Boutique Opens New Space In Spark Apartments Building
Photographer / Kerch Creative
Oak & Ivy Boutique is a women’s clothing store in Fishers, Indiana. Owner Kim Kwiatkowski first dipped her toes into the world of retail when she was in college. In 2015, she opened Oak & Ivy Boutique, and just one year later, the store was awarded as one of “Indy’s Best New Boutiques” in the Indianapolis Monthly.
“[Receiving the award] was truly an honor,” Kwiatkowski says. “I was so excited to see that my customers loved having a fun, local place to shop from. It encouraged me to reopen my doors.”
Kwiatkowski’s site was once torn down for renovation leaving her without a permanent location for about two years, running her store online.
“We found the location in the Spark Apartments building, and it really just seemed to be a good fit for us,” Kwiatkowski says. “I love the downtown feel of the growing area.”
According to Kwiatkowski, many small local businesses are opening recently, and she believes it makes the Nickel Plate District more of a destination, rather than a one-stop location. You can park your car and have coffee, lunch or dinner, go shopping, see a concert or visit the farmers’ market, all in one area.
Kwiatkowski believes in quality, classic pieces that stand the test of time, as well as mixing in some trendy pieces. She strives to ensure that her customers are able to enjoy unique finds at affordable prices.
The boutique dream began when Kwiatkowski and a friend started out together doing trunk shows and pop-up events. For more than 20 years now, Kwiatkowski has been a hairstylist. Currently, she divides her time between the hair salon and boutique, spending three days a week at each. She has always had her passion for beauty and fashion-related things, which is why she made the decision to incorporate fashion into her business life.
“I love finding unique pieces and helping others evolve their personal style,” Kwiatkowski adds. “I believe everyone already has a sense of what makes them feel good about themselves. I would only want to help someone add fashion pieces that help compliment their style.”
According to Kwiatkowski, the love of beauty and fashion, as well as the passion to want to help others feel good about themselves, is what sets Oak & Ivy Boutique apart in the saturated retail market.
“I started this for a love of what I do and a need to be able to provide for my family and help put my kids into college,” Kwiatkowski says. “I am a small business that still very much runs as a small business. My goal is not to build a franchise of stores but only to develop this one into the best one it can be. I just want to love what I do, provide for my family and make sure that when someone does come into my store, it gives them a good feeling and makes them want to come back.”
Oak & Ivy Boutique is located at 8800 North Street in Fishers. You can visit them online at oakandivyboutique.com or give them a call at 317-507-3709 for more information.
