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Former St’Artup 317 brand opens Mass Ave storefront 

Hanna Rauworth
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Former St’Artup 317 brand opens Mass Ave storefront 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To learn more, follow WDRFA on Instagram @wedntrun. 

Click to read more: Featured Stories Archives – Indiana Minority Business Magazine

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

Minority Business Highlight: The Mental Health Spa 

Noral Parham
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Minority Business Highlight: The Mental Health Spa 

The Mental Health Spa is a wellness center providing a holistic approach to mental health and self-care.  

Located in a serene environment in Indianapolis, this unique facility combines traditional therapeutic practices with innovative wellness treatments, offering clients a comprehensive range of services. 

The Mental Health Spa’s services include mindfulness meditation and evidence-based therapies, addressing stress, anxiety and burnout. The spa integrates these practices with rejuvenating remedies like massage therapy and aromatherapy, promoting relaxation while supporting mental clarity. These treatments create an environment where clients can decompress from the challenges of daily life and focus on their personal growth and healing. 

More on The Mental Health Spa

Cydaria Cooke during 2024 PitchFeast.
Cydaria Cooke, owner of The Mental Health Spa, giving her pitch during PitchFeast on October 10, 2024 in Hamilton County, Indiana. (Photo provided/PitchFeast)

Leading The charge is Cydaria Cooke, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a diverse professional background. After earning a Bachelor of Science in marketing and business administration from Indiana University Kelley School of Business in 2002, Cooke returned to academia to obtain a master’s degree in social work from Indiana University in 2015.  

With nearly a decade of therapeutic experience, Cooke commits herself to breaking down mental health stigmas and promoting authentic self-expression. Her relatable and transparent approach fosters a supportive environment for clients on their journey toward mental well-being.  

In October, The Indiana Minority Business Magazine sat down with Cooke during her time at Pitchfeast to learn more about the business. 

“The Mental Health Spa’s philosophy grounds itself in the belief that mental health is as essential as physical health,” Cooke said. “By providing a space where individuals can connect with themselves and foster a sense of inner peace, the spa empowers clients to manage their mental health proactively.” 

In a fast-paced world, The Mental Health Spa is a sanctuary, encouraging mindfulness, self-compassion and resilience. Whether you’re looking to improve mental clarity, reduce stress or find a moment of calm in your busy day, The Mental Health Spa offers a comprehensive approach to well-being that nurtures the mind, body and spirit.  

To learn more about The Mental Health Spa, visit their website thementalhealthspa.org. 

Contact multi-media & senior sports reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on X @3Noral. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here. 

Q&A: Nycole L. Johnson on building R102 Wellness

Hanna Rauworth
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Q&A: Nycole L. Johnson on building R102 Wellness

Nycole L. Johnson, founder of R102 Wellness, formerly Rose of Sharon All Naturals, shares her journey from experimenting with natural wellness at home to running a growing business that prioritizes sustainability and community. 

In this conversation, Johnson discusses how her personal experiences inspired her to create all-natural products, the challenges of entrepreneurship and her vision for empowering others to embrace holistic, all-natural living through her brand. 

small business owner headshot
Nycole L. Johnson. (Photos/Callee Roseboom)

Q: What is R102 Wellness? 

A: (R102 Wellness) is a wellness-based business. It was established in 2020 during the height of the pandemic out of a need of my own. I was suffering in silence … I sell flavored sea moss gels, flavored sea moss drinks. I also have wellness shots that are sea moss-based and a pain cream. I also specialize in functional mushrooms … I make the sea moss differently because it’s all vegan. 

Q: How did you come to create the business? 

A: I was given some directions by some medical professionals that were not helping me. It was making me worse. Someone recommended sea moss to me. At first, I did not like the taste of it. I didn’t understand the consistency. Then, a year later, a beautician who was braiding my hair said ‘Your hair is falling out. You need to get on sea moss.’ 

Q: When did the business begin to grow? 

