Thee Craft Castle is a event planning company that specializes in complete decoration set-ups for weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, event nights, reunions and More. They are a one stop shop with the slogan, “If you dream it, we’ll create it!”
Thee Craft Castle LLC. has been in operation since 2018. They take pride in their quality and professionalism to be able to serve the Indianapolis area.
Owner, Alicia Hall has proven capabilities to bring elegance and flare to all events.
Their event planning services for 50 guest include linens, chair covers, charger plates, linen napkins, menu or programs, and a centerpiece for 8 tables. It also includes a focal point for photos and desserts, assorted balloon decor, linen for gift table, two linens for food tables and a custom welcome sign.
Contact: Theecraftcastlellc@gmail.com
This minority business highlight was composed by JADE JACKSON at the Indianapolis Recorder, who can be reached at 317-762-7853 or via email at jadej@indyrecorder.com. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, click here!
In an age defined by rapid change and uncertainty, the significance of strong institutions cannot be overstated. They serve as the bedrock upon which our societies are built, providing the necessary infrastructure for stability, progress, and justice. However, the true measure of an institution’s strength lies not only in its functionality but also in its commitment to equity, fairness, and inclusion. In recent years, we’ve witnessed a growing recognition of the importance of these values within institutions worldwide. From governments to corporations, from educational systems to healthcare organizations, there’s a palpable shift towards prioritizing equity and inclusion in decision-making processes and policy implementation.
“Consider the case of businesses embracing diversity and inclusion initiatives. Research consistently demonstrates that diverse teams are more innovative, adaptable, and ultimately, more successful”
This shift is not merely a moral imperative but also a pragmatic acknowledgment of the undeniable link between inclusivity and institutional effectiveness. However, these efforts seem to be regressing with some organizations and institutions getting rid of DEI positions in their organization. Diversity has been around since the creation of man, the prompting of DEI initiatives should be centered around ensuring we get the best out of our workforce by recognizing and supporting their unique experiences and thoughts. Consider the case of businesses embracing diversity and inclusion initiatives. Research consistently demonstrates that diverse teams are more innovative, adaptable, and ultimately, more successful. By fostering an environment where all voices are heard and valued, these institutions not only promote fairness but also unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation. Leaders can learn from different cultures, as in the article by Willow Blythe-Carroll who outlines key attributes of empowering leaders.
(Photo/Getty Images)
Similarly, in the realm of governance, the importance of equitable policies and inclusive decision-making processes cannot be overlooked. A government that represents and serves all its citizens, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status, is inherently more stable and resilient. In contrast, societies plagued by systemic inequalities and exclusion are prone to unrest and division, undermining the very foundations of democracy and social cohesion.
Education, too, plays a pivotal role in shaping a more equitable and inclusive society. By ensuring equal access to quality education for all, institutions can empower individuals to reach their full potential, irrespective of their background or circumstances. In doing so, they not only foster social mobility but also contribute to the creation of a more just and meritocratic society.
However, achieving equity, fairness, and inclusion within institutions is not without its challenges. It requires a concerted effort to dismantle systemic barriers, confront implicit biases, and actively promote diversity at all levels. It demands a willingness to listen to marginalized voices, engage in uncomfortable conversations, and implement meaningful reforms. As the first Native American woman president of the American Bar Association, Mary Smithshares the ripple effect of her being the first in this position.
As we navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the importance of strong institutions that prioritize equity, fairness, and inclusion is critical. They are not just the guardians of stability and order but also the catalysts for positive change and progress. When you look around you do you see an institution that’s built to last, and do you see diversity of person, thought, and perspective being embraced? It is incumbent upon us all, as individuals and as members of these institutions, to champion these values and work towards a future where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive.
Robert is proud to lead one of the country’s oldest and most respected African-American newspapers as well as two minority business magazines.For more news from the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, visit our homepage.
Natasha Bledsoe launched her food trailer Tastys by Tasha in 2023 as a way for her to make her dreams of owning her own business a reality and to give back to the community.
Bledsoe knew she always wanted to do something that would bring people together and give back where she could, and in college she decided that career path would be cooking. Although Bledsoe was unable to finish her culinary degree and currently works at an office, she said she never gave up on her dream of owning a food truck.
Tastys by Tasha serves ramen bowls, burritos and empanadas and always has unique specialty dishes on rotation. (photo provided/Natasha Bledsoe)
Eventually, she said she got tired of waiting and working different cooking jobs around the city and took out a loan in 2023 to get her own food trailer. Not long after, Tastys by Tasha was born.
