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.
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.
“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!
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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!
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.”
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
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!”
“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!”
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.
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.
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.
“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, visitIndiana Minority Business Directory.
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.
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
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.
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.
If you have a minority owned and operated business you’d like to be featured in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine Directory, visitIndiana Minority Business Directory.
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.
If you have a minority owned and operated business you’d like to be featured in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine Directory, visitIndiana Minority Business Directory.
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.
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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
(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!
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.
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.
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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.
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.
“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.
“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.”
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Directoryto register.
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.
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)
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
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.
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.
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
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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
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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.
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.
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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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.
We are so excited to be at the statehouse this morning to share all things @WGUIndiana, and talk about our brand new partnership with the @KFCfoundation! Come and see us in the North Atrium if you’re at the capitol building! pic.twitter.com/QQx81iqfoy
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
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
When Jalessa Slade started her consulting business four years ago, she wasn’t trying to be bold — she was simply following her purpose.
After more than a decade of working inside nonprofits of all shapes and sizes, she saw a pattern she couldn’t ignore: organizations doing powerful work struggled to sustain themselves because of limited resources and underdeveloped fundraising strategies.
“There’s often a gap in capacity,” Slade said. “Staff are passionate but stretched thin. Grant writing becomes a last-minute scramble. Fund development plans sit unfinished. That’s where I step in.”
With that clarity, Slade launched her business, focusing on grant writing, fund development, and capacity building. Since then, she’s helped nonprofit clients raise over $ 2.5 million in funding, with more on the horizon this year. But she’s quick to downplay the numbers.
“It’s not just about how much money we raise,” she said. “It’s about building systems so organizations can keep growing long after I’m gone.”
Slade’s impact is clear. Whether she’s developing comprehensive fundraising strategies, managing capital campaigns, or training boards on the power of philanthropy, her work centers around one thing: sustainability.
Her business reflects the values she holds close — authenticity, service and strategy. That’s why she’s drawn to organizations like NAWBO Indianapolis, where women in business show up for one another without pretense.
“When I moved to Central Indiana three years ago, I didn’t know anyone,” she said. “NAWBO quickly became my community. It wasn’t just professional — it was personal. People immediately wanted to help, connect, and support me.”
That spirit of support inspired Slade to join the NAWBO Indy BOSS LADIES Magazine task force, where she’s helping lead the group’s silent auction fundraising efforts. The skills she uses every day — clear communication, follow-up, organization and donor engagement — have translated seamlessly into this volunteer role.
“We talk a lot in fundraising about not being afraid to hear no,” she said. “You’re not begging. You’re creating an opportunity for people to connect with something meaningful.”
It’s a lesson Slade lives by daily. She knows the stakes of being a mother, entrepreneur, and woman navigating professional spaces. That’s why this year’s NAWBO Indy BOSS LADIES theme — Lift Up. Show Up. Speak Up. — hits home.
“It’s the trifecta,” she said. “You bring others along, show up even when you’re tired, and speak up even when it’s uncomfortable. That’s how we grow.”
Whether championing overlooked organizations or simply raising her voice in rooms where it matters, Jalessa Slade is a force—and a reminder that leadership isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it looks like consistency. Integrity. And a quiet confidence in your purpose.
Because the kind of legacy she’s building isn’t just measured in grants. It’s measured in lives changed — and communities strengthened.
This article is part of an editorial series in partnership with Polished Strategic Communications and the Indianapolis Recorder, celebrating the launch of NAWBO Indy BOSS LADIES Magazine. Polished Strategic Communications, a woman-owned agency dedicated to amplifying diverse voices in business, education, and community, writes and produces the series.
When Jamalia Brashears launched her consulting practice, JLB Advisors, she didn’t have a roadmap — just a mission.
A mission shaped by years spent on both sides of the table: as a philanthropic insider with access to power and as an advocate for grassroots organizations often left out of the conversation. Her goal was never just to be a consultant; it was to be a bridge.
“I didn’t come from a family of entrepreneurs,” Brashears said. “But I come from a legacy of service — people who were deeply committed to social impact, who understood the value of civic engagement, who ran voter drives and stood up for what mattered. I knew I wanted my career to be rooted in that same sense of purpose.”
