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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
H&H Headwear revolutionizes haircare with its satin-lined baseball caps designed to protect and nourish hair.
Founded to address the challenges of hat-related hair damage, the business combines fashion and functionality, making it a favorite for individuals prioritizing both style and hair health.
The silk inside the H&H headwear protects hair from breakage and split ends. (Photo via/official website)
But H&H Headwear isn’t just about hats — it’s a movement. As a minority-owned brand, it’s redefining beauty norms, offering products that protect natural hair while fostering style and self-confidence.
Founded by entrepreneur LaPorsche Jymi, the mission of the brand is to empower young women and encourage hair protection and style.
With a signature line featuring sayings like “#BlackExcellence” and “#BoyMom,” the collection has something for everyone. For the moms, for the dads, Black Pride and Women’s March collections are also featured for those looking for something specific.
H&H also offers customizable hats, where customers can input their logos, words or pictures. Their website showcases their customizable hats at Circle of Ivy, Ivy Tech’s women’s philanthropy circle, who had hats made for an event. One customer said, “(The hat) might be one of my new favorites.”
H&H headwear and haircare has a wide array of options for hats. (Photo/official website)
By integrating haircare into hats, the H&H headwear products eliminate hat frizz, hat hair and hair loss from friction. The silk keeps the moisture in hair locked in and keeps the hair free of tangles. According to the official website for H&H headwear, their hats will reduce split ends and receding hairlines from hat usage.
In addition to private customizations, H&H is also partnering with companies and schools looking for fundraisers. Bulk ordering and sample hats are available for those in the market.
To browse their collections and to learn more about the benefits of silk-lined hats, visit hhheadwear.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.
Harmonious Insight, a minority-owned business in Indianapolis, brings holistic wellness to the forefront with its unique approach to balance and self-care.
Blending counseling, life coaching and wellness practices like yoga and aromatherapy, Harmonious Insight helps individuals and families achieve harmony in mind, body, and spirit. The business also offers thoughtfully crafted self-care products, fostering a sense of positivity and empowerment.
Andrea Jenkins. (Photo via/Instagram)
Founded by Andrea Jenkins, a licensed clinical social worker, Harmonious Insight started through Jenkins’ journey to incorporate spiritual well-being into her wellness practices. Jenkins has completed education, training and certification in aromatherapy, yoga, sound healing, meditation and chakra healing.
The company offers holistic life coaching, holistic health services, clinical supervision and consultations, and workshops and presentations.
In addition to services, Jenkins also offers a wide variety of products for sale, including:
Jewelry: chakra bracelets, earrings, pendants, waist beads and more.
Bath and body: salts, moisturizers, hair care, skin care and more.
Sage, incense and essential oils.
Crystals and gemstones: earrings, pendants, yoni eggs and more.
Insightful messages tees
Teas
The name Harmonious Insight, according to their website, represents their “intentions to encourage individuals to use their intuition to gain a deeper understanding of themselves which would guide them toward balance, inner peace and enlightenment.”
One testimonial from Violet C. reads, “I have been ordering from Harmonious Insight for a couple of years now and I recommend the Body Butter Shea with Zen, the lip balm, Post-Workout Detox Salt Bath Soak, and the bracelets are of the best quality.”
To shop Harmonious Insight and to inquire about their services, visit harmoniousinsight.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.
P30, a Black- and woman-owned coworking space and community center on the Far Eastside, first launched in May 2022.
The nonprofit coworking space was created to be a space that would “disrupt inequality, ignite hope and launch prosperity,” according to the website. As a coworking space, P30 acts as a platform and home for small local and minority owned businesses on the Far Eastside to grow and flourish. However, the space also doubles as a community hub, events venue, safe space for teens and an incubator for budding entrepreneurs.
P30 is also home to a Black-owned coffee shop, community garden, commercial kitchen, gym, podcasting studio and creative suite, conference rooms, outdoor events spaces, meditation and wellness room and a rotation urban art gallery.
Beyond offering small businesses a place to call home, P30 currently offers two unique community programs, Real Estate Boot Camp (REBC) and Launch BNB.
REBC is designed to close the information and experience gap for local women and minority real estate developers and provide the community with new, quality-built, affordable housing. The program is 12-18 months long, meeting once a month.
The Launch BNB program was designed to support P30’s entrepreneurship vision directly impacting the Far Eastside community. Outside of rotating business workshops and providing necessary resources for entrepreneurs, the program creates an ecosystem composed of business experts and community partners.
P30’s vision is to aid the launch of 300 small businesses, create 3000 employment opportunities and generate $30 million worth of wealth in the Far Eastside community. P30 is located at 3039 N. Post Road. For more information about the space or community programs, visit p30indy.com. To get in contact, call 317-318-8304.
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.
Hundreds of educators, students, employers and policymakers gathered for the New Skills Ready Network (NSRN) Fall Convening Nov. 19 in downtown Indianapolis, highlighting the many strides made to bridge gaps in postsecondary education and workforce readiness.
Launched in 2020 with a $7 million investment by JPMorganChase across six cities, the initiative focuses on empowering underserved students through quality career pathways.