A: My DMs blew up because people found out I was flavoring sea moss, and Rose of Sharon All Naturals was born. I named the company after my late mother, whose name is Sharon, and she always loved all things natural. 

small business owner headshot
Nycole L. Johnson. (Photos/Callee Roseboom)

Q: From where do you draw your inspiration? 

A: The inspiration behind my business is actually centered around myself and trying to help people find options for themselves and bettering themselves and their health. With myself, I noticed results right off-hand … I lost 30 pounds. I was depressed and there were a lot of things going on. Sea moss changed my life. 

Q: How does your mom inspire you? 

A: My mom did everything for everybody. She was the matriarch of the family, and she always loved being in the yard. She always loved gardening and helping people in the neighborhood, even though she was allergic to a lot of things like the sun … My mother always held me accountable as far as helping the community. It’s not all about dollars, but it’s also helping those that want to be helped. 

Q: In what aspect of your business do you face the most challenges? 

A: Keeping people engaged. Time has been a challenge because you have to go from the mindset of making money versus earning money. When you work for somebody, you’re earning money from them. When you’re being an entrepreneur, you have to go make that money. There’s no guarantee. 

plain sea moss gel
Rose of Sharon All Naturals offers a wide variety of products ranging from flavored sea moss to beverages to pain cream. (Photos/Rare Wav)

Q: What advice do you have to offer to small businesses who are just starting out? 

A: If you’re willing to take money out for school, be willing to get yourself ready to take money out for your business. You can have the best product out there, but people have to know about it. Make sure that you do the research on your industry, on your product … Your family and friends are not your customers. 

To shop the Rose of Sharon All Naturals’ products or to listen to Johnson’s podcast “The CoCo Johnson Show,” visit roseofsharonallnaturals.biz. 

RELATED: Minority Business Highlight: Heroh Sports and Family Chiropractic  – Indiana Minority Business Magazine

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

Minority Business Highlight: Heroh Sports and Family Chiropractic 

Hanna Rauworth
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0
Minority Business Highlight: Heroh Sports and Family Chiropractic 

Heroh Chiropractic, led by Dr. Jermaine Ware, is redefining health and wellness by helping clients align their bodies and reclaim their strength through personalized care. 

Located in Indianapolis, Heroh Chiropractic focuses on empowering individuals to achieve optimal health through chiropractic treatments. Ware combines his expertise with a commitment to listening to his clients, addressing their unique needs to relieve pain, restore mobility and enhance overall well-being. Whether it’s recovering from injuries or maintaining peak performance, Heroh Chiropractic provides a tailored approach that helps clients feel their best and move freely in their daily lives. 

Dr. Jermaine Ware
Dr. Jermaine Ware (Photo/Heroh website)

Ware is a certified chiropractic wellness practitioner for children and adults. Aside from his practice, Ware is an author, speaker, nutrition coach, auriculotherapist and is certified in functional movement techniques.  

chiropractic medicine
(Photo via/Yelp)

Heroh offers a variety of services including chiropractic care, motor vehicle accident recovery, functional medicine, auriculotherapy, massage, dry needling, sport performance enhancement, weight management programs and blood sugar and blood pressure management programs. 

According to the website, their mission is “to optimize human performance through a holistic approach to wellness” by “addressing the root causes of (the patients’) concerns rather than just masking them with temporary solutions.” 

Aside from offering services through appointments, Heroh provides online free guides on a variety of topics for those looking to improve their health. Guides about processed foods, mindful eating and making healthy meals are available. 

Those looking to book an appointment can visit drjware.com or call 317-400-5853. The Heroh office is at 8425 Castleton Corner Drive. 

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. 

Minority Business Highlight: Henderson Spirits Group

CHLOE McGOWAN
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Minority Business Highlight: Henderson Spirits Group

Founded in 2015, CEO Alan Henderson created Henderson Spirit Group to honor the contributions African Americans have made to the world of spirits.

