Have you ever noticed that most of the businesses on Main Street in Speedway are owned and operated by women? I have always thought that it was so great to see so many women running their businesses and THRIVING! I was honored to join this group of amazing ladies last year when I opened my studio on Main Street.
A few weeks ago I thought how fun it would be to get this group of women together. We did a call out for women business owners in Speedway and I reached out to the ones I knew. I wanted to offer headshots to all these ladies and just gather for some fun photos and networking. I was so happy when most of them responded with "yes! I would love to!" I was thrilled when I heard back from almost 20 business owners saying they would love to be a part of this.
March is Women's History Month so it is the perfect time to do this! I'd love to tell you I planned it that way but I did not, haha! It was honestly a spur of the moment idea and I ran with it, I then realized it was Women's History Month so wanted to make it happen fast!
Most of us would tell you that running your own business is possibly the hardest thing you will ever do. For me, it is also the most rewarding. I loved this quote from Ceira Miller, Co-Owner of The Spark when asked what advice she would give another woman when opening her own business she said "Small business ownership is a lot like motherhood. You will wear every single hat and some days you’ll be on the brink of tears. But, it’s always worth it because you are creating something of your very own that everyone can enjoy!"
I also loved what Erica Gergely, PhD, LP | Soothing Snuggler, Made Mindfully PhD LLC, Stable Living, LLC had to say "My advice might sound a bit contrary to the advice of others, a lot of people say things like, 'you have to have an ironclad business plan' or 'you have to have all your ducks in a row' before you start ... but if I ever waited until all my ducks were in a row I'd never get anything accomplished! So instead, my philosophy and advice is to get 80% prepared and then get started!! Things change as you go and often your initial plans are adapted and adjusted dozens of times - 80% allows for that flexibility and gets you to the starting point much sooner."
I could not agree with her more. When I moved my studio to Main Street I was 7 months pregnant and even though I had been in business for 10 years I was not at all prepared to start a new studio but I knew if I didn't jump in right then I might never get the opportunity again. So there I was, 7 months pregnant, opening a new studio and business, working on a ladder day and night to get my studio up and running before my baby was born. It was HARD! Especially with a one year old with me as well. There were many days where my daughter napped in the closet at the studio while I got things ready. I'm sure people thought I was crazy....but that crazy has paid off. You have to be willing to take risks in business. And like Kas Miller with Fundaes said "Jump with both feet!"
If you are a woman thinking about opening a business or struggling to connect with other women in business, please reach out. I can pretty much guarantee most of these women would love to connect. I am still learning and will never know all there is to know about operating a business. I'm sure I do things the hard way most of the time, but I am an open book and would love to chat.
Okay, i've talked enough. Please take a moment to read below about these amazing women! I am honored to stand beside them as a fellow business owner and look forward to getting to know each and every one of them better.
Kori Ritter // The Voom Room // a full service hair and skincare salon that also offers waxing services.
What is your biggest challenge? And your biggest or most memorable accomplishment? We want to thrive in Speedway while offering an inclusive and welcoming space that invites others outside of our community to visit and experience our services. We have been fortunate enough to allow the community to grow our mission and vision in to what it is today. The feeling of accomplishment comes from the feedback we receive from our guests stating that they have found a level of comfort and acceptance with us that they have yet to receive from other beauty professionals in the past. That is what our job is about - connecting with the individual in the chair and helping them express their identity. What advice would you give to another woman dreaming of owning her own business? Owning a business will be one of the most difficult things I have ever done. I wake up every day with a mixture of feelings. Sometimes panic and sometimes bliss. If you can wrap your head around that, you understand that owning a business is not easy but is worth every minute. You have to remain humble, be a constant learner, look for mentors, have balance, maintain your healthy boundaries, and remember most of all to be proud of yourself and give yourself thanks. Also, being a female in business, some will tell you your leadership or management style might not work or maybe that you are too soft or even overly firm. No. Trust yourself and what you have learned. It is always okay to take a little of everyone's recipe to success and do what you want with it. Above all, avoid "comparison syndrome" and STAY OFF SOCIAL MEDIA unless for fun!
Brooke Minnix // B. Erin Designs
Tell us your name and the name of your business with a quick description of what you do. We are a furniture, home decor and gift boutique on Main St. .
What is your biggest challenge? And your biggest or most memorable accomplishment? Biggest challenge was getting started and opening up the storefront. Lots of hurdles to jump through when you aren’t really sure what you’re doing. Haha Biggest accomplishment has been hiring my bff/cousin as my store manager. We have the absolute best time and she has helped me accomplish so much. We are a great team and so happy to work together.
What advice would you give to another woman dreaming of owning her own business?Do it!!!
