INDIANAPOLIS — BOONE COUNTY — “When you buy local you are supporting the community as a whole, you’re supporting someone's dream. This was a manifestation of so many ideas that pulled together,” said Kelly Petrowski.
She owns The Green Apple in downtown Zionsville and has been in business for eight years now. “My passion I love the atmosphere and the apparel I sell, it's my lifestyle. I work out, I am a mom, then I do work, so what I sell is specific to that on-the-go person,” said Petrowski.
Her shop is persevering, but she says this year has been the toughest. She's moved a lot of merchandise online and started to bring personal styling boxes to customer doorsteps just to adapt to the times.
“When it was prom season I was devastated because this is 80 percent of my business. Everyone wants a prom gown, and everyone wants to be the belle of the ball and there wasn't a ball."
Nikki Blaine Couture is located a street over from The Green Apple and she says her tenth year in business has been all about going with the flow of things. "Just got back from doing New York Fashion Week and L.A. fashion week and then boom the whole world shutdown. I was living my best life and then all of a sudden it hit pause," said Nikki Blaine.
Making face masks with some added glam just fell into her lap.
Over on the east side at Post Road English Garden, Lisa Schwier says people should support small business because there's a lot on the line right now. "If people don't buy local, we aren't going to be here,” said Schwier.
She's been meeting flower needs for 23-years. She says this year is all about the personal touch her shop can provide. She's noticed since people can't visit loved ones right now, they are eager to find thoughtful ways to show they care and that’s where she comes in.
"People will call and want something fun for their grandmother, they haven't been able to see for six months and we can customize something for them,” said Schwier.
Plus she says just stepping into her shop gives customers a dose of the holiday cheer that we all need right now.
