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Minority Business Highlight: AiriLasha 

AiriLasha, a cruelty free and all-natural brand, is empowering individuals with its line of plant-based skincare.  

Focused on wellness and sustainability, AiriLasha blends beauty with self-care, offering high-quality solutions that inspire confidence and promote a healthy lifestyle. In their signature Purely Collection, customers can purchase soap bars, mists, elixirs, moisturizing milks and oils.  

The Purely Collection is free of glycol propylene, petroleum, toxins, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, fragrance and colorants. Made with natural fruits, vegetables, herbs, roots, clays, butters and oils, the products are vegan and cruelty free. The collection is kid-friendly and can be used as an aid for those with acne, eczema, lupus, PCOS and hyperpigmentation. 

One reviewer said, “I absolutely love this product (the Purely bar soap). I’ve been using it for about a week and I can already tell my dark marks are fading.” 

Built on a mission of creating products to reduce and eliminate common concerns, AiriLasha focuses on customer service for their online store.  

Founder Airicka Green always had a passion for the beauty industry. Following the birth of her son in 2018, she and her son suffered dry skin and hypopigmentation. From there, with trial and error, Green set out to create her own skin, body and hair products without any harmful chemicals. 

girl with cake an balloon
Founder Airicka Green. (Photo via/AiriLasha official website)

Customers can expect to see results in one to eight weeks. Consistency is key, according to the FAQ section of the website, which advises customers to continue to follow the routine with the products and eat healthier to see results. 

To learn more and to shop the store, visit airilashaco.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: Gravesco

Located in the Ruckus Makerspace Micro-manufacturing building on Massachusetts Avenue, Gravesco is a pottery shop like no other.

The woman- and family-owned pottery shop got its start more than a decade ago, when Rebecca Graves-Prowse — founder, CEO and lead potter — set out to open a business where she could “develop a team of talented artisans where each person can work in their zone of genius to create beautiful handmade ceramics for your home that will become the heirlooms of your future,” according to the website.

The team at Gravesco are considered “mold breakers,” whose work is about creating pottery and handmade goods to enrich one’s everyday life.

All of the materials used in Gravesco’s pottery are mindfully sourced. According to the website, all of the stoneware clay is made and sourced regionally, either in Lexington, Kentucky or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Nearly all glaze materials are exclusively ordered from a local pottery supply house, and everything except for a few materials which add color to glazes, is made and purchased from independently owned, small family businesses in the U.S.

Each piece is intentionally designed with safety and longevity in mind and is fully functional within homes and kitchens, while being comfortable and practical to use.

Gravesco operates as a fully online store in addition to a storefront located at 1501 E. Michigan St. For more information or to shop online, visit gravescopottery.com. To get in contact, call 567-694-4750 or email rebeccagravespottery@gmail.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: ASEA REDOX by Nailah Ali 

ASEA REDOX by Nailah Ali is part of a health and wellness venture that offers products aimed at cellular health and overall well-being. 

ASEA, a global health company, is known for its REDOX line, which centers around the concept of redox signaling molecules. These molecules are promoted as vital for cellular communication and functioning, supporting the body’s ability to repair, rejuvenate and maintain optimal health. 

The ASEA REDOX product range includes many items such as supplements and topical solutions. The core supplement, ASEA REDOX Cell Signaling Supplement, is a liquid designed to enhance redox signaling molecules within the body.  

This solution is developed with a patented process that ASEA claims replicates the body’s own redox molecules, aiming to support cellular efficiency, energy levels and immune system functions. Customers also have access to the RENU Advanced skincare system, a topical line that seeks to use redox principles to promote skin rejuvenation. 

Ali’s business provides both access to ASEA’s REDOX products and an opportunity for others to engage in the network-based business model. Through her website, customers can browse and purchase ASEA products and find information on becoming distributors themselves. This dual focus of product sales and distributorship is designed to allow individuals to earn income by introducing others to the REDOX line and expanding their health-focused networks. 

