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Small Business Saturday is an annual shopping holiday that encourages consumers to support small, local businesses in your community . It takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in the United States, falling between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The day was created by American Express in 2010 as a way to promote local businesses and boost their sales during the holiday shopping season. Small Business Saturday has gained significant traction over the years, with many communities organizing events, promotions, and campaigns to highlight their local merchants. It serves as a reminder for consumers to consider shopping at small businesses, which often contribute to the local economy and provide unique products and services. The day has become an important part of the holiday shopping tradition for many people, fostering a sense of community and support for local entrepreneurs in their area! Here are some local, Fort Wayne, Indiana businesses that are taking part and promoting Small Business Saturday: Bohemian Holiday Market at the Coliseum 11a-4p: 4000 Parnell Ave The Bell Mansion 10a-5p: 420 W Wayne St The Local Archive 10:30a-2:30p: 118 W Columbia St @thelocalarchive Artlink 10a-4p: 300 E Main St Holly Shopping 10a-4p: 816 S Calhoun St Vintage Treasures Antique Mall 10a-5p: 625 W Coliseum Blvd This & That 10a-4p: 3436 N Anthony Blvd Painted Tree 10a-8p: 4020 W Jefferson Blvd

Get ready for an incredible weekend in Fort Wayne! Here’s what’s happening: STEAMsgiving: Dive into a world of innovation and creativity at Science Central’s STEAMsgiving event! Perfect for families and curious minds, this hands-on experience offers fun experiments and exciting projects that celebrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math! Festival of Trees: Stroll through a winter wonderland at the Embassy for the Festival of Trees! Experience the magic of beautifully decorated trees and enjoy live entertainment. It's a perfect way to kick off the holiday spirit! Festival of Gingerbread: Marvel at stunning gingerbread creations created by gingerbread artists of all ages! Don’t miss the gingerbread house competition! Small Business Saturday: Show some love this weekend by shopping local! Explore Fort Wayne’s unique shops and boutiques for that perfect gift while supporting our amazing small businesses. Saving Santa: Join us for a heartwarming adventure as we help save Santa! This interactive event is sure to delight the whole family and get you in the festive mood. Don’t forget your camera for some unforgettable photo ops inside the fire station after the rescue! Mark your calendars and gather your friends and family for a weekend filled with fun, creativity, and holiday cheer! 🎊✨ STEAMsgiving : 1950 N Clinton St Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Tickets: https://tickets.sciencecentral.org/Selection.aspx?sch=372166 Festival of Trees: 125 W Jefferson Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/050060B6F744663D Festival of Gingerbread: 302 E Berry St Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Small Business Saturday Spots to Shop: Bohemian Holiday Market at the Coliseum 11a-4p: 4000 Parnell Ave Fort Wayne, IN 46805 The Bell Mansion 10a-5p: 420 W Wayne St Fort Wayne, IN 46802 The Local Archive 10:30a-2:30p: 118 W Columbia St Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Artlink 10a-4p: 300 E Main St Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Holly Shopping 10a-4p: 816 S Calhoun St Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Vintage Treasures Antique Mall 10a-5p: 625 W Coliseum Blvd Fort, IN 46808 This & That 10a-4p: 3436 N Anthony Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Painted Tree 10a-8p: 4020 W Jefferson Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46804 Saving Santa: 226 W Washington Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Looking for something to do this weekend? Fort Wayne has an amazing lineup of events that you won't want to miss! Photos with Santa at Glenbrook Mall: Capture the magic of the season with a special photo op! Bring your family to meet Santa and create lasting memories. Jurassic Quest: Step into a prehistoric adventure! Explore life-sized dinosaurs and interactive exhibits that will thrill kids and adults alike. Adventure awaits! Picture Your Pet with Santa: Don’t leave your furry friends out of the holiday fun! Snap a festive photo of your pet with Santa and make their holiday season extra special. While you’re there enjoy Christmas cookies and hot chocolate! 3rd Annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Coat Drive Market: Shop local vendors while giving back! Entry is FREE with the donation of a new or gently used winter item. Help keep our community warm this winter! Mark your calendars and gather your friends and family for a weekend full of joy, laughter, and giving back! Photo’s with Santa at the Mall: 4201 Coldwater Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Reservations : https://www.glenbrookholidayexperience.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1fEKWUKuO7Gm_XC1JWavFeYPcH6r2m-ee5IQTeoTkLgjwnnkN8_JkXJ-E_aem_9xZSq8npaabNnZw-kVEVUA Jurassic Quest: 4000 Parnell Ave Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Tickets : https://www.universe.com/events/jurassic-quest-allen-county-war-memorial-coliseum-fort-wayne-in-2024-tickets-FDBZXS?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0BMQABHdzdGAhLaNdG3jbWsIZwgWHL8pD2ngQhpxHICNHCFiKoy9nBoHWCCn71og_aem_Fg4V2LvFDU55X9qBg1ymWg Picture Your Pet with Santa: 11605 Coldwater Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46845 3rd Annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Coat Drive Market: 4201 N Wells St Fort Wayne, IN 46808

