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Minority Business Highlight: Meticulous

Noral Parham
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Minority Business Highlight: Meticulous

Meticulous is a diverse, world-class, global design firm that focuses on providing architecture that is purposeful and full of meaning. The design firm integrates form and function with style and substance, creating intentional spaces and experiences that elevate the human spirit.

Meticulous is a diverse team of devoted designers, architects and engineers committed to creating spaces that make a difference. They believe that design can transform lives and create a better world.

Their design expertise includes corporate, education, healthcare, mixed-use, housing, interiors, urban design, planning, recreation and wellness, as well as civic & municipal.

Meticulous has a proven track record of success, and their work has been featured in publications around the world. Recently, Meticulous worked alongside Moody Nolan, another design firm, to design the recently renovated Fredrick Douglass Park Family Center.

If you are looking for a design firm that can help you or your business create spaces that are both beautiful, functional and intentional, then Meticulous may be the answer.

For more information, visit meticulousda.com.

Contact multi-media and senior sports reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on X @3Noral. If you would like your business featured, click here.

Minority Business Highlight: ANTHOS

Hanna Rauworth
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Minority Business Highlight: ANTHOS

The Indianapolis-based fine arts florists at Anthos have a simple motto: Cultivate community. Curate aesthetic.

Created in the summer of 2022, co-founders Jessica Kartawich and Daniela Morales knew they wanted a creative outlet.

“We always wanted to do florals and be creative together … One day we just decided (to create Anthos),” Morales said.

Kartawich and Morales’ inspiration for creating Anthos stems from their desire to keep working together creatively. They knew that whatever they decided to do, it would be together.

Described as being in a growing stage by Morales, the main goal of Anthos is to create a sense of community.

“There are so many values behind what we do,” Morales said.

Anthos achieves the goal of creativity through elaborate and colorful florals. Currently operating through events such as weddings, client-based bookings and festivals around the city, their selection of florals is based on the season. They range from the fan favorite poppies to lush peonies filling their stand at the Indiana Peony Festival.

“We are branching into events as far as what services we offer, but we also do custom high-end arrangements for people outside of those things,” Kartawich said.

While their creations have laid the foundation for the building of community, Kartawich and Morales said that the floral business can be particularly challenging.

Working with fresh flowers can put a time crunch on their finished products. Ensuring that every vision is captured is their goal.

“We want to make sure that every vision is met, and every person’s day is celebrated in a beautiful way,” Morales said.

While their business may still be growing, Kartawich and Morales maintain that they don’t believe in competition. Anthos is intended to pave the way for other minority businesses and be a collaborative effort for everyone, even those in the same industry.

colorful floral arrangements line a wooden table
An example of Anthos’ work. (Photo provided/Jessica Kartawich)

For more information about Anthos, visit @AnthosIndy on Instagram to learn more.

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

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Recorder Media Group opens nominations for 2025 Champions of Diversity Awards

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Recorder Media Group opens nominations for 2025 Champions of Diversity Awards

Nominations for the 2025 Champions of Diversity Awards are officially open. 

Presented by the Minority Business Review and Indiana Minority Business Magazine, the 2025 Champions of Diversity Awards dinner is an opportunity to recognize individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations throughout Indiana and nationally who amplify the tenants of diversity and equity. The 18th annual awards dinner will take place Jan. 17, 2025.

“Last year, we expanded the Champions of Diversity Awards nationally which resulted in greater visibility for our company and award recipients. As we approach the 18th annual awards, it means a great deal to me personally to continue the tradition,” Robert Shegog, president and CEO of Recorder Media Group, said in a statement. “It is inspiring to witness the positive impact these awards have on organizations and the broader community. Continuing the awards demonstrates Recorder Media Group’s longstanding dedication to highlighting and honoring the efforts of those actively working to create diverse and inclusive environments.”

Champions of Diversity Award winners will be celebrated alongside six additional award winners who will receive the following: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Award, Rosa Parks Trailblazer Award, William G. Mays Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award, Lifetime Education Advocate Award, President’s Choice Award, and the Amos Brown Community Advocate Award.

