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Professional Management Enterprises celebrated as Vendor of the Month for December 2024

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Professional Management Enterprises celebrated as Vendor of the Month for December 2024

By SPECIAL TO THE RECORDER

INDIANAPOLIS – Today, the Office of Minority and Women Business Development (OMWBD) Director David Fredricks and Indianapolis City-County Councilor Brienne Delaney recognized Professional Management Enterprises, a minority-owned (MBE) and veteran-owned (VBE) as the Certified Vendor of the Month for December 2024.

In 2006, Danny Portee, MBA, founded Professional Management Enterprises with a vision for transforming the scope of professional services in the greater Indianapolis area.

(Photo provided/Office of Minority and Women Business Development) 

PME works diligently with corporate, commercial and local government clients to identify and hire diverse, qualified employees with valuable skills. They also specialize in information technology staffing solutions, transportation and fleet management and health care and life sciences among other core business competencies. Over the years, Portee and his team have grown PME into industry leader, expanding to satellite offices in Washington, D.C., and South Carolina to service nationwide clients such as the United States Army, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Elevance Health (Anthem).

(Photo provided/Office of Minority and Women Business Development) 

“As leaders in our fields and communities, we must embrace our roles to mentor, motivate, and move others. We have a duty to inspire those around us with our actions and words. To renew, refresh, and reset our approaches as needed, ensuring we remain adaptable and resilient in the face of changing circumstances,” said Danny Portee, MBA, founder of Professional Management Enterprises.

Professional Management Enterprises has been recognized for business excellence at the local and national level, having received several awards acknowledging their success as both an XBE and small business. PME’s impact goes beyond their business ventures. As a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, founder Danny Portee channeled his passion for service into the Indianapolis community. PME has cemented themselves as a pillar of community service in our city, working closely with philanthropic organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, the Indiana Pacers Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and Job Ready Veterans.

During the award ceremony, OMWBD Director David Fredricks spoke about his decision to recognize Danny Portee and Professional Management Enterprises during the month of December because of Portee’s extensive community service during the holiday season. Fredricks emphasized the several ways in which PME embodies the core values of the Office of Minority and Women Business Development, and how the business continues to have an powerful and profound impact on the city of Indianapolis.

OMWBD is honored to recognize Professional Management Enterprises as our December 2024 Vendor of the Month because of their dedication to equity inside and out of the workplace.

Minority Business Highlight: Face Finances

Jade Jackson
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Minority Business Highlight: Face Finances

Monica Warren is the founder of Face Finances, an accounting firm in Indianapolis. She has been in business officially since 2019 but has been self-employed since 2021. 

Face Finances offers financial and accounting services for small businesses, such as bookkeeping, CFO services or payroll tax planning. 

RELATED STORY: Minority Business Highlight: HBH Professionals


“The business has its ups and downs. I do find that in our community it’s really hard to get people to know the value of having an accountant. I used to own a boutique, and I always say I made way more money from selling fake purses than I have as an accountant,” said Warren. 

“That’s because that’s what our community resonates with: buying what we think has value. They won’t spend their money to hire a bookkeeper until they owe the IRA thousands of dollars.” 

Face Finances

She understands that this is because a lot of people are not financially literate, and African Americans fall even further under that category. 

That is what motivated her to start the business. 

On her website, her opening question is, “Are you tired of struggling with your finances? We empower you to become financially free.”

“Seek out the knowledge. I think a lot of people are fearful. So, you have to get over that fear of having a conversation about money. A lot of people think it’s taboo to talk about it or rude. You have to get over that fear in order to gain and get further,” said Warren. 

She said people need to understand the importance of investments and savings. 

“They buy a fake purse before they put money in a 529 account for their kid. Not having that understanding of saving and then just being mindful of their spendings. You have to have a budget.” 

This minority business highlight was composed by Jade Jackson at the Indianapolis Recorder, who can be reached at (317) 762-7853 or via email at JadeJ@IndyRecorder.com.  

If you would like your business highlighted in the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, click here!  

Minority Business Highlight: Maven Space

Jade Jackson
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Minority Business Highlight: Maven Space

Webster’s dictionary defines a “maven” as an expert or connoisseur.  

The term aptly fits Maven Space: an Indianapolis co-working space, event venue and social club created by mavens, for mavens.  

Co-owner and CEO Leslie Bailey said the space serves to support entrepreneurs, remote workers, executives, creatives, dreamers and doers. It was created for those who crave opportunities to make connections. Maven Space is for people to find the resources they need to get their big ideas off the ground.  

RELATED: Minority Business Highlight: Rejuvenate Massage & Wellness

“First, there was Indy Maven, which is our website. I saw a gap in the market when it came to storytelling and news for women. It was really supposed to launch as a website with a newsletter, but women kept asking can they join something, so we added a membership to the website,” said Bailey.  

Indy Maven launched in 2019.  

Five months after its launch, the pandemic happened.  

Minority Business Highlight: Maven Space
Indy Chamber’s Women in Economic Development event hosted in the conference room inside Maven Space on September 6, 2023. (Photo/Jade Jackson)

Bailey said connecting women was an initial part of Indy Maven. She remembers hosting numerous one-on-one phone calls with members. 

“I didn’t know what it was going to be, but when I think back to the vague general vision I had, I feel like I spoke the space into fruition,” said Bailey.  

All Bailey initially wanted was an old building with a new feel. She never thought Maven Space would turn into a tangible location in the heart of Downtown offering members much more.  

“The launch of Maven Space has been a labor of love from day one. It happened with my husband’s and my personal savings, my co-founder, Kate Tauton-Rigsby, and a healthy dose of optimism or insanity, depending on how you look at it,” said Bailey in a statement made when launching the space’s IFundWomen crowdfunding campaign. 

“Given that only 2% of venture capital dollars go to women, I knew better than to even try that route. And yes, there are small business loans available, but that only increases your overhead and makes it harder to break even.” 

According to of 2019 Small Business Administration (SBA) report, only 28% of total SBA loan dollars went to women-owned businesses.  

Those loans came with a nearly 10% interest rate.  

With a lot of community support and partnerships, Maven Space opened on the first floor of the historic Gibson Building, at 433 N. Capitol Ave. Suite 100. 

The space offers a fully equipped podcast studio – available to rent by the hour –  virtual mail services, exclusive member programming, as well as private and semiprivate meeting spaces.   

Along with several other amenities, the space also offers a mother’s room, a private place for women to pump their breast milk that includes a mini fridge for milk storage and complimentary pumping supplies provided by The Milk Bank.   

Maven Space’s memberships are open to everyone, and you can find further details on the perks it offers HERE.

Minority Business Highlight: Local Initiatives Support Corporation 

Braxton Babb
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Minority Business Highlight: Local Initiatives Support Corporation 

The Local Initiative Support Corporation connects local groups across America with capital and technical knowledge to help build inclusive, resilient communities of opportunity.

They invest in overlapping program areas that reach into every corner of community life, such as affordable housing, childcare and early learning, economic development, education and more. 

RELATED: Plate it Up! Catering

With the mission of “Together with residents and partners, we help forge resilient and inclusive communities across America-great places to live, work, visit, do business and raise families,” they pursue different strategies to successfully accommodate the community. They also have a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice.  

“Poverty and other forms of inequity and injustice that LISC works to help redress are largely rooted in this country’s historic and systemic racism, as well as in other forms of discrimination. Pursuing our mission demands that we conceive and implement every aspect of our work through the lenses of equity and anti-racism.” 

In 1992, LISC established its local Indianapolis office and became known for their integrated approach to community development- an approach that recognizes the importance of a set of interdependent neighborhood characteristics to the well-being of neighborhood residents and that coordinates investments in commercial and industrial corridors, community facilities, businesses and job creation in Indianapolis’ core urban neighborhoods.  

To learn more about LISC Indy visit, www.lisc.org/indianapolis/. 

Minority Business Highlight: Durby x Ellen Candle Co.

Jade Jackson
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Minority Business Highlight: Durby x Ellen Candle Co.

The inspiration behind Durby x Ellen Candle Co. comes from founder Kayla Rivera’s grandparents.

Married for 50 years, Durby Mayfield and Ruth Ellen Mayfield instilled the meaning of support, love and family into the foundation of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Durby x Ellen Candle Co. began in 2021 as a way to help Rivera cope with the missing her grandfather, who passed in 2010, and accepting the new reality that their grandmother’s Alzheimer’s brought to her family’s lives.

RELATED: Minority Business Highlight: Indy Fresh Market

Minority Business Highlight: Durby x Ellen Candle Co.

“10% of those sales go to the Alzheimer’s Association. Feedback has been pretty good for sure. A lot of people tend to stock up when they stop by. I would say right now of my signature collection my top seller would be ‘Ol Little Girly,” said Rivera.

“Then for my fall collection, it would be the Cozy Mornings which is an expresso nutmeg vanilla. People tend to like coffee a lot.”

A lot of the candles’ scents pay homage to the memories that she will always hold near and dear.

Rivera is one of 12+ grandchildren of Durby Mayfield and Ruth Ellen Mayfield and recently got into the art of candle making.

She believes it is the science and using her bare hands to create something small that makes a big impact.

This is something that both of her grandparents exuded, as her grandmother was an elementary school teacher and her grandfather was an auto mechanic. This process has been both emotional and therapeutic for Rivera, but deciding to name this business after them is her way of honoring them and cherishing memories that will always be with her.

Durby x Ellen Candle Co.’s fall collection recently launched and features candles, wax melts and reed diffusers.

Their products are vegan, toxic-free and phthalate-free.

Minority Business Highlight: Durby x Ellen Candle Co.

This minority business highlight was composed by Jade Jackson at the Indianapolis Recorder, who can be reached at (317) 762-7853 or via email at JadeJ@IndyRecorder.com.

If you would like your business highlighted in the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, click here!

Minority Business Highlight: Indy Fresh Market

Jade Jackson
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Minority Business Highlight: Indy Fresh Market

Indy Fresh Market, a new grocery store opened up off E. 38 Street and Sheridan Avenue on the city’s east side. Access to a new store brought much-needed relief to one of the biggest food deserts in the city.  

Co-owner, Marcus Williams grew up on the east side and said there were more grocery stores when he was a kid, but they have since closed.

“We need food around here,” said co-owner Marcus Williams, “So, this store has been in the planning process for about three years. Kroger’s gone. Safeway is gone. Walmart’s gone. The closest store is five miles away. So, we had to do something to provide for the community.”

RELATED: Minority Business Highlight: The Herron Academy of Beauty & Therapeutic Wellness

Minority Business Highlight: Indy Fresh Market

The locally black-owned store has been in the works for nearly three years and saw more than 1,000 customers walk through the doors a the soft opening. 

Co-owner Michael McFarland said he has known Williams since the 6th grade.

“This is also the neighborhood I grew up in and it feels good to give back. Most of the people we have working here are taking advantage of our second chance opportunity. A lot of them are on probation or house arrest,” said McFarland.

“You might be a stocker today, but you could be a manager or supervisor tomorrow. These are our people. We’re coming back to a neighborhood we grew up in and giving back.”

