

MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2023

BRITISH BISTRO

CHEEKY BASTARDS BRINGS ENGLISH CUISINE TO GEIST KEEP YOUR FORK

Local Baker Celebrates the Next Best Thing With Decorative Desserts

HANDMADE DWELLING

Guests Can Make Unique Signs & Home Decor at Local DIY Space

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All within 1/2 Hour Or Less from Geist!

Proud supporter of Lawrence Township, Hamilton Southeastern Schools and the Hamilton County Humane Society.

WANT A GREAT DEAL WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME? PENDING CALL 317-842-4747 TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT!

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Joy began selling real estate in 1996 during the off-season of her basketball career. She was an All-American at Purdue University (1991) and then went on to play professionally in Japan The American Basketball League (ABL) and the WNBA. Joy loves helping her clients navigate the real estate process and overcoming the challenges that sometimes arise. “As a RE/ MAX Broker, I’m dedicated to finding my clients the home that’s just right for them.

Whether buying, selling or just curious about the local market, CALL ME as I love to offer my service. I strive to make your experience memorable and enjoyable.”

She has also developed a knack for working with professional athletes and coaches.

“Being a former athlete, coach, and mother of a NBA player, I understand the demands they have both on and off the field and court.”

Whether buying your first home, dream home or downsizing, Joy provides a confidential, first class experience. Joy and her husband Gary have lived in Fishers for over 21 years. They have raised three sons: Gary Jr, Cameron and Trey and now have 2 grandsons!

INTERESTED IN INVESTING IN HOTELS / APARTMENT COMPLEXES? If you are an Accredited Investor and Have Interest in Investing in Pre-Construction Apartment Complexes or Hotel Projects, give Chris Schulhof a call to learn more! He has assisted clients in projects in Florida and Currently has more Opportunities in Carmel, Indianapolis and Florida!

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FEBRUARY 2023

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18

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

FOR THOSE IN NEED

A Fresh Perspective

8

21

ON THE HORIZON

Looking Ahead to 2023 in Commercial Real Estate

10 REAL-TIME ANALYTICS Scan the QR code to see this magazine’s real-time reach and distribution numbers.

Local Baker Celebrates the Next Best Thing With Decorative Desserts

14

#SPOTLIGHTINGLOCAL FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION, VISIT franchising.townepost.com

2Toms Brewing Company Expands to Fishers

HANDMADE DWELLING

Guests Can Make Unique Signs & Home Decor at Local DIY Space

29

Cheeky Bastards Brings English Cuisine to Geist TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: 317-810-0011

START SPREADING THE BREWS

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KEEP YOUR FORK

BRITISH BISTRO

Contribute to a Worthy Cause at Dancing With the Angels Fundraiser

POWER OF MOVEMENT

Meraki Dance Company Performs, Teaches & Inspires

KEY CONTRIBUTORS AMY PAYNE / LINDSAY WILLARD / MATT KEATING MEGAN ARSZMAN / NOAH ALATZA / RENEE LARR / SAM ZACHRICH TAYLOR DIXON / WALKER PHOTOGRAPHY

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS A FRESH PERSPECTIVE

resolutions. Yet every year we repeat the same behaviors, almost ceremoniously.

We hang our shiny new calendar on the Hello again, New Year. As someone who wall, and to it we tie our self-worth in the works in the field of health, fitness and form of New Year’s goals that are difficult wellness, I always notice an uptick of social to maintain. We vow to cut out processed media posts about weight-loss tips this carbohydrates. We promise to strength time of year. The start of the New Year is train three to four times per week. We often associated with thoughts like, “Lose affirm that we’ll follow macronutrients and those unwanted pounds” and “Get the body get all of our steps in every day. We start you’ve always wanted” and “This is your year out Herculean until mid-January, when to transform!” To be honest, it makes me someone invites us out to dinner and we eat cringe, because here’s what those statements the things we swore we’d never eat again. are actually saying: “You aren’t good enough Or, we have valiant plans for a morning at that weight” and “Your body doesn’t look workout, until the night before that workout the way it’s supposed to” and “You’ve failed when one of our kids wakes up sick and our before, so do better this year.” It all makes plans are derailed. me feel very, very uncomfortable.

