Speedway Women in Business -Making History in this Racing Town
By Lisa Schmitz of For the Love of Speedway and Do Something Indy
Women's History Month is known as a celebration of women's contributions to history, culture, and society. This memorial observance has happened annually in the month of March in the US since 1987.
Now 35 years later, we have women in the town of Speedway, Indiana making their own history, contributing to the culture of Speedway, and running this town founded on racing by a group of men!
Lane Warner of Studio 1432 and Lane Lewis Photography on Main Street in Speedway had an idea spark in her mind to showcase these entrepreneurial women. She has lived out starting two businesses, managing a young family, and balancing it all. She wanted to gather these like-minded women to support and encourage them and to put them on the winner’s podium, spotlighting the women running this racing town. She wanted to give them an opportunity to connect, network, and share their stories with each other.
For the Love of Speedway, a brand founded by Lisa Schmitz that spotlights the town, the race, and the track jumped on board to help promote and coordinate the event. And then Do Something Indy came alongside to help tell their stories and showcase the good things they are doing for their community.
These women are living their dreams and making it happen! They all have different reasons for starting their businesses in Speedway. But there is a very common theme, which is the sense of community. Amy Valentine, co-owner of the Puppy Pitstop, a full-service grooming, training, boarding, and doggie daycare business stated, “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!” Evelyn Fuller of House Plants & Stuff, a specialty house plant business said, “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.” And Christi Rider of City Dogs Grocery stated, “We have watched Speedway grow over the past 20 years and I wanted to be a part of the amazing businesses!”
They all came together to share their challenges and successes, too. After all, starting your own business is scary, hard, but it is rewarding all at the same time. They all shared that it is a challenge to balance families and work, learning to ask for help, finding time for self-care, and charging what they are worth. But at the end of the day, they all say it is the most rewarding thing they have ever done. The also agreed, when asked what advice they would give to another woman considering opening her own business, “Just DO IT!”
Ceira Miller, Co-Owner of The Spark 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!"
Amy Valentine said when asked, “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!
When asked, “What has been your biggest challenge?” Michelle Sears said, “My biggest challenge is charging what I’m worth.” I think that is a challenge we all struggle with. And then when asked, “What advice would you give to another woman dreaming of owning her own business?” she said, “Go for it!”
The Women’s History Month movement has come a long way in 35 years. And these Speedway Women in Business are creating Speedway history right now, contributing to the Speedway culture and community in big ways! And they aren’t the only Speedway Women Business Owners in town! There were many that could not join us for this fun afternoon of connecting and photography. All of them are running this racing town!
Thank you to Lane Warner for elevating these amazing women to the podium for us all to support and encourage! Read all of their challenges, successes, and advice on Lane’s blog here. And, if you’re a woman wanting to start your own business, follow their advice and just DO IT!
Full interviews HERE!
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.
Why did you choose to start or locate your business in Speedway?
I have been a west side resident since birth and a Speedway resident since 2007. I love this community and wanted to be a part of it's ongoing growth!
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!
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Brooke Minnix // B. Erin Designs - We are a furniture, home decor and gift boutique on Main Street.
Why did you choose to start or locate your business in Speedway?
I was born and raised here and also live here with my family. It was always a dream to have a little shop on Main St in Speedway.
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!!!
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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
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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.
Why did you choose to start or locate your business in Speedway? We loved the growing close knit community!
What advice would you give to another woman dreaming of owning her own business? Jump with both feet!
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Michelle Sears // Mimi Indy Creations
Why did you choose to start your business in speedway? I have lived in Speedway since 1988, I love this town and wanted to stay local.
What is your biggest challenge? And your biggest or most memorable accomplishment? My biggest challenge is charging what I’m worth. My biggest accomplishment is having Brooke, owner of b erin designs ask me to join her shop. She has been amazing and helped me overcome some of my challenges.
What advice would you give another woman dreaming of owning her own business? Go for it!!
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Audrey Johnson // Dentistry Of Indiana
http://dentistryofindiana.com/
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. ❤️
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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!
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Amy Valentine // Puppy Pitstop - co-owner of Puppy Pitstop in Speedway! Puppy Pitstop is a full- service dog facility providing doggy daycare, boarding, grooming, training & wellness center.
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!
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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!
Why did you choose to start or locate your business in Speedway?
My family relocated here to Speedway (where my husband grew up) in 2020 during the pandemic and the time was right for me to launch my Soothing Snuggler business, as well as to take my already established Stable Living from an independent contractor position to a private practice. There's no better community than Speedway to support small businesses!
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.
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Azure Angelov // Paramount Health Data Project -I believe correlating educational and health data have the power to change the lives of children navigating poverty.
Why did you choose to start or locate your business in Speedway?
I used to be a teacher in Speedway and have lived here for more than 20 years. This is a fabulous community for families and businesses.
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.
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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 reality!
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Sarah Satterfield // NRG Dance Company -recreational and competitive award winning dance studio for children
https://www.nrgdancecompany.com
Why did you choose to start or locate your business in Speedway?
We loved the sense of community! Everyone comes together in Speedway!
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!
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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.