Sarah Gardner // The Fitness Boutique
Why did you choose to start or locate your business in Speedway? Love this community! Born and raised here
What is your biggest challenge? And your biggest or most memorable accomplishment?Growing my membership/ retaining members. Moving my business out of my house and into a space July 2021
What advice would you give to another woman dreaming of owning her own business?Start with what you can do today. Don’t be afraid to start small
Kas Miller // Fundaes
What is your biggest challenge? And your biggest or most memorable accomplishment? Finding enough hours in the day. Work and family balance is always a struggle.
What advice would you give to another woman dreaming of owning her own business?Jump with both feet!
Michelle Sears // Mimi Indy Creations
What is your biggest challenge? And your biggest or most memorable accomplishment?Charging what I’m worth. Having Brooke of b Erin designs ask me to join her shop!
What advice would you give to another woman dreaming of owning her own business?Go for it!
Audrey Johnson // Dentistry Of Indiana
Why did you choose to start or locate your business in Speedway? We knew Dr Grey who was selling his building and knew Speedway was a great tight knit community to be a part of and serve.
What is your biggest challenge? And your biggest or most memorable accomplishment?Having a Wellness Open House to educate and support the community for growth and support of women supporting women in the community. What advice would you give to another woman dreaming of owning her own business?Work hard and just Go for it!! Ask questions!! Get out there and be involved. ❤️
Ciera Miller // The Spark
Why did you choose to start or locate your business in Speedway? We’ve been residents of Speedway for the last 5.5 years and have enjoyed the incredible small community here. I got involved in The Spark after the idea and brand had been generated, but I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. Our sole focus is the good people of Speedway and giving back in anyway we can.
What is your biggest challenge? And your biggest or most memorable accomplishment?My biggest challenge is definitely juggling everything as a mom and business owner. But, I would say that has also been my biggest accomplishment. I spent my career working in the corporate world. When I threw myself into this endeavor I quickly realized it was a whole different ball game. Small business owners are incredible, I have so much respect for each and everyone one of you! Our impact is small but it’s immediate and so gratifying—which feels pretty incredible. I have learned so much in the first eight months, but my biggest accomplishment will probably be surviving the month of May. We are beyond excited and ready to welcome race fans to The Spark!
What advice would you give to another woman dreaming of owning her own business?Small business ownership is a lot like motherhood. You will wear every single hat and some days you’ll be on the brink of tears. But, it’s always worth it because you are creating something of your very own that everyone can enjoy!
Amy Valentine // Puppy Pitstop
Why did you choose to start or locate your business in Speedway? My family moved to Speedway about 18 years ago and it has been one of the best decisions my husband and I have made. The Town of Speedway has provided us with such a strong sense of community and we knew there was NO better place to begin this journey!
What is your biggest challenge? And your biggest or most memorable accomplishment?The biggest challenge to owning my own business has been balancing work and raising a family. When we started this journey 8 years ago, my boys were 14, 13, & 11. We were busy!! Dividing my time from being a mom first and a business owner second, was definitely a challenge!
What advice would you give to another woman dreaming of owning her own business?GO FOR IT! Take that chance to do what you LOVE! Life is too short to not take risks… and who knows, it could be the BEST thing you ever did!
Erica Gergely // PhD, LP | Soothing Snuggler, Made Mindfully PhD LLC, Stable Living, LLC - I'm a licensed clinical psychologist who also loves to craft and create.
What is your biggest challenge? And your biggest or most memorable accomplishment?The biggest challenge for me has been learning how to successfully market a new product in the Soothing Snuggler. I took this product from concept to creation over the course of two years, and although that was challenging - nothing has compared to the difficulties I've encountered trying to grow brand awareness. My most memorable accomplishment has been the day when 1,200 bears were (finally) shipped to my home and my dreams were finally tangible!
What advice would you give to another woman dreaming of owning her own business?My advice might sound a bit contrary to the advice of others, a lot of people say things like, 'you have to have an ironclad business plan' or 'you have to have all your ducks in a row' before you start ... but if I ever waited until all my ducks were in a row I'd never get anything accomplished! So instead, my philosophy and advice is to get 80% prepared and then get started!! Things change as you go and often your initial plans are adapted and adjusted dozens of times - 80% allows for that flexibility and gets you to the starting point much sooner.
Azure Angelov // Paramount Health Data Project
What is your biggest challenge? And your biggest or most memorable accomplishment?Balancing being a mom, a wife, running a business and feeling good about how well I navigate all of those roles. Our work was most recently featured in the New York Times and I'm working on my 6th book. Those things are pretty cool!
What advice would you give to another woman dreaming of owning her own business?Every relationship matters, treat others well.
