If you’re feeling the urge to do a little shopping, why not check out these six unique fashion businesses in Indy that are all woman-owned? Whether you’re looking for a fabulous pair of earrings or the perfect vintage find, they’ve got you covered.
Earth + fire
krystal highbaugh, co-owner and jewelry artisan
EARTHANDFIRE.SHOP, @EARTHANDFIRE.INDY
“Earth + Fire is a mother and daughter team of creatives specializing in creating one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry and art. We use an array of mediums, including metal, clay, wood, cord, resin, and natural healing crystals, to create wearable art. Each piece is made with love and incorporates a healing crystal that we hope resonates with your spirit and can aid you in your journey.
“Earth + Fire started as a way for Krystal to decompress after work and take breaks from being in front of a screen. She started out creating jewelry for herself and as small gifts for friends and family to aid them in whatever journey they were currently on. Tami, Krystal’s mother, showed an interest in learning, so they would get together on ‘Family Fridays’ to make jewelry. Eventually, people started to inquire about their jewelry and request specialty items; thus, Earth + Fire was born.”
nikki blaine couture
nikki blaine, designer and owner
NIKKIBLAINE.COM, @NIKKIBLAINECOUTURE
“Nikki Blaine Couture is located in the village of Zionsville, Indiana. It is a unique, cozy, one-off boutique for special occasion attire, repurposing things you love, and alterations.
“Nikki Blaine Couture is designed for the unique woman with extraordinary taste. There is a high appreciation for finer fabrics and the client desires to look different, yet make a fashionable statement for the rest of the world to admire.
“The business started in my home, and for the past 10 years has been a staple in the Zionsville community.”
notorious vintage
tori sandler, owner
TORISANDLEREVENTS.COM, @SHOPNOTORIOUSVINTAGE
“After my former business partner and I permanently shut the door of Rebel Vintage (RV) in December of 2021, I set out to find the next home of my 5-year-old small business, Notorious Vintage.
“I was introduced to Cindy Shamo of Retro Metro by my mom, Tonya, soon after closing RV. I knew I was in the right place when I saw the eclectic mix of secondhand home goods, locally handmade jewelry, a vast roster of local small business vendors, plus a large room on the main floor designated for hosting events. The latter was a crucial piece to the puzzle, as event coordination is both a skill and passion of mine.
“After discovering a completely empty second floor and too many serendipitous series of events to ignore, I knew NV had found a place to start building. Notorious Vintage features a collection of size (ranging from 0-28) and gender inclusive vintage and retro clothing, accessories, and home decor with a focus on vibrant, colorful, bold, maximalist pieces ranging from the 50s to the present. In addition to the NV collection, the racks are filled with other local Indy curators and makers that complement the space, plus a children’s vintage clothing room, and merchandise is being stocked daily!”
rebellious soul collection
tiffany jones, founder and owner
@REBELLIOUSSOUL1
“Rebellious Soul was founded in 2015 but rebranded in 2020. The term ‘rebellious’ is widely identified as being unruly or disruptive, but in the world of fashion, it means creative, trendsetting, to protest the traditional social order, unordinary, and one-of-a-kind.”
“When the pandemic occurred, working remotely quickly became the new norm. Fashion has always been a part of my life, so when I no longer needed to get dressed every morning, something shifted.”
“I believe that when you look good, you feel good. Working remotely and being shut in from world began to do something to my psyche, so to avoid the likelihood of depression, I began creating looks that were comfortable and still stylish.”
“I created my first pair of pants with a tapestry blanket I had around the house, and I learned quickly how unique the look was and loved it. After receiving numerous praises on social media, I took the tapestry look one step further. I began creating custom looks with celebrity art, and personalized custom jackets. From that, Rebellious Soul has become the one-of-a- kind collection. Avoid living a life that goes against what the world is trying to conform you to be!”
sac de dame
lakeisha austin, owner
SACDEDAMEBOUTIQUE.COM, @SACDEDAME
“Sac De Dame’s mission is to provide an intimate shopping experience for the consumer while providing the opportunity for people to express themselves with their accessories and clothing. We carry an exclusive line of fashions, handbags, shoes, and accessories, all having a unique style at a reasonable price. So, no matter how you picture yourself, we have the look just for you!
“Our company is based on the belief that our customer’s needs are of the utmost importance. We are committed to meeting those needs. As a result, a high percentage of our business is from repeat customers and referrals. We will welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver to you all the best products we have to offer.
“I started SDD to supplement my income because I have a love for fashion and accessories. Never did I ever imagine that it would turn into what it has today. I am forever grateful for everyone who is along with me on this journey and to God who has put this calling on my life!”
tokyo twiggy
jennifer felts, designer and owner
@TOKYO_TWIGGY
“I am a fashion and textile designer. My brand Tokyo Twiggy is custom streetwear, and I also make all my own fabrics, which makes them unique. I started my brand because I was having issues finding fabrics that met my vision. So, I decided to learn how to make my own. I also can make fabrics for others as well having the same issue.”
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Photo credit: Tokyo Twiggy’s studio photos were taken by Jennifer Bibbs.
Stephanie Groves is the Executive Editor of Indy Maven and she loves all things fashion and local.
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