Thursday, June 12, 2025
Home Blog Page 3

Victoria Odekomaya: Spearheading the inaugural NAWBO Indy’s BOSS LADIES Magazine

0
Victoria Odekomaya

By CASEY HARRISON

When women come together with a shared purpose, transformative things happen.

That’s exactly what Victoria Odekomaya and Dr. Jamyce Curtis Banks, president of NAWBO Indianapolis, had in mind when they collaborated on the concept for the first-ever NAWBO Indy BOSS LADIES Magazine — a publication dedicated to spotlighting, celebrating and elevating women entrepreneurs.

Odekomaya, a brand strategist and creative entrepreneur, has long recognized the need for greater visibility for women-owned businesses that make a significant impact yet often go unrecognized. She has successfully implemented this model. She saw an opportunity to bring it to NAWBO Indy in a way that would empower local women in business while raising funds for a meaningful cause.

“I knew we needed something that consistently put women front and center — not just in occasional features, but in a way that continuously amplifies our voices, businesses and contributions to the economy,” Odekomaya said. “BOSS LADIES Magazine is about creating a platform where women see themselves reflected in success stories, learn from one another and gain the recognition they deserve. Partnering with NAWBO Indianapolis felt like the perfect way to align our missions and uplift women in business.”

The magazine builds on Odekomaya’s brand strategy, marketing, and storytelling expertise. She understands that a strong brand isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about clarity, visibility and impact. With that vision, she brought the idea of BOSS LADIES Magazine to NAWBO Indy, presenting it not just as a publication but as a movement — an opportunity to build a community of women supporting one another, sharing knowledge and opening doors for each other.

NAWBO Indy embraced the concept, and under Odekomaya’s leadership, the magazine took shape, curating content that highlights the journeys, challenges and triumphs of women entrepreneurs. Beyond storytelling, BOSS LADIES Magazine also serves as a fundraising initiative to raise $10,000 for the NAWBO Indy Foundation. This effort aligns with Victoria’s long-standing commitment to supporting local nonprofits annually. In previous editions of similar publications, over $20,000 was raised for local organizations, including Dove Recovery House and Pink Ribbon Connection.

For Odekomaya, this project is an extension of her life’s work — helping women define their brands, increase their visibility and create opportunities for long-term success.

“Women in business already face enough obstacles — we don’t need invisibility to be one of them,” she said. “The more we amplify our stories, the more we break down barriers, challenge biases and build a network where we all rise together.”

Her ability to blend strategic marketing, brand development, and storytelling has shaped BOSS LADIES Magazine into a platform for honest conversations — not just about success but the journeys that lead there. The magazine covers topics from overcoming funding challenges to scaling businesses, from mentorship to leadership and ensuring that women’s voices are heard in the broader business ecosystem.

While Odekomaya’s recent launch of LiMStudios, Indianapolis’ premier content creation space, is an exciting milestone, it’s just one piece of her larger commitment to helping women build powerful, bankable brands. The studio serves as a physical space where entrepreneurs can create high-quality content to support their businesses, but its impact extends far beyond its walls.

Her work on BOSS LADIES Magazine cements her belief that lasting impact is created when women collaborate instead of competing. She envisions the magazine as a legacy project — one that will not only celebrate today’s women entrepreneurs but inspire the next generation of business leaders.

“The stories we tell today will shape the opportunities available for women tomorrow,” Odekomaya said. “BOSS LADIES Magazine is just the beginning. I want women to know that their work matters, their voices matter, and their success deserves to be seen.”

With the launch of BOSS LADIES Magazine, Odekomaya has transformed a bold idea into a powerful reality that will continue to uplift, connect and empower women in business for years to come.

For more information about NAWBO Indy’s BOSS LADIES Magazine or to donate to support Indy women in business, please visit the NAWBO Indianapolis website. Follow Odekomaya’s journey in brand strategy and women’s entrepreneurship on Instagram: @limstudios.

This article is part of an editorial series in partnership with Polished Strategic Communications (http://www.polishedcomms.com/) and the Indianapolis Recorder, celebrating the launch of NAWBO Indy Boss Ladies Magazine. Polished Strategic Communications, a woman-owned agency dedicated to amplifying diverse voices in business, education and community, writes and produces the series.

