Violet Vintage Rentals aims to be Indy’s one-stop marketplace for event party planning.
Violet Vintage was founded by Vanessa Grider in 2013, with the goal of providing Hoosiers with affordable specialty party and wedding rentals that “inspire and excite,” according to the website. The company was bought by current owner and CEO Ian Ndabari in 2020, and continues to serve as a compelling and innovative party and wedding rental marketplace.
Violet Vintage Party Rentals features an extensive event rental inventory, which has been carefully curated to give clients the tools they need to create a “truly mesmerizing experience.” Additionally, the company maintains sustainability by sourcing upcycled or restored products, refurbishing and reselling or commissioning furniture and decor from Indianapolis-based artisans.
Services and offerings include seating and chairs, lighting, tables and tableware, signage, backdrops and arches, specialty furniture and decor, textiles and various event packages. Design and style rental options range from vintage to classic, modern and trendy to add “a touch of luxury and elegance to any event,” according to the website.
Violate Vintage Rentals is based out of Indianapolis with a showroom located at 1125 E. Brookside Ave, Suite D03. For more information or to shop the online store, visit violetvintage.com. To get in contact, call 317-520-2929 or email info@violetvintage.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.
What began as a therapeutic hobby in a garage grew into Ms. Franklin Candle Co., a thriving e-commerce business offering a line of all-natural, soy wax candles and more.
Founded by Takisha Franklin, a United States Army veteran and military spouse, the company embodies her resilient journey and commitment to creating a product that fosters comfort and calm.
Franklin started the business in 2019. As a mother and a military spouse navigating the challenges of frequent moves and reintegration into civilian life, Franklin turned to candle-making as a creative and soothing outlet. The positive reception from her community encouraged her to transition the passion project into a business.
Ms. Franklin Candle Co. distinguishes itself in the crowded candle market by focusing on all-natural, soy wax-based products. Soy wax burns cleaner and longer than paraffin and is derived from a renewable resource. The company’s hand-poured candles feature cotton wicks and premium fragrance oils.
The product line, available through its online store at MXPShop.net, features a variety of scents designed to evoke specific moods and atmospheres. Popular offerings include scents like “Calm,” a blend of lavender and lemongrass, and “Balance,” which combines eucalyptus and sage. The business also offers candle accessories, including decorative lids and wax warmers.
Takisha Franklin, founder and owner of Ms. Franklin Candle Co. (Photo via Instagram)
Beyond building a brand, Franklin has cultivated a community. Through her active social media presence, particularly on Facebook, she engages directly with customers, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of the production process and promoting the message of self-care that is central to her brand’s identity.
As a Black-owned and woman-owned small business, Ms. Franklin Candle Co. represents a growing segment of the economy. Franklin’s story is one of leveraging personal experience into an enterprise focused on quality and well-being. The company continues to operate primarily through its e-commerce platform, shipping its products to customers across the United States.
Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham created this minority business highlight. Contact him at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on social media @HorsemenSportsMedia. If you would like your business featured in the Indiana Minoirty Business Magazine, click here.
Indiana will soon have its first de novo bank in nearly 20 years, according to an American Bankers Association (ABA) analysis of FDIC data. Generations Community Bank (GCB) received regulatory approval from both state and federal agencies this summer, pending completion of the bank’s capital raise. Leaders hope to finish that in time to open their doors by the end of the year, by the first quarter of 2026 at the latest. De novo approvals have plummeted since the financial crisis of 2008-10, as seen in the chart below. However, there is an expectation among some analysts that we may finally start to see more de novo activity under the current regulatory environment.
Minority Depository Institution
Generations represents a second landmark for the state as it is also on track to be Indiana’s first Minority Depository Institution (MDI) bank. MDIs are an official classification by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for federally insured depository institutions that either (1) have 51% or more of their voting stock owned by minority individuals or (2) have a board of directors that is majority minority and serves a community that is predominantly minority.
While there are not currently any MDI banks in Indiana, there were 152 across the country holding a combined $371 billion in assets as of March 31, 2025, including 10 in the FDIC’s Chicago region, which governs Indiana.
Longer-term trends among MDIs reflect the broader industry in terms of merger and acquisition activity and a lack of de novos, but since the pandemic, MDIs have been on a steady pace of growth from the number of institutions and branches to overall assets and deposits.
