MAGAZINE
MARCH 2022
Meet Joe and Beth Molina LOOK WHO’S LEAVING L.A. FOR CARMEL, INDIANA
Photography by Justin Sicking
MEET ME AT THE MOVIES LOCAL CINEMAS STILL ATTRACTING MOVIEGOERS DESPITE SETBACKS
BESPOKE INITIATIVE A LOOK INSIDE CARMEL’S GROOMING SPEAKEASY
TownePost.com
“This is the third time that we have used Stacey. She does an AMAZING job. I love how stress-free and simple she makes the home buying process, which can usually be quite stressful and complicated. Stacey never shows you a property that you can’t afford, and she is always looking out for her client’s best interest. She is the best.” -Dave and Nancy
I’ve Navigated to Compass. Compass is tech-driven, connected, and ready to guide you to your next home.
If you are looking to buy or sell—call Stacey. 317.650.6736 Stacey Sobczak is a real estate licensee affiliated with Compass, a licensed real estate broker and abides by federal, state and local equal housing opportunity laws.
Compass specializes in luxury branding nationwide. Using the latest trends in technology and marketing will allow me to elevate my business and provide you with the best service possible. Whether you’re interested in exploring your real estate options or want information on the state of the market, contact me today and we let’s set time aside to chat. I’m a phone call, text, or email away.
Stacey Sobczak REALTOR® | Found Agent soldbystacey@gmail.com 317.650.6736
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IN THIS ISSUE
MARCH 2022
OWNER/PUBLISHER GARY WEITZEL gary@townepost.com 317.366.8198
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 DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT JOSH BROWN CREATIVE DIRECTORS TONI EADS VAL HACKER GRAPHIC DESIGNER ROBBY BERRY
Joe Molina with Gort: “Klaatu barada nikto”
4
14
Local Cinemas Still Attracting Moviegoers Despite Setbacks
Crafters Pizza and Drafthouse Serves Distinctive Pies and More
MEET ME AT THE MOVIES
SLICE IT UP
8
18
Longtime Indy Cigar Shop is Finding Success In Carmel Location
A Look Inside Carmel’s Grooming Speakeasy
THE CIGAR BOX
COPY EDITOR JON SHOULDERS
REAL-TIME ANALYTICS Scan the QR code to see this magazine’s real-time reach and distribution numbers.
BESPOKE INITIATIVE
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Look Who’s Leaving L.A. for Carmel, Indiana
Business Owners Meetup and Family Party
MEET JOE AND BETH MOLINA
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MEET ME AT THE MOVIES LOCAL CINEMAS STILL ATTRACTING MOVIEGOERS DESPITE SETBACKS
Writer / Matt Keating Photographer / Justin Sicking
There’s nothing like seeing a new movie on the big screen - buying your ticket, getting some fresh, hot popcorn, and settling into a comfortable chair at your favorite theater. Families today, however, have more home entertainment options than ever, with umpteen streaming services, Blu-ray and a multitude of TV channels, plus big-screen home theaters. Scott Lewandowski, general manager at Flix Brewhouse in Carmel, says there are advantages to seeing a movie in the theater. “There are two main reasons, I believe,” Lewandowski says. “One is that most people can’t replicate a giant movie screen with 7.1 Dolby Atmos sound in their homes. The other is that humans are social by nature and want to experience the joy of seeing a film for the first time with other human beings.” Margot Gerber, a spokesperson for Landmark Theatres, says there is no
substitute for seeing a great movie in a theater with other people. “Seeing a comedy with a crowd makes the funny jokes better,” Gerber says. “You are sharing the experience with others. It’s the human interaction that makes a movie better in a theater.” Gerber notes that the technical aspects of a movie are also typically enhanced in a movie theater.
4 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / MARCH 2022 / TownePost.com
“There is also being able to completely lose yourself in a film at a theater,” Gerber says. “When you are at home, you stop a movie to check your phone or get clothes out of the dryer. It’s just not the same. You end up watching the film in increments. At a theater you watch the movie from start to finish.” Ryan Noonan, vice president of corporate communications for AMC Theatres, says there’s no substitute for the big-screen experience.
