Women in Business: Dream. Build. Inspire. 

Writer & Photographer / Christina Cochran 

In the past two decades, the number of women-owned businesses in America has increased by 114%. Franklin, Indiana, is no stranger to this trend, which is why we’re highlighting some of the best and brightest female leaders in town this month.

Beth Bigham | ComForCare Indy South

For Beth Bigham, growing ComForCare Indy South into the Franklin area wasn’t just a strategic business move—it was a meaningful commitment to the seniors, adults and caregivers who call Johnson County home.

“It became clear more of our client base is south of the county line,” she explains. “Opening a new office in Franklin has facilitated ease of operations,” not only for clients, but also for the dedicated caregivers and marketing team that support them.

With its mission to help people live their best life possible, ComForCare is a lifeline for families navigating aging, illness or transitions. That mission is deeply rooted in Beth’s leadership values.

She’s guided by three core principles: reputation management, risk aversion and ethics.

Bigham says those core values drive her to make the best decisions in every area of business, from HR and employee benefits to strategic partnerships, hands-on training and clear operational practices.

In a close-knit community like Franklin, trust is everything—and Beth has built her team and business with that in mind. “Our internal customers (employees) and external customers (referral partners and clients) are served to the best of our ability,” she emphasizes.

Beth’s impact reaches beyond client care. As ComForCare grows, it creates a network of opportunity—especially for aspiring caregivers. “We have an excellent trainer who makes sure people are comfortable taking care of an adult,” she says. Many caregivers stay and grow with ComForCare, while others launch into new medical fields or careers they studied for.

That ripple effect of care and empowerment extends even further—connecting local professionals in transportation, therapy, hospice and relocation services. For Beth, it’s all about creating harmony: “Not only with caregivers, but with the team of people who support adults and seniors in the Franklin community, and beyond,” she says.

Lindsey Milto | Precision Med Spa

For Lindsey Milto, beauty has always been more than skin deep. Her journey began over a decade ago as a professional makeup artist, drawn to the transformative power of makeup. “It could enhance my features and boost my confidence,” she recalls. But as her career grew, so did her understanding of what truly makes someone glow. “The more I worked with clients, the more I realized how important it was to care for the skin beneath the makeup, too.” That curiosity blossomed into a full-fledged passion for esthetics—and eventually a thriving career at Precision Med Spa.

Lindsey dreamed of creating a space where people could feel not only beautiful but genuinely cared for. And in Franklin and Johnson County, she found the perfect place to plant those dreams. “It’s a place where people genuinely support small businesses and want to see each other thrive,” she says. The warmth and loyalty of the local community have become the foundation of her business.

At the heart of Lindsey’s work is authenticity. “I want every client who walks through my door to feel not only welcomed, but genuinely cared for,” she says. She leads with integrity, transparency and a deep commitment to personal connection—values that carry weight in a close-knit community where reputation matters.

But Lindsey’s impact goes beyond skincare. She’s passionate about empowering women to chase their dreams, no matter their timeline. “There’s no perfect time—you just need the courage to start,” she says. From watching YouTube tutorials in her apartment to running a successful business, she’s proof that hard work, passion and community support can build something beautiful.

“I hope to create a ripple effect—where women feel empowered to take up space, chase their dreams, and cheer each other on,” she says. And in Franklin, she’s doing just that.

Sarah Brutus | E & M Land Services

For Sarah Brutus, co-owner of E & M Land Services, building a business in Franklin wasn’t just a career move—it was a way to invest in the town where she and her husband were raised and where they’re now raising their own family. “We wanted to grow a business in this area to offer our neighbors and community an honest, reliable, and reasonably priced service,” she says. What started with a love for the outdoors and landscaping has since evolved into a trusted operation specializing in excavation and underground utility work.

E & M Land Services focuses on projects that can feel overwhelming to homeowners, things like drainage problems and water or sewer line repairs. But Sarah approaches every job with empathy and a sense of shared experience. “We are homeowners and parents in this community,” she says. “So, we make decisions based on how we would want a contractor to treat us if we were in their situation.”