Weekend Fun Awaits in Fort Wayne! This weekend is packed with festive cheer and excitement! Don’t miss out on these amazing events happening around our city: Fort Wayne Village Marketplace - Dive into the holiday spirit at this enchanting Christmas vendors market! Explore a delightful array of handmade gifts, unique decorations, and tasty treats. Perfect for finding that special something for everyone on your list! U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree - Witness the magic as the iconic U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree makes a special stop in Fort Wayne before heading to Washington D.C.! Bring the family to see this stunning symbol of the season and snap some unforgettable photos! Fort Wayne Hobby and Collectibles Show - Attention collectors and hobbyists! This show is a treasure trove for enthusiasts of all kinds. Discover rare finds, connect with fellow fans, and enjoy a day of nostalgia and fun! Mark your calendars and gather your friends and family for a weekend full of joy, laughter, and holiday spirit! Let’s make some unforgettable memories together! Fort Wayne Village Marketplace 2024: 3946 Ice Way Fort Wayne, IN 46805 U.S Capital Christmas Tree: 1301 Ewing St Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Fort Wayne Hobby and Collectibles Show: 2726 Carroll Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46818

Get ready for a festive weekend filled with fun and creativity! Enjoy an evening filled with creatively crafted cocktails by artisans from around the area. You’re sure to have a memorable evening filled with fun, science activities, silent auctions, and delicious food and drinks. Before you head to mixology don’t forget to grab the little ones and bring them to the public library for a magical Nutcracker storytime! Let their imaginations soar as they journey through this timeless classic—perfect for getting into the holiday spirit! And don’t miss the Christmas Open House at the Painted Tree on Saturday! Explore unique gifts, enjoy festive treats, and get inspired by local artisans as you find that perfect something for everyone on your list! Mark your calendars and gather your friends and family for a weekend filled with joy, creativity, and holiday magic! Mixology: 1690 Broadway Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Building 23 Tickets: https://www.sciencecentral.org/support/fundraising-events/mixology/ Nutcracker Storytime at the Allen County Public Library: 342 W Washing Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Christmas Open House at Painted Tree: 4020 W Jefferson Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46804 (Double Click Picture)

Mercedes-Benz of Fort Wayne has broken ground for their brand new facility off W Jefferson Blvd between AWS Foundation and Peter Franklin Jewelers. They plan to open their new location by July 4th, 2025 with a grand opening party to celebrate their new location. As part of this transition, Mercedes-Benz of Fort Wayne will be selling their current location on W Jefferson, which will be available in 2025-2026! The decision to move comes as part of the dealership's commitment to providing an exceptional customer experience. The new facility will be double the size of their current location providing them the ability to increase their inventory of new and used cars to better serve their growing customer base. Along with more inventory the location will hold a brand new state of the art building with an incredible customer lounge experience. More service bays are being added to ensure they can provide timely and exceptional  service to their customers and their blossoming Sprinter van fleet service center. Aside from the need to increase the size of their location they have also strategically placed their new building to increase accessibility and improve the overall experience with the convenience in and around Mercedes-Benz of Fort Wayne. This idea is great for customers getting service to their cars to have options like shopping, run some errands, or grab something to eat at Jefferson Pointe Mall or Apple Glen Crossing in Southwest Fort Wayne while they wait for their vehicles. The new building is designed with the customer experience in mind, featuring spacious showrooms, modern service areas, and amenities that encourage customers to spend time exploring the latest models and services.  Plans for community events and promotions at the new location will be unveiled as the opening date draws nearer. With the new building set to open in just under a year, the future looks bright for Mercedes-Benz of Fort Wayne, and the team is eager to welcome customers to their new home. We want to thank Pasquale Devito at Mercedes-Benz of Fort Wayne for answering our questions about their new facility and we can’t wait to see what the new location has to offer..

