Carmel Magazine October 2023

Bennie’s circle of support.

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No two cancer diagnoses are exactly alike. We follow a multidisciplinary approach — bringing together specialists from every area of cancer care. So we can map out a treatment plan that’s right for you. With our expert team on your side, your circle of support just got stronger.

Learn more at eCommunity.com/cancer

Learn more at eCommunity.com/every-mile or call 317.621.2727

Writer / Renee Larr

Photography Provided

Dr. Tanuja Singh calls herself a “Midwesterner at heart.” Singh was recently named president of the University of Indianapolis after an extensive global search for new leadership. Singh brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in higher education.

She most recently served as provost and senior vice president of academic affairs at Loyola University New Orleans. She says her role there required her to look at academic offerings from a student perspective, and a community and

UNIVERSITY OF INDIANAPOLIS

corporate partnerships view. She worked to bring relevant curricula in a changing environment.

Before that role, she served as dean of the Greehey School of Business for 11 years at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. She says both roles prepared her for her new position at UIndy because they required her to look at the big picture of where the world is going, not just where it is now.

She began her role at UIndy on July 1 and has already started working on her strategic visioning project. She says the Indianapolis is experiencing rapid growth and is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.

“In the next three to five years, we want to make sure our educational curriculum is impactful for corporate partners in the business, engineering and healthcare sectors, “ Singh said. “We also want to make sure it’s meaningful for our students because, at the end of the day, we want to make sure they lead meaningful lives

and have something about which they’re passionate. We are also looking to increase our international presence. Some people don’t know this, but UIndy has students from 70 countries worldwide.”

Singh says she is committed to creating more corporate sponsorships between the school and Indiana businesses. She says the College of Health Sciences is very strong at UIndy and is poised to provide talent to the overgrowing health care needs of the state.

“One thing I keep hearing in my meetings with government leaders is that we have the jobs, but we just don’t have enough of the talent to supply the jobs,” Singh says. “Our students are very diverse, which contributes to the social and cultural environment of Indianapolis.”

She says she was attracted to the position and the city because of the high-caliber faculty at UIndy. She’s excited to start working with local high schools to showcase all the opportunities students have at the school.

IN THE MIX

PURE PHARMACY OWNER LINDA HAYES HAS THE INGREDIENTS FOR SUCCESS

Writer / Alli Donovan Photographer / Sarah Browning

In today’s world, health and wellness have become paramount thoughts and concerns.

In 1998, Georgetown University reported that over 131 million people in the U.S. - 66% of all adults in the country - were taking prescription drugs.

In 2021, IQVIA, a health care data consultant, reported that a total of 6.3 billion prescriptions were distributed to Americans.

That’s a lot of prescriptions for a lot of people. But what if there was a different way to approach prescription drugs?

Pure Pharmacy is a compounding pharmacy that provides personalized care, offering a wide range of services aimed at improving the overall well-being of its customers. Linda Hayes, PharmD, ABAAHP, started Pure Pharmacy to provide the highestquality compounds to patients.

But what exactly is pharmaceutical compounding?

The American Pharmacists Association describes compounding as the creation of a drug by a licensed pharmacist that meets the unique needs of the patient. Compounding

is an alternative to commercial drugs that are generic and prescribed to anyone. Some general examples of compounding can be adjusting the strength or dosage of a medication, flavoring it, and even reformulating drug ingredients (such as removing an ingredient that the patient is allergic to, such as lactose or gluten).

Hayes is passionate about finding the connections between symptoms and helping patients lead healthy lives. She is an expert at compounding and has extensive knowledge in the endocrine, cardiovascular, neurological, and gastrointestinal systems, as well as mitochondrial restoration, Lyme disease, weight loss and peptide therapy.

“In compounding, we always get the question, ‘Can you do this,’” says Hayes. “We can do a lot, as long as it’s in the guidelines.”

Compounding is extremely customizable to each patient and what they need. It is curing the body from the root cause.

“We’re trying to optimize each individual’s health,” says Hayes.

Pure Pharmacy specializes in both men’s and women’s health. These specialties cover weight management, hormone therapy,

sexual enhancement and lifestyle needs. Pure Pharmacy also provides medications that address and help improve reproductive and hormonal issues for men and women who struggle with infertility.

