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Minority Business Highlight: Moonlight Baking Company

Founder and baker Jen Dyess always knew she wanted to bake. The time she has spent in other peoples’ bakeries and kitchens has always led her toward one path: creating Moonlight Baking Co., a place where she can have full creative control.

Specializing in sourdough goods, Moonlight Baking Co. serves croissants, bread, pastries, croutons and so much more to those craving carbs. Dyess serves up her baked goods at farmers markets across Indy.

Dyess has been baking her whole life, but even when she wasn’t a baker in her professional career, she always made time for it on the side. “Moonlight” in the company name stems from this.

Dyess’ goal with Moonlight Baking Co is to be a staple in the local community and a place for locals to grab fresh baked goods for the week. Creating a space for equal access to good food made with real ingredients is the core of the company’s mission.

Moonlight Baking Co. has currently paused market activity as they work to build a production space. After the completion of the production space, Moonlight Baking Co. can be found at the following farmers markets:

The Original Farmers Market

Monument Circle

Wednesday mornings, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

SoBro Farmers Market

4842 N College Ave, Indianapolis, IN

Wednesday evenings, 4:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.

Garfield Park Farmers Market

2345 Pagoda Dr, Indianapolis, IN

Saturday mornings, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Moonlight Baking Co. is expected to be back at the farmers markets in mid-June or early July.

For more information, visit moonlightbakingcompany.com or follow @moonlight_baking_co on Instagram to stay up to date.

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

Minority Business Highlight: Kristle Brooks Investments

Kristle Brooks, who is the CEO and Licensed Independent Life Insurance Adviser of Kristle Brooks Investments, started her company to help others. 

With a passion for educating and advocating for others in their finances, Brooks’ company aims to create a financial platform for the community and a safe space for open discussion about financial journeys without judgment and regardless of income.

Brooks holds 19 years of experience in finance, 17 of which having been in the mortgage sector and two in life insurance, retirement planning and financial coaching. Through her business, she hopes to help people identify the root cause of financial hardships to improve money mindsets and change their relationships with money.

In addition to herself, Brooks’ investments team also includes Angela Bailey, Independent Life and Medicare advisor, and Roniyah Bryant, Independent Life Insurance Advisor, both of which specialize in offering financial coaching, retirement planning, budgeting and debt management.

Kristle Brooks Investments also hosts events for the community to help with networking, collaboration, financial freedom and money management.

Kristle Brooks Investments is located at 5625 N. German Church Rd. #2005. For more information or to book a free consultation, visit kristlebinvestsllc.com. To get in contact, email kbi@kristlebrooksinvestments.com or call 317-331-1213.

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!

Apex Infinite Solutions Celebrated as Vendor of the Month for June 2024

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INDIANAPOLIS – Today, City-County Councilor Brienne Delaney and Office of Minority and Women Business Development (OMWBD) Director Fredricks recognized Apex Infinite Solutions (AIS) as the Certified Vendor of the Month for June 2024.  

“It’s businesses like AIS that not only elevate our local economy but highlight the rich diversity and innovation we have right here in district two,” said Councilor Brienne Delaney. “Their commitment to excellence and community engagement sets a high standard that reflects the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives in Indianapolis. It’s an honor to have AIS contribute so significantly to our community’s growth.” 

Founded in Indianapolis in 2012 by Lamont Hatcher, AIS has rapidly ascended to the forefront of the IT sector. The company provides innovative solutions for IT across both public and private sectors throughout the United States. AIS has steadfastly adhered to its founding principles, sticking to its motto, “All In to Serve.” This slogan not only reflects its commitment to service but is also a testament to its dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology with forward-thinking innovations that enhance operational efficiency.

More: iHeartMedia names new market president

Lamont Hatcher of AIS receiving an award.

AIS’s dedication extends beyond its corporate achievements with its active participation in community development through substantial involvement with various organizations. Their contributions have made a significant difference in the lives of many through their board service and volunteering at organizations with Habitat for Humanity, Indy Humane Society, and the YMCA. Moreover, AIS has been a shining example of corporate responsibility and excellence, as evidenced by its numerous accolades, such as being named one of the top 501 MSPs in the country consecutively from 2014 to 2023 and ranking 39th among the fastest-growing companies in the Midwest by Inc.com. 

“I am thrilled to accept this award on behalf of my company,” said Lamont Hatcher. “I am so proud of how far AIS has come in the last 12 years and can’t wait to see what the next 12 years hold.” 

OMWBD’s Vendor of the Month initiative is a platform that celebrates the exceptional performance of certified minority, women, veterans, and disabled-owned business enterprises (XBEs) that not only excel in their fields but also make substantial contributions to community welfare. AIS embodies the spirit of this initiative through its industry-leading IT solutions and its robust community engagement.


If you would like your business featured in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.

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

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.

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

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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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!

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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