That purpose led her to found a business focused on supporting nonprofits and social entrepreneurs, particularly Black-led and Black-serving organizations, that are often underfunded despite their transformative community impact. Drawing from her experience in philanthropy, Brashears helps these organizations refine their narratives, strengthen donor relationships and build infrastructure that attracts long-term investment, not just short-term support.
“There are millions of dollars that never make it to the communities they’re meant to serve,” she said. “I wanted to be a voice and a support system for those doing the real work — and help them tell their stories in a way that funders can’t ignore.”
That commitment to community and collaboration is what brought her to NAWBO Indianapolis. New to the city and eager to connect with other women navigating business ownership, she found in NAWBO something she didn’t find elsewhere: authenticity.
“Other spaces sometimes feel performative,” Brashears said. “But at NAWBO, people genuinely want to connect and help. If someone doesn’t have an answer, they’ll find someone who does. That kind of openness is rare.”
Now serving on the BOSS LADIES task force, Brashears is helping bring women’s stories to the forefront in a tangible way. Her role is more than logistical — it’s personal.
“This work allows us to shine a light on the incredible depth of talent, experience, and brilliance within our membership,” she said. “It’s the kind of visibility I wish I’d had when I first arrived in Indianapolis.”
Her work — and her ethos — aligns powerfully with the message behind the NAWBO Indy BOSS LADIES Magazine: lifting others, showing up with purpose, and speaking up for equity. For Brashears, that work isn’t just professional. It’s personal.
“When I worked in philanthropy, I realized how few people in the room were actually from the communities we were trying to serve,” she said. “I often found myself being the only one with that perspective. I knew I had to use my seat at the table to shift the conversation.”
That shift continues today in her consulting, which helps social impact leaders reframe their narratives from one of scarcity to one of strength.
“So often we focus on what we don’t have — lack of funding, staff, visibility,” Brashears said. “But I tell my clients: focus on what you do have. Impact. Trust. Access. That’s your power. Let’s build from there.”
In a time when equity work is often buzzword-deep, Brashears brings something more enduring: strategy, sincerity and a deep belief that storytelling can drive systems change.
And in lifting the stories of others, she’s rewriting the one she was told she had to follow.
This article is part of an editorial series in partnership with Polished Strategic Communications and the Indianapolis Recorder, celebrating the launch of NAWBO Indy BOSS LADIES Magazine. Polished Strategic Communications, a woman-owned agency dedicated to amplifying diverse voices in business, education, and community, writes and produces the series.
When Evgenia Baikova left behind a high-powered corporate career in Moscow and relocate to the U.S., she had no idea that her personal story would become a blueprint for the work she does today.
Born in Uzbekistan and raised in Russia, Ev built her professional life in international human resources, eventually rising to HR Director roles in multinational organizations. She helped leaders build stronger teams, navigate change, and unlock individual strengths. But in 2018, when she and her family moved to Indianapolis, she found herself in unfamiliar territory — not just geographically, but personally and professionally.
Like many immigrants, Ev had to rebuild. New networks, new expectations and a new sense of identity — all while trying to hold onto the experiences and skills she had spent decades developing. In many ways, it was a masterclass in resilience. And as she transitioned from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship in 2021, Ev realized the parallels between immigration and starting a business: both are acts of courage, uncertainty and transformation.
“You have to unlearn what success used to mean,” she said, “and trust that your strengths still matter, even in a completely different environment.”
Coaching with clarity and compassion
Today, Ev is the founder of a coaching practice that supports women transitioning out of corporate life and into entrepreneurship. Her clients — often ambitious, high-achieving women — seek clarity, direction and confidence as they launch or grow their businesses. Drawing from her own experience and multiple certifications, including Gallup StrengthsFinder and Co-Active Coaching, Ev helps clients identify their natural talents, develop strategic focus and make decisions aligned with who they are — not who they think they need to be.
While many experts talk about working smarter, not harder, she actually shows us how. It’s not just talk.
Executive coaching has a measurable impact on entrepreneurs, especially women. According to the International Coach Federation (ICF), 86% of companies report a positive return on investment from coaching, with benefits ranging from improved leadership and communication to higher confidence and goal achievement.
A 2023 study published in Harvard Business Review found that women entrepreneurs who work with executive coaches grow their businesses more sustainably and report stronger emotional resilience than those who don’t. In an environment where women still receive less than 2% of venture capital funding and often juggle more caregiving responsibilities, this kind of support can be transformative.
