By Nancy Edwards
Those who enjoy the convenience and laid-back atmosphere of a food truck, yet dislike crowded, noisy shopping malls, may want to check out the area’s first boutique on wheels.
Retro 101, developed by Fishers resident Heather Pirowski, offers a range of clothing styles for women of various ages and sizes, from fun and trendy to young and hipster to retro flair, along with accessories, gift items and styles for men and children.
Pirowski developed her vision of a mobile boutique from a visit to a clothing shop housed in an Ohio barn and after having had success herself with setting up a pop-up shop at the City Market when Indianapolis hosted the Super Bowl in 2012.
After purchasing “Ellie,” a $1,200 bus, Pirowski began work on her plan, adding local fashionable, yet affordable styles, tailored to where she travels, from downtown Indianapolis and Hamilton County to Tennessee, Ohio or Chicago.
“It’s all about having fun,” she said. “You’ll find something different and unique that you won’t find in other places.” Pirowski added that when the bus travels to downtown Indianapolis, the show caters to the younger, “hipster” crowd, however, the styles shown during stops in Hamilton County may cater to a slightly older crowd.
Retro 101 has also partnered with Dress for Success, donating clothes for functions. In addition, the mobile boutique attracted the attention of Indianapolis 500 princesses, which led to styles being featured on them at special appearances, including the Indianapolis 500 parade.
The boutique also offers online “steals and deals” each Monday on Facebook.
Pirowski said she enjoys the unique business, which allows her to have flexibility as a busy mom, and hopes that others may be inspired as entrepreneurs of their own dreams.
“It’s been great for the family dynamic, doing things on my own terms. I’m having fun with the concept,” she said. “You get out of your comfort zone and have fun doing it.”
For more information on Retro 101, go online to http://www.shopretro101.com/, or visit Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest at shopretro101.