“It’s a very rewarding feeling to help the patient figure out what’s triggering a disease process,” says Hayes. “You can’t really put words on it to describe it.”

Pure Pharmacy works with your prescriber to get each patient their most optimal medicines to fit their needs. Once a prescription is confirmed by the doctor or medical prescriber, Pure Pharmacy will reach out to the patient directly to confirm that they are ready for the medicine to be created and filled. Once the process is complete, the patient can either pick up the prescription directly from Pure Pharmacy’s location in Carmel, or they can have it mailed to their address.

Pure Pharmacy is located at 12425 Old Meridian Street in Carmel. For any questions on Pure Pharmacy’s capabilities, specialties or prescriber recommendations, call 317-740-1856, email info@purerxcompounding.com, or visit purerxcompounding.com.

“IT’S A VERY REWARDING FEELING TO HELP THE PATIENT FIGURE OUT WHAT’S TRIGGERING A DISEASE PROCESS.”

—LINDA HAYES

Lux Lab Hair + Body reigns as the epitome of luxury, beauty and wellness. This allin-one salon and med spa in Carmel is no ordinary establishment. It’s a sanctuary where the fusion of expert medical guidance and top-tier beauty treatments takes center stage.

Offering a comprehensive range of services from hair to self-care, the salon has a unique

LUX LAB HAIR + BODY

and appealing aspect by emphasizing holistic well-being and a luxurious experience, for a comprehensive beauty and wellness destination.

Lux Lab is physician-directed and boasts a complete medical staff. This credibility means every treatment isn't just a cosmetic endeavor. It’s a clinically informed and expertly executed practice. With in-house Clinical Director and Nurse Practitioner Megan Reider, clients can rest assured that their beauty and wellness needs are in the hands of professionals who understand the nuances of human anatomy.

“Ensuring that our clients receive safe and professional treatments is crucial for us,” says Owner Sarah Cooper. “Having a full medical staff at Lux adds a valuable layer of confidence for our clients.”

At Lux Lab, the LuxPass membership program takes the concept of beauty and wellness to new heights. For just $79 per month, members gain access to an array of extraordinary perks valued at over $2,500. Clients will also be privy to exclusive member rates on an array of services, making beauty and wellness more accessible to everyone.

“The memberships offer clients an exceptional value, with over $2500 in free perks, all aimed to make the endless cycle of beauty more manageable,” Cooper says. “One big perk of the membership is that it offers clients access to member rates with most services, especially on the body side,

allowing clients to be in protocols that produce results on a regular basis.” Allowing clients to get the services and therefore results they want on a regular basis.

These perks include monthly blowouts to elevate your hair game and ensure you look your best effortlessly, the Diamond Glow Facial (a deep exfoliating treatment that infuses medical-grade serums tailored to your unique skin type) or Lux Signature Facial, and, last but not least, two of the very popular TruSculpt treatments to target the submental area (double chin). This perk likely won't be able to last forever, but for now it is a huge benefit to the clients.

Lux Lab goes the extra mile by offering protocols meticulously designed to deliver the precise results you desire. Every treatment is tailored to your specific needs and goals, ensuring maximum effectiveness.

At the heart of Lux Lab's transformative offerings stands the EmSculpt NEO, an FDA-approved device that boasts a trio of modalities. This powerhouse technology delivers muscle toning with each session equivalent to 20,000 crunches or squats, depending on the area treated. The EmSculpt NEO strengthens and tones muscles, giving you the core strength you've always desired.

“This is Lux’s fan favorite,” Cooper says. “It's the only device on the market that has three modalities in it. It’s incredibly advanced and versatile.”

Writer / Natalie Gargiulo

Photographer / Amy Payne

“EmSculpt NEO offers ‘global’ results,” Cooper says. “Being able to target one area while seeing improvements in surrounding areas can be a major interest point for clients seeking comprehensive results.”

Clients will experience a 30% permanent reduction in fat, targeting areas that might resist traditional methods. The NEO also delivers skin tightening by harnessing the power of radiofrequency to tighten your skin, while leaving you with a more youthful appearance using a nonsurgical and noninvasive method.

But the NEO isn't just about aestheticsit's about holistic well-being. This device enhances your metabolism, posture, pain management and overall fitness capabilities. It's a game-changer, embraced by athletes like Rob Gronkowski as well as celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and the Kardashians for its remarkable results and versatile applications, even in injury rehabilitation.