In a tight-knit town like Franklin, reputation matters—and Sarah has built hers on trust and referrals. “Most of our business comes from word of mouth,” she says. “We want you to trust us and value our work enough that you would recommend us to your family.”

Working in a male-dominated industry, Sarah also recognizes the importance of representation. “I have five male employees and interact mainly with other male contractors,” she shares. “I want other women to know that you can make space for yourself in male-dominated industries. You can build strong relationships and strong businesses in any field—not just those traditionally run by women.”

Through her work and leadership, Sarah is paving the way for other women to step confidently into any space they choose—no matter how rugged the terrain.

Lindsey Fisher | The Tipsy Trailer

With a background in the restaurant and wine industry and a deep love for meaningful gatherings, Lindsey Fisher saw a gap in Johnson County’s event services—and she decided to fill it with something truly special. The Tipsy Trailer, her mobile bartending business, was born from a simple yet powerful desire: to elevate events with a unique blend of style, fun, and heartfelt hospitality.

“I wanted to combine the comfort of being in your own space with the elegance of having cocktails and making memories with friends and family,” Lindsey explains.

What started as a passion project quickly gained traction, thanks in large part to the warm reception from the Franklin and greater Johnson County communities.

Guided by the belief that presence matters more than perfection, Lindsey leads with intention. “It’s all about being there for life’s best moments,” she says. “The laughter around the dinner table, the clink of glasses at a wedding reception… those memories outlast any material milestone.” That belief infuses every event The Tipsy Trailer touches, whether it’s a backyard bash or a wedding under the stars.

As a mom of three, Lindsey’s journey is also deeply personal. “It was impossible to schedule evenings, late nights and weekends away working in the industry,” she shares. “I had to come up with something that was on MY schedule, on MY terms, with MY expertise.”

To other women and moms dreaming of launching something of their own, she offers heartfelt encouragement: “Start small, start scared but just start. You’re capable of more than you think,” she says. In Franklin, she promises, “you’ll find us—a cohort of women that will support you, wholeheartedly.”

Lisa Lemons | Precision Med Spa

When Lisa Lemons first visited Franklin in 2009 while her daughter was attending Franklin College, she immediately felt a connection to the community. “I fell in love with the community,” she recalls. “I could see the community growing and having so much to offer.” That initial spark eventually led to a groundbreaking decision: in 2022, Lisa opened the first aesthetic practice in Franklin—Precision Med Spa—while still working full-time as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Lisa’s vision has always gone beyond surface beauty. “As working adults, we tend to take care of ourselves last,” she says. “Feeling good about how you look improves many aspects of your life.” Her experience in primary care gave her insight into the deeper health needs of her clients, prompting her to expand her practice to include wellness and peptide therapy. “There is a desperate need for people who want to be healthier,” she notes. Precision Med Spa was founded not just to fill a gap in services, but to promote total well-being.

Integrity is at the heart of Lisa’s leadership. “Full transparency with my clients is my principal guide,” she says.

Whether it’s adjusting a cosmetic procedure or clearly outlining costs, trust and value drive every decision. In a tight-knit town like Franklin, word-of-mouth matters. “I want to be the one they recommend because they had a good experience, received great care, and felt valued,” she says.

Lisa’s impact extends beyond the treatment room. Through community events and local partnerships, she’s made her practice a trusted resource for women and aspiring entrepreneurs. “There is a place for all women and entrepreneurs to flourish in Franklin,” she says. With warmth, wisdom, and a deep commitment to care, Lisa is helping her community grow healthier, inside and out.

Melissa Terney | Here We Grow Again

For Melissa Terney, owner of Here We Grow Again, the seed for her business was planted during a simple shopping trip. “I’m an accountant and a mom with a strong desire to shop frugally and help others,” she says. “After the birth of my first child, I attended my first consignment sale and knew this was a way to help other parents financially.” That experience turned into a passion, and eventually into a thriving, community-centered business that supports local families through each season of parenthood.