🎉✨ Weekend Fun Awaits in Fort Wayne! ✨🎉 Mark your calendars for an exciting weekend in Fort Wayne from November 1-3! There's something for everyone to enjoy: First Fridays in the Broadway Arts District: Kick off the weekend with a lively evening of local businesses! Explore galleries, enjoy delicious food, and shopping while immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Broadway Arts District. Saint Charles Borromeo School Craft Fair: Get ready to shop local! Head over to the Saint Charles Borromeo School for their annual Craft Fair, featuring unique handmade items from talented artisans. It’s the perfect opportunity to find some one-of-a kind gifts and support our community! Final Night of Nightmare Before Miracle: Don’t miss the spine-tingling finale of this hauntingly delightful pop-up event! Enjoy a night filled with thrills, chills, and cocktails. Gather your friends and family, and make the most of this fantastic weekend in Fort Wayne! First Fridays: 27 E Main St Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Saint Charles Borromeo Craft Fair: 4910 Trier Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46815 Final Night of Nightmare Before Miracle: 301 W Jefferson Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46802 (Double Click Pictures)

Get ready for a spooktacular weekend in Fort Wayne! This weekend is packed with thrilling events for the whole family, and you won’t want to miss a single moment! Here’s what’s happening: Trunk or Treat Locations: Grab your costumes and get ready for some candy-filled fun! Several trunk or treat events are happening all weekend long. Komets Hockey Opening Night: Kick off the season with the Fort Wayne Komets this Friday night! Be at the Memorial Coliseum for an exciting showdown on the ice. Let’s show our team some love and cheer them to victory! Christmas in Arlington Craft Show: Get a head start on your holiday shopping! This Saturday, explore a variety of unique handmade crafts and gifts at the Arlington Park Clubhouse. Perfect for finding that special something for everyone on your list! Kids Halloween Tattoo Experience: Bring the little ghouls and goblins to enjoy a fun Halloween tattoo experience! This event is perfect for kids who want to show off their spooky spirit. Don’t miss out on the creativity! Boo Bash at Jefferson Pointe Shopping Center: Enjoy a day of family-friendly activities, games, and more at the Boo Bash! Dress up in your favorite costume and enjoy a festive atmosphere filled with treats and fun! Mark your calendars, grab your family and friends, and let’s make this weekend in Fort Wayne one to remember! Trunk or Treat - Friday Lutheran Life Villages (Pine Valley) 5p-7p: 9802 Coldwater Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46825 Ruoff Mortgage 5:30p-7:30: 1110 E DuPont Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46825 Ivy Tech Community College 6p-8:30p: 3800 N Anthony Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Community Harvest Food Bank 5:30p-7p: 999 E Tillman Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46816 Komets Hockey Opening Night: 4000 Parnell Ave Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Trunk or Treat - Saturday Fort Wayne Turners 4p-6:30: 3636 Parnell Ave Fort Wayne, IN 46805 St. Joseph Township 1p-3p: 6033 Maplecrest Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46835 Masters Heating and Cooling 3p-6p: 3512 Cavalier Dr Fort Wayne, IN 46808 Midwest Shooting Center 5p-7p: 4140 Coldwater Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Taylor Chapel Ministries 5p-7p: 10145 Maysville Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46835 St. John Emmanuel Lutheran School 4p-6p: 9909 Wayne Trce Fort Wayne, IN 46816 Evan’s Toyota 5:30p-8p: 515 W Coliseum Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46808 Headwaters Church 2p-5p: 2000 N Wells St Fort Wayne, IN 46808 Hysterium 4p-6p: 4410 Arden Dr Fort Wayne, IN 46804 Sport ONE Parkview Ice House 12:30p-2:30p: 3869 Ice Way Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Christmas in Arlington Craft Show: 4630 W Arlington Park Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46835 Kids Halloween Tattoo Experience: 5911 N Clinton St Fort Wayne, IN 46825 Boo Bash 2024: 4130 W Jefferson Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46804 Trunk or Treat - Sunday Jorgensen Family YMCA 3p-5p: 10313 Aboite Center Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46804 Trinity Nazarene Church 4p-6p: 4150 Stellhorn Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46815 North Park Community Church 4p-6p: 7160 Flutter Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46835 Resurrection Lutheran Church 4p-6p: 14318 Lima Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46818 (Double Click Images:)

