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Minority Business Highlight: Gentle Mental 

Hanna Rauworth
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Minority Business Highlight: Gentle Mental 

Gentle Mental is a streetwear brand rooted in authenticity and mental health advocacy.  

Born in the midst of a personal crisis, it launched in 2022 under the vision of designer Shawnde “Dede” Floyd. As her journey through depression unfolded, Floyd turned to journaling — and then to clothing — as a medium for self-expression and healing. What began as personal introspection evolved into a mission: to remind wearers that “it’s okay not to be okay.”  

Gentle Mental’s clothing is designed to spark conversation and reflection. Each piece — like hoodies, crewnecks, jackets and jogger sets — features affirmations and themes such as “Be Gentle,” “So Anxious,” and “Music is My Love Language.” The flagship Vol. 1 unisex sweatshirt captured Dede’s experience with depression, her vulnerabilities and resilience, encouraging wearers to welcome grace, solitude and prayer.  

(Photo/Gentle Mental)

Based in Indianapolis, Floyd is a trailblazer, eastside native, first-generation college graduate, entrepreneur and a proud Black woman. Her vision centers on generational impact: “Being in spaces we never imagined … not only getting a seat at the table but bringing the table.”  

Gentle Mental transcends fashion, according to their website. It’s a platform that champions mental wellness, spiritual connection and community support. The resources section on its website curates trusted mental health helplines and programs, offering practical avenues to healing alongside its apparel.  

For more information, visit gentlementalclub.com. 

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

Minority Business Highlight: Trans Solutions Research and Resource Center

CHLOE McGOWAN
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Minority Business Highlight: Trans Solutions Research and Resource Center

Led by executive director Belinda Drake, Trans Solutions Research & Resource Center works to address social and systemic barriers to health, housing, employment and education for LGBTQ+ Hoosiers.

The nonprofit, which is minority owned and operated, provides a safe space for trans and gender nonconforming community members, while offering access to necessary comprehensive health resources and social services. 

“Our Vision is to offer practical solutions through a distribution of services via online and networked resources that focus directly to address the social determinants of health, empower marginalized populations through education, equity and mentorship and to promote safety and foster leadership opportunities,” the website states.

Among the many services, events and programming offered by the organization is V.I.S.I.O.N Emergency Housing Assistance Program, which is a rental and placement assistance program, and V.I.S.I.O.N Academy, an essential skills and workforce development training program. 

During hours of operation, Trans Solutions provides access to a washer and dryer, a community computer lab and navigation to a community partner — such as BU Wellness — for STI/HIV testing and education. 

READ MORE: Minority-owned eats & treats to experience during the NBA Finals

The organization also provides virtual mental health support in addition to hosting weekly in-person events and a social support group for more complex issues, according to the website.

An outreach team is also ready and available to engage with the community in local neighborhoods, resource fairs, coffee shops or college campuses.

Trans Solutions is located at 3535 N. Pennsylvania St. For more information or hours of operation, visit transsolutionsrrc.org. To donate to Trans Solutions’ Pride with a Purpose campaign, visit givebutter.com/tsrrcpride. To get in contact, email info@Transsolutionsrrc.org or call 317-602-4431. 

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.

Purdue unveils 50-Year campus plan for Indianapolis

Noral Parham
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Purdue unveils 50-Year campus plan for Indianapolis

Purdue University revealed its long-term vision for Indianapolis on June 6.

The Campus Master Plan, which outlines development for the next five decades, was presented at the Purdue Board of Trustees meeting.

The plan envisions 16 new buildings on Purdue’s Indianapolis campus, totaling 4.5 million gross square feet.

Purdue 50-year campus plan Indianapolis 2025
Purdue University rendering. (Photo via Purdue Unvirsity official website.)

This expansion will support up to 5,320 student beds. It aims for a future enrollment of 15,000 students.

“The conceptual master plan endorsed today charts the physical path,” Purdue president Mung Chiang said.

Chiang added that it is a transformative vision for Purdue in Indy. The plan follows Purdue’s inaugural year operating in the city.

It focuses on Purdue’s sustained growth within Indiana’s capital, which will unfold over a 50-year time frame.

Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham 317-762-7846 or via email noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more news, click here.

Minority-owned eats & treats to experience during the NBA Finals

Noral Parham
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Minority-owned eats & treats to experience during the NBA Finals

 As the NBA Finals shift to Indianapolis for Games 3 and 4, thousands of fans will descend on Gainbridge Fieldhouse. While the Pacers battle for the city’s first major pro title since 2012 (Indiana Fever), visitors can also champion local entrepreneurs.  