Champions of Diversity have highlighted dozens of diverse leaders and advocates over the past 18 years and will continue to recognize the hard work and dedication to diversity people display in the city. Previous Champions of Diversity Award winners include Carolene Mays, founder and president of Black Leadership & Legacies; Deon Livingston, regional vice president of Radio ONE; Sue Ellspermann, former Lieutenant Governor of Indiana; Winne Bulaya, founder of Refugee Welcome Basket; Delta Air Lines; Pacers Sports & Entertainment; Meticulous Design + Architecture; Mario Rodriguez, CEO of Indianapolis Airport Authority; The Oaks Academy; Vera Bradley; The Mind Trust; Dr. Eugene White, president emeritus of Martin University; and many more.

Nominations for the 2025 Champions of Diversity Awards will be accepted through Sept. 16 and are open to anyone regardless of race, discipline, industry or background. Third-party nominations and self-applications are both welcomed. 

The Annual Champions of Diversity Awards Dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, at the JW Marriott Indianapolis, 10 W. St. The dinner will be preceded by a networking reception at 5:30 p.m.

The event will conclude at approximately 8:30 p.m. For more information, visit indianaminoritybusinessmagazine.com or contact championsofdiversity@indyrecorder.com.

Minority Business Highlight: Big Mamma’s House Books

CHLOE McGOWAN
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Minority Business Highlight: Big Mamma’s House Books

Founded by author and educator Dr. LaWanda Jobe in 2018, Big Mamma’s House Books is an urban children’s book company based in Indianapolis. 

Big Mamma’s House Books focuses on producing high-quality, educational literature for children of color, featuring diverse characters and adventures that teach life lessons in a way to enhance self-esteem, literacy and reading comprehension.

Inspired by Dr. Seuss books as a kid, Jobe said she wanted to create a similar style of rhyming through her stories featuring diverse characters that children of color could see themselves in and learn from.

In total, Jobe has written and published approximately 15 books through her publishing company, including “Big Mamma’s House,” “I Can’t Wait,” “Yum Yum Bubble Gum!” and “The Tallest!”

Big Mamma’s House Books currently operates as an online publishing company. Books can be purchased on the website or found at the Indianapolis Public Library, Greenwood Public Library Ujamaa Bookstore, the Edna Martin Christian Center and more.

For more information, visit bigmammashousebooks.com to get in contact, call 877-442-4462 or email BigMammasHouseBooks@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!

iHeartMedia Indianapolis Names Leon Williamson Market President

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iHeartMedia Indianapolis Names Leon Williamson Market President

Indianapolis – May 28, 2024 – iHeartMedia announced today that Leon Williamson has been elevated to Indianapolis Market President, effective immediately.  iHeartMedia Indianapolis has a strong cross-platform presence and includes a number of iconic brands and franchises — both broadcast and digital — encompassing more than five stations (Q-95 Indy’s Classic Rock, Indy 103.3, Real 98.3, Fox Sports 1260, and Business News 97.5) comprised of music, talk and news formats.

iHeartMedia has the leading consumer reach and influence across multiple platforms and delivers more live programming than any other media company. As Market President, Williamson will oversee the operations of all five iHeartMedia Indianapolis stations. He will continue to report to John Beck, Area President for St. Louis and Indianapolis.

“Leon is a solid and very thoughtful leader. In his nearly two years at iHeartMedia Indianapolis, Leon has done a fantastic job building a solid team and fostering a deep connection with the Indy community. We are excited to have him at the helm in Indianapolis, continuing to drive our success and innovation,” said Beck.

A long-time radio veteran, Williamson most recently served as Senior Vice President of Sales for iHeartMedia Indianapolis. He also served as Sales Manager and Account Manager at iHeartMedia Miami, Urban One St. Louis and Cox Media Group in Fort Lauderdale.  He is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University where he earned a BA in Media, Film & Sociology.

“As the new Market President at iHeartMedia Indianapolis, my commitment is to lead with purpose and uplift our community. My mission is to leverage the power of audio to empower voices, inspire change, and build a legacy of unity and progress,” said Leon Williamson.

iHeartMedia is the leading media outlet in the Indianapolis market with multiple platforms, including its broadcast stations; live events; data; and its digital businesses and platforms, including mobile, social and its own iHeartMedia free all-in-one digital music, podcasting and live streaming radio service – with 3 billion app downloads and more than 160 million registered users.

