MAGAZINE
MAY 2021
Tinkerhouse
CHARM AND WHIMSY AWAIT CUSTOMERS AT TIPTON-BASED BUSINESS
BEST-ONE OF INDY MEMORABLE GIFT IDEAS FOR MOTHER’S DAY
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Large In-Store Selection of Laz Boy and Beauty Rest!
113 N. Main St., Tipton | 765-675-2554
Monday-Friday 10:00-5:30 Saturday 10:00-2:00 Closed Sunday
The Perfect Home Deserves Carpet ∙ Hardwood The Perfect Floor Laminate ∙ Tile ∙ Lvt
THE FLOOR STORE Steve & Carolyn Swan
1003 E. Jefferson St. Tipton, IN 46072 765-675-3230 2 / TIPTON MAGAZINE / MAY 2021 / atTipton.com
Tinkerhouse CHARM AND WHIMSY AWAIT CUSTOMERS AT TIPTON-BASED BUSINESS
“Tinkerhouse was built 12 years ago while our family home was being restored,” Jenkins says. “It is a garden folly - a European term for a structure built to decorate a garden. It’s very small, yet two stories tall. I used it while spraying paint, potting plants, and sketching while sitting in the loft. Over time, it took on a life of its own and I named it Tinkerhouse. In 2016 it was featured in Country Living magazine and was the first ‘she shed’ that author Erika Kotite, who coined the term, ever saw.”
Writer / Julie Yates Photographer / Jason Graves
Enter Tinkerhouse in Tipton, and prepare to be transported to a whimsical and charming world. Formerly known as Tinker and Delight, the shop is being rebranded by owner Donna Reyne Jenkins to reflect what initially inspired her to open a store - her garden shed. The structure, named Tinkerhouse, has been featured in six national publications but is a little-known spot within the local area. atTipton.com / MAY 2021 / TIPTON MAGAZINE / 3
Jenkins has experience in staging displays and creating imaginative vignettes that catch the eye, and bring a spark of joy to those who view them. After being the creative director at a boutique and for Ethan Allen, she took a break during a busy life period, when two of her four children married and her granddaughter was born prematurely by three months. During this time she participated in events and markets, and also sold merchandise online. “One day I went to get my hair cut and saw a building on the corner with a forrent sign on it,” Jenkins says. “The whole time I sat there, I thought about having the shop there. God equips everyone with certain things. Forecasting trends and creating is what I do. I wanted a store that envelops you. When the door opens, you are magically transported. Everything inside is extremely curated and I own one of just about everything we sell.”
Jenkins says she opened Tinkerhouse in April of 2019 to promote a lifestyle. “It’s for ‘her, home and child,’” she says. “Based on the feeling of a European garden, it is bold yet feminine. We encourage people to be creative and enjoy indulgences that make their home cozy and happy.” Inside the store, a large tree adorned with tiny lights has leaves that are changed out to reflect the seasons. Displays and vignettes are also crafted to express specific holidays and times of the year. There are different nooks and spaces for the various items sold. Seeds of Creativity is an area that offers paint-by-number kits, water-color supplies, and tiny cross-stitch or embroidery samplers. Price points for American-made artisan items range from $3 for a unicorn click pen, to around $100 for heirloom quality objects. Feminine clothes and a line of high-end pajamas are also available, as well as jewelry, fragrances, stationary goods, candles, tea, coffee and a quality candy line. There is merchandise for all areas of a home. Everything is wrapped up with seasonal ribbon and packaged when purchased.
A wonderful selection of high quality decor, furniture and unique gifts. NOW SERVING WINE, BEER AND SELTZERS LET US HOST YOUR SOCIALLY SAFE PARTIES
114 E. JEFFERSON ST, TIPTON | 765-675-4424 URBANHOMESTEADLLC.COM 4 / TIPTON MAGAZINE / MAY 2021 / atTipton.com
“The little things matter just as much as the big things,” Jenkins says. “I try to find a variety so that everyone who comes in can have a piece of Tinkerhouse to take with them. Before COVID we taught classes and had events. During the shutdowns we did mask drops once a week. People donated to the drops and we were able to keep our employees. The shop girls really get it - they understand the Tinkerhouse lifestyle, so they are an important part of the business.”