In a world where passion often meets practicality, many entrepreneurs find themselves at a crossroads, choosing between established paths and uncharted territories. For some, the leap into the unknown is driven by a spark of inspiration that ignites a journey unlike any other. This is particularly true in the creative industries, where the fusion of artistry and business acumen can lead to remarkable transformations, not just for the individual but for the communities they serve. Trista Miller embodies this dynamic spirit of entrepreneurship. As the owner of three businesses, she navigates the delicate balance between floral design, dog training, and creating safe spaces for pets. Her path was not always clear-cut. Like many who dared to follow their dreams, Trista's journey began with a different vision, one that required getting a master's degree, which ultimately led her to her first business venture. In this article, we'll explore how Trista's unique background, unwavering determination, and love for flowers and pets have shaped her into a pioneering force in our community. Through her story, we will uncover the essence of building a business that resonates deeply with personal passions and community needs. Trista's journey began in the small town of Roanoke, Indiana, where she was raised by a police officer father and a stay-at-home mother on a farm just outside the city. She went to school in Huntington, Indiana, and after graduation, started working towards her degree at Huntington University but ultimately transferred to Ball State University to pursue a master's degree in counseling psychology. While working towards her degree, Trista discovered a hidden passion for floral design when she took a floral design class. Little did she know then that this side class would soon become a full-fledged career. During Trista’s masters degree program she started working with local non-profits in the Fort Wayne area. After nearly two years in the industry, she decided to leave social work and went full-time with her business, Rose's Bouquets. As we discussed this pivotal moment in her life, she explained, "I enjoyed social work, but it wasn't as good of a fit for me as I thought it would be. I really liked doing the floral work and doing my own thing, so within about two years, I was working full-time with flowers. My name is Trista Rose Miller; I was named after my grandma Lou Rose, so my business name is Rose's Bouquets. I didn't like the unpredictability of a traditional retail shop having a stocked cooler and not knowing if you would get calls. I loved the idea of larger projects and weddings in particular because the clientele needs more time and expertise than funeral or birthday bouquets, so I developed the idea of being a weddings-only florist. That was totally unique 21 years ago when I started. There were no wedding-only vendors of any kind, so that was a unique thing I was able to do." Over the last 21 years, Trista has built relationships with floral suppliers across the globe to create unique and elegant floral arrangements for her clients. Today, Rose's Bouquets has provided flowers for over 1,400 weddings and has created over 35,000 different designs. Trista has displayed a vast portfolio displaying 2,000 photos on her website to show potential clients the various styles, colors, and arrangements she has created. When we talked about the journey over the last 21 years, we asked Trista what challenges she has faced so far. She said, "Being adaptable to industry changes and how we find brides. When we started, I had CD ROM photos that I gave out, and then we transitioned to having a website, and now we also have social media, so you have to be willing to adapt and change. We've also had to change our advertising style and how we talk to people. For example, I haven't had someone call me and ask me about my availability in over six months. People text, email, or fill out my contact form instead. Then, on the business side, it is like what payment forms are you willing to take. I lost a wedding ten years ago because I didn't take credit cards because it was so expensive. Today, I take credit cards with a transaction fee, but I also accept Zelle and Venmo. The other side of it is design changes. Floral wedding work is very much like design trends; they change constantly, and how the brides shop has changed. It used to be big bridal catalogs, but now it's on Pinterest and social media. So knowing where brides are getting their design ideas from is changing, so I've had to get used to adjusting and making changes over the years."  