TruSculpt, Lux Lab's answer to body contouring, rivals industry giant CoolSculpting. While both deliver impressive results, TruSculpt's unique approach shines, especially for those outside the recommended body mass index (BMI) range. CoolSculpting is renowned for precise results within a specific, very low, BMI range, but it can sometimes leave what's referred to as a "shark bite" effect - a visible line of demarcation where fat reduction is solely focused. In contrast, TruSculpt delivers a more seamless, uniform

reduction, making it an excellent choice for a wider range of clients. This exceptional technology combines fat reduction with skin-tightening radiofrequency benefits, providing a holistic approach to body contouring.

Lux Lab takes skin care to another level with the Secret RF, a microneedling service with radiofrequency treatment. This innovative approach not only stimulates collagen production, but also delivers radiofrequency directly into the dermis. This inside-out collagen production addresses the natural aging process, enhancing your skin's elasticity and vitality.

“Secret RF is my personal favorite,” Cooper says. “The hollow tipped needles deliver radiofreequency directly into the dermis. As it's doing that, it causes trama to the dermis which induces collagen production. By age 22 we all slowly start decreasing our collagen and elastin.”

Lux Lab tackles common skin concerns with intense pulsed light (IPL) and variable pulsed light treatments. This cutting-edge therapy combat issues like brown spots, age spots, rosacea and smaller capillaries. IPL/ BBL effectively removes these imperfections while delivering remarkable skin-tightening benefits.

Lux embraces the tapestry of diversity in hair care, recognizing that hair is as unique as the individuals it adorns. From straight and sleek to curly and coiled, the salon is

equipped to cater to an array of hair types, textures and cultural backgrounds, with multicultural celebrity hairstylist Dani Oglesby.

Oglesby has made a name for herself in Hollywood styling by delivering stunning hair transformations with the likes of actress Dominique Thorne and Angela Lewis. from runways, weddings to anti-frizz treatments and cut-and-color services, Lux Lab's expertise is unparalleled.

“I’m excited to build my clientele by bringing my talent and expertise to the Carmel area,” Oglesby says. “I specialize in extensions for curly and textured hair, editorial, print, bridal styling, up-styles, blowouts and silk presses.”

Brooke Bright is the newest stylist at Lux Lab, a seasoned artisan with nearly a decade of expertise dedicated to the art of hair. Having honed her craft in the heart of Israel, this distinguished stylist seamlessly combines global finesse with an unparalleled mastery of trends, promising an experience that is as exceptional as it is exquisite.

The modern salon is a haven where every client can confidently embrace their uniqueness.

Visitors are welcome to drop by in person to meet the team and take a tour of the facility before booking.

Co-Founders Sarah Cooper and Corey Sleet Megan Reider, NP, Clinical Director

Brooke Bright, Stylist

Dani Oglesby, Stylist

VALUABLE VISION

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE 11TH THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS GALA

The Through the Looking Glass Gala will take place on October 7, 2023, at the Renaissance Hotel in Carmel. This year marks the 11th year for this inspiring and amazing event that raises funds for the Indiana Blind Children’s Foundation (IBCF), and the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

The event has helped support the educational and technological needs of the students, and enhance their learning experience despite their everyday challenges. This year will be the best yet, with numerous supporting table sponsors and local businesses collaborating to make this event a tremendous success. Guests can expect an engaging evening filled with an extensive bourbon tasting, games of chance, silent and live auctions, and an extraordinary guest of honor, 2019 “MasterChef” winner Christine Ha, who is also blind.

I initiated this event after being deeply moved by attending a graduation ceremony at the Indiana School for the Blind quite some time ago. I was emotionally touched, witnessing young adults overcome significant challenges in pursuit of their

education. For the past 11 years, Through the Looking Glass has achieved remarkable accomplishments, one of which is raising awareness of the IBCF’s mission to provide visually impaired and blind students with an opportunity to pursue a high-quality educational experience.

Laura Alvarado, the executive director of the foundation, has been phenomenal to work with, and her efforts have improved this event every year with her dedication and drive for these students. My committee of women who assist every year are vital in ensuring this evening's success. I am honored to have initiated such a tradition for the school and community to unite in support of an amazing cause.