“There’s a reason movies on the big screen have persevered for more than a century,” Noonan says. “There’s something that simply can’t be replicated when you see a movie on the big screen with that big sound, surrounded by a community of movie lovers. Funny moments feel funnier when you’re surrounded by a room of people laughing, and scary moments are scarier. We get to be transported and entertained for a few hours - and the popcorn is really good.” Lewandowski believes there are other elements of the theater experience people miss out on when they stream a movie at home.
strong when people want to come out for the blockbusters to have that moviegoing experience.”
movies.”
Gerber adds that critically acclaimed films at the end of last year such as “West Side Story” and “Nightmare Alley” also did well.
Local resident Mary Sloan went with her family to a showing of “Spider-Man: No Way Home” at Regal Village Park, and says her kids wanted to enjoy it on the big screen.
“The holiday season makes people want to get out of the house and have fun,” she says. “They want to enjoy the magic of the
“At Christmas time you are already sitting around the house enough as it is,” Sloan says. “You want to see a fun movie on the
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“If you don’t come to Flix you’ll be missing out on top-notch service, fresh craft beer and delicious food offerings,” Lewandowski says. Lewandowski says he saw an uptick in sales at Flix Brewhouse in December, 2021. “We had just opened back up, and the sales were outstanding for ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home,’” he says. “We could be doing even greater if we weren’t experiencing the same staffing shortage the rest of the world is going through right now.” Gerber says Landmark Theatres also saw ticket sales increase.
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“We did extremely well during the Christmas season,” Gerber says. “A lot of people came out to see ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ and ‘The Matrix.’ Our ticket sales were outstanding. The box office is
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“Everyone certainly has a heightened awareness for safety,” Lewandowski says. “We’re no exception. We do our best to make a moviegoing experience as safe as possible for both guests and team members. We’ve added ionizers in our HVAC system that kill virtually all viruses every time the air gets cycled, which is about every five minutes.”
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“It challenged the industry in a way that had never happened before,” Noonan
says. “Everyone had to close their doors for several months. I think it also reminded the entire moviegoing ecosystem - filmmakers, performers, distributors and moviegoers - about how special the moviegoing experience is, and how much people enjoy getting out of their homes to see a movie on the big screen.”
we have a few things that help in our favor. We have an exceptional product that our team can support, and we have a positive and fun work environment as long as you like movies. We’re certainly looking for great people to help us deliver a superb experience, all while having fun and making good money in the process.”
and the sounds that come from everywhere - whether you are with friends or family, on a date or by yourself, there is something about going to the movies that everyone immediately understands. The experience is unmatched.”
Jack Denney, a moviegoer at Regal Noblesville, says he hasn’t let COVID-19 stop him or his family from seeing movies on the big screen.
Lewandowski notes that positive things still remain at movie theaters.
“COVID-19 definitely had an impact on everything, but I think the good ticket sales can still continue into the new year,” Gerber says.
“We feel very safe here,” Denney says. “This is such a great place to see a movie on the big screen. The management here does an outstanding job of cleaning the theaters.” Despite taking steps to make theaters safe, Lewandowski says there is still a shortage of workers at some theaters. “We are no exception to the global laborforce shortage,” Lewandowski says. “I think
Gerber has high hopes for the future.
“For starters, there’s fresh popcorn, Dolby Atmos sound systems, giant silver screens, luxurious chairs and easy-glider countertops She adds that there is nothing like seeing a movie in a theater with other people. for comfortable dining,” he says. Noonan believes moviegoers will continue to support theaters. “There’s still nothing like the aroma of popcorn that invites you in as you enter, or the feeling of the lights dimming and the movie starting,” Noonan says. “The feeling of seeing the images on the movie screen
“You have to love the big screen,” Gerber says. “It’s such an immersive experience. You can really see all of the details that went into the movie. I like sitting in the back of the theater and really taking in a good movie. For movie purists there is nothing like the big screen.”