Jenkins closed her shop from the end of December through the first week in March, due to serious health issues her husband was facing. She took time to pray, reflect and re-evaluate. When the store reopened, it officially became known as Tinkerhouse. “During the period we were closed, I realized I really needed the outlet that Tinkerhouse gives me,” she says. “Everyone has some creativity in them, all in different ways. When people are exposed to and offered things to help them create, they find they can do more.” Jenkins says those familiar with the business are dedicated to the concept. “I have many virtual followers on social media, but not as many as actual customers who come into the store,” she says. “People enjoy our feminine dedication to family and home. Tipton is an amazing little town with wonderful stores to shop in. It is an up-and-coming destination spot. I feel Tinkerhouse adds to Tipton and brings something that was lacking. I want to offer a memorable shopping experience.” Tinkerhouse is located at 138 South Main Street in Tipton. For more info, call 765675-2407 or visit Tinkerhouseco.com.
Becoming a House “Sold” Name 221 S. Main St | 765-675-3100 anewrealtyhomes.com atTipton.com / MAY 2021 / TIPTON MAGAZINE / 5
COMMUNITY LEADERBOARD THERESA LOUTHEN, FAYE’S NORTHSIDE CAFE Q: Length lived in the area? A: All my life, since I was a little kid. Faye’s has been open since November of 1982. Q: Business philosophy? A: Serving homestyle cooking like chicken and noodles. We serve 100 pounds of fish
every week. Q: Ways you make a difference in the community? A: Our customers are like family. If someone passes away or has a sick loved one, I will take food to them. We also honor veterans since our own family has a military background. Q: Ways to de-stress and recharge? A. I have a schnauzer named Dolly.
KIM SOTTONG, ANEW REALTY Q: Ways to de-stress and recharge? A: I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. Porch time spent by my fire pit is
my favorite. Q: Favorite charities or organizations? A: Encore Center and the Boys & Girls Club. Q: Person you are inspired by? A: My mother - she taught us how to work hard and be honest.
Writer / Julie Yates Photography Provided
JENNIFER STURGES, ANYTIME FITNESS Q: Ways to de-stress and recharge? A: It’s a big commitment with completing workouts five to six mornings per week. This habit recharges me both mentally and physically. Q: Favorite organizations or charities? A: It’s difficult to choose just one local organization as a favorite. I am a big supporter of the Tipton Police K-9 division. Q: What would you like to do that you haven’t done already? A: We had plans last year to organize a dog walk fundraiser for the K-9 division. However, the COVID-19 shutdowns derailed my plan. We hope the fundraiser is back on the books in 2021.
LISA FERGUSON, HEART AND SOUL CARING Q: How long have you been in business? A: We started seven years ago in 2014. There were three of us and four clients. Now we are in four counties and have 20 caregivers, and three of us are in the office. Q: Favorite charities or organizations? A: The Women’s Fund of the Tipton County Foundation.
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CAROLYN SWAN, THE FLOOR STORE Q: Length lived in the area? A: My mother’s family was originally from here. We have lived here since 1989 and opened the store in 1992. Q: Favorite place in the community? A: The golf course, and we try to support local restaurants like Jim Dandy, Faye’s Northside Cafe and South Pole Drive In.
Women of Tipton SUSAN DEVAULT, MEMORY LANE ANTIQUES Q: Length lived in the area? A: I’ve lived here
since 1980. Q: What makes your business stand out? A: We have a unique shop that has unusual things. Everything in the shop is ready to be set in your home. Linens are washed and all parts are fixed. Q: Business philosophy? A: We go to different stores to see what they are doing. We get different ideas to keep it fresh.
JODY MUMAW, STYLES OUR WAY BOUTIQUE Q: Why did you start the business? A: It all started with leggings. I kept buying them. I thought that there had to be another way I can have all the leggings I want, so I opened a boutique. Q: How do you make a difference in community? A: I donate clothing items to churches and women’s shelters. Q: What would you like to do that you haven’t done already? A: Someday I would like to bag up items and give them out to homeless people.
KINDRA TRAGESSER, URBAN HOMESTEAD Q: Person you are inspired by? A: Several. Recently Karen E. Laine from the TV show “Good Bones” spent the day celebrating out first-year anniversary. A truly beautiful soul - she gives of herself to help others. Q: Ways to de-stress and recharge? A: I step back and quiet my mind. If you don’t rest, you have nothing to give yourself or anyone.