When brides reach out to Trista to inquire about her wedding floral services, her first step is to confirm her availability for their chosen date. At Rose's Bouquets, bookings are not uncommon to extend 12 to 18 months in advance during peak wedding season. However, Trista encourages brides to check with her, as openings may still be available. Once availability is confirmed, the next step is to discuss the floral packages offered. The smallest package starts at $1,500, with the average wedding costing between $3,000 and $4,000. The most extensive project Trista has completed to date reached $12,000. After aligning on package expectations, Trista discusses her exclusivity policy with the clients. She explains, "Most reputable florists are going to ask that they provide all flowers for the event because it gets really sticky if Aunt Susan wants to provide some flowers and the caterers say they can provide centerpieces and they just want you to do the bridal and bridesmaid bouquets. It's just tough to match, so over the years, I have developed a more strict policy because I've had too many horrible experiences with that. I believe in separating areas and being great in your area." Once a bride confirms they would like to move forward, Trista can begin crafting the arrangements, with delivery scheduled for the day of the event. To support her during busy weekends, when she often manages one to two weddings, Rose's Bouquets employs ten part-time staff members who assist with delivery and setup. Trista deeply appreciates her team, recognizing that their help is invaluable to her business. As we continued to discuss Rose's Bouquets, we asked Trista what led her to start another business. She said, "Polite Paws was number two, and that business started because I always enjoyed animals, and that was kind of a respite from flowers. I don't have kids, so my business is my 24/7 thing, so it's always been helpful to have hobbies along with it. Ballroom dance was one for many years, and then I got into dog training. I was really struck by the different techniques available for dog training.  There are a lot of really scary, aversive tools that are being recommended, and dog training isn't really regulated at all. It almost became a passion project for me to get certified and educated to find out what the ramifications are from these techniques, and then I ended up developing a business out of it. I mostly train in the off-season or when weddings are slower, but I ended up specializing in aggression cases, working with some of the more severe cases in our community." Trista launched Polite Paws in 2019 and was officially certified through CPDT (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers) in 2020. She explained that to receive your certification, you must complete 300 hours of training, pass an exam, and provide a reference from someone in the industry. To do that, she needed to launch her training business first. Today, Trista mainly focuses on providing private lessons and helping owners with whatever their pets need, but when she first started, she offered classes ranging from agility to puppy training. Although Trista is happy to help train dogs in many areas, she will not provide training for prong, shock, or choke collars, including electric fence training. She is happy to explain to pet owners why she does not agree with these training methods and will gladly offer alternative solutions. Throughout her dog training journey, Trista developed the idea of launching her third business, Fido’s Forest. She said, "Fido's Forest was started because so many of my clients couldn't go out and walk their dogs either because their dogs were reactive or they were pulling them on a leash or they just simply didn't have a backyard or they didn't feel safe walking in their area due to previously having their dog attacked by another dog. My dog training gave me the idea to start Fido's Forest. I  thought, 'What if we built a place that was fenced that was big enough for the dogs to explore safely and not worry about running into other people or dogs.'" As Trista began the process to launch Fido's Forest, she didn't realize how challenging it would be. She explained that there is a lot of red tape for permitting and opening a dog park. She said, "We had no idea how much work and how difficult it would be. There is no zone in our county that allows dog parks; it's a category that doesn't exist. Some zones allow you to have a dog park if you file a variance, go