Go

Writer / Lindsey Jordan, Through the Looking Glass Gala Chairperson Photography Provided

Chairperson Lindsey Jordan with her parents, Ken and Susan Jordan on the red carpet.

Extensive bourbon tasting for VIP guests by bourbon aficionado, Mike Clayton. (Left to right Danile Kelly, Michelle Freeman, Lindsey Jordan)

Chairperson Lindsey Jordan Guests from the 2022 Gatsby themed Gala

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

CARMEL GLASS & MIRROR

At Carmel Glass & Mirror you can expect to be met with a knowledgeable and experienced team. You are choosing a family-owned business with strong roots in our community. For over 43 years we have been your local leader in all variety of custom glass and mirror services, from shower enclosures, window glass to mirror walls, let our professionals help you achieve your vision. We are dedicated to providing you with the best service and most innovative products available.

500 E 106th St, Indianapolis, IN 317-846-4864

CarmelGlass.com

DEVEAU'S SCHOOL OF GYMNASTICS

Introduce your kids to foundational fitness and the fundamental skills needed to excel in any athletic endeavor. We focus on movement and fun in a positive and enriching environment. Sign up for a free trial and give your child the gift of a healthy, active lifestyle!

9032 Technology Dr, Fishers, IN 317-849-7744 deveaus.com

LEARNING UNDERSTOOD

Erin Camp provides 1:1 remedial intervention for Dyslexia, ADHD, Executive Function Skills, Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dyscalculia. She discovers the unique way one learns and will train their brain to navigate challenges in and out of the classroom. She works for the whole child and will empower them through personalized plans specific to their individual needs and goals.

erin@learningunderstood.com

learningunderstood.com

CHRISTINA'S COMPLETE CLEAN

Offers traditional effective cleaning services, avoiding gimmicks and shortcuts. They prioritize customer satisfaction, building relationships, and providing consistent, personalized cleaning with consistency for each visit. Serving Hamilton County, including Carmel and Geist, they aim to create more free time and keep people safe and healthy in their spaces.

10411 N College Ave., Indianapolis, IN 317-564-4244

ChristinasCompleteClean.com

HALLMARK ORTHODONTICS

Dr. Tasha Hall, Dr. Andrew Raber and the team at Hallmark Orthodontics are proud to deliver the highest quality orthodontic care in a friendly, enjoyable and professional environment. With four convenient locations, Saturday appointments and Spanish speaking assistance we strive to make your orthodontic experience a positive journey!

13590B N Meridian St., #205, Carmel, IN 317-574-0612

info2@hallmarkorthodontics.com

LUX LAB HAIR AND BODY

Experience the pinnacle of beauty and wellness at Lux Lab Hair and Body in Carmel, Indiana. Discover a transformative med spa and salon that redefines selfcare. From injections and body sculpting to laser hair removal, Lux offers a lavish array of services. Unlock exclusive pricing with the Lux Pass Membership. Elevate your beauty journey today.

1200 S. Rangeline Rd., Ste. 110, Carmel, IN 317-981-3000

luxlabhairandbody.com

MICHELLE MADDOX MARKETING, LLC

Michelle Maddox Marketing helps your business achieve its goals through effective content marketing. We elevate your brand, taking your company to new heights by creating SEO-rich content that engages potential customers. Our expertise lies in developing content strategies that resonate with target audiences across a variety of industries, including insurance, healthcare, real estate and security. Choose Michelle Maddox Marketing to help your business reach its full potential. Where Good Content Connects You!

Carmel, IN 317-370-2756

michellemaddox.marketing

RANGELINE CHIROPRACTIC

Trusted in Carmel, IN for 16 years. Experience relief from pain and regain your well-being with our expert chiropractic care. Our dedicated team is committed to providing personalized treatments to enhance your overall health. Visit us today and start your journey to a healthier, pain-free life.

1422 Keystone Way, Carmel, IN 317-575-1115

rangelinechiropractic.com

THE SERENE CORE SPECIALTY PHYSICAL THERAPY

Learn of the positive impact a properly trained physical therapist can have on managing and treating pregnancy-related pain, pelvic and abdominal pain, sexual, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and cancer-related pain/ swelling. Andrea Bognar has the expertise and a focused practice to address these issues. Call to learn more.