Coach Ev understands this deeply. She once invested in equipment, platforms, and content with the idea of creating passive income courses — only to realize it wasn’t aligned with her strengths.
“I’m not built for distance,” she said. “I need to feel people. I need to connect. That’s when I knew live coaching and workshops were where I truly thrive.”
Her honesty in sharing that misstep is what makes her work resonate. She doesn’t coach from theory — she coaches from lived experience.
Cultivating a community of support
Since joining NAWBO Indy in 2023, Coach Ev has found the kind of sisterhood that mirrors what she offers to her clients.
“From the first event, I felt like I belonged,” she said. “The women were genuine, supportive and welcoming — and I knew this was where I needed to be.”
She now serves on NAWBO’s membership committee and recently joined the task force leading the first-ever NAWBO Indy BOSS LADIES Magazine. The theme of the issue — Lift Up. Show Up. Speak Up. — couldn’t be more aligned with Ev’s life philosophy.
“You can’t climb alone,” she said. “If I’m ahead on the path and I see someone who needs a hand, I give it. That’s what we’re here to do.”
Whether she’s connecting women to each other, mentoring early-stage founders or inspiring her own daughters to lead boldly, Ev radiates the belief that success is meant to be shared.
In a world that often demands conformity, Coach Ev helps women rediscover the freedom to build their businesses and lives around what works best for them. Her coaching empowers women to stop overthinking, trust their instincts and lead confidently.
“When you know who you are, you stop trying to fit into molds,” she said. “You make better decisions — faster — and you move forward with clarity.”
Her story, shaped by movement across continents and careers, is ultimately a story of finding home — both in place and purpose. Now, through her coaching, she’s helping other women do the same.
This article is part of an editorial series in partnership with Polished Strategic Communications and the Indianapolis Recorder, celebrating the launch of NAWBO Indy BOSS LADIES Magazine. Polished Strategic Communications, a woman-owned agency dedicated to amplifying diverse voices in business, education, and community, writes and produces the series.
Art Haus Balloon Company has emerged as a standout player in the event design industry in a vibrant fusion of artistry and entrepreneurship.
Founded in 2019 by a Black woman entrepreneur, the company is well-versed in crafting immersive balloon installations that blend whimsy, sophistication and innovation for corporate gatherings, weddings and milestone celebrations.
Art Haus distinguishes itself through custom-designed installations that range from lush floral-inspired arches to futuristic geometric displays. Each project begins with collaborative consultations to align designs with a client’s theme, brand identity or personal narrative.
The team employs premium, eco-conscious materials, integrating lighting, fabrics and suspended structures to create multi-sensory experiences.
Beyond aesthetics, Art Haus Balloons emphasizes community impact. Art Haus prioritizes local hiring and partners with area vendors for supplies.
Notable projects include a 2023 collaboration with a global tech firm to design an interactive balloon “forest” for a product launch and a charity gala featuring a 20-foot balloon chandelier. Clients praise Art Haus for merging reliability with avant-garde creativity.
“They transformed our venue into something magical while staying on budget and timeline,” a corporate event planner remarked.
Looking ahead, the woman-owned business aims to expand Art Haus’s reach while maintaining its joy through artistry.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846. Follow him on TikTok @3Noral. If you want your business highlighted in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
When women come together with a shared purpose, transformative things happen.
That’s exactly what Victoria Odekomaya and Dr. Jamyce Curtis Banks, president of NAWBO Indianapolis, had in mind when they collaborated on the concept for the first-ever NAWBO Indy BOSS LADIES Magazine — a publication dedicated to spotlighting, celebrating and elevating women entrepreneurs.
Odekomaya, a brand strategist and creative entrepreneur, has long recognized the need for greater visibility for women-owned businesses that make a significant impact yet often go unrecognized. She has successfully implemented this model. She saw an opportunity to bring it to NAWBO Indy in a way that would empower local women in business while raising funds for a meaningful cause.
“I knew we needed something that consistently put women front and center — not just in occasional features, but in a way that continuously amplifies our voices, businesses and contributions to the economy,” Odekomaya said. “BOSS LADIES Magazine is about creating a platform where women see themselves reflected in success stories, learn from one another and gain the recognition they deserve. Partnering with NAWBO Indianapolis felt like the perfect way to align our missions and uplift women in business.”