Indy Fresh Market

Minority Business Highlight: Indy Fresh Market

The new full-service, 16,772-square-foot grocery store is a collaboration between Cook, IMPACT Central Indiana, Martin University, neighborhood leaders, Goodwill, the City of Indianapolis, the State of Indiana, Michael McFarland & Marckus Williams and national grocery store expert Joe The Grocer.

According to Indy Food Policy over 200,000 Indianapolis residents live in a food desert, and 10,500 live without access to a car or bus to reach grocery stores. To be considered a food desert more than 33% of an urban population must live more than one mile from a grocery store.

With a steadfast commitment to tackling food insecurity, fostering neighborhood ownership, and providing access to affordable, nutritious food, Indy Fresh Market has successfully established a model that will positively impact the community and address its needs.

“Food is a necessity for life. Now, we have access to healthy foods in the community. It feels amazing to get all the great feedback,” said Williams.

This minority business highlight was composed by Jade Jackson at the Indianapolis Recorder, who can be reached at (317) 762-7853 or via email at JadeJ@IndyRecorder.com.

If you would like your business highlighted in the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, click here!”

Minority Business Highlight: The Herron Academy of Beauty & Therapeutic Wellness

Jade Jackson
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Minority Business Highlight: The Herron Academy of Beauty & Therapeutic Wellness

Inside the walls of The Herron Academy of Beauty & Therapeutic Wellness, a class of beauty students learns about the importance of professional image.  

The instructor, Shante Flowers, is founder and CEO of the new beauty school.  

Located on the Far Eastside of Indianapolis, its location is intentional: It is where Flowers grew up.  

RELATED: Minority Business Highlight: The TLC House and Residential Services LLC

“I hate when people say, ‘Oh, the Eastside is this,’ or ‘I can’t wait to move away from the Eastside.’ It’s like, no. If you have the ability to do so, you need to give back to the community that you were raised in,” said Flowers.  

The Herron Academy is a beauty culture school that was created to raise the current standard of education in the beauty industry. The goal is to leave an impact on each student by developing their professionalism in an environment that promotes health of the mind, body and spirit.  

The school currently offers cosmetology, manicuring and aesthetics courses under three instructors.  

The academy’s programs are designed with beginners in mind but also help experienced students prepare for their goals as licensed professionals.  

The Herron Academy of Beauty & Therapeutic Wellness

“It’s not just about teaching them a trade; it’s about making sure that they as a person are ready to work in the industry or create their own business,” said Flowers, who has been in the beauty industry for the last decade.  

The school launched in January, and the first classes started in March.  

Because the academy is a new beauty school, they are not yet accredited, which means they cannot accept federal funding.  

“This means that people cannot get a student loan to come to the school. So, I wanted to make the tuition where people could put down whatever payment they could afford and then make monthly payments based off the rest,” said Flowers.  

That is part of the reason why Kaylin Hernandez Granger and Lauren Davis enrolled in the academy for its manicurist program.  

Granger, who has been painting her nails since middle school, said she noticed that the tuition for many beauty schools near her starts at $10,000. However, she found Flowers promoting the academy on social media for a little over $3,000.  

“It was so affordable, and it feels like Shante is doing something different. She has different plans set up for everybody, which is really cool – follow me on Instagram at BlackCoffeeNails. She is big on us having goals and being able to obtain them,” said Granger.  

Davis said she had a bad experience with a nail salon that would not refund her after she said she was not satisfied with their work. This is when she decided to learn how to do her own nails.  

“Then a lot of people asked me to do their nails, and I would tell them, ‘I’m not licensed or anything,’ but I got a lot of support because I saw, and they saw, that I was actually good,” said Davis. 

Flowers said that many local hairdressers or nail techs in the city are unlicensed and are usually offering services out of their homes.  

“A lot of people go, ‘Oh, it’s just a piece of paper.’ I have students in the program who were working without a license before they came to school, and there is so much value in the piece of paper.”  

Flowers said a license does not dictate talent, but it does mean that the foundations of beauty have been met.  

“There’s no reason why people are applying eyelashes but don’t understand the anatomy of the eye or some don’t know proper sanitation,” said Flowers.   

She also said the state board is cracking down on beauty service providers who often advertise their unlicensed services on social media. 

“I know some people who are more skilled than teachers at these beauty schools that cost $10,000-$25,000. I still think it’s worth the investment because you’re doing a disservice to your talent by not being licensed; imagine how much further you could go.” 

The academy is located at 1515 N. Post Rd, and its current promotional tuition rate is $3,500. This can be paid in a lump sum or divided into monthly payments. In the future, the academy will offer massage therapy and barbering courses in addition to the cosmetology, manicuring and aesthetics courses it currently offers.  

This minority business highlight was composed by Jade Jackson at the Indianapolis Recorder, who can be reached at (317) 762-7853 or via email at JadeJ@IndyRecorder.com.

If you would like your business highlighted in the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, click here!”

Minority Business Highlight: The TLC House and Residential Services LLC

Jade Jackson
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Minority Business Highlight: The TLC House and Residential Services LLC

The TLC House and Residential Services LLC is a nonmedical company with compassionate caregivers who have experience caring for the elderly. Some of the services they offer include companions, transportation/escort, housekeeping and attendant care. 

With over 20 years of experience as a CNA, HHA and CHPNA, the goal of TLC House and Residential Services is to meet the needs of each patient on an individual basis according to their needs. 

“My motto is, everything I do, I do in love. We’ve grown in the last three years as a women’s minority certified company. We service about 180 clients and employ close to 200 employees,” said owner Tamara Brown. 

“We’ve built an amazing name in the community because we give back. Everything’s been word of mouth. I don’t really utilize social media, and still the business grew,” said Brown.  

Angelique Robinson has been working for Brown for approximately a year and said the environment fostered by Brown at TLC House and Residential Services makes her look forward to going into work every day. 

“I have an employer that has a heart for people. I’m glad to work here. I love my job because I’ve gained some skills even while working under her [Brown],” said Robinson.  

“A lot of people have problems, and you never know what people are going through. You have to have the heart for it and love people.”  

Angela Anderson, who has been working at TLC House and Residential Services for more than a year, also spoke highly of Brown and TLC House and Residential Services.  

“Ms. Brown is very dedicated to what she does. She goes above and beyond and takes very good care of not only her clients but her caregivers as well. I have a business on the side, and she supports that. She expects excellence out of us because she gives excellence to the community,” said Anderson.  

She said Brown even purchased jewelry from her side business to give to clients. 

Along with bringing an abundance of experience to their positions, TLC House and Residential Services workers pride themselves on providing a warm smile, positive view and loving care.   

“I worked for a home healthcare before, and it was a lot of mess and foolishness,” said Anderson.  

“We’re going to be older one day, and there are people unfortunately who can’t care for their loved ones. Just like a younger child can’t tell you they’re being harmed, so are our seniors. You have to love the elderly.”  

Tiffany Howard’s 75-year-old mother has been a client of TLC House and Residential Services for the last two years. 

“My mother needed help with personal care, cooking and cleaning because she forgets certain things. I’m there every day with my mom, but the company will call, check up on her and make sure we have everything we need. They really give that TLC,” said Howard.  

“They have a text group with caregivers and clients, and every month they give extra money on your caregiver account, and give out gas cards, and I thought, ‘What company does that?’ Clients get gift cards.”  

She appreciates how the company calls her mother and her every week to make sure everything is going well. 

The company further seeks to help the community through participating in an annual coat drive. Additionally, Brown has taken money out of her own pocket to supply air conditioners for some of her clients who were experiencing overheating in the summer.  

“It’s not a job or a business for me; it’s a calling,” said Brown.  

Minority Business Highlight: Sweets by Charlotte

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Minority Business Highlight: Sweets by Charlotte

By STAFF

A native of Indianapolis, Charlotte Sanders began baking as a hobby, but the hobby quickly turned into a business because of the frequent requests she received for her treats. That is how Sweets by Charlotte was born.

Custom Gucci-themed cake. (Photos provided/Sweets by Charlotte)
Custom toolbox cake.

Sanders’ cookies, custom cakes, brownies, pies, parfaits and candies are all made from scratch using high quality ingredients.

She describes herself as “just a girl who decided to go for it.” She has been honing her baking skills for years, trying out new flavors and specialty designs. Sanders has built a loyal fanbase from people who can taste the love and time she puts into each of her desserts.

Custom Jurassic-themed birthday cake.
Valentine’s Day cookie gift sets.

Sanders bakes traditional sweets like chocolate chip cookies and old-fashioned pound cake as well as new fan-favorites like banana pudding cake and cookies and cream cupcakes. She also makes custom themed cakes, cookies, and cupcakes for weddings, birthdays, corporate events, and special occasions.

Sweets by Charlotte offers individual-sized treats at local farmer’s markets. (Photos provided/Sweets by Charlotte)

Orders may be placed directly through her website: sweetsbycharlotte.com. You can also contact her via email at contactus@sweetsbycharlotte.com or by phone at 317-932-0094. Like and follow her on Facebook (@SweetsbyCharlotteESanders) and Instagram (@sweetsbycharlotteindy).

If you have a minority owned and operated business you’d like to be featured in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine Directory, visit Indiana Minority Business Directory.

Minority Business Highlight: We Don’t Run From Adversity (WDRFA)

Jade Jackson
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Minority Business Highlight: We Don’t Run From Adversity (WDRFA)

The lifestyle brand We Don’t Run From Adversity (WDRFA) is stepping out of the online realm into the vibrant heart of Indianapolis.

This is all thanks to a pioneering collaboration to give e-commerce entrepreneurs an opportunity to grow through a brick-and-mortar location.

Mayor Joe Hogsett announced the City’s collaboration with WDRFA as the first local business selected for the St’Artup317 Retail Incubator pilot program at the Stutz. 

RELATED: Minority Business Highlight: Gobble Gobble Food Truck

“This is creative economic development in action, and we’re excited to open our first-ever storefront with WDRFA as the featured local business,” said Hogsett.

As part of Hogsett’s downtown resiliency strategy, the City of Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development created the first St’Artup317 retail incubator program. It is part of a public-private partnership with the Stutz’s owner and developer SomeraRoad.

“The Stutz is known historically as a place for creativity, innovation, and community which makes it the ideal location for this next phase for St’Artup317. Our goal is to make downtown Indianapolis a place where small businesses can launch and grow, and as a result, we’re evolving our economic development tools to grow the Indianapolis retail economy,” said Hogsett.

Striving to expand Downtown’s retail sector, the program’s long-term goals are to invest and empower historically underrepresented entrepreneurs.

They seek to eliminate empty storefronts and increase local and visitor consumer spending.  Gary Patterson and Michael Gillis are the co-owners of WDRFA.

The lifestyle brand that features apparel, headwear, accessories and drinkware and promotes a community that connects people, places and things.The uncle and nephew launched in 2016 and debuted their storefront inside Stutz on Saturday, Aug. 12.

“The conversation with St’Artup 317 started over a year ago. We had done pop-ups at art galleries, coffee shops and different retail spaces since 2016. They liked our vision and the things that we could create,” said Gillis.

“We’ll only be here about nine months max. Then the next business will be coming in. This is the first time that they have a space that they’ll have for years to come.”

Gillis said that the new storefront venture is exciting but also challenging due to many elements differing from e-commerce. They also have to account for the foot traffic in the popular area.

