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Minority Business Highlight: Thieves

Thieves is a coffeehouse–cocktail bar offering beverages and lounge cuisine in the Broad Ripple area.

Thieves features a menu filled with casual dining cuisine such as coffee, sandwiches and cocktails. Dishes such as croissant sandwiches named “Hot Girl Sammies” and charcuterie boards are sold in this sleek lounge.

Hoosiers with a sweet tooth can also order specials from Thieves’ “Crumbs and Chaos” menu. Pastry staples such as cinnamon rolls, muffins and croissants can be ordered along with various beverages.

Kristen Alderson is the owner and founder of Thieves. The vision for this multifaceted lounge is to serve crafted drinks and food in a setting made for relaxing.

“Welcome to Thieves where bold coffee, cheeky cocktails, and crave-worthy bites come together under one glam roof,” the website states. “Start your day with espresso and breakfast sandwiches. Wind down with flatbreads, charcuterie, and a cocktail (or two). From sunrise to late-night, we’re serving indulgence on every level.”

Thieves is located at 854 Broad Ripple Ave.

For more information, visit thievesindy.com/.

Staff Writer Malik Simon created this highlight. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, contact him at 317-762-7847 or via email at maliks@indyrecorder.com. 

AES Indiana and Google Partner to Deliver Over $770 Million in Customer Savings While Powering Central Indiana Growth

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., April 23, 2026 – AES Indiana, a subsidiary of The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES), filed today under HEA 1007 outlining how its proposal protects residential and small business customers as large-load growth accelerates across Central Indiana. In line with Indiana Governor Mike Braun’s commitment to utility ratepayer affordability, the agreement to serve Google’s proposed data center in Monrovia includes Google paying 100 percent of its own energy use and any new infrastructure required to serve them, ensuring no costs are borne by AES Indiana’s existing residential and small business customers. Based on current modeling, serving the proposed Google data center through a customer-specific contract is expected to benefit existing customers by delivering over $770 million in customer savings over the next 15 years.  

In March, AES Indiana appeared before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) during the public meeting on energy affordability. AES Indiana shared how responsible growth—when structured with strong customer protections—can put downward pressure on customer bills over time.

“At a time when customers are feeling pressure from rising costs, our responsibility is to ensure that growth works for them not against them,” said Brandi Davis-Handy, President of AES Indiana. “Affordability is one of Indiana’s five core energy pillars, and it is central to our planning and decision making. The framework provided by the legislature allows us to meet new demand responsibly by protecting customers while continuing to deliver reliable, affordable energy for Central Indiana.”

“At Google, we believe that being part of a community means contributing to its stability and growth,” said Will Conkling, Region Head of Google Data Center Energy. “This filing represents a landmark model for how data centers and utilities can partner to drive economic development while strictly protecting ratepayers. We are proud to support a plan that brings new jobs and infrastructure to Indiana while ensuring that the cost of progress is borne entirely by us, not the families and small businesses of Central Indiana.”

In addition to protecting customers, the proposal supports long-term economic development across Indiana. Meeting this new demand will require approximately $1.3 billion in new energy infrastructure investment in the state by supporting long-term construction jobs, supply chain activity, and local tax base growth while ensuring those costs are fully borne by Google and not existing AES Indiana customers.

Customer protections included in the HEA 1007 filing 
HEA 1007, passed by the Indiana General Assembly in 2025, requires utilities to demonstrate that large-load customers fully fund the infrastructure and generation needed to serve them. Within AES Indiana’s filing:

  • Google will pay for 100 percent of the energy its data centers will use, and any new infrastructure costs driven by their growth, preventing shifting costs to existing customers.
  • The Customer Specific Contract (CSC) with Google includes financial assurances, minimum demand commitments, and exit provisions, ensuring customers are not left with stranded costs if circumstances change.


Strengthening the grid for all customers

In addition to strong cost protections, AES Indiana’s filing supports long‑term reliability for existing customers by enabling proactive, phased infrastructure planning as demand grows. By allowing infrastructure to be planned and built in coordination with long‑term system needs, rather than through reactive upgrades, the filing improves system flexibility and resilience while maintaining reliability across Central Indiana.


Key reliability benefits include:

  • Phased system investments aligned with long-term grid needs.
  • Improved system resilience and flexibility to support reliability during peak demand and extreme weather.
  • Modernized infrastructure planning that strengthens the overall grid while maintaining reliability across Central Indiana.

All proposed investments remain subject to IURC review and approval. AES Indiana anticipates receiving an order from the IURC this September. This agreement aligns with the White House Ratepayer Protection Pledge that was announced earlier this year with the goal of protecting ratepayers, creating long-term jobs, and keeping the grid reliable as businesses grow.

For more information about AES Indiana’s plans to power Central Indiana’s growth responsibly, visit aesindiana.com/datacenters.

