Kristin Kohn (she/her), "Head Honcho" Owner & Jewelry Buyer
{Gets distracted by shiny things}
What’s your go-to Mass Ave local eats or coffee spot? What do you get?
Mass Ave -
Coat Check Coffee - I love the Iced Matcha with Ginger and Oatmilk and any of their baked goods. Right now, I'm also loving the refreshing Tavern Freeze (its like a Paloma slushie) from
Tavern at the Point matched with the smoked turkey and bacon chop salad. If I'm in a pizza mood, it's got to be
Bazbeaux - it's a Mass Ave legend.
Who’s your favorite maker, why are they your favorite & what do you rock by them?
I don't think it's fair to play favorites, but I love my connection with
Evan Knox. I am almost always wearing a piece of her jewelry, I love her unique style and fearlessness to express herself. We've been connecting over gemstones, raising sons, national parks, and baked goods for over 15 years. A visit with Evan can stretch most of the day and I love it - plus, because she makes mostly one-of-a-kind pieces, it's an entirely new collection to peruse every time. I'm not sure who owns more, Evan, me, or my mom!
What does Silver in the City mean to you?
Silver in the City means building community and making everyone feel welcome to be a part of it.
Grace Mitchell (she/her), "Mitchell P.I." Inventory Manager
“Excuse me, I have to defuse this bomb." - Nancy Drew
Who are your favorite makers, why are they your favorite & what do you rock by them?
MUDLove! I have the Indiana State Seal Mug (in Jade) and it is my favorite coffee mug I’ve ever owned. They’re handmade in Indiana and in partnership with Water for Good, every mug provides one week of clean water to someone in need!
What’s your go-to gift from Silver in the City?
What does Silver in the City mean to you?
Silver in the City means so much more than just a place to buy gifts. It’s a safe place to grow. A place that accepted me before I accepted myself and pushed me to take a closer look at how I could create that space for others both here at work and in my personal life.
Nick Rassi (he/him), "Queen of the North" General Manager of Stores
I'm a vegan bookworm and my cats are the most important part of my life.
What’s your go-to Main St. local eats or coffee spot? What do you get?
Who are your favorite makers, why are they your favorite & what do you rock by them?
Local maker
People for Urban Progress (PUP) is my favorite. I love their story, and I love their products even more. I've had a weekender bag for years. It's my go-to bag for traveling or spending days by the pool.
What’s your go-to gift from Silver in the City?
My go-to gift from Silver in the City is our
vegan cookbooks. Lots of my friends and family are plant-based eaters; a good cookbook can really reenergize your love for cooking! My favs are Plants Only Kitchen and Frugal Vegan.
What does Silver in the City mean to you?
I love working for Silver in the City. I've been here since 2013 and watched our stores grow and change into a really remarkable part of the community. I'm so proud of the work our team puts in to make our space inclusive, progressive, and supportive.
Jenetta Hartley (she/they), Store Manager at Mass Ave, Indianapolis Location
“There’s one rule that I know of, babies- Damn it, you’ve got to be kind” - Kurt Vonnegut
What’s your go-to Mass Ave local eats or coffee spot? What do you get?
Leviathan Bakehouse for a coffee and a sweet pastry. I would recommend any single menu item from them! I have yet to try something I don’t love.
What’s your go-to gift from Silver in the City?
No gift is complete without a
sticker or magnet from SITC. All of my friends and family get one of these when I’m gifting!
What does Silver in the City mean to you?
Silver in the City is a place to be yourself. I have always admired the way this small business has used its voice in big ways. They do not shy away from issues happening in our community, and the world! After being a frequent shopper for years at SITC, I was beyond excited to join this team.
Belle Phothirath (she/her), Store Manager at Main Street, Carmel Location
"You cannot alter your fate. However, you can rise to meet it.” — "Princess Mononoke"
What’s your go-to Main St. local eats or coffee spot? What do you get?
My go-to has been Joe's Butcher Shop Signature BLTA! minus the T!
What’s your go-to gift from Silver in the City?
My favorite gift has been a DIY piece from our charm bar! It's my favorite thing to gift, you can customize it for whoever you are gifting it to by adding charms and birthstones!!
What does Silver in the City mean to you?
Silver in the City means home to me. It's a place that I have always felt welcomed and cherished, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. We share that same value to each customer that steps in our store, ensuring everyone feels safe and welcomed!
Ellie Bodin (she/her), Assistant Manager at Mass Ave, Indy Location
"It'll pass." - Priest from Fleabag
What’s your go-to Mass Ave local eats or coffee spot? What do you get?
My goto Mass Ave adjacent spot is Commissary! I love their Pineapple matcha, it's the perfect drink if you want energy and a little sweet treat.
What's your favorite gift to give from Silver in the City?
My favorite gift has to be the racing opossums. Who doesn't love a marsupial on wheels?!