A recent report from the National Bankers Association (NBA) found that MDI assets grew 90% from 2014 to 2024, and 43% since the 2019/pre-pandemic era. MDIs are also expanding geographically, jumping from 32 states and territories in 2022-23 to 43 by year-end 2024.
Source: An analysis of FDIC data. (Photo provided/Hoosier Banker)
Mission-driven institution
Generations’ primary source of initial funding came from Old National Bank (ONB), Evansville. Old National said that its primary regulator, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, approached CEO Jim Ryan several years ago and informally asked if his team could provide guidance to struggling MDIs.
He asked the bank’s CEO Council, a group of emerging leaders within the institution, to research the topic and come back with ideas. When they discovered Indiana didn’t have any, they recommended that instead of helping out-of-state organizations, ONB should help start a new one in Indiana.
“Along with its recommendation, the CEO Council created a high-level business plan for the MDI” that would become Generations Community Bank, according to Al London.
London currently serves as senior vice president, community impact director for ONB, but will become Generations’ CEO when it completes its initial capital raise.
Black young man filling out paperwork at bank office counter while Black female clerk holding identification card assisting him, Caucasian male customer sitting in background waiting
“While ONB is proud to have several programs and initiatives in place to serve underserved populations, it recognizes that an even greater impact can be made by helping launch an MDI in our home state,” London said.
Mission-driven banks play a crucial role in the communities they serve. The NBA report found communities with an MDI present have better credit health as measured by factors like credit score, total credit available and credit utilization rates, relative to demographically similar communities that do not have an MDI present. An ABA analysis of Small Business Administration (SBA) lending data found MDIs originated roughly 2,500 SBA loans in 2024, totaling $2.2 billion – a 250% increase from pre-COVID figures in 2019.
Generations’ mission is to speak the language of its community and similarly fill the gaps in access to quality financial products and services through the bank’s core values of collaboration, communication, innovation and discipline.
“It is important to note that MDIs were created in the first place because the traditional banking system is generally not equipped to address these issues as effectively as mission-driven banks,” said Rafael Sanchez, Old National Bank’s executive vice president, chief impact officer and Indianapolis Market president. “Old National intends to partner with Generations Community Bank to help drive even more impact to Hoosiers in central Indiana.”
Personal mission
It was that dedication to the mission that led London to leave a successful, stable position with a national bank and take the leap to build something from scratch.
“I was at a point in my career where I had begun to ask myself, ‘What do I want my career legacy to be?’ and ‘How will I be able to identify how I made a difference in the community that I call home?’” he said. “The mission is part of the DNA of GCB versus being a department of the bank. My mother taught me and my siblings the importance/power of helping your fellow neighbor. The opportunity to lead Generations Community Bank allows me to honor that teaching while making an economic difference in Indiana.”
London and his team aim to address the wealth gap in central Indiana that, according to GCB’s research, currently shows white families holding on average 7.8 times the net wealth of a Black family and 30% more homeownership than Black individuals, 27% more than Latin Americans and 15% more than Asian Americans.
“Generations Community Bank’s service model aims to provide the resources, education and financial support to create more business owners and homeowners from underserved communities, and assist them in creating generational wealth,” he said.
“…This bank will serve the entire community … It will be a very inclusive, mission-driven bank…”
Al London
Despite the bank’s emphasis on underserved populations, London emphasized that “this bank will serve the entire community. It is not a Black bank or a Latino bank or an Asian bank. It will be a very inclusive, mission-driven bank that will aim to create economic mobility for all Hoosiers and will pay close attention to and focus on those communities that have been overlooked and underserved.”
“In this sense, the bank will be focused on equality of opportunity, not equality of results,” Sanchez added. “We are proud to have the support of Gov. Mike Braun and our state and federal regulators.”
“I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for Jim Ryan, Rafael Sanchez, Roland Shelton, the ONB family and the Generations Community Bank Board of Directors for their unwavering support,” London added. “We truly appreciate the support we have received from other Indiana community banks who made the decision to join us on this historic journey.”