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About AES Indiana

AES Indiana, an AES Company, provides retail electric service to more than 530,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Indianapolis, as well as portions of other Central Indiana communities surrounding Marion County. During its long history, AES Indiana has supplied its customers with some of the lowest-cost, most reliable power in the country. For more information about the company, please connect with AES Indiana on XFacebook and LinkedIn. For more information about how AES Indiana is accelerating the future of energy, visit aesindiana.com.

Minority Business Highlight: Danielle’s Popcorn

Danielle’s Popcorn started from a simple idea: bringing “the best of us to you.”

Founded by Danielle Jernigan in November 2025, Danielle’s Popcorn is a Black- and woman-owned gourmet popcorn business based out of Carmel, Indiana. Originally from Muncie, Indiana, Jernigan is a Ball State University alumna and proud member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Jernigan is also the owner and founder of Danielle’s Funnel Cakes and Danielle’s Bistro on the Go.

Danielle’s Popcorn has a flavor for every occasion, whether that be holidays, corporate events, special occasions, catering or fundraisers. 

Featured flavors include caramel, cheddar cheese, the Danie Mix — which includes caramel and cheddar — caramel apple, sweet heat, dill pickle, kettle corn, movie theater butter and with love — which includes caramel and pink vanilla. Danielle’s Popcorn also offers large bundles, mini bundles, trios and more to mix and match flavors, according to the website. 

READ MORE: Minority Business Highlight: Pamper Me Right 

Danielle’s Popcorn not only specializes in gourmet popcorn, but in supporting local youth through its Pop-Open-A-Book reading program and school fundraisers. 

“At Danielle’s Popcorn, we believe that reading is fundamental for the success of our youth,” the website states. 

The business not only offers a reading program to motivate K-5 students to read and receive “popcorn rewards” for progress, but also adopts classrooms, provides reading supplies, resources and supports the efforts of local teachers. 

In terms of fundraising, Danielle’s Popcorn works with local leaders and organizations to meet funding goals for band competitions, sports equipment, church camps and more.

Danielle’s Popcorn is located at Clay Terrace, 14450 Clay Terrace Blvd, Ste 115, Carmel. For more information, store hours or to order online, visit daniellespopcorn.com. To get in contact, call 

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, email chloegm@indyrecorder.com.

Minority Business Highlight: My Sister’s Stuff Boutique  

In the evolving world of online fashion, My Sister’s Stuff Boutique is creating a space where style meets accessibility and empowerment. 

The boutique offers a wide range of women’s clothing and accessories, from denim and dresses to outerwear, shoes and haircare products — all designed to help customers build complete, confidence-driven looks in one place.  

At its core, the brand emphasizes individuality and self-expression through fashion. Its collections highlight both everyday essentials and statement pieces, including jumpsuits, knit sets and bold outerwear, giving shoppers options for both casual wear and standout occasions.  

(Photo/My Sister’s Stuff)

The boutique also prioritizes inclusivity, offering plus-size fashion alongside standard sizing and promoting body positivity as a central value. According to the site, the goal is to ensure that “everyone can look and feel good,” while maintaining a focus on affordability and accessibility.  

Beyond clothing, My Sister’s Stuff Boutique positions itself as a lifestyle brand. Blog content tied to the site explores topics like wardrobe organization, seasonal resets and confidence-building — reinforcing the idea that fashion is closely tied to personal well-being.  

With a mix of trendy pieces, inclusive sizing and a message centered on confidence, My Sister’s Stuff Boutique reflects a growing movement in fashion: one that encourages women to define their own style while feeling supported, seen and empowered. 

To shop, visit shopmssboutique.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, email newsroom@indyrecorder.com. 

Minority Business Highlight: The Whispering Shelf

The Whispering Shelf is a locally focused bookstore that brings Hoosiers a space to explore their community through literature.

As an independent bookstore, The Whispering Shelf sells new and used books. Guests are encouraged to find a book of their liking and utilize the store’s comfort-centered space. This store provides a wide range of literature and various staff-curated favorites.

“Our vision at The Whispering Shelf is to create an environment that invites the imagination to soar and allows all members of the community to have access to the written word,” the website states. “We promote an environment run by a collaborative and transparent management style and where ideas and profits are shared amongst employees.”

Lena Burt is the owner of The Whispering Shelf bookstore. Her vision is to provide Hoosiers with a place where community and literature are accessible to everyone.

This bookstore also hosts community events such as book readings and club meetings.

The Whispering Shelf is located at 414 N. College Ave.

For more information visit whisperingshelf.com/.

Staff Writer Malik Simon created this highlight. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, contact him at 317-762-7847 or via email at maliks@indyrecorder.com. 

Minority Business Highlight: Favorable Behavior Support Services

Favorable Behavior Support Services, LLC (FBSS) is a minority-owned behavioral health agency founded in 2008 by Cameron Hunt, who serves as its President and CEO. Headquartered in Indianapolis, the practice specializes in providing compassionate, community-focused mental health support to adolescents, children, families and adults.

