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
ADWA Fashion is a local brand with global impact. Founded by Dagmawi Tegegne in 2023, the company was born after Tegegne’s trip to Ethiopia, where he discovered “unique, high-quality fashion and leather goods crafted by local artists and designers” that were largely unknown outside the region.
The name ADWA Fashion is a nod to the Battle of Adwa in 1896 — a historic victory when Ethiopia defeated an Italian army during colonial expansion. On its website, the brand explains, “our name is a nod to the past and a bienvenue (welcome) to the future… inspired by the pride, culture, and fashion that adorned the victory of Adwa… igniting Black independence and fortitude across the globe.”
ADWA Fashion’s mission centers on ethical production and cultural representation. The company states, “We offer a collection of curated fashion with a contemporary Ethiopian touch. We are committed to working with designers and artists who create sustainably, employ ethically, and empower the vulnerable. We are a platform that catalyzes the growth of established Ethiopian brands while giving an opportunity to emerging artisans to display their authentic and inspired products to the world.”
(Photo/ADWA)
From handmade jewelry to leather bags, ADWA Fashion combines traditional Ethiopian techniques with modern design. Its jewelry collection, for example, features pieces “handmade in Ethiopia from recycled bullet shells — transforming remnants of conflict into sustainable, ethical, and meaningful designs.” Each item carries a story of heritage, resilience and artistry.
ADWA Fashion bridges local accessibility with global consciousness. By sourcing from Ethiopian artisans and emphasizing sustainability, it uplifts communities while offering distinctive, purposeful designs.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.If you would like your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
Located in the heart of Massachusetts Ave, Silver in the City is Indianapolis’ purveyor of “Jewelry, Housewares and Whatnot.”
Created by Kristin Kohn back in 2000, Silver in the City is a woman-owned, LGBTQ+ friendly “unconventional little gift store.” The boutique specializes in selling jewelry, housewares, cards and stationary, gift boxes, ornaments and “anything else that tickled our fancy,” according to the website.
The shop’s values are centered on the idea of creating a community with love and acceptance. To this day, Silver in the City continues to be a safe place for all Hoosiers, offering shoppers unique trinkets, knick-knacks and seasonal gifts. Silver in the City has even won “Best Gift Shop in Indianapolis” and the “Spirit of Downtown” Award.
“At our core, we’re a brick-and-mortar shop where living our values and providing a welcoming, fun, informative shopping experience are of the utmost importance,” the website states. “Come visit us and you’ll find oh so much more than we have online, plus super friendly and helpful sales staff to share product knowledge, offer gift suggestions, and reach items on the top shelves for you!”
Silver in the City continues to operate through its flagship store at 434 Massachusetts Ave. and also has a location at 111 W. Main Street, Suite 150, Carmel, IN. For more information, visit silverinthecity.com. To get in contact, call 317-955-9925 or email info@silverinthecity.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.
Britt’s Precision Cleaning is a Black, woman-owned cleaning service founded by Brittany Williams. The business serves Indianapolis and the surrounding counties. The business provides residential and commercial cleaning solutions focusing on detail and trustworthiness.
“At Britt’s Precision Cleaning, we believe every space deserves to shine,” Williams said on her business website. “Our team delivers reliable, detail-oriented cleaning services to fit your lifestyle and business needs.”
‘Welcome to a cleaner tomorrow’
(Photo via official website)
Services include residential cleaning, commercial and office cleaning, deep cleaning and trash removal. The company emphasizes flat-rate pricing, transparent costs and flexible scheduling to accommodate both homes and businesses.
A core part of its value proposition is consistency and creating “fresh, welcoming environments.”
“We set ourselves apart through consistency, care and reliability,” Williams said. “Our team is detail-driven, affordable, and flexible, offering cleaning solutions that perfectly fit your home or business.”
At the time of this highlight, new clients are offered a 10% discount on their first service.
Mass Ave’s BODHI is Indy’s must-try destination craft cocktail bar and Thai bistro.
Owned by Taelor Carmine, BODHI specializes in pan-Thai cuisine and specialty cocktails — offering guests an “industrial-chic destination” in the heart of downtown to enjoy a conversation with friends and family over their favorite drinks and Thai dishes.
BODHI is unique in that three generations of women entrepreneurs operate and support the business. Taelor Carmine runs the cocktail bar and bistro alongside her mother, Nicky Carmine, and grandmother, Pen Phojanasupan — who both have years of experience working in Thai restaurants.