For more information on ASEA RESOX by Nailah Ali, visit her website at alienterprises.myasealive.com


This business highlight was composed by multi-media & senior sports reporter Noral Parham III. Contact him at 317-762-7846. If you would like your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here

Claims made by the business do not directly reflect the stance of the Indiana Minority Business Magazine

Minority Business Highlight: Starr Studded Nail Lounge 

Starr Studded Nail Lounge in Indianapolis brings a fresh blend of glam and artistry to nail care. Known for its trendsetting designs and luxurious atmosphere, this lounge turns nails into unique, stylish statements. 

Starr Studded Nail Lounge was founded in 2019 by owner and operator Nefeteri “Starr” Robinson. Born and raised in Chicago, Robinson resides in and services the Indy area at her east side salon.  

Starr is a licensed nail technician, entrepreneur and educator for the beauty industry. In her one-on-one courses, Robinson seeks to empower aspiring nail artists with skills and confidence to excel.  

founder Nefeteri "Starr" Robinson of Starr Studded Nail Lounge
Founder Nefeteri “Starr” Robinson of Starr Studded Nail Lounge.

The salon offers nail products, nail services and one-on-one courses for those looking to get their start in the industry. In addition to basic services like manicures, pedicures, overlays and fill-ins, the salon also offers unique services like encapsulated photo nails, paraffin wax treatments and customized press-ons. 

In addition to a variety of nail services, Robinson offers customers a glimpse inside the nail industry through her publication “Get Starr Studded Magazine: Where Beauty Stands on Business.” The magazine focuses on beauty, business and the artistry of nails and is a resource for nail trends, business strategies and getting to know Robinson and her work. 

nail design by Starr Studded
A design from Starr Studded Nail Lounge.

Customers can book services online at getstarrstudded.com. New customers should review the booking policy, which details appointment times and rules for cancellations.  

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: Ashanti’s Garden

Ashanti’s Garden is an all-natural bath and body care business that specializes in herbal remedies and organic plants and produce.

Located in Muncie, Indiana, Ashanti’s Garden got its start in 2017. Owner Ashanti Branson studied herbalism at the Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine in 2018 and has continued to self-teach ever since.

Branson’s business carries an array of homemade, medicinal bath products — such as salves, bath soaks, tinctures, body oils and lotion bars — in addition to herbal remedies in the forms of body butters, infused hair oils, seasonal loose-leaf teas, beeswax candles, syrups and honeys.

Each product is handmade to order, using all-natural and mostly organic materials in small batches.

Although the store does not currently have a brick-and-mortar, Ashanti’s Garden operates through an online storefront and is a vendor at farmers markets in the Muncie area. For more information or to shop for their products, visit ashantisgarden.com. To learn more about their local markets and events, visit their Facebook and Instagram pages, or email ashantisgarden@gmail.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: Sammie’s Sunshine Academy

Sammie’s Sunshine Academy is a minority-owned early childhood education center founded by Samantha Smith and Aisha Roberts. The academy provides a nurturing and enriching environment for young children, emphasizing the importance of early development and education. 

The team at Sammie’s Sunshine Academy consists of experienced, licensed educators who are passionate about fostering the growth and learning of children from diverse backgrounds. 

The academy offers a comprehensive early learning program for children aged six weeks to six years. The curriculum is designed to promote cognitive, social and emotional development through a mix of structured activities and play.  

The academy incorporates various educational methods, including hands-on learning, creative expression and social skills development. Their focus on inclusivity ensures that every child receives personalized attention and support tailored to their unique needs. 

Located in Terre Haute, Sammie’s Sunshine Academy is strategically situated to serve families in and around Vigo County. The facility features spacious classrooms equipped with age-appropriate resources and a safe outdoor play area. 

Sammie’s Sunshine Academy operates year-round, providing flexible scheduling options. Parents can choose from various programs based on their child’s age and developmental stage. 

The mission of Sammie’s Sunshine Academy is rooted in the belief that early childhood education lays the foundation for lifelong learning. By providing a strong educational foundation, the academy aims to empower children to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally as they transition into their next stages of life. 

The curriculum is guided by state standards and is regularly updated to reflect best practices in early childhood education. Parents are encouraged to be involved, with regular communication and family engagement events. This partnership enhances the learning experience and fosters a strong community bond. 