What does Silver in the City mean to you?
Silver in the City is more than just a job for me. I am proud to say I'm part of a business that promotes inclusivity and kindness. I have been able to grow and get out of my shell while working here!
Kate Vaughn (she/her), Assistant Manager at Main Street, Carmel Location
"Cast your stones, cast your judgement; you don't make me who I am.” -A Day to Remember
What’s your go-to Main St. local eats or coffee spot? What do you get?
My favorite local coffee shop is Java House in Midtown. I get the cloudy macchiato any time I need a pick-me-up!
What’s your go-to gift from Silver in the City?
As someone with cat mom friends who are avid coffee lovers (and as a cat mom myself), my go-to gift would be either one of our Blue Q catnip toys, or one of our adorable glass coffee cups!
What does Silver in the City mean to you?
Silver in the City is a safe space for all. It’s a place where I make my living, and it’s also a powerful voice in my community that believes in many of the same things that I personally feel so strongly about, which is so special. Working here has felt like a stroke of luck for me, and has truly been such a gift.
Jess Strackbein (she/her), Shift Lead at Main Street, Carmel Location
"Not all who wander are lost” - J.R.R. Tolkien
What’s your go-to Main St. local eats or coffee spot? What do you get?
My go to spots are Indie Coffee Roasters and Ash & Elm Cider Co. I love me a fun beveragino! For coffee, my go to is anything a little earthy and sweet. They always have great seasonal drinks I love to try. My favorite ciders are the bloomsberry lavender and the apple butter one!
What’s your go-to gift from Silver in the City?
The geometry towels are so great, and the variety of styles makes it easy to pick out for different people. And they’re made out of recycled material! Bonus!! Add a sticker, of course, and you have a great gift for anyone!
What does Silver in the City mean to you?
It’s really more than just some local store. This place is a judgement free zone where everyone is free to be themselves and my coworkers feel more like friends. It’s a place full of good energy and good people. :)
Erin Giesler (she/her), Shift Lead at Main Street, Carmel Location
“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it’s called the present”
Grand Master Oogway
, 'Kung Fu Panda'
What’s your go-to Main St. local eats or coffee spot? What do you get?
1832 is my go to spot to go to for a beverage! I either get a vanilla iced latte when I am in need of caffeine or a berry refresher when I want something lighter.
What’s your go-to gift from Silver in the City?
I love creating a personalized necklace from the DIY charm bar. There are so many combinations to choose from and it makes such a thoughtful gift for a loved one.
What does Silver in the City mean to you?
Silver in the City is a safe space. It is a place to be celebrated for being who you are. I love the inclusive and diverse community that Silver in the City has created and I am proud to be a part of it!
Troy Dickens (he/they), Shift Lead at Mass Ave, Indianapolis Location
“People get built different. We don't need to figure it out, we just need to respect it.” – Bubblegum (Adventure Time)
What’s your go-to Mass Ave local eats or coffee spot? What is your favorite order?
Gordon's Milkshake Bar for a Chocolate Dipped Strawberry.
What’s your go-to gift from Silver in the City?
Cast Iron turtle key holder.
What does Silver in the City mean to you?
Working at a queer gift store means being part of a vibrant and inclusive community that celebrates love, diversity, and self-expression. It’s not just about selling unique products; it’s about creating a safe space where everyone feels welcome and valued.
Soph Dolbeer (they/them), Office Assistant
“I really want to be a tomato plant, to respectfully say f*** you to any assumptions about my trajectory. My growth may not look elegant or linear, but it’s scrappy and it’s mine.”
-rani ban I want to be a tomato plant
What’s your go-to Mass Ave local eats or coffee spot? What do you get?
The spots I frequent the most on Mass Ave are Coat Check and Livery. At Coat Check I get an iced butterscotch latte w/ oat milk and an orange cardamom babka. At Livery, I like all of their empanadas, and you can never go wrong with their Carriage House margarita!
What’s your go-to gift from Silver in the City?
I love cooking for people, but when I don’t have the time to, I tend to reach for a cookbook for a gift! Some go-tos for me are Start Here and Saucy, because both are perfect for beginners all the way to seasoned pros. I like to add on some recipe cards by OneCanoeTwo so that the giftee can write down their favorite recipes for easy access!
What does Silver in the City mean to you?
Silver is a place where I am able to help cultivate a safe space for queer folks in Indy! I love that I can walk into work and be my authentic self, and get to encourage others to do the same.
The leadership team all dolled up for the Best Things Gala at the JW December 2024
The best thing about that night? Spending time together outside of work!
Enjoying our annual staff outing to the ball game at Victory Field!
Celebrating Nick's 10th Anniversary with Silver in the City, October 2023
Always tons of spirits and our annual Halloween Pumpkin Carving Party!
Our Annual "Poppin" Holiday Party at Just Pop In!