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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
(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.
As Indiana prepares for its upcoming gubernatorial election this November, voters need to understand where the candidates stand on crucial issues.
Chief among those issues is our state’s transition to clean energy and the broader implications for environmental and climate justice. The next administration’s approach to cleaning up legacy energy messes and charting our course toward a renewable future will shape the lives of Indiana’s urban and rural residents, particularly disadvantaged communities who’ve long endured the effects of air and water pollution from the use of dirty energy sources across our state.
Here are five pressing questions for the candidates:
1. How will your administration ensure that everyone benefits from the transition to clean energy?
The shift toward renewable energy sources is essential, and it must be inclusive. What specific policies will you implement to guarantee that urban and rural communities, as well as Black, people of color and disadvantaged white communities, are not left behind in this transition?
2. What steps will you take to address energy affordability and climate resiliency?
Energy affordability remains a significant concern for many households; electric bills are expected to spiral upward over the coming summer months. How will you ensure that the move to clean energy does not result in higher costs for low-income families? Additionally, as we endure more frequent and severe weather events, what measures will your administration take to enhance climate resiliency across the state, particularly in vulnerable communities?
3. How will you create jobs and training opportunities in the green energy sector?
The clean energy transition offers a unique opportunity to create new jobs and spur economic growth. What plans do you have to invest in accessible job training and education programs that prepare Indiana’s workforce for careers in the renewable energy sector and keep our state competitive with others in the region? What will you specifically do to ensure equitable access to electric vehicle charging infrastructure so all Hoosiers can benefit from the EV expansion?
4. Can you commit to establishing or prioritizing environmental justice and climate commissions?
To effectively address environmental and climate justice, dedicated bodies such as an environmental justice or climate commission are essential because they will ensure a continued focus on these issues throughout the course of your administration. Will you commit to establishing or prioritizing such commissions, and how will these bodies be empowered to bring about meaningful change?
5. What plans do you have for enhancing Indiana’s renewable energy portfolio and net metering policies?
A robust renewable energy portfolio is key to a sustainable future, but Indiana has seen dwindling ways for Hoosiers to embrace energy freedom over the past few years. How do you plan to expand Indiana’s investments in renewable energy sources like solar and wind—and make it possible for everyone to access these options, not just monopoly utilities. This could mean bringing back net metering and ensuring access to independent community solar.
As Indiana’s next governor, your leadership will steer the state toward a cleaner, more equitable future. Voters are looking for clear, actionable plans that ensure all Hoosiers can thrive in this new era.
Your stance on these issues will not only impact the environment, but also the social and economic fabric of our state. We look forward to hearing your detailed responses and commitments to these critical questions.
Denise Abdul-Rahman is Chief Equity Officer for Black Sun Light Sustainability and the State Chair of the Indiana State Conference of the NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice Committee.
President and CEO of the Recorder Media Group Robert Shegog has been awarded the 2024 Achievement in Business and Entrepreneurship Award by the Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) on June 18 for his outstanding leadership.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to be recognized by the Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) with the 2024 Achievement in Business and Entrepreneurship Award,” Shegog said in a statement. “This acknowledgment is not only a personal milestone but also a testament to the incredible team and community at the Recorder Media Group.”
Recorder Media Group President and CEO Robert Shegog
Under strong and forward-thinking leadership, the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper has remained a prominent advocate for Central Indiana’s Black community since 1895. Additionally, the Indiana Minority Business Magazine (IMBM) has flourished under this leadership, establishing itself as the region’s primary business publication encompassing all people of color, with a focus on business, lifestyle, and diversity.
The recent launch of the nationally acclaimed Minority Business Review further demonstrates a dedication to amplifying diverse voices within the business community, reflecting the unwavering commitment to reshaping the narrative surrounding people of color.
“This award belongs to every member of our dedicated team and our supportive community,” Shegog said in a statement. “Together, we strive to change narratives, champion diversity, and foster a more inclusive business environment for all Hoosiers. Thank you to the Indiana Civil Rights Commission for this incredible honor and to everyone who continues to support our mission. Your encouragement fuels our passion and drives us to achieve even greater heights.”
For more news from the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, visit our homepage.
A jack-of-all-trades when it comes to the culinary world, Michael Gomez’s expeditions push the boundaries of the Indy barbecue scene to new heights. Gomez BBQ boasts a 4.6-star rating on Yelp and has been hailed as some of the best barbecue in the state.
Categorizing themselves as “craft barbecue,” Gomez offers patrons barbecue, raw bar and private dining catering, as well as a selection of menu items at their 10th Street location.
Gomez has been cooking his whole life and has traveled the world to learn different cooking methods for a more adventurous approach to barbecue.