Serving families in Franklin and Johnson County, Melissa has grown Here We Grow Again into more than just a sale—it’s a support system. “The heart of our business is in this close-knit community, and it’s helped us develop a business ‘family,’” she says. “We’ve formed friendships not only with our team but also with our shoppers. We keep them at the center of every decision we make.”

Melissa’s values are rooted in service and faith. “I try to lead by helping others, just as Jesus did,” she shares. That mindset has shaped how she builds relationships—with shoppers, sellers, and community partners—and how she runs the sale with compassion and integrity.

The impact of Here We Grow Again goes beyond offering affordable, gently used items for kids. It empowers parents—especially moms—to make and save money by reselling their children’s outgrown clothes, toys and gear. “Most of our sellers can use the money they earn to buy the next season of items,” she explains. “It’s a full-circle solution.”

But the business is also about connection. “Many of the friendships I’ve built since moving to Indiana over 10 years ago came from working at this sale,” Melissa says. She hopes to continue paying that forward by creating a space where moms support moms, entrepreneurs find community and families thrive together.

Jill Davis | Something New Events

For Jill Davis, owner of Something New Events, the idea for her business began with a simple observation: many wedding venues were missing something essential—a place for brides and their parties to get ready, relax and enjoy the moment. So, she created it herself. Her mobile bridal and event suite brings style, comfort, and convenience directly to the venue, and has since expanded to serve film sets, photoshoots, and even girls’ nights in.

“As someone who’s always loved creating beautiful, stress-free moments, I saw a real need,” Jill says. “I didn’t want to just offer a service—I wanted to offer a meaningful experience.” And being rooted in Franklin made that vision more personal. “The small-town feel here creates the perfect environment for small businesses to thrive. Franklin isn’t just where I do business—it’s where my business feels at home,” she says.

Jill leads with authenticity, reliability and an unwavering commitment to her clients. “In a close-knit community like ours, your reputation matters,” she says. “Every event I take on, I treat with care, because I know people are trusting me with something important.”

That integrity extends beyond her own business. Jill believes in the power of collaboration and community support. “When one of us succeeds, we all do,” she says. It’s a mindset that’s helped her build partnerships with other small businesses throughout Johnson County.

Jill also hopes to inspire other women and emerging entrepreneurs with her journey. “I never set out to create something perfect—just something meaningful,” she says. “If I can do this, so can you.” She especially wants her daughter to see that building something from the ground up isn’t rare—it’s normal. “That’s the legacy I want to leave,” she says. “Showing the next generation that women can dream big, lead boldly, and build something special in their hometown.”

Through Something New Events, Jill is doing more than providing a unique service—she’s making an impact, one inspired celebration at a time.

Taylor Stevenson | The Salon

For Taylor Stevenson, owning The Salon in Franklin is about so much more than hair—it’s about creating a space where people feel seen, supported, and confident in who they are. “I’ve always loved being a hairstylist,” she says. “When I came to a comfortable place with my clientele, I was ready to step into ownership. I want to bring a whole new concept to the beauty industry—not just a place to get your hair done, but somewhere you feel confident coming and going to.”

That vision has resonated deeply in Franklin, a community known for its support of local businesses. “Franklin has such a strong community of people who support local,” she says. “That is the bread and butter of a small business!”

Taylor leads with one core principle: creating a welcoming, affirming space for everyone who walks through the doors. “I want everyone who steps out of The Salon to feel beautiful and confident in themselves, no matter what their style is,” she explains. “Providing a comfortable and supportive place for all people is what guides every decision I make.”

That commitment to authenticity and empowerment doesn’t just apply to clients—it extends to the broader small business community as well. “I’ve received so much support from other small businesses in Franklin,” Taylor says. “I would only ever want to give that support back, especially to emerging entrepreneurs.”

Taylor hopes her journey inspires others to embrace their individuality and chase their dreams, no matter what’s trending, saying, “It doesn’t matter what the latest ‘thing’ is—everyone should be able to express themselves freely and with their own styles.” At The Salon, that freedom, support, and confidence are not just styled—they’re celebrated.