The food trailer is open on the weekends and whenever Bledsoe can dedicate time to it, although she expressed a desire to go full time with the business as soon as possible.
Bledsoe’s food offerings and menu items include a variety of fusion foods, from Mexican to Asian and Jerk style dishes. Tastys by Tasha serves ramen bowls, burritos and empanadas and always has unique specialty dishes on rotation.
In addition to vending at festivals, Tastys by Tasha offers catering for private parties, weddings, birthdays and other events.
Tastys by Tasha food trailer can be found on weekends at different locations around the city — such as The Marilyn Rose Center and The Snug Bar — and at festivals and events such as Melanin in May. For more information about location, business hours and menu, visit facebook.com/tastysbytasha or contact Natasha Bledsoe at Tastysbytasha@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!
It is finally May, which means excitement for the Indianapolis 500 is at its peak. One of the top honors in the 500 festivities is to serve as the Grand Marshal of the Indianapolis 500 Parade. This year basketball legend, local entrepreneur and philanthropist Tamika Catchings will have those honors on May 25.
“It’s an honor to be selected as the 2024 AES 500 Festival Parade Grand Marshal,” Catchings said in a statement. “To be able to showcase the achievements that I’ve worked so hard for is truly something special.”
Catchings spent 16 seasons in the WNBA, became a 10-time All-Star, five-time Defensive Player of the Year, four-time Olympian, Rookie of The Year, WNBA MVP and brought the Indiana Fever a championship (along with being named Finals MVP) in 2012. Before her time in the league, Catchings won an NCAA National Championship in 1998 as a part of a powerful Tennessee squad led by hall of fame head coach Pat Summitt.
The standout small forward served as the president of the WNBA Players Association from 2012 until 2016. Catchings was also inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020.
President and CEO of the 500 Festival Bob Bryant said he is honored to have Catchings involved in the festivities.
“It is an honor to present Tamika Catchings as this year’s Grand Marshal. She is a living icon in the world of basketball but even more impressive is her story of perseverance and overcoming obstacles to achieve greatness and her dedication to supporting her community,” Bryant said.
Grand Marshal of the 2024 Indy 500 Parade Tamika Catchings. (Photo/500 Festival)
Although Catchings has retired from basketball, she has not retired from scoring in the community. She is also a successful entrepreneur, owning the popular Tea’s Me Cafe in Indianapolis. A cozy cafe in the heart of the Butler-Tarkington neighborhood, Tarkington Park, Tea’s Me is known for its warm ambiance, pleasant beverages and overall welcoming aesthetic.
Catchings, not only a great WNBA player and businesswoman, is also a philanthropist and an advocate for children’s education and physical activity. In 2004, Catchings founded the Catch the Stars Foundation, which aims to empower and inspire young people through sports, literacy and leadership opportunities. The foundation offers diverse services such as fitness clinics, summer camps and book clubs to help children develop their skills and become leaders in their communities, like Tamika.
Bryant echoed similar sentiments when speaking about Catchings’ selection as Grand Marshal, highlighting the importance of the foundation.
“We are excited to share her story and shine a light on her work with the Catch the Stars Foundation,” Bryant said.
A role model and mentor to the participants of the program, Catchings often shares her experiences and inspires them always to chase their dreams.
“I’m proud to highlight my career and the Catch the Stars Foundation while encouraging children that they can achieve any goal they put their mind to,” Catching said.
The Indianapolis 500 Parade kicks off on May 25 at Noon. For ticket information, visit 500festival.com.
Contact multi-media & sports reporter Noral Parham at (317)-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on Twitter @3Noral.For more news courtesy of the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, visit our homepage.
16 Tech Community Corporation (16TCC) has appointed Tracey Jackson as its new vice president of workforce development and community impact. The Indianapolis-based non-profit organization is responsible for the physical and programmatic development of the 16 Tech Innovation District.
In her new role, Jackson will focus on building upon 16 Tech’s community engagement efforts to connect and prepare diverse talent, especially residents of the Near West and Near Northwest neighborhoods of Indianapolis to opportunities in advanced industries.
“Lowering barriers to participation in the innovation economy has been core to the long-term vision for 16 Tech. We’re excited to build on our history of grassroots engagement and to play a larger role in regional and state workforce and talent initiatives to ensure the availability of opportunities in 16 Tech that support workforce, talent attraction and retention, experiential learning and K-12 STEM opportunities,” President of 16TCC Emily Krueger said in a statement.