“BODHI’s vision is to bring to Indy the flavors a family of three generations of Thai women has enjoyed cooking together over decades,” the website states. “BODHI is the perfect place to relax and have conversation over your favorite drinks and Thai dishes.”
Pronounced “Bow-Dee,” BODHI is the Sanskrit-Thai word meaning “enlightenment,” and the woman-owned cocktail bar and bistro aims to introduce Hoosiers to authentic Thai dishes, specialty drinks and impeccable hospitality within a warm and inviting atmosphere, according to the website.
The cocktail bar features a curated wine and craft beer list in addition to a variety of seasonal modern drinks crafted by BODHI’s team of mixologists — each with creative names such as the Slipper, Drama Queen and Seven Realms of Happiness.
The food menu includes a variety of savory bites, soups, curries, Thai salads, noodles and more. All ingredients are sourced and harvested locally from places such as Fischer Farms, Miller Amish Country Poultry and Culinary Patio Green, according to the menu.
BODHI is located at 922 Massachusetts Ave. The bistro and cocktail bar is 21+ and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests must check in to be put on a waitlist as they do not accept reservations.
For more information about BODHI or to view the bar and kitchen menu, visit bodhi-indy.com. To get in contact, call 317-941-6595 or email info@bodhi-indy.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.
Founded in 2018 by Allison Reid, 4/23 Academy (or 423 Academy) provides strategic tax and financial solutions for individuals and businesses in the Indianapolis area.
The firm aims to move beyond standard tax filing to offer proactive guidance to maximize clients’ financial benefits.
“At 4/23 Academy, we tailor our tax solutions to meet your personal and business needs, delivering expert advice and maximizing your financial benefits every season,” Reid said.
4/23 Academy’s services are tailored for diverse clients, including entrepreneurs, small business owners and individual filers. The firm’s goal is to ensure a “smooth, stress-free experience” by helping clients develop strategies to keep more of what they earn.
Allison Reid of 423 Academy.
The company provides comprehensive financial services that extend year-round, not just during tax season. Core offerings include traditional tax preparation and filing, alongside proactive long-term strategies like tax planning and advisory services, which intend to reduce overall tax burdens and improve financial stability.
For business clients, 423 Academy provides essential support through Bookkeeping and Accounting and specialized counsel on Business Formation and Structuring. This advisory service helps clients determine the optimal legal structure — such as an LLC or S-Corp — to achieve maximum tax savings and legal protection.
A key differentiator for 423 Academy is its commitment to full client support, notably through its Audit Assistance and Representation service. This includes preparing necessary documentation, reviewing returns, and representing clients before tax authorities in case of queries or discrepancies. Furthermore, the firm embraces modern efficiency with E-File and Digital Tax Solutions, speeding up the filing process and ensuring faster refunds through secure, paperless means.
Visit their website at 423academy.org for more information.
Recorder Media Group has announced the honorees for the 19th Annual Champions of Impact Awards. All winners will be formally recognized during the awards dinner on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at the JW Marriott Indianapolis from 5:30-8:30 p.m. EST. This annual celebration honors individuals and organizations whose leadership, service, and innovation have brought about meaningful change and propelled communities forward.
Now in its 19th year, the Champions of Impact Awards recognize individuals and organizations whose work fosters lasting change in business, health, education, culture and community leadership. This annual gathering brings together trailblazers from across the state to recognize those who step forward, challenge limits and move their communities forward through their actions and examples.
“I am proud to see the Champions of Impact Awards continue to grow,” said Robert Shegog, President and CEO of Recorder Media Group. “This year marks a new chapter for what this event represents. People are looking for more than applause and titles; they want to stand behind something that has meaning, something built on real work and real outcomes. Champions of Impact is not about recognition for its own sake. It’s about documenting the people who roll up their sleeves, take risks, and leave things better than they found them. Our goal is not just to honor them, but to set a marker for what leadership looks like in this moment in history. These honorees remind us that legacy is not given, it’s built, decision by decision.”