The legacy of leadership: How NAWBO Indy’s Boss Ladies Magazine is lifting up, showing up and speaking up for women entrepreneurs

0
Dr. Jamyce Curtis Banks

By CASEY HARRISON

Dr. Jamyce Curtis Banks remembers the moment the idea sparked.

It wasn’t during a grand event or public celebration. It came quietly, as many movements do — during a conversation when a fellow NAWBO member shared the impact a magazine had made in elevating voices across her own community.

“I sat on a panel with Victoria,” Banks said. “She talked about how her publication wasn’t just a business but a platform — a way to give back. And I remember thinking, that’s what we need in NAWBO. That’s what our members deserve.”

That moment — seemingly small — was the first step toward something much bigger. What followed was the debut of the NAWBO Indy Boss Ladies Magazine, a first-of-its-kind publication from the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Indianapolis Chapter. With nearly three decades of history behind it, the magazine is a powerful new chapter in NAWBO Indy’s legacy — one that reflects what it truly means to lift up, show up and speak up.

For over 27 years, NAWBO Indianapolis has been a haven for women business owners navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. Through networking, mentorship, and shared experience, the organization has supported thousands of women in Central Indiana — many of whom started with little more than an idea and a dream.

“The strength of NAWBO is in our relationships,” Banks said. “But our strength can also be our weakness if we lean in and support each other behind closed doors. We can’t be our city’s best-kept secret anymore.”

Many women in business can relate to this sentiment. Despite owning nearly 40% of all businesses in the U.S., women entrepreneurs still face disproportionate barriers to capital, contracts and visibility. According to the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship, women receive only 4.4% of total small business loan dollars, and Black women receive even less.

Jamyce is on a mission to change that — starting with the magazine.

The pages of Boss Ladies Magazine are not filled with celebrity profiles or curated perfection. Instead, they highlight women who’ve built something from the ground up — women who’ve battled rejection, juggled caregiving, reinvested every dollar and kept showing up.

Banks believes that to lift up someone else is to see their potential and choose to elevate them — without agenda or ego.

“That’s what I’m most proud of,” she said. “This magazine will open doors — not for me, but for the next woman. I want to leave behind something useful that celebrates our legacy and inspires the next generation of women in business to lead with excellence.”

Banks knows the power of being lifted up firsthand. When she launched her consulting firm years ago, she faced all the doubts women know too well: “Is this idea good enough?” “Will anyone take me seriously?”

But mentors and fellow NAWBO members helped her build confidence and clientele. Now, she’s doing the same for others, investing her time and energy into platforms that celebrate women doing the work.

But lifting others isn’t enough. Women must show up and be in the rooms where decisions that impact us are made.

“We are the ones holding up the economy,” Banks said. “Women-owned businesses contribute significantly to Indiana’s economy, yet we rarely see that story told, let alone supported and celebrated.”

That’s why this magazine isn’t just inspirational — it’s strategic. Each profile challenges readers to consider what proper support looks like — not just applause but access, panels and paychecks. As Banks reminds us, support means funding, contracts, consideration and commitment.

“When we talk about investing in women,” she said, “we’re talking about hiring and referring them. Putting them in the room. If you want to support women business owners, that’s how you do it.”

And in a world of digital connection and transactional relationships, it’s never been more important to physically show up. Women must continue harnessing and using their voices to advocate for policies and for each other to continue shattering glass ceilings.

“Showing up is not always glamorous,” Banks said. “Sometimes, it looks like taking a call at 9 p.m. to encourage someone who wants to quit. Sometimes it means sitting at someone’s table — not to lead, but to listen.”

And she’s not alone in this effort. The magazine’s creation resulted from a collaborative task force, each woman offering time, talent and tenacity to make the vision real. From long-standing members like Executive Director Lee Ann Richardson, who’s served as the chapter’s steady hand through decades of leadership transitions, to new members eager to connect, this project became a rallying cry for what’s possible when women support and collaborate with each other.

“I’ve had the honor of watching this organization evolve,” Banks said. “And this magazine — it’s the next evolution. It says we’re here. We’re leading. And we’re bringing others with us.”

The timing of the NAWBO Indy Boss Ladies Magazine could not be more urgent. In the wake of policy changes, economic uncertainty, and increased competition, the space for women in business is shifting — and shrinking in some sectors. Without intentional support, the strides women have made risk being lost.

