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Minority Business Highlight: Bella Body & Skin Studio 

When it comes to achieving that enviable glow, Bella Body & Skin Studio has the magic touch. From rejuvenating facials to luxurious body treatments, this local gem is all about helping you shine — inside and out. 

Founded by Dr. Carla Jenkins, Bella Body & Skin Studio was founded with the mission to “help not only women, but everyone, feel beautiful in their own healthy skin and bodies and to increase sense of wellness and well-being.” 

Jenkins has 20 years of nursing experience in various areas of critical care and has always taken a personal interest in skin care and general health.  

The experts at Bella Body & Skin Studio offer an array of services that include: 

  • Injectable services 
  • Facial skin services 
  • Cosmetic and body services 
  • IV nutrition therapy 
  • Hair services 
  • Weight loss and wellness programs 

Bella Body & Skin Studio also sells medical grade skin care products like the Bella skin care bright eye serum and the Bella skin care complexion serum. 

The studio is at 9595 Whitley Dr. Suite 200 and is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The studio is closed on Sunday and Monday. 

For more information, visit bellabodyskinstudio.com

Two new retailers fill prime space at the Stutz – Indiana Minority Business Magazine

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: Brewer & Associates

Brewer & Associates has served more than 250 organizations and trained thousands of nonprofit leaders.

Created in 2004, Brewer & Associates, Inc. is a professional management service dedicated to nonprofit organizations and businesses. Led by president and senior consultant Falicia Brewer, Brewer & Associates specializes in educating and empowering nonprofit leaders to create solutions that lead to real change within their communities.

Brewer, who has two decades of experience, works alongside Dr. Melissa Lewis, a consultant, educator and inspirational speaker withexperience in grant writing, project management and organizational development.

Together, Brewer and Lewis cater to important business and organizational needs, which often includes but is not limited to leadership, strategic direction, implementation and execution, financial sustainability, managing business operations, and performance measurement. They accomplish this through program development and management, grant writing, strategic planning and training services, event planning, financial research and community outreach.

Part of Brewer & Associates’ core values include recognizing potential in and of all organizations, being responsive to forming and maintaining positive relationships with the community and serving everyone through leadership and innovation.

Brewer & Associates is at 9511 Angola Court Suite 242C. For more information, visit fbaresources.com. To get in contact, email info@fbaresources.com or call 317-445-8932.

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.

Black Business Month: Mamba Investments expands with Build Fund

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By STAFF

In recognition of Black Business Month, the Recorder is sharing how local Black business owners are expanding their business with the Build Fund.

Intend Indiana’s Build Fund is a loan fund available to help business owners grow and create jobs, according to their official website. As those loans are repaid, those funds are used for new loans to support other business owners in central Indiana.

Sharika Webb is the founder of Mamba Investments and Mamba Realty. In a Q&A with the Recorder, Webb shared how the Build Fund has helped her grow.

Recorder: What was the inspiration for your business?

Sharika Webb: I’ve been in real estate since 2018. As a new agent, you have to work under an established company for at least 2 years until you start your own real estate brokerage; however, I knew the goal was always to work for myself. In 2021, I broke off from Remax and started Mamba Realty and Mamba Investments. Specifically, Mamba Investments would serve the efforts in revitalizing underserved communities. The inspiration came from my mother who ran Watkins Family center for over 20 years where she mentored and poured a positive influence into the community. In my own way, I believe rehabilitating distressed homes and creating affordable housing in the same neighborhood is my way of giving back to the community that helped raise me. 

Recorder: What services do you offer?

Webb: We offer all real estate services including helping individuals buy, sell, build, acquire and invest.

Recorder: As a recipient of a loan through the Build Fund, how will the funds help your business grow?

Currently, the funds have assisted in the new construction of a new single-family home in Crown Hill. Since the lot was purchased through Indy’s landbank the home will fall within the affordable housing guidelines. We also plan to continue our partnership to build more homes and multi-units that will fall in the same category.

Recorder: Business owners can face many challenges. What motivates you to overcome the challenges to achieve your goals?

Webb: The goal is to scale our portfolio and continue to help revitalize neighborhoods that have gone overlooked in the past. Bumps in the road are all a part of having a successful business so I welcome the challenges that every day brings.

Recorder: How can people connect with you?

Webb: People can visit our website at www.mambarealtyindy.com or follow us on Instagram @specialagentwebb and @mambarealtyindy. On TikTok, they can find us @sneakeragentwebbie.

For more information about the Build Fund, visit www.buildfund.org.

Minority Business Highlight: Four Lane Digital

Four Lane Digital is a Black-owned marketing firm based in Indianapolis.

Founded by Willis Lane IV, Four Lane Digital is a development company that aims to enable businesses, organizations and brands to amplify their digital presence. The form allows their clients to stay competitive and relevant in a dynamic digital landscape.