“In Indianapolis, there are a lot of Black owned retail businesses. Most of them are e-commerce just because of the challenges that come with it, like renting properties, and that’s why the program St’Artup 317 is great,” said Gillis.

“In Indianapolis, most landlords want you to sign five- or six-to-ten-year deals where you have to lock in that big commitment of money. This is a great way to get our brand out there and aligns perfectly with what we’re selling.”

Patterson said it was important for them to reach more people with their brand.

“At the time that we started WDRFA, Indianapolis retail hadn’t really taken off yet. It’s something that’s still growing, like the whole city being into fashion and wanting to support fashion that’s not necessarily sneakers and things like that,” said Patterson.

“For the most part, we’ve been a mall-based city, not like boutiques, or knick-knacks, or niche kind of markets. We have a niche store, so for us, being online just made sense.

This program is perfect because it’s not necessarily long-term but enough time for us to touch the people who can check out our quality.”

Located in the Stutz Maker’s Alley, the 500-square-foot St’Artup317 Retail Incubator is located off 11th Street.

If you have a minority owned and operated business you’d like to be featured in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine Directory, visit Indiana Minority Business Directory.

Minority Business Highlight: Gobble Gobble Food Truck

Jade Jackson
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Minority Business Highlight: Gobble Gobble Food Truck

There were few Black vendors at the Indiana State Fair this year, but Gobble Gobble Food Truck has stood the test of time on fairgrounds since opening their business.

“It’s been an honor that I can keep this legacy going that my father started. To be one of the few Black owned vendors, we’ve learned a lot along the way to keep this going,” said Gobble Gobble Food Truck CEO, Alfarena “Alfie” McGinty.

RELATED: Indiana State Fair: What to know before you go

Her father started Gobble Gobble 22 years ago and has been at the state fair ever since. He retired in 2010 and McGinty took over, turning the business into a traveling food truck.
McGinty enters the Taste of the Fair competition every year.

To prepare for the competition, she holds a tasting with family and friends to try out new recipe ideas. This year she came up with the “Mac Daddy Empanada,” which is consists of macaroni cheese and pulled BBQ turkey.

In 2021, Gobble Gobble Food Truck won second place. It was coincidentally, on the same day as the 20th anniversary of their company opening. They won with their “BBQ Sugar Mama,” a donut with pulled BBQ turkey.

“People know the truck, and people come specifically for my number one item: the jumbo turkey legs. Everybody’s wanted to try the Mac Daddy Empanada. People come for the fun food, and we appreciate our customers who come and try,” said McGinty.

The food truck is located across from the DNR building and is open Wednesdays-Thursdays during fair hours.

Black vendors at the Indiana State Fair

Knowing that she is only one of few Black vendors, McGinty wants to see more Black vendors in the future.

“I’ve been talking to Leroy Lewis III, the new marketing director at the state fair; we’ve talked about how we can generate and get more African American food vendors into the fair and having them understand how to keep up with the capacity,” said McGinty.

She said vendors need to be able to cook onsite and have staff there through the duration of the state fair, for 12-13 hours at a time to keep up with the volume of customers.

McGinty said it takes a lot of work, commitment and funding to become a vendor; however, she is eager to help any business that is up to the challenge.

“I told him [Lewis] that I’m willing to be a part of any type of training or informational that can be given to future vendors to help them prepare for the fair,” said McGinty.

If any Black business is interested in becoming a vendor, they can apply on their Indiana State Fair’s website.

Contact staff writer Jade Jackson at 317-607-5792 or by email jadej@indyrecorder.com. Follow her on Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON

Minority Business Highlight: EXHALE app

Jade Jackson
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Minority Business Highlight: EXHALE app

Launched in 2020, the EXHALE app is the first emotional well-being app designed specifically for Black, Indigenous and women of color.

“In lieu of everything that was happening in the Black community, the oppression that already exists, was being exasperated. I was frustrated. And I was stressed. I went to search for some well-being apps, and there was nothing for the Black community,” said Katara McCarty, president and CEO of the EXHALE app.

Since launching in 2020, EXHALE has reached 17,000 downloads, with users in 55 countries. This, playing a critical role in filling a gap in the number of available resources that support minority women.

RELATED: Minority Highlights: Edit Me Lo Graphic Design Agency

The Indy entrepreneur hosted a free event to celebrate the launch of the new version of her EXHALE app. She also hosted a panel discussion on “The State of Self-Care for Black Women” report.

McCarty, who surveyed over 1,000 Black women for the report, moderated the panel, speaking with panelists Dr. Colette Pierce-Burnette, president and CEO of Newfields, Andrea Hunley, state senator for District 46, and Angela Smith Jones, vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion at Health & Hospital Corp. of Marion County.

“The people that have to do the dismantling are non-people of color, and we don’t hold the power and privilege to do that as a Black community. We can speak to it, we can resist it, but my hope is that EXHALE exists to give a space on how to handle our mental and emotional health,” said McCarty.

Nearly half of the Black women surveyed for the report indicate that stress impacts their daily lives. 25% report being hospitalized or needing medical care due to stress.

An overwhelming 76% of the respondents think there is a prevalence of people who believe Black Women are stronger than most people. Therefore, they should be able to manage more stress than others.

66% of those surveyed say they overexert themselves to excel in the workplace and to take care of personal responsibilities.

While resources to manage stress have become more abundant, the report further confirms that Black women face many barriers in accessing formal mental health resources, with the majority of resources failing to address the unique experiences of Black women.

As a result, 77% of respondents believe there is a need for more tools like EXHALE and resources tailored to support their specific needs.

The EXHALE app had their first panel discussion in New Orleans, Louisiana, at Essence Fest.

They will hold further panels in Los Angeles, California, and New York City, New York.

For more business highlights, click HERE.  

If you have a minority owned and operated business you’d like to be featured in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine Directory, visit Indiana Minority Business Directory.

Minority Highlights: Edit Me Lo Graphic Design Agency

Jade Jackson
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Minority Highlights: Edit Me Lo Graphic Design Agency

Lauren Dickerson is the CEO and founder of Edit Me Lo Graphic Design Agency.

She officially launched in 2020 but has been creating graphic designs for the last nine years.

RELATED: Minority Business Highlight: Live Project Juice Company

The 25-year-old said the name comes from her friends who would say, “edit me” in reference to Dickerson editing photos of them into graphic designs; Lo is short for Lauren and was her college basketball nickname.

“My mom needed an invitation made. I was the one told to make it. I’ve always had an eye for it. In college, I actually thought I wanted to be an engineer, which didn’t work out with my basketball schedule being a student athlete,” said Dickerson.

“I walked into this art building, and I was so amazed at how it looked, and I said this was going to be my major. So, it’s something that I’ve always had a niche for, and I just fell into it.”

Edit Me Lo

She said this is the first year that her company has taken off with clients trusting her skills for their projects.

“We design to tell the story of a business. I believe that you should be able to look at something and feel something,” said Dickerson.

Her goal is for people to recognize her company as a big design agency.
She also wants to give college students the chance to work for her agency to obtain graphic design experience.

For more business highlights, click HERE.  

If you have a minority owned and operated business you’d like to be featured in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine Directory, visit Indiana Minority Business Directory.

Minority Business Highlight: Live Project Juice Company

Jade Jackson
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Minority Business Highlight: Live Project Juice Company

What started off as a trip to the doctor’s office six years ago has turned into a Black-owned juicing company promoting wellness and health.  

James Long was dealing with high blood pressure and was diagnosed as prediabetic when his doctor suggested juicing as an option to improve his health.  

“Doctors usually push medicine on you. My doctor said I should try juicing. I didn’t know what juicing was. I just needed to change my diet and do things to change everything all together,” said Long.  

RELATED: Minority Business Highlight: Stepping Stones Therapy Center

He started researching the benefits of different ingredients. Long experimented with blending different fruits and recipes to create something that tastes good and is good for you.  

At the time, he was an educator, and when sharing his juice creations with coworkers, they started encouraging him to sell it to others.  

Live Project Juice Company

Squeezing, pouring and juicing: How this company is nourishing communities with vibrant wellness
Live Project Juice Company travels around Central Indiana with their products for customers to buy. (Photo/Jade Jackson)

“Things started snowballing after that. I was selling out of my truck at first. Then I landed at one farmers’ market; one turned into five. Then five farmers’ markets turned into seven gas stations, and now we’re online,” said Long.  

He called his business Live Project Juice Company to promote healthy fresh juice with no added sugar and original ingredients.  

Talia Bynm has been a loyal customer for a few years. She works Downtown and looks forward to seeing him serve his juices at the Indianapolis City Market.  

“He just offered us a tasting, and my hair flew back and everything. So, I was like okay this is my favorite new thing in the world. It’s the taste. It’s the fact that even though it’s healthy it tastes so good, and that’s so hard to find. That’s what I love about it,” said Bynm.  

Live Project Juice Company recipes

Live Project Juice Company consists of five main juices: 

Squeezing, pouring and juicing: How this company is nourishing communities with vibrant wellness
There are five current juice flavors to choose from with Live Project Juice Company. (Photo/Jade Jackson)

Grandma’s Iced Tea features honey, lemon, orange, iced tea and elderberries. It promises to boost your immunity. Some of its benefits include stress relief, heart health and fighting off a cold and flu, with vitamin C and antioxidants.  

Purple Reign features peach, mint, mango, grape, green tea and stevia. Some of its benefits include improved bone health, reduced allergies, fat burning properties, decreased blood sugar and a memory boosting ingredient, with vitamin K.  

Sweet Nectar has no added sugar. It uses ginger and turmeric, which provide healing properties. These antioxidants promote eye health and offer benefits against heart disease, Alzheimer’s, depression and muscle pain.  

Honey Moon utilizes ingredients that consist of sea moss, raspberries, blue berries, lemon, lime, honey, watermelon juice and spirulina.   

Fountain of Youth contains kale, cucumber, spinach, green apples, pineapples, lemon, ginger and orange juice. The healthy green juice serves as a meal supplement, providing great benefits for weight loss and for individuals with diabetes or asthma.

Long said he is going to continue to grow and scale his business, with secret plans for what is to come in the future. 

For more business highlights, click HERE.  

If you have a minority-owned and operated business you would like to be featured in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine Directory, sign up here at the Indiana Minority Business Directory. 

Minority Business Highlight: Stepping Stones Therapy Center

Jade Jackson
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Minority Business Highlight: Stepping Stones Therapy Center

Established in 2015 by Joycelyn Wilson, Stepping Stones Therapy Center offers diverse services in Indianapolis. These services include child welfare, family preservation, counseling, supervised visitation, casework, and self-referred services in Indianapolis.

Stepping Stones Therapy Center collaborates with DCS to provide counseling, supervised visitation, casework, and wrap-around services for the Marion County Coroner’s office.

The dedicated team at Stepping Stones conducts clinical interviews to assess clients’ current challenges, strengths and functioning levels. They do this in order to determine the most effective evidence-based treatment.  

RELATED: Doing the world a flavor: Popcorn World

They offer personalized care and unique treatment plans tailored to meet each client’s needs. The goal is to promote long-lasting mental wellness and building confidence. 