2026 Champions of Impact honorees
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Award – Marianne Glick, Board Chair, Glick Family Foundation
Rosa Parks Trailblazer Award – Brandi Davis-Handy, President, AES Indiana
William G. Mays Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award – Mamon Powers III, President and CEO, Powers & Sons Construction
Lifetime Education Achievement Award – Kevin Teasley, Founder and CEO, Greater Education Opportunities (GEO) Foundation)
Amos Brown Community Advocate Award – Eunice Trotter, Director, Black Heritage Preservation Program, Indiana Landmarks
President’s Choice Award – Indy Black Chamber of Commerce, Larry Williams and Anita Williams, Co-Founders
Visionary Leader Award – Dennis Murphy, President and CEO, Indiana University Health
Impact Leadership Award – Alderick “Al” London, President and CEO, Generations Community Bank
Legacy Award – Madam Walker Legacy Center, Kristian Stricklen, President and CEO
Breaking Barriers Award – Vince Wong, President and CEO, BioCrossroads and Indiana Seed Funds
Bridge to Impact Award – Dr. Cameual Wright, President, CareSource Indiana
Industry Leader Award – Connor Painting, Janmarie Connor, President and CEO
Master of Finance Award – Matthew B. Murphy III, Founder and Chief Financial Officer, Obsidiant Partners, LLC
Changemaker Award – Tonya Sisco, Executive Director, Corporate Responsibility, Cummins, Inc.
Civic Engagement Award – Recycle Force, Gregg Keesling, Founder and President
Distinguished Business Achiever Award – Darrell Johnson, Owner and President, Diversity Press
Stewardship Young Leader Award – Jarvis Jointer, Founder and President, JQOL Quality of Life
Rising Star of Excellence Award – Casey Harrison, CEO, Polished Strategic Communications
Voices of Culture Award – GANGGANG, Alan K. Bacon Jr., Co-Founder and Chief Strategist, and Malina Simone Bacon, Co-Founder and Creative Director
Empowerment Service Award – Tracey C. Jackson, MHRM, Vice President of Workforce Development and Community Impact, 16 Tech Innovation District
Voice of Hope Award – Dr. Russell Ledet, MD, PhD, MBA, Triple Board Resident, Indiana University School of Medicine
Community Impact Award – Shepherd Community, Jay Height, Executive Director
Trailblazer Champion Award – Charlotte Hawthorne, Executive Director, Social Impact, Lilly and Vice President, Lilly Foundation, Eli Lilly, and Company
Social Innovation Mastermind Award – Jimmy Rayford, Chief Executive Officer, Dealers Wholesale
“Recorder Media Group has always believed that progress begins when people decide to act,” Shegog said. “Champions of Impact is one of the ways we document that spirit in real time. These honorees demonstrate what it means to lead with conviction and build something that endures beyond the moment. We invite businesses, community leaders and partners to stand with us, not just to applaud achievement, but to invest in the kind of leadership that strengthens futures.”
Meet Kristen Lampkin, the force behind the brand known as the “HR Guru.” With over a decade of hands-on experience in human resources — particularly in talent acquisition, performance management and inclusion and diversity — she has evolved her expertise into helping professionals and organizations build stronger brands and streamlined careers.
Through her consultancy, Lampkin delivers tailored services including resume refreshes, one-on-one LinkedIn profile makeovers, and dynamic speaking engagements designed to unlock potential. Her background in recruiting gives her an insider’s perspective on what makes candidates stand out, and she uses that knowledge to empower her clients.
As a speaker, Lampkin offers workshops and keynote presentations on topics such as diversity, equity and inclusion, personal branding, LinkedIn strategy and career advancement. Her roster of previous engagements includes university programs and corporate settings, highlighting her versatility in both virtual and in-person formats.
Lampkin’s academic credentials add weight to her professional credentials: she holds an MBA and a B.A. in Communication Studies, and she maintains active involvement in community and professional networks — from serving as Director of Diversity & Inclusion for a local SHRM chapter, to being featured in business and human-resources publications.
Lampkin isn’t just a coach or consultant; she is a strategist who equips individuals and organizations to present their best selves and navigate their next-level career moves with confidence. Whether you’re updating your brand, refining your résumé, or looking to engage an impactful speaker, Lampkin brings credibility, insight and measurable results.
To read more about Lampkin and how to book her services, visit kristenlampkin.com.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.If you would like your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
Denise Herd, founder of Herd Strategies, created a marketing, branding and public relations business to give Hoosiers “common-sense solutions to complex problems.”
Herd Strategies was founded in 2011 and is a certified Minority and Women Business Enterprise of the City of Indianapolis and State of Indiana.
“As a Black, female-owned business, Herd Strategies is uniquely positioned to provide insight on connecting your organization or business to underrepresented, mainstream audiences,” the website states. “We use sizable marketing and communication strategies to enhance individuals’ quality of life while expanding your reach and furthering your purpose.”