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THE CIGAR BOX LONGTIME INDY CIGAR SHOP IS FINDING SUCCESS IN CARMEL LOCATION Writer / Seth Johnson Photographer / Eli Beaverson
premium, hand-rolled cigars at both stores, along with tobacco, pipes, cigar accessories and more.
Customers of The Cigar Box can expect a lot more than a great cigar selection. Originally founded in 1997, The Cigar Box was launched by longtime friends Bill Daley “They can expect a warm, inviting and Lou Firsich. environment,” says Co-owner Michael Firsich. “It doesn’t matter who you “They happened to be at a wedding, and are, where you’re from, or what your they saw all these people smoking cigars, background is. Everybody who walks in the including women,” Firsich says. “They said, door is a friend.” ‘Well, we like cigars. Let’s start a cigar store.’ After a flagship location at 75th Street and Shadeland Avenue in Indianapolis was established, the owners opened a second store in October of 2018 in Carmel. Customers will find a wide selection of 8 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / MARCH 2022 / TownePost.com
They started The Cigar Box at 75th and Shadeland, and grew it from there.”
Since inheriting the business after their fathers’ deaths, Michael Firsich and Tim Daley have carried the torch, providing cigar
enthusiasts with a warm and welcoming place to relax and purchase quality products. “Our fathers started it, so we’re merely taking that legacy and trying to build on it,” Firsich says.
Co-owners Michael Firsich & Tim Daley
In reflecting on the decision to open a second location in Carmel, Firsich says the owners saw a need in the area and chose to fill it. “We recognized that there wasn’t a cigar store in Carmel,” he says. “We moved forward with it and it turned out to be a home run. We’ve got a great following there as well, and it continues to grow.”
The owners carry an expansive range of cigars at both shops.
well as small-batch brands like Illusione, Undercrown and Warped.
“They’re all premium, hand-rolled cigars, but they also vary in price from a couple dollars to 20-something dollars,” Firsich says.
It remains illegal to sell Cuban cigars in the United States, and Firsich says The Cigar Box offers plenty of alternatives.
Both stores carry well-known cigar brands like Cohiba, Macanudo and Padron, as
“Now, all of the other cigar manufacturers that have moved out of Cuba into Nicaragua
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and other countries have taken that Cuban seed, found similar climates, and been able to work the soil over time to develop cigars that are as good if not better than Cuban cigars,” he says. “I’ve had plenty of guys who’ve smoked Cuban cigars that say, ‘There are plenty of cigars in your humidor that I enjoy better than a Cuban cigar.’ ” Regardless of a customer’s knowledge heading into The Cigar Box, Firsich says the store’s staff will make sure they find what they need. “You can expect that the people who are helping you know a lot about cigars and can help make recommendations,” he says. “They’ll ask you questions about what you like, why you like it, and then they’ll find things for you to try.” The Cigar Box Carmel is located at 13702 North Meridian Street. You can call them at 317-993-3074 or visit their website at TheCigarBoxOnline.com.
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TownePost.com / MARCH 2022 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 11
Meet Joe and Beth Molina LOOK WHO’S LEAVING L.A. FOR CARMEL, INDIANA
Writer / Heather Hunter Photographer / Justin Sicking
Those accustomed to life on the coasts have a term for places like Indiana - flyover country. To those who venture outside the airports, the state’s charm and kind residents have a way of capturing visitors’ hearts. Two of Carmel’s newest neighbors, Joe and Beth Molina, are no exception. “The first time we drove around, I remember telling Beth, ‘It’s like a movie,’” Joe says. “You know what they call a place
like this in L.A.? They call it a set.”
escape plan.”
The Molinas enjoyed their jobs in California and the friendships they built with Los Angeles artists, car collectors, business leaders and personalities. However, in recent years, tacking their art collection to their shelves with earthquake-safe wax and packing away an emergency stash of clean water began to wear them down.
Beth is an Indiana native. A graduate of Herron School of Art and Design, she began her career as a graphic designer. Over time her work evolved into broadcast design, a part of made-for-TV design that encompasses motion graphics and animation. Beth eventually became an executive producer and moved to California in 1994.