DUSTY TETER, LEGENDS MUSIC ACADEMY Q: Why did you move to Tipton? A: My husband was born and raised here. We came home to care for his parents. Q: How long have you been in business? A: Since May of 2019. Q: How do you make a difference in the community? A: We give free ukulele workshops, and free guitar and drum lessons to the community. This year we will perform eight or nine times at the park, and at events such as the Pork Festival.
KAREN HORTON, HORTON’S HOME AND GARDEN Q: Length lived in the area? A: Growing up I had family living in Tipton and we visited often. I loved it. The business has been in my husband’s family since 1976 and we purchased it in 1995. Q: Reason for the business’s longevity? A: Being able to change is imperative. We listen to our customers. They steer us to carry certain products.
Horton’s Home & Garden 765∙675∙2013 | 112 S. Main St., Tipton atTipton.com / MAY 2021 / TIPTON MAGAZINE / 7
BEST-ONE OF INDY Writer / Julie Yates Photographer / Jason Graves
The name of R&T Tire & Auto Service may have changed, but customers will find that it’s business as usual. The 56-year-old company was recently acquired by Best-One of Indy, also a long standing and family-owned Indiana business. With 35 years of experience behind it, Best-One of Indy welcomes the R&T Tire family into theirs. R&T Tire began in the summer of 1965 when Ray Alexander and his son, Tom, used their first initials to name the company and opened a shop in Sheridan. In 1968, Tom’s wife Anita became part of the team. Ray retired in 1982, and a few years later, Tom and Anita’s son Brian joined the business. Soon after, Jim Kitchel, their son-in-law, and daughter Tina joined the company.
Between the years of 1987 and 2008, R&T Tire expanded to a total of five locations. Sadly, Brian Alexander passed away in 2017. At that time, the company made the difficult decision to reduce to two locations. The Noblesville and Tipton shops continued and the Kitchels took over running the day-to-day operations. “Over the years, I have gotten offers. Why now, why sell now? When I met with the leadership team of Best-One of Indy, I was so impressed that they seemed just like me; their honesty, their close-knit operations and good customer service. We unanimously decided it was a good time to make a change,” says Tom Alexander. Best-One of Indy cares about their people, and the communities their shops are located in. Coming into Noblesville and Tipton means that they will not replace people, but will instead welcome them into their family. Chuck Godby & Daniel Heald will remain leading the Noblesville team, while the Tipton team will continue to be led by Patrick Henderson and Pete Thomas. “What sets us apart is that after 35 years, we can truly say we’re still local, and while we sell tires, we first serve people; from our team members to our customers. We serve on multiple levels, including giving back,” says Trula Womack, Director of Marketing for BestOne of Indy. “We go from raising money for Riley, to collecting
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PB&J for local food pantries, to collecting donations for local humane societies, and that was just last year – during a pandemic.” Going forward, Tom will be a part of operations, Jim will join sales and operations, and Tina will be a part of the administrative team. Best-One of Indy employs over 130 team members in 13 locations in Central Indiana, offers the opportunity to get certified technical training while on the job, and placed in the top 5 in the United States in the 2020 Tire Industry’s Best Places to Work program by Tire Business. “We are a one-stop shop for both consumers and commercial customers. We offer tires and services for passenger, light truck, fleet, semi-truck, RV and farm equipment. At the end of the day, family is truly who we are and we are excited to expand into Noblesville and Tipton,” Womack says. “Our team members are your neighbors. In the reviews we get, people know the names of managers, assistant managers and names of our techs. They have real conversations and interactions –that’s what creating raving fans is all about, and that’s Best-One.” “I hope our employees see this as an opportunity to continue working for a company that cares about them as we always have,” says Alexander. Best-One of Indy in Noblesville is located at 17016 Clover Road. Phone 317-773-3130. Best-One of Tipton is located at 804 West Jefferson Street. Phone 765-675-6775. Visit their website at bestoneindy.com.
