High–End. Hoosier–Made.
Shopping local is a smart decision. It’s better for the environment, it stimulates the economy and it strengthens our tight-knit community. We’ve got it easy with first-rate small businesses and some of the finest retail shops around, and many well-appointed items are made here in our Hoosier state. From the delicious cold-pressed Simplicity juice that will have you hooked after just one sip, to the delicate, natural fragrances by Ambre Blends—there is definitely more than corn in Indiana (but don’t discount an exquisite popcorn experience at Just Pop In!). Feel the thrill of joy-riding through the backroads on an adventurous Janus motorcycle, the calming effect of filling your home with a scent crafted just for you as you burn a Penn & Beech candle, or the indulgent delight of DeBrand Fine Chocolates. Read on for more of our favorite locally made luxuries.
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DeBrand Fine Chocolates
(8685 River Crossing Boulevard, Indianapolis, 317-669-0955)
Locals are lucky to have access to world-class chocolatier DeBrand close to home. “It’s really an experience like no other,” says Lori Sonner, who partnered with the Fort Wayne-based company to open the chic Indianapolis chocolate shop and café almost five years ago. The swanky spot offers all of DeBrand’s signature chocolates and truffles (made from scratch, with only the finest ingredients), along with coffee drinks and ice cream sundaes. They even have a private party room for birthday parties, showers and small gatherings. “Our chocolates make the perfect gift for so many occasions,” says Lori, happy to assist with consultation and shipping for everything from corporate gifts to wedding favors. “Everyone should eat more chocolate,” she says, adding that you won’t find better, more thoughtfully produced and beautifully packaged chocolate than DeBrand.
(8685 River Crossing Boulevard, Indianapolis, 317-669-0955)
Locals are lucky to have access to world-class chocolatier DeBrand close to home. “It’s really an experience like no other,” says Lori Sonner, who partnered with the Fort Wayne-based company to open the chic Indianapolis chocolate shop and café almost five years ago. The swanky spot offers all of DeBrand’s signature chocolates and truffles (made from scratch, with only the finest ingredients), along with coffee drinks and ice cream sundaes. They even have a private party room for birthday parties, showers and small gatherings. “Our chocolates make the perfect gift for so many occasions,” says Lori, happy to assist with consultation and shipping for everything from corporate gifts to wedding favors. “Everyone should eat more chocolate,” she says, adding that you won’t find better, more thoughtfully produced and beautifully packaged chocolate than DeBrand.
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Penn & Beech Candle Co.
(8685 River Crossing Boulevard, Indianapolis, 317-669-0955) Locals are lucky to have access to world-class chocolatier DeBrand close to home. “It’s really an experience like no other,” says Lori Sonner, who partnered with the Fort Wayne-based company to open the chic Indianapolis chocolate shop and café almost five years ago. The swanky spot offers all of DeBrand’s signature chocolates and truffles (made from scratch, with only the finest ingredients), along with coffee drinks and ice cream sundaes. They even have a private party room for birthday parties, showers and small gatherings. “Our chocolates make the perfect gift for so many occasions,” says Lori, happy to assist with consultation and shipping for everything from corporate gifts to wedding favors. “Everyone should eat more chocolate,” she says, adding that you won’t find better, more thoughtfully produced and beautifully packaged chocolate than DeBrand. |
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Simplicity Cold Pressed Juice
(1101 E. 54th Street,Indianapolis, simplicityhh.com)
Beth McCarthy Smith doesn’t count calories or carbs, but she does care deeply about nutrition and holistic health—an approach to wellness devoted to the whole person. Simplicity Juice, born out of her own health journey, uses only fresh, whole, raw produce, and never any additives like sugar or preservatives. “It’s just quality ingredients as close to Mother Nature as possible,” says Beth of the easily digested, crave-worthy concoctions available in cold pressed juices, cleanses, and even cocktails. The result is a difference you can not only taste, but also feel in your mind, body and soul. The sustainable company can be found just south of Broad Ripple, online or at your local grocer.
