HMP neighbors love to get together for social activities. Many times these social events afford neighbors the opportunity to learn about the interesting lives and endeavors of those who live in the neighborhood. HMP is home to a diverse group of people with diverse ethnic, educational, and professional backgrounds. Here is an introduction to a few HMP treasures.

Carlene Hiner

Carlene Hiner owns Collar Me Happy at 3269 N. Pennsylvania St. Carlene was a Regional Compliance Officer for Chase Bank with a territory stretching from Marion to Bloomington. She had a great deal of responsibility and a lot of pressure to keep the branch banks in compliance with federal regulations. Carlene enjoyed her time in the banking industry but, as with many corporate jobs, especially those dealing with federal regulations, the pressure was tremendous and Carlene began planning her exit strategy.

Carlene tossed around several ideas for her post-banking career, like a coffee shop. But her passion has always been animals. Growing up, Carlene wanted to be a veterinarian, but women were not welcome in the field during that time. So, on the cusp of a major career change, Carlene revisited her love of pets.

She found a groomer willing to teach her the trade and, 18 years ago, her new career began. Carlene began grooming dogs for friends and neighbors. Eventually, clients began asking if she could board their dogs while they were away and this gave rise to her boarding business, Collar Me Happy. For just $16 a day Carlene will give furry friends the spa treatment! They are allowed throughout the first floor of her home where Carlene spends time socializing the pets. They are only restrained when clients are coming and going. Carlene can be reached at (317) 924-1722.

Cassie Mehlman-Rhys

HMPNA’s past-president, Cassie Mehlman-Rhys was at the height of a very successful pharmaceutical marketing career, but knew that she wanted something different. Cassie is starting her own business. After spending almost 20 years in the corporate world, she is going solo as a Right at Home franchise owner. Right at Home provides non-medical and medical homecare services to seniors, including light housekeeping, cooking, bathing, dressing, medication management, companion services, transportation, and scheduling of medical appointments.

Cassie has a special passion for this industry because it allowed her grandmother to live independently in her own home until she passed away at 98 years old. So it is no surprise that when asked about her decision to make this change, Cassie responds, “With the aging senior population and the impact of diabetes and obesity on health and mobility, more home care service providers are needed. I am fortunate to be able to fulfill my lifelong dream of business ownership while also providing much needed services in an area I feel passionate about.”

Never one to waste time, Cassie begins her new career in June.

Jeff and Stacey Patrick

If you don’t know Jeff and Stacey Patrick, perhaps you know delicious Nicey Treats. Stacey is the current President of HMPNA and her husband Jeff is the founder of Nicey Treats.

Here is the Nicey Story as told by Jeff:

“My grandpa was a dairy man who worked for Quality Check Dairy in Seymour, Indiana. Every time my brothers and I would make the trek to our grandparents’ house, the first thing we would do is go straight to the freezer to see what frozen treats were waiting for us. The sense of excitement and joy those treats brought my brothers and I was beyond words. I’d forgotten about that feeling until several years ago while vacationing in Mexico. There, I was served small paletas by a gregarious pool concierge. His carefree attitude and the amazing taste of the refreshing frozen fruit brought back those nostalgic childhood memories. After an unsuccessful search back in the states for frozen pops that featured unique flavors and all-natural ingredients, my wife and I decided to make our own. Thus, Nicey Treats was born! Our mantra is simple: ‘Because nice matters.’”

Their hard work has paid off. Jeff and Stacey have recently opened a storefront in Broad Ripple at 916 E. Westfield Blvd. Nicey Treat can be reached at (317) 602-6423.