The magazine builds on Odekomaya’s brand strategy, marketing, and storytelling expertise. She understands that a strong brand isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about clarity, visibility and impact. With that vision, she brought the idea of BOSS LADIES Magazine to NAWBO Indy, presenting it not just as a publication but as a movement — an opportunity to build a community of women supporting one another, sharing knowledge and opening doors for each other.
NAWBO Indy embraced the concept, and under Odekomaya’s leadership, the magazine took shape, curating content that highlights the journeys, challenges and triumphs of women entrepreneurs. Beyond storytelling, BOSS LADIES Magazine also serves as a fundraising initiative to raise $10,000 for the NAWBO Indy Foundation. This effort aligns with Victoria’s long-standing commitment to supporting local nonprofits annually. In previous editions of similar publications, over $20,000 was raised for local organizations, including Dove Recovery House and Pink Ribbon Connection.
For Odekomaya, this project is an extension of her life’s work — helping women define their brands, increase their visibility and create opportunities for long-term success.
“Women in business already face enough obstacles — we don’t need invisibility to be one of them,” she said. “The more we amplify our stories, the more we break down barriers, challenge biases and build a network where we all rise together.”
Her ability to blend strategic marketing, brand development, and storytelling has shaped BOSS LADIES Magazine into a platform for honest conversations — not just about success but the journeys that lead there. The magazine covers topics from overcoming funding challenges to scaling businesses, from mentorship to leadership and ensuring that women’s voices are heard in the broader business ecosystem.
While Odekomaya’s recent launch of LiMStudios, Indianapolis’ premier content creation space, is an exciting milestone, it’s just one piece of her larger commitment to helping women build powerful, bankable brands. The studio serves as a physical space where entrepreneurs can create high-quality content to support their businesses, but its impact extends far beyond its walls.
Her work on BOSS LADIES Magazine cements her belief that lasting impact is created when women collaborate instead of competing. She envisions the magazine as a legacy project — one that will not only celebrate today’s women entrepreneurs but inspire the next generation of business leaders.
“The stories we tell today will shape the opportunities available for women tomorrow,” Odekomaya said. “BOSS LADIES Magazine is just the beginning. I want women to know that their work matters, their voices matter, and their success deserves to be seen.”
With the launch of BOSS LADIES Magazine, Odekomaya has transformed a bold idea into a powerful reality that will continue to uplift, connect and empower women in business for years to come.
For more information about NAWBO Indy’s BOSS LADIES Magazine or to donate to support Indy women in business, please visit the NAWBO Indianapolis website. Follow Odekomaya’s journey in brand strategy and women’s entrepreneurship on Instagram: @limstudios.
This article is part of an editorial series in partnership with Polished Strategic Communications (http://www.polishedcomms.com/) and the Indianapolis Recorder, celebrating the launch of NAWBO Indy Boss Ladies Magazine. Polished Strategic Communications, a woman-owned agency dedicated to amplifying diverse voices in business, education and community, writes and produces the series.
Dr. Jamyce Curtis Banks remembers the moment the idea sparked.
It wasn’t during a grand event or public celebration. It came quietly, as many movements do — during a conversation when a fellow NAWBO member shared the impact a magazine had made in elevating voices across her own community.
“I sat on a panel with Victoria,” Banks said. “She talked about how her publication wasn’t just a business but a platform — a way to give back. And I remember thinking, that’s what we need in NAWBO. That’s what our members deserve.”
That moment — seemingly small — was the first step toward something much bigger. What followed was the debut of the NAWBO Indy Boss Ladies Magazine, a first-of-its-kind publication from the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Indianapolis Chapter. With nearly three decades of history behind it, the magazine is a powerful new chapter in NAWBO Indy’s legacy — one that reflects what it truly means to lift up, show up and speak up.
For over 27 years, NAWBO Indianapolis has been a haven for women business owners navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. Through networking, mentorship, and shared experience, the organization has supported thousands of women in Central Indiana — many of whom started with little more than an idea and a dream.
“The strength of NAWBO is in our relationships,” Banks said. “But our strength can also be our weakness if we lean in and support each other behind closed doors. We can’t be our city’s best-kept secret anymore.”