As NAWBO Indy prepares for its annual event in June — aptly titled “Scale Up” — Banks hopes readers will see the magazine as a call to action.

“No matter where you are in your business journey,” she said, “there’s always another level. Scaling up doesn’t always mean more revenue. It might mean mentoring. It might mean giving. It might mean stepping back so another woman can step forward.”

Whatever it looks like, the mission is clear: Lift Up. Show Up. Speak Up.

Because when women support women, entire communities rise.

This article is the first in an editorial series in partnership with Polished Strategic Communications and the Indianapolis Recorder, celebrating the launch of NAWBO Indy Boss Ladies Magazine. Polished Strategic Communications, a woman-owned agency dedicated to amplifying diverse voices in business, education and community, writes and produces the series.

Hispanic leaders shine at Indy Chamber’s ‘5 for 500’ 

On May 13, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) served as more than just a racetrack, hosting the Indy Chamber’s “Conexión: 5 for 500” event.  

The sold-out gathering, presented by JPMorgan Chase, celebrated the achievements of five influential Hispanic leaders in Indianapolis while creating an opportunity for cultural appreciation and professional networking. 

Organized by the Indy Chamber’s Hispanic Business Council, the event highlighted individuals making waves in advocacy, leadership, small business, trailblazing and visionary work. Attendees were treated to a day of learning and celebration, featuring a panel discussion, networking opportunities and an insider’s look at the Speedway garages during the first practice session for the 2025 Indianapolis 500.  

Guests and speakers enjoy the Conexion 5 for 500 event, celebrating community connections and local impact. (Photos/Antonio Chapital, Chapital Photography)

The panel featured prominent figures such as Rolando Coronado of Andretti Global, Tracy Guerrero from the Indianapolis Airport Authority, Luisa Macer of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Ricardo Juncos, co-owner of Juncos Hollinger Racing. They discussed the evolving role of Hispanic professionals in motorsports and the broader business community and how their roles help fans have the ultimate race day experience. 

“I’ve been at the airport for nine years in different capacities, and I started as an intern,” Guerrero said. “The airport is essentially the first stop many people take when they enter the city. It’s the gateway to our city.” 

Macer spoke about the importance of getting involved in the sport and what it means to her to be in her role. 

“Kids are the future of the sport,” Macer said. “Kids are why our legacy and what we’re doing now in this place is empowering and teaming up with the next generation of fans.” 

The panelists also discussed the changes the sport has seen in recent years. Coronado revealed that there was a distinct lack of diversity when he first began working in the industry. 

Guests and speakers enjoy the Conexion 5 for 500 event, celebrating community connections and local impact. (Photos/Antonio Chapital, Chapital Photography)

“Motorsports or IndyCar wasn’t a sport known for its diversity,” Coronado said. “When I started 25 years ago, I remember walking into a group meeting. There were people from Australia and New Zealand, and everybody was the same. Every single mechanic was the same. They gave me the nickname Buddy Boy because I called everybody Buddy Boy. I couldn’t tell who was who.” 

Coronado explained that as the sport has evolved, so has its diversity. Similarly, Guerrero strives to incorporate that same sense of welcoming at the Indianapolis International Airport. 

“I think you can see it in the sense of place that I talked about earlier, making sure that when you land in Indianapolis, you know that you’re in Indianapolis, and during May, there’s an intentionality where you’re in partnership with IMS to make you feel like you’re in the racing capital of the world,” Guerrero said. 

According to the panelists, incorporating the community into their work is an essential step. They work diligently to encourage youth to participate in their fields, whether racing-related or not. 

Guests and speakers enjoy the Conexion 5 for 500 event, celebrating community connections and local impact. (Photos/Antonio Chapital, Chapital Photography)

“We have a great program here during May. One of the programs I lead is Community Day,” Macer said. “It’s the one time out of the entire month where all 33 drivers who have qualified for the Indianapolis 500 get to spend a full day at a school.” 

Events like “Conexión: 5 for 500” showcase the city’s dedication to inclusivity while celebrating the intersection of culture and industry. The event highlighted the invaluable contributions of Hispanic professionals in shaping a vibrant and diverse Indianapolis. 

For details about future events hosted by the Indy Chamber’s Hispanic Business Council, visit their website at indychamber.com. 

Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth. 