For more news courtesy of the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, visit our website.

Minority Business Highlight: Salamat Cookies!

Hanna Rauworth
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Minority Business Highlight: Salamat Cookies!

With flavors ranging from Space Yam to Whoa Philippine Mango, the mother and son duo at Salamat Cookies! bring the unique flavors of their Filipino culture right here to the Circle City.

Beginning in 2020, Mike Williams and his mother, Lourdes “Mama Odie” Williams, began baking together to pass the time in isolation. Initially, baking was just a way to thank his friends and family while he was out of work. The name Salamat, the Filipino word for “thank you,” comes from their gratitude towards their family and to their following. A group that, as it has grown, so has business.

With values centered around joy, gratitude, and “pamilya” (family), Salamat features unique Philippine-inspired creations and flavors that have enticed a large community of followers.

Motifs of ube, a purple yam, and macapuno, sweetened aged coconut, the brightly colored cookies are sold through a variety of pop-ups located all around the country, centrally located in Indianapolis.

a purple cookie with marshmallows
The ube-flavored cookie, “space yam.” (Photo/Salamat website)

SALAMAT offers other items such as ube lattes, pandan blondies, and ube syrup sold in local shops like Rooftop Fruit in Fountain Square. The first nationwide Filipino-inspired cookie pop-up and cookie delivery service, Salamat’s Indy origin brings fans from everywhere to line up for their sweet treats.

Featuring booths at local farmers markets, international food festivals, and around the city at local shops, the availability and flavors are constantly rotating to incorporate new products.

With pop-ups around the country in New York, Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles, the SALAMAT team has declared three goals for 2024: to have cookies in grocery and retail locations all across the Midwest, to have ‘Big Cookie Energy’ and connect with 50 distribution partners, to pop-up in Seattle, Portland and Atlanta, and to bake their 300,000th cookie.

With big plans and goals for the future, Salamat is always updating their Instagram, @salamatcookies, with the latest information and newest flavors.

To purchase cookies or to learn more about their rotation of flavors, where they are heading next, or their plans for the future, visit salamatcookies.com.

Contact Staff Writer Hanna Rauworth at 317.762.7854 or follow her at @hanna.rauworth 

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Minority Business Highlight: JB Art

Noral Parham
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Minority Business Highlight: JB Art

JB Art is a business focusing on creating high-quality, custom artwork for its clients. The company is led by Joshua Benedict who can create a wide variety of pieces, including drawings, paintings and more. JB Art also offers a variety of services such as the customization of wearables like tennis shoes and crocs.

“I have been doing art since I was like three or four years old,” Benedict said in an interview with the Indianapolis Recorder.

The company’s mission is to provide its clients with unique and beautiful artwork that will enhance their homes or businesses while invoking thoughts and discussions amongst viewers. JB Art is committed to using the highest quality materials and to providing its clients with excellent customer service.

Benedict got into vending art thanks to his mother, Blanche D. Bailey.

a photograph of one of Joshua’s pieces, titled ‘Happy Mothers Day.’ (Photo provided/Blanche Bailey via website)

“Sometimes, my mom would take me to meet and greets and stuff like that and people would think my art is so cool,” Benedict said. “They were like ‘maybe you could sell your art one day’ and I thought that was a good idea.”

The young artist said that owning a business has taught him a lot about finance and managing money.

“I learned about money management,” Benedict said. I took a finance class and I learned a lot from that. So I took a lot to the Fishers Farmer’s Market as a Biz Kidz and it was pretty good.”

When asked about running a business at such an early age, Benedict said that his shyness initially got the best of him.

a photograph of one of Joshua’s pieces, titled ‘Find the Numbers.’ (Photo provided/Blanche D. Bailey via website)
a photograph of one of Joshua’s pieces, titled ‘Find the Numbers.’ (Photo provided/Blanche D. Bailey via website)

“At first I was shy and nervous about selling my art, now, I am more confident in myself and my art,” Benedict said.

The young artist also shared some tidbits for those looking to sell their own art.