Life happens. If you can’t bend, you’ll snap.

There is nothing wrong with you. Just Does one imperfect meal mean the end of because it’s the New Year does not mean all your good intentions? Nope. Does one that you have to start a new diet, begin a missed workout mean that you should put new workout program or swear that you’ll your treadmill on Facebook Marketplace? go for a run every morning. Why do I say Nope. that? Because in case you missed it the first time, there is nothing wrong with you, and Turning the page to the New Year is truly no making promises that you might not keep different than turning the page to March 12 will only make you feel really, really bad if or June 3 or October 26. I think that setting you don’t keep them. goals for yourself in an effort to be stronger and happier, increase mental clarity, According to a study published in the New reduce stress and lower cholesterol are all York Post, only 8% of people typically wonderful things. What I don’t like is the stick with their health-related New Year’s focus on weight loss above all else. I don’t Writer / Lindsay Willard Photography Provided

like the pressure that coincides with January 1. Resolutions are doomed from the start.

The timing is terrible. You’re coming straight off of December, which for many includes holiday parties, dinners out, treats, stress, travel and gatherings. Then it’s New Year’s Eve. You’re eating, drinking, celebrating and cheers-ing, and after your evening of indulgence, you’re supposed to rise from the ashes after the New Year, protein drink in hand, and ride your Peloton into the sunrise? That’s a whole lot of pressure, when what you really want to do is sleep in, drink coffee, and mentally recover from the holidays.

So this year, go easy on yourself. Know that you’re amazing exactly as you are. If you make it over to the Nickel Plate Trail for a mind-clearing run or a walk, great. If you stay in bed, laptop on your lap, shopping post-holiday online sales in your PJs, great.

Take your wellness goals one day at a time. Be forgiving of days when you skip a workout or enjoy a special dinner instead of sticking to your plan. Improving your health is an ongoing, long-term process, and a good plan allows for rest days and dinners, as well as drinks with friends. Start the new year knowing that you’re worth whatever makes you feel your best, whether that process begins on January 1 or not. Cheers to 2023, Fishers friends.

Lindsay Willard is the president of 10MoreSeconds, a fitness, health and wellness company, and is a huge proponent of using exercise and good nutrition as a tool for mental and physical health and longevity. She spends her time working with individuals to improve their health, and also works with local companies by providing on-site wellness programming.

She resides in Fishers with her husband, three kids and adorable puppy. You can find her at 10MoreSeconds.com.

6 / GEIST MAGAZINE / FEBRUARY 2023 / TownePost.com

TownePost.com / FEBRUARY 2023 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 7

ON THE HORIZON LOOKING AHEAD TO 2023 IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

is getting items and meals delivered to their doorstep.

In 2020, COVID-19 sent many of us home, and offices and strip malls emptied. It was a dark time, economically, as restaurants, retail stores and other businesses struggled to find their way out of the hole. Thankfully, however, the landscape has improved and looks to continue doing so. Keith Stark, founder and CEO of ConsortiumCRE, has been working in the real estate business for 35 years and maintains that locally, occupancy levels are at an all-time high.

“[At the height of the pandemic,] we saw a huge spike in online purchases and online food orders, but there has been a mass of movement back to physical retail shopping as well as restaurants,” Stark says.

“I’m actually surprised at how quickly the recovery has returned,” Stark says. “Not only are we not experiencing vacancy levels coming out of COVID, but also there is a shortage of space.”

He notes that the biggest problem we’re facing right now is inflation and potentially stagflation, which is persistent high inflation combined with high unemployment and stagnant economic demand.

The office sector, just like retail, is changing dramatically. Ever since COVID-19, a large segment of the population has grown accustomed to working from home. People found that they liked saving both time and money. Plus, they could wear comfy sweatpants 24/7. All of this translates to a good chunk of the population not being eager to return to the office. Hence, the office industry is seeing some high vacancies.

coming to Indy in 2023 and beyond.

“It’s unprecedented in my 35-year career,” Stark says. “In just Hamilton County, there’s BJ’s Wholesale Club coming onto the market, and a fifth Costco coming in 2024 or 2025. Plus, we’re seeing a record number of new restaurants coming in.”