Diversity takes center stage at Sweets & Snacks Expo 

The Sweets & Snacks Expo brought a surge of excitement to Indianapolis, attracting over 14,500 attendees and more than 1,000 exhibitors to the Indiana Convention Center. Hosted by the National Confectioners Association (NCA), the event highlighted the latest trends and innovations in the confectionery and snack industries, all while delivering an estimated $12 million economic impact to Central Indiana. 

The Expo spanned an impressive 250,000 square feet of exhibit space, where manufacturers, retailers, brokers and suppliers converged to share ideas and unveil cutting-edge products. With 300 exhibitors participating for the first time and attendees representing 85 countries, the event solidified its reputation as the premier showcase for candy and snack innovations. 

The Sweets and Snacks Expo brought in $12 million for Indianapolis and showcased a diverse array of sweets and snacks buyers, sellers and vendors. (Photos/Indy Recorder Staff)

“When we selected Indianapolis to become one of the host cities for Sweets & Snacks Expo, we knew it would be a success, but we could not have predicted just how far our expectations would be exceeded,” said John Downs, president and CEO of the NCA. 

Indianapolis proved to be a dynamic host city, seamlessly blending its reputation for hospitality with offsite experiences that immersed attendees in the city’s unique culture. A lively happy hour at Gainbridge Fieldhouse provided opportunities for networking and socializing, while a visit to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during Indy 500 practice offered attendees a quintessential Hoosier experience. 

Beyond showcasing the latest in candy and snack trends, the Expo also emphasized the importance of promoting diversity within the industry. Minority, women and veteran-owned businesses were given a prominent platform to display their products and connect with key players in the confectionery and snack sectors. 

Belle’s Gourmet Popcorn, a Black- and woman-owned business, took home the Best in Show award for their Matcha Latte Popcorn. The product, praised for its bold flavor and innovative appeal, was a highlight of the event’s Most Innovative New Product Awards. These awards, which span 12 categories, celebrate creativity and originality, offering a glimpse into the future of consumer trends. 

The Sweets and Snacks Expo brought in $12 million for Indianapolis and showcased a diverse array of sweets and snacks buyers, sellers and vendors. (Photos/Indy Recorder Staff)

“Indy is no stranger to large, buzzworthy events, but Sweets & Snacks Expo is in a category of its own,” said Leonard Hoops, president and CEO of Visit Indy. “We’re thrilled not only by the economic impact but also by the joy and innovation this event brings to our city.” 

For attendees, the Expo offered more than just a trade show experience. Educational sessions led by industry experts provided valuable insights into market trends, consumer behavior, and emerging challenges in the snack and confectionery industries. Attendees also appreciated the opportunity to build lasting relationships with industry peers. 

“This event is amazing. I found some incredible new products to stock in our stores … I also connected with people and folks who look like me, selling products I’d buy. That’s really important to me,” said Darnell Katy, a buyer from Texas attending the Expo for the first time 

The Expo’s commitment to giving back was another standout feature. In partnership with organizations like the USO and Give Kids the World Village, the event donated products to service members and children in need across the country. 

The Sweets and Snacks Expo brought in $12 million for Indianapolis and showcased a diverse array of sweets and snacks buyers, sellers and vendors. (Photos/Indy Recorder Staff)

As the Expo wrapped up its 2025 event in Indianapolis, plans for the future were already underway. The show will move to Las Vegas in 2026 before returning to Indianapolis in 2027 and 2028.  

Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth. 

Minority Business Highlight: Alex Long Therapeutic Services, LLC 

Alex Long Therapeutic Services, LLC, is a mental health practice based in Indianapolis, Indiana, led by licensed clinical social worker Alex Long. With a strong commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment, Long provides therapy designed to meet each client’s unique needs. 

Long’s educational background includes degrees in human development and family studies, psychology and dance from Indiana University, as well as a master’s in social work from IUPUI. This diverse foundation informs a holistic approach to mental health care that blends evidence-based therapy with empathy and cultural awareness. 

Alex Long Therapeutic Services offers virtual services to clients. (Photo via/Alex Long official website)

Specializing in issues such as life transitions, anxiety, depression, grief and challenges commonly faced by people of color, Long offers a safe space for individuals seeking support. Therapy sessions incorporate proven modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and internal family systems, tailored to fit each person’s journey. 