Jackson is a Purdue University graduate, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a Master’s in Human Resource Management. She has held leadership roles at Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana University School of Medicine, Martin University and is the Founder and CEO of Real Chance Strategies, LLC.
Jackson brings nearly 20 years of experience in higher education, human resources and nonprofit sectors. She has utilized her experience in workforce development, restorative justice, community and social impact, recruitment, student success, talent development & innovation and philanthropic relationship building to lead and execute organizational goals.
Jackson will lead the design, implementation and evaluation of the 16 Tech’s talent and community initiatives, ensuring alignment and effectiveness of programs to cultivate inclusive, neighborhood-based talent pipelines that can successfully meet employers’ talent demands in the 16 Tech Innovation District and in STEM occupations in Central Indiana. She will be responsible for creating partnerships that link 16 Tech with state and industry resources to address workforce development and community needs.
By engaging both community and employer partner needs, Jackson has a record of success in creating career pathways and economic mobility for underserved and historically marginalized communities.
Tracey Jackson is known for her work supporting and elevating workforce boards, creating nationally recognized restorative justice programs, designing and launching equitable training programs for both global and local companies and leveraging her strong relationships in the community to scale equitable access to education and careers.
With her appointment, Jackson is expected to lead 16 Tech’s community and talent initiatives to create more opportunities for diverse talent and to ensure the availability of talent that supports workforce, talent attraction and retention, experiential learning and K-12 STEM opportunities in Central Indiana.
Randi Alexander’s health problems had pushed her to her breaking point in 2017. Battling chronic illness and tired of taking pills, she decided to take matters into her own hands. Out of her journey to wellness sprang Naima Naturals, a plant-based body and skincare company that takes a holistic approach to wellness and mindful movement.
Naima Naturals products on display. (Photo/ Randi Alexander)
Alexander, who worked a hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, started sharing her homemade products with those around her simply to help others experience the same life-changing results she saw from her natural products.
“When I got into wellness, it completely changed my life…I started making my products and all of this transpired,” said Alexander.
Products and services range from the Naima Glow face care kit to private yoga sessions and consultations. Alexander sells her products weekly at her booth at the Indy Winters Farmers Market every Saturday from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the AMP marketplace.
“[The market] has given me more exposure, more brand recognition and more customers come back every week,” said Alexander, who will be concluding her third season at the market this April.
Aside from her weekly booth, Alexander also hosts a free yoga class once a month at the market for anyone to attend.
“I do a lot of community-based events. My goal is to show more of the holistic side of wellness,” said Alexander, who also hosts a free yoga class called Y12SR at City Yoga every Sunday at 6:30 p.m.
Although Alexander is pursuing her passions in wellness, the creation of Naima Naturals was a bit of a bumpy road for the first-time business owner.
“I had to teach myself a lot about the business. Nobody around me runs their own business so I had to go to a lot of cohorts to educate myself,” said Alexander.
Being able to talk to the community and put yourself out there is rule number one for aspiring business owners according to Alexander, who credits her success to sharing her story within the community and creating a safe space for those around her to practice wellness.
“My goal is to be a holistic caregiver in the community. I changed my life and I want to help others do the same,” said Alexander.
You can find Naima Naturals on Instagram @naimanaturals_, on the website www.naimanaturals.net, or speak with Randi Alexander at her weekly yoga class updated frequently on the Instagram page.
Image360 Indianapolis Northwest, a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) with the City of Indianapolis, was named the Vendor of the Month for May 2024 by Councilor Leroy Robinson and the Office of Minority and Women Business Development (OMWBD) Director, David Fredricks on the morning of May 1.
Image360 Indianapolis Northwest, a small business led by Rajesh and Vidhya Patnaik, excels in signage creation and installation. The Indianapolis Northwest branch thrives through creative solutions while exceeding client expectations.
The team at Image360 Indianapolis Northwest receiving the Vendor of the Month Award for May 2024 on May 1. (Photo provided/OMWBD)
Awards like Sales Pinnacle and Operational Excellence highlight their commitment to quality and innovation. OMWBD is pleased to honor Image360 Indianapolis Northwest for its remarkable achievements during Small Business Month and Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
4Z Sweets is a story of passion, dedication, and a love for baking that dates back to the teenage years of its founder, Ashley Nicks. The company was born out of Ashley’s desire to bring the treats her husband and children enjoyed so much to the local community, and ever since its inception, 4Z Sweets has been delivering delectable cupcakes that are sure to delight anyone’s taste buds.