A map of Minority Depository Institutions. Source: ABA analysis of FDIC data. (Photo provided/Hoosier Banker)
De novo
The time from those initial discussions with Old National’s CEO Council to GCB’s anticipated opening will be roughly the 2.5 years it takes the average MDI to get off the ground. It was delayed by the change in presidential administration, but the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions approved the bank’s charter application on July 10, and the FDIC followed suit on Aug. 21. The final piece is to complete the bank’s initial capital raise.
While ONB provided the first significant round of funding and GCB’s top executives are currently on the bank’s payroll, it will not own GCB. London could not disclose the names of additional investors but said they do have many well-known community and business leaders in the bank’s ownership group, with the intention of Old National not holding more than 4.99% of Generations’ voting shares moving forward.
Without naming specific institutions, Sanchez confirmed several community banks have signed up as investors with more expressing an interest and running through their approval processes. Assuming it is approved for MDI status, investment can count toward a bank’s Community Reinvestment Act rating even if the community the MDI serves is not in the investing bank’s assessment area.
“We are excited that we have already obtained commitments from other local banks, as we think this is a great opportunity for many banks to collaborate and partner together for the betterment of our community,” London said.
Loc’d By E, a boutique hair studio in Indianapolis, is offering specialized microloc installations and maintenance services focused on promoting healthy hair growth and precision styling.
The studio provides a consultation-first approach to ensure each client receives customized care. Consultations are mandatory for new clients and involve assessing hair health, texture and suitability for microlocs. Clients are required to arrive with clean, air-dried hair, free of product buildup. The consultation fee is non-refundable and does not go toward the installation cost.
An example of a Loc’d by E client. (Photo/Loc’d by E website)
Microloc installations start at $1,200 for hair that is up to five inches long. The price increases based on length, density and complexity, with a maximum service length of 10 inches for natural hair. A $250 deposit is required to book an installation appointment, with the remaining balance due on the day of the service. Loc’d By E does not work with severely damaged or chemically treated hair.
The studio also provides retying services to maintain clean and well-formed locs. Rates vary depending on how many weeks have passed since the last maintenance appointment, beginning at $150 for reties scheduled between four and six weeks. Prices increase up to $275 for appointments booked at 10 weeks. Additional time is billed at $30 per hour. Correction services are also available for clients who need adjustments to existing microlocs, billed at $50 per hour.
Loc’d By E maintains several policies to ensure a smooth experience for clients, including requiring that clients come alone to appointments due to limited space. Installations canceled within 72 hours of the scheduled appointment are subject to a 10% cancellation fee.
An example of a Loc’d by E client. (Photo/Loc’d by E website)
Located at 4201 Millersville Rd. in Suite 206, the studio operates Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday with varying hours. Loc’d By E is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.
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.
Hers and His Cleaning Service is a Black- and woman-owned business that strives to make cleaning “easy for everyone.”
Founded by Nicky Collins, Hers and His Cleaning Service specializes in creating clean, healthy environments through high-quality, professional and affordable cleaning solutions. Collins created her business with a “people-first” attitude in mind, hoping to provide “dependable, detail-oriented house cleaning and office cleaning that makes life easier” for their clients, according to the website.
“As a mother, I’ve learned the value of hard work, resilience, and doing things right the first time – and I bring those same values into every job I take on,” the website states. “Starting this cleaning service wasn’t just about making a living; it was about building something meaningful for my family and my community.”
Whether it’s an office, home or apartment, Hers and His Cleaning Service treats every space as if it’s their own, striving to “make every space we tough a reflection of care and excellence,” according to the website.
Hers and His Cleaning Service offers an online booking site where clients can choose from services such as basic cleaning, deep cleaning, commercial cleaning, emergency cleaning, Airbnb and rental turnover cleaning, as well as a floors-only service.
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
Momma’s Kitchen 317 is a Black-owned, woman-owned eatery and lounge founded in 2025 in Indianapolis.
Momma’s Kitchen provides soul food and southern-style comfort cuisine in the heart of the Martindale Brightwood neighborhood.
This eatery serves a delightful array of soul food staples to satisfy any craving. Their menu boasts classics like crispy fried chicken, perfectly seasoned and golden brown, and smothered pork chops that melt in your mouth. For something hearty, don’t miss the slow-cooked collard greens, flavored with a hint of smoked meat for that authentic southern taste.