in front of the board, have a public hearing, and get accepted. So that's what we had to do, but that process was very daunting, challenging, and intimidating. Some neighbors opposed us, but many people supported us, including the director of Animal Care and Control and several local dog trainers. We had over a thousand people sign a petition asking for the park, and we had a neighbor come to support us as well, so our supporters outweighed the ones that opposed us." Fido's Forest opened in July 2022 and has been a major attraction for dog owners. The park is open every day from sunrise to sunset, and dog owners can book one-hour time slots allowing them full access to the park for the duration of their scheduled time. Although bookings are in one-hour increments, people are welcome to book consecutive time slots if it is available, but it is requested that everyone is out of the park at least 5 minutes before the hour is up to ensure there is no overlapping of visitors to provide safe transitions for all pets and owners. Booking a visit to Fido's Forest is simple. First, you'll need to create an account on their website, https://fidosforest.com , upload your dog's vaccine records showing your pet has both their rabies and DHPP vaccines up to date, and lastly, select the day and time you would like to visit.   Pricing is $19 an hour for one dog and $5 for each additional dog planning to enjoy the forest. Once your booking is complete, you will receive a confirmation email 24 hours before your visit, providing you with a code to enter the gates at the park. Recommended items to bring with you are poop bags, treats, a leash for safe entry and exit from the park, water, mosquito spray, and mud boots. There is no water onsite, so make sure to also bring a towel or wipes for your pets if it is muddy inside the park.  In addition to managing Polite Paws and Fido's Forest, Trista's passion for working with dogs extends far beyond her business. She is deeply committed to rescue work and has volunteered with several local shelters over the years. Currently, she fosters dogs with Cavalier Rescue USA and gives weekly Fido’s Forest visit donations to Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control and Humane Fort Wayne for their adoptable dogs. Trista also frequently sponsors local shelter and rescue events, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to the well-being of dogs in our community. As we talked with Trista about how she manages all three of her companies, we asked her about the challenges of running three businesses at once. She said, "Being on call 24/7. With the forest, we are open all week from sunrise to sunset, so I am getting calls throughout that time any day of the week. Sometimes, I'm juggling. For example, if I'm at a wedding setup and get a call from someone needing help with their booking at the forest, I'm constantly changing hats. My husband helps some, but he has a 9-5 job, so he can't be on call like I am. People think business ownership is just so glamorous and rewarding and money-making, and it is at times, but it is 24/7, and you have to learn so many different skills like payroll and tax withholding. Things you never thought you'd have to know as a florist or a dog trainer, but at least you can apply the knowledge you learn along the way to other businesses." We followed up on this question by asking Trista about her hopes for the future of Rose's Bouquets, Polite Paws, and Fidos Forest. She shared, "I'm actually scaling back Rose's a bit. Next year, I am limiting bookings to have more weekends off because right now, I get maybe one or two weekends off from May through October, which is hard because I work all week, too. People think I only work on weekends as a wedding florist, but that is not true. Throughout the week, I have to order the flowers, condition them, meet with my brides, and do the bookkeeping, so I'm scaling back just a little to give more time to personal things. We would love to open a second Fido's location. We would love to offer a pond and a larger field. Some feedback has been that people would like to play fetch with their dog in a large space because Fido's Forest is totally wooded. We would like to have another location on the other side of town but it's just a matter of the pieces falling into place. Polite Paws is in a bit of a holding pattern, and I take on clients when I can when it's a good fit for my skills, but we have many great trainers in town, so at least I can be a great referral source."  