Known for an engaging and warm style that often includes humor, Long fosters strong therapeutic connections that empower clients toward healing and growth. The practice operates exclusively online, ensuring accessible care for Indianapolis residents. 

For more information or to schedule a session, visit alexlongtherapeuticservices.org

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

Minority Business Highlight: Punkin’s Pies Sweet Treats

Owned and operated by Joanna Wilson, Punkin’s Pies Sweet Treats is a one-stop shop for any sweet tooth.  

Wilson, lovingly nicknamed “Punkin’” by her older brother as a child, started her business with community and homemade baked goods in mind. Registered in June 2017, Punkin’s Pies is now located in The AMP at 16 Tech, but Wilson’s been baking pies and crafting sweet treats for the community long before that. 

Famous for her sweet potato pie, Wilson’s mother was her inspiration — and the one who taught her to bake during the holidays. Her mother’s famous sweet potato pie was a community favorite at Thanksgiving, church functions and dinners, and she took informal orders from neighbors frequently.  

Punkin’s Pies came about when Wilson decided it was time to recreate the dessert and take over local orders once her mother got older. After several failed attempts, she finally got it right and quickly went from selling 20 pies to more than 100 during the holidays.  

Wilson’s business motto is “Making life a little sweeter,” and the baker said she’s been passionate about making others happy through her cooking and baking since she was young, according to the website. 

Today, Wilson’s menu at Punkin’s Pies offers a sweet potato pie in addition to a pecan pie, cheese pie variety of fruit crumble pies, chocolate dipped strawberries and pineapples, Oreos, pretzels, truffles, cake pops, gourmet apples and more. 

Punkin’s Pies Sweet Treats is in the AMP at 16 Tech, 1220 Waterway Blvd. For more information or to view a full menu, visit punkinspies.com. To get in contact, email punkinspies@yahoo.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. 

Central Indiana Women’s Business Center earns top honor 

The Central Indiana Women’s Business Center, a program of the Indy Chamber’s Business Ownership Initiative, has been named the 2025 Women’s Business Center of Excellence by the Indiana District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration.  

This national recognition highlights the organization’s significant contributions to job creation, access to capital and support for women entrepreneurs throughout Central Indiana. 

In 2024, the center conducted nearly 2,000 one-on-one counseling sessions, supported the creation or retention of over 1,700 jobs and facilitated more than $1.3 million in capital infusions. Additionally, it hosted 33 training sessions and events, reaching over 1,200 attendees and expanding its impact among emerging and established women entrepreneurs. 

The CIWBC is one of two SBA-designated Women’s Business Centers in Indiana, part of a national network working to create equal opportunities for women in business. (Photo/Indy Chamber)

Stephanie James, director of the Central Indiana Women’s Business Center, expressed gratitude for the honor.  

“Being recognized as the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Women’s Business Center of Excellence is an incredible honor that reflects the strength, resilience and determination of the entrepreneurs we serve,” James said. “This recognition affirms the impact of our work and fuels our commitment to creating even more opportunities to empower women to succeed in business.” 

The award will be formally presented during the National Small Business Week celebrations, where the center will be recognized as a model of excellence among more than 150 Women’s Business Centers across the nation. The organization also received the Great Lakes Region’s Women’s Business Center of the Year award, which includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. 

Stacey Poynter, Indiana District Director of the Small Business Administration, praised the Central Indiana Women’s Business Center for its impact.  

“SBA Resource Partners are a critical asset for small businesses in the SBA entrepreneurial ecosystem,” she said. “They are in your neighborhood and provide free one-on-one counseling, mentorship and expertise that you need at all stages of your small business ownership journey. The Central Indiana Women’s Business Center team embodies what it means to be an excellent resource, and they are well-deserving of this award.” 

The CIWBC is one of two SBA-designated Women’s Business Centers in Indiana, part of a national network working to create equal opportunities for women in business. (Photo/Indy Chamber)

The center is one of two SBA-designated Women’s Business Centers in Indiana and part of a national network focused on leveling the playing field for women in business. Its work is supported by a cooperative agreement with the Small Business Administration and funding from the Indy Chamber’s Business Ownership Initiative. 

For more information about the Central Indiana Women’s Business Center and its services, visit indychamber.com/ciwbc. 

Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth. 

