Speedway Women in Business

Speedway Women in Business -Making History in this Racing Town

By Lisa Schmitz of For the Love of Speedway and Do Something Indy
Women's History Month is known as a celebration of women's contributions to history, culture, and society. This memorial observance has happened annually in the month of March in the US since 1987.

Now 35 years later, we have women in the town of Speedway, Indiana making their own history, contributing to the culture of Speedway, and running this town founded on racing by a group of men!

Lane Warner of Studio 1432 and Lane Lewis Photography on Main Street in Speedway had an idea spark in her mind to showcase these entrepreneurial women. She has lived out starting two businesses, managing a young family, and balancing it all. She wanted to gather these like-minded women to support and encourage them and to put them on the winner’s podium, spotlighting the women running this racing town. She wanted to give them an opportunity to connect, network, and share their stories with each other.

For the Love of Speedway, a brand founded by Lisa Schmitz that spotlights the town, the race, and the track jumped on board to help promote and coordinate the event. And then Do Something Indy came alongside to help tell their stories and showcase the good things they are doing for their community.

These women are living their dreams and making it happen! They all have different reasons for starting their businesses in Speedway. But there is a very common theme, which is the sense of community. Amy Valentine, co-owner of the Puppy Pitstop, a full-service grooming, training, boarding, and doggie daycare business stated, “The Town of Speedway has provided us with such a strong sense of community, and we knew there was NO better place to begin this journey!” Evelyn Fuller of House Plants & Stuff, a specialty house plant business said, “Once I moved to Indianapolis I learned about the history and culture in the town of Speedway. I knew I had to move here to create memories & make history of my own.” And Christi Rider of City Dogs Grocery stated, “We have watched Speedway grow over the past 20 years and I wanted to be a part of the amazing businesses!”

They all came together to share their challenges and successes, too. After all, starting your own business is scary, hard, but it is rewarding all at the same time. They all shared that it is a challenge to balance families and work, learning to ask for help, finding time for self-care, and charging what they are worth. But at the end of the day, they all say it is the most rewarding thing they have ever done. The also agreed, when asked what advice they would give to another woman considering opening her own business, “Just DO IT!”

Ciera Miller: The Spark Coffee

Amy Valentine: Puppy Pitstop

Michelle Sears: Mimi Indy Creations

Ceira Miller, Co-Owner of The Spark said, "Small business ownership is a lot like motherhood. You will wear every single hat and some days you’ll be on the brink of tears. But it’s always worth it because you are creating something of your very own that everyone can enjoy!"

Amy Valentine said when asked, “Why did you choose to start or locate your business in Speedway?” My family moved to Speedway about 18 years ago and it has been one of the best decisions my husband and I have made. The Town of Speedway has provided us with such a strong sense of community, and we knew there was NO better place to begin this journey!

When asked, “What has been your biggest challenge?” Michelle Sears said, “My biggest challenge is charging what I’m worth.” I think that is a challenge we all struggle with. And then when asked, “What advice would you give to another woman dreaming of owning her own business?” she said, “Go for it!”

The Women’s History Month movement has come a long way in 35 years. And these Speedway Women in Business are creating Speedway history right now, contributing to the Speedway culture and community in big ways! And they aren’t the only Speedway Women Business Owners in town! There were many that could not join us for this fun afternoon of connecting and photography. All of them are running this racing town!
Thank you to Lane Warner for elevating these amazing women to the podium for us all to support and encourage! Read all of their challenges, successes, and advice on Lane’s blog here. And, if you’re a woman wanting to start your own business, follow their advice and just DO IT!

Lisa and Lane talk to several women business owners in Speedway Indiana.

Kori Ritter: The Voom Room a full service hair and skincare salon that also offers waxing services.

Speedway Women in Business -Making History in this Racing Town ​

Lisa and Lane talk to several women business owners in Speedway Indiana.

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Speedway Women in Business -Making History in this Racing Town