In addition to these delectable main dishes, Momma’s Kitchen offers a selection of comforting sides that complete the experience. Indulge in creamy macaroni and cheese, rich sweet potatoes and fluffy cornbread that pairs perfectly with any meal. Each dish reflects the love and tradition of Southern cooking, making every visit a truly comforting experience.
Momma’s Kitchen 317 is preparing for it’s grand opening near 30th Street and Sherman Drive. You can contact Momma’s Kitchen 317 at 317-600-3603.
Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham composed this highlight. Contact him at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on social media @HorsemenSportsMedia. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
KeyBank Foundation announced a $750,000 investment to help launch the Green Jobs Workforce Initiative, a new program aimed at preparing Indianapolis residents for careers in the growing green economy.
The initiative will serve residents of the IndyEast Economic Mobility District, which includes the city’s near eastside, southeast and Martindale Brightwood neighborhoods. Participants will receive industry-recognized training, certifications and career placement support designed to connect them to high-demand, living-wage jobs in fields such as energy auditing, solar installation, asbestos and lead abatement, and environmental remediation.
The three-year effort will be coordinated by Southeast Community Services, in partnership with John Boner Neighborhood Centers and the Edna Martin Christian Center. The three organizations will provide wraparound services including career coaching, financial coaching and income supports through the Centers for Working Families model.
The program is designed to serve individuals who face barriers to employment, including those who are underemployed, formerly justice-involved or lack postsecondary education. Organizers aim to enroll 100 residents in the full training and certification program over the next three years.
James Taylor, CEO of John Boner Neighborhood Centers, said the initiative has the potential to change the trajectory of many families in the area.
“KeyBank’s investment in the IndyEast Economic Mobility District is a game-changer for our neighborhoods, connecting residents to sustainable, in-demand careers and strengthening our local economy,” Taylor said. “Together with Southeast Community Services and Edna Martin Christian Center, we are creating pathways to prosperity through the Green Jobs Workforce Initiative. This effort is about more than training — it’s about opportunity and long-term stability for families. By preparing residents for success in the green economy, we are opening doors for individuals who have historically faced barriers to employment, while building a more sustainable future for the neighborhoods we call home.”
The check presentation for KeyBank’s investment of $750,000 in the IndyEast Economic Mobility District to support the launch of the Green Jobs Workforce Initiative. (Photo/KeyBank)
Participants who complete the program will leave with valuable credentials, including certifications such as the OSHA 30-hour certificate and the Association of Energy Engineers’ Energy Auditor Certificate. Program leaders have set a goal for at least 85% of enrolled participants to complete the program, with at least 80% earning at least one industry-recognized certification.
To track progress and ensure effectiveness, organizers plan to measure outcomes such as participation rates, program satisfaction and long-term impact on participants. An independent third-party evaluator will also be brought in to assess the program.
Yvonne Harrington, corporate responsibility officer at KeyBank, said the initiative aligns with the company’s dual focus on economic mobility and environmental sustainability.
“At KeyBank, we believe economic mobility and environmental sustainability go hand in hand,” Harrington said. “Our support of the Green Jobs Workforce Initiative reflects our commitment to investing in the communities we serve by helping to create pathways to living-wage careers. This program will equip individuals with the essential skills needed for the green economy, strengthen families and help revitalize neighborhoods.”
The investment comes as demand for green jobs continues to grow in Indiana and across the country. By equipping residents with the skills to meet this demand, program leaders hope to create lasting economic and environmental benefits for Indianapolis communities.
KeyBank’s involvement also reflects its broader commitment to community investment. The company, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, is celebrating its bicentennial in 2025. KeyBank is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $185 billion as of June 30. It operates in 15 states through a network of about 1,000 branches and 1,200 ATMs.
For more information about KeyBank and its services, visit key.com.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Keeping homes, offices and rental properties clean and welcoming just got easier for residents of Brownsburg and the greater Indianapolis area, thanks to Awesome Cleaning, a local full-service cleaning company.
The company provides a wide range of services, including routine residential cleaning, deep office and industrial cleaning, vacation rental preparation, carpet and upholstery care, and dry-cleaning services. Clients can schedule services online, making it simple to get professional cleaning when needed most.
Awesome Cleaning emphasizes professionalism and reliability. Staff members are trained, insured, and committed to delivering high-quality results, whether cleaning a single room or an entire property. Punctuality and attention to detail are central to their approach, ensuring that clients’ spaces are ready and inviting.