9011 N. Meridian St., Ste. 108, Indianapolis, IN 317-669-0658

serenecorept@gmail.com

TILLY'S TEA ROOM & EATERY

POSSIBILITIES UNLOCKED

Experience the power of Possibilities

Unlocked! Offering customized HR solutions and coaching sessions, we partner to unleash your potential! Our personalized HR solutions go beyond the basics, tackling challenges like scaling, employee morale and hiring with confidence and creativity. Our coaching sessions highlight unique strengths and debunk misconceptions. Let’s chat!

3250 West 86th St. #1034, Indianapolis, IN 317-296-4447

possibilitiesunlocked.com

RELOCATION STRATEGIES

Does your workplace need reimagined, due to hybrid working? Relocation

Strategies is a full-service interior design firm known for our proven process of helping organizations increase productivity and engagement by 25%. Services include Commercial and Residential Interior Design, Architecture, Space Planning, Furniture + Vendor Management, Move + Change + Project Management.

7222 N Shadeland Ave., Ste 170, Indianapolis, IN 317-202-0000

relocationstrategies.com

Tilly's Tea Room & Eaterie, at Saks Fifth Avenue, serves exquisite afternoon tea with their signature clotted cream. Ideal for baby showers, bridal showers and corporate events, this venue offers a modern twist on English tea, along with delectable scones, jams, charcuterie and gift sets. Perfect for special occasions. Saks Fifth Avenue, 3rd Floor

8701 Keystone Crossing, Indianapolis, IN 317-816-0171 x 5335

tillystearoom.com

UNLIMITED MOTORS

Being a woman in the car business is very tough and challenging. I have overcome many obstacles to become a strong and powerful leader who has raised the standards of business for all of those around me. Give us a chance to earn your business!

317-377-1111

Westfield - NoblesvilleFishers - Elwood

iumotors.com

RECORD BREAKER

TRACK-AND-FIELD SENSATION ELLIE COOLEY INSPIRES BOTH IN AND OUT OF THE DISCUS CIRCLE

Carmel High School student-athlete Ellie Cooley has been making a name for herself and shattering records in Hamilton County. Her journey in the sport of track-andfield discus throwing is nothing short of extraordinary.

The 14-year-old’s journey in track and field is deeply rooted in her family's history. Many of her family members were involved in trackand-field events during their middle and high

school years, including her mom and coach, Courtney Cooley, who made it to the IHSAA regional in discus during her sophomore and junior years at Westfield High School. This served as an inspiration for Ellie to follow in their footsteps. Her connection to the sport began when she tried out for her school's track team in the sixth grade.

“When I started middle school, I wanted to try out because some of my family members

were pretty good at track and field as well,” Ellie says. “I had thrown a little bit before sixth grade, but nothing serious. That's when I started getting serious about it.”

Ellie's introduction to track and field was nothing short of spectacular. She not only made her sixth-grade team, but also went on to win the mock meet, earning her a spot as a dedicated thrower. This marked the beginning of her journey as

Writer / Natalie Gargiulo Photography Provided

she went undefeated in discus events during the sixth, seventh and eighth grade - an accomplishment that had never been achieved before in Hamilton County for middle school. She maintained her dominance throughout her middle school years.

“It was one of those things - when she kept winning, we didn't want to talk about it because we didn't want to jinx it,” Courtney says.

She went on and was also awarded the Robert L. Theil Scholar Athlete Award, the highest award given by the athletic department at Clay Middle School.

“I remind myself that I can always improve once I’ve done something great - I can always do it better,” Ellie says. “Once I got the school record I didn't want to end there. I wanted to keep making the record better and better, and I wanted to keep winning because I knew that I could always keep improving.”

One of Ellie's most impressive accomplishments is her ability to not only set records, but also continually improve upon them. Her furthest discus throw is 115 feet, 10.5 inches.

Ellie's journey extends beyond track and field. She is not only an outstanding athlete, but also a dedicated fundraiser to the Arthritis Foundation, a cause close to her heart due to her sister's condition. She is also a black belt in taekwondo, and has a 4.0 grade point average.

As Ellie transitions to Carmel High School, she brings with her a legacy of excellence from her middle school track and field career. Her goals for the future include making it to the regionals meet and eventually breaking her high school's discus record.