The bottom line is that Stark predicts that 2023 is going to be an amazing year.

“It’s a bright future for Indiana,” he says.

Thankfully, the job market looks good in the Hoosier state because people are moving here from all over the U.S. “We have migration into the nine-county area, which is huge,” Stark says. “That’s the best kind of injection of hope you can have.

As a result, Indiana is probably in the best shape it has ever been in as a state.”

Even prior to COVID-19, people lived, worked and shopped differently than they did in generations past. Regional malls were built in the 1960s to concentrate retail for convenience, but now convenience for many According to Stark, a surge of new retail is

8 / GEIST MAGAZINE / FEBRUARY 2023 / TownePost.com

Keith Stark is the founder and CEO of ConsortiumCRE

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KEEP YOUR FORK

LOCAL BAKER CELEBRATES THE NEXT BEST THING WITH DECORATIVE DESSERTS Writer / Megan Arszman Photography Provided

10 / GEIST MAGAZINE / FEBRUARY 2023 / TownePost.com

Owner Jennifer Dupree

I

t was a phrase that grandmothers all over Indiana will say at family dinner.

“Keep your fork.”

For Jennifer Dupree, it’s not only a phrase of comfort and excitement that dessert is next, but a phrase that means the best is yet to come.

“I saw a story about this woman suffering from cancer who had a fork tattooed on her wrist, and when she was asked about it, she said it was a reminder that the best was yet to come,” Dupree says. “I like that aspect because I am a Christian and I love that, yes, the best is yet to come even at the end of your life…I can also relate it to my business.”

After first learning to decorate ice cream cakes as a young manager at her local Dairy Queen, Dupree decided to warm things up a bit and started working on baked goods in her own home in the evenings and weekends she wasn’t working.

“It just went from there,” she says. “Family and close friends would ask me to bake for them. Then people started asking to order a cake from me. Friends and family of coworkers would reach out to me, and it just kept growing.”

The beginning of 2022 saw Dupree take her side business to an official side hustle, giving it the name Keep Your Fork and becoming more of a figure in the eastern part of Hamilton County. “I decided to start this adventure to see where it can go,” she says.

Wherever it’s going, it’s going on a skyrocket. Since she officially opened Keep Your Fork and created a Facebook page, her following has grown.

Organically, Dupree has passed 1,100 followers. During the holiday season, Dupree has limited her engagements to keep up with the high demand of her cakes, cupcakes and seasonal pies.

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For Mason, he’s a fan of the plain white cupcake with nothing fancy. Jaxson is the chocoholic of the family and goes nuts for peanut butter and chocolate combined.

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“My husband isn’t a big cake person, ironically,” she says. “But I have found some flavors that he has become a fan of, like my banana pudding cupcake. I grew up in Fortville, so I have plenty of family and friends who help me taste test and give me feedback.”

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Dupree has worked for Community Health Network for over 20 years while balancing spending time with her family.

Dupree has three adopted children (Mason, Jaxson, and London) with her husband of seven years, Chuck. Each member of the family has their own favorite when it comes to Dupree’s creations.

You can find cupcakes and cakes at Keep Your Fork, but you can also find cookie cakes and pies offered during the holiday seasons.

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Member FDIC

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To find out more about Keep Your Fork’s offerings, you can follow them on Facebook: facebook.com/ KeepYourForkBakeries.

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BRITISH BISTRO CHEEKY BASTARDS BRINGS ENGLISH CUISINE TO GEIST Writer / Taylor Dixon Photographer / Amy Payne

FEBRUARY 2023 / TownePost.com

M

ichael Rypel and Rob Carmack have set out to bring English cuisine to the northside of Indianapolis. They opened Cheeky Bastards on January 2 and are already drawing an unexpected crowd.

last year in England learning all there is to know about British food. Upon returning last June, Carmack and Rypel, who travels to England for work a few times per year, realized that Indiana had little to offer in terms of classic British meals.

“We’ve been very surprised at how many British people are in the area that are either going to become citizens or are married to Americans,” Rypel says. “Daily we’re seeing at least 20 British people from the area, and they’re all so excited to have food from their home country like their mom used to make.”