Sammie’s Sunshine Academy is located at 1610 South 8th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47802. Contact them via office phone at 812-240-5637.


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, contact us or click here. 

Minority Business Highlight: Chef Borel’s Kitchen 

In Indianapolis, Chef Borel’s Kitchen brings a bold mix of Cajun and Creole flavors to the Midwest, infusing the local food scene with vibrant dishes and a rich cultural flair. This minority-owned gem is a must-try for anyone craving an authentic taste of the islands and the bayou. 

Founded by Chef Teresa Borel, Borel’s Kitchen is an online-only ghost kitchen that fuses the taste of New Orleans, West Africa, the Caribbean, and Spanish and native American cuisines to form Louisiana Creole dishes. 

Typical creole dishes offered range from jambalaya, seafood gumbo and oxtail stew to crawfish boil and oysters Rockefeller. 

One review said, “Delicious food, lunch combo was way bigger than I expected, and each part was amazing. Plus, the service was super friendly!” 

chef borel food
Chef Borel’s Kitchen food

Catering services and consultations for those looking to spice up their next event are also available. Menu options range from seafood gumbo, crawfish etouffee, and red beans and rice to Hennessy pound cake and bread pudding with spiced rum sauce. 

In addition to their diverse menu offerings, the kitchen also provides meals for the hungry through their Medicaid Meals program and Meals for All programs. 

Chef Borel’s Kitchen, although online only, is a professional food preparation and cooking facility that is serviced through Menufy, DoorDash, GrubHub and Uber Eats. The restaurant is not a storefront, and they do not offer indoor dining. 

Orders can be placed Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For catering inquiries, email borelchef@yahoo.com. To place an online order, visit chefborel.com

To read more like this, click here.

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

Recorder Media Group announces 2025 Champions of Diversity Awards winners

Recorder Media Group has announced winners of the 2025 Champions of Diversity Awards. Winners will be recognized during the group’s annual awards dinner on January 17, 2025, at the JW Marriott Indianapolis from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. EST.

Now in its 18th year, the Champions of Diversity Awards celebrate individuals and organizations across multiple industries who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion. This annual event brings together a diverse group of leaders and influencers to recognize those making a profound impact on their communities through their dedication to equity.

“I am extremely excited to continue the Champions of Diversity tradition,” said Robert Shegog, president and CEO of Recorder Media Group. “This year will be our biggest celebration yet. The growth of Champions of Diversity is a direct result of the community’s increasing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusion in every aspect of life. People want to align themselves with an event that stands for something meaningful, and Champions of Diversity does that by shining a light on those who lead with purpose.”

The 2025 Champions of Diversity Award Winners include:

  • Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Award – Dennis E. Bland, President, Center for Leadership Development
  • Rosa Parks Trailblazer Award – Shannon Williams, Chief Operating Officer & Executive Vice President, The Mind Trust
  • William G. Mays Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award – Reginald and Tracey Jones, Owner Operators, McDonald’s
  • Lifetime Education Achievement Award – Andrea L. Neely, President and Chief Executive Officer, Simon Youth Foundation, Inc.
  • Amos Brown Community Advocate Award – Marshawn Wolley, President & CEO, Black Onyx Management
  • President’s Choice Award – Deana Haworth, Chief Executive Officer, Hirons
  • Community Impact Award – Fred Payne, President & CEO, United Way of Central Indiana
  • Social Innovation Mastermind Award – Tamira Chapman, CEO, Storehouse in A Box LLC
  • Visionary Leader Award – Dr. Lorenzo L. Esters, President, The Indianapolis Foundation
  • Sapphire Diversity Maverick Award – Sharon Barner, Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer, Cummins
  • Civic Empowerment Award – Kanwal Prakash “KP” Singh, Founder & Owner, KP Singh Designs (A Partnership)
  • Master of Finance Award – Clarissa Nowlin, Chief Financial Officer & Controller, Professional Management Enterprises, Inc.
  • Distinguished Business Achiever Award – Daryle L. Johnson, Vice President of Strategy, Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council
  • Bridge to Impact Award – Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) – Melina Kennedy (Chief Executive Officer) and Latoya Alexander Botteron (President & Chief Financial Officer)
  • Rising Star of Excellence Award – Darryl Lockett, Health Equity Director, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Indiana
  • Innovation in Tech Leadership Award – Dennis Trinkle, Senior Vice President, Talent, Strategy and Partnerships, TechPoint
  • Changemaker Award – Tamara Cypress, Associate Director, Communications & Creative Design, Carrier Corporation
  • Breaking Barriers Award – Travis Brown, Founder + CEO, Mojo Up Marketing + Media
  • Golden Heart Award – Patrina Williams, CEO, Cherishing Lives Personal Care Services
  • Stewardship Young Leader Award – Leon Williamson, Market President iHeart Media Multiplatform Group, iHeartMedia Indianapolis
  • Beacon of Hope Award – Intend Indiana – Steven Meyer (Chief Executive Officer) and Stephanie Quick (President)
  • Social Justice & Equity Award – Zachary Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, U.S. Department of Justice
  • Exemplary Service Award – Katie Lucas, President, Lucas Oil
  • Emerald Leadership Award – Seth Morales, Chief Executive Officer, Morales Group, Inc.
  • DEI Trailblazer Award – Tracy Ellis-Ward, Senior Vice President, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Pacers Sports & Entertainment