(1101 E. 54th Street,Indianapolis, simplicityhh.com)
Beth McCarthy Smith doesn’t count calories or carbs, but she does care deeply about nutrition and holistic health—an approach to wellness devoted to the whole person. Simplicity Juice, born out of her own health journey, uses only fresh, whole, raw produce, and never any additives like sugar or preservatives. “It’s just quality ingredients as close to Mother Nature as possible,” says Beth of the easily digested, crave-worthy concoctions available in cold pressed juices, cleanses, and even cocktails. The result is a difference you can not only taste, but also feel in your mind, body and soul. The sustainable company can be found just south of Broad Ripple, online or at your local grocer.
Ambre Blends
(ambreblends.com)
With delicate scents that uniquely compliment individual body chemistry and an array of body care products, Ambre Blends has been perfecting the art of natural fragrance for 20 years. “The oil is the base for the entire line,” says Stephanie Harris, partner and sales director. Sourced from organic ingredients, Ambre oil is blended into five fragrant essences intended for both men and women, as well as into lush soaps and soaks, gentle spritzers and skin tonics (which Stephanie calls “a smoothie for your skin”), and even a natural deodorant, all made in Indianapolis. Shop online or at retailers nationwide, including nearby Purse Strings, 8FIFTEEN, Lola Blu Boutique and AH Collection.
(ambreblends.com)
With delicate scents that uniquely compliment individual body chemistry and an array of body care products, Ambre Blends has been perfecting the art of natural fragrance for 20 years. “The oil is the base for the entire line,” says Stephanie Harris, partner and sales director. Sourced from organic ingredients, Ambre oil is blended into five fragrant essences intended for both men and women, as well as into lush soaps and soaks, gentle spritzers and skin tonics (which Stephanie calls “a smoothie for your skin”), and even a natural deodorant, all made in Indianapolis. Shop online or at retailers nationwide, including nearby Purse Strings, 8FIFTEEN, Lola Blu Boutique and AH Collection.
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Janus Motorcycles
(211 S. 5th Street, Goshen, janusmotorcycles.com) Go joyriding through the country or zip around town on a custom Janus Motorcycle, hand-built in Goshen, Indiana. These simple, yet beautiful machines draw on an enthusiasm for vintage European moped styles and a love of classic motorcycle design, says co-founder Richard Worsham. He adds that Janus Motorcycles are unlike any other bikes available—not only in aesthetics, but also in the reliability and ease of maintenance. The northern Indiana shop produces about 300 bikes annually in several models, but Richard says his favorite is their flagship Halcyon 250, which he has ridden all over the country. “We’ve built more of those than anything else, and we’ve really honed it down close to perfection,” he says. |
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Just Pop In!
(6406 Cornell Avenue, Indianapolis, justpopinpopcorn.com)
There is more than corn in Indiana, but popcorn has a special place in Hoosier hearts, especially the gourmet goodness made at Just Pop In!, a hoppin’ spot in Broad Ripple Village. “We started as a small 500-square-foot popcorn company,” say co-founders and twin sisters Mandy Selke and Carly Swift, who opened their first shop in 2003. Almost 20 years later, they are pioneers in Indy’s “local” movement and have international appeal. Stop in the café for one of their favorites—Mandy and Carly eat the plain popcorn daily, but Indy Style (a mix between their Caramel and Sharp Yellow Cheddar popcorn) tops the charts in popularity and there are plenty playful combinations to choose from.
(6406 Cornell Avenue, Indianapolis, justpopinpopcorn.com)
There is more than corn in Indiana, but popcorn has a special place in Hoosier hearts, especially the gourmet goodness made at Just Pop In!, a hoppin’ spot in Broad Ripple Village. “We started as a small 500-square-foot popcorn company,” say co-founders and twin sisters Mandy Selke and Carly Swift, who opened their first shop in 2003. Almost 20 years later, they are pioneers in Indy’s “local” movement and have international appeal. Stop in the café for one of their favorites—Mandy and Carly eat the plain popcorn daily, but Indy Style (a mix between their Caramel and Sharp Yellow Cheddar popcorn) tops the charts in popularity and there are plenty playful combinations to choose from.