Eco-friendly practices are another hallmark of the company. While delivering thorough results, the team uses non-toxic, safe cleaning products that are better for children, pets and the environment. Clear, upfront pricing gives clients confidence in the services they book, and testimonials highlight the team’s friendliness and dedication.
Awesome cleaning offers full-service cleaning for homes, offices and rentals in Brownsburg and the greater Indianapolis area. (Photo/Awesome Cleaning website)
In addition to residential and commercial services, Awesome Cleaning specializes in preparing vacation rentals and move-in or move-out cleanings, helping property owners maintain a polished appearance for guests or new residents. Carpet and upholstery cleaning services restore freshness to furniture and floors, and dry-cleaning options provide convenience for busy households.
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.
Mansion Society, a Latinx-owned coffee shop, operates from a historic building on the former Central State Hospital grounds in Indianapolis’ Hawthorne neighborhood.
Founded by the Lezama family, immigrants who moved to the city more than 15 years ago, the business offers a unique experience rooted in the site’s past.
The coffee shop occupies a 1938 Victorian-style administration building, which has been converted into apartments. The owners carefully preserved the historic atmosphere, sourcing vintage decor from thrift stores and estate sales to maintain an authentic, timeless feel.
The coffee shop is known for its high-quality, artisanal offerings. All syrups, sauces and concentrates are made in-house. Pastries are delivered fresh daily from a contracted bakery, with some items imported directly from France.
A seasonal menu features creative beverages like the Spiced Cookie Latte and Pear Tart Lattes.
Beyond its products, Mansion Society serves as an important community hub. The area hosts few cafes, making the shop a valuable neighborhood resource. Recent development has transformed the surrounding grounds with new apartments, townhomes and schools.
Despite offers to relocate to a newer building within the redeveloped area, the owners chose to remain in their original location. They believe the historic setting is integral to the business’s identity and allure.
Mansion Society is located at 202 Steeples Blvd. in Indianapolis. The shop is open from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.
Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham created this highlight. Contact him at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on Facebook @HorsemenSportsMedia. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indiana Minority BUsiness Magazine, click here.
Nestled in the heart of the city is a bakery that blends Southern tradition, familial warmth and Midwest flair: Cretia Cakes Bake Shop.
Founded by pastry chef LaCretia Allen and her husband, Angelo — affectionately known as “The Baker’s Man” — this woman- and minority-owned business has become a local institution for Southern-style sweets and custom cakes.
LaCretia Allen’s journey to baking excellence was shaped early. Growing up with Southern parents in Indianapolis, she developed a passion for baking while still a child, even earning the nickname “Ms. Betty Crocker” during her school days. Though she first pursued an accounting degree, the call of the kitchen was too strong to ignore. After college, she formalized her skills at Ivy Tech’s Culinary Program, specializing in Baking & Pastry Arts under mentors like Paul Vida and Linda Shonk.
The Pineapple Upside Down Cake from Cretia Cakes. (Photo/CretiaCakes.com)
Her professional experience includes time with Just Desserts and Panera Bread as well as learning Southern baking techniques from Marsha Brooks of Ms. Sweet B’s. In 2006, LaCretia and Angelo opened Cretia Cakes near the Speedway. Since then, they’ve become known for their melt-in-your-mouth offerings: butter pecan cake, red velvet, pecan pies, cookies, wedding creations and more.
Over the years, Cretia Cakes has marked several milestones:
They crafted over 2,000 custom cookies for Super Bowl XLVI in 2012.
Their partnerships extend into the community via work with Hoosier Park Casino, the Indianapolis Zoo, and the Children’s Museum.
In 2023, Cretia Cakes introduced their “Caramel Obsession Cake” on the national platform HSN (Home Shopping Network). The cake is a signature Southern comfort cake described as “tasting just like what Grandma used to make.”
Cretia Cakes isn’t just about desserts; it’s about teaching, culture and connection. LaCretia has taken on roles mentoring new pastry chefs, showcasing her talent via television segments and lifestyle shows. Locally, the shop is treasured both for everyday treats and for custom-order showstoppers.
To shop Cretia Cakes, visit cretiacakes.com or visit their store at 4640 N. Keystone Ave.
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.
