Photographer / Glenda White

Melanie Stoddard represents everything positive about living and running a small business in Fishers. Recently moving her business to the Spark Apartments Building in the heart of the Nickel Plate District in May of this year, you would never know that less than a year ago, she was faced with the possibility of closing her doors for good. But with a deep desire to continue working in Fishers, along with a bit of ingenuity, her business now thrives in its new location.

Blush Salon Boutique

Four years ago, Stoddard opened the doors to her business, Blush Salon Boutique in a quaint cottage directly behind Handel’s Ice Cream. The former corporate employee enjoyed the quiet street and everything about her business. But the road to becoming a small business owner almost came to an end when she received notice that her building would be demolished to make room for new buildings and businesses. What looked like the end was given new life from an unsuspecting ally.

As a small business owner, Stoddard knew that the landscape and skyline of Fishers was rapidly progressing, but she did not know how it would affect her until she was informed in November of last year that her building was set to be demolished. She began searching for a new location right away and realized that this was not going to be an easy process.

“I was literally panicked, and everything I found was either too small and expensive, too large and expensive and was going to be a struggle because all of the development, but I really did not want to leave Fishers,” she says.

She wondered if she should just accept her fate and close her doors. But in her mind, she knew she had to keep fighting for a solution. She decided to reach out to the Mayor’s office and sent Mayor Scott Fadness a letter explaining her situation and asked for help.

Within 24 hours, she had received an email from Megan Baumgartner, Director of Economic Development, letting her know that Mayor Fadness had forwarded her email to her. Baumgartner shared information with her about the Spark Apartments Building, which offered a solution well-suited to her business. Stoddard was shocked that she received a call so quickly. She was very encouraged to see that even in a development boom that Fishers still cared enough to help a small business.

Baumgartner introduced Stoddard to the Spark Apartments Building which provided a larger space than her old location, in prime real estate that provides a higher traffic footprint, and it was in her budget. By January, she had signed the lease, the space was built and she reopened her doors on May 10.

“The location is perfect. I could not have asked for a better solution,” Stoddard says.

The design and style of Blush Salon Boutique offers a modern, clean and peaceful space. The salon was impeccably designed to create a relaxing environment. This lends itself well to the philosophy of Stoddard’s salon, which is “to provide the best products, positive and relaxing atmosphere that will put you at ease as soon as you walk in the door.”

Stoddard, a wife, mother of two and a Fishers resident, is amazed how well everything worked out as she reflects back on the journey that brought her here.

“I went to college, got a degree, worked at jobs I didn’t love until one day, I decided it was time to take a chance on my happiness,” Stoddard says.

Starting Blush Salon Boutique was worth the risk, she says, and she is grateful she pursued her passion. She encourages others to believe in their dreams.

“Take a chance and follow your heart even if you have to do something scary because it just might lead you to something you love,” she adds.

For Stoddard, that means she will be staying in Fishers for a long time.

“The people of Fishers are very welcoming,” she says. “It is a great place to live and own a business.”

Along with hair services, Blush Salon Boutique offers a small boutique to celebrate the work of other local small businesses from local artisans and offer unique gifts for her customer’s convenience.

For a list of products and services visit them online at blushsalonboutique.com. Blush Salon Boutique is located at 8880 North Street, #118 or call 317-523-1635.

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