Many women in business can relate to this sentiment. Despite owning nearly 40% of all businesses in the U.S., women entrepreneurs still face disproportionate barriers to capital, contracts and visibility. According to the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship, women receive only 4.4% of total small business loan dollars, and Black women receive even less.
Jamyce is on a mission to change that — starting with the magazine.
The pages of Boss Ladies Magazine are not filled with celebrity profiles or curated perfection. Instead, they highlight women who’ve built something from the ground up — women who’ve battled rejection, juggled caregiving, reinvested every dollar and kept showing up.
Banks believes that to lift up someone else is to see their potential and choose to elevate them — without agenda or ego.
“That’s what I’m most proud of,” she said. “This magazine will open doors — not for me, but for the next woman. I want to leave behind something useful that celebrates our legacy and inspires the next generation of women in business to lead with excellence.”
Banks knows the power of being lifted up firsthand. When she launched her consulting firm years ago, she faced all the doubts women know too well: “Is this idea good enough?” “Will anyone take me seriously?”
But mentors and fellow NAWBO members helped her build confidence and clientele. Now, she’s doing the same for others, investing her time and energy into platforms that celebrate women doing the work.
But lifting others isn’t enough. Women must show up and be in the rooms where decisions that impact us are made.
“We are the ones holding up the economy,” Banks said. “Women-owned businesses contribute significantly to Indiana’s economy, yet we rarely see that story told, let alone supported and celebrated.”
That’s why this magazine isn’t just inspirational — it’s strategic. Each profile challenges readers to consider what proper support looks like — not just applause but access, panels and paychecks. As Banks reminds us, support means funding, contracts, consideration and commitment.
“When we talk about investing in women,” she said, “we’re talking about hiring and referring them. Putting them in the room. If you want to support women business owners, that’s how you do it.”
And in a world of digital connection and transactional relationships, it’s never been more important to physically show up. Women must continue harnessing and using their voices to advocate for policies and for each other to continue shattering glass ceilings.
“Showing up is not always glamorous,” Banks said. “Sometimes, it looks like taking a call at 9 p.m. to encourage someone who wants to quit. Sometimes it means sitting at someone’s table — not to lead, but to listen.”
And she’s not alone in this effort. The magazine’s creation resulted from a collaborative task force, each woman offering time, talent and tenacity to make the vision real. From long-standing members like Executive Director Lee Ann Richardson, who’s served as the chapter’s steady hand through decades of leadership transitions, to new members eager to connect, this project became a rallying cry for what’s possible when women support and collaborate with each other.
“I’ve had the honor of watching this organization evolve,” Banks said. “And this magazine — it’s the next evolution. It says we’re here. We’re leading. And we’re bringing others with us.”
The timing of the NAWBO Indy Boss Ladies Magazine could not be more urgent. In the wake of policy changes, economic uncertainty, and increased competition, the space for women in business is shifting — and shrinking in some sectors. Without intentional support, the strides women have made risk being lost.
As NAWBO Indy prepares for its annual event in June — aptly titled “Scale Up” — Banks hopes readers will see the magazine as a call to action.
“No matter where you are in your business journey,” she said, “there’s always another level. Scaling up doesn’t always mean more revenue. It might mean mentoring. It might mean giving. It might mean stepping back so another woman can step forward.”
Whatever it looks like, the mission is clear: Lift Up. Show Up. Speak Up.
Because when women support women, entire communities rise.
This article is the first in an editorial series in partnership with Polished Strategic Communications and the Indianapolis Recorder, celebrating the launch of NAWBO Indy Boss Ladies Magazine. Polished Strategic Communications, a woman-owned agency dedicated to amplifying diverse voices in business, education and community, writes and produces the series.
On May 13, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) served as more than just a racetrack, hosting the Indy Chamber’s “Conexión: 5 for 500” event.
The sold-out gathering, presented by JPMorgan Chase, celebrated the achievements of five influential Hispanic leaders in Indianapolis while creating an opportunity for cultural appreciation and professional networking.
Organized by the Indy Chamber’s Hispanic Business Council, the event highlighted individuals making waves in advocacy, leadership, small business, trailblazing and visionary work. Attendees were treated to a day of learning and celebration, featuring a panel discussion, networking opportunities and an insider’s look at the Speedway garages during the first practice session for the 2025 Indianapolis 500.