Carmack’s return happened to line up with a vacancy down from Rypel’s art studio on Fall Creek Road, and the two soon realized they had an opportunity to bring British food to Indiana.

Carmack, an Italian-trained chef, spent the

“When he came back, [Rob] said, ‘You’ve got to try this food I tried over there,’ and we started looking from the bottom of the TownePost.com / FEBRUARY 2023

Chef Rob Carmack and Owner Michael Rypel

state to the top of the state for real British food and we just couldn’t find it,” Rypel says. “It was just perfect timing. This area really is just aching for something. During the day there’s nowhere to eat around here unless you want fast food or a chain restaurant. It’s a perfect opportunity to come here and that’s what most people are saying when they come in. There’s also just people around here that don’t really understand what authentic British food is unless they’re from Britain. There was a hole in that market that needed to be filled. ” “While I was in England I had a list of British foods I’ve always wanted to try,” Carmack says. “I’ve learned that British food has a reputation of being bland and boring, but it’s a very multicultural nation and there’s a lot of influences in their food. I was blown away by the food and everything got me thinking, ‘Wow, I’d love to bring this back so my friends and family could experience what British food really is.’ We decided we were going to bring the experiences we had in England to the people in Indianapolis.”

The eatery is currently open for breakfast, and they serve a classic English breakfast spread, complete with baked beans and real English sausage. On the breakfast menu they also offer pastries, breakfast sandwiches and sausage rolls. The lunch menu includes shepherd’s pie, traditional fish and chips, scotch eggs and more.

The establishment is also serving coffee with a unique, personalized twist that has FEBRUARY 2023 / TownePost.com

been a hit with the public. Customers pick their coffee, scan a QR code and upload a picture, and it is printed on the top of the coffee foam. The personalized coffee maker comes from Europe, and Cheeky Bastards is currently the only place offering customized coffee in the state, according to Rypel.

“So far people are very excited about [the customized coffee],” Rypel says. “A guy can put his girlfriend on there, grandparents put their grandchild on there, and then they take pictures of it and they send it to their family.”

Since the opening, the community response has been overwhelmingly positive, the coowners say. Aside from the overwhelming population of British customers, the two have been pleasantly surprised by the response of Indiana natives as well.

“The people in general that come in are so excited,” Carmack says. “It’s just a very fulfilling part of the job when people are enjoying your food, and they are genuinely excited to come here and try something different or out of their norm. It’s good to see that there’s so many people that are adventurous eaters.”

Cheeky Bastards is located at 11210 Fall Creek Road in Indianapolis. The restaurant is currently open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will soon be open for dinner starting at 5 p.m. To learn more, visit cheekybastardsrestaurant.com, call 317288-9739 or email thosecheekybastards@ gmail.com.

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For Those in Need CONTRIBUTE TO A WORTHY CAUSE AT DANCING WITH THE ANGELS FUNDRAISER Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

Dancing With the Angels, a special fundraiser scheduled for February 11 at VFW Post 7119 in Fort Harrison, will benefit causes championed by the Anthony’s Angels organization.

Anthony’s Angels helps people and animals in need, and honors the late Anthony Dewayne Garcia. His mother, Helen Vaughn, says he would have appreciated Anthony’s Angels. “Commonly known as Anthony Dewayne, he was a victim of a fatal vehicle accident in August 2022, at just 37 years old,” Vaughn says. “He was a gentleman with a contagious smile and a deep compassion for the less fortunate.”

Vaughn notes that Garcia’s ambition was to improve the quality of life for the underprivileged.

“Anthony had a kind soul and a giving heart,” Vaughn says. “He was known for buying the homeless a meal, and offering them a hot shower and a home-cooked dinner. He could also be found volunteering at animal shelters and rescues, purchasing pet food and supplies, or bringing home stray animals. Anthony would often share words of encouragement and stories of his own struggles in hopes of helping others.”

In his memory, Anthony’s Angels was established by his mother in September of 2022. Garcia was her only child.

“The purpose of this organization is to provide random acts of kindness throughout central Indiana for those in need,” Vaughn says. “It is our goal to carry on Anthony’s legacy and continue with his hopes and ambitions.”