“Back in 2014, I was in the liquor store and was surprised I couldn’t find one bottle that had a label displaying someone that looked like me,” Henderson states on the website. “And none told the story of someone that looked like me. That feeling of knowing our stories are overlooked, but our dollars are courted led me to start buying barrels of bourbon in 2015 with the dream of building my own spirits company.”

The names, faces and stories of significant but often overlooked Black industry contributors are showcased front and center on every bottle, including Henderson Spirit Group’s original brands Birdie Brown and Tom Bullock.

One of the world’s most influential bartenders was a Black man named Tom Bullock. Bullock tended bar for the St. Louis Country Club in the 1910s and later published his cocktail book “The Ideal Bartender” in 1917. Tom Bullock’s Burnt Orange Bourbon is a four-year-old Kentucky bourbon based on Bullock’s signature orange peel accent on bourbon cocktails.

Tom Bullock’s Old Tom Gin W/ Sweet Lime comes from a two-centuries old London distiller and infused with “Sweet Lime” as a nod to Bullock’s crafting distinctive cocktails infused with exotic fruit.

Birdie Brown, who was one of few African American women homesteaders, was recognized as the “unsung legend of prohibition.” Brown gained notoriety in the early 1900s for her home-distilled hooch made from homegrown grains, that was not only known for being safe but smooth sipping, according to birdiebrown.com.

Henderson Spirits Group recreated Brown’s recipe in their original Plain Hooch and Straight Wheat Whiskey based on research of ingredients and the distillation methods available to her at the time.

For more information or to shop Henderson Spirits Group, visit tombullocks.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.

Minority Business Highlight: Adornments by Shelle 

Noral Parham
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0
Minority Business Highlight: Adornments by Shelle 

Adornments by Shelle, founded by Marshelle Terrell, is a distinguished Black-owned, woman-owned business in Indianapolis. Adornments by Shelle specializes in providing clients with a safe and pleasant body piercing experience.  

Terrell, affectionately known as Shelle, is celebrated as a piercing prodigy at Memory Lane Tattoo Club. Her expertise ranges from subtle enhancements to bold statements, ensuring that each client’s dream of beautiful body jewelry is handled precisely and carefully.  

“I have been doing this since July of 2016,” Terrell told the Indiana Minority Business Magazine. “I used to be a business consultant, but I ended up falling in love with body piercing. As for body jewelry, that is a different story.” 

Terrell said she learned to love body jewelry once she discovered the ‘metalwork of the practice. 
 

“Metalwork is an art form,” Terrell said. “You have to take high-quality metals and high-quality stones and find a balance while making sure that piece is perfect for the client. I think that is the beautfiul part of body jewelry.” 

Marshelle ‘Shelle’ Terrell, owner of Adornments by Shelle. (Photo provided via business Facebook page)

She also noted that body jewelry and body piercing are two different arts that require their own unique approach.

Adornments by Shelle commits to safety and professionalism, utilizing implant-grade titanium for piercings to ensure the highest standards of quality and client satisfaction.  

As a Black-owned, woman-owned enterprise, Adornments by Shelle contributes to a rich tapestry of diverse businesses in Indiana.  

Terrell’s dedication to her craft and clients solidifies her reputation as a trusted body art and jewelry professional. 

For those seeking a personalized and sterile piercing experience in the Indianapolis area, Adornments by Shelle offers a welcoming environment where artistry and professionalism converge.  

Terrell said that she wants to be a jeweler once it is all said and done. 

“My retirement goal is to provide high-quality pieces of jewelry worldwide while making things affordable and accessible,” Terrell said. 

Adornments by Shelle is located inside the Memory Lane Tattoo Club, 8644 Purdue Road, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46268. 

Operating by appointment only, clients can book their sessions by visiting their website here. 

Contact multi-media & senior sports reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. If you would like your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.

