While students at Purdue University, Samantha Minich and Catharina Daffre found their love of working out by going to the gym together.
“We would, like, find our way around the gym together, and like, survive all the newness and craziness about lifting and working out,” Minich said.
After college, Minich moved to California and then South Carolina. She said it wasn’t always easy making friends.
“When you’re in your mid-20s, I feel like you’re in this in-between stage and you’re kind of starting over,” Minich said. “It was really hard to meet other women and to build relationships and create friendships.”
She said fitness studios were one thing that helped her find community. But when she moved back to Indianapolis, she couldn’t find what she was looking for — a gym that offers a variety of classes, is relatively inexpensive and has a focus on community.
So, she started her own.
Minich opened She Shop Fitness Studio in South Broad Ripple last summer. Her goal for the studio goes beyond a place for people to work out. She wants a place where women can connect.
“I want a safe space for women to come move their body,” Minich said. “I want a place that fosters friendship and community.”
When you walk into She Shop, you’ll see a bright pink neon sign with the studio’s logo and a mural. There’s seating, hanging plants and curtains over the windows for privacy.
The studio offers a variety of classes, from yoga and cardio to strength training and Zumba. It will soon offer a “mama & minis” class designed for mothers and their children. And after each class, members can grab a free Hubbard & Craven’s coffee at the studio’s coffee bar.
There are opportunities for non-studio members, too. The studio hosts free events like movie nights and a walking club that’s open to all.
A place to make friends
Daffre, Minich’s friend from college, teaches some of the classes.
She recalled meeting a woman who had just moved to Indianapolis and came to the studio for a Pilates class. A group of friends who were class regulars invited the woman to brunch that morning. Daffre and Minich watched as the group walked to brunch and then walked back, chatting and laughing.
“Sam and I literally turned to each other and high-fived and cried a little bit because we were like, ‘This is it,’” Daffre said. “This is why we opened the studio, this is what it’s supposed to be about. It’s not supposed to be like, super bougie or elevated. It’s supposed to be inclusive and welcoming and a place for people to meet friends.”
Taylor Abbott, a midtown mom of three, said she hadn’t worked out seriously since she was in her 20s.
“I spent many, many years having babies and never really having the motivation or the time to get to a gym regularly,” Abbott said. “And because I didn’t really know what I was doing.”
Abbott said the gym can be an intimidating space. There’s a lot of complicated equipment, and the fear of judgment or unwanted comments can make it difficult for people to feel safe working out.
At her annual medical examination, Abbott said her doctor told her she was at risk of diabetes if she didn’t start working out regularly. That same day, she saw a post on a local moms Facebook group about She Shop Fitness Studio. She immediately bought a yearlong membership and has been attending multiple classes a week ever since.
“I felt comfortable going in there completely new to that world, and was able to kind of be taught from the beginning how to safely improve,” Abbott said. “It just has been a real blessing to me.”
Abbott said she’s connected with the studio’s instructors and other members.
“I look forward to going to class, which is not something I ever really thought I would say about going to a gym, and seeing my new friends,” Abbott said. “And just knowing we’re doing it together.”
If you go
She Shop Fitness Studio is located at 713 E. 52nd St. More information about classes and events can be found online.
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Mirror Indy reporter Darian Benson covers east Indianapolis. Contact her at 317-397-7262 or darian.benson@mirrorindy.org. Follow her on X @HelloImDarian or on Bluesky @darianbenson.bsky.social.
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