A photo of owner Ashley Nicks (Photo via 4Z Sweets official website)
Ashley’s secret ingredient for success appears to be the love and careful thought that she puts into every cupcake she crafts. Nicks has completed her ServSafe Certification, which ensures the highest level of food safety for the confections at 4Z Sweets.
At 4Z Sweets, the focus is entirely on the customers, and Nicks ensures that each order is personalized to meet the unique needs and preferences of the customers. Whether it’s a birthday party, a wedding or a corporate event, Ashley’s cupcakes are sure to leave a lasting impression on everyone who tries them.
The cupcakes are made fresh daily, using only the finest and freshest ingredients, and with a passion for baking that is evident in every bite. Ashley’s cupcakes come in an array of flavors, from classic vanilla and chocolate to more exotic flavors like red velvet and salted caramel. Nicks has something for everyone.
Those interested in ordering from 4Z Sweets can visit their website here or via phone at 317-590-2266. For information regarding nutritional facts and allergies, visit the guidelines page here.
If you would like your business featured in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, submit a request to our directory here.
The Ultimate Rare Bartender LLC, a Black-owned business providing bartending services for Indianapolis events, started as a hobby for one Indianapolis woman.
Nichelle Miles, the mixologist and owner of The Ultimate Rare Bartender LCC, started the business in September 2023. The business quickly became a more profound love of bringing joy into people’s lives through service and bartending.
“I took a class to learn as much as I could to build upon my bartending and mixology skills,” Miles said. Now, she is a Licensed Mixologist lending her services to weddings, celebrations, business parties and other events.
Miles says The Ultimate Rare Bartender LLC allows her to fulfill that hobby while having more control of her life. As the boss she can run her business how she wants.
“The greatest rewards are bringing joy and smiles to the hearts of my clients because with us, ‘every drink is made with a smile!’ Miles said.
She continually experimented with different drinks to see what she liked best while taking classes to learn more about beers, mixers, and wines and gain an overall understanding of bartending and mixology.
“I would recommend doing just that because you can expand your love for bartending and get a feel for what makes your client satisfied with your service,” Miles said.
She can be booked on Facebook at “The Ultimate Rare Bartender” and by phone or text at 317-260-6096.
This minority business highlight was composed by Garrett Simms at the Indianapolis Recorder, who can be reached at [317-762-7847] or via email at garretts@indyrecorder.com. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, click here.
Indianapolis Recorder’s Money Smart Week continues with Everwise Credit Union sharing strategies for creating a budget.
Creating and maintaining a budget is key for your financial health. It only requires a few simple steps, but consistency is key.
Tracking your spending is the first step.
Here are 4 easy ways to track your spending:
Choose your tools. Use a budgeting app, like YNAB , a spreadsheet, the good old-fashioned envelope system, or the simple method of writing things down on paper. This will help you track your spending and find where you might be wasting money!
Review income and expenses carefully. Reference account statements, bills, and pay stubs. Track the purchases you make by reviewing your monthly checking account and credit card statements.
Categorize expenses and purchases. Save bills and receipts so you can review all purchases you’ve made at the end of the month. Don’t forget to include any automated payments you may rarely think about, such as subscription fees and insurance premiums.
Keep a record of how much cash you withdraw and spend. Review your bank statement or online transaction history to examine your cash withdrawals.
Now that you’ve tracked your spending, you’re ready to create a budget. If you keep paying attention throughout the month, you’ll do great!
Here are 5 easy steps to create and stick to a budget:
Tally up all income sources and total monthly expenses. Track your expenses for at least three months so you know your average spending.
List your needs. Include anything that is essential such as your rent or mortgage payments, savings, food, and clothing. Remember, having emergency savings is essential to ensure you are prepared for unexpected expenses.
List your wants. Include anything not essential such as entertainment, brand-name clothing, and dining out. A good rule of thumb is the 50/30/20 method—spending roughly 50 percent of your after-tax dollars on necessities, no more than 30 percent on “wants,” and at least 20 percent into savings or paying off debts.
Assign dollar amounts to expenses. Start your list of expenses with fixed-cost needs, then variable cost needs, and finally, your wants. Don’t forget other expenses that come up at different times of the year, like gifts, holiday expenses, insurance premiums and taxes. Make sure your total expenses do not exceed your total monthly income.
Review and tweak as necessary. You will likely need to adjust the amounts in each expense category at least once every six months to keep your budget relevant. If you have remaining funds, you may want to reallocate those funds toward your debt or savings.
Keep this up and you’ll be on top of your money in no time! You’ll know how you spend your money and will be able to adjust or eliminate non-essential purchases, reduce debt, increase savings and meet your financial goals.