“At Recorder Media Group, it is our mission to empower and educate our community,” Shegog said. “Champions of Diversity is a significant way we can do that. These awards continue to inspire a new generation of leaders and advocates who prioritize inclusion and equity as core values in their professional and personal lives. Businesses, organizations and individuals are encouraged to attend and invest in the future of diversity by supporting the event through sponsorship or participation.”

For more information about the event, sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets, please visit www.indianapolisrecorder.com or contact us at ChampionsofDiversity@IndyRecorder.com or (317) 924-5143.

Minority Business Highlight: City Dogs Grocery

In the heart of Fountain Square, City Dogs Grocery is an independent, woman-owned pet boutique focusing on health and wellness.

Owner Christi Rider bought the store in 2017 after having worked as a pediatric nurse for 20 years. Rider’s passion for animals drove her to switch careers and focus on providing Indy-based pet owners with the best quality products and services — from nutritional counseling to healthy food and treats, grooming supplies, toys and accessories — for their beloved dogs and cats.

City Dogs Grocery focuses on pet nutrition and supplements, and each of the products are hand-picked by Rider before going on the shelf. The store carries a wide range of all-natural and holistic brands, including Bocce’s Bakery, Chilly Dog, Austin and Kat, Barkworthies, Boxiecat, Earth Animal, Feline Natural, Haute Diggity Dog and more.

The pet boutique, which has been voted “Best Local Pet Supply Store in Indy” three times frequently gives back to local animal rescues and shelters. City Dogs Grocery hosts in-store adoption events and fundraisers to help animals in need find their “forever homes.”

City Dogs Grocery is at 1028 Virginia Ave. For more information, visit citydogsgrocery.com. To get in contact, call 317-492-9770 or email christi@citydogsgrocery.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: Skinn & Zenn Beauty Bar

Skinn & Zenn Beauty Bar, located in Indianapolis, is a minority-owned business offering various beauty and wellness services tailored to meet client needs.

The beauty bar’s offerings include skincare treatments, body waxing, brow services and other personalized beauty regimens designed to enhance the natural beauty of its clients.

What sets Skinn & Zenn apart is its holistic approach to beauty. By incorporating wellness elements, the beauty bar emphasizes the importance of self-care beyond aesthetics. Clients can expect a tranquil environment aimed at fostering relaxation and rejuvenation, complementing their physical treatments with a sense of mental and emotional renewal.

Owned and operated by local entrepreneur Sunshine Davis, Skinn & Zenn commits itself to creating a welcoming space for all, especially those of color.

The business’ focus on customization allows clients to receive treatments that are best suited for their skin types and beauty goals. From routine maintenance to targeted treatments, the beauty bar strives to offer a unique experience.

Skinn & Zenn Full Beauty Bar is at 387 Shadeland Ave Suite G, Indianapolis, IN., 46219. You can contact the business via phone number at 317-717-2379. To learn more about this business, visit their website at allthingssbeauty.com.


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

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