In partnership with the City of Indianapolis, Stepping Stones Therapy Center is currently in the process of launching the Clinician Led Community Response Team. 

Stepping Stones Therapy Center partnered with Indianapolis to launch the Clinician Led Community Response Team.

Stepping Stones Therapy Center

This initiative aims to address mental health calls received through 911, with the goal of reducing the number of incarcerations and hospital admissions for individuals with mental health needs or substance use disorders. 

Mayor Joe Hogsett recognized Stepping Stones Therapy Center as July’s Vendor of the Month, emphasizing their status as a valued local minority-owned business and critical partner to the City of Indianapolis.  

Their involvement in the clinician-led 911 response team demonstrates their commitment to assisting the city in effectively responding to mental health crises. 

The Vendor of the Month program is an ongoing collaboration between the Mayor’s Office and the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Development in Indianapolis. It aims to bring attention to certified businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans and disabled individuals (XBEs). 

For more business highlights, click HERE.  

If you have a minority-owned and operated business you would like to be featured in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine Directory, sign up here at the Indiana Minority Business Directory. 

​Doing the world a flavor: Popcorn World

Jade Jackson
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​Doing the world a flavor: Popcorn World

Peter Lee, the Indy franchise owner of Popcorn World, had their store’s grand opening on 3755 E. Raymond St. at the beginning of April. 

The gourmet popcorn shop that originated in Gary calls itself the largest shop, with close to 500 flavors of popcorn. The Black-owned company is expanding its locations, with their newest one being the franchise in Indianapolis.  

“It’s been beautiful. It’s been wonderful. We get quite a few people every day. There are almost 500 flavors, but we’re running 85 of our top flavors out of here. Every week, I introduce a new flavor,” said Lee.  

Flavors vary from crab leg to ranch Doritos to Oreos. The uniqueness of the popcorn comes from original recipes.  

“The flavor’s perfectly correct. It’s not overwhelming or less. If you ask for banana pudding, you get banana pudding. If you ask for peach cobbler, you get peach cobbler, and if you ask for green apple, you get green apple. We remove at least 98% of the husk from the popcorn. That’s the stuff you get stuck in your teeth. It helps people with braces,” said Lee.  

Black-owned gourmet popcorn like no other

black-owned gourmet popcorn shop
(Photo/Jade Jackson)

A growing franchise, customers can also order online here. 

The brick-and-mortar store is open Tuesday-Saturday from noon to 7:00 p.m.  

Customers can request gourmet popcorn bars for corporate work events, receptions and other parties.  

They also offer sample bags and regular-sized bags.  

“People always ask me which one is my favorite flavor. Most of these flavors are very good to me. Especially the cookies and cream and birthday cake flavors. I like the jerk and the steak, but what I always go back to is the good old traditional cheese popcorn,” said Lee.  

He grew up on cheese and caramel-flavored popcorn.  

“We use real cheese too. We don’t use powder like everybody else uses,” said Lee.  

He said their popcorn could last in their bags for almost two to three weeks without it going bad.  

Lee also said they have had offers to sell but they refused.  

“It’s a Black-owned company, and we’re trying to make other Black entrepreneurs. We’re not just trying to run-and-gun like others. In history, Black folks have always made phenomenal stuff. What has been the biggest problem? We sold it, or it was stolen from us,” said Lee.  

He plans on opening more franchise stores in the next two years. 

Contact staff writer Jade Jackson at 317-607-5792 or by email at jadej@IndyRecorder.com. Follow her on Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON

for more minority business highlights such as Lee’s black-owned gourmet popcorn shop, click here!

Minority Business Highlight: Importin’ Joe’s Ethiopian Coffee

Jade Jackson
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Minority Business Highlight: Importin’ Joe’s Ethiopian Coffee

Importin’ Joe’s Ethiopian Coffee is one of few minority manufacturers in the city of South Bend and one of three nationally distributed Black-owned coffee companies in America sourcing their coffee from Ethiopia.

When Joseph Luten and his Ethiopian wife, Afomia, would visit her home country, he noticed coffee was weaved into the way of life for the people.  

“I actually hated coffee before I came to Ethiopia. When I tasted this coffee, especially with my refined palate, I said, ‘Oh my.’ Fruit and berries and chocolate and all kinds of crazy flavors,” said Luten. 

RELATED: Minority Business Highlight: Perk Up Café

Ethiopia, internationally recognized as the birthplace of coffee, is renowned for its “buna” ceremony. It is a communal tradition involving the roasting, grinding and brewing of beans. 

Ethiopian coffee practices

A key aspect of proper social etiquette is to inhale the aroma of the roasted beans before they are ground and to enjoy three cups of coffee in the company of others.  

“Buna means coffee. They light frankincense and myrrh. They offer a prayer and roast the coffee over a cold fire by hand in a small pan. Then, they grind the coffee and brew it in this old ancient traditional pot called a jebena,” said Luten.  

This sparked an entrepreneurial endeavor that the couple called Importin’ Joe’s Ethiopian Coffee.  

The couple brought coffee to Mishawaka, Indiana, introducing the coffee to Indiana grocery shoppers to provide them with a warm way to start their mornings. 

They travel to Ethiopia every year and source their coffee exclusively from the country.  

“We started in the middle of Covid when I got laid off; ended up cashing out our life savings of $4,000. It ain’t much, but it is what it is. We got to work and built the company from our living room,” said Luten. 

He said his wife and he traveled throughout Indiana, Illinois and Ohio to grow the brand at festivals and fairs.  

The business grew, with consumers supporting the unique flavor of the coffee.  

Importin’ Joe’s Ethiopian Coffee

They are now the primary coffee providers for the University of Notre Dame, north of South Bend.  

Meijer, the American supercenter chain that mainly serves the Midwest, introduced the coffee to its shelves last year.  

“Our whole purpose for starting the company is to bring awareness to the issue of child homelessness in Ethiopia,” said Luten. 

Along with fighting to eradicate childhood homelessness overseas, Importin’ Joe’s Ethiopian Coffee simultaneously invests into the social fabric of marginalized communities in the U.S. 

Project Impact, an initiative in South Bend, offers resources to support minority-owned businesses like Importin’ Joe’s Ethiopian Coffee.  

Luten acknowledges the company’s dependence on such support to attain its goals, which encompass scaling up to a new 4,200-square-foot facility.  

They are working to create a small sustainable community in Ethiopia that would accommodate up to 15,000 orphan children.  

Do you want your business highlighted in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine? Click here to sign up!

Minority business highlight: 3BFit Body, Beauty and Brain LLC

Jade Jackson
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Minority business highlight: 3BFit Body, Beauty and Brain LLC

3Bfit Body, Beauty and Brains Meditation and Yoga takes a mind and body approach to conscious discipline and self-regulation. It provides safe spaces where individuals are able to express and promote positive self-awareness.  
 
It was founded by Tiffianie King, a certified meditation and yoga instructor, in 2020. She created the three-tier prevention-focused program that provides evidence-based mindfulness tools.  

When applied, mindfulness can enhance the quality of everyday living, help relieve anxiety and stress and increase grades in school, and lower behavioral issues.   

She offers adult and youth meditation and yoga classes, family yoga classes, meditative talk sessions and toddler courses on mindfulness.  

She also offers Baby N Me yoga classes and a Bike N Bookcamp for free. 

 King first began meditation in 1997 to relieve her own addictions, anxiety and depression and has since gained 15 years of experience working with youth and families.  

She has taken her love for meditation and yoga into classrooms and communities to share the positive experiences these practices can foster.  

If you have a minority-owned and operated business you would like to be featured in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine Directory, visit Indiana Minority Business Directory.

Minority business highlight: Rel Eve co.

Jade Jackson
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Minority business highlight: Rel Eve co.

Rel Eve Co. (pronounced “re-leeve”) wants to set a new standard for how Millennial and Gen-Z women shop for menstrual care by selling period products that are all-natural and non-toxic.  

The products are sourced from top U.S. companies and small businesses. The focus is on highlighting businesses owned by Black and/or women entrepreneurs.  

The Millennial-founded company is making it easier to find clean, sustainable period care in America.  

RELATED: Minority Business Highlight: Tea’s Me Cafe

“When you go to a drug store or a local Target to pick up a box of pads, there aren’t a lot of options to choose from. They usually have the same five to ten brands but even then, those are not organic or non-toxic,” said Jasmine Bennett, the founder. 

Stats and data

According to the U.S. Environmental Protective Agency, long-term exposure to high levels of toxic contaminants called dioxins can cause cancers, reproductive and developmental issues and other health problems.  

Dioxins can form when bleach is used on pulp and paper products that go into pads and tampons. Most people are not exposed to high enough levels to cause health problems.  

However, these traces can accumulate. The average woman uses approximately 11,000 tampons in her lifetime. So, there is an increased chance that the chemical may actually be absorbed into their bodies according to Tampon Tribe. 

The World Health Organization said dioxins are highly toxic. They can cause reproductive and developmental problems, damage the immune system, interfere with hormones and also cause cancer.  

After switching to a more holistic lifestyle to heal her body from debilitating cramps, Jasmine Bennett found period products that lowered her premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. They gave her the relief she wanted.  

Bennett soon discovered there was not a central location where she could order all of her products.  

“I used to be on a hormonal roller coaster every month until I changed products. There’s Amazon and Target, but there’s only a certain number of products you can get even online. Every month I was tired of trying to search and I said there has to be a better way,” said Bennett. 

That’s on period

A lot of the products that she used were from Honey Pot Co., Mixhers and Top Organic.  

“But, like certain off brand products and products on Etsy that I was using, aren’t on Amazon. There’s this one company that sells pads infused with CBD,” said Bennett.  

She looked online for any store that offered all of the non-toxic products that she used, but she couldn’t find it. So she decided to create it. 

She won a $20,000 pitch competition with Elevate Ventures, a venture development organization based in Indianapolis that focuses on supporting entrepreneur growth for the state. 

“I was really taken aback by the fact that the number of non-toxic products available in the U.S. weren’t available in local communities. Especially, urban communities,” said Bennett. 

She launched her business in March 2022.  

She offers pads, tampons, pain patches, holistic pain management, cramp relief oils, yoni soaps, washes, menstrual cups, supplements for balancing hormones, PMS bath bombs, period underwear and menstrual relief shower steamers that help relieve period anxiety.  

Bennett is a Christian and named her business Rel Eve Co. because of Eve in the Bible.  

“After she ate from the tree, she had to have horrible pain that comes with menstruating before childbirth. So, I said there has to be a better way to relieve the pain and I said ‘Oh! Rel Eve’ when you think of relief and I thought it was cool,” said Bennett. 

She wants to scale her business to be accessible across the country with physical locations in urban areas especially.  

Her next steps are to open up a warehouse in Indiana or Illinois. She is planning on hosting pop up shops throughout the Midwest.  

“I feel like women need a store they can shop at that celebrates and honors what our bodies can do,” said Bennett. “Menstruation is a beautiful cycle and our periods should be a time that we treat our bodies with the utmost care.” 

Do you have a minority-owned business? Register it with our directory HERE.