“We had emergency backpacks in the closet for each of us, in case we had to grab one thing and go,” Beth says. “Especially after the recent fires, we began to wonder whether we wanted to live the rest of our lives with an
Surprisingly, Joe also had previous ties to Indiana. He came to Fort Benjamin Harrison in 1974 for journalism school while serving in the military. A precocious writer dubbed the “Rock and Roll
12 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / MARCH 2022 / TownePost.com
Joe with 1973 BMW 3.0 CS Coupe and Beth with Nissan S-Cargo
Reporter,” Joe used his Los Angeles connections to score interviews with artists like David Bowie, Elton John and John Lennon. While accompanying KISS on tour in 1975, Joe even found himself in Terre Haute connecting the KISS Army with U.S. Army recruiters. The experience instilled Joe’s passion for public relations. He founded his own PR agency, JMPR, after returning to Los Angeles in 1977. He didn’t intend for the firm to focus on the luxury automotive niche, but when his lifelong passion for cars bled into a pivotal article, car companies took note and began to clamor for his expertise. JMPR played a huge role in publicizing exotic brands like Bugatti, Bentley and Ferrari in the United States market. Joe also helped launch Speed Channel (now Fox Sports 1), and ran campaigns for movies like “Days of Thunder” as well as shows like “Monster Garage” and “American Hot Rod.” It was a storybook life for a kid who used to dream of owning just one luxury car. “I remember flying in a Gulfstream over the places I used to go on a bus with the Army,” Joe recalls. “I came from absolutely nothing, so I couldn’t believe it.” Joe and his late wife met Beth in Los Angeles through an event for the Petersen Automotive Museum. They bonded immediately over their love of art, cars and adventure. When Joe’s wife passed from cancer, he and Beth walked through their grief together. Later, they’d learn that Joe’s wife had already mentioned Beth to Joe’s brothers, describing her as someone who might be good for Joe after she was gone. Her hunch turned out to be perfectly right. Joe and Beth married in 2016 at St. Mary’s in downtown Indianapolis. They rode away
in Lucille Ball’s last car - the same one Joe’s daughter will use for her upcoming nuptials. The Molinas have always been drawn to Carmel when visiting Beth’s family, and the friendly community hasn’t let them down. As retirees, they have more time to frequent art galleries and local restaurants, and plenty of time to make friends. “The automobile community here is great,” Joe says. “There are a lot more collectors than I’d realized.”
Joe with Kiss in 1975
You may see the Molinas out for a drive in their unique Nissan S-Cargo, 1973 BMW CS, or Porsche 911. They’re looking forward to touring Indiana’s smaller towns and getting to know more people in Carmel. “We’re having so many new adventures right now,” Beth says. “It’s fun to keep living in the present and the future instead of in the past.” Plus, as Joe adds, “You don’t have to go very fast to enjoy a 911 through these roundabouts.”
Priscilla and Kitchen Art
For over 55 years, O’Malia’s Living has been bringing family, friends, and neighbors together, whether around the fireplace during the holidays, on the patio for summer evenings, or together for a barbecue on the grill. This family feature recognizes local families who are part of our growing community. We are proud to support this monthly story. TownePost.com / MARCH 2022 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 13
SLICE IT UP CRAFTERS PIZZA AND DRAFTHOUSE SERVES DISTINCTIVE PIES AND MORE
Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Amy Payne
When you step inside Crafters Pizza and Drafthouse, you’ll see a huge portrait of Anthony Bourdain with the words, “Explore the world.” It’s a mantra that owner Brian Hall lives by. In fact, he and his wife Alexis take foodie trips every chance they get, engaging in a food tour of every city they visit - usually three or four per year. “You eat the food in the city and talk about it, while also learning about their culture at the same time,” Hall says. “You feel like you leave the city and know the people.” 14 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / MARCH 2022 / TownePost.com
The Bourdain portrait is a way of telling his customers to eat, be happy, and talk about food. “I want to be that place people go to share food with family, friends and neighbors,” Hall says. Crafters is a family sports bar with casual dining. Hall stresses that it’s not just a pizza place, but rather a scratch kitchen that happens to serve pizza. “People think ‘pizza place’ and assume everything is in a bag - that we throw it on there and cook it - but that’s not what we do,” Hall says. “We make our own sausage, shred our own cheese, make our own dressings, pickle our own onions, candy our own walnuts, and cut our own veggies.” Inside there are no neon signs or 32-ounce beer mugs. Hall purposefully stayed away from anything that felt what he describes as “too bar-y.”