Mastering the Holiday Season: Mindset Tips for Busy Professionals

STAFF
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Mastering the Holiday Season: Mindset Tips for Busy Professionals

By REGINA SLOAN


Hi! I’m Regina Sloan, a Life Coach with a deep background in helping people align their work and personal lives to reach their goals. In this column, I’ll be exploring ways to build a mindset that enhances growth and resilience in both business and personal spheres, because you can’t have one without the other. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or part of a larger organization, learning to manage stress, stay consistent, and focused on your goals will transform the way you approach not only your work but life as a whole.

As we shift into the holiday season—a time when professional and personal demands seem to double—it’s especially important to check in with our mindset and goals. This month, I’ll share strategies to help you manage the holidays with calm, clarity, and focus.

  1. Prioritize Key Business Goals
    With the holidays quickly approaching, it’s tempting to put off business goals until the new year. Instead, identify one or two key results to focus on during this time. Ask yourself: What’s essential for year-end success? What can wait? By clarifying priorities, you’ll feel more grounded and clear-headed while balancing holiday activities. It never feels good to quit and then start again later. By constraining and resisting the ‘all-or-nothing thinking,’ you can continue working on your business goals without feeling overwhelmed or give up.
  2. Adopt a Mindset of Flexibility
    The holiday season can be unpredictable, with last-minute meetings, travel, and other commitments. Embrace flexibility to reduce stress and stay present. Rather than rigidly adhering to a plan, focus on being in a  “growth zone,” where you’re open to adjusting your schedule as needed. This reduces frustration and increases resilience, allowing you to adapt to any holiday curveballs without feeling derailed. Remember, you are the CEO of your business, one of the perks of being a business owner. It’s always a great idea to have a plan for the week, but be sure to add flexibility to the list!
  3. Establish Boundaries with Work and Family
    Balancing work and family responsibilities during the holidays can feel overwhelming, especially when others have expectations of you. Be clear on your work hours and when you’ll set aside time to enjoy the season with loved ones. By managing expectations up front, you can avoid last-minute stress and focus on being fully present in each area. This may look like having a conversation with your business partners, employees and family members on what to expect from you. If you aren’t using a calendar to manage your activities, you are not maximizing your time! When asked for suggestions, google calendar is my favorite way to manage both professional and personal duties. Youtube has an entire library of videos to help you utilize this resource.
  4. Reflect on Wins from the Year
    It’s easy to focus on what’s left undone, but the end of the year is a powerful time for reflection. Take a few moments to write down your accomplishments—both big and small—that you’re proud of this year. Did you know that your brain doesn’t know the difference between a ‘big’ win or a ‘small’ one? Celebrating any win creates positive emotions, sending a message to your brain that you’ve done a great thing, and it wants more of that! Recognizing your achievements not only boosts your energy but also sets a positive tone for planning the year ahead.


Moving forward, I’m excited to bring you insights each month to help you balance professional growth with personal well-being. This holiday season, let’s work together to find more meaning, purpose, and balance. As we move into a busy time of year, make the most out of your experience by strategically balancing business goals with realistic expectations of your time and priorities.

“Mindset & Momentum: Monthly Insights for Thriving in Business and Life.”

Regina Sloan is a Life Coach dedicated to helping Professionals & Entrepreneurs align their mindset for sustainable success in both work and personal life. Reach her at info@reginasloancoaching.com, FB: Regina Sloan Coaching, IG: @yourmindsetnurse

For more from the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.

Minority Business Highlight: HER Home Design  

Hanna Rauworth
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Minority Business Highlight: HER Home Design  

HER Home Design principals Ann Blake and Keianna Rae Harrison-Williams are turning homes into personalized masterpieces with thoughtful design and expert execution. 

Specializing in kitchen and bath renovations, home staging and interior design, the Indianapolis-based firm delivers stylish, functional spaces tailored to clients’ needs. From vision to completion, their team ensures every detail shines. 

woman in purple, HER Home Design
Keianna Rae Harrison-Williams. (Photo via/HER Home Design website)

The mission of HER is “to bring the beauty and value of solid remodeling, interior design and home décor to every household in a functional and affordable way so every HER can experience joy in their home,” according to their website. 