Minority Business Highlight: Junior Junk Removal

Junior Junk Removal & Hauling (or simply ‘Jr. Junk Removal’) is a family-owned business based in Indianapolis.  

The business offers comprehensive junk removal and hauling services. It is committed to providing reliable and efficient solutions for both residential and commercial clients. 

Founded by Eric Appleton, Junior Junk Removal specializes in services designed to help clients declutter and manage waste effectively. These services include junk removal, hauling and delivery, yard clean-up and tree cutting. 

The company’s approach emphasizes customer satisfaction and environmental responsibility. By offering prompt and professional services, Jr. Junk Removal aims to make the process of junk removal as seamless as possible for clients. Their commitment to treating customers like family reflects their work ethic and service quality.  

Whether clearing out a garage, removing old furniture or handling yard waste, the company strives to deliver top-notch services that help clients reclaim their spaces.  

For more information or to schedule a service, interested parties can contact the business at 317-982-1974 or via email at jrjunkremoving@gmail.com. Check out their website at jrjunkremovalandhaul.com.


Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here. 

Minority Business Highlight: Legacy Sea Moss 

Legacy Sea Moss is a wellness brand specializing in premium, wild-crafted sea moss products. Based in Richmond, Indiana, the company offers a range of sea moss gels and beverages. 

Their product line features 16-oz Organic Gold Gel, 16-oz Organic Pineapple Gel and 1-gallon Organic Strawberry Juice. The brand emphasizes natural ingredients, using organic fruits and spring water in its formulations. 

Customer feedback is generally positive, with a 5.0 out of 5-star rating based on 62 reviews on Judge.me. Some customers praise the taste and consistency of the products, noting that they are enjoyable and easy to incorporate into daily routines. 

In addition to online sales, Legacy Sea Moss is expanding its local footprint. Products are stocked at Mi Gente International Grocery in Indianapolis, making it easier for residents to access health-focused options. The company’s growth reflects a rising interest in sea moss for its purported benefits, including improved digestion, immune support and increased energy. 

Founded to focus on community wellness, Legacy Sea Moss prioritizes transparency and quality. Their products are sustainably harvested, ensuring they align with health-conscious and environmentally conscious values. 

Legacy Sea Moss offers a wide array of products ranging from juice to gel. (Photo via/Legacy Sea Moss website)

For more information or to explore their product offerings, visit legacyseamoss.com

Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.  

If you want your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here. 

Minority Business Highlight: Orangily

Orangily, a woman-owned non-alcoholic bottle shop in Carmel, Indiana, is championing inclusion through beverages.  

Andrea “Andee” Simpson and Kristin Patrick, founders and owners of Orangily, started their business in 2021, after being inspired by an article in Vogue. Both Simpson and Patrick had made the decision to stop drinking alcohol back in 2021, and wanted to build a business that would feel inclusive and welcoming to those who do not drink alcohol — regardless of the reason. 

Previously known as Loren’s Alcohol-Free, after Patrick and Simpson’s dad, Orangily champions inclusivity by offering alcohol-free alternatives that are fun and delicious, according to the website. Orangily is not only about sobriety, however, as there are a variety of reasons people choose to abstain from alcohol. 

“Orangily is about disruption and inclusion,” the website states. “Disrupting the narrative that alcohol is essential to celebrate, relax or network in Central Indiana. Andee and Kristin believe that there is an art to entertaining. Organizing a stylish soiree and making everyone feel welcome is no piece of rum-alternative cake.” 

Orangily’s mission not only strives for inclusion in the art of entertaining but also advocating for mental and physical benefits of an alcohol-free lifestyle, protecting customer privacy and to continue learning about the alcohol-free beverage industry and trying new recipes. 

In-store, Orangily offers a variety of alcohol-removed wine, non-alcoholic beer, zero-proof spirits, drink mixers and functional beverages. Customers can also shop the selection online for pick up or delivery within 30 miles of the East Main Street warehouse in Carmel. 

Orangeily has three locations throughout Central Indiana, including 1051 East 54th Street, Suite A; 12839 Broad Street, Suite 150, Carmel, Indiana; 5790 East Main Street, Suite 150, Carmel. For more information, visit lorensaf.com or  instagram.com/drinkorangily. To get in contact, call 317-670-8661 or email hello@lorensaf.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. 

Translate »
Skip to content