We are so grateful to have you celebrate our fifth Bloom: A Celebration of Motherhood event! Check out the event’s schedule, learn more about the amazing local vendors and get ready to hear from inspiring moms during our Mom Talks. Thank you for joining us this year – because this event is all about YOU!
Join us at 2:00 pm to hear from the following moms in the media:
Lindy ThackstonLindy Thackston anchors the Fox 59 Morning Show from 4 to 7 AM and is a stage 3 colorectal cancer survivor. She is also a public address announcer for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and mom to a kindergartener. Lindy has spent more than 20 years as a news anchor for various stations across the country. She also spent many years as a pit reporter for the IndyCar Series, college football sideline reporter, and Indiana Pacers emcee. Lindy is married to Christian and they have a 5-year-old son Lachlan. They live in Indianapolis. Lindy was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer in May 2020 and endured 5 surgeries, 25 rounds of chemo, and 15 rounds of radiation
Nina KoehlerNina Koehler is a certified doula and videographer serving central Indiana and surrounding communities with Blue Egg Birth Stories. She previously worked as an anchor and reporter for WISH-TV in Indianapolis, before pursuing her passion in birth work. Nina lives with her husband Andrew and their four children Graham (8), Everett (6), Pierce (3), and Claire (11 months) in Danville. Also living with them is Nina’s mom Deb, who helps fill the gaps with child care, a cute poodle named Lily, and an Italian Greyhound named Vita. Nina is also working to open Selfie WRLD Indy this fall. It will be the area’s first permanent selfie museum. She also enjoys volunteering at her church and her children’s school, fitness, stand-up comedy, binging reality TV, and a good glass of wine
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Troy WashingtonTroy Washington is an Emmy award-winning journalist from El Campo, Texas. Over the last decade, she’s worked in the television news industry as an anchor, producer, and reporter in Georgia, Louisiana, and Tennessee before moving to Indianapolis to work for WRTV. She’s a Prairie View A&M University graduate and former collegiate softball athlete. During her collegiate years, Washington acted as a founding member of 100 Collegiate Women of America — an organization that has spread beyond her alma mater. In 2018, she earned the distinction of top 40 under 40 from Prairie View A&M University. She’s passionate about community service such as hosting a back-to-school drive in her hometown and providing college scholarships through her annual Juneteenth festival. When she isn’t pursuing her passion as a broadcaster or connecting with the community she’s spending quality time with her family. She has a two-year-old daughter named Riley! Washington loves being a mommy, in fact, she has a podcast called Media Mommy that chronicles the joys and challenges of navigating motherhood while trying to lead a successful career in broadcast. The podcast also addresses tough issues such as getting in shape after baby, black maternal health, and postpartum depression. Media Mommy can also be found on apple podcasts.
Join us at 3:00 pm to hear from these amazing local mother business owners:
Amanda HauserAmanda McIlwain Hauser is an author, professional educator, contributing blogger, wife, and mother to eight little (and big) humans. But, what really sets her soul on fire is keeping magic a part of childhood, and that inspired her to create and write the Impish the Elf children’s book series. Amanda loves supporting, serving, and empowering women in her community as a board member of Women of Westfield. A military mama, Amanda also serves as the current president of the US Air Force Academy Parent Club of Indiana
Dr. Manasa MantravadiThe first time Dr. Manasa Mantravadi found stainless steel on her dining table was as a child growing up in India. Fast forward to today, this mom/pediatrician turned entrepreneur is making it her mission to educate parents on the importance of using stainless steel instead of plastic for kids’ dinnerware. Dr. Mantravadi was alarmed after reading the American Academy of Pediatrics report on the dangers of plastics in dinnerware. Its findings noted how chemicals in plastic disrupt children’s hormones, growth, and development. Their recommendation was to use stainless steel, just like Dr. Mantravadi’s family had used for generations in India. This led Dr. Mantravadi to startAhimsa, the first colorful stainless steel dinnerware for kids that’s non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Ahimsa is a Sanskrit word for “avoiding harm.” It’s the first oath she took as a physician and now it’s the oath of her company. Ahimsa is the perfect mix of her love for children, medicine, the environment, and her Indian heritage.
Facebook | Instagram | Website
Rachel Priddy
Rachel Priddy is a Food Scientist by education, Beverage Scientist by experience, and Coffee Lover by necessity. She has two darling girls, two and five years old, who are the loves of her life. That is how she chose to name her business, Rose and Lois, after them. Rachel left corporate America and has never looked back despite opening her coffee shop 24 hours after the pandemic-induced shutdown. Business has been a roller coaster, but incredibly gratifying. She loves people and is so enthusiastic to get to work with other women in business, moms in business, and other small business owners. Rose and Lois’ mission is to inspire, uplift, and bring delight to humanity through the vehicle of exceptionally crafted beverages served with promptness in a clean, beautiful setting.
Oh the lucky mamas who were able to snag one of this year’s swag bags that were valued at over $200! These bags were STUFFED with some of the best swag to date!
What’s an Indianapolis Moms event without some FANTASTIC giveaways? A special shout out to the sponsors that made this year’s prize packages possible!