Offering an Indianapolis-based barbecue foundation with a Venezuelan twist, Gomez BBQ’s unique flavors are unlike the traditional fare. The catering menu features pulled pork and smoked chicken but also offers up some atypical dishes such as smoked meatloaf and ‘barbe-cuterie’ platters.
Gomez BBQ has catered hog roasts, brunches, private events and a Game of Thrones themed banquet in the City Market catacombs.
The raw bar catering service offers a market-priced selection of oysters, as well as upgrades including caviar bumps, shrimp cocktail and crab legs, among others. The price includes live shucking of oysters for guests and sauces to accompany.
Gomez BBQ’s brick-and-mortar emerged out of the Indianapolis City Market, where Gomez sold his food for nearly three years. Gomez’s “Indiana-style” barbecue is a dry-rub base with sauce on the side. The sauce, as Gomez has explained, is a mix of ketchup and apple cider vinegar and falls right in the middle of the tangy scale.
For those unable to make it to their dine-in location, Gomez offers Market Wagon deliveries every Tuesday and Thursday. Products featured include their house-made sauce, spice rub and their best-selling brisket.
For more information, visit gomezbbq.com, or visit their location at 2827 E. 10th St.
Contact Staff Writer Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
As women in business, we know the path to success is often challenging and demanding. But with the right support and community, these challenges become steppingstones to greater achievements. At the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO-Indianapolis), we believe the time is now to invest in ourselves and each other and we invite you to join this journey.
On June 12, nearly 300 women in business attended the 19th annual Trailblazers luncheon where we recognized four women exemplifying excellence in business and in the community: Terry Whitt Bailey, CEO of the Cancer Support Community, Akilah Darden, program director, Diversity and Inclusion, Supplier Diversity at IU Health, Darcy Lee, founder and CEO of Vita Nova Consulting, and Nadia E. Miller, founder of Pink Forever. However, NAWBO-Indianapolis goes beyond events with a mission to help women-owned businesses across Indiana build community, access resources, and realize successful business ownership. In NAWBO-Indianapolis members do this by encouraging women to lift up, show up, and speak up.
One of the core values of NAWBO-Indianapolis is lifting up each other. By supporting one another and elevating those around us, we create a strong community of women who foster growth and success personally and professionally. Through mentorship programs, networking events, and collaborative opportunities, NAWBO-Indianapolis provides the perfect platform for sharing knowledge and experience. This collective strength helps us all rise higher together, creating ripples of positive impact in every corner of our community. But we’re only able to lift others when we show up.
Dr. Jamyce Curtis Banks is the president of the NAWBO-Indianapolis Board of Directors. (Photo provided/Jamyce Curtis Banks)
As women, as business owners, and as leaders — we must be present and engage in the opportunities around us. NAWBO-Indianapolis offers numerous events and initiatives designed to help women owners and founders connect, learn and grow. From workshops and seminars to social gatherings and advocacy efforts, there are countless ways to engage and make the most of your membership. Even if you can’t attend every event, your active participation in the NAWBO-Indianapolis community opens doors to invaluable resources and connections. But showing up is not enough, we must speak up.
Every one of us has a powerful voice that can be used to advocate for others. At NAWBO-Indianapolis, we champion the voices of women business owners, providing a platform to share their stories, challenges, and triumphs. By participating in our organization, you join a chorus of empowered women advocating for change, collaboration, and innovation in the business world. Whether in a boardroom, at a networking event, or within the community, your perspectives and ideas are valuable and deserve to be heard.
The time is now to make an impact, and NAWBO-Indianapolis is dedicated to helping you seize opportunities, drive change and make your voice heard. By joining NAWBO, you become part of an exceptional group of women exploring new possibilities, challenging the status quo, and paving the way for future generations of women entrepreneurs. Don’t wait for the next event to get involved. Start your journey with NAWBO-Indianapolis today and let’s lift up, show up and speak up together as we trailblaze toward a brighter future.
Dr. Jamyce Curtis Banks is the founder & CEO of Whatever It Takes Consulting, Inc. and the president of the NAWBO-Indianapolis Board of Directors.
In anticipation of Juneteenth, Innopower, powered by Metaimpact’s multi-stakeholder platform, is proud to announce the public launch of Indy Biz Pass, an innovative digital ecosystem designed to spur economic growth and wealth creation within Indiana’s minority business community. This cutting-edge initiative marks a significant milestone in providing underrepresented entrepreneurs enhanced access to essential resources for business success.
Indy Biz Pass is built on Metaimpact’s robust digital infrastructure. Metaimpact enables organizations to design, build, and deploy digital impact networks where multiple stakeholders can act on shared goals to create collective impact.
