The women of Johnson County mean business – in more ways than one. They are pushing the boundaries of entrepreneurship, creating jobs, and making a lasting impact on their local community. From Center Grove to Franklin, with the latter home to over 200 women-owned businesses, these Hoosiers are making their presence known.
Not only are women leading the way in established organizations, but they have also opened and sustained successful businesses in the area. For some, it’s not just one business, but multiple outlets.
Amanda Cottingham Johnson is one local dynamo. With vision and determination, The Barn at Bay Horse Inn jumped from imagination to reality, followed by The Stables of Bay Horse Inn and, in 2025, Shiloh’s Corner. You’ll read more about her philosophy, best practices and positive community impact on the following pages. Perhaps most worth noting is that before all of this, she was, and still is, a real estate agent at Cottingham Realty, owned for over 30 years by her mother, Debbie Cottingham.
The apples haven’t fallen far from the tree for other mother-daughter duos either.
Kristie Geitner and her daughter, Jessie Kennell, own and operate Journey Health + Wellness, a natural health practice combined with cutting-edge technology and therapies that have given life back to their patients – literally.
Community staple and Carpenter Realtors agent, Derrin Phoenix, has set a definitive watermark in her hometown of Greenwood. She is not only well-known and respected by her peers, but by clients as well. So much so, that 75% of her current business is either repeat or referral. Professionals like Phoenix show us what’s possible with will and skill, but they also credit much of their success to each other.
Tina Stephens, owner of Cool Interiors LLC in Bargersville, knows a thing or two about the importance of a strong support system. She is passionate about her business and loves the encouraging community of women entrepreneurs in her local region. “The businesswomen in Johnson County are such an inspiration,” Stephens says. “I meet with some of the most kind-hearted, passionate ladies who truly care about our community. They are top-notch leaders.”
Businesses owned by women are driving economic growth and creating jobs. They are also pioneering lasting, positive change by supporting local charities and initiatives.
“I’ve never met anyone more knowledgeable about quality drinking water than Kim Hohlt with Culligan,” Stephens says. “She’s a cheerleader for all businesses, not just mine.”
Stephens is not alone in praising Hohlt, a regional water conditioning specialist with Culligan Water Conditioning in Franklin. Her name is synonymous throughout the area with both her professional expertise, as well as her willingness to share her time and resources.
It is women like these, and so many unnamed others, who are ensuring the future of Johnson County. Imagine the impact that empowering more women to start and grow their businesses could have. To create that reality, organizations like Aspire Johnson County (a modernized Chamber of Commerce) aim to provide them with the resources and support they need. This includes access to funding, mentorship programs and networking opportunities.
Aspire also honors extraordinary businesswomen with annual awards in categories like Champion of Women and Woman of the Year. The most recent recipient of this is Melahni Ake of Everyday Leaders, a firm specializing in coaching and consulting. Ake was named the 2024 Aspire Johnson County Woman Leader of the Year for her work supporting women’s professional development, including mentorship programs for young women. Through initiatives like these, which recognize the elevation and support of women in business, Aspire Johnson County fosters a community committed to the success of these professionals.
Women entrepreneurs are making a huge difference in Johnson County. Their vision, hard work and dedication are inspiring others, and help to create an exciting and prosperous future for the communities in which they work and live. Most importantly, the way these women support and uplift one another is the most profound lesson to be learned from their success. As they say – a win for one woman is a win for us all.
Learn more about the important work carried out by Aspire Johnson County online at aspirejohnsoncounty.com.
