Carmel’s Endeavor Boutique has the latest fashions for any woman
Writer & Photographer / Allison Yates
A bright, open space located at 846 S. Rangeline Road, Carmel’s Endeavor Boutique provides women the latest fashions at an affordable price. The inviting racks of clothes, a trunk of graphic tees and tables of knickknacks sit under charming chandeliers and encouraging messages such as, “smile, you’re beautiful.”
The space has a variety of new trends, picked specially by the owner Melissa Butrum. Endeavor’s pieces – ranging from jeans, rompers and dresses to accessories and gifts – bring people from central Indiana and as far as Lafayette and Terre Haute. New items reach the store weekly. Butrum only buy three to six of the same piece, guaranteeing that customers won’t be wearing the same thing as everyone else.
Originally from Terre Haute, Butrum is a Carmel resident with a passion for providing her community with fun and affordable clothing items. Especially in a family-oriented place like Carmel, many women are busy raising kids and providing for them. Family comes first, so fashion won’t be their focus, but that doesn’t mean women shouldn’t be able to afford to look good.
“A lot of people are sick of spending a fortune on stuff,” Butrum says.
Endeavor differs from other boutiques in that they carry sizes beyond 2, 4, or even 10. In the past, plus-size women haven’t been made to feel welcome at boutiques. Many might not even enter a boutique because they know they won’t find their size. But for Butrum, it was important to include this demographic in the Endeavor community.
“In life, we all go different sizes. That’s just part of it,” Butrum says.
Walking into the store, customers are greeted by Endeavor’s team of welcoming, enthusiastic and knowledgeable employees. “The girls” as Butrum calls her talented sales associates, have a deep understanding of the brands Endeavor carries. If customers want guidance, the girls are perfect at helping people through the shopping process. They’ll know which styles might work best for the customers and which brands run small or large.
Customers will find a relaxing environment where kids are welcome and they’ll be made to feel at home.
“Give your mother a minute,” says Butrum, who said she always has candy at the counter and has even let kids play with her phone to give mothers a moment to her herself.
Although Endeavor is just over a year old, the store has already developed a strong community. They have loyal repeat customers and dedicated Instagram followers, the social media platform where they post photos of their latest arrivals.
Community members look forward to Endeavor Boutique’s monthly special Ladies Nights, which feature wine, discounts and beauty vendors. Butrum says these are great opportunities to share and interact with others as well as give ladies some time alone to themselves.
Endeavor also hosts other events such as fundraising nights for local charities, something very important to Butrum.
“I love to give back,” she says. “You never know when you’ll need something.”
When you pop in the store, check in on Facebook for 10 percent off your purchase. For more information see endeavorboutique.com and follow them on Instagram at
@endeavorboutiquecarmel.