“People can contact their local arts council, go to art shows, socialize, and (exchange) business cards,” Benedict said.

The young artist is also searching for contributors and sponsors who can help take his visibility to the next level.

Benedict will have his work on display during the Juneteenth Fest at Conner Prairie on Jun 19. He also plans to donate some of the proceeds to Riley Children’s Hospital.

Joshua Benedict, artist and owner of JB's Art. (Photo provided/Blanche Bailey)
Joshua Benedict, artist and owner of JB Art. (Photo provided/Blanche D. Bailey)

If you are interested in learning more about JB Art, visit their website at aeorganizedsolutions.com/jbart.

Contact multi-media and senior sports reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on Twitter @3Noral. If you are interested in having your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.

Garrett Simms contributed to this report.

Black Hoosiers and the innovation economy

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Black Hoosiers and the innovation economy

By SPECIAL TO THE RECORDER

Indiana’s innovation economy holds tremendous potential for wealth creation, and it is time to unlock the invisible talent of underrepresented groups, especially Blacks and Latinos, to drive inclusive competitiveness. By embracing the untapped potential of these communities, Indiana can lead the nation in building a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

The InnoPower Minority Business Week (IMBW) and Rally partnership is not just an event; it’s a collaborative movement. It’s a beacon of hope, igniting the Indiana innovation ecosystem and paving the way for greater participation and wealth creation among Black Indiana residents. This groundbreaking conference creates an ecosystem that nurtures talent, fosters collaboration, and opens doors to opportunities previously out of reach.

Imagine the transformative impact on Indiana’s economy and communities if we could bridge the wealth gap between white households and Black and Latino households. By connecting underrepresented groups’ entrepreneurial spirit and creativity to the thriving innovation economy, we can unleash a wave of prosperity that will uplift families, neighborhoods, and the entire state.

The conference serves as a rallying cry for inclusive competitiveness, bringing together diverse communities, professionals, students and entrepreneurs to celebrate their unique strengths and aspirations. IMBW and Rally create a platform for invisible talent to shine and contribute to Indiana’s economic growth by breaking down barriers and fostering collaboration.

As we embrace this opportunity to build a more inclusive innovation economy, we are not only investing in the success of underrepresented groups but also strengthening Indiana’s position as a leader in innovation and economic competitiveness. Together, we can create a future where every Hoosier, regardless of background, can participate, thrive and build wealth in the innovation economy.

Let us seize this moment to unlock the full potential of Indiana’s invisible talent and build a brighter, more prosperous future for all. The InnoPower Minority Business Week and Rally partnership is just the beginning of a transformative journey toward inclusive competitiveness and shared success.

Register now for the largest, most diverse cross-sector innovation conference in the World. Click to Register

Indianapolis Recorder Subscribers Receive a 90% discount. Scan the QR Code:

For more information on InnoPower, watch the videos below:

Opportunity: When they say entrepreneurialism for all, what they mean is people need to be able to pursue an idea, make their own money, be in control and be paid fairly. But do they really mean for all? The InnoPower Conference creates opportunities for Indiana’s minority business community. WATCH

Entrepreneurship: At the 2019 InnoPower Indy conference, entrepreneurs were given the right steps to success. WATCH

Social capital: InnoPower brings together people who are passionate about innovation and collaborating to help their businesses and communities succeed. WATCH

Access to capital: In 2023, 2.4% of venture capital dollars went to companies with all female founders. On average, female founders receive about a quarter of the funding they request, while male founders receive about half. WATCH

Talent: STEM education is the feedstock to the innovation economy and must be owned and cultivated within MVP communities as a pathway out of poverty. WATCH

Beat the acquisition competition

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Beat the acquisition competition

By JAMAR COBB DENNARD

Buying a business is the hot new investment move promoted in the media. Business acquisitions are simple but not easy. The hardest parts of acquisitions include identifying who other buyers are and beating them to the punch and finding the right company to purchase.

If you would like to beat the competition and find the best deals, follow the suggestions below to get started on the right foot.