Here are standout minority-owned businesses to support during the 2025 NBA Finals: 

Burgeezy 

Craving a classic burger with flair? Burgeezy delivers. This vegan-friendly eatery was founded by Kadeesha & Antoine Wiggins and offers gourmet smash burgers. Located at 335 W 9th Suite D. Open Tuesday to Sunday.  Learn more: burgeezy.com 

Liftoff Creamery

three men stand with plaque in front of glass doors
Ryan Lynch (middle), owner of LiftOff Creamery, stands with David Fredricks (left), director of the Office of Minority and Women Business Development, and Mayor Joe Hogsett outside of the ice cream shop. (Photo provided by mayor’s office)

June in Indianapolis is often scorching hot. Cool down with unique, small-batch ice cream. Liftoff Creamery, started by Ryan Lynch, features inventive flavors. Expect options like Ube or Brown Butter Bourbon. They also offer vegan choices. Visit their shop at 111 E 16th St., which is open daily.  Learn more: liftoffcreamery.com 

Hoagies and Hops 

Owner of Hoagies and Hops in Butler Tarkington Kristina Mazza during NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis on February 17, 2024. (Photo/Noral Parham III)
Owner of Hoagies and Hops in Butler Tarkington Kristina Mazza during NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis on February 17, 2024. (Photo/Noral Parham III)

This spot combines two passions. Hoagies and Hops crafts overstuffed East Coast-styled sandwiches alongside craft beer. Owner Kristina Mazza focuses on quality. Try their Philadelphia cheesesteaks while in town for the NBA Finals. Located at 4155 Boulevard Place. Open Tuesday to Sunday. Pick and roll to Hoagies and Hops today.  Learn more: hoagiesandhops.com 

Punkin’s Sweet Treats 

Owned and operated by Joanna Wilson, Punkin’s Pies Sweet Treats is a one-stop shop for any sweet tooth.
Owned and operated by Joanna Wilson, Punkin’s Pies Sweet Treats is a one-stop shop for any sweet tooth. (Photo provided/Punkin’s Pies via Facebook)

Satisfy your sweet tooth with Punkin’s pies. Owner Joanna Wilson uses family recipes. Her sweet potato pie is a slam dunk. The shop offers whole pies, slices and other desserts. Find them at 1220 Waterway Blvd. Open Tuesday to Saturday. Learn more: punkinspies.com 

Tea’s Me Cafe 

Tamika Catchings, owner of Tea’s Me Cafe, has been working on expanding the cafe’s reach to include bottled teas in local grocery stores since 2019. (Photos provided/Tea’s Me Cafe)
Tamika Catchings, owner of Tea’s Me Cafe, has been working on expanding the cafe’s reach to include bottled teas in local grocery stores since 2019. (Photos provided/Tea’s Me Cafe)

Owned by basketball Hall-of-Famer Tamika Catchings, Tea’s Me Cafe is an Indy staple. Catchings led the Fever to Indy’s last pro title in 2012. Now she serves over 100 loose-leaf teas, coffee and light bites. It’s a relaxed spot near downtown at 140 E 22nd Suite B. Open daily.  Learn more: teasmeindy.com. 

Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals begins at 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time on June 11 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis. 

Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on TikTok @HorsemenSportsMedia. For more news, click here. 

Sydney Burt named vice president at Martin University

Noral Parham
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Sydney Burt named vice president at Martin University

Martin University appointed Sydney Burt vice president of enrollment, career services and student success.

Burt previously served as executive director of student experience at Indiana’s only Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) of higher education.

Her prior role included guiding students from enrollment through career launch. She also directed career development, enhancing staff performance.

Sydney Burt of Martin University.
Martin University’s Sydney Burt. (Photo provided/Martin University)

“We’re thrilled to have Sydney expand her impact supporting students’ career journeys,” Martin University president Sean Huddleston said.

Burt brings extensive higher education and talent acquisition experience to the position.

The South Bend native embraces Indianapolis as her professional home.

Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more news like the staffing of Sydney Burt at Martin University, click here.

Minority Business Highlight: Hands In Motion Homecare

Noral Parham
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0
Minority Business Highlight: Hands In Motion Homecare

Hands In Motion Homecare LLC, a certified minority-owned provider founded by deaf entrepreneur Tiandra Trent, delivers culturally sensitive non-medical care across Indiana.  

The company specializes in bridging communication gaps for deaf and disabled communities while serving all clients. 

Trent established the firm to address accessibility gaps after experiencing healthcare barriers firsthand.  

Services include daily living assistance, meal preparation, medication reminders, transportation and companionship — all provided with American Sign Language fluency. 

Operating in Indianapolis and the St. Joseph area, the company embodies Trent’s core values: compassion, integrity, excellence and inclusivity. Notably, 100% of management identifies as disabled or minority. 

“We uphold the highest standards while respecting individual needs,” Trent emphasized on the company website. The firm partners with Medicaid and private insurers to enhance accessibility. 

For more information on Hands In Motion Homecare, visit their website at handsmotioncare.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. 

Indiana Chamber seeks nominations for statewide leadership honors 

Hanna Rauworth
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Indiana Chamber seeks nominations for statewide leadership honors 

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce invites Hoosiers to celebrate exceptional leadership and community growth by submitting nominations for its prestigious statewide awards.  

Nominations are open through Friday, June 20, with winners to be honored at the Chamber’s 36th Annual Awards Dinner in Indianapolis on November 5. 

Vanessa Green Sinders, Indiana Chamber president and CEO, expressed her enthusiasm for the event.  

