Indy Women Creating Space // Lindsay Martin
Meet the most creative spirit I have the pleasure of knowing…Lindsay Martin of Southern Sky Photography. We met through Women for Riley years ago and have grown our businesses, dreams and families side by side over the last several years. Lindsay is the trusted photographer for some of the coolest brands and events in Indianapolis and can now add State Fair Award winner to her list of accomplishments after entering some of her pieces into this year’s photography competition.
And she’s constantly putting herself out there like that. Whether it be learning a new skill, advocating for causes she believes in or quietly capturing moments that deserve to be framed. I feel so lucky to call her a friend and am beyond excited for you to meet her too!
Who are you and what lights you up? Tell us your story, your mission, and what you’re building in Indy.
I grew up in South Georgia where beauty existed as the baseline, not the exception. I carried that sentiment to New York City, where I spent the first decade of my career learning from some of the most talented creatives in media. New York sharpened my eye, expanded my world and taught me the power of what’s possible.
Eventually, I found a home in Indianapolis with my native-Hoosier husband and our son, Shepherd, my greatest muse. Today, I own Southern Sky, helping local brands through creative services like photography and brand marketing consultation. I also serve as Director of Brand for Jenni Egger Designs, a full-service interior design firm based in Meridian Kessler.
The mediums of my work change, but the work is remarkably consistent: find what is singular about something and give it a larger life. I truly love being able to do both! In Indy, I hope I’m building a creative life that contributes to my community by supporting local businesses/artists/organizations, making meaningful work, and helping people see a little more beauty in what is already around them. After working in corporate communications and marketing for a global company headquartered in Indiana for the better part of a decade, I shifted into local, small business to truly live in the brands I help build.
What values anchor the work you do?
Ultimately, I want my work to be generous. Whether through an image or even the song that plays with it, I want to amplify work and people worth knowing. In my mind, I see photography as cinematic. An image can truly propel you to a vivid memory, just like a song or a scent. That’s movement. That's magic! I’m a total nerd for nostalgia and my heart has found such a home in photography.
Give us a peek into your space! Share what makes a particular space in your home or workplace feel utterly and totally "YOU."
My dining room, without question. I love the quiet formality of a dining room, the idea that gathering around a table is worthy of a room made especially for it. Mine holds layers of where I came from alongside memories we’re making today – connecting me to people and places across generations. Using my grandparent’s wedding china and my parent’s silver with table décor for each holiday and occasion to create core memories for my son - it’s one way I show love to others. Don’t even get me started on Christmas china.
Your go-to tip: What organization, mindset, or workflow trick has been a game-changer?
Analog family meetings on Sundays. With two full-time working parents and a little one in school, every Sunday we put the week on paper—literally. A physical Monday-through-Friday notepad, a pen and a quick conversation about all the things for the next 7 days. We have all the shared calendars and apps, too, but physically writing down the week and having the satisfaction of marking it off as we go somehow makes everything feel infinitely more manageable.
Your Indy List: What 3 local businesses do you love, support, and want to shout from the rooftops?
This is really hard to only pick three because there are so many amazing local businesses around Indy!
Hoagies and Hops: Simple, consistent, quality at the best Philly-inspired neighborhood spot that cures my East Coast homesickness when it strikes. They even have Tastykakes sometimes. IYKYK
Grateful Hoosier: Shameless plug for my husband’s small business rooted in music (think Deadhead not Bieber), sports and all things Hoosier. For the record, he is building that brand on his own and it has been wild to watch him unlock his creativity. I love the stories that inspire each design and I think you will, too!
Jasmin French, but that’s DJ French Connxtn to you! We worked together in my former corporate life and whether it’s the boardroom, the DJ booth or the runway – you can expect Jasmin to bring the best while wearing the best. A corporate lawyer by day and an encyclopedia of music by night - she's the coolest and best dressed. Check here out for your next event!
Anything else you'd love to share that captures your personality or your journey.
I need the water, love the mountains, prefer fall, enjoy a well-made margarita, visit my family down south often, have best friends that live across the U.S. and think Michigan is one of the most underrated places in the U.S. 😊
Who are a few Indianapolis women who inspire you?
Kerry Pocchinco, Owner of Dutch Girl [add link]. We met through the season of babies in daycare and have spent years navigating corporate careers, entrepreneurship and raising a family together. Check out her upcoming pop-up at Colette!
Whitney Cooper, owner of Colette Fine Jewelry, is a dear friend who I met through Women for Riley. Whitney is an amazing human bursting with talent and has created something really special. Go cheer her on and tell her I sent ya!
Ally Wells-Podell of Willow and Starr Flowers is another dear friend and cheerleader of Southern Sky. She also happens to be the kindest person I know with the biggest heart for flowers. Visiting her shop in Nora's Northview Mall feels like a quick jaunt to Europe.
We encourage you to check out our most recent Signature Series posts with Jona Wells, Kristin Patrick Megan Mioduski Jessica Green and Cali Ahern 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.