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Minority Business Highlight: Marsha’s Specialty Desserts & Tierney’s Catering

CHLOE McGOWAN
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Minority Business Highlight: Marsha’s Specialty Desserts & Tierney’s Catering

Owned and operated by Marsha Quarles and her family, Masha’s Specialty Desserts has been serving sweets and treats for more than 30 years. 

The family-run bakery and catering business has been an official business based out of Avon for the last 14 years, despite an affinity for baked goods having run in the family. 

All catering options — including plated meals for weddings, box lunches for orientations, tiered cakes, and assorted dessert bars — are prepared fresh each day and are available to be customized for all special occasions, including baby showers, anniversaries, weddings and graduations.  

In addition to a breakfast, lunch, dinner and children’s catering menu, Marsha’s Specialty Desserts offers a variety of customizable cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, pies, brownies, cobblers, cookies and more.

Marsha’s Specialty Desserts is at 10834 E. US Highway 36 in Avon. The storefront is open by appointment only, but the Quarles family can be found at pop-ups and festivals around Indianapolis, including the Juneteenth Foodways Festival and Indiana State Fair.

To view a menu or order online, visit marshasspecialtydesserts.com. To get in contact, call 317-271-8300 or email sales@MarshasSpecialtyDesserts.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: Body Mechanics Health & Wellness

Noral Parham
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Minority Business Highlight: Body Mechanics Health & Wellness

Sometimes we may need a recharge. Other times, we may need a realignment.

No, we are not talking about realigning your car, but realigning your body and your life. That is where Body Mechanics Health & Wellness comes in.

Opened in 2017 behind Indianapolis native Dr. Lauren Harden, Body Mechanics Health & Wellness offers a range of services to get your mind, body and spirit back on track.

Doctor adjusting a patient's neck.
Dr. Lauren Harden assists a client. (Photo via website)

Harden is also a board-certified, licensed chiropractor and athletic trainer. She received her bachelor of science in athletic training at Indiana University and her chiropractic education at the Southern California University of Health Sciences. She graduated with a doctoral degree in chiropractic medicine.

Some services include chiropractic care, corrective exercises, x-rays, massage therapy, ultrasounds, lifestyle advice, nutritional consulting, electrical stimulation (electrotherapy), pre- and post-natal chiropractic care, laser therapy and more.

Body Mechanics Health & Wellness is at 2802 North Central Avenue, Suite C, in Indianapolis, IN, 46205. You can contact Body Mechanics Health & Wellness via phone at 317-721-2537.

This business highlight was written 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.

Minority Business Highlight: Liftoff Creamery

Hanna Rauworth
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Minority Business Highlight: Liftoff Creamery

Ladies and gentlemen, your captain has turned on the ‘fasten seatbelts’ sign — Liftoff Creamery in Indianapolis is ready for takeoff! Prepare to soar into a delicious world of artisanal ice cream, under the guidance of founder Ryan Lynch.

A commercial airline pilot by trade, Lynch founded the Liftoff Creamery with the intention of combining his passions: ice cream, flying and inspiring young entrepreneurs. The original location at 111 E. 16th St. teaches students the importance of customer service and the value of leadership. The creamery offers a variety of aviation-themed flavors. Amelia Earhart is a strawberry ice cream with diced strawberry chunks, baggage is a banana pudding themed treat and turbulent is a vanilla ice cream blended with Oreo cookies. Other flavors like theory of flight, runway change, and traffic pattern add to the ambience to create a smooth takeoff for all passengers.

In addition to the downtown location, Liftoff Creamer’s sister location in Fountain Square (Square Scoop) also embodies the motto: “Let’s soar to deliciousness.”

While Square Scoop does have the same aviation theme as Liftoff, the old-fashioned candy and board games decorating the walls create a homey feeling that makes the ice cream taste that much better.

Liftoff Creamery offers a selection of 40-50 ice creams that rotate from the 120 unique flavors they have created since their founding in 2020.

