The Local Radish – Nurturing Community Amidst Adversity

Situated on 52nd Street in Indianapolis, The Local Radish stands as a beacon of resilience, creativity, and strong community values. Owner Britt Spencer, an artisan turned entrepreneur, has created not just a metaphysical supply store, but a space that reflects the human spirit. It serves as a hub for education and connection, featuring handcrafted jewelry, ethically sourced crystals, and carefully curated apothecary items on its shelves.

The Local Radish’s path to its current location has been far from ordinary. Spencer started as a traveling artist selling handmade jewelry, canned goods and body-care products at farmers markets. Spencer’s vision for the store always extended beyond traditional retail. This foresight led her to establish a brick-and-mortar location, a leap that would unexpectedly test her entrepreneurial spirit.

Before settling on 52nd Street, The Local Radish had a humble beginning in Beech Grove. Spencer’s vision was to contribute to the local economy and foster a sense of community. However, her journey was not without challenges. Despite bringing new business to the area, she encountered unexpected obstacles, ranging from city politics to outright hostility. In 2023, hosting a Taylor Swift-themed community event garnered viral attention, but also presented unforeseen difficulties. “Anytime you go viral, it’s both good and bad,” Spencer says. “I was battling with the city council just to host the event, and then on the day-of, my landlord failed to mention that severe construction would be taking place on the roof.”

What followed was an ordeal few small-business owners could anticipate: holes cut into the roof during peak business hours, debris showering merchandise and, ultimately, over $50,000 in damages. “It went on for days,” Spencer says. “I couldn’t stop it and the health department shut us down.” Legal battles ensued, but Spencer focused on what she could control – finding a new home for The Local Radish.

Her new space in Indianapolis’ Broad Ripple neighborhood, which opened on March 1, has already proven to be a perfect fit. Broad Ripple has long-standing ties to the creative community. “Our biggest sales day ever was our reopening,” she says. “The support has been overwhelming in the best way.”

Stepping into The Local Radish, it’s immediately apparent that this is not your typical retail space. Every aspect, from the layout to the display of items, is meticulously designed. “It’s like creating a work of art,” Spencer says. “Every detail is carefully considered, from the flow of energy to the customer’s experience of the space.”

The Local Radish is more than just a place to shop; it’s a commitment to quality and ethics. The store offers a blend of metaphysical supplies and holistic lifestyle goods, all meticulously selected by Spencer to ensure they meet her rigorous quality and ethical production standards. “I want to ensure we’re not contributing to unethical labor practices,” she says. “When you hold a crystal, you should know where it came from and who helped bring it to you.”

But The Local Radish is more than a place to buy things. It’s a place to learn. Spencer hosts workshops on everything from the energetic properties of crystals to sustainable gardening and herbalism. “When I first started teaching my classes had 30 people, but I realized I wanted a more intimate experience,” she says. Now, she caps sessions at 10 to allow for deeper engagement.

One of her most significant educational projects is a crystal database, which she hopes to turn into an app. The app will provide users with a wealth of information about crystals, including their properties, origins and best practices for use. “There’s a lot of misinformation out there, especially with social media trends,” Spencer says. “People were putting toxic crystals in their drinking water without realizing the dangers. I want to provide real, researched information.”

Inclusivity is at the core of The Local Radish. “I want this to be a safe space for everyone,” Spencer says. “I don’t push beliefs on anyone. Whether you’re here for the metaphysical aspect or just think crystals are cool, you’re welcome.”

The store even functions as a community hub, offering free Wi-Fi and open seating. “It’s not just about selling things,” she says. “People can come in, work, have meetings or just hang out. It’s about building relationships.” This emphasis on community and connection is a key part of The Local Radish’s identity.

With a fresh start in a welcoming community, Spencer is already dreaming bigger. “One day I’d love to own a crystal mine,” she says. “Imagine taking customers on field trips, letting them mine their own crystals and seeing the process firsthand.”

For now, though, she’s focused on expanding educational opportunities and continuing to nurture The Local Radish’s role as a place of learning, connection and empowerment. “I wouldn’t change any of what I’ve been through,” she says. “Every challenge has taught me something valuable. And at the end of the day, I love what I do. I want to do this forever.”