Herd Strategies specializes in robust and integrated communication strategies to help their diverse roster of clients — representing corporations, government agencies, communities, and non-profit organizations — stand out in a competitive market.
Services offered by Herd Strategies include brand development and positioning, media relations, communication training, crisis communication and issue management, and community engagement.
The business’s motto is “We’re all you need – period.”
Herd Strategies operates out of an office at 247 E. 11 St. For more information about services or to book a consultation, visit herdstrategies.com. To get in contact, call 317-641-9063 or email info@herdstrategies.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.
For generations, hair has been more than just style in the community; it has been a statement of identity, a canvas of culture and, at times, a source of struggle. In Indianapolis, Freedom Curls salon is on a mission to ensure that the narrative ends in empowerment, transforming textured hair from a burden to be managed into a birthright and blessing to be celebrated.
Founded by LaQuita Burnett, a licensed cosmetologist passionate about curly and coily hair, Freedom Curls operates on a core mission: to liberate clients from the societal pressures and misconceptions surrounding hair. The salon’s philosophy builds on the belief that understanding one’s hair is the first step toward truly loving oneself.
From personal journey to professional mission
(Photo/Getty Images)
Burnett’s expertise is rooted in both professional training and personal understanding. After becoming licensed more than a decade ago, she dedicated herself to mastering the craft of trimming and styling textured hair, a specialization she found lacking in the market. Her commitment to education directly responds to her journey and the frustrations she witnesses in her community.
Freedom Curls’ specialized services and products
(Photo/Getty Images)
The salon hosts a curated menu of specialized services powered by Burnett and her team of accredited stylists.
“We do all hair types ranging from wavy to super curly,” – LaQuita Burnett.
Freedom Curls’ menu includes but is not limited to: blowouts, curl cutting, lux shampoo experiences, specialized curl styling, twists, updo’s and of course, the ‘Big Chop.‘
Additionally, the business offers curlayage coloring, highlighting, face waxing services and more. For those unsure, Freedom Curls offers virtual consultations and mentoring.
However, Freedom Curls’ love and care does not stop once you leave the salon. The business supplies many products that benefit those taking back their hair’s health, including conditioners, curl stimulators, defining gels, moisturizers, reset and repair kits and sulfate-free shampoos.
Freedom Curls, coils and confidence
(Photo/Getty Images)
Burnett and her stylists’ work goes beyond the styling chair; she is fostering a culture and community of conviction. By teaching clients how to care for their hair, the team at Freedom Curls is giving them the freedom and the power to wear it with pride.
Freedom Curls is located at6233 Carrollton Avenue, on the northeast side of Indianapolis. The business is open daily from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Contact them at 317-658-0801. Visit them online at freedomcurls.com.
This business highlight was created by Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham. Contact him at 317-762-7846 or email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on social media @HorsemenSportsMedia. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
At the Malcolm X Institute of Black Studies on the campus of Wabash College, legacy lives and breathes.
Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X and Betty Shabazz, visited the small liberal arts campus to reflect on her father’s life and the movement he helped ignite.
Shabazz continues to preserve and amplify his message through her writing, lectures and community work. During our conversation, she spoke candidly about her father’s enduring influence, the power of identity and what it means to carry forward a legacy rooted in justice and self-determination.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
From left: Reporter Hanna Rauworth and daughter of Malcolm X, Ilyasah Shabazz, discuss her work and her father’s legacy. (Photo/Steven Jones)
Hanna Rauworth: Growing up the daughter of Malcolm X, how did your father’s influence shape your own views on race, identity and activism?
Shabazz: My mother raised us like in a bubble of love, and I perceived that we were all a family of God … During the summer, I would go to camp with my younger sister in Vermont. It was based on the principles of Quakers and the indigenous Native American values. We learned about farming, fishing, swimming, archery, horseback riding, etc. and learned how to live off the earth and how to cohabitate with God’s creation.
I remember it wasn’t until I saw Roots that I said, ‘Whoa.’ I remember going back to camp and looking around and seeing that there were no Black boys in our neighboring camp. I didn’t really want to go back to camp anymore after that … My mother raised her children within this bubble of love, and so we didn’t differentiate between races and all that stuff.
Rauworth: When you say you didn’t want to go back to camp anywhere, can you explain why?
Shabazz: I was 15. I was becoming a young adult, and I wanted to see boys … It was just a very interesting time in my life. You can imagine by the time I went to college; I was going to camp in Vermont, I had gone to the all-girls prep school, and I really wanted to go to school with Black people.