Lynch’s extracurriculars expand beyond the stratosphere of ice cream, however. He is also the founder of the National Aviation Youth Resources Foundation, which helps students feel empowered to pursue STEM careers, with an emphasis on aviation.

For more information or to order online, visit www.liftoffcreamery.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: Florals By Stephany Marie

CHLOE McGOWAN
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Minority Business Highlight: Florals By Stephany Marie

Florals By Stephanie Marie specializes in wedding planning and event design. 

The local Black- and woman-owned florist got its start on Valentine’s Day 20 years ago and takes care of every detail of planning and designing events, down to sourcing the highest quality flowers available that season from sustainable farmers and local growers.

Stephany Marie provided flowers and decoration for a variety of events, from extravagant ballroom soirees to intimate backyard events, baby showers, weddings and more. Clients work closely with her from the minute they book to the day of the event, and designs are tailored to suit anyone’s style and aesthetic, from modern tropical to vintage eclectic. 

Florals by Stephany Marie was chosen as the 2021 WeddingRule.com Editor’s Choice winner, and a gallery of her previous work can be viewed at stephanymarie.com/about.

The business is at the historic Rink Mansion, 2105 N. Meridian St. For more information, visit stephanymarie.com. To get in contact, call 317-937-1700 or email info@stephanymarie.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: Black Girl Hug

Noral Parham
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Minority Business Highlight: Black Girl Hug

Black Girl Hug is not just a brand; it’s a powerful movement dedicated to empowering Black women through self-expression, community support and mental health advocacy.

Founded with a clear mission to break the silence around anxiety and promote healing by Tangia Seward, Black Girl Hug provides more than apparel; the organization hosts a haven where Black women can authentically embrace their identities without judgment.

woman posing for the camera.
A photo of President of Black Girl Hug Tangia Seward. (Photo provided/Black Girl Hug website)

The essence of a “Black Girl Hug” (Or BGH) extends beyond a physical embrace — it symbolizes self-healing and empowerment. Seward emphasizes that by embracing their healing journeys, Black women become beacons of inspiration for others.

Through their iconic t-shirts, BGH encourages women to express themselves while fostering a network of solidarity. This community-driven approach aims to unite Black women, offering them solace and inspiration as they navigate life’s challenges together.

With each t-shirt purchase, the brand commits to making a meaningful impact by donating proceeds to organizations focused on mental health resources for Black women. By supporting these initiatives, the organization strives to dismantle barriers that hinder access to necessary care and elevate the conversation around mental wellness within the Black community. Seward’s leadership underscores a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where every Black woman feels valued and understood. To join the Black Girl Hug community, support their mission and explore their empowering apparel, visit their website at blackgirlhug.com.

Contact Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.

Minority Business Highlight: Scotchy Jamaican Grill

Hanna Rauworth
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Minority Business Highlight: Scotchy Jamaican Grill

From 24-hour marinated jerk pork to perfectly golden salted cod fish and lump crab fritters, the creations of Marlon Llewellyn at Scotchy Jamaican Grill embody their catchphrase, “Catch ah vibe.”

Born in Jamaica to a restauranteur mother, Llewellyn was called to action one morning in church.

“The Holy Spirit spoke to me, and it said, ‘I’m not going to let you leave this Earth until you have tried everything you need to try,’” Llewellyn said.

After that, Llewellyn and his son, Bryce, developed Scotchy Jamaican Grill, dedicated to embodying the spirit of traditional Jamaican cuisine and honoring his late mother. Llewellyn’s efforts, however, share time with his full-time job, and balancing the two can be challenging.

Llewellyn has been an educator for over 20 years and is currently the director of recruitment for teacher partnership at Marian University. Prior to his current role, Llewellyn was the principle at Tindley, where he promoted excellence and the success of the students. That emphasis on success followed Llewellyn on his culinary journey.

All three of the Scotchy Jamaican Grill pop-ups at Fisher’s Test Kitchen have sold out thus far, and, while Llewellyn loves feeding his community, his full-time job will begin to pick up in August and he’s not sure if time will allow for another one so soon.

