Schuyler Nunn

by Jeremy Jones

Just when I thought this week’s column was going to be all about Indigo Schuy’s recently publicized “new and improved” look, owner Schuyler Nunn unwittingly changed my game plan. She is a game-changing force whose passion for running, community and serving the greater good draws light equal to that of her award-winning, upwardly mobile sports boutique located where for 50 years life was all about light, at The Candle Shop at 8432 Germantown Ave.

Launched in January, 2012, Indigo Schuy has not only become the go-to sports boutique in the Philadelphia area, it’s also become a networking hub of support, connection and inspiration for women who like to run, bike, hike, play tennis, practice yoga, or are simply all about an active, on-the-go lifestyle.

Thanks to Nunn’s love of her hometown, her strength of character and her contagious spirit for running, she is the definition of a woman who truly makes a difference. At Indigo Schuy there is an ongoing collection of “gently used” sneakers (adult and children’s sizes) which are donated to Clothes-Pin (Clothes for People in Need), and distributed to shelters throughout Philadelphia.

“With the help of our wonderful community we have donated several hundred pairs of sneakers,” Nunn said.

In December 2014, Indigo Schuy introduced two new apparel lines designed to support local organizations. A portion of the proceeds from the “Chestnut Hill Collection” was donated to The Chestnut Hill Community Association, and a portion of the proceeds from the “Valley Green Collection” was donated to Friends of the Wissahickon.

Also in 2014, Indigo Schuy teamed up with Urban Athlete in Mt. Airy to raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.

Indigo Schuy is a proud sponsor of Girls on the Run, Philadelphia; a nonprofit organization that integrates running into a fun, experienced-based curriculum to motivate and inspire young girls in third through eighth grade.

In May of this year, Indigo Schuy, Balance CH fitness and training center and Iron Hill Brewery created the “iRunTheHill” group which is open to those who love to walk, run, bike, exercise and/or explore in our local area.

“It is our hope that people will utilize the group to build community camaraderie, share information about upcoming events, ask fitness-related questions, and encourage one another,” Nunn said . (See Indigo Schuy’s Facebook Page for more information.)

Back home at the shop, recognition for Nunn’s winning retail haven keeps coming: Best of Philly Hot List 2014 for Sporting Goods, Best of Philly 2012 for Women’s Activewear, Best of Philly Be Well Philly 2012 for Women’s Workout Clothes, Maine Line Today “Top Shops” 2012 for Most Fabulous Boutique.

“Bring on the Happy,” says a pillow in the shop’s window, so let’s see what’s in store.

The new look is bright, open, airy and streamlined, and immediately presents you with USA-made T-shirts, tops, hoodies and sweatshirts with sayings that kick-start your motivational endorphins: “Peace Warrior,” “Spiritual Gangster,” “If you don’t have anything nice to say, go for a run,” “Kindness is Magic.”

The shop’s “Wall of Accessories” defines the chemistry of smart meets trendy, with items such as multi-colored, multi-sized foam rollers to help rethink muscle kinks; state-of-the-art-smart water bottles, some with a cell phone pouch; hair ties and headbands with and without reinforced non-slip grip. This wall is a source all its own and covers a stocking-stuffer’s gift list for young ballet dancers, athletes, playground fashionistas as well as enthusiastic gardeners and marathon runners.

The “Wall of White” boasts tennis gear and tennis togs in xs to xl sizes.

The “Wall of Active Lifestyle” features colorful Prana sundresses in easy, breezy chic poly- blend to wear straight from the gym to in-town shopping or an afternoon barbecue.

Indigo Schuy’s active lifestyle line also features its popular Prismsport nylon/spandex leggings and capris with a broad no-roll waistband. Flattering on any figure.

Maui Jim, Great Zeal and Tifosi sunglasses fill the shop’s display cases, and close by is hand-crafted Dogeared jewelry, recently featured as one of Oprah’s “Favorite Things.”

My Picks: Amy & Lulu classic blue and white pin-stripe canvas tennis backpack, $112; MontraBands – Silver, gold and rose-gold light-as-a feather stainless steel narrow cuff bracelets embossed with sayings created to promote a lifestyle of optimism, positivity and mindfulness, $35; Gracelets – A delicate composition of string and beads, this item made by a local artisan may be worn as a bracelet, necklace or anklet. Each design is accompanied by a card with an inspirational message such as, “You are where you need to be. Just breathe,” $20.

As Sarah from California said on a recent visit to Indigo Schuy: “In a world that’s become so fast paced and high stressed, you walk in here and you’re both uplifted and in a peaceful environment. Activewear calms you down.”

Schuyler Nunn’s passion for running isn’t about focusing on the finish line. It’s about wanting others to latch on to the inspiration and make it their own.