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Tipton
Mother’s Day Gift Guide
URBAN HOMESTEAD 114 E. Jefferson St, Tipton / 765-675-4424
MEMORY LANE ANTIQUES 120 N. Main St 765-675-3004
FREE GIFT FOR MOM WITH A PURCHASE OF A GIFT CARD Expires 5/31/21
302 E. Jefferson, St. / 765-675-2910 10 / TIPTON MAGAZINE / MAY 2021 / atTipton.com
HORTON’S HOME & GARDEN 765∙675∙2013 | 112 S. Main St., Tipton
“Fresh Linen” Linen Spray “Fresh Linen” Candle “Fresh Linen” Hand Lotion
$24.99 $24.99 $24.99
TINKERHOUSE 138 South Main St, Tipton / 765-675-2407 Madison: chiffon floral maxi Leather bracelet Brass Bee Dangle Earrings April Cornell Cushion Cover
$42.50 $35 $20 $22
Sydney: Ruffled Challis maxi Melanie Pearl and semi precious stone bracelet Boho floral headband
$42.25 $27 $18.00
Candy Club Candy Cowhide Tote Bag Cowhide Wallet
$6-$8 each
$89.99 $29.99
STYLES OUR WAY stylesourwayboutique.com 124 N. Main Street Top Shelf Luxury Lotion $9.00
“Fresh Cut Flowers” metal wall sign (dimensions 19” x 29”) $59.99
“The Huckleberry” Hat The Yellowverse Dress
$38.99 $31.99
atTipton.com / MAY 2021 / TIPTON MAGAZINE / 11
MEMORABLE GIFT IDEAS FOR MOTHER’S DAY BREAKFAST IN BED While this one might be overdone, it’s still special. I mean, how often is your mom not the first one up in the house? Give her some extra sleep time, and surprise her in bed with her favorite cup of coffee, a delicious breakfast, and a magazine or paper she loves. Then leave her alone to enjoy some peace and quiet. Unless she invites you in - in which case snuggle up, but don’t spill on the bed.
SPEND THE DAY TOGETHER No matter how many moms want time away on Mother’s Day, there are still some who just want to be surrounded by their loved ones. Some mommas would give everything to have all their kids in one place for an entire day or weekend. Get with your dad and/or siblings and try to have a full day planned, during which you all just hang out with your mom and add small surprises into the day, like ordering her favorite lunch or playing a family game.
Writer / Abigail Hake Photography Provided
Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and hopefully we will all be getting back to normal soon and visiting people and places more regularly. Thank goodness. Even though there may be some restrictions still in place, there’s no reason not to spoil mom this year. Here are a few options that are sure to inspire your Mother’s Day plans for this year.
DOCUMENT THE DAY However you spend the day, document it. Photo gifts are lots of fun, but one way to change this up is to give your mom an Instax camera or pull out the old Polaroid. Have her take photos all day long, and then compile and go through them at the end of the day. Be sure to have plenty of film. Add notes to the back of the photos at that time.
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Write down silly moments and heartfelt notes, so when you pull them out next time you can remember the day like it was yesterday.
SEND HER SOMEWHERE Check your local shops and spas to see if they are offering anything special for moms. Maybe surprise her with a day away or a massage. Maybe just send her to her favorite shop at the mall with a gift card, and give her time to pick out a few things she’d like. Sending her somewhere doesn’t mean you have to put her on a flight or send her to another country (although that gesture would be amazing). Whether you send her to the spa down the street or on a girls weekend with her closest friends, the time away will be much appreciated.
WRITE A THANK-YOU LETTER This seems like a simple gesture, right? Well, it is. However, it’s easy to forget all the things we take for granted that mom does day in and day out - and do we always say thanks for those gestures? Well, this is your chance to thank her for all those things that you think about often, but don’t always verbalize. Write a thank-you note by hand and then slip it in the mail. The gesture of doing it ahead of time, and making sure to mail it so it will make it to your mom by Mother’s Day, will not go unnoticed.
HAVE A MOM “YES” DAY Hear me out, because this can be lots of fun. Make sure the whole family is available ahead of time, and then pop mom in the car and go. Give her the rules (whatever you choose), like spending no more than $100 or traveling no farther than 50 miles, and let her pick four or five things you have to do with her, no matter what they are. If you don’t know what a “yes” day is, look it up. It’s usually done for kids, but with mom at the helm, who knows what you’d have to do without saying no?
Custom-designed family rings uniquely made for every Mom
However you spoil your mom this year, don’t forget to take it all in while you do it. Even though Mother’s Day is supposed to be all about mom, something we learned from the past year is that you never know what’s around the corner. Make sure to enjoy all the little things about the time spent with your mother. She’ll love it just as much as you will.
Tuesday-Friday 9:30 to 5:30 / Saturday 9:30 to 2:00 765-675-9720 / moserjewelers.com 135 E. Jefferson Street / Downtown Tipton / Next to the Diana Theatre
506 N.Main St
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