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Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Former St’Artup 317 brand opens Mass Ave storefront 

HANNA RAUWORTH
HANNA RAUWORTH
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.

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We Don’t Run From Adversity (WDRFA) announced the opening of their clothing storefront on Massachusetts Avenue following their graduation from St’Artup 317, the city’s retail accelerator program. 

WDRFA storefront
We Don’t Run from Adversity recently opened a storefront on Massachusetts Avenue. (Photos via/WDRFA Instagram)

“We consider ourselves a lifestyle brand that focuses on clothes,” said Mike Gillis, WDRFA co-owner. “Since our participation in St’Artup317, we have learned a lot about our business and customer base, been able to increase our product offerings, and seen upwards of 30% increase in sales. We are excited to show people our largest offering yet and to be here, sell our goods, and connect with the community.”  

WDRFA’s catalog features a variety of offerings such as headwear, accessories, commissary and drinkware. WDRFA opened online in 2016 and has collaborated on several local collections, including partnerships with People for Urban Progress, James Dant and Tinker Coffee.  

WDRFA storefront
We Don’t Run from Adversity recently opened a storefront on Massachusetts Avenue. (Photos via/WDRFA Instagram)

“St’Artup317 exists to build our bench of retail brands and creative economy here in Indianapolis,” said Catherine Esselman, Cat Consulting founder. “The unique program offers a unique opportunity to amplify young entrepreneurs, scaling brands and members of our creative local economy.”  

The new, 1,000-square-foot storefront was secured recently as a result of a partnership with Cat Consulting and RDOOR Housing Corporation. In addition to the retail space, WDRFA features several art components.  

“St’Artup317 was the catapult for us to have a long- term store,” said Gary Patterson, WDRFA co-owner. “Online retail is huge, and our original intent was never to keep a store. However, due to our early success, we began thinking about a physical storefront. Mass Ave has always been a destination in Indianapolis and something we have had always something we had in the back of our minds. As a creative and unique space for local businesses, it perfectly matches WDRFA’s brand.” 

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To learn more, follow WDRFA on Instagram @wedntrun

Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth. 

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