Anthony’s Angels has monthly missions to keep Garcia’s vision alive and make a difference.

“In September 2022 you would have found team members in downtown Indianapolis, dispersing freshly made sacked lunches to the homeless,” Vaughn says. “In just a few months we have provided an abundance of new undergarments, blankets, food and hygiene products for the homeless, and also for displaced veterans and their families, donated dog food, and partnered with the Mozel Sanders Foundation and Meals From The Heart in Indianapolis to assist with feeding the hungry on Thanksgiving.”

The organization has supported IndyHumane to help provide shelter, medical care, vaccinations and adoption services for animals.

“Amongst several other missions, we have also given a monetary donation to Kairos Prison Ministry to purchase store-bought cookies for the Pendleton Juvenile Correctional Facility, and donated 400 bottles of water to ASSIST Indiana,” Vaughn says.

FEBRUARY 2023 / TownePost.com

“The generosity from team Anthony has been phenomenal, but we now find the organization in a position to replenish our funds and supplies.”

“There will be a DJ spinning your favorite tunes, a photo booth, games and a chance to win some fantastic prizes,” Vaughn adds. “All proceeds will go towards Anthony’s Angels’ efforts to continue to provide for those in need. People may purchase tickets in advance, for general admission and/or items available for a chance to win, at myevent. com/anthonysangels. You do not have to be present to win, but we sure welcome your attendance.”

Tickets can also be purchased at the door on the evening of the event. The cost for admission is $7 per individual and $10 per couple/family, plus the purchase of tickets ($10 value) for a chance to win gifts.

“Where else can you go for an evening of fun at $20 or less and also support a good cause?” Vaughn says. Stephanie Sanders, chief operating officer for the Mozel Sanders Foundation, has helped guide Vaughn through the formation of the fundraiser, and says this is an “angelic” deal.

VFW Post 7119 is located at 6525 Lee Road in Indianapolis, and the Dancing With the Angels event will run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on February 11. For more information on Anthony’s Angels, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/anthonysangels, or visit anthonysangels.net.

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START SPREADING THE BREWS 2TOMS BREWING COMPANY EXPANDS TO FISHERS Writer / Noah Alatza Photographer / Walker Photography

General Manager Kevin Groover TownePost.com / FEBRUARY 2023

A

located in the space. Major renovations in early to mid 2022 reworked the former brewhouse for storage and a draft system that is better designed for ease of use.

The iconic, horseshoe-shaped bar remains.

n independent craft beer company known for making flavorforward beers will continue their expansion in central Indiana.

2Toms Brewing Company was originally founded in Fort Wayne in 2017, and has since expanded operations to a second Indianapolis-area location on the 96th Street corridor in Fishers.

Owner Tom Carpenter had been scouting multiple locations in the central Indiana market since early 2021, with sites in Westfield, Fishers and Lawrence under consideration. Ultimately, the space on 96th Street won over the other prospective locations due to the location and amenities, including the size and layout of the kitchen.

The Fishers location officially opened on July 1.

"WE KEEP INVENTING NEW BEERS AND RECIPES, AND HAVE STYLES FROM LAGERS TO STOUTS JUST TO KEEP IT INTERESTING. WHAT SETS US APART IS WE TREAT OUR BEERS LIKE A CHEF IN THE KITCHEN."

The former Redemption Alewerks bar was previously 22 / GEIST MAGAZINE / FEBRUARY 2023 / TownePost.com

“We picked Fishers because it wasn’t as established and it’s an up-and-coming area,” says 2Toms Brewing Fishers General Manager Kevin Groover. “There weren’t too many other options here, so it was a perfect spot.”

Groover says the nearly 4,000-square-foot space, located on East 96th Street, features a new taproom in a family-friendly environment.

“We are known for incorporating balanced and clean beers,” Groover says. “[Owner Tom Carpenter] had a great following at his brewery in Fort Wayne, and

every time we went to beer festivals, we had a lot of folks from the Indy area asking when we would open something in the area.”

Groover says they decided to open 2Toms Brewing north of Indianapolis in Fishers because the market was already established with breweries and taprooms in the capital city. He says the overall community support has been phenomenal so far, despite some early setbacks.