Guests and speakers enjoy the Conexion 5 for 500 event, celebrating community connections and local impact. (Photos/Antonio Chapital, Chapital Photography)
The panel featured prominent figures such as Rolando Coronado of Andretti Global, Tracy Guerrero from the Indianapolis Airport Authority, Luisa Macer of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Ricardo Juncos, co-owner of Juncos Hollinger Racing. They discussed the evolving role of Hispanic professionals in motorsports and the broader business community and how their roles help fans have the ultimate race day experience.
“I’ve been at the airport for nine years in different capacities, and I started as an intern,” Guerrero said. “The airport is essentially the first stop many people take when they enter the city. It’s the gateway to our city.”
Macer spoke about the importance of getting involved in the sport and what it means to her to be in her role.
“Kids are the future of the sport,” Macer said. “Kids are why our legacy and what we’re doing now in this place is empowering and teaming up with the next generation of fans.”
The panelists also discussed the changes the sport has seen in recent years. Coronado revealed that there was a distinct lack of diversity when he first began working in the industry.
Guests and speakers enjoy the Conexion 5 for 500 event, celebrating community connections and local impact. (Photos/Antonio Chapital, Chapital Photography)
“Motorsports or IndyCar wasn’t a sport known for its diversity,” Coronado said. “When I started 25 years ago, I remember walking into a group meeting. There were people from Australia and New Zealand, and everybody was the same. Every single mechanic was the same. They gave me the nickname Buddy Boy because I called everybody Buddy Boy. I couldn’t tell who was who.”
Coronado explained that as the sport has evolved, so has its diversity. Similarly, Guerrero strives to incorporate that same sense of welcoming at the Indianapolis International Airport.
“I think you can see it in the sense of place that I talked about earlier, making sure that when you land in Indianapolis, you know that you’re in Indianapolis, and during May, there’s an intentionality where you’re in partnership with IMS to make you feel like you’re in the racing capital of the world,” Guerrero said.
According to the panelists, incorporating the community into their work is an essential step. They work diligently to encourage youth to participate in their fields, whether racing-related or not.
Guests and speakers enjoy the Conexion 5 for 500 event, celebrating community connections and local impact. (Photos/Antonio Chapital, Chapital Photography)
“We have a great program here during May. One of the programs I lead is Community Day,” Macer said. “It’s the one time out of the entire month where all 33 drivers who have qualified for the Indianapolis 500 get to spend a full day at a school.”
Events like “Conexión: 5 for 500” showcase the city’s dedication to inclusivity while celebrating the intersection of culture and industry. The event highlighted the invaluable contributions of Hispanic professionals in shaping a vibrant and diverse Indianapolis.
For details about future events hosted by the Indy Chamber’s Hispanic Business Council, visit their website at indychamber.com.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
The Sweets & Snacks Expo brought a surge of excitement to Indianapolis, attracting over 14,500 attendees and more than 1,000 exhibitors to the Indiana Convention Center. Hosted by the National Confectioners Association (NCA), the event highlighted the latest trends and innovations in the confectionery and snack industries, all while delivering an estimated $12 million economic impact to Central Indiana.
The Expo spanned an impressive 250,000 square feet of exhibit space, where manufacturers, retailers, brokers and suppliers converged to share ideas and unveil cutting-edge products. With 300 exhibitors participating for the first time and attendees representing 85 countries, the event solidified its reputation as the premier showcase for candy and snack innovations.
The Sweets and Snacks Expo brought in $12 million for Indianapolis and showcased a diverse array of sweets and snacks buyers, sellers and vendors. (Photos/Indy Recorder Staff)
“When we selected Indianapolis to become one of the host cities for Sweets & Snacks Expo, we knew it would be a success, but we could not have predicted just how far our expectations would be exceeded,” said John Downs, president and CEO of the NCA.
Indianapolis proved to be a dynamic host city, seamlessly blending its reputation for hospitality with offsite experiences that immersed attendees in the city’s unique culture. A lively happy hour at Gainbridge Fieldhouse provided opportunities for networking and socializing, while a visit to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during Indy 500 practice offered attendees a quintessential Hoosier experience.
Beyond showcasing the latest in candy and snack trends, the Expo also emphasized the importance of promoting diversity within the industry. Minority, women and veteran-owned businesses were given a prominent platform to display their products and connect with key players in the confectionery and snack sectors.
