Writer / Lynda Hedberg Thies
Photographer / Jamie Sangar
Proprietor Lisa Olson knew at a very young age that her destiny was to own and run her own boutique. Throughout most of her career Olson worked in a variety of retail organizations in a variety of positions until she switched to the mortgage industry. The idea to own and run her own boutique was always in the back of her mind, but she was just waiting to find the right business partner. Ironically, a return to part-time retail work would not only introduce her future business partner but solidify her gratitude for the life challenges that brought the two together.
As a recent empty nester, Olson realized she really missed retail and decided to take a part-time job at a boutique that Sylvia Triske was managing. The married mom of two college-age daughters had a strong sense of design and, after working for a home builder, decided to utilize her experience in the retail industry. Triske met Olson, also an empty nester, at the boutique she managed and soon realized they shared a common vision for combining their fashion and design experiences with their philosophy of faith and fun. Olson and Triske decided they would open a boutique that would allow them to be a light in the community wherever that led them, and it led them to create the Gratitude Boutique.
The name came out of the gratefulness and gratitude for why the women came together and a definite plan for why they met.
Both women wanted to give their clients an experience and create a boutique that was more a “mom-and-pop” style of business in order to connect with their client’s needs and keep them coming back.
“It was essential that our boutique offer a broad range of sizes for all shapes and sizes,” says Triske, Gratitude Director of Operations.
But Gratitude is more than women’s apparel, they offer men’s apparel and accessories, infant apparel, fashion jewelry, health & beauty products for men, women and babies, housewares, footwear, gifts, food items and unique home décor including lake house decor items all at an affordable price. The store also boasts a mancave at the back of the store with a comfy leather couch complete with a flat screen TV where male clients will find footwear, scarves, socks, t-shirt, college accessories and cologne.
The goal was to create an experience for their clients that would keep them coming back. It seems to be working. In their first four weeks of business, many of their new clients have returned weekly to say hello and see what new merchandise had arrived at the store.
“The dream to own a boutique where our clients have a welcoming and safe place to shop and that they would feel comfortable browsing the latest selection of fun and unique items, as if they were popping into their friend’s living room, has finally become a reality” Olson says.
The Gratitude Boutique opened its doors for business in August. The store is in the Lantern Crossing Center at 8912 E. 96th Street in Fishers conveniently between Rita’s Italian Ice and Cynthia’s Hallmark Store. Store hours are Monday through Saturday 10a.m. to 8p.m. The store will open on Sundays from 12-5p.m. throughout the holiday season.
Amidst the construction on 96th Street, the entrance to Lantern Crossing is open near the Starbucks only until the conclusion of the roundabout at Lantern Road. Both Olson and Triske are very grateful that one day the road will allow increased travel to their store.
A Grand Opening is being planned this fall so Olson invites everyone to follow them on their Facebook and Instagram pages to stay informed on new merchandise and special offers. To learn more about the Gratitude Boutique visit their website at gratitudeindiana.com or contact Lisa Olson at 317-288-4355.