“We’re eager to recognize the impressive recipients that make Indiana such a great place — showcasing Indiana’s brightest is always a highlight of our annual awards dinner,” Sinders said. “There certainly is no lack of worthy individuals and communities around the state so we hope to receive many nominations for our slate of awards.” 

(Photo/Indiana Chamber)

The event, presented in partnership with Meijer, will highlight leaders and communities through four distinct awards: 

  • Ogletree Deakins Business Leader of the Year: Honoring a business leader who exemplifies excellence and impacts their organization and the broader business community through exceptional leadership. 
  • Birch Bayh-Richard Lugar Government Leader of the Year: Celebrating a government leader dedicated to improving Indiana’s business environment. 
  • NextEra Energy Resources Community of the Year: Recognizing a community that has achieved remarkable progress in economic growth and enhancing its local business climate. 
  • Yamaha Dynamic Leader of the Year: Highlighting an individual whose leadership and innovation extend beyond their organization, aligning with the Chamber’s Indiana Prosperity 2035 vision plan. 
(Photo/Indiana Chamber)

The awards dinner serves as a platform to honor outstanding contributions to Indiana’s business, civic and government sectors. 

Details about award categories and submission guidelines are available at indianachamber.com/annualawards. 

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

Minority business highlight: Making It 2gether 

Hanna Rauworth
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0
Minority business highlight: Making It 2gether 

Making It 2gether is a vibrant minority-owned catering business based in Indianapolis, Indiana, that stands out for its commitment to community, inclusivity and culinary excellence.  

Founded in 2021 by Martin Turman-Williams, an African-American entrepreneur who is also part of the LGBTQ+ community, the company reflects his passion for food and dedication to building connections across diverse groups. 

Making It 2gether’s mission is to create inclusive culinary experiences that celebrate diversity and foster a renewed outlook on food, health and self. (Photos/Making It 2gether)

Martin brings over two decades of culinary experience to Making It 2gether, having worked with brands like Marriott Hotels, Hilton Hotels, Bob Evans and the Indianapolis Colts Grille. His broad expertise in the food industry provides the foundation for a business that goes beyond traditional catering.  

Under the brand “My Momma’s Meals,” Making It 2gether offers much more than meals, they deliver an experience that embraces culture, community and wellness. 

Making It 2gether’s mission is to create inclusive culinary experiences that celebrate diversity and foster a renewed outlook on food, health and self. (Photos/Making It 2gether)

The business specializes in customized catering for events of all sizes and types, from corporate functions to social gatherings. Beyond food, Making It 2gether offers event planning support, themed menu creation and educational workshops that address nutrition, hospitality, retail training and mental health awareness.  

At its core, Making It 2gether is about creating safe, habitable spaces where all individuals feel welcome and valued. Their mission centers on embracing reality and practicality to foster a better sense of community and wellbeing for everyone involved. This mission is a powerful testament to the resilience and vision of minority-owned businesses that leverage their unique experiences to contribute meaningfully to their communities. 

Making It 2gether’s mission is to create inclusive culinary experiences that celebrate diversity and foster a renewed outlook on food, health and self. (Photos/Making It 2gether)

To learn more, visit makingit2gether.com. 

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

IGS named Vendor of the Month for June

Noral Parham
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0
IGS named Vendor of the Month for June

International Global Solutions, Corp. (IGS) was named Vendor of the Month for June 2025 by the city’s Office of Minority and Women Business Development (OMWBD). 

OMWBD director David Fredricks and City-County Councilor Jesse Brown made the announcement on May 29.

IGS is a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) headquartered in Indianapolis. 

President Clarence Lyles founded the company in 2007. IGS specializes in network infrastructure, telecommunications services and client optimization. The company helps clients improve customer service, data management and staffing. 

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire IGS team,” Lyles said in a statement.  

Lyles highlighted the significance of being acknowledged locally after 18 years in business. Lyles emphasized employing his most incredible honor, supporting families and communities.

The company has grown significantly since its founding. IGS now operates from three locations across the United States: Indiana, Kentucky, Texas and Virginia. It partners with manufacturers like Cisco and Honeywell. IGS also engages in philanthropy and volunteerism in its communities.

The OMWBD cited IGS’s outstanding service as a solutions provider and community business leader for recognition.

Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral. If you want your business highlighted in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here. 

Minority Business Highlight: Betsy Bleed

CHLOE McGOWAN
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0
Minority Business Highlight: Betsy Bleed

Betsy Bleed, a freelance visual artist based in Indianapolis, uses illustration and caricature art to liven up parties.

Bleed has been creating art professionally since 2016 but has been drawing since she “could hold a crayon,” according to her website. Bleed is affiliated with the International Society of Caricature Artists, Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators and the Indianapolis Art Center. 

As a freelance artist, Bleed is open to commissions, projects or bookings for caricatures as live entertainment for weddings, parties, corporate events, birthdays, showers or festivals — or commissioned, both traditionally or digitally as one-of-a-kind gifts. Bleed also does custom paintings, invitations, Christmas cards, thank you cards and children’s book illustrations.  

For more information about Betsy Bleed’s work or to book her services, visit www.betsybleed.com. To get in contact, email brbleed@gmail.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.

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