Minority Business Highlight: Sip and Share Wines  

CHLOE McGOWAN
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Minority Business Highlight: Sip and Share Wines  

Nicole Kearney, wine lover and owner of Sip and Share Wines, got her start in 2016 by sharing wines for private tastings and making homemade sangria in mason jars on the side. 

Today, Kearney’s winery is one of only two Black-owned wineries in Indianapolis. Sip and Share Wines produces a diverse selection of handcrafted vegan wines from semi-sweet to dry to limited edition. 

Kearny’s mission is to create community through wine — especially for winemakers and wine lovers of color who typically are overlooked or underrepresented in the industry. 

While she loves making wine to share with her community, Kearny also enjoys educating consumers on wine etiquette, different wine varieties as well as the winemaking process.  

READ MORE: Black women vintners changing the wine game – Indianapolis Recorder 

In the past few years, Sip and Share Wines released several collections, inducing the 7 Words Wine Collection and the Gem Collection, which includes limited production wines.  

Monthly and quarterly wine club memberships are available with Sip and Share Wines, with offerings of two, four or six bottles of sweet or dry — or both — wines right to your door, plus a 10% discount on all other wine orders. 

Sip and Share Wines is located at 2202 E. 44th St. More information about SipSperiences, Wine Club and community events can be found at sipandsharewines.com. Get in touch with Sip and Share Wines by email at Marketing@sipandsharewines.com or call 909-747-9463. 

If you have a minority-owned and operated business you’d like to be featured in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine Directory, visit Indiana Minority Business Directory. 

Contact staff writer Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on Twitter @chloe_mcgowanxx. 

Community stories: The importance of local media outlets

STAFF
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Community stories: The importance of local media outlets

By CASEY CAWTHORN

In October 2021, after lending nearly $23 million to Indy’s small business community, the Indy Chamber embarked on a media partnership with the Indianapolis Recorder. Little did we know then, this partnership would yield exponential value in ensuring that small, diverse businesses—navigating a rebounding business climate with ever-changing fluctuations—would prove to be one of the most important vessels for business awareness, resource-sharing and collective corporate calls for equity.

Through our partnership with the Indianapolis Recorder, over nearly the last two years, the Indy Chamber’s marketing and communications team has worked with minority, small-business owners in various industries and communities across the nine-county, Indy region. These individuals have trusted us to help them share stories about their business ownership journeys while also calling attention to the critical resources—capital, coaching and connections to a regional network of businesses—available through the Indy Chamber. At the end of 2022, data showed that through these articles, we’ve reached over 300,000 people (about half the population of Wyoming) across Indiana and beyond. Equally as important, we’ve reached them authentically.

Between 2020 and 2021, the Indy Chamber was immersed in initiatives to advance equity. Develop Indy, the front door to economic development for the City of Indianapolis and Marion County, was already leading equity efforts through inclusive incentives. However, in 2021, the Indy Chamber partnered with the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) and the Indianapolis Urban League (IUL) to form Business Equity for Indy (BEI), an initiative fully committed to advancing equity and economic opportunity for the region’s Black residents and other people of color. In addition to that work, the Indy Chamber’s Entrepreneur Services department, which includes the Central Indiana Women’s Business Center (CIWBC), Hispanic Business Council (HBC), Enterprise Corps, the Re-Entry Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (REDi) and Business Ownership Initiative (BOI)—a certified community development financial institution (CDFI), houses an entire team dedicated to ensuring diverse, small businesses have support at every stage of business growth.

As the longest-running African American-owned newspaper in Indiana and the fourth largest in the United States, a partnership with the Indianapolis Recorder was a true dream for our marketing team. Our team, which is tasked with amplifying the impact of our equity work alongside the success stories of our small, diverse members and clients, quickly began working with these individuals to guide their storytelling efforts. While we continue to expand our partnership with the Indianapolis Recorder, we’re excited to announce that we’re also launching a new, free event series to connect a greater number of businesses to storytelling support and opportunities.

A three-part Indy Chamber Masterclass series will take place virtually this summer. Each Masterclass will feature a specific, communications-related topic and invites business owners and community members to log in ready to learn. The first event, which takes place on June 27 from 1-2 p.m., is Storytelling 101 presented by Deana Haworth, chief operating officer with Hirons. Individuals interested in attending are encouraged to register online at IndyChamber.com/Events. The July session will feature Travis Brown, founder and CEO of Mojo Up Marketing, and the August session will feature Jennifer Dzwonar, managing principal of Borshoff. Specific dates and topics to be announced soon.

While we continue to expand our programs and services to support diverse small business owners, we hope to continue leveraging diverse media partnerships to increase the visibility of services, connections with the community and ultimately, the impact that the Indy Chamber has on our regional business community. If you are interested in learning more about services available to support your business, I invite you to learn more at IndyChamber.com/Entrepreneurship.

Casey Cawthon is Indy Chamber’s vice president of marketing and communications.

Black-owned Open Kitchen Restaurant offering Italian-style recipes  

Jade Jackson
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Black-owned Open Kitchen Restaurant offering Italian-style recipes  

The name of Toni and Dexter Smith’s restaurant, Open Kitchen Restaurant, is befitting of their mission to create an open atmosphere for customers.   

Officially launched in September 2020, during the pandemic they offered carry-out, which performed well with customers. They moved into their brick-and-mortar location at 4022 Shelby St. on the south side of the city in March. 

“We focus on comfortability. Anyone can come here, relax and be themselves. We serve American and Italian food. You don’t have to feel uptight,” said Toni Smith.  

She said they maintain an upscale beat at the restaurant, but they allow people to come as they are.  

“There’s been places and times at the restaurants where we really wanted to try the food, but we didn’t feel like ourselves. You feel like you’re rushed through, or you feel like your money isn’t appreciated and you’re not welcome,” said Smith.  

Bringing Black owned Italian style recipes with Open Kitchen Restaurant
Dajuan Morris prepping inside Open Kitchen Restaurant (Photo/Jade Jackson)

Dexter is the chef, and he offers American and Italian dishes on the menu. 

“Italian food is great. It’s so many different flavors and so many different cooking techniques,” said Chef Dexter. 

While he has worked as a professional chef for the last five years, he has been working in a kitchen since he was 16. His first job was serving patients at Community East.  

“This is nowhere near what I thought I would be doing in the future. I’m a math person. I thought I was going to do actuary for sport, but I love the work that goes into figuring out a recipe to make a dish great,” said Chef Smith.  

His math skills come in handy when he is figuring out and experimenting with the right measurements and proportion sizes for each meal. 

He changes the menu every season to always offer new items.  

Contact & hours

Address: 4022 Shelby St, Indianapolis, IN 46227

Phone: (317) 974-9032

Tuesday-Thursday 9AM-10PM

Friday 9AM-11PM

Saturday 10AM-11PM

Sunday 10AM-5PM

Bringing Black owned Italian style recipes with Open Kitchen Restaurant
Open Kitchen Restaurant is located at 4022 Shelby Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227 (Photo/Jade Jackson)

If you have a minority-owned and operated business you’d like to be featured in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine Directory, visit Indiana Minority Business Directory to register.

Getting down to the root of the problem with Kurlykoils

Jade Jackson
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Getting down to the root of the problem with Kurlykoils

You can find Britteny Davidson inside her shop Kurlykoils, off W. 42nd St., tending to the many clients that walk through her doors. The business launched in 2016, with its main styling services focusing on curly hair care.

“I was actually looking for somebody to cut my hair curly. At the time, I couldn’t find any Black women. I did find a white lady, and she was booked out probably four months in advance,” said Davidson.

During her eight years in the beauty industry as a licensed cosmetologist, Davidson had never heard of anyone being booked out that far. She said, at the time, there were two other curl specialists in Indianapolis, but all three women were Caucasian.

RELATED: Black representation matters: Urban Beauty Supply

Britteny Davidson is the owner of Kurlykoils, a forward-thinking salon with a mission to help people embrace their natural hair (Photo/ Jade Jackson) Getting down to the root of the problem
Britteny Davidson is the owner of Kurlykoils, a forward-thinking salon with a mission to help people embrace their natural hair (Photo/ Jade Jackson)

“So, I said if I start this business being a Black woman, I know it’s going to do well, and it definitely has,” said Davidson.

Born and raised in Indianapolis, she did not start to venture into natural hair care until she started wearing her own hair natural in her twenties.

When she was younger, she would straighten her hair often.

Kurlykoils: The beginning

According to Davidson, natural hair care is not taught in standard beauty school curriculum. It is considered a specialty training that one has to pursue on their own.

“We’re missing the mark in beauty school. It just focuses on how to straighten the hair and how to cut the hair while it’s straight. So, this is a skill you have to seek to become an expert in,” said Davidson.

She had to travel to take classes that taught her how to perfect the curly craft.

She started serving clients on Lafayette Road inside what used to be Indianapolis Hair Studio. From there, she moved inside the Salon Lofts on College and Broad Ripple Ave.

After becoming a mother, she started the recruitment process to create Kurly Koils in 2017.

Deja Parker, a stylist inside Kurlykoils (Photo/Jade Jackson) Getting down to the root of the problem
Deja Parker, a stylist inside Kurlykoils (Photo/Jade Jackson)

Deja Parker has been a Kurly Koils stylist for almost three years. She grew up around hair stylists, so doing hair came naturally to her.

Kurlykoils: The experience

“I always knew I wanted to do the natural side of hair, but I started second guessing myself because I didn’t see it here in Indiana. Then, when I finally saw Britteny, and I made my appointment with her, she reconfirmed for me to go off and set this as a goal,” said Parker.

She believes that stylists with expertise in natural hair care are scarce in the area but that their numbers will increase over time.

“It hasn’t been a part of the culture for long. Natural hair care is becoming more well known around the country, so I think it’s just taking its time to get here,” said Parker.

It is a journey, and part of her job is to help people navigate along that journey.

She said the working environment is peaceful, and the clients love to come in to enjoy the “realness” that they provide, which makes it feel like a second home.

They serve over 700 clients and style around 25 people on a weekly basis. Their clients return every three months for hair care maintenance.

“The amount of growth has been tremendous, and having stylists here now establishing those relationships and maintaining them has made the biggest difference,” said Davidson.

The goal for Kurly Koils is sustainability and changing the thought process surrounding natural hair.

Davidson wishes more stylists had a better understanding of natural hair and styling it.

“There are more textures than straight hair for sure, so it should definitely be taught in beauty school. It should be a federal guideline. I think it’s nice, especially for our younger clientele, to be able to embrace their hair,” said Davidson.

Contact staff writer Jade Jackson at 317-607-5792 or by email JadeJ@IndyRecorder.com. Follow her on Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON

Indianapolis Recorder President and CEO Speaking at Startup Ladies Study Hall 

Jade Jackson
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Indianapolis Recorder President and CEO Speaking at Startup Ladies Study Hall 

Recorder Media Group President and CEO Robert Shegog will speak this week to an international group of women entrepreneurs on how to work with media outlets that focus on Black and brown communities. 

The Startup Ladies are hosting the special Startup Study Hall on Wednesday, May 17, from 6-8 p.m. 
 
Roughly a dozen women entrepreneurs from Argentina, Chile, Cuba, El Salvador, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Venezuela will attend the event hosted by the International Center of Indianapolis. 