“We had some hurdles at first because we didn’t get an official sign out in front, because of a backorder due to COVID,” Groover says. “We are doing a bit of marketing here and there, but not too much out of the gate, because we kind of want it to build up so we won’t be too overwhelmed.”

Groover says they currently operate with a small, close-knit staff, but that will likely change in the future. He says October was a big month for business because they launched their Cereal Killer beer series, which is based on 12 different breakfast cereal flavors. He says the beer selection changes on a monthly basis, meaning

there’s always something new for guests to try during a visit.

“We don’t have core beers on our taps,” Groover says. “We keep inventing new beers and recipes, and have styles from lagers to stouts just to keep it interesting.

What sets us apart is we treat our beers like a chef in the kitchen. Owner Tom Carpenter focuses on these culinary beers, which include well-balanced ingredients for a clean, fresh and delicious experience that hits the mark.”

Groover says their experiments with different beer flavors can sometimes take them back to the drawing board. He says this allows them to figure out what works and what does not.

2Toms Brewing also sells cans and bottles for carry-out, and their selection is constantly changing.

As for food, the brewery currently partners with Rusted Silo Southern BBQ & Brew House in Lizton for their award-winning barbecue, including beef brisket, smoked chicken and pulled pork, plus loaded macand-cheese bowls and sides like collard TownePost.com / FEBRUARY 2023 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 23

greens, ranch beans and coleslaw.

“We are looking to expand our food menu, but it won’t be too big because we want to focus on the beer and a good customer experience,” Groover says.

The current space does include room for a traditional brewery, and brewing is currently done at their production space in Fort Wayne. Company officials say they would consider specialty batches in Indianapolis down the road.

The 2Toms Brewing Fishers team is also looking to host events in their parking lot in the future.

“We are extremely excited about this opportunity and hope to replicate the unique customer experience found at our current Fort Wayne location,” Carpenter said in a press release. “The plan is to include many of the open-concept features and decor, but also create an identity unique to Indianapolis.”

2Toms Brewing is located at 7035 East 96th Street in Indianapolis. To learn more, visit 2tomsbrewing.com.

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GUESTS CAN MAKE UNIQUE SIGNS & HOME DECOR AT LOCAL DIY SPACE Writer / Renee Larr Photographer / Sam Zachrich

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Jeff and Brandi Willis

J

eff and Brandi Willis started making home decor signs in their garage as a fun hobby. They would sell their creations at festivals and markets, and on Facebook. However, Brandi always dreamed of scaling the pursuit a little bigger. She dreamed of hosting workshops in a place where people could enjoy fellowship and creativity.

When the couple noticed a property with a barn for sale down the road from where they lived, they jumped at the chance to curate Brandi’s dream. They created a space in the barn where people can relax and create DIY pieces guided by Brandi, called Handmade Dwelling.

“Guests sign up for workshops in advance through our Facebook or website,” Brandi Willis says. “They pay their invoice 24 hours in advance and then we send them directions from there. With the barn being located on our property, we don’t have hours where people can just show up.”

Participants create 3D signs, stencil signs, planters and ever-popular charcuterie boards. All the items are provided and ready to go when guests arrive at the workshop. Projects range from $30 to $45.

“We’ve been hosting a lot of private events lately along with the workshops,” Willis says. “We also host kids workshops. The community has welcomed us so much. We’re right beside Tuttle Orchards. We’ve gotten to know the family and they’re awesome.”

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The property’s uniqueness is what sets Handmade Dwelling apart from other DIY workshops. Willis says the barn is heated and can be used throughout the year comfortably. A central selling point for the Willis family was the view around the property.

The couple often host date-night workshops and a kids workshop. Jeff still works his full-time job, but Brandi has transitioned to making Handmade Dwelling more than just her hobby.

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“I’ve turned this into my full-time job along with being a wife and mom,” she says. “In the future I’d love to see this as a place where we can just open up the doors, have projects ready to go, and have people just walk in and get started.”

Brandi says another benefit of attending workshops at Handmade Dwelling, as opposed to DIY-ing at home, is the mess is contained in her barn.

“I think a lot of time the potential mess is what stops a lot of people from creating projects at home, or having to cut the pieces of wood,” Willis says.