ORTHOINDY
“Husbands are easy to attract,” Hall says. “I wanted to be the place where the wife or daughter or lady suggested going because the place is nice and clean.” Their gourmet salads are served in porcelain bowls rather than cardboard or plastic containers. They have lots of televisions on the walls for game viewing, but the sound is not blaring. “I didn’t feel there were any classy family sports bars in the area, and I wanted to fill that void,” Hall says. Crafters sells hand-tossed, tavern-style pizzas with signature fried dough, TownePost.com / MARCH 2022 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 15
Hall says. “Pizza is bread. It’s a blank canvas.” relax on the big outdoor patio where lounge seating is available. Crafters offers a program through which “It’s a chill hangout spot where folks can talk customers are invited to take a photo with about food, beer, bourbon and their next an empty Crafters pizza box anywhere in vacation destination,” Hall says. the world, and bring it back to get their picture on the establishment’s wall and earn Though COVID-19 has affected travel, Hall a Crafters gift card. and his wife look forward to taking more This includes dips, breads, and items that foodie trips in the near future. come with a spoon for sharing. In addition, “The idea is, you tell me about your trip and the food items you loved,” Hall says. “I they have 24 draft beers on tap, many of look at their menu and am inspired by your “When I’m on vacation, I’m enjoying myself them local, including their own beer called but am still at work because I’m thinking, travels.” Craft Draft. Since their concept is from ‘This is delicious. How can I get people in Carmel, they have an extensive bourbon list, Indiana to try this?’” Hall says. “A lot of Also, if a customer brings a bumper sticker including their own bourbon. back from a brewery or restaurant and sticks people in Indiana think it’s dangerous to it up in the men’s restroom, Crafters will buy eat street food in Mexico, but if you put it Hall and his staff try to push customers on a pizza and present it in a comfortable that customer dinner. outside their comfort zone to try environment in Carmel, they say, ‘Oh, I’ll various ethnic foods on their pizza. They “It’s another fun way to talk about food, beer try anything!’” recommend ordering a half-and-half pizza, and travel,” Hall says. “We explore the world including half with something familiar and Crafters Pizza and Drafthouse is located at through food.” half with something new. 2430 East 146th Street in Carmel. For more information, call 317-798-2056 or visit The normal indoor seating capacity is 220. “People think pizza is red sauce and craftersdrafthouse.com. During warm months, customers can also pepperonis, but it can be so much more,” cauliflower crust or gluten-free crust. They are also heavy on appetizers like dry-rubbed wings and house-made double-decker chips. “Most of our food items are meant to be shared,” Hall says. “In fact, we call our appetizers ‘shares’ and ‘social plates’ as opposed to appetizers.”
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Andrew Kurz and Spencer Evans
Bespoke’s master barber experiences include massages, facial steams or warm towels, an assortment of luxury products, and complimentary beverages. In addition to water and beer, Kurz is well-versed in bourbon and rye and keeps a varied stock on hand.
BESPOKE INITIATIVE A LOOK INSIDE CARMEL’S GROOMING SPEAKEASY
it. We’re qualified masters, but we’re still always learning.”
Bespoke Initiative Shop Floor Writer / Heather Hunter Photographer / Justin Sicking
Spencer Evans, master clothier, and Andrew Kurz, master barber, are experts of their crafts. “The title comes from the time you put in, and that comes from your drive,” Kurz says. It can’t just be a job. You have to want
Kurz and Evans are the two-man team behind Carmel’s best-kept secret, Bespoke Initiative. Tucked behind City Center, the custom barber and clothing experience thrives on a community of in-the-know clients. Patrons visit for a haircut or a custom shirt and leave with a renewed sense of confidence. “[Kurz] takes care of the neck up, I take care of the rest,” Evans says. “Put that together and it determines how people feel about themselves. As we like to say, look great, feel great, change the world.”