Why did you choose to start or locate your business in Speedway?
I have lived almost my entire life in Speedway. My husband and I raised our children in the home I grew up in and still live there.
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.
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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.
Why did you choose to start or locate your business in Speedway?
I have lived here for over 20 years and really love the community and schools. Growing up in a small community myself, I wanted my kids to experience all of those things that a small town has to offer.
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.
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Lori Long // Links Creative Alliance Strategic Marketing and Comprehensive Communications Consulting
https://www.linkscreativealliance.com
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.
Why did you choose to start or locate your business in Speedway? I live here.
What advice would you give to another woman dreaming of owning her own business?Just do it--and don't look back.
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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.
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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.
Why did you choose to start or locate your business in Speedway?
My husband and I moved to Speedway in 2018 - my business was already established, so it came with me! I raised my daughter in Speedway before I met and married my husband in 2001 - we moved to Brownsburg at that time, but he always promised to bring me back to Speedway, and he kept his promise! Luckily, my daughter's best friend owns B.Erin Designs on Main Street, and she's been gracious enough to let me sell some of my items in her shop!
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!
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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. I also run a nonprofit and own a full service floral design business, so realizing which business needs my attention most is a challenge. 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.
Why did you choose to start or locate your business in Speedway? My brand is all about Speedway! It is the heart of the art and represents the town, the track, and the race. 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!
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Brittney Lewis // Independent Optavia Health Coach. I help people on their journeys to optimal health!
Why did you choose to start or locate your business in Speedway? Speedway is the greatest city in the world!
What is your biggest challenge? And your biggest or most memorable accomplishment? -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!
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!
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Ashleigh Oldfather//Arbonne Independent Consultant I connect people to products that promote healthy living
Why did you choose to start or locate your business in Speedway?
I have lived in speedway for 15 years and love it here. I work from home and love this growing community.
What is your biggest challenge? And your biggest or most memorable accomplishment?
Biggest challenge would be juggling all the things. Wife, mom, and biz. I will say it is possible though! I love when I hear back from clients about how much they love the products I sell or how much better they feel once starting one of our 30 days to healthy living packages
What advice would you give to another woman dreaming of owning her own business?
GO FOR IT! What do you have to lose? You may try and fail multipolar time but it is worth it to achieve that ultimate dream
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Michele Porten // Porten’s on 15th Candles
Describe your business - Porten’s on 15th Candle Company is an independent small business in Speedway, IN. We make hand poured, small batch candles in our home using premium non-toxic fragrance oils, and clean burning, 100% natural soy wax made from soybeans grown here in the Midwest. We sell our candles online and offer S&H, or porch pickup for locals. You can also find a variety of our candles at Tyler Mason Salon & Spa, B. Erin's Designs, and Founders Grounds Coffee Company.
Why did you decide to start/locate your business in Speedway, Indiana? We love Speedway and it's small town community feel. We operate our business from our home on 15th Street. It's my husband's (Joe) childhood home. It's been in the family for over 40 years. The house is incredibly special to us, it's actually our logo!
A challenge you have had in owning your own business - The biggest challenge was deciding to start the business in the height of the pandemic in 2020. Everything was hard to get. Globally, candle jars were on back order from all the factories that shut down due to the virus. We sweated that out for over 5 months. We were extremely low in stock in our signature amber jar.
A success that you’ve had in your business - I love creating candles with a nostalgic scent and candles with themes or a nod to places dear to our heart. We had tremendous success with our Race Day candle which is the scent of fresh cut grass. It's May, and everyone's mowing their lawns, decorating for the race, and parking cars in the grass. The grounds at the Speedway are immaculate, and during the race, you're on the edge of your seat when they announce a driver is racing "in the grass!" On the backstretch. We also had great success with our Record Store candle. It smells just like you stepped into a record store during the '70s and '80s. Takes you right back to your teenage self, browsing the vinyl and buying concert tickets.
A word of advice to other women thinking of starting their own business - Be authentic to who you are in every decision you make. It will make decisions easier and feel more natural and you can't go wrong. Don't be too afraid of taking that leap of faith. You will never know unless you try.
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Are you a Speedway Woman Business owner with either brick and mortar or run your business from your home? Connect with us! We have plans to continue gathering and would love to see you, too!
Email lanelewisphotography@yahoo.com or lisagschmitz@icloud.com .
Lane Warner – Owner of Lane Lewis Photography and Founder – Studio 1432
https://www.lanelewisphotography.com/
Instagram - @lanelewisphotography and @studio1432
Lisa Schmitz – Founder, For the Love of Speedway and Host of Do Something Indy
History of For the Love of Speedway
https://www.wishtv.com/news/for-the-love-of-the-speedway-ready-for-turbocharged-indy-500/
https://wherepigsflyandsuch.blogspot.com/2020/05/for-love-of-speedway-family-affair-back.html
https://www.facebook.com/fortheloveofspeedway
Instagram - @fortheloveofspeedway
Do Something Indy
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0Id8d-YPhOkfS-t9Dhmh2Q
https://www.facebook.com/dosomethingindy
Instagram - @dosomethingindy
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