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IBJ unveils new Indiana 250

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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!

Minority Business Highlight: Bravia Services

Noral Parham
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Minority Business Highlight: Bravia Services

City-County Councilor Nick Roberts and Office of Minority and Women Business Development Director David Fredricks recognized Bravia Services, a service-disabled veteran-owned small business founded by Doug Heath, as the Certified Vendor of the Month for July 2024. 

“Doug Heath has transformed his personal challenges into a thriving business that not only provides exceptional services but also actively promotes inclusivity and empowerment within Indianapolis,” Roberts said in a statement. “Since my father is service-disabled, I am especially proud to recognize Bravia Services and commend Doug’s unwavering commitment to excellence and inspiring leadership.”

Heath founded Bravia Services after a military career spanning six years, extensive experience in the corporate sector and an inspiration to serve those who have valiantly served their country. Bravia Services offers business and staffing, construction and engineering and procurement services.

The company is dedicated to delivering onsite, cost-effective solutions while prioritizing environmental and safety standards. Bravia Services’ core mission is to foster inclusion and diversity by creating meaningful employment opportunities for veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Beyond their business, Bravia Services is deeply involved in community initiatives, with team members actively participating in various local and global efforts. This includes roles in the Indianapolis 500 Festival, ACE Mentor of Indianapolis and numerous volunteer coaching and mentorship programs.

Heath’s leadership has earned recognition from the U.S. Department of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve program with accolades including the Patriot Award and the Above and Beyond Award.

“I am grateful for this recognition and the support of my team and community,” Heath said. “I am committed to continuing the important work of serving veterans and individuals with disabilities and will strive to exceed the expectations.”

Contact multi-media & senior sports reporter 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: Blended Images Photography blends photos and stories

Kayla Barlow
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Minority Business Highlight: Blended Images Photography blends photos and stories

For Rhonda Greene, photography isn’t about capturing the physical. With her one-woman business Blended Images Photography, she aims to capture the essence in her photos, too.  

Her primary goal remains the same — to photograph intimate moments and capture raw reactions with her lens. 

Greene’s grandfather, James Burres, was a photographer at the Indianapolis Recorder. Her childhood trips to and from the dark room to see the final project are what inspired her to pick up the camera. 

After the birth of her daughter, the Indianapolis local took this love for photos and started Blended Images Photography.  

Now, with a specialty in street portraiture, Greene aims to capture authentic stories and emotions. Her creative process, which involves conversing with her client first, allows for vulnerability — something she shows with primarily black and white images to showcase her subject’s texture.  

Greene referenced a discussion where her client, a young woman, was talking about her mastectomy journey when a tear fell, a tender moment she was able to capture for the woman to treasure as a testament to how far she had come.  

“It was real. It was raw, and that’s what I want,” Greene said. “I want their story to come through.” 

Her achievements include exhibitions with the 1000-word art gallery, one of which was shown at the Eiteljorg Musuem’s Juneteenth Celebration. She’s also shot photos for 100 Black Men and Kappa Conclave.  

Setting her business apart, Greene said, is the emphasis on telling the stories of ordinary people and their conversations, something she prioritizes even as she photographs events with keynote speakers.   

“I like to capture the audience,” Greene said. “These are the people that are possibly making choices and decisions … I want to get how they feel, what their reactions are.” 

Greene has also worked with Philippine Cultural Community Center and Mapleton Fall Creek at various schools, in addition to doing shoots for private clients.  

This month, Blended Images Photography will be displayed in an exhibit at the Fourth Annual Black Photography Exhibit at the Indianapolis Public Library, which can be viewed until August 3.  

To book, view or purchase her work, visit blendedimagesphoto.com, @blended_images on Instagram, Rhonda Greene on Facebook or email her at rfulton6969@gmail.com.  

This minority business highlight was composed by KAYLA BARLOW at the Indianapolis Recorder, who can be reached at kaylab@indyrecorder.com. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, click here!

Minority Business Highlight: Guy’s Cooking Creation 

Hanna Rauworth
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Minority Business Highlight: Guy’s Cooking Creation 

With over 17 sauce varieties ranging from 24k honey mustard to Jamaican jerk marinade, Guy’s Cooking Creation fills every dipping, topping and marinating need in the circle city.  

Originally founded in 2017 as a catering business, Guy’s Cooking Creation was the dream of owners Phillip and Latasha Guy. The sauciness all started when they were barbecuing and needed some sauces to put on top. 

From there, the sauce business became their mission, adopting the motto “Have you been sauced yet?” and expanding the business with more creations each year.  

Guy’s Cooking Creation sells their sauces online and in-person at the Garfield Farmers Market every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or at the Nieman Harvest Market at 2140 E 116th St. in Carmel.  