Llewellyn and his family continue to chip away at their goals, however. They aspire to open 100 fast-casual restaurants by the year 2030 with the first location in Fishers by next year.

“Our goal is to disrupt the fast-casual model of dining,” Llewellyn said. “We have an amazing repertoire of food in Jamaica. I just want everyone to enjoy it.”

To learn more about Scotchy Jamaican Grill and stay up to date on their pop-ups, follow them on Instagram @scotchy_jamaican_grill.

man and two women pose for the camera
(Photo/Marlon Llewellyn (left).

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: Dreamchasers Basketball

Noral Parham
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Minority Business Highlight: Dreamchasers Basketball

For Harvey Harrington, founder of Dreamchasers Basketball Indy, it’s about more than just layups, cone drills, post-ups and jump shots. It’s about fostering dreams and development in young athletes, especially those in the Indianapolis community.

Harrington, the brother of former Indiana Pacers forward Al Harrington, isn’t just another coach. He’s a steadfast entrepreneur with a passion for empowering the next generation. What began as a casual training session blossomed into a respected and diverse youth basketball program.

Dreamchasers Basketball focuses on fundamentals. They take young athletes, from beginners to those with collegiate hoop dreams, and sharpen their skills in shooting, dribbling and defense.

Members of the H&H North leadership team, including Dreamchasers Basketball owner Harvey Harrington (Left). (Photo/David Dixon)

However, Harrington’s vision extends beyond the court. He strives to instill life lessons in his students, developing a comprehensive program reminiscent of the fun and community he experienced in his adolescence.

This commitment is on display in their annual basketball camps. Currently, Harrington is hosting the Dreamchasers 6th Annual Basketball Camp at Mt. Vernon Middle School Fieldhouse in Fortville, IN. The camp takes place from July 15-18. The focus is on helping youth hoopers ages 6-15 develop skills on and off the court.

Additionally, Harrington is a part of the leadership team at H&H Fieldhouse North in Fishers, IN. H&H Fieldhouse North also focuses on providing the youth with a safe, accessible and welcoming environment to learn new skills.

kids playing at H&H North facility.
A shot of the H&H North facility in Fishers, IN. (Photo/David Dixon)

Harrington’s dedication to his community is clear.  He recognizes the significance of providing a safe space for young people to hone their talents and character. Dreamchasers Basketball isn’t just about winning games, it’s about nurturing well-rounded individuals with a love for the sport. 

As Dreamchasers continues to grow, it serves as a shining example of how a local, minority-owned business can have a positive impact on the lives of Indianapolis youth.

For more information on Dreamchasers Basketball, visit dreamchasersbball.com. You can also check out H&H Fieldhouse at handhfieldhouse.com.

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

IBJ unveils new Indiana 250

STAFF
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IBJ unveils new Indiana 250

IBJ Media announced the third annual Indiana 250, a list of the state’s most influential business and community leaders, community organizations, nonprofits, government entities and members from the public and private sector.

CEO Nate Feltman stated that the landscape of impactful Indiana residents is forever changing.

“It’s hard to choose just 250 people from among the thousands who work every day to make Indiana a better place to live and to work,” Feltman said in a statement. “But we believe the people on the Indiana 250 list are especially worthy of distinction. They are thinking big and driving change.”

The list was carefully curated by the executives, editors and newsroom staff at IBJ Media’s three news brands — Indianapolis Business Journal, Inside INdiana Business and Indiana Lawyer. The making of the list involved a thorough monthslong process which included reviewing nominations, researching Indiana organizations and consulting with community leaders across the state.

“Creating this list is always inspiring because the people on it have so much passion for our communities and our state,” Feltman said in a statement. “One of our goals with the list is to make sure that we recognize people from across Indiana and from diverse industries and then make connections among them for the betterment of all Hoosiers.”

