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Minority Business Highlight: Tanorria’s Table 

Tanorria Askew transformed her love for cooking into Tanorria’s Table, a culinary brand that blends comfort, culture and creativity. From her appearance on “MasterChef” to her work as a personal chef and advocate for food justice, Askew’s mission is clear: to create soul-satisfying meals while fostering connections around the table. 

Askew spent 15 years at Teachers Credit Union before leaving to follow her passion of Tanorria’s Table. During her time there, she championed the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiative and won the Mayor’s Celebration of Diversity Award. Askew has spoken to audiences as a keynote speaker, emcee and panelist about her career shift, DEI, social justice and anti-racism. 

“Helping business and individuals see beyond their own biases and deep into the root of the problem is where the magic happens,” Askew said on her website. “It’s what makes everyone walk away better and ready to do the work to fight for equity.” 

Askew offers cooking demonstrations, personal chef services and virtual cooking classes monthly. Aside from cooking, she provides DEI consultations, anti-racist journey consultations for companies and a podcast. Askew can also be booked as a keynote speaker for empowerment. 

Askew’s cookbook, “Staples + 5: 100 Simple Recipes to Make the Most of Your Pantry” is available for purchase online and in-store and includes a guide on how to craft meals with only a few pantry essentials. 

On her website, tanorriastable.com, Askew also posts recipes, shopping guides and blogs for readers to enjoy. Gift cards for dinner parties and step-by-step recipe videos can also be found there. 

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: She Moves Forward

She Moves Forward, Inc. is a grief counseling program created by women for women.  

Certified grief and mindfulness coach, author and advocate Jan Mitchell created She Moves Forward as a way to help women experiencing grief.  

“At our core, we believe in the transformative power of compassion, unconditional love, and unwavering support, which can turn the seemingly unbearable into something bearable,” the website states. “Our mission is simple: to truly listen to you, without judgment, and to provide you with the tools and support you need to embark on your healing journey, on your own terms.” 

She Moves Forward uses evidence-based therapies and mindfulness programs tailored to each client’s specific need — from screaming and throwing things to journaling. The programming is open to women grieving the loss of a family member or child, widows and even caregivers, as Mitchell knows grief is not limited to death. 

The Wellness programs include one-on-one counseling in the form of coffee and a chat, individual grief coaching, corporate grief coaching, I Matter Self-Care Thursdays and Scream and Throw Paint … or SOMETHING! 

She Moves Forward is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization. For more information, visit  shemovesforwardinc.com. To get in contact or schedule an appointment, call 317-660-1588 or email info@shemovesforwardinc.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: A-Town Event Production

Led by owner Betsy Pearson, A-Town Event Production is redefining the art of event planning in not only Anderson, Indiana, but across the nation.

With over a decade of combined experience, this woman-owned event management company is dedicated to transforming your vision into a reality.

Specializing in both lavish celebrations and close-knit gatherings, A-Town Event Production stands out for its meticulous attention to detail.

A-Town Event Production offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to meet even the most complex of needs. Their expertise extends across a slew of event types, including private parties, live entertainment and talent management.

The company’s mission is to assist clients in developing a clear and compelling vision for their event and to execute it with unmatched creativity and professionalism. The A-Town team leverages innovative ideas, proven strategies and resources to deliver experiences that leave a lasting impression. Their approach is not just about planning events but about creating memories that resonate long after the experience.

Betsy Pearson of A-Town Event Production. (Headshot photo via official website)

A-Town Event Production excels in providing personalized services, including venue selection, disc jockeys and live entertainment, making them a ‘one-stop-shop’ for all event needs.

To connect with Betsy Pearson and the talented team at A-Town Event Production, you can reach out directly through their website or by phone. For inquiries and to start planning your next event, visit their website at atowneventproduction.com.


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

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