Photographer / Belinda Russell
It is no secret that DeVeau’s School of Gymnastics has been a thriving business in the Fishers community for many years, but the fact that it has a boutique within its huge building might be.
The Front Porch at DeVeau’s is accessible immediately after walking through the main entrance. Tasteful, yet colorful, and with a southern decor sensibility reminiscent to the popular Magnolia Home style, the shop offers much more than gymnastics gear.
The Front Porch at DeVeau’s is the brainchild of Taryn DeVeau, who manages the gymnastics school along with her husband. DeVeau knows firsthand the life of a busy wife and mother, which is why she decided to open the shop two years ago. She wanted to provide a place where both Fishers residents and gym parents could quickly find a unique birthday present or hostess gift along with seasonal décor items.
In a day and age where children are glued to the screens of their devices, DeVeau’s vision for the shop is to also provide more hands-on products and toys that stimulate children’s minds.
The store focuses heavily on toys and products that foster children’s imaginations and encourages creative play. Melissa and Doug Toy’s mission to “take back childhood” really resonates well with the gym’s beliefs because their toys promote open-ended thinking to provide children a path to realize their full potential.
“I choose the things that I have enjoyed buying for my own kids and what they love,” DeVeau says. “The huggable and soft Jellycat stuffed animals and books are a fan favorite. Depending on the size, the prices range from $7 to $35. We also have Mudpie and Imoga children’s clothes and Southern-inspired double tail hair bows with prints like unicorns and flamingos.”
For adults, the store carries teacher gifts, pillows, plates, decorative signs and more. DeVeau offers special items from the company Mud Pie such as jewelry, picture frames and other giftware, too. She also carries Barefoot Dreams sweaters, which are extremely soft and cozy, and are featured on Oprah Winfrey’s favorite things list.
The Front Porch at DeVeau’s has been met with a positive response from the Fishers community. She encourages everyone to visit the store and grab a gift for their loved ones or friends.
“We carry unique products that no other shop has,” she says. “I put in what I love, so it’s a lot of fun for me to share that with the community.”
Visit The Front Porch at DeVeau’s at 9025 Technology Drive from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.