The following sauces are available for purchase: 

  • 24k honey mustard 
  • Papaya hot sauce 
  • Sweet & sour vinegar hot sauce 
  • Hickory heat medium 
  • Strawberry heat 
  • Peri Peri 
  • Birds eye honey chipotle 
  • Hickory heat blaze 
  • Fire garlic vinegar hot sauce 
  • Curry hot sauce 
  • Sweet and spicy barbecue sauce 
  • Mesquite heat vinegar hot sauce 
  • Jamaican jerk marinade 
  • Tropical thunder 
  • Hickory heat (regular) 
  • Indiana heat 
  • Greek hulk chili habanero 

Each bottle costs $17 and can be purchased online at guyscookingcreation.square.site or at marketwagon.com. For more information about catering services, visit their Facebook page. 

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

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Minority Business Highlight: KsKrazyEats

CHLOE McGOWAN
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Minority Business Highlight: KsKrazyEats

KsKrazyEats serves meals with a purpose.

Created by Akira McGowan, the home-based catering and food business got its start in 2019. Although McGowan studied legal studies at Vincennes University and nursing at Marion University, cooking up traditional Haitian and African dishes for the community is what keeps her going.

“A lot of people kind of notice the freshness and uniqueness and the different tastes in my food,” McGowan said. “The people, the community of Indianapolis, is what keeps going; being able to sell my food, and they actually enjoy my food.”

Running her own food business was not part of McGowan’s plan. She turned to cooking after being left bedridden with no source of income. She had her Haitian and African heritage, family recipes and a child to feed, and cooking was “something traditional, unique and universal.”

KsKrazyEats has been doing catering, festivals and vendor events for the last five years and became a licensed LLC in 2023, McGowan said. Her menu changes on a weekly basis and can be found on her social media pages — usually featuring fan favorites such as jollof rice, seafood boudin balls and oxtail.

It did not take long for McGowan to become passionate about her food and learn to cook differently, using all fresh and organic produce, seafood and grass-fed meat, she said.

“These are actually traditional recipes that I’ve actually altered from my family growing up as well,” McGowan said. “Passing all the way down from maybe four generations up to me currently, you can actually see how the recipes have changed over time as well.”

KsKrazyEats currently operates as a home kitchen on the East side as McGowan awaits approval to start working with a ghost kitchen. McGowan is currently available for catering services and vendor events around Indianapolis and beyond. 

For more information or to view a current menu, visit @k_krazyeatz on Instagram. To schedule catering service, call 317-671-3441 or email kskrazyeatsllc@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!

Distilled truth: Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey and its rise to recognition

Noral Parham
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Distilled truth: Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey and its rise to recognition

In the world of whiskey, tradition often reigns supreme. Brands like Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark and Jack Daniel’s tend to evoke visuals of Southern charm, warmth and generations-old recipes. But for Fawn Weaver, CEO of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, a discovery in 2017 obliterated a long-held narrative.

She stumbled upon the story of Nathan ‘Nearest’ Green, a Black man who played a pivotal role in Jack Daniel’s rise to fame. This story had been relegated to the murky crevices of history.

Weaver said she was not even aware of the history of Nearest Green and his impact on Jack Daniel’s legacy until roughly eight years ago.

“This journey began when I saw on the cover of the New York Times international edition ‘Jack Daniel’s Embraces a Hidden Ingredient: Help From a Slave,'” Weaver told the Indianapolis Recorder. “That is what piqued my interest. I had never heard of a brand willing to admit that there was an African American at the beginning of it.”

A Photo of Fawn Weaver.

Green’s relationship with Jack Daniel and the brand is a complex one, shrouded in the haze of time. Historical accounts suggest he was Daniel’s enslaved head distiller and mentor who taught Daniel how to make whiskey.

Green, a skilled craftsman, is credited with introducing Daniel to the charcoal mellowing process, a technique that remains the cornerstone of Jack Daniel’s distinctive flavor profile.

“If you think about every bourbon brand, many who have been around for 150 years, (they) had a Black distiller, but we don’t know any of their names,” Weaver said.

Despite his contributions, Green’s story remained largely untold for over a century. Weaver, determined to rectify this historical injustice, embarked on a relentless quest. She meticulously combed through archives, interviewed descendants and pieced together the fragments of Green’s life.

The result? The inception of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, a brand dedicated to honoring Green’s legacy and challenging the status quo in the whiskey industry.

Victoria Butler of Uncle Nearest.
Master Blender and direct descendant of “Uncle Nearest’ Green Victoria Eady Butler

Weaver’s diligence eventually led her to Victoria Eady Butler, a direct descendent of Green. Today, Butler is a master blender for a brand catalyzed by her ancestor.

“I am continuing a family legacy that started 160 years ago,” Butler said. “I became a master blender and have been traveling the world and meeting amazing people.”

Uncle Nearest’s impact has become somewhat undeniable. The brand, launched in 2017, has become a billion-dollar success story, racking up many awards. This meteoric rise speaks volumes about the quality of the product itself, but it also signifies a growing consumer appetite for brands that champion diversity and inclusion.

Weaver’s efforts extend beyond Uncle Nearest. She is a vocal advocate for diversity in the spirits industry, mentoring aspiring minority entrepreneurs and fostering a more inclusive environment.

