For years, Carla Mackie unknowingly wore bras in the wrong size.
“Low-hanging fruit, that’s all I can say,” says Mackie, whose friend told her about a new intimate apparel store that had just opened. She suggested they go for a fitting, and the experience changed her life.
“I felt like a new woman,” says Mackie, who went on to manage that store in Virginia. “I love helping other women feel good about themselves.”
When she moved to Indiana in 2017, she opened her own shop called Uplift Intimate Apparel. Mackie, Industry Certified Master Bra Fitter, understands that no two bras fit the same. They vary based on brand, cut and style.
“With bra styles you have a full cup, a demi, a low plunge, front closure, all kinds of variables,” Mackie says.
She carries European lingerie, which she says provides a better cup-band ratio, resulting in a better fit. Bra cup sizes at Uplift go from A to J (with a few Ks), and bands from 28 to 48. Box stores carry roughly 40 sizes while Uplift Intimate Apparel carries more than 120 sizes, with a selection at every price point. They also sell bridal lingerie, sports bras, strapless bras, special-occasion bras, bralettes, panties, sleepwear and shapewear.
Customer Alli Missler is impressed by the selection of lingerie.
“Every piece is thoughtfully chosen, with fabrics that are sumptuously soft, delicately detailed and undeniably stunning,” says Missler. “Whether you’re looking for something timeless and romantic or bold and fashion-forward, Uplift’s collection strikes the perfect balance between sensuality and style.”
Some first-timers are apprehensive if they’ve had a bad bra-shopping experience in the past. Mackie and her team welcome every customer with open arms into a warm, inviting, judgement-free zone.
“Some women claim they would rather go to the gynecologist than get fitted for a bra, and it’s usually because they’re self-conscious about their bodies,” says Mackie. “We want them to leave here feeling uplifted – not just their boobs, also their spirits!”
Missler appreciates Mackie’s gracious, attentive personality, and genuine passion for helping women feel beautiful and confident.
“Her eye for fit and style is impeccable, and she offers thoughtful, intuitive guidance without being pushy,” Missler says. “You leave feeling not only seen and heard, but celebrated.”
Mackie stands by the store’s core values to serve, educate and empower (S.E.E.) women as they connect with ladies emotionally, spiritually and physically (through bras and intimates). All women can find comfort here, even those with sensory issues.
“We call all of our clients on their birthdays and send handwritten notes,” says Mackie, who has even enjoyed serving families through generations.
During a complimentary bra fitting, the first thing Mackie checks is how the band feels. “The band does 90% of the support,” she says. “The straps do nothing but hold the cup up against the breast. They aren’t doing the heavy lifting because that can also cause back pain, headaches and shoulder pain. If you’re large-busted, too much pressure from the straps can create little tears in your shoulders over time.”
Once she determines size, she brings in bras with different fabrics and styles to see if the customer prefers lace, smooth or some of both. After getting a sense of their favorite styles, she offers specific selections. Don’t be surprised if you don’t see many bras displayed on the floor. The majority are in the back.
Uplift also offers after-hours private gatherings at the store from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“We’ve held bridal showers, birthday parties and girls’ night out,” says Mackie. “It’s fun to be fitted and shop with your besties, knowing the store is fully yours.”
Mackie and her team are committed to giving back to the community, by serving women who utilize Prevail services, supporting victims of crime and abuse, as well as Dove Recovery House, a residential addiction recovery house in Indianapolis. They also work with the O’Connor House in Carmel, which helps single, pregnant, homeless women. Several times a year these groups come into the store where Mackie and her team serve them a light dinner, fit them, and give them three to five bras as their own.
“One thing women want is intimate apparel,” Mackie says, who remembers a story from years ago when she was part of the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary. There had been a hurricane in Texas, and a lady in a dirty fur coat came in not for food and water, but underwear.
“It’s the basic needs we want, and when they fit well, we feel better about ourselves,” Mackie says.
Over her 20-year career, Mackie has helped tens of thousands of women feel comfortable in their skin through a properly fitted bra.
“This isn’t just a store; it’s an experience,” Missler says. “A trip to Uplift makes you feel elevated, embraced and fabulous.”
Uplift Intimate Apparel is located in Carmel City Center at 711 Veterans Way, Suite 136 in Carmel, just steps from the Hotel Carmichael. Call 317-853-6007 or go online to schedule your appointment for a complimentary bra fitting at upliftintimateapparel.com.