Get Narrow

If you are looking for anything, you will find everything, which is not necessarily what you want to buy. Make your buy box as narrow as possible. A buy box includes the industry, size, location, management structure, and other qualifiers of the perfect acquisition. For example, instead of looking for anything, seek $1 million companies in the plastic manufacturing industry within a two-hour drive of Indianapolis. Having a tightly identified acquisition target market will help you find the business you are looking for and stay below the radar of competitors in the deal space. 

Identify Your Competitors

The deal space is competitive, and you must know who is going after the same deals that appeal to you. Strategic buyers, or competitors, of the acquisition targets are always on the hunt to purchase smaller players in the market. If you are searching for companies over $1M in profit, private equity firms and family offices are looking for the same deals.

To overcome competition, narrow your buy box, create an investor one-pager that lists your qualifications as a business buyer, execute a thorough sourcing strategy, and be financially prepared to act quickly.

Effectively Source Deals

Finding off-market companies for sale is not easy. Even though you can find businesses for sale online (which is a simple first step to find companies for sale), the best deals are actively found through an off-market sourcing strategy.

The masters at sourcing use direct mail, telemarketing, social media, trade journals, ads, and more to find companies who are open to a conversation about selling. Many acquirers leverage their CFO, accountant, attorney or business broker to find companies to purchase. Another idea is to search for brokers in the geography that you want to acquire in and scour their websites for the right business. If you are seeking larger businesses for sale ($1 million + profit), search for private equity firms that invest within your target industry and contact them to see if the private equity firm is exiting from deals in their portfolio.

Get Your Money Together

Start your search with your loan or investors committed. If you are financially prepared, once you find the right acquisition, you will be able to move quickly before a competing offer is made.

Begin talking to SBA lenders early in the process. Some local, most regional and nearly all national banks have an SBA loan department. A conversation with your current bank is a good starting point. Then, complete the SBA loan application which includes personal financial information, tax returns and credit scores, etc. When you find a target company, you can simply give the lender the company’s financials, and the bank can quickly return feedback on whether financing is feasible. Remember, you will need 10-20% cash down on a business that you purchase using an SBA loan. Seller-financed deals are few and far between. Do not expect to purchase a business with $0-down or without the use of bank or investor funds.

To solicit investor funds, prepare an acquisition plan and pitch it to friends, family and business associates. Ask for a specific amount of money for a specific buy box target. Once the investor has decided to support, have them sign a commitment letter. The letter simply states that the investor is committed to supporting an acquisition, lists the potential investment amount, and includes an expiration date for the commitment. The investor does not need to submit funds until it is time to actually close on the purchase of the business.

The business acquisition market is popular and crowded. There are more buyers than sellers, so demand is high, market prices are stable and competition to find deals is rampant. However, if you clearly identify your acquisition target market, know who your competitors are, source deals where others will not and have your money together, you will have success at overcoming the challenges of finding a business for sale.

Jamar Cobb-Dennard is a business broker and M&A attorney. To learn more about how to buy or sell a business, contact Jamar at jamar@jamarcobbdennard.com.

Minority Business Highlight: Afrikan Authentix

CHLOE McGOWAN
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Minority Business Highlight: Afrikan Authentix

Afrikan Authentix is an online clothing boutique specializing in authentic handmade African clothing and accessories.

Created by Laila A. Saahir, Afrikan Authentix aims to provide customers with clothing to help them express their identities and celebrate their heritages. Saahir moved to the U.S. from Cameroon 10 years ago and started the boutique as a side business to make a little extra money while being a stay-at-home-mom. However, her business quickly took off.

Each clothing item is made to blend modern fashion with traditional and authentic African culture. The shop offers a variety of clothing and shoes in addition to accessories, including beaded and African print bags, gold plated, African print and beaded jewelry and folding hand fans. 

Afrikan Authentix clothing and accessories are all “handcrafted by master artisans from all over the continent, who use traditional techniques and materials to create unique and beautiful pieces,” according to the website. Products are sourced from Africa, either through first-hand travel or by placing orders.

“We want our customers to feel empowered, proud and connected to their African roots when they interact with our brand,” the website states.

Afrikan Authentix currently operates online. However, Saahir can be found at festivals and special events around the city. For more information or to shop on the website, visit afrikanauthentix.com. To get in contact, email info@afrikanauthentix.com or call 240-883-2599.

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!

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