On the master clothier side, Bespoke offers wardrobe consultations and wardrobe buildouts, as well as custom suits, shirts, coats, jeans and shoes. Each piece of the final product is customizable, from the thread and buttons to any detail of the fit. Although Bespoke began with a male client base, Evans has also branched into women’s wear. Bespoke’s line of custom jeans have been especially popular with ladies, who describe the fitting experience as professional, seamless and fun. Bespoke Initiative was sparked on a Friday when Evans, now a military veteran, ducked into the barber shop where Kurz worked for a quick trim before a drill weekend. At the time, Kurz was about to leave for lunch. “I turned around and saw this guy in a threepiece suit,” Kurz says. “I thought, ‘Yeah, I’ll take another one.’ ” As they talked, Evans and Kurz realized they shared a passion for building confidence in people. Both were also looking for a career shift. “I was at a turn-and-burn corporation where
18 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / MARCH 2022 / TownePost.com
you’d see different people every day,” says Evans, who has worked in the clothing industry since he was 17. “I just wanted to build deeper relationships with people.” After the cut, Kurz and Evans planned another meeting to discuss the future. Over four hours of darts and bourbon, they hatched a business plan on a napkin that would later become Bespoke Initiative. Still tied to their corporate jobs, they put the dream on hold. Then, in March of 2020, Evans got a call from Kurz. “I picked up and he said, ‘Are you ready to jump?’” Evans recalls. “I was like ‘Dude, are you serious?’ But that’s how Andrew is. He’s always the guy to ask, ‘Why not?’” At the beginning of July in 2020, they opened the doors to Bespoke Initiative. Aside from the plumbing, baseboards and counters, Kurz and Evans built out the shop by hand. Leather, metal, dark wood and unique art pieces mesh the old-world
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Closing costs and fees are not included in prices shown. Prices, plans, availability, features, terms and options are subject to change without notice or obligation. Measurements and dimensions are approximate. Photographs and renderings are for illustration purposes only and are not part of a legal contract. Please contact a neighborhood sales manager for additional details. Arbor Homes is an equal opportunity home builder.
TownePost.com / MARCH 2022 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 19
comfort of an explorer’s home office with the polished-casual luxury of an exclusive speakeasy. “It’s the oasis that’s only talked about in a whisper,” Kurz says. “Carmel already has the mainstream shops. We love this city and we love the kindness of the people. We wanted to give them something they’d never seen before.”
Kurz and Evans have made charity a cornerstone of Bespoke. Inspired by Evans’ military background, they donate $5 from each of Kurz’s appointments and 10% of each clothing sale to organizations that support veterans. To date, they’ve raised more than $10,000. Through membership in a local professional group called Synergize, they’ve also made
NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS IN CARMEL AND HAMILTON COUNTY INDIANA HOW DOES ESPOT MEDICAL SPA TREAT CHRONIC AND ACUTE PAIN? WHAT IS THE PHOENIX THERA-LASE SYSTEM? LEARN WHY N.F.L. STAR PATRICK MAHONES AND N.B.A. LEGEND KEVIN DURANT USE THE PHOENIX THERA-LASE SYSTEM!