The organization offers website design, content creation, event promotion, graphic design and strategic consulting.

Additionally, the marketing firm has a proven track record; they have had the pleasure of working with Martindale Brightwood CDC, Rraine, Andrew Porter Clothiers and Clemmons Construction & Real Estate.

The Black-owned marketing firm also provides clients with their ‘Brand Builders’ campaign. The campaign inspires the essence of innovation among entrepreneurs.

a photo of the founder/CEO of Four Lane Digital.
A photo of the founder and CEO of Four Lane Digital Willis Lane IV.

Brand Builders was launched to shine a light on brands that come from all walks of life. No matter how big or small a brand, Four Lane Digital wants to help.

This initiative highlights brands in a variety of industries, including the arts, marketplace, education, real estate, community development and more.

More often than not, consumers only see the finished product; they don’t realize everything else that goes into bringing one’s vision to life. The marketing campaign hopes business owners and stakeholders gain insight to better their brand.

Four Lane Digital also offers digital products such as a marketing guide centered around branding, content and promotion. They also offer a free digital marketing workbook.

Those interested in learning more about the marketing company can do so via their website at fourlanedigital.com. They can also contact the business via telephone at 317-600-7201.


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

Minority Business Highlight: Stargazer Inc. 

Stargazer Inc. began as Chef Carol Lawson’s wish upon a star, turning a dream into a culinary reality. Since its launch in 2015, her company has been crafting memorable dining experiences and enriching cooking classes.  

With a focus on bringing families together through delicious, healthy meals, Stargazer Inc. is where Lawson’s vision for exceptional food and community spirit comes together.  

Stargazer offers catering and kitchen, equipment and venue rentals, private cooking classes and youth and community programs. 

Classes are taught by Lawson, and there are several options available for guests to review and put together a menu. Following the course, attendees get to enjoy the meal and review what they learned. 

The Youth Dream Culinary program is focused on STEM and teaches students the nutritional value of food, how to create recipes and prepare meals. After the completion of each level, students will become “junior chefs” as helper instructors for future classes. 

The Youth Dream Culinary programs are slated for Sept. 5 and Oct. 3. Both will take place from 6:15-8:15 p.m. Tickets cost $60. 

The Love On and Provide program provides high-quality meals and lunch bags to those in need. Stargazer’s goal for 2024 is to feed 2000 individuals in need through donations available on their website.  

The Foodservice Connection program supports entrepreneurs in the foodservice industry to help them establish and sustain a successful business. The program offers Q&A sessions addressing business-related issues and is focused on empowering Black and minority young adults. 

For more information, visit stargazerinc.net

Two new retailers fill prime space at the Stutz – Indiana Minority Business Magazine

 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. 

Six Sigma Racial Equity Institute announces yellow belt training program

The Six Sigma Racial Equity Institute invites individuals and organizations to participate in their upcoming Yellow Belt Training session, themed “Six Sigma Yellow Belt: Mobilize, Energize and Vote,” which will take place from September 18 – 20, 2024.

This unique Six Sigma Yellow Belt training will teach you the basics of Six Sigma, without the typical manufacturing jargon. 

Using voter turnout examples, you’ll see how the power of Six Sigma can improve processes and drive impactful solutions to encourage and empower voter engagement.
 
Join SSREI to learn practical tools that you can apply immediately to your workplace, community, or to this year’s elections.

(Photo provided/SSREI)

Program Highlights:

  • Format: Virtual sessions
  • Instructors: Experienced Six Sigma Black Belts
  • Duration: September 18th – 20th, 2024
  • Time: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM ET
  • Class Size: Limited to 25 participants
  • Content: Learn Six Sigma’s history and purpose, master the DMAIC process steps, create a problem and goal statements, use tools in Define and Measure phases, grasp project team structure and roles and apply DMAIC tools for racial equity in workplaces and communities. 
  • Benefits: Enhanced problem-solving skills, improved decision-making abilities, increased operational efficiency, and a structured approach to continuous improvement.
  • Certificate Details: Upon completion of the course and exam, you will be provided a Six Sigma Yellow Belt certificate of completion.

For questions or assistance with registration, you can email info@sixsigmaindy.org. SSREI is committed to ensuring a seamless and enriching learning experience for all participants.

For more information, visit sixsigmaindy.org.

Minority Business Highlight: The Jollof Buka

The Jollof Buka is an international restaurant and hookah lounge, specializing in upscale dishes from West Africa. 

Owner and head chef Sarah Awodumila first opened The Jollof Buka, named after the national dish of Nigeria, in 2020. The restaurant caters heavily to the community, serving well known African style dishes such as Indomie Noodles, Gbegiri and Ewedu, asaro, ayamase, okra soup and Egusi Soup, as well as a specialized children’s menu. 

The Jollof Buka is open for takeout and delivery from noon to midnight Tuesday-Saturday and 2-11 p.m. on Sundays.