CEOs returning to the list include David Ricks of Eli Lilly and Co., Gail Boudreaux of Elevance Health, Jennifer Rumsey of Cummins Inc. and others.

business Meeting

IBJ Media added a number of additional executives this year, including Curt Begle of Berry Global, Ellen Crabb of United Animal Health, Brad Moore of Roche Diagnostics, R. Scott Brand of Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Brandi Davis-Handy of AES Indiana and Dave Bailey of OrthoPediatrics.

The Indiana 250 Editor Lesley Weidenbener said the list recognizes leaders across various sectors in Indiana, including nonprofit organizations, industry groups, government agencies and smaller companies. It includes individuals making an impact in health care, law, philanthropy, nonprofit leadership and the arts.

The Indiana Fever’s newest star, Caitlin Clark, has been drawing tens of thousands more fans to the WNBA and has earned a spot on the 2024 list, despite having only been in Indiana for a few months.

Also featured is the president of the Center for Leadership Development Dennis Bland and vice chair and co-owner of the Indianapolis Colts Kalen Jackson, who is leading the team’s efforts to combat the stigma associated with mental health problems.

For more information or to view the Indiana 250 list for 2024, click here.

For more news from the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, visit our homepage.

Minority Business Highlight: The Yoga Studio 

Hanna Rauworth
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Minority Business Highlight: The Yoga Studio 

Karen Fox has been bringing yoga to the greater Indianapolis community since 2007 when she founded her yoga business. Characterized by hot vinyasa, slow flows and ashtanga flows, The Yoga Studio provides every yogi, beginner or advanced, a safe space to perfect their practice. 

The first location in Broad Ripple was inspired by Fox’s experiences with hot vinyasa in Michigan. With temperatures reaching 95 degrees, hot vinyasa is designed to be both detoxifying and enlightening, is the signature class of The Yoga Studio and is inspired by Fox’s yoga teacher, Jonny Kest. 

The class differs in other ways from traditional yoga classes. Eclectic, loud music characterizes each series of postures and many times the flows are go-at-your-own-pace.  

In addition to the hot vinyasa classes, The Yoga Studio offers slow flows, a class with the same elements as hot vinyasa but a slower pace to help with strength and flexibility. Flows are often guided by teachers and postures are held longer to balance out the class.  

“I am grateful for this incredible universe and every experience both pleasant and unpleasant for it has led me to this path of service: sharing yoga with as many people as I can,” Fox said on The Yoga Studio’s website. 

Beginners are encouraged to read their “new students” guide on their website prior to attending class. Cancellation policies, pricing and schedules are available at indyyogastudio.com.  

Contact Staff Writer Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth. 

Minority Business Highlight: Simply Southern Restaurant & Catering

CHLOE McGOWAN
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Minority Business Highlight: Simply Southern Restaurant & Catering

Known as “Indy’s best kept secret,” Simply Southern specializes in traditional, home cooked southern comfort food. 

Owned and operated by Sherry Lynem, Simply Southern caters to the community through food and was one of the vendors for the third annual Juneteenth Foodways Festival in 2024.

“We believe that a restaurant is more than just a place to eat — it’s a place to respect and savor each individual ingredient, and to honor the unique preferences of each of our patrons,” the website states. “Family inspired cuisine and warm hospitality come together at Simply Southern for the ultimate Soul Food experience.”

The menu features several “mouthwatering” southern staples for breakfast, lunch and dinner, such as fried apples, country fried potatoes and grits, chicken, collard greens, made-to-order fried fish, pork chops, oxtail and more.

Simply Southern is also available to cater for big and small events, such as birthdays, corporate events and weddings. The restaurant space itself can also be booked out for parties or events.

Guests can place a reservation online or order for pick up or delivery though DoorDash, GrubHub and UberEats.

Simply Southern Soul Food is at 2940 E 38th St, Suite F and pop-up events and festivals around the city. For more information, to make a reservation or order catering, visit ordersimplysouthern.com. To get in contact, call 317-542-0203 or email indybestkeptsecret@gmail.com.

This minority business highlight was composed by CHLOE McGOWAN at the Indianapolis Recorder, who can be reached at 317-762-7848 or via email at chloegm@indyrecorder.com. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, click here!

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