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Minority Business Highlight: Florals By Stephany Marie

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

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

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

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

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

Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx. If you would like your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.

Minority Business Highlight: Black Girl Hug

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Minority Business Highlight: Scotchy Jamaican Grill

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth. If you would like your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.

Minority Business Highlight: Dreamchasers Basketball

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

IBJ unveils new Indiana 250

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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 

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

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

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

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 

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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