Indy Biz Pass is the first network of its kind to focus specifically on empowering Black, brown and other minority-owned businesses in Indiana. Funded with philanthropic support from JPMorgan Chase through a grant to Sagamore Institute and operated in coordination with Innopower, Indy Biz Pass is a new resource to help connect minority business owners with a comprehensive network of support, including funding partners, industry experts, educational institutions and talent development resources.
For the past year, the focus has been on building a strong network of supporting organizations. Current contributors include the Indy Urban League, Business Equity Indy, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Sagamore Institute and many more. By joining Indy Biz Pass, these organizations can make their services widely discoverable to all entrepreneurs, actively contribute to pivotal initiatives, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the work being done across the state. This collaborative environment is crucial in driving forward the collective mission of empowering minority business ownership and success.
Today’s public launch of the impact network marks a crucial next step by providing access to the entrepreneurs the network aims to support. Understanding the dynamic needs of modern business owners, the impact network is accessible via a specially designed web app. This ensures that resources and collaboration opportunities are just a tap away, facilitating real-time business development and networking.
“With Indy Biz Pass, we are setting a new standard for how we support and elevate minority businesses,” said Emil Ekiyor, founder and CEO of Innopower. “This network is more than just a platform; it’s a community dedicated to fostering success and growth for Black and brown entrepreneurs across Indiana.”
Scott McCorkle, CEO of Metaimpact, added, “Our digital infrastructure is uniquely poised to unite diverse stakeholders and resources in a holistic, impactful manner. We’re excited to see how this network transforms the landscape of minority entrepreneurship in the Hoosier state.”
JPMorgan Chase’s commitment to this initiative underscores its dedication to fostering inclusive economic growth and supporting diverse communities.
“One of our top priorities at JPMorgan Chase is ensuring communities and businesses have the resources needed to break down barriers and access economic opportunities,” said Phylicia Manley, vice president and program officer in Global Philanthropy, JPMorgan Chase. “Through Sagamore Institute, in coordination with Metaimpact and Innopower, we’ve been able to assist in strengthening an ecosystem dedicated to helping diverse business owners find access to capital and network support.”
Entrepreneurs can access Indy Biz Pass at network.indybizpass.com. Organizations seeking to make their services discoverable on Indy Biz Pass can request to join the network at metaimpact.com/impact-network/indy-biz-pass.
The app was created due to 2020 JPMC Research on the Central Indiana Black Business environment. See Research Here
About Innopower
Innopower is a nonprofit organization designed to highlight and support innovations that accelerate growth in Black communities, create opportunities for capacity building, and provide a platform for creative thought and innovative entrepreneurialism. Innopower’s three focus areas include entrepreneurship, talent development and social impact.
About Sagamore Institute
Sagamore builds and implements innovative solutions to society’s biggest problems. Through research, consulting and impact investing, the nonprofit fights for a society uplifted by heartland policy innovation, business solutions and citizen engagement.
About Metaimpact
Metaimpact enables organizations to design, build, and deploy digital impact networks where multiple stakeholders can act on shared goals to create collective impact. By providing the digital infrastructure needed to enable systems change, Metaimpact empowers organizations to confront critical issues, such as improving access to affordable healthcare, meeting workforce needs, advancing climate solutions and closing the racial wealth gap.
Rad Spic & Span Cleaning Service, owned and run by James Radford III, places an emphasis on a healthy living space and work environment.
Radford started his business in July 2022 and has been servicing homes, apartments, rentals and businesses in the Indianapolis Metropolitan area — including Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville and Zionsville — ever since.
“We treat every place we clean as if it were our own, ensuring that every nook and cranny is thoroughly attended to,” the website states. “Our expert cleaners are dedicated to delivering 100% satisfaction, guaranteeing that you can have peace of mind knowing your space is in capable hands.”
Rad Spic & Span’s services include janitorial services and both residential and commercial cleaning using the latest cleaning techniques and eco-friendly, non-toxic products. Residential cleaning features seasonal cleanings for homes, as well as apartment and Airbnb cleanings, move in and move out cleanings, deep cleanings and general cleanings.
Commercial cleanings are more specifically tailored, floor-to-ceiling cleanings for small office spaces, organizations and post construction. All cleaning can also be on a one-time basis or be regularly scheduled.
Rad Spic & Span was accredited by the Better Business Bureau in 2023 and currently maintains a five-star rating. The office is at 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1300. For more information or to book, visit radsspicspan.com to get in contact, email info@radsspicpspan.com or call 317-241-0018.
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!