“I don’t pay any attention to the fact that I am a woman or that I am a person of color,” Weaver said. “People have never seen anyone who looks like me, so they don’t know how to compete with me. That is an enormous advantage for me.”

Her work with the Nearest Green Foundation, established to educate the public about Green’s life and contributions, further amplifies this message.

Jack Daniels and Nearest Green
A photo of the many hands involved in the making of Jack Daniel’s Whiskey, including George Green, the son of Uncle Nearest, circa 1904. (Photo provided/Newfields)

The story of Fawn Weaver, Victoria Eady Butler and Nearest Green transcends the realm of whiskey.  The team showcases the power of perseverance, the significance of recognizing historical contributions from neglected groups and the potential for a single individual to rewrite a narrative. Weaver’s success paves the way for a future where the history of American whiskey reflects the complex tapestry of its creators and not just a select few.

“I am not a sprinter; I am a hurdler,” Weaver said. “I expect for hurdles to be there, I expect for the challenges to be there, so to focus on them feels unwise.”

Weaver’s unwavering commitment to unearthing the truth and celebrating diversity has not only revived the legacy of Nearest Green but also serves as a beacon for a more equitable future in the world of whiskey.

The clinking of glasses with Uncle Nearest on the rocks is no longer just about enjoying a smooth drink; it’s a toast to a story finally told and a future brimming with possibilities.

“The focus is on building the first spirit conglomerate to be built ever by a woman or a person of color,” Weaver said. “That is the goal.”

Those looking to purchase Weaver’s new book “Love & Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel, His Master Distiller Nearest Green, and the Improbable Rise of Uncle Nearest,” can do so here.

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

Minority Business Highlight: Stepping Stones Behavioral Solutions 

Hanna Rauworth
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Minority Business Highlight: Stepping Stones Behavioral Solutions 

The CDC estimates that one in 36 children in the US have autism, a statistic that is on the rise. As more children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, applied behavior analysis therapy has become more abundant. For Veronica Napier, CEO and founder of Stepping Stones Behavioral Solutions, the therapy provided at her company is tailored to fit the needs of every client. 

Specializing in play-based therapy, the eight Indiana clinics seek to provide high-quality care to lower-income families. Stepping Stones was founded in 2016 and provides private education, 1:1 direct ABA therapy, early intervention services, waiver services and parent training opportunities.  

Stepping Stones recently expanded their clinics to Mississippi, but Napier hopes the future extends beyond geographics. The goal is to service clients in areas where ABA therapy facilities are not available.  

While the company has continued to grow since its beginnings, there have been challenges along the way, according to Napier.  

“We recently went through rate decreases, and we had to reduce the number of breaks and tuition reimbursement incentives (for employees),” Napier said. “Although that was a challenge, we have been able to offer other benefits such as unpaid time off, sick time and a leveling system that offers monetary bonusses and higher accrual for time off for all.” 

Employee satisfaction is high on Napier’s priority list as she continues to expand Stepping Stones. In addition to providing more access to underserved areas, Napier also plans to increase the number of clinicians servicing each clinic.  

While challenges remain, Napier maintains a strong set of values as she continues to learn in her role. For those looking to start a business, Napier suggests seeking out a mentor, staying studious, being willing to change and learn and always listening. 

For more information about Stepping Stones Behavioral Solutions, visit steppingstonesindy.com.  

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

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Minority Business Highlight: Roscoe’s Express Delivery

Noral Parham
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Minority Business Highlight: Roscoe’s Express Delivery

Roscoe’s Express Delivery, a family-owned and operated business, has been a cornerstone of Indiana’s delivery industry since 2004. Founded on the principles of reliability, quality and customer-centricity, Roscoe’s has grown from its roots as a medical equipment delivery service to a full-service express delivery company.

Roscoe’s Express Delivery is more than just a delivery service; it’s a family committed to serving the community. With over 13 years of experience, their team understands the importance of timely and secure delivery, whether it’s groceries for the elderly, critical medical supplies or urgent documents.

More on Roscoe’s Express Delivery

Getty Image used for Roscoe's Express Delivery Service
(Photo/Getty Images)

This business offers a comprehensive suite of delivery services, including same-day, express 3-hour, , 24-hour and temperature-controlled deliveries. Their fleet of covered vehicles ensures the safe transport of items of all sizes, from small packages to large furniture.

Roscoe’s proudly serves the entire state of Indiana, including major cities like Indianapolis, Bloomington and Fort Wayne, and surrounding states. They are your go-to solution for point-to-point deliveries, no matter the distance.

Roscoe’s Express Delivery is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of each customer, ensuring that every item is delivered safely and efficiently. Their commitment to excellence has earned them the trust of both individuals and large corporations throughout Indiana.

Roscoe’s Express Delivery LLC is at 8825 Boehning Lane, Indianapolis, IN 46219. You can reach their office (or dispatch) 24 hours a day at 317-850-2902.

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

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