ESPOT SPA CARMEL
At the eSpot Medical Spa we proudly use the Phoenix Thera-Lase System. This patented medical technology provides superior fast relief and healing for chronic and acute pain, accelerated wound healing (up to 4 times faster) and reduced inflammation related to soft tissue injuries. The Phoenix Thera-Lase System works by supplying energy to the body in the form of non-thermal photons of light. The body is able to absorb this external energy on a cellular level and transform light energy into chemical energy, which the body uses to accelerate the normal healing rate of tissue. Phoenix Thera-Lase offers higher power and greater penetration than other laser therapy systems and the results will be more rapid and sustainable. It’s also safe for all skin types and skin colors! (317) 564-8255 | 11405 N. Pennsylvania St., Suite 102 | Carmel, IN 46032 www.espotspaindiana.com | info@espotspaindiana.com | @espotspaofindiana
20 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / MARCH 2022 / TownePost.com
significant donations to nonprofits like Fountains of Hope International, Bolt for the Heart, and DADCAMP. Through giving back and caring for their patrons, the Bespoke Initiative team builds community. Those who enjoy the feel of a local speakeasy - one where the bartender preps your usual as soon as you enter the room - should pop in to see Evans and Kurz. “If you want to hang out on the couch and have a conversation, do it,” Kurz says. “We’ve seen people laugh, cry, vent - we’ve even prayed over people. We want you to come as you are.” Bespoke Initiative is located at 1051 Summit Drive in Carmel. To learn more or to book an experience, call 317-7643441 or visit bespokeinitiative.com.
CREATING BUSINESS EXCITEMENT IN THE VILLAGE OF WESTCLAY BUSINESS OWNERS MEETUP AND FAMILY PARTY
Writer / Gary Weitzel Photographer / Justin Sicking and provided
The Village of WestClay (VoWC) Business Owners Meetup and Family Party was on January 22, 2022, at BEHN Gallery/ Bellomo Studios. How It Began: In the friendly confines of BEHN Gallery/ Bellomo Studios, Roben Bellomo of the studio, Natalie Gardner of Dr. Doug’s Balms, and Gary Weitzel of Carmel Magazine were talking about a feature story for the Village of WestClay in the January 2022 issue. he next question became: How will the business owners in the VoWC develop their businesses in the next year? The answer was obvious - ask the business owners. During this meeting the subject turned to growth beyond the VoWC community, as Dr. Doug’s Balms and BEHN Gallery/ Bellomo Studios were expanding their marketing efforts further into Hamilton County and as far away as Portland, Oregon.
An idea emerged. Would a consortium of VoWC small businesses support sharing ideas on marketing, future planning, crossselling, and bringing more business from surrounding communities into Village Center and WestClay Uptown? The reasonable assumption was yes. However, it was clear that only informal efforts were attempted in the past. The time was ripe to plant a seed in hopes of growth for the retail and professional service businesses in the Village. To further this effort, the three business owners hosted this family event featuring the Abbie Thomas Band, a delicious charcuterie board from nearby online business Platterful, Irish coffee, and Carmel Magazine video interviews with the business owners in Village Center and WestClay Uptown. The three asked the VoWC business owners to complete a short questionnaire about their business and how they would like to proceed. This questionnaire will be published soon to help the owners decide whether to move forward with future TownePost.com / MARCH 2022 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 21
community events, business meetups, strategy sharing and informal networking commitments. Some of the businesses represented at the party included: Dr. and Mrs. Julian Davila of WestClay Orthodontics (Dr. Davila allowed Camel Magazine to film the video interviews in his business lobby), Helen Wang of Carmel
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Allergy, Paul Lipps of PMG Group, Inc., Amy Holland of New Moon Center for Women’s Health, Will Hobbs of Napleton Italian Imports, Kelvin Okamoto of Green Bottom Line, Inc., David Klain of D.B. Klain Construction, Sherri Klain of Basket Pizzazz, Michael and Michelle Mountain of Mountain Martial Arts and Wellness Center, Dr. Doug Strobel of Dr. Doug’s Balms, Jeff Terp of the Village of WestClay Owners Association, Trilce Schneirla of the Village
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of WestClay Owners Association, Christina Lockett and Mariah Davis of Christina Ann Hair Boutique, and Irina Smulevitch of the Carmel Art Education Studio. The business owners in the Village of WestClay invite you to visit Village Center and WestClay Uptown. Enjoy the hospitality and the atmosphere of the VoWC!
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10485 N Michigan Rd #150 • Carmel, IN 46032 24 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / MARCH 2022 / TownePost.com