Indy Women Creating Space // Kerry Pochinco
We are all in for a treat as we get to know Kerry Pochinco, November’s Indy Woman Creating Space. I met Kerry through Lindsay Martin at her birthday dinner several years ago. She was working full-time in corporate, but had this idea formulating to launch her own local boutique - with pop-up shops and a strong online presence.
It has been so fun to cheer her on from the sidelines as she has grown this concept into a go-to spot for elevated basics. We had the chance to collaborate in the 2025 Home-A-Rama Closet for Custom Living and her sense of style is inspiring women across the midwest to purchase thoughtful, versatile pieces.
Let’s all get to know Kerry!!
Who are you and what lights you up? Tell us your story, your mission, and what you’re building in Indy.
I’m Kerry - born and raised in Westfield, shaped by eight fast, formative years in Chicago, and now building something special right here in Carmel. Fashion has been my north star for as long as I can remember. I was that kid telling everyone I’d be a fashion designer someday, sketching outfits and dreaming in color. A wise older student once told me to switch my major to marketing because it was “more versatile,” and while she wasn’t wrong, I always knew fashion would find its way back into my life in a bigger, more meaningful way.
My career started in event management - I’ve always loved the magic of details, the joy of creating experiences that make people feel something. Fifteen years later, after a pivot into corporate advertising, one husband, two dogs, three kids, and a move back home to Carmel, I realized I needed a creative outlet that actually lit me up. Something that felt like me.
In 2024, Dutch Girl was born - partly as a challenge to myself (“Can I really do this?”) and partly because I believe style shouldn’t be complicated. Feeling confident in your clothes should be easy, accessible, and fun. With no guidebook, but with a whole lot of heart and support from friends, family, and local businesses, Dutch Girl has grown into something I didn’t even know Carmel was missing: a destination for elevated basics that help women feel cool, confident, and effortlessly put together. The messages I get - women telling me they wear their pieces nonstop, that something they bought has become their most-loved item - those moments fuel me. They remind me why I started.
Dutch Girl has become more than a boutique; it’s a community, a creative outlet, and a little spark of joy in the everyday. And building it here, in Indy, feels like coming full circle. I’m building a brand that empowers women to feel good in their clothes and confident in their skin - one elevated basic at a time. And honestly, it’s been more fulfilling than I ever imagined.
Photo Credit: Southern Sky Design
What values anchor the work you do?*
At the heart of Dutch Girl are a few core values that guide everything I do:
Confidence - I believe every woman deserves to feel good in her clothes - not just on special occasions, but every single day. Dutch Girl exists to make style feel approachable, empowering, and effortless.
Connection - Dutch Girl is built on community. I care deeply about the women who shop with me, the local businesses who support me, and the relationships that make this work meaningful. I want Dutch Girl to feel like a friend - someone who gets your style, cheers you on, and helps you show up as your best self. Dutch Girl is more than a place to buy clothes. Our customers take pride in being Dutch Girl shoppers. Imagine being on the street and having a “OMG, is that from Dutch Girl? Love them!” conversation – that is our ultimate goal!
Simplicity - Style doesn’t have to be complicated. I value pieces that work hard, feel good, and make getting dressed easier. Dutch Girl is rooted in the idea that elevated basics can be the foundation of a wardrobe - and that simplicity can be incredibly chic. Cheers to outfit repeaters because they are pieces you can’t wait to wear.
Empowering - Dutch Girl empowers every woman to feel cool, confident, and equipped with the wardrobe essentials they need. We’re the go-to shop for women who want elevated basics and versatile staples that are clean, simple, and effortlessly chic. They can always count on their Dutch Girl pieces to make them feel put-together.
Give us a peek into your space! Share what makes a particular space in your home or workplace feel utterly and totally "YOU."