Christi Rider // City Dogs Grocery
Why did you choose to start or locate your business in Speedway? My husband and I moved to Speedway in 2015. After spending lots of time on Main Street with our house being renovated, I quickly realized that Speedway had no type of pet store/boutique with healthy, quaility products. I wanted to establish a business in our neighborhood. We have watched Speedway grow over the past 20 years and I wanted to be a part of the amazing businesses!
What is your biggest challenge? And your biggest or most memorable accomplishment?Finding my work-life balance! It's a daily struggle but I'm slowly learning that you have to MAKE time for yourself and your family, which are the most important! My biggest accomplishment would be acheiving my goal of having 3 stores in 3 amazing areas of town with one being my own neighborhood!
What advice would you give to another woman dreaming of owning her own business? It is a HUGE undertaking. You eat, sleep and breathe your business! BUT, you can stand proud knowing that you built it and were able to take your passion and make it a reality!
Sarah Satterfield // NRG Dance Company
What advice would you give to another woman dreaming of owning her own business?Owning a business is hard! But if you can dream it and believe it you CAN achieve it!
Ann Tudor // Ann Tudor LLC I am a lampwork glass artist making stitch markers for knitters and crocheters and a surface designer.
What is your biggest challenge? And your biggest or most memorable accomplishment?Not asking for help is definitely a challenge. A big accomplishment was being in over 50 local yarn stores for a period of time.
What advice would you give to another woman dreaming of owning her own business?Just start and don't be afraid to change things up when necessary. And find people who are on a similar path for connection, support and advice.
Stacy Anderson-Walton // Owner, Cross County Consulting, LLC Surveying, Site Development Services
What is your biggest challenge? And your biggest or most memorable accomplishment? Establishing a respectful business relationship with first time clientele. As my parents were also business owners it makes feel very accomplished and a sense of pride in all that I have done to run a very successful business.
What advice would you give to another woman dreaming of owning her own business?Have confidence in yourself and business. It takes time to build up clientele and it's extremely important to be the face of your company.
Lori Long // Links Creative Alliance Strategic Marketing and Comprehensive Communications Consulting
What is your biggest challenge? And your biggest or most memorable accomplishment?Nothing is a challenge with a great team and an amazing community behind you. Every day has a memorable accomplisment.
What advice would you give to another woman dreaming of owning her own business?Just do it--and don't look back.
Evelyn Fuller // Houseplants&Stuff
Why did you choose to start or locate your business in Speedway? Since I was born in DC, I always heard of but never attended the indy500. Once I moved to Indianapolis I learned about the history and culture in the town of speedway. I knew I had to move here to create memories & make history of my own.
What is your biggest challenge? And your biggest or most memorable accomplishment? My biggest challenge is networking in the pandemic. I’m also looking to get into pop up shops & more community events. My biggest accomplishment is reaching 100 sales. My business is also turning 1 years old in May.
What advice would you give to another woman dreaming of owning her own business? I would tell another woman to stay determined. Sales are known to be a male dominated role, seeing more women in business is encouraging. To fellow women & young girls that had dreams.
Patti Hendershot // Patti's Pretties - I make handmade accessories of all kinds! Knit and crocheted earwarmers and hats, Speedway-themed cross body bags, headbands, etc.
What is your biggest challenge? And your biggest or most memorable accomplishment?My biggest challenge is the cost of advertising on Etsy and Facebook, trying to get my name out there. When I first started, I was making kiss-lock clutches, mostly bridal and formal, for my Etsy shop - I had quite a few brides contact me to make custom bridal clutches and bridesmaid clutches for their weddings! That was the most fun part for me! It finally got too expensive to buy the kisslock frames, so I stopped making them.
What advice would you give to another woman dreaming of owning her own business?I've loved having my Etsy shop, so I would suggest she start there! You can always expand if you want, which I'm hoping to do once I retire from my day job at the end of June! I'll have more time and energy to hopefully bump up my business a bit!
Lisa Schmitz // For the Love of Speedway, a Speedway focused social media presence and brand of art and decor, and co-founder of Do Something Indy, a way to spotlight people doing good things in Indianapolis!
What is your biggest challenge? And your biggest or most memorable accomplishment? The realization that For The Love of Speedway has turned into a brand that I need to give more attention to and expand. My most memorable moment was when I saw my flag sets hanging over each end of Main Street and how cool it was to be a part of such an important event in May.
What advice would you give to another woman dreaming of owning her own business? Don't be afraid to do it! If you're passionate and prepared, it will work out, and you will love your new life!
Brittney Lewis // Independent Optavia Health Coach. I help people on their journeys to optimal health!
What advice would you give to another woman dreaming of owning her own business?Just do it! Life's too short to wonder what it could have been!
If you've made it this far....THANK YOU! If you are a fellow Speedway woman in business and would like to participate in our next gathering please email me!