“For ninth grade I'd like to be in the top two on the team, and get to compete in sectionals,” she says. “But in ninth grade I will not be concerned with winning or beating any records. I just want to be the best that I can be.”

Ellie's journey in middle school track

and field is a story of talent, perseverance and family support. Her remarkable accomplishments, from setting records to her commitment to fundraising, are a testament to her character and determination. As she embarks on her high school track-and-field career, all eyes will be on this rising star, eager to see what records she will set and break in the years to come.

PRIVATE BANKING

EXPERIENCE THE SERVICE AND DEDICATION YOU DESERVE

Our Private Banking clients receive exceptional personal service and advice from our experts. Private Bankers work with you, and our extended team of Wealth Management specialists, to provide comprehensive lending, investment management and trust services that meet your goals.

Jeff C. Mantock, CFA Vice President and Portfolio Manager Investment Management

Daniel E. Sease Vice President Private Banking 317-261-9735

Jean W. Landy Assistant Vice President Personal Trusts

FÓRTE SURFACES

Sealing to Fόrte Surfaces, to better represent the products they offer.

Writer / Melissa Gibson

Photography Provided

It might come as a surprise to some - the dark stains on the driveway, pitting and cracking in the garage floor, and weather damage to the back porch aren’t just nuisances we have to tolerate.

There’s a solution to keeping hard surfaces clean and mold-free, and Jason Kirkby of Fόrte Surfaces can tell you all about it.

Fόrte Surfaces began in 2009, added the popular epoxy flooring to their list of services by 2015, and in 2023, updated their name and brand from Indiana Cleaning and

The family-owned business has Kirkby leading the way as chief executive officer, and he brings plenty of experience to the position.

“I started cleaning and sealing driveways in high school, and have been around concrete my whole life,” he says. “Some of my first customers were Larry Bird and Reggie Miller. From there, I got into the supply side and was selling these products until deciding to join Forte.”

The team at Fόrte Surfaces helps homeowners and commercial businesses extend the life of hard surfaces found in

areas such as driveways, garage floors, pool decks, basements and porches, all the way up to large-scale buildings and parking garages.

“We highly recommend you seal the hard surfaces around your home or business,” Kirkby says. “The hard surfaces around the exterior of your home can cost you up to 15 to 20% of your home’s value to rip out and replace. We can come in and protect that with our proprietary sealants and epoxy flooring systems so you don’t have to replace the surface.”

Epoxy/polyurea flooring is a synthetic resin that not only protects the surface, but also gives a creative flair to the design.

We all know what Indiana winter weather can do to our vehicles. Not only does snow and salt wreak havoc on vehicles, but it also drips onto driveways or concrete garage floors, eventually causing pits on the surfaces.

The sun, snow, ice, wind and additional debris can damage concrete and stone over the years.

Kirkby says a simple clean and seal can do wonders to your property.

“I don’t know any other service that can provide that ‘wow’ factor at this budget,” Kirkby says. “The biggest bang for your buck is cleaning that mold and mildew off of the surface. I think it’s just so common, people think it’s a normal thing to have this dark concrete or black limestone.”

Some clients want a good pressure wash but don’t prefer a sealant, and the crew at Fόrte Surfaces can deliver, but to take things one step further, sealing the surface will prevent further damage.

“A pressure washing and sealant lasts about three to five years and there is a lifetime warranty on the epoxy flooring,” Kirkby says. “Sometimes the surface is in such bad condition the customer assumes replacement is the only option. We normally always have a solution for that surface.”

Whatever the need, the team’s goal is to create long-lasting surfaces for homeowners and business owners as they work alongside each client, making the space look better than when they arrived.

BUILDING BRANDS

PENCE MEDIA GROUP MAKES MARKETING, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT A FULL-TIME FOCUS

Writer / Michael Durr Photographers / Ashley Wittmer and Todd Scroggins

“I can read from a teleprompter.”

Those were the words Nicole Pence Becker uttered to her husband, Jason, as they were discussing her next career move after she retired from her job as a TV news anchor.

A 2:30 a.m. wake-up call to anchor a daily two-hour morning show wasn't going to work for Nicole, after welcoming twins and then a surprise third child less than 13 months later. The four-time Emmy Award-winning journalist felt it was time to leave the career she loved to stay home for a bit - but then, what next?