“At JPMorganChase, we believe every young person deserves a pathway to economic success. However, we know that opportunity is often out of reach. This investment in high-quality career-focused education programs helps give Indianapolis students a real shot,” said Christina Moungey, Indiana & Ohio Region Manager for JPMorganChase Commercial Banking. “We are grateful for EmployIndy and the various local educational institutions for carrying out this work. Together, we can make a difference.”
Spearheaded by EmployIndy, the Indianapolis chapter showcased how innovative partnerships enhance student success and strengthen the region’s workforce.
Kevin Lopez, a first-year business major at Indiana University Indianapolis, believes his interests led him to pursue higher education.
“I wanted to do something with numbers once I got to college,” Lopez said. “Being around accounting and learning about the main parts of running a business attracted me to business.”
Indianapolis’ unique labor force challenges underscored the importance of initiatives like NSRN. With only 67.5% of the working-age population participating in the labor force and a 14.1% poverty rate among working-age residents, these programs aim to address systemic issues.
The city’s talent pipeline has historically struggled with retaining college graduates, ranking among the bottom ten cities in this metric. Through efforts like enhanced career advising and guaranteed seamless admissions agreements, NSRN is boosting enrollment and ensuring students are retained and complete their education, thus preparing them for higher-wage jobs.
(Photo/Getty Images)
Lopez said that programs like Career Pathways alleviate the overwhelming nature of the college application process.
One standout program, the seamless admissions initiative launched in 2023, yielded extraordinary results. A collaboration between Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), IU Indianapolis and EmployIndy automatically admits IPS students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
This initiative has led to a 130% increase in IPS student admissions to IU Indianapolis, with enrollment numbers rising by 84%.
Work-based learning has been another critical emphasis of the NSRN initiative. Students like Jhaniyah Litt, a social work major from Indianapolis, thrive in programs like the Modern Apprenticeship Program (MAP), which enables high school students to gain professional experience in high-demand fields.
“Luckily, through the support of my supervisors and coworkers, they created a safe environment where I felt comfortable asking questions,” Litt said. “Now, I can better understand the projects I receive with a bit more peace.”
One of the most striking achievements of NSRN is its ability to address gaps in work-based learning opportunities. By partnering with local employers, the initiative achieved a 600% increase in high-quality work-based learning (WBL) activities for IPS students, bridging the gap between education and real-world applications. Personalized career coaching was invaluable for Sandra Ramirez, a second-year Ivy Tech student and participant in the Indy Achieves program.
Ramirez, the first in her family to attend college, studies business while also being a licensed welder.
“I knew the strength within myself and wanted to prove everyone wrong,” Ramirez said. “I now know what I am capable of.”
With the right partnerships, empowerment and funding from programs like New Skills Ready Network, more future leaders can see the potential in themselves like Lopez, Litt and Ramirez.
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. For more news from the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
Sweetener, located in Indianapolis, is a Black-owned dessert shop founded and led by Kayla Howell.
Known for its innovative and mouth-watering treats, Sweetener quickly became a fan favorite. Howell’s passion for baking shines through in each creation.
“I have been baking since I was 13,” Howell told the Indiana Minority Business Magazine. “I decided to take it seriously and open Sweetener almost two years ago.”
Sweetener houses all the treats that come to mind when one thinks of dessert. Customers can indulge in cookies, cakes, pies, brownies and more.
Some of the available treats served at Sweeteners. (Photo provided/Kayla Howell)
Howell said she caters to parties, events and other large gatherings.
Pricing at Sweetener ranges between $10-25 depending on the treat and the quantity.
“I love baking and learning about the art of baking,” Howell said. “I love trying new things for Sweetener. It is really like my baby.”
Howell spoke about the importance of highlighting minority-owned businesses like Sweetener.
“Working multiple jobs and trying to go to school is difficult,” Howell said. “Advertising is expensive. It can be hard for small businesses to gain exposure. That is why platforms like the Indiana Minority Business Magazine are important.”
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.
Indiana youth will see more pathways to future careers thanks to grants from the Fairbanks Foundation.
The CEMETS iLab Indiana, a coalition of community leaders, released a strategic plan which included new training and education for aspiring professionals. With funds from the grants, high school students will be eligible for apprenticeships in a variety of fields.
The iLab’s strategic plan outlined four priorities, one of which was the creation of “talent associations.”
“Talent associations will select occupations, identify the required knowledge, skills, and competencies, and collaborate with educators to develop education and training content,” according to a statement released via email.
The first round of talent associations will focus on health care, life sciences and advanced manufacturing and logistics. The Fairbanks Foundation awarded two-year grants up to $250,000 to the following talent associations:
BioCrossroads: Healthcare talent association – $200,000
BioCrossroads: Life Sciences talent association – $200,000
Conexus Indiana: Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics talent association – $250,000
“All industry association grants are contingent upon each organization’s ability to secure matching funds for the talent associations from employers within their industries,” according to the statement.
The goal is to begin welcoming students to the programming in the 2025-206 school year. For more information about the iLab strategic plan, visit ilabindianastrategicplan.org.