I know my mother was probably a little fearful because I was very naïve, and so when I went to college, they heard Malcolm X’s daughter was coming to the university, and they had already decided the dorm that I was going to live in, and they decided that I was going to be the chairperson of the Black Student Union. When I got there, it was like a disappointment because they and the world had been misinformed about who Malcolm X was.
For me to be like, ‘Hey guys, you know, just say no to drugs, love, peace, joy, say no to teenage pregnancy,’ they were like, ‘Whoa.’ They were expecting someone to be really fiery and angry. In order to take on such a responsibility and have such a profound reaction to injustice in the manner that (Malcolm X) did, you have to have been a person of love, peace, joy, righteousness and equality.
Ilysah Shabazz, daughter of the legendary Malcolm X, carries on her father’s legacy of advocating for justice and empowerment. (Photo/Steven Jones)
Rauworth: So, people were expecting you to fight hate with hate, but you were pushing for peace and love?
Shabazz: Yeah, because they didn’t see the hate that was in slavery. The hate that created racism, sexism, genderism. They didn’t see that hate.
They just thought Malcolm would filter hate, and Malcolm was the one who said, ‘Don’t put that onus on me. I didn’t create racism. I didn’t create sexism. I didn’t create these things. I have a profound reaction to it.’ He said, ‘If you stick a knife in my back nine inches and you pull it out six inches, the knife is still in my back. If you pull it all the way out, that’s not progress. Progress is coming to the table together and addressing the wounds that the blow made,’ and that’s what he wanted … There’s enough for everyone, right? There’s no reason to bomb a community or country. For what reason?
I remember when I went to South Africa with President Clinton as part of his delegation. First, I was so surprised to see that South Africa was a beautiful establishment … I remember being in church, and I turned and looked at everything, and there were these young girls, and we connected. I turned, and I would wave and continue watching the service, and I would turn around, and they would wave back, and it was like an innocent connection. I was so hot, so (the other individuals on the delegation) put me in (a cool spot) to cool off …
When it was time to go, there were three girls, and they said they would not leave because they wanted to make sure that the woman in the blue dress was okay. I had to think about it because how many people did they see taken away and never returned? They didn’t know where these white men escorted me and that I was a part of this presidential delegation … I went out to say hi and we smiled and hugged. Then I got back on the bus and said goodbye. We went to the airport. We got on Air Force One and I just couldn’t stop crying. I was crying because I made a connection with these girls that I’d never see again.
Rauworth: Do you think your mother made the right decision to raise you in that bubble?
Shabazz: I think she did. I respect how she raised us because she was only in her 20s when she saw her husband gunned down. That had to have been a lot of trauma … She wanted to make sure that she protected us from the pain that she felt, and her best way of doing it was making sure that we knew that we were worthy of love and all these things.
Rauworth: Your father spoke openly about the psychological toll of racism and oppression. How do you view the relationship between mental health and activism in the Black community today? What steps are being taken to address those mental health needs?
Shabazz: For so long we were told (the way we looked) was bad, and so for people to now protest and say, ‘I’m great. I’m beautiful. Look at me. Black excellence,’ It’s great, and I know that sometimes it’s also alienating … I have a lot of white friends, and I know when I make all these posts about all of the injustice that’s happening to children, to communities, to elders, that I know that it alienates some of my white friends.
From left: Reporter Hanna Rauworth and daughter of Malcolm X, Ilyasah Shabazz, discuss her work and her father’s legacy. (Photo/Steven Jones)
Rauworth: How do you think activism has evolved with the rise of social media and how do you use these tools in your own work?
Shabazz: I remember my sister a year ago. I would ask her a question, and she would immediately go to social media to get the answer. I was like, ‘What in the heck is this?’ Now I understand that it is a place to get lots of information, and I think, as long as we’re getting educated properly with the right information, it certainly is an effective teaching tool.
Rauworth: How do you define your mission, and how do you carry forward your father’s legacy in your work with activism?
Shabazz: It’s a way of life because even when we look at my father, I don’t think we would say he was an activist. But he was if we’re looking at the way it’s labeled today. I think that my father was genuinely concerned about the welfare of human beings because, as I said, we were raised to believe that we were all children under the fatherhood of God … If I don’t learn to love myself, then I can’t see you as a reflection of me.
And I will never love you because I don’t know how … It was my father’s commitment to God that enabled him to speak truth to power and that enabled him to see rights and wrongs.
To learn more about the Malcolm X Institute, visit Wabash.edu/mxibs.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