In one word - neutral. I’m drawn to spaces that feel calm but intentional, layered with texture and neutrals that have a little twist. Think soft creams, warm taupes, deep charcoals, and those subtle elevated basics that make you pause for a second because they’re simple… but special. My entire house is neutral with some fun colors added into the artwork, but my favorite space has to be the living room or outdoor patio simply because that is where most of the life happens in my house. From work, to creativity, to unboxing Dutch Girl packages, to cooking for my kids, to watching movies, watching them play outside, 99% of the life in our house is in those two rooms and so the space I've created just makes me happy (especially when its actually clean and organized ;) ).
Your go-to tip: What organization, mindset, or workflow trick has been a game-changer?
Well, I'll leave all the organization tips to the Baer Minimalist! BUT I will say, especially as it relates to your closet - I follow a one in one out rule and a purge often mindset. If I buy something, I need to remove at least one item from my closet that I haven't worn in over a year. My rule is - if I hold it up and it either 1.) does not bring me joy or 2.) I wouldn't put it on right now and be excited about it, it needs to go. And by go - a lot of times I mean donations or passing to a friend for a second life, but it needs to be out of your closet! A clear, curated closet creates clarity especially in those "I have nothing to wear" moments.
Your Indy List: What local businesses do you love, support, and want to shout from the rooftops?
Kelly Churney Design Studio – she is an incredible interior designer and she’s built her own business from the ground up. She’s been such a cheerleader for Dutch Girl and its been amazing to watch her build her business over the last few years.
Colette – Fine Jewelry by Whitney Cooper – the ultimate support and hype girl, I can’t even begin to describe how proud I am of what she has built. She has the most incredible taste in jewelry and has supported Dutch Girl since Day 1 – allowing me to do online pop up’s in her stores, collaborating in every way possible. She’s a huge inspiration for Dutch Girl.
317 Lash Studio – Hailey Jensen is an incredible business owner who has built an awesome community to help women feel empowered and beautiful. From lashes, brows, facials, tanning, and quite literally the best massage in town, she is Cicero’s best kept secret.
Keeping Up In Carmel – Chelsea Kopelman – Chelsea has supported Dutch Girl since before I even launched. She took a chance to partner with a girl who really had no clue what she was doing, and has helped the community learn about me with her platform. I am so appreciative of what she does for small businesses in our community – she is a fantastic cheerleader, model, friend, and someone who I admire who has built something from scratch born out of a need for the community and passion!
Ash Digital Consulting - Ashley Wottring - she's been another huge cheerleader and supporter, she is a local influencer and has her own Digital Marketing company. You'll see Ashley as a frequent model for Dutch Girl and she is a creative genius when it comes to social marketing!
RA Opticians - I love RA Opticians because they make eyewear feel like the best fashion accessory you’ve been missing. The assortment is unique, elevated and full of personality, and somehow they always have the frames you didn’t know you needed until you try them on.
And of course, Southern Sky Photography – goes without saying she is a huge inspiration from the beginning that gave me confidence that I could build my own business while being a mom and having a very demanding corporate career. She’s also the talent behind every beautiful image you see on our feed and site, her eye for photography is truly a gift to all of us.
Anything else you'd love to share that captures your personality or your journey.
I'd say the one thing I wish someone told me was to do the thing you feel pulled to do. I'm a mom of 3, I have an extremely demanding corporate job, and I still find the time to do this side passion business. It fuels me. If anyone feels stuck and needs a push - consider this your kick!
Thank you, Kerry!! With the holidays just mere weeks away, I highly recommend hopping over to the Dutch Girl site for the cutest kid clothes to wrap under the tree and something special to wear to all of those holiday parties!
We encourage you to check out our most recent Signature Series posts with Kari Singleton, Megan Mioduski, Jessica Green, Cali Ahern and Lindsay Martin here.
The Baer Minimalist helps busy families create ORGANIZED + STYLIZED spaces throughout Indianapolis. To keep up to date with all of the tips, tricks and inspiration doled out, subscribe to our newsletter, The Minimal-List, here.