A similar event was held at the Heritage Group in 2019 before the start of the pandemic. Organizers say this is a great opportunity to meet with leaders from other countries.  

One of Shegog’s talking points will cover inclusive advertising. He will advise those in attendance on how to communicate and collaborate with minority groups.  

Recorder Media Group, which includes the Indianapolis Recorder and the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, is Indiana’s leading minority-owned communications company. The Recorder staff has won more than 60 journalism awards in the past three years. 
 
COhatch downtown Indy is sponsoring the event located in the Circle Center Mall. 
 
Register here: 
https://lnkd.in/g4Yvahd2 

Minority Business Highlight: A Good Life Photo Co.

Noral Parham
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Minority Business Highlight: A Good Life Photo Co.

A Good Life Photo Co. is a headshot and personal branding photography studio founded in March 2019 by La’Meshia Hayes of Indianapolis.

Hayes founded the business after reading the book ‘Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill. Hayes wanted to secure generational wealth for her and her family while exercising a craft where she excels: photography.

A Good Life Photo Co.
La’Meshia Hayes, owner of A Good Life Photo Co. (Photo/Hayes)

Like most entrepreneurs, Hayes attempted many ventures. However, her ability to capture the moment behind the lens sent her over the top online.

Today, Hayes’ photo studio has a package for every event, including proms, graduations, birthdays, holidays and more. Hayes has studio space but does not hesitate to travel to venues that will best capture the moment for a client.

A Good Life Photo Co. is located at 6256 La Pas Trail, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46268. Hayes and her staff can be reached on Facebook and Instagram. For email inquiries, contact Hayes at Agoodlifephoto@outlook.com

If you would like your business featured in the the minority business highlights, click here.

Motivational Monday: Urban Beauty Supply

Jade Jackson
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Motivational Monday: Urban Beauty Supply

Shirley Milligan and her husband have three daughters which meant they would spend a lot of time in local beauty supply stores.

Often owned by Non-Black people, the family would be disappointed by the lack of customer service they would receive from beauty supply businesses when shopping. That’s how Urban Beauty Supply was born.

Launched in February of 2020 just a month before the COVID-19 pandemic, the new business struggled to sell products curbside, but word of mouth spread and the shop started to get popular.

At Urban Beauty Supply they want you to be your best version. They offer a wide range of high-quality beauty, skincare and haircare products. From deep cleansers to the lightest moisturizers, you can get the most popular looks and brands in their store.

No matter what your skin or hair care needs are, Urban Beauty Supply said they are your one-stop shop to look great and maintain your healthy, beautiful skin.

Contact and hours:

5333 E. Thompson Road Indianapolis, IN 46237

(317) 875-1484

UrbanBeautySuppy1@Outlook.com

Monday – Saturday:
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Have a business? Sign it up for our business directory HERE.

Latino Business Support Network Launches in Indianapolis

Jade Jackson
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Latino Business Support Network Launches in Indianapolis

A group of Indianapolis nonprofits have come together to create the Latino Business Support Network (LBSN). The network is committed to assisting Latino small business owners and entrepreneurs.

The LBSN’s primary focus is on building a stronger Latino business community in the city. Created by Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), along with the other organizations, the network collaborates to provide resources and programs.

“The Latino community is an economically resilient community. As we have attempted to close the racial wealth gap, especially in Black and Latino communities, these are often the most underserved, overlooked and undeveloped,” said Executive Director of LISC, David Hampton.

RELATED: The misconceptions of Cinco de Mayo

He said the Indianapolis small business community is incredibly diverse. There are 14,000 Black businesses, 5,000 Latinx businesses and 2,000 Asian owned businesses.

His hope for the network is to create a greater commitment and investment to support the Latinx community.

“Between 2010 and 2020, the Latinx community has grown by 42% and so have Latinx businesses. However, the resources for Latinx businesses have continued to be incredibly limited,” said Hampton.

As the community grows, there is an increasing need for language access and access to capital and services to support.

The start of the network

Four organizations — Hispanic Business Council, La Plaza, Emprendedoras Latinas en Indiana and Indiana Latino Expo — have come together to form a group dedicated to supporting Latino-owned businesses in Indianapolis.

The Director of International & Latino Affairs with the City of Indianapolis, Ruth Morales, said the Latino community is the fastest growing population in Marion County.

Executive Vice President of for External Engagement at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation Salena Scardina said a lot of stories go untold around Latino business, and this network is an opportunity to change that.

“Five years ago, I started a business, and I did not know what resources were available to me here. Latino-based businesses make up the largest minority sector of our entrepreneurship small businesses, and we don’t talk about that enough,” said Scardina.

By collaborating these organizations can provide better support and increase visibility for their work.

Motivational Monday Highlight: Nap or Nothing

Jade Jackson
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Motivational Monday Highlight: Nap or Nothing

It is a simple phrase with a profound meaning: Nap or Nothing.

Etched across clothing inside a storefront on Massachusetts Avenue, owner of the streetwear brand Antonio Maxie said the slogan instills pride within people from Indianapolis.

“’Nap’ is short for Naptown, which is the nickname for the city. ‘Or Nothing’ is about repping to the fullest: Repping your backyard and being proud of where you’re from,” said Maxie. “It’s important for everybody to let people know where you come from and what made you or built you.”

Nap or Nothing has been around for nearly a decade.

Despite the brand’s release of hundreds of different colors and designs, Maxie said he never planned on owning and operating a clothing brand.

Originally a musician, Maxie’s fashion concept arose when he wanted to make a couple of extra bucks performing at shows.

“So, I started putting logos on merch with phrases from my songs and phrases that I say with my friends. It kind of just kept growing, and growing, and growing,” said Maxie.

Maxie said a friend of his opened a clothing store inside Lafayette Square Mall, and the shop ultimately fell into his lap.

The brick and mortar for Nap or Nothing at Lafayette Square Mall launched in 2015. Because the mall is now temporarily closed due to a redevelopment project, the store transferred to online sales before moving to Mass Ave.

From local artists to athletes and everyday people, all his customers rock the brand. Nap or Nothing has always shared space with other Indianapolis streetwear brands.

The organization GangGang culture partnered with Nap or Nothing to open multiple locations around the city in 2023.

“I feel blessed. I feel honored. I feel like I keep putting the work in and doing my due diligence to provide Indianapolis with quality representation,” said Maxie.

The recognition Nap or Nothing has gained over the years has been cool according to Maxie, but he’s even more excited that he can help other people achieve their goals and dreams by incorporating pride into the city.

“I don’t look at it like it’s a ‘me’ thing. It’s a ‘we’ thing. When the doors open for me, they open for others as well. My opportunity is their opportunity. They just have to capitalize as they see fit,” said Maxie.

Nap or Nothing’s goal is to have biweekly drops for products.

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KFC employees can receive 100% tuition paid for degree through online university

Jade Jackson
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KFC employees can receive 100% tuition paid for degree through online university

If you work for any KFC restaurant in the city, you’re now eligible for a bachelor’s or master’s degree through Western Governors University (WGU) Indiana’s collaboration with the KFC Foundation.

The school is an accredited online university dedicated to making higher education accessible for as many people as possible.

The partnership launched the new program in January.

According to the executive director of the KFC Foundation, Emma Horn. The program seeks to ensure that every KFC restaurant employee feels supported and empowered to be their best selves.

They’re proud to offer employees an opportunity for higher education without the burden of tuition.

“We started working with WGU almost a year ago now. We love that every student is paired with a mentor, so they’ve got that champion that they can lean on. Somebody to cheer them on when things get tough. Also, WGU’s really focused on competency-based education,” said Horn.

The average salary for a KFC employee is $25,207 a year. Black and African Americans make up almost 13% of staff across the country. There are 14 restaurants across the Circle City, which means the program has the potential to reach about 300 employees.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for our team members who really don’t have time to go through traditional college. They can go at their own pace and earn money while they do it,” said Kelsie Ternet, area manager of a Carmel based KFC.

She said the program would be great for working parents.

They can work full-time and take care of their families while getting a degree to further their education.

Knowing that employees enter through KFC’s doors in all stages and phases of life, Horn said it’s their honor as a foundation to take care of them in their current position and to help them reach for their dreams.

“What better opportunity to be able to offer team members than a flexible college degree program that can fit seamlessly into their schedule,” said Horn.

“An employee who works for a participating franchise is qualified on the day that they start employment at KFC to receive full tuition to start or complete any degree,” said chancellor for WGU Indiana and the University’s regional vice president, Alison Bell.

WGU Indiana has a wide range of programs.

Bell said KFC employees working full time can anticipate completing their degrees in two years.

Contact senior staff writer Jade Jackson at 317-607-5792. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON

$1.5 million partnership will provide funding for Black entrepreneurs

Jade Jackson
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$1.5 million partnership will provide funding for Black entrepreneurs

Katara McCarty is the founder of Exhale, an emotional wellbeing app designed for Black women and women of color.

“It’s more than an app. It’s a movement. Society has ignored the health and wellbeing of Black women for too long, which is exactly why I am unapologetic in my pursuit to create space specifically for Black women,” said McCarty.

The grant from the Nile Capital Fund will allow her to launch a 2.0 version of the app.
The new fund from the Be Nimble Foundation is providing revenue-based equity loans and traditional equity investments for Black founders.

Be Nimble is a social enterprise creating fully diverse and inclusive tech ecosystems. They launched the fund in collaboration with Cummins Inc., the City of Indianapolis and IMPACT Central Indiana.

“The Nile is the longest river in the world. It’s a lifeline for Egypt, fueling the economy and diverse ecosystem in Northeastern Africa. It also reflects our vision for Be Nimble and how we serve our community,” said Jeff Williams, co-founder of Be Nimble.

“This fund will serve as a mode of transportation for our existing programs and partnerships, just as the Nile enables communities to flourish. We’re feeding the ecosystem and supporting the entrepreneurs we’re committed to seeing succeed.”
The Nile Capital Fund will also allocate funds to companies that have participated in Be Nimble’s other entrepreneurship programs.

Cummins Advocating for Racial Equity (CARE) Executive Director Latonya Sisco said working with Be Nimble, the city and IMPACT leverages the focus area on economic empowerment to create more inclusive communities.

“By joining forces, we aim to create a more equitable landscape for business ownership and growth and support the talented Black founders in our community who may not otherwise have access to the resources they need,” said Sisco.

Mayor Joe Hogsett said the city is proud to have contributed over $725,000 to launch the Nile Capital Fund.

“This partnership adds to our many efforts to continue to foster Black entrepreneurship,” said Hogsett.

Be Nimble said they will continue the legacy begun by Madame C.J. Walker, of Black women-led beauty brands in Central Indiana.

Contact senior staff writer Jade Jackson at 317-607-5792. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON

Pamela Ross Joins John R. Oishei Foundation as Leader of Community Impact

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Pamela Ross Joins John R. Oishei Foundation as Leader of Community Impact

The John R. Oishei Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of Pamela Ross, MSW as its new Leader of Community Impact. This pivotal role was created as part of the Foundation’s organizational transformation in alignment with its strategic framework and mission to work with communities to change systems and build financial prosperity for a racially just, vibrant Buffalo-Niagara region.

