Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Pamela Ellis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Pamela, appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Life changed for me 9 years ago after I gotten divorced after 27 years. I closed my clothing boutique in Terre Haute, IN after my divorce and moved to Fort Lauderdale, FL. I began working for a boutique on the beach and then started working in the couture department at Nordstrom in Aventura. After 2 years of being in Fort Lauderdale, I decided why not become a flight attendant. I left Fort Lauderdale and was based out of Louisville, Ky. I flew for Mesa Airlines on American Eagle. I did this for a year and a half. I knew my heart was in fashion so I resigned from flying and went working for my girlfriend, Juetta West at her boutique in Daytona, FL as her store manager. Then the pandemic happened and we were forced to close our store. I came back to Walton, Indiana where I grew up. There was a clothing boutique in Indianapolis, IN looking for a store manager. I knew the store owner, Jeannie Rush. I became her store manager August of 2021, October of 2021, she came to me and asked me to buy her store. I said I need to pray about this. God is so good and 3 years later I am the proud owner of The Secret Ingredient, Indianapolis. Best risk I’ve ever taken!!

Pamela, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

FASHION: Pamela Ellis
The Secret Ingredient Owner

Pamela Ellis embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship with a journey through the fashion industry exemplifying unwavering passion and resiliency. A native of Walton, Indiana, Pamela’s love for fashion blossomed during her studies at Indiana State University. Her career has taken her from owning a boutique in Terre Haute to working in Nordstrom’s couture department in Florida, and even pursuing a dream as a flight attendant, each experience shaping her unique approach to business and customer service.

With continuous education and adaptability, Pamela keeps The Secret Ingredient, in the Shoppes at 56th and Illinois, at the forefront of fashion trends, while her diverse experiences inform her keen eye for style and business acumen. Under her leadership, the store has evolved while maintaining its legacy of exceptional service and curated fashion. Pamela believes that fashion is an expression of who we are. “Every item in the store is intentional,” she explains, offering a mix of timeless pieces and trendy finds that cater to diverse tastes and occasions.

But her mission extends beyond selling clothes, aiming to empower women through style, confidence, and community engagement. The Secret Ingredient sponsors local fashion shows and events, reflecting Pam’s commitment to giving back. As she continues to grow The Secret Ingredient, Pam remains dedicated to her core belief: “It doesn’t matter where you are in life, you can do whatever you want to do.” Through fashion, she inspires women to embrace their individuality and pursue their dreams, just as she has done throughout her dynamic career.

Visit The Secret Ingredient in the Shoppes at 56th and Illinois in Indianapolis. Find out more and shop online at thesecretingredient.us and follow @secretingredientstore on Instagram.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Please see what I wrote in previous message.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

Please see previous message

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thesecretingredient.us
• Instagram: @secretingredientstore
• Facebook: The Secret Ingredient Indianapolis