With a supportive nudge from Jason, Nicole knew that she was capable of much more than reading from a teleprompter. As a journalist for over 13 years, Nicole loved to tell stories, listen to people, help them solve their problems, and celebrate their wins.

She knew she wanted to reinvent herself.

“I was a new mother of three little boys, which was a life-changing experience,” she says. “I am grateful I could stay home and flex for our little family, but I knew I would eventually want to use my rare and valuable skill sets to make an impact again.”

Nicole saw a need to disrupt the traditional consulting model by organizing a group of experienced women who want to work and also have the flexibility to put family first. Nicole founded Pence Media Group (PMG) in 2017. Pence Media Group is a full-service public relations, media and marketing consultancy, working with startups to Fortune 500s. Fast-forward to today, and PMG employs more than 15 women either full time or as consultants.

“Nicole has created a supportive and inclusive culture that

embraces the diverse talents of women,” says Anna Carrera, a former TV reporter turned public relations professional who serves as PMG’s director of public relations. “We work as a team to create solutions for our clients and tell their story. It’s a winwin for us all.”

Nicole's entrepreneurial spirit and determination fueled the growth of the company. Pence Media Group continues to grow each year to serve more clients, attract incredible talent and earn prestigious awards. Most recently, PMG was honored with a MUSE Creative Gold Award for Best Small Agency of the Year in 2023, as well as three Pinnacle Awards and 12 Awards of Honor at the Public Relations Society of America Hoosier Chapter 2023 Pinnacle Awards.

“We run every project from concept through completion with an operating mantra of, ‘Consider it done,’” Nicole says. “It’s more than a tagline for us. It’s how we approach our work. PMG is solution oriented, and we are straight to the point. We don’t like to waste anybody’s time.”

Several of PMG’s clients are also women-owned businesses, including Sprouts Cooking School, Wright’s 360º Movement Academy, Indy Night Nanny, Indy Nanny Concierge, Pluie, and Tiffany Skilling Interiors. PMG celebrates these women and helps them scale their businesses through strategic public relations, marketing and media efforts. After utilizing PMG’s services for only a couple of months Tiffany Skilling, owner of Tiffany Skilling Interiors, says, “I have gained so much time back! PMG never dismisses anything and takes the time to explore all potential opportunities. I am so thrilled with the hard work the PMG team is doing for me!”

In addition to leading the PMG team, Nicole’s ambitious nature led her to co-found a second business. While working to juggle work and mom life with now-four sons (Andrew, Colin, Matthew and Luke), Nicole struggled to find child care that was focused on the parent experience first. Nicole co-founded Indy Nanny Concierge with Morgan Friedman, a former educator and current professional nanny, to offer a solution for professional families seeking professional nannies. Indy Nanny Concierge helps dozens of Hoosier families each year.

“Women are capable of a lot, but you need to clearly know what you bring to the table and when it’s time to sit out,” Nicole says. “That’s why it’s crucial to step back and identify your unique skill sets and align them with your interests. I am honored to be able to give women the opportunity to feel accomplished in the workplace while also being present with their families. I take a lot of pride in our PMG team, and am confident our work speaks for itself through our client wins and our goals for the future."

For more info on Pence Media Group, go to pencemediagroup.com.

“WE RUN EVERY PROJECT FROM CONCEPT THROUGH COMPLETION WITH AN OPERATING MANTRA OF, ‘CONSIDER IT DONE.’”

Her Story

LOCAL RESIDENT SANDRA HURT PENS HISTORICAL FICTION BOOK

In my first column for Carmel Magazine, I am excited to bring you unique stories about interesting people and organizations with a connection to Carmel.

The Domina of the Villa, Rufilla Istacidia, while not exactly a Carmel resident, is a woman you should meet, if only in the pages of a book. Fortunately for us, author Sandra Hurt, who is a Carmel resident, will handle the details and does so with the grace of a master storyteller.

Through extensive research, multiple journeys to Pompeii and an internal drive that would not let her quit, Hurt has tackled one of my favorite genres, historical fiction. Her book “Priestess of Pompeii” is written about a woman who, as Hurt describes to me, could be a role model for modern-day women who might be going

through a transition.

