Hidden Gem
Handpicked Selections Set Lola Blu Boutique Apart
Writer & Photographer / Alesha McCarty
Lots of love – thats what the little blue boutique just off the Monon Trail, and its owner Pamela Moosey-Light, hopes to bring to our community of Broad Ripple and all those who visit. She has been working in the merchant business since she was 19. She had always wanted to do something on her own that would be affordable and customer driven.
Previously, Moosey-Light owned a store in Broad Ripple for 25 years. She purchased the small building as an investment space, fixed it up, and painted it a cheerful blue color to draw the attention of those in the neighborhood, and locals who use the Monon Trail adjacent to the building. She fell in love with the building and decided to pour her energy into creating a space that would empower other women. A friend helped her build a pergola and she added some landscaping, setting out to give the space character.
The whole project was a labor of love, she explains. In 2017 she opened the space as a small clothing boutique, now called Lola Blu Boutique.
The boutique features bohemian-inspired clothing, sustainable lines, local jewelry, local candles, additional jewelry, fragrances, throws, bralettes, hats, scarves, purses, macramé keychains and other accessories. The lines and pieces are ever-evolving. Moosey-Lights goal is to provide her customers with items that make them feel empowered. Shes drawn to the free-spirited, bohemian style because the silhouettes are comfortable for customers of all shapes and sizes. She blends in vintage and classic pieces to create a timeless look that will sustain you throughout many years.
Lola Blu also carries the ever-popular Ambre Blends fragrance line. Ambre Blends is an independent, women-owned business in Indianapolis. They have produced high-quality, organic body products since 2001. All their products are made by hand, with 100% pure and natural vegan ingredients. Ambre Blends base for their product is amber oil, which reacts differently on everyone due to body chemistry, and other natural, organic ingredients. The mix of those ingredients produces a clean, sensual and addictive essence, developing a unique scent for each individual.
Lola Blu sometimes carries locally made earrings and Restored Creations candles, made by Wheeler Mission. The items are available during the holidays.
Some of Moosey-Lights most interesting new items are their vintage kantha throws. The throws are made from recycled saris. They are usually made from colorful, whimsical fabrics and offer vibrancy to your space or look. The throws can be used in the home as blankets or tablecloths. The sari is also perfect as a scarf or belt to give a unique look.
Some of the most popular items are her lace bralettes, which are perfect layering pieces under lightweight shirts and sweaters. The bralettes offer a fun lace pop to outfits while providing comfort and support.
Because the pieces Moosey-Light offers are comfortable and flexible, her clientele often constructs their experiences as generational shopping opportunities.Grandmas, moms, daughters and granddaughters can all shop together and find pieces they like, she says. With warmer weather approaching, their pergola will take on a new role as a space to host local artisan pop-ups throughout the year, hopefully until fall. She wants to encourage other women, and give them a space to show their products and reach people.
Customers rave about the positive and peaceful experience they have here. The space is cozy, with plenty of gems to wander through on the well-organized racks. The shop is surrounded by nature – ducks waddle about and squirrels playfully scramble by.
The shop is located adjacent to the Monon Trail and right next to the canal. Its a serene space for customers to retreat to. The shop is also surrounded by plenty of local shops like Just Pop In! or Public Greens (both local, women-owned businesses), so you can make a day of it with shopping and brunch.
Moosey-Light is grateful that customers have been good at word-of-mouth marketing, and always sending in friends and family. Shopping is an intimate experience for many customers. I’ve made dear friendships with the people that come into the shop, she says.
She operates the store on a low-pressure model. She wants the patrons to feel happy, and to have a sanctuary to feel safe and supported. Anything I can do to make an impact, no matter how small – that brings me joy, she says.
Lola Blu Boutique is located at 6350 Cornell Avenue in Indianapolis. Call 317-426-2116 for more info. Visit them @lolabluboutique on Instagram and Facebook, where you can find information about the upcoming summer artisan pop-ups and more.