Indy Women Creating Space // Meet Cali Ahern
Meet Cali! Her reputation for adorable, thoughtful and creative events may proceed her…and if this is your first time learning about Cali and Make Merry Indy, you are in for such a treat (think a gorgeous slice of cake with themed candles on top).
We had kids at the same preschool and yet didn’t meet until our kids were entering Kindergarten at Eagle Elementary. She is the gal you wish you had leading your big PTO fundraiser, has the kindest heart and loves to serve her clients going above and beyond and knocking every event out of the park.
We’ve grown our businesses here in Zionsville over the last several years and are lucky enough to share some incredible clients.
Who are you and what lights you up? Tell us your story, your mission, and what you’re building in Indy.
I’m the kids’ party coach you never knew you needed! I plan the party you don’t want to.
Hi, I’m Cali, a wife and mom of three in Zionsville, IN. I’ve always loved bringing people together through simple, intentional, beautiful events. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m not shy to have a large group in my home and I love being thoughtful about my guests’ experience.
Parties are a way to connect people and create moments that matter. My love for kids and background in teaching sparked a passion for creating parties where kids feel seen, celebrated, and truly loved.
At Make Merry Indy, I help busy moms plan one-of-a-kind kids’ celebrations with thoughtful touches and colorful, modern design. I think outside the box so you don’t have to - I save you time, relieve stress, and make party planning easier.
When we work together, you’ll find me to be more of a party coaching friend than some stranger you hired online.
What values anchor the work you do?
My faith in God drives my joy and love for my clients and the Make Merry Indy community. I care deeply for the moms and families I work with in north Indy. I aim to be approachable and warm towards others. I love serving my clients and relieving the party stress for them.
Give us a peek into your space! Share what makes a particular space in your home or workplace feel utterly and totally "YOU."
Most of my work time is spent on the phone with clients, emailing vendors, site-visits, and procuring parties. I gravitate towards my kitchen counter or dining table because of all the natural light. I also work out of my basement work room, I call it my dungeon. It is full of the party industry's best paper goods, leftover party decor, serving ware, and table linens. I’m a creator with limited time, so my creative space isn’t so pretty.
The space that feels most like me is my back patio with a modern black pergola, an outdoor fireplace, dining set, hot tub, and the comfiest outdoor seating thanks to Facebook Marketplace. It is my oasis, my place to think, clear my head, enjoy the weather/Indiana sunsets, and gather the people I love.
Your go-to tip: What organization, mindset, or workflow trick has been a game-changer?
Party Tip: Most people start party planning by searching on Pinterest or Instagram. You will be overwhelmed in no time, guaranteed! Start your party planning by searching for a custom invite on Etsy or Minted as inspiration for the party style regardless of whether you use it or not.
Mindset Tip: This spring I was managing up to 14 events at one time, and it was a lot. I was often overwhelmed and my favorite mindset phrase I repeat is…“do the next right thing”. Sometimes that means bearing down and getting emails out, sometimes it means folding the load of laundry I loathed, and other times it means sitting down to play a game with my kids. Just do the next right thing.
Life hack: Walk!
When I’m overwhelmed, I go for a walk.
When I’m sad, I go for a walk.
When I’m bored, I go for a walk.
When I’m overstimulated, I go for a walk.
When I’m agitated, I go for a walk.
When I am beyond grateful, I go for a walk.
Your Indy List: What 3 local businesses do you love, support, and want to shout from the rooftops?
Kristen Cambridge from Social House Real Estate, Dr. Katelyn Bauer from Poplar Pediatric Dentistry, Cynthia from 4KidsBooks & Toys. These women drive their business as people first, and it shows! They care deeply for their community.
Who is an Indianapolis woman who inspires you? Lauren Williamson with Pure Barre, a strong, quiet boss babe!
Anything else you'd love to share that captures your personality or your journey.
Be the cool mom without the effort! Email me at makemerryindy@gmail.com.
I love planning Henrik and Luna’s party each year, but when they no longer allow a joint party, I know who my right-hand gal is going to be! Cali is the magic party creator that you may have never known you needed…and for that, you are so welcome.
We encourage you to check out our most recent Signature Series posts with Jona Wells, Kristin Patrick Megan Mioduski and Jessica Green 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.