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Scouting’s impact on Central Indiana’s youth celebrated at 29th Annual Governor’s Luncheon

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Indianapolis – The 29th Annual Governor’s Luncheon for Scouting will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium Wednesday, Dec. 18, where Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb and an esteemed panel of community leaders will gather to highlight the impact of Scouting on thousands of young men and women in Central Indiana.

As the Crossroads of America Council’s largest fundraising event, this luncheon draws over 2,000 business and civic leaders to generate critical support for Scouting programs that positively shape young lives, including hundreds of Black youth.

The luncheon will feature event co-chairs DuJuan McCoy, owner, president and CEO of Circle City Broadcasting (WISH-TV); Kathy Martin Harrison, owner and CEO of Ed Martin Automotive Group; Latha Ramchand, chancellor of IU Indianapolis; and Vop Osili, president of the Indianapolis City-County Council.

These leaders are passionate advocates for youth development and are instrumental in advancing opportunities for Scouts of diverse backgrounds throughout the region.

(Photo/BeyondTheFocus Photography)

Scouting has long been a powerful influence on Indianapolis’ Black community, fostering leadership and service through programs that emphasize character, community service and personal growth. This impact was recently highlighted in the celebration of Troop 199’s 75th anniversary. The troop, which has served Black youth in Indianapolis for generations, honored the achievements of three of its Eagle Scouts who led service projects to improve local community spaces.

Leander Nicholson beautified Oscar Charleston Park by filling in ruts near the shelter, reducing mosquito breeding grounds and refurbishing picnic tables, ensuring a welcoming environment for park visitors. Cameron Hairston transformed his school playground by installing coyote silhouettes to humanely deter geese, creating a cleaner, safer space for students to enjoy.

Nathaniel Wilks led a team to revitalize the shalomwoods trail and playground at Shalom Mennonite Church, adding benches, trash cans and informative tree tags for an educational nature experience.

Funds raised at the Governor’s Luncheon will continue to support Scouting initiatives in Central Indiana, benefiting over 16,000 youth and 450 Scouting units. Scouting provides an invaluable space for youth, especially Black youth, to develop skills, confidence and a sense of responsibility toward their communities.

For more information or to register for the event, please visit CrossroadsBSA.org/GovLunch.

For sponsorship opportunities, please email development@cacin.us.

Minority Business Highlight: Haley Rose Photography 

With an eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Haley Rose Photography has become a standout in Indianapolis, offering a unique perspective on life’s most cherished moments. 

haley lewis work
(Photos/Haley Rose Photography)

Owned and operated by Haley Rose Lewis, a proud minority entrepreneur, the business specializes in capturing authentic, vibrant and meaningful images. From weddings and family portraits to branding sessions, Haley Rose Photography celebrates diversity and individuality through every shot.  

Lewis offers holiday mini sessions, headshots, standard sessions, essential sessions and elite sessions for a wide array of events and needs. The holiday mini sessions are $100 and include a 30-minute session with three retouched images and an online gallery. For $50 more you can get an additional three retouched images. Other services like headshots are priced at $175 and can be used for business purposes. 

haley lewis work
(Photos/Haley Rose Photography)

From engagements to family portraits, the company’s style has been on book covers, magazine spreads and billboards across the city. Her work highlights the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses. Lewis’ work not only preserves memories but also uplifts the local community. 

Haley Rose Photography is based in Fishers and Indianapolis and personalizes each session to meet the needs of the client. Customers can inquire for a booking through the Haley Rose Photography website at haleyrosephotography.com or by emailing Lewis at hrlewis@haleyrosephotography.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: Rose of Sharon All Naturals

Owned and operated by East Chicago native Nycole Johnson, Rose of Sharon All Naturals is a health and wellness business dedicated to promoting a healthier lifestyle. 

Rose of Sharon All Naturals specializes in products made of sea moss, a super food that has been growing in popularity in the last few years. Sea moss, which is also often referred to as Irish moss, is known to provide 92 of the 102 minerals needed in one’s diet in one tablespoon per day and beneficial to boosting immunity, digestion and healthier skin and nails, according to the website.

Just like the name suggests, Rose of Sharon All Natural’s sea moss gels are all-natural — featuring only three ingredients — low calorie and do not include any added sugars. The gels are also flavored, including strawberry, peach, lime, green apple and pineapple but can be made unflavored if needed. 

In addition to sea moss gels, the shop also features a variety of sea moss-based teas, smoothies and drinks as well as mushroom-based skin products.

Rose of Sharon All Naturals operates as an e-commerce store but recently celebrated the grand opening of its storefront at 3140 N. Illinois St. under the name R102 Wellness. For more information about the shop, visit roseofsharonallnaturals.biz. To get in contact, call 317-970-5444 or email roseofsharonindy@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: Sweetie’s Candy Boutique and Emporium 

Sweetie’s Candy Boutique and Emporium is more than just a store; it is a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship and local culture. 

Sweetie’s is more than just a candy shop; it is a beloved family-owned business that became a local staple for sweets, gifts and one-of-a-kind finds.  

Owned and operated by Tiffany and her family, Sweetie’s is a true labor of love, combining Tiffany’s lifelong passion for candy with a commitment to quality and community.  

What sets Sweetie’s apart is its dedication to offering products that are not only delicious but also ethically produced and suitable for a variety of diets. With growing concerns about allergens and dietary preferences, Sweetie’s is committed to providing a wide selection of treats that cater to different needs, making it a welcoming space for everyone. 

Last month, Sweetie’s Candy Boutique and Emporium participated in the PitchFeast funding competition, ultimately coming in second place and taking home $10,000

Beyond candy, Sweetie’s Boutique and Emporium also offers a curated selection of gifts, home decor and unique finds — perfect for birthdays, special occasions or simply treating yourself. With a focus on supporting local artisans and small businesses, Sweetie’s has become a vibrant hub for the community, blending a passion for sweets with a love of local craftsmanship. 

Visit their website at sweetiescandyboutiqueindy.com

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 Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, click here. 

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. 

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