“I felt like I was writing for the modern-day woman who has rituals that are not so much different today then in the era of Rufilla,” says Hurt, who captures ancient feminine wisdom and shares it throughout the book.

You might be wondering why a woman from Carmel, Indiana, would choose to write about a woman who is born into poverty, is rescued by a wealthy Pompeiian family, goes through a very dark time, and is feisty, curious and loves learning. “I was taken by her,” Hurt says.

Turns out, during a trip to the area, after experiencing the many frescoes in the Villa of the Mysteries, Hurt says she found an image

Writer / Jeff Worrell Photography Provided

Sandra Hurt

that she couldn’t get out of her head. And so it began, the wondering about why this priestess, a real person from many centuries ago, chose Hurt to bring her story to life. She told me it was all she could think about, resulting in an epiphany that a book must be written.

Days turned into weeks, which turned into months, which produced years of research, much of it gathered in the Wells Library in Bloomington, Indiana. “Priestess of Pompeii: The Initiate’s Journey, Book I” turned Hurt from researcher to author in 2020. Perhaps you are curious about the title, which includes a reference to “Book I.” Anyone who picks up this great read will delight in the fact that Hurt is currently working on Book II, and promises me there will be a Book III.

I am not sure how she finds the time, as she and her husband, Stan, are extremely generous with their time and talent in the world of Carmel nonprofits.

When you run into Hurt, be sure to ask if Rufilla gets married. You must pick up the book so you understand why that question is much, much deeper than it may appear. I must stop there or I will spoil the story.

Jeff Worrell

A TASTE OF HISTORY: BLIND TIGER BOOTLEGGERS

October 4, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Hamilton East Public Library - Fishers, Municipal Drive, Fishers FREE

At the turn of the 20th century, prohibition was gaining traction across the U.S. Join the staff of Hamilton East Public Library’s Indiana Room as they explore teetotalers and bootleggers from Hamilton County during the early 1900s. Find out who drove the political forces in Indiana to promote temperance across the state. Take a tipple from a Fishers brewery as you discover how local Hamilton County bootleggers operated outside of the system with their “blind tiger” establishments. Sign up on the library’s website (hepl.in.us).

THIS IS JUST A PREVIEW!

You are cordially invited!

BICENTENNIAL BASH

December 3, 1-5 p.m., Ivy Tech Hamilton County, 300 N. 17th St., Noblesville | FREE

Family-friendly, open house event! Come and celebrate all that Hamilton County has to offer! Join us for free food, live music, a short film commemorating the Bicentennial year, free raffle associated with a canned food drive, an art show in partnership with Nickel Plate Arts that includes commissioned works from “200 Years of Change: Celebrating Hamilton County, Indiana,” displays from non-profits, photo opportunities, limited-edition merchandise including the Bicentennial book, and free giveaways. Visit HamCoTurns200.com to register for free.

AROUND THE COUNTY THIS FALL! CLAY TOWNSHIP

signature event

A RETROSPECTIVE OF CARMEL

November 12, 1-3 p.m., Carmel Clay Public Library, East Main Street, Carmel | FREE

The Carmel Clay Historical Society and Carmel Clay Public Library invite you to enjoy a family-friendly afternoon gathering to share memories of Clay Township. Speakers, musicians, and family activities will teach about the rich history of Clay Township and Carmel. Plus, exhibits on display will remain in the library throughout November 2023.

Access the entire 2023 BICENTENNIAL EVENT LINEUP, including the multi-stop Traveling Exhibit, and get event/program details: HamCoTurns200.com

CARMEL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 175TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY

November 5, Carmel United Methodist Church

South Rangeline Road, Carmel | FREE

Join the Carmel United Methodist Church as they celebrate the 175th anniversary of the congregation. Food and historic displays will be available as visitors learn about the buildings that this church has called home over time, and the people who worshiped there.

HAMILTON CO. BICENTENNIAL TRAVELING EXHIBIT

Sept. 30-Oct. 13, Hobbs Station Forest Park, Noblesville

Oct. 14-20, Collaboration Hub, Technology Drive, Fishers FREE | Last chance to learn about all five of our Bicentennial themes: Arts, Diversity/Inclusion, Education, Historic Preservation, and Parks/Environment. Contact the hosting organization for information on when the exhibit is open to the public.

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