HER Home Design offers a wide variety of interior design services including: 

  • Free virtual consultations 
  • Architectural drawings 
  • Home décor consultations 
  • Interior design consultations 
  • Investor services consultations 
  • New home build consultations 
  • Paint consultations 
  • Short-term rental consultations 

Home staging, bathroom and kitchen remodeling services are also available for consultation. Home staging can be a valuable tool for realtors looking to showcase furnished homes on the market. 

HER Home Design hosts many events throughout the year to speak with customers, including sip n’ shops, workshops and lunch and learns. 

For those dubious about financing a remodel or interior designer, they have resources and a cost guide that breaks everything down. Costs can also be discussed in consultation appointments. 

HER Home Design’s studio and showroom is at 4400 W. 96th St. Guests can stop in to view their kitchen and bathroom remodeling samples and see staging work. 

Guests can purchase consultations and view all available options for HER Home Design on their website, herhomedesign.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. 

Minority Business Highlight: Hazel Slate

CHLOE McGOWAN
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0
Minority Business Highlight: Hazel Slate

Hazel Slate is a Black- and woman-owned textiles fabrication workroom serving the greater Indianapolis area.

Founded by Alicia Acosta, Hazel Slate specializes in modern window treatment fabrication for both residential clients and custom commercial products, such as drapery, a variety of styles for roman shades and valances, cornice boards, furniture reupholstery and pillows.

Acosta primarily works as a subcontractor for designers, but her custom interiors can be found in the 2019 Indianapolis Home Show Centerpiece Home, 2021 St. Margaret’s Decorators Showhouse Indy, High Alpha in the Bottleworks District, the Test Kitchen in Fishers District, the meditation rooms in Salesforce and the women’s ward of Ascension St. Vincent Fishers Hospital.

Acosta received the “20 UNDER 40 Awards” for her work with Hazel Slate and appeared in the Window Fashion VISION magazine in 2020. The following year, she returned to serve as a judge for their annual VISION Design & Workroom Competition, according to the website.

For more information or to request a consultation with Hazel Slate, visit hazelslate.com. To get in contact, email contact@hazelslate.com or call 317. 661-0169.

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

Minority Business Highlight: She’s Making Life Happen LLC 

Noral Parham
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0
Minority Business Highlight: She’s Making Life Happen LLC 

Brieanna Johnson of Indianapolis always had an eye for and an interest in decoration and design. In 2018, friends and family propelled Johnson to take her hobby and expertise to the next level. Enter: She’s Making Life Happen, LLC. 

In April 2018, Johnson formalized her business. She’s Making Life Happen, an event planning and decorative service, provides clients with a tailor-made approach to make events memorable and memories everlasting.  

Johnson helps design many events, such as weddings, picnics, anniversaries and date nights. 

“I want to help ease the burden of certain things for a customer on their big day or event,” Johnson said. 

More Minority Business Highlights: Sweetener

A headshot of Brieanna Johnson, owner of She's Making Life Happen LLC.
A headshot of Brieanna Johnson, owner of She’s Making Life Happen LLC. (Photo via official website)

Currently, She’s Making Life Happen helps put on and decorate special events throughout the city. Clients can select a venue or leave it up to the business. 

Ultimately, Johnson wants to open an event center. 

“My dream is to one day open a community center or event space so I can not only help design events but host them,” Johnson told the Indiana Minority Business Magazine.  

Additionally, Johnson shared her thoughts about Indiana’s current state of minority-owned businesses. 

“We need to build each other up,” Johnson said. “We need to get back to having our own. That way, we can continuously support one another.” 

Johnson said that the business is more than decoration and event logistics. 

“Many of us do not feel celebrated enough,” Johnson said. “I want to help change that with She’s Making Life Happen.” 

For more information on She’s Making Life Happen, visit their website here.

Contact multi-media & senior sports reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. If you would like your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.

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