In this role, Ross will guide the Foundation’s efforts to incorporate community perspectives into its initiatives and lead strategies aimed at building financial prosperity by addressing the root causes of racial inequity. She will collaborate closely with community partners to design programs and investments that reflect the needs and aspirations of the communities the Foundation serves, beginning with the East Side.

“Pamela’s leadership reflects exactly where we’re headed as a foundation: firmly centering community voice, racial justice, and systems change,” said Christina Orsi, Oishei Foundation President. “Her deep expertise, humility, and vision will help guide our next chapter.”

Ross brings more than two decades of experience in philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and systems change work. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Community Leadership and Equitable Initiatives at The Indianapolis Foundation, where she led $8M in equitable grantmaking annually and designed nationally recognized strategies centered on racial equity and community empowerment.

Her portfolio has included leading large-scale initiatives such as the Elevation Grant, which invested $45M over three years in Indianapolis neighborhoods for violence reduction, co-developing the Movement of 10,000 platform to promote anti-racist learning, and launching a $3M Neighborhood Empowerment Pathways initiative focused on grassroots infrastructure and resident leadership.

“I know I’m entering this role as someone new to Buffalo, and that’s not something I take lightly,” said Pamela Ross. “Building trust and learning from this community—especially those who’ve been doing this work for a long time—is where I’ll begin. My approach is always to lead with intentionality, courage, and love, and to show up with humility, listening before I act.”

Pamela Ross

“Community impact happens when power is both shifted and shared,” Ross continued. “It’s not about doing work to or for communities, but alongside them. That’s the principle I’ve always led by, and it’s what I’ll carry into this next chapter at Oishei.”

“Pamela brings both the experience and the systems expertise needed to help us move from intention to impact,” said Glenn Jackson, Oishei Foundation Board chair. “We are thrilled to welcome her to the Oishei Foundation.”

This leadership appointment is part of a broader evolution at the Oishei Foundation, one rooted in a mission to create a racially just region where all people have the opportunity to thrive. In 2024, the Foundation announced a two-year transition to reimagine its work in light of its mission, including re-aligning the internal structure, evaluating governance, and evolving support of partners.  Ross’s new role underscores the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to transforming how it works in service to the community.

This article was originally published on the John R. Oishei Foundation‘s website.

Minority Business Highlight: We Haul LLC 

Noral Parham
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Minority Business Highlight: We Haul LLC 

We Haul LLC is a minority-owned junk removal company based in Indianapolis that combines reliability, affordability and eco-conscious practices to serve homes and businesses.  

Founded by Richard Gorham, the family-operated business specializes in furniture, appliance and yard waste removal, as well as property cleanouts and demolition support.   

Gorham launched We Haul LLC to fill a gap in sustainable junk removal services while creating jobs in his community.  

The team prioritizes donating usable goods to local charities and recycling materials like metal, electronics and mattresses.   

The company emphasizes transparency in Indianapolis and surrounding areas with upfront pricing and same-day service. 

Clients frequently praise its responsiveness and professionalism in Facebook reviews, with one calling the crew “polite, efficient and careful with my property.”   

We Haul LLC has quickly gained traction by focusing on community needs. From clearing storm debris to assisting seniors with downsizing, Gorham said his team takes pride in projects that “make a difference” for residents.   

Looking ahead, the company aims to expand its fleet and partnerships with local nonprofits. 

For more information or to request service, message We Haul LLC via its Facebook page or call 317-743-4804. 

Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral. If you would like your business highlighted bv the Indiana Minority Business Magzine, click here. 

Former U.S. Attorney Zachary Myers Joins McCarter & English’s Indianapolis Office, Business Litigation Team

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Former U.S. Attorney Zachary Myers Joins McCarter & English’s Indianapolis Office, Business Litigation Team

INDIANAPOLIS (April 22, 2025) — McCarter & English is pleased to announce that Zachary A. Myers, the former United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, has joined the firm’s Indianapolis office as a partner in its Business Litigation group, and as a leader of its multidisciplinary Cybersecurity & Data Privacy team. He will co-lead the team with Erin Prest, who joined the firm last month from the FBI. Myers brings a wealth of experience in high-stakes litigation, cybersecurity, technology issues, and internal investigations, and will focus his practice on counseling and representing clients navigating their most complex and sensitive challenges.

Myers has been a dedicated public servant for fourteen years, serving as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana from November 2021 through January 2025, and for more than a decade as an Assistant U.S. Attorney both in the District of Maryland and in the Southern District of Indiana. As a federal prosecutor he led investigations, prosecutions, and appeals of a wide range of offenses, with a focus on cyber and technology-facilitated crimes. In his role as U.S. Attorney, he led an office with 55 attorneys and 50 support personnel in four locations in the state. He also served as Chair of the Attorney General Advisory Committee’s Cyber and Intellectual Property Subcommittee for the U.S. Department of Justice.

During his public service career, he worked closely with the DOJ’s National Security Division, Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, and Fraud Section, as well as the DOJ’s Office of International Affairs and foreign law enforcement agencies to obtain evidence overseas, extradite defendants for prosecution in the United States, and facilitate European prosecutions.

Zachary Myers

As an AUSA in Maryland, Myers led the office’s cybercrime investigations and prosecutions, including responding to data breaches, ransomware, and insider threats. He helped create the Office’s National Security & Cybercrime Section and served as the District’s first Cybercrime Counsel. His cutting-edge work included transnational cybercrime investigations and handling national security matters including espionage, offenses involving classified information, digital currency crimes, and computer hacking, working with in-house and outside counsel for technology and cryptocurrency companies to obtain evidence and seize assets. He also worked closely with businesses and government agencies victimized by cybercrimes to mitigate losses and to identify and seek accountability for attackers.

Myers joins McCarter with the intention of building a sophisticated and impactful practice that supports clients across industries, including technology, fintech, traditional finance, healthcare, life sciences, government, and tax-exempt entities. His deep public sector and litigation experience will be a strong complement to McCarter’s nationally recognized cybersecurity, litigation, and regulatory capabilities.

Prior to becoming a lawyer, Myers served on the staff of late Indiana Congresswoman Julia M. Carson, and he will spend time in the firm’s Washington office, helping clients navigate issues related to the federal government, including Congressional inquiries and regulatory matters. In addition to representing clients in litigation and investigations, Myers plans to leverage his extensive experience in cybersecurity, data privacy, cybercrime, artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, electronic investigations, digital forensics, encryption, anonymization, the dark web, and e-Discovery to help clients as they navigate the complexities of the modern digital world.

“My passion has always been building—whether it’s building cases, building teams, or building relationships,” said Myers. “I’m excited to join McCarter because of the firm’s building mentality – it has a remarkable history of staying ahead of the curve in a constantly changing legal landscape. I look forward to contributing to the growth of the firm’s Indianapolis office, its broader Midwest presence, and to helping to lead its growing Cybersecurity & Data Privacy team.”

Myers’ arrival is the latest in a series of strategic moves by McCarter to deepen its presence in the Midwest. In January 2024, the firm expanded its office space in Indianapolis to accommodate continued growth. In February, it welcomed commercial litigation, construction, and labor and employment partners Aaron Grant and Christopher Drewry to the office.

“Zach’s leadership experience as a U.S. Attorney, coupled with his far-reaching connections nationally throughout the public and private sectors and his passion for staying on the cutting edge of technological advancements, will benefit the firm and our clients both locally and nationally,” said Amy Fisher, co-managing partner of McCarter’s Indianapolis office. “We are thrilled that Zach has decided to join us.  Zach’s industry knowledge, client connections, vision, and energy will no doubt reinforce our Indianapolis office’s quickly growing reputation as a hub for exceptional legal talent in the region.”

Myers grew up in Indiana and is a tried-and-true Hoosier. He received his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center, his M.A. in Political Management from The George Washington University, and his B.A. in Political Science from Stanford University.

About McCarter & English, LLP

McCarter & English, LLP, delivers innovative solutions to clients nationwide. Fortune 100, midmarket, and emerging growth companies rely on McCarter to handle their cutting-edge transactional, intellectual property, and complex litigation matters. Clients benefit from the firm’s relationship-driven approach, deep understanding of their businesses and their legal needs, lean and efficient service model, and determination to help them move their businesses forward.

For more information, visit www.mccarter.com.

Minority Business Highlight: Handcrafted Jewelry by Teri C. 

Hanna Rauworth
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Minority Business Highlight: Handcrafted Jewelry by Teri C. 

Handcrafted Jewelry by Teri C. is a boutique jewelry brand rooted in passion, creativity and personal transformation.  

Founded by Indianapolis native Teri Cox, the business began as a childhood fascination with crafting jewelry from found objects like bottle caps and buttons. After years in the corporate world, Teri rediscovered her love for jewelry-making through a local bead class, reigniting a passion that led her to establish her brand in 2008.  

Each piece from Handcrafted Jewelry by Teri C. is designed to uplift and inspire. The collection features a variety of handcrafted items, including beaded bracelets, gemstone necklaces and men’s accessories.  

(Photo via/Teri C website)

Materials such as precious metals, leather and gemstones are thoughtfully selected to create wearable art that resonates with the soul and complements personal journeys.  

Handcrafted Jewelry by Teri C. is more than just a business — it reflects Teri Cox’s journey of self-discovery and artistic expression.  

Each design is created to celebrate individuality and personal milestones. Teri’s mission is to craft pieces that enhance an outfit and carry deeper meanings for the wearer, offering a sense of connection and empowerment. From elegant evening wear to casual day-to-day pieces, the jewelry seamlessly blends versatility with sophistication, making it ideal for any occasion. 

Teri C.

Customers can explore and purchase these unique pieces through the official website, teriacox.com. The online store offers a seamless shopping experience and secure payment options, including major credit cards, PayPal and digital wallets. New designs are regularly added, encouraging visitors to check for the latest creations often.  

Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth. If you want your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here. 

Horsemen Sports Media: Amplifying Black voices in sports journalism

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Horsemen Sports Media: Amplifying Black voices in sports journalism

In a media landscape often criticized for its lack of diversity, Horsemen Sports Media emerges as a trailblazing force.

Founded in 2025 by award-winning journalist Noral Parham III, this Black, disability-owned Indianapolis enterprise redefines sports coverage by prioritizing stories about athletes and executives of color and creating space for marginalized voices in an industry long overdue for change.

A mission born from experience

Parham’s journey to founding Horsemen Sports Media was shaped by years of navigating predominantly white spaces in sports journalism. A Senior Sports Reporter for the historic Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper — the fourth-oldest surviving Black publication in the United States — he witnessed firsthand the systemic gaps in representation.

“I’ve been in so many spaces where I did not feel welcomed by my media counterparts,” Parham told the Indiana Minority Business Magazine. “Mainstream media often wants to paint people of color a certain way, adhering to a narrative that’s nonexistent. At Horsemen Sports, we’re not about that. We want to celebrate all things Black and ball.”

His resolve to address the underrepresentation of Black journalists and photographers in sports media led to the creation of Horsemen Sports, a platform dedicated to nuanced, authentic storytelling.

The organization covers local and national sports, emphasizing the importance of elevating athletes and executives of color, whom traditional media outlets often overlook.