Cindy Stockhaus | Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate

With more than two decades of experience in the real estate industry, Cindy Stockhaus recognized a gap in Central Indiana’s market: a need for a brokerage that offered both deep local knowledge and national brand power. That insight, paired with an unwavering commitment to her clients, led to the creation of her own real estate office in partnership with the iconic Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. “It was a perfect fit,” Cindy says. “I was excited to bring that level of reach and marketing strength to my clients.”

As a longtime Franklin resident, Cindy chose to open her office in Greenwood, allowing her to serve the entire Johnson County region while staying connected to the community she knows and loves. For her, real estate is far more than transactions; it’s about trust, relationships and helping people through one of life’s most meaningful milestones. “Real estate is deeply personal,” she explains. “It involves both emotional and financial decisions. I lead with honesty, integrity, and patience, always taking time to truly listen to my clients’ needs.”

That personal touch is especially powerful in a place like Franklin, where connections run deep and reputations are built one relationship at a time. Cindy has built her career—and now her business—on the belief that people come first, always.

Perhaps most inspiring is the example Cindy sets for other women. “I opened my own real estate office in my 50s,” she shares. “I want other women to know it’s never too early or too late to chase big goals.” Her message is clear: with honesty, passion and perseverance, anything is possible. In Johnson County, Cindy is not just helping people find homes—she’s showing women how to build their futures, one bold step at a time.

Emily Stewart | Dirt Darlin Photography

For Emily Stewart, photography was more than a hobby—it was a calling discovered in the barns and fairgrounds of Johnson County. “I started taking photos in 4-H,” she recalls. “So, my career started as a Johnson County 4-H’er.”

That foundation in local youth programs like 4-H and FFA gave Emily not just technical skills, but a deep belief in the power of turning ideas into reality. “I was always encouraged by these programs as a kid,” she says, and that encouragement planted the seeds for what would become Dirt Darlin, a brand rooted in authenticity, connection, and rural charm.

Emily’s professional journey has remained close to home in the best way. From her original studio in Downtown Franklin to her current space on the family farm in Bargersville, she’s grown her business with intention. Her ties to the community run deep—many of her clients find her through local wedding venues or word of mouth, and many have stayed with her through life’s big moments. “I have crafted many friendships and relationships with my clients who have traveled with me for my entire 13 years of owning my business,” she says.

At the heart of Dirt Darlin is a simple philosophy: be real, be kind and do great work. “Being honest and delivering quality work, as well as treating people like people,” Emily explains, as the cornerstones of her brand. In a community like Franklin—where reputation is everything—those values have made her a trusted and beloved part of life’s celebrations.

With her camera, Emily captures more than images; she captures stories. And in doing so, she’s written her own—a story of creativity, community and staying true to her roots.

Delanie Owen | Bud and Bloom Florist, Boutique and Home

For Delanie Owen, owning a business is about much more than selling flowers or home décor—it’s about living with purpose and leading with heart. As the owner of Bud and Bloom in downtown Franklin, Delanie has built a vibrant space that reflects not just her creative talents but her belief in community, connection, and courage.

“Being able to have a business and grow has always been so much more to me than owning a business,” she says. “It has meant having a bigger purpose in life—to be able to have an immediate impact on those around me.”

Delanie and her husband are parents to seven children, which deepens her sense of what matters most. “I want to truly understand what life is about and what defines us,” she explains. “Being true to who you are and coming from a place of love with people has always been my driving force in business and life.”

That authenticity spills into her leadership style. Whether she’s creating a bouquet or mentoring a team member, Delanie leads with care. “I love that I can help people show up to a job and a company that they truly care about and want to be a part of.”

When it comes to inspiring other women, Delanie has a clear message: Be bold. “I hope I inspire women to be brave, put themselves out there and try things others may be afraid to do! There’s plenty of business to go around. If you lift others up, that much more comes back to you.”

She adds, “If you’re honest, genuine and work hard at your craft, people will show up for you. Stay focused and don’t let the outside static slow your progress.”