CYNTHIA VEATCH had big shoes to fill when she purchased the petite gift shop Clara K. & Cartabella from its retiring owners. Their exquisite taste and bespoke service came through for every special occasion. Happily for the boutique’s loyal following, Veatch has a similar eye as a transplanted New York designer. Regulars can still find some of their favorite items, including Hester & Cook placemats, Alba Bijoux semiprecious jewelry from Italy, greeting cards designed by former owner Ghega Scolari, and French Knot knitted goods. Veatch’s new treasures fit right in. Instant obsessions include Emily Lex watercolor workbooks, Canadian artist Janet Hill’s tongue-in-cheek prints, Bookshelf Games designed as thick tomes for classy displaying, and soy candles produced by women at Wheeler Mission’s Restored Creations enterprise. Saris are made from recycled fabrics, and Veatch sprinkles in curiosities like a British silver toast-holder. She read our minds with the shop’s new name—“a thousand thank yous” in Italian.
Shop Talk: Grazie Mille
A favorite Broad Ripple gift store gets a second life after the previously closed Cartabella reopens under new management.
