Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v01n04)
Two Sisters Trading Co. a Cool Addition to Ferguson Street Shops
posted: Jun. 24, 2004
Amy Mullins and her sister Lorie had a concept for a new store: "Cool Finds - New, Used and Redone". Broad Ripple was the perfect location for it and it opened in November 2003 in a house on the 6500 block of North Ferguson.
Two Sisters Trading Co
Two Sisters is an eclectic shop. Today, for example there are two portable record players for sale. They even play the old 78 RPM disks.
Local students make some of the items. "We have a 16-year old student that reworks old clothes into new designs," said Amy. "Her pieces sell out quickly."
Two Sisters is a popular exhibit location for local artists. "Our artist exhibition space is booked up until December," noted Amy.
Gentle Fawn is a line of clothing from California. Two Sisters Trading Co. is their only retail outlet in Indiana.
Amy shows vintage clothing that a local student reworked into new creations.
I couldn't make it out of the store without a purchase. I had to have the Krusty the Clown TV clock. "The Bart (Simpson) clock is my favorite," said Amy. "I ordered it for the store because Bart is holding his skateboard."
Amy lives in the area and owns a skateboard shop in Carmel. The Rise skateboard shop started on the eastside five years ago and has been in Carmel for about two years. Lorie lives in Atlanta, Georgia, and does much of the buying. She is a makeup artist for modeling agencies, and is starting a line of makeup called Pin-Up Girl Cosmetics.
Once a week Amy works on Jack Leer's Zionsville wolf farm. The wolves are cared for by volunteers. "There is only one wolf that lets us make contact," Amy explained. "I have a special bond with her."
Following the tradition of Chelsea's, Two Sisters has a four-legged mascot with a following. About two years ago, Charlie was found by the side of the road protecting three puppies. Amy was working for a veterinarian at the time, and adopted Charlie. He is a mix of sheepdog and terrier, and has two different colored eyes. "Charlie is always with me at the store. Customers will call Rise in Carmel to see if I am there," says Amy. "Then they know that Charlie is there. It is Charlie they really want to see. Everyone loves Charlie."
Amy Mullins, owner of Two Sisters, with lovable Charlie. Yes, he has two different colored eyes.
Two Sisters also sells hand-made soaps, hand-made pillows, custom hand-beaded pet collars, vintage kitchen items, Cat In The Hat decorations, purses, pins, jewelry, vintage furniture, vintage clothing, mobiles, and much, much more. This unique collection of interesting merchandise's a must-see.
Cubbyholes of interesting things
Front room
Vintage kitchenware
Purses and Art
Art Gallery
The Gallery room at Two Sisters features collections from selected local artists
Handmade 'Candles for Compassion' - all proceeds go to Indianapolis animal charities
Record Players
Suncatchers
Mobile
Sleeping Charlie
Custom beaded pet collars
The original kitchen is a perfect display for vintage dishes and the food candles and timers
Handmade pillows
Kid's items - Cat in the Hat