“We do the hard part for you. All you have to do is show up and paint them and put them together. We just want our guests to show up, socialize and have fun.”

Handmade Dwelling is located at 5987 North 300 West in Greenfield.

For more information, visit facebook. com/handmadedwelling.

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POWER OF MOVEMENT MERAKI DANCE COMPANY PERFORMS, TEACHES & INSPIRES

Writer / Renee Larr Photographer / Amy Payne

to who I am. I feel like if I don't love it, or I can't commit 110%, then don’t do it.”

The art of dance is often intended to evoke emotion. A dancer’s movement is an expression of the dancer. Karome Walker has been a dancer for more than 20 years, and she founded Meraki Dance Company in August of 2019, recently celebrating its 3rd anniversary.

When Walker was considering what to name the newly founded dance company, the term meant more to her than ever.

“The company was founded in 2019 but COVID pushed us back quite a bit,” Walker says.

Walker’s love of dance and background in teaching professionally led her to establish the company.

“What I love most about dance is its freedom, its discipline and its overall beauty,” Walker says. “It allows me to be anything, feel anything, let go and live through movement and music. Dance tells a story, and it’s so magical how a simple yet intentional move to a simple song can create a huge impact and an even bigger emotion. It’s so powerful and creates an identity for so many.”

Meraki is a Greek word used to describe doing something with love, passion and soul.

“I have the word ‘meraki’ tattooed on my wrist,” Walker says. “It’s something I look at as a reminder to always stay true

“I just felt like it was so perfect,” Walker says. “To me it means love, creativity, soul, and putting your all into everything you do. That’s exactly what I’m doing with this dance company.”

The group consists of male and female dancers. Shalisa Elliott has been a member of Meraki Dance Company since its inception.

“I joined Meraki because I’m in love with Karome’s choreography,” Elliott says. “She has a unique way of being able to convey stories through movement that I really admire.

She’s always bringing awareness to compelling issues and issues that need to be discussed.”

Walker tackles topics such as race, immigration, LGBTQ rights and climate change.

“We’re bringing light to different injustices and social issues,” Walker says. “We are letting people see it through dance, and try to get a different view on it or just understand it.”

“Karome has done a wonderful job discussing different issues through dance,” Elliott adds. “Our shows are meant to be thought-provoking. I’m so glad she was able to bring these topics forward during a time when the arts were really suffering because of COVID.”

TownePost.com / FEBRUARY 2023 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 29

Each member of the company has dealt with one of the topics they cover on a personal level.

“The company members are super supportive of our messaging,” Walker says.

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The company not only performs throughout the area, but also teaches children and teen classes.

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“We offer a youth training program for ages 3 to 18,” Walker says. “We offer ballet, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary and tap for our kiddos. We also have performance opportunities for our teenagers to perform with the company.”

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Walker uses dance to discuss social issues with the company’s young students.

“We would talk in our classes and the students had a lot of questions,” Walker says. “Many weren’t aware of how ugly things had become in the U.S. Kids aren’t usually responsive to lectures.

I felt like it was important to explore these things through dance.

They’re visually getting the message. The parents of our students have been supportive of our vision.”

Walker has also enlisted a group of individuals to serve as the board of directors for the company.

“They’re my leadership team,” Walker says. “I’m more of a creative spirit than a business spirit, so I have a lot of people helping me along the way.”

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Elliott feels dance can ultimately bring people together.

“We’re just trying to figure out as a dance community or the arts community how we can improve, and treat everyone with love, acceptance and inclusion,” Elliott says. “That’s what this whole thing is about - no matter who you are, what you believe or where you’re from, we can all get on that stage and dance together.”

Meraki Dance Company is located at 3184 North Shadeland Avenue in Indianapolis. For more information, call 463-209-3132 and visit merakidanceindy.org.

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Learn More

Now Enrolling for 2023-24 Preschool & Kindergarten Beginning in 2023-24, Lawrence Township Early Learning Centers will be open YEAR ROUND!

STRONG SCHOOLS. STRONG COMMUNITY. Learn more about Lawrence Township Schools and Early Childhood Programming at LTschools.org