Trista Miller's journey is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and adaptability in the world of entrepreneurship. From her humble beginnings in Roanoke, Indiana, to establishing three thriving businesses, she has navigated the complexities of the floral and pet care industries with grace and determination. Her ability to pivot and evolve in response to changing market demands illustrates the innovative spirit that drives successful entrepreneurs. As she looks to the future, Trista is not only focused on the growth of Rose's Bouquets and Fido's Forest but also on creating a more balanced life that allows her to savor personal moments and passions outside of work. Whether scaling back on bookings or envisioning a new location for Fido's Forest, her commitment to improving her businesses while maintaining her well-being remains true. In a world where many juggle multiple roles and responsibilities, Trista stands out as an inspiring figure who proves that success is not just about financial gain but also about nurturing one's passions and serving the community. Her story encourages us all to embrace our unique paths, reminding us that creativity and business can lead to fulfilling and impactful lives. Trista offers this valuable advice to other entrepreneurs aspiring to start their businesses. She said, "You have to want it more than anything else and be willing to get knocked down and get back up. If you don't have that passion, that's okay. There are a lot of downsides to being a business owner, and there is nothing wrong with having the traditional 9-5. It's also good to have a limit. Either a specific amount of time or money you're willing to commit before you look at your business, determine whether or not it is working, and decide what your next steps should be." We want to send a huge thank you to Trista for taking the time to share her story with us. We are excited to see what she does next with her companies. We also want to thank Nike with Creative Roots Media for capturing the photos you see throughout this article. If you enjoy reading the stories of the entrepreneurs helping shape our city, one business at a time, subscribe to our free newsletter so you are always in the loop about what is happening here at the Fort Wayne Business Journal.

Get ready for a spooktacular weekend in Fort Wayne! There’s no shortage of fun and frights with a lineup of thrilling events perfect for the whole family! This & That’s Spook and Shop Market is the ultimate marketplace for unique finds and Halloween treats! Shop local vendors and get into the festive spirit! Boo! Fest at St Joe Little League Baseball Diamond promises a day of family-friendly activities and plenty of spooky surprises! Bring the kiddos for some fun under the fall sky! Trunk or Treat locations are popping up all over town! Check out the community spots where you can gather candy and enjoy the festive atmosphere! Don’t miss Pawject Runway, where furry friends strut their stuff! And lastly for those seeking a Safe Trick or Treat experience at the Haunted Castle and Black Forest! It’s a frightfully fun way to collect goodies in a safe environment! Mark your calendars and grab your costumes! Let’s make this weekend one to remember! This & That Spook & Shop Market : 3436 N Anthony Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Boo! Fest: 6240 Saint Joe Central Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46835 Trunk or Treat Locations Saturday: Sensory Fun and Playroom 4p-7p: 6746 E State Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46815 Faith Baptist Kids Ministries 4:30p-6p: 6600 Trier Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46815 Mr. Rooter Plumbing 12p: 8717 Illinois Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46804 Jackson R Lehman Family YMCA 5p-7p: 5680 YMCA Park Drive West Fort Wayne, IN 46835 St Vincent De Paul HASA 2:30p-4:30p: 1720 E Wallen Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46825 Life Adult Day Academy 1p-3p: 7515 Westfield Dr Fort Wayne, IN 46825 Bell Mansion 12p-5p: 420 W Wayne St Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Bierman Autism Center 10a-12p: 12938 Coldwater Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46845 Pawject Runway 2024: 4000 Parnell Ave Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Safe Trick or Treat 2024: 1720 E Wallen Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46825 Trunk or Treat Locations Sunday: Brooks Family at Electric Works 2p-6p: 1020 Swinney Ave Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Partners In Autism 1p-3p: 601 Noble Dr Fort Wayne, IN 46825 Mike Thomas Associates Realtors 3p-5p: 9601 Coldwater Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46825