Belle’s Gourmet Popcorn, a Black- and woman-owned business, took home the Best in Show award for their Matcha Latte Popcorn. The product, praised for its bold flavor and innovative appeal, was a highlight of the event’s Most Innovative New Product Awards. These awards, which span 12 categories, celebrate creativity and originality, offering a glimpse into the future of consumer trends.
The Sweets and Snacks Expo brought in $12 million for Indianapolis and showcased a diverse array of sweets and snacks buyers, sellers and vendors. (Photos/Indy Recorder Staff)
“Indy is no stranger to large, buzzworthy events, but Sweets & Snacks Expo is in a category of its own,” said Leonard Hoops, president and CEO of Visit Indy. “We’re thrilled not only by the economic impact but also by the joy and innovation this event brings to our city.”
For attendees, the Expo offered more than just a trade show experience. Educational sessions led by industry experts provided valuable insights into market trends, consumer behavior, and emerging challenges in the snack and confectionery industries. Attendees also appreciated the opportunity to build lasting relationships with industry peers.
“This event is amazing. I found some incredible new products to stock in our stores … I also connected with people and folks who look like me, selling products I’d buy. That’s really important to me,” said Darnell Katy, a buyer from Texas attending the Expo for the first time
The Expo’s commitment to giving back was another standout feature. In partnership with organizations like the USO and Give Kids the World Village, the event donated products to service members and children in need across the country.
The Sweets and Snacks Expo brought in $12 million for Indianapolis and showcased a diverse array of sweets and snacks buyers, sellers and vendors. (Photos/Indy Recorder Staff)
As the Expo wrapped up its 2025 event in Indianapolis, plans for the future were already underway. The show will move to Las Vegas in 2026 before returning to Indianapolis in 2027 and 2028.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Alex Long Therapeutic Services, LLC, is a mental health practice based in Indianapolis, Indiana, led by licensed clinical social worker Alex Long. With a strong commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment, Long provides therapy designed to meet each client’s unique needs.
Long’s educational background includes degrees in human development and family studies, psychology and dance from Indiana University, as well as a master’s in social work from IUPUI. This diverse foundation informs a holistic approach to mental health care that blends evidence-based therapy with empathy and cultural awareness.
Alex Long Therapeutic Services offers virtual services to clients. (Photo via/Alex Long official website)
Specializing in issues such as life transitions, anxiety, depression, grief and challenges commonly faced by people of color, Long offers a safe space for individuals seeking support. Therapy sessions incorporate proven modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and internal family systems, tailored to fit each person’s journey.
Known for an engaging and warm style that often includes humor, Long fosters strong therapeutic connections that empower clients toward healing and growth. The practice operates exclusively online, ensuring accessible care for Indianapolis residents.
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.
Owned and operated by Joanna Wilson, Punkin’s Pies Sweet Treats is a one-stop shop for any sweet tooth.
Wilson, lovingly nicknamed “Punkin’” by her older brother as a child, started her business with community and homemade baked goods in mind. Registered in June 2017, Punkin’s Pies is now located in The AMP at 16 Tech, but Wilson’s been baking pies and crafting sweet treats for the community long before that.
Famous for her sweet potato pie, Wilson’s mother was her inspiration — and the one who taught her to bake during the holidays. Her mother’s famous sweet potato pie was a community favorite at Thanksgiving, church functions and dinners, and she took informal orders from neighbors frequently.
Punkin’s Pies came about when Wilson decided it was time to recreate the dessert and take over local orders once her mother got older. After several failed attempts, she finally got it right and quickly went from selling 20 pies to more than 100 during the holidays.
Wilson’s business motto is “Making life a little sweeter,” and the baker said she’s been passionate about making others happy through her cooking and baking since she was young, according to the website.
Today, Wilson’s menu at Punkin’s Pies offers a sweet potato pie in addition to a pecan pie, cheese pie variety of fruit crumble pies, chocolate dipped strawberries and pineapples, Oreos, pretzels, truffles, cake pops, gourmet apples and more.
Punkin’s Pies Sweet Treats is in the AMP at 16 Tech, 1220 Waterway Blvd. For more information or to view a full menu, visit punkinspies.com. To get in contact, email punkinspies@yahoo.com.
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.