The organization’s founding members include Parham, sports reporters Clarence Coleman, Duane Bean and Clayton Jones, all men of color.

How Horsemen Sports Media bridges journalism & advocacy

Horsemen Sports Media official logo.
The official logo of Horsemen Sports Media, a Black-owned media outlet operating out of Indianapolis, Indiana since officially since 2025. (Photo provided/HSM)

Parham’s career reflects a dual commitment to journalism and community empowerment. Before launching Horsemen Sports, he served as a community advocate for Indianapolis’ MLK Center, located at 40 w. 40th Street, where he honed his ability to amplify marginalized voices.

Later, as Senior Copywriter for Denver-based marketing firm Stickyleaf, he produced over 600 articles for approximately 35 clients, mastering the art of strategic content creation.

“I have done a lot of great things and it is time to do more,” Parham said.

His work has earned him eight journalism awards from the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) and Hoosier State Press Association (HSPA), many of which recognize his incisive coverage of race, diversity and sports.

Coverage with a purpose

Since its inception, Horsemen Sports has made waves with its coverage of marquee events, including Indiana Pacers and Fever coverage, NCAA March Madness tournaments, the Big Ten Basketball Tournament, the National Invitational Tournament and the 2025 WNBA Draft.

The outlet’s national reach is expanding, but its roots remain firmly planted in Indianapolis’ vibrant, perpetually growing sports scene.

“Indiana is basketball country,” Parham told the Indiana Minority Business Magazine. “Indy will always have that priority at Horsemen Sports.”

Moreover, Parham’s role on the host committee for the 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend — set for July 18–20 in Indianapolis — further solidifies his impact.

The event, which will spotlight the league’s rising stars, aligns perfectly with Horsemen Sports’ mission to highlight athletes and executives often designated as minorities.

Building a legacy of trust at Horsemen Sports Media

For Parham, Horsemen Sports is more than a media outlet; it’s a movement.

“We want to create a safe space for minorities in sports, a platform they trust not to paint them in a superficial light — all for the sake of clicks and engagement,” Parham said. “We are better than that.”

This ethos resonates in the outlet’s reporting, which avoids sensationalism in favor of depth and context.

Whether profiling a Fever rookie’s journey or dissecting systemic inequities in college athletics, Horsemen Sports prioritizes substance over stereotypes.

Looking ahead

As the company finalizes its official website, Parham’s long-term vision is clear: establish Horsemen Sports as a national leader in inclusive sports journalism while fostering opportunities for emerging Black journalists and photographers.

“The Recorder gave me a chance in sports journalism and I ran with it,” Parham said. “That is what I want to do for others. The disparity in this industry isn’t just about who’s in the room — it’s about who gets to tell the story, We’re here to ensure our narratives are told by us, for us.”

Connect with Horsemen Sports Media

While the website launches soon, fans can follow Horsemen Sports Media on Facebook and TikTok for breaking news, interviews and behind-the-scenes content.

Click here for more news from the Indiana Minority Business Magazine. To have your business featured, visit the directory here.

Minority Business Highlight: First Phase Strategies

CHLOE McGOWAN
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Minority Business Highlight: First Phase Strategies

First Phase Strategies, an Indy-based relocation service, is dedicated to putting the needs of residents first.

Danielle Smith, owner and CEO, created First Phase Strategies in 2021 to help remove barriers to preserving affordable housing and bridge the gap between residents and development teams during construction.

The women-owned consultancy facilitates Uniform Relocation Assistance-compliant (URA) relocations for the multifamily industry, which ensures fair treatment for families displaced by federally funded or assisted projects.

Their team of project managers are trained in URA, Fair Housing Act and customer service best practices to provide residents with compliant, cost-effective and compassionate service, according to the website.

“First Phase Strategies understands the intricacies of mixed-finance real estate transactions,” the website states. “They work with developers, property management and construction and can effectively communicate with everyone on the team. Bringing adaptability, creative problem-solving, and sharp logistical thinking, they never forget their role as advocates for residents.”

First Phase Strategies offers relocation planning, resident survey and advisory services, offsite housing identification, offsite housing management, logistical planning and execution and on-site assistance.

First Phase Strategies is certified in Indianapolis and the State of Indiana. Their offices are at 1824 Yandes St. For more information, visit firstphasestrategies.com. To get in contact, email info@firstphasestrategies.com or call 317-559-2883.

Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx. If you would like your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.

Minority Business Highlight: Good Dee’s

Noral Parham
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Minority Business Highlight: Good Dee’s

Deana Karim, founder of Good Dee’s, transformed her Lebanese American heritage and personal health journey into a thriving keto and allergen-free baking empire.  

As a certified Arab-owned business leader and member of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) Business Board, Karim’s story reflects resilience, cultural pride and a mission to make indulgence accessible to all. 

Karim’s entrepreneurial spirit was forged in her parents’ immigrant journey. Fleeing Lebanon’s civil war in the 1970s, her father built a renowned Austin tailor shop serving U.S. presidents, while her mother — a diabetes patient — pioneered sugar-free recipes.  

“They taught me there’s always a solution,” Karim said. 

This mindset propelled her through health struggles, including a prediabetes diagnosis that inspired her to reimagine “guilt-free” treats.   

2015 Karim invested $5,000 to launch Good Dee’s, named after her nickname “Dee.” Juggling motherhood and a startup, she packaged orders in her New York apartment, often breastfeeding while printing shipping labels.  

Her breakthrough came weeks after giving birth to her second son, when her brownie mix soared to No. 1 on Amazon. 

Karim’s Lebanese roots infuse her creations, from rosewater-infused cake mixes inspired by traditional desserts to honoring her late mother’s “measure-free” cooking style.  

“Middle Eastern customers told me, ‘We never thought we’d taste this again without sugar,'” Karim told the Indiana Minority Business Magazine. 

When her mother died, Karim’s community — built through pop-ups and social media — rallied with support.  

“That connection keeps her spirit alive,” she reflected.   

Karim’s ambition extends to making Good Dee’s a household name for families managing dietary restrictions. Her Fourteen Homes line offers intuitive kitchen tools, like a bestselling donut pan, designed to simplify cooking.  

“Food shouldn’t be excluded,” she emphasized. “My mixes let everyone join the table.”   

Channeling her parents’ fearless spirit, Karim urges others to “Don’t overthink, just act. Start small, stay focused, and let your community lift you.” As for her mother’s legacy, “I hope she’s smiling,” Karim said softly. “Everything I do carries her love — and her rosewater recipes.”   

Good Dee’s products are available at gooddees.com and major retailers. 

Contact Noral Parham at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. If you want your business highlighted in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here. 

Domestic Violence Prevention Network taps Mariann McGee Bernlohr as Interim Director

Noral Parham
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Domestic Violence Prevention Network taps Mariann McGee Bernlohr as Interim Director

Domestic Violence Prevention Network taps Mariann McGee Bernlohr as Interim Director 

By NORAL PARHAM 

noralp@indyrecorder.com 

The Domestic Violence Prevention Network (DVPN) appointed Mariann McGee Bernlohr as interim director, effective April 21. 

Bernlohr brings nearly 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience to the role. She is the founder of Iris Consulting, specializing in organizational strategy and executive transitions.  

Her background includes senior roles at Horizons National, where she supported more than 70 affiliate organizations, and leadership positions with Horizons at St. Richard’s Episcopal School, Indiana’s Governor’s Office of Faith-Based & Community Initiatives and the YMCA. 

DVPN board chair Kristen Moreland believes Bernlohr is a great fit. 

“Mariann’s experience and collaborative approach make her the right leader for this moment,” Moreland said in a statement. 

Active in the Indianapolis community, Bernlohr serves on the board of Indy Reads and is a founding board member of St. Nicholas Early Learning.  

She holds a bachelor’s degree in public affairs from Indiana University and a master’s in teaching from Hamline University. 

“I’m honored to support DVPN’s critical mission and will prioritize listening to staff, survivors and partners,” Bernlohr said. 

The organization’s board continues its search for a permanent executive director, with plans to fill the position later this year. 

DVPN works to prevent domestic violence through education, advocacy and direct support for survivors across Indiana. 

Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more news courtesy of the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.

Minority Business Highlight: Elite Scholar 

Hanna Rauworth
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Minority Business Highlight: Elite Scholar 

In Indianapolis, Elite Scholar stands out as a beacon of educational excellence, offering tailored tutoring services that cater to each student’s unique learning style.  

Founded by Makailya Rice, an educator with a Bachelor of Science in information technology and a Master of Science in student affairs and higher education, the organization embodies her commitment to fostering academic success and personal growth among scholars. 

Rice’s extensive experience includes roles as a tutor at the Boys and Girls Club of Terre Haute and Ben Franklin Elementary School, a 4-H Program Coordinator with Purdue Extension and a building substitute at Phalen Leadership Academy 103. Her diverse background informs Elite Scholar’s mission to provide individualized learning experiences that promote leadership, confidence and self-understanding. 

Makailya Rice

Elite Scholar offers a range of tutoring packages, both in-person and virtual, designed to address various academic needs. Services include weekly tutoring reports, pre- and post-assessments and customized tutoring kits. Subjects covered span English/language arts, reading, science and math, ensuring a comprehensive approach to education. 

The organization’s impact is evident in testimonials from parents who have witnessed significant improvements in their children’s academic performance and confidence.  

One parent noted, “My fourth grader is more confident in his academic ability, particularly in math and reading, and he takes joy in his work!”  

Elite Scholar’s dedication to personalized education and student empowerment makes it a valuable asset to the Indianapolis community. It exemplifies the positive influence of minority-owned businesses in shaping future leaders. 

For more information, visit elitescholar.org. 

Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth. If you would like your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here. 

Black Leaders Detroit highlights the 2025 Ride For Equity

STAFF
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Black Leaders Detroit highlights the 2025 Ride For Equity

Road to Reparations in Indianapolis, honoring the legacy of Black Wall Street

Black Leaders Detroit (BLD) proudly announces the 2025 Ride for Equity: Road to Reparations, a powerful cross-country bike ride designed to raise awareness and support for Black entrepreneurs. 

Launching May 31, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, this five-week journey will pass through Indianapolis and conclude at Wall Street in New York City near Independence Day.

As part of the national tour, the ride will significantly stop in Indianapolis, Indiana, a city deeply committed to fostering equity and inclusive economic opportunity. The journey will officially launch from the 16 Tech Innovation District, bringing together cyclists, changemakers and supporters nationwide to “move for the movement” and amplify the call to close the racial capital gap.

Photo provided/Black Leaders Detroit

“Speak For Yourself” Community Forum – Indianapolis Stop

As part of its route, the 2025 ride will include “Speak for Yourself” community forums in key cities to foster conversations around race, equity, and economic opportunity. The Indianapolis forum will be held at:

The AMP at 16 Tech Innovation District
1220 Waterway Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Saturday, June 14, 2025 | 5:00 PM

Residents, media and changemakers are encouraged to attend and take part in this critical dialogue.

Get Involved

Black Leaders Detroit invites all to become part of this historic movement — whether by riding, volunteering, donating or spreading the word. Learn more at ride4equity.org

Together, let’s honor the legacy of Black Wall Street and ride for equity, empowerment and economic transformation.

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