The Jollof Buka is located at 2501 W. Washington St. For more information or to place an online order for pick up, visit thejollofbuka.menufy.com. To get in contact, email thejollofbuka@yahoo.com or call 317-384-1575.

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.

Young men honored at Kings Feast Indy 2024

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Bloom Project Inc. invites you to their annual Kings Feast Indy 2024, themed “Building MY Legacy.” This event, aimed at empowering future leaders, takes place from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sept. 14 at Ivy Tech Community College’s Culinary Arts and Conference Center.

The Kings Feast Symposium is a signature event for Bloom Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to mentoring and preparing young men aged 12-18 for academic and professional success. This year’s theme, “Building MY Legacy,” emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and setting goals for young men as they navigate their futures.

Getty Images for Kings Feast
(Photo/Getty Images)

The event aims to be an enriching experience, featuring workshops, a college and career fair and a networking luncheon. The celebration is designed to equip attendees with valuable life skills.

A keynote address by Dr. Russell Ledet is also slated for the event.

The celebration welcomes young men ages 12-18, their parents and professional males from the community. Registration for young men is $15 and closes on September 7th, 2024. Secure your spot here.


For more news courtesy of the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, visit our homepage.

Minority Business Highlight: Loc’d Girlz Rock

Founded by Ponda Wilson-Grace, Loc’d Girlz Rock is more than just an apparel brand; it’s a movement that glorifies the beauty and empowerment of women with locs.

Loc'd Girlz Rock founder Ponda Wilson-Grace.
Loc’d Girlz Rock founder Ponda Wilson-Grace. (Photo via official website)

Inspired by her own journey, Wilson-Grace created this brand to offer support and encouragement to others who may feel insecure or misunderstood.

“As I began my loc journey, I realized there was a lack of representation and acceptance for loc’d hair,” Wilson-Grace said on her website.

The business offers a range of personalized apparel designed to make wearers feel good about themselves. From stylish t-shirts to comfortable hoodies, each piece is carefully crafted to reflect the distinctive beauty of loc’d hair.

Beyond the garments, Wilson-Grace’s brand is committed to cultivating a community. The brand’s mission is to inspire and uplift women who are embracing their hair journey.

Whether people are just starting out or have been rocking locs for years, Loc’d Girlz Rock offers a place to connect with like-minded individuals on a similar pilgrimage of self-love and acceptance.

Loc'd Girlz Rock Model
A model wearing merchandise available at Loc’d Girlz Rock. (Photo via official website.)

“I wanted to create a space where women could feel proud and confident in their natural beauty,” Wilson-Grace said.

Visit the official website at locdgirlzrocktique.com to explore their collection and discover your new favorite piece.


This business highlight was created by multi-media & senior sports reporter Noral Parham III. Contact him 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.

Two new retailers fill prime space at the Stutz

The City of Indianapolis announced Tuesday that two new retailers have been selected to participate in St’Artup 317, Indy’s retail accelerator program matching Hoosier businesses to prime real estate opportunities. 

HBH Professional and Nate Redd clothing are the newest additions to the historic Stutz building on Indiana Avenue, where they will operate Labor Day weekend through May 2025.  

man and wife in white pose in front of brown background
A’Bryanna and D’Angelo WIlliams are the founders of HBH Professional, a hair care line that will soon occupy a space in the historic Stutz building.

“HBH Professional and Nate Redd have built an impressive business model without having a visible, high-traffic storefront,” said Catherine Esselman, program director for St’Artup 317. “They were awarded this placement based on the readiness of the businesses they’ve built. I am excited to place them in this opportunity and watch them grow their businesses.” 

HBH Professional stands for “Hello Beautiful Hair” and was started by husband and wife D’Angelo and A’Bryanna Williams in 2022. The company specializes in hair products to “enhance the health, vitality and unique beauty of Black hair.”  

“The opportunity to participate in St’Artup 317 is a very exciting one that we are over the moon about,” A’Bryanna said. “We are happy the city and its partners recognized our vision and what we are giving to Indianapolis. This will be a fantastic business venture, and we cannot wait to begin.” 

man in white leans on railing by street
Ron Williams is the founder of Nate Redd clothing, which will occupy a space in the historic Stutz building starting Labor Day weekend. (Photos provided/City of Indianapolis)

Ron Williams, founder of Nate Redd clothing, started the online sportswear brand in 2014. Williams attributes his inspiration to the styles he loved seeing growing up in Indy.  

“As a brand owner, everyone wants to have their own boutique,” Williams said. “I used to dream about a location very similar to The Stutz. When I got an email saying I had been selected to participate in St’Artup 317. I just could not believe it. All my prayers were answered.” 

For more information about St’Artup 317, visit startup317.com

Distilled truth: Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey & its rise to fame – Indiana Minority Business Magazine

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

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