The agency’s core mission centers on behavior redirection and support for individuals diagnosed with severe mental illnesses and/or severe emotional disabilities. Hunt brings over 14 years of experience in the field, working as a mental health and substance abuse counselor, and holds an NPI number registered since 2009. The agency’s collaborative approach involves working closely with the individual’s support system to identify and address their unique needs, ensuring personalized care.

FBSS offers a comprehensive range of therapeutic and supportive services, including individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, addictions counseling and case management. In addition to its core behavioral services, the organization provides essential community testing services such as drug screening, fingerprinting, TB testing and CPR training. This holistic model ensures clients and their families receive seamless, high-quality care.

Favorable Behavior Support Services Contact Information:

Address: 5506 East 16th Street, Suite. B17, Indianapolis, IN 46218

Phone: (317) 426-2815

Website: favorablebehaviorsupportservices.com


Multimedia Reporter Noral Parham crafted this highlight. Contact him at 317-762-7846 or email him at noralp@indyrecorder.com if you would like your business highlighted in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine.

Minority Business Highlight: Pamper Me Right 

Pamper Me Right is a Black- and woman-owned healing lounge designed to help Hoosiers discover their power through tailored wellness services.

Be’Le Oshun, a holistic healer and entrepreneur based in Indianapolis, has been dedicated to an alternative approach to healing since 2019. Oshun’s healing treatments at Pamper Me Right are specifically tailored to each client’s needs to ensure they receive the healing and relaxation care they need, according to the website.

Pamper Me Right offers clients a wide range of spa services to help them achieve “some much-needed relaxation and rejuvenation,” according to the website. Performed by professional therapists, spa services include individual and couples healing sessions, four-handed healing sessions, hot stone therapy, foot spa, facials, yoni steams and more. 

READ MORE: Minority Business Highlight: Noah’s Ark Homecare & Residential Services

For corporate clients, Pamper Me Right offers Wellness in the Workplace, where experienced instructors design sessions to reduce workplace stress, improve posture, enhance focus and team bonding through yoga and mindfulness. 

Clients can also book a variety of spa party packages or customizable events, including Date Night & Take Out, Kids and Teen Pamper Party, and Picnic & Vibes. The spa also features a rental space where clients can host yoga classes, bridal showers or small, private events.

Pamper Me Right is located at 1060 E. 86th St. 61-F. The spa does not take walk-ins or same-day appointments. For more information or to book a session, visit pampermeright.com. To get in contact, email info@pampermeright.com or call 317-660-5335. 

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, email chloegm@indyrecorder.com.

Empowering Bosses Unite: Meet Coach Trina and the game-changing Indy Bosses Movement

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By ANGELA FREEMAN

Indianapolis is stepping into the spotlight with a fresh wave of ambition and leadership. The Indy Bosses movement, led by Coach Trina and executive produced by Yandy Smith, is more than a show—it’s a bold statement about what it takes to build real businesses and lead with strength. This movement brings powerful people and authentic stories straight to your screen, showcasing the hustle, challenges, and victories behind the scenes.

The Rise of Indy Bosses: More Than Just a Show

Indy Bosses is shaking up reality TV by putting Indianapolis on the map as a hub for strong leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. This isn’t just about scripted drama or staged moments. It’s about real ambition, real business, and real people making moves. Coach Trina, a respected figure in the local business community, leads this charge with a clear vision: to inspire and uplift through honest storytelling.

The show highlights the daily grind of building empires, the tough decisions, and the resilience required to succeed. It’s a platform where viewers get an inside look at what it really takes to be a boss in today’s world.

Coach Trina: The Heart of the Movement

(Photo via naparazzian.com)

Coach Trina is more than a leader; she’s a mentor and motivator who understands the power of community. Her approach combines practical business advice with encouragement to push past limits. She believes that success is built on strong foundations—hard work, clear goals, and supportive networks.

Her leadership style resonates with many because it’s grounded in authenticity. She shares her own experiences, including setbacks and breakthroughs, making her relatable and inspiring. Coach Trina’s presence in Indy Bosses brings credibility and a genuine connection to the audience.

Yandy Smith’s Role as Executive Producer

Yandy Smith

Having Yandy Smith as the executive producer adds a layer of experience and star power to the Indy Bosses movement. Known for her work in entertainment and business, Yandy brings a sharp eye for storytelling and production quality. Her involvement signals that this project is serious and destined for impact.

Yandy’s background helps shape the show’s narrative to highlight not just the glamour but the grit behind success. She supports the vision of showcasing strong leadership and the real challenges women face in business.

What Makes Indy Bosses Different

Indy Bosses stands out because it focuses on authenticity and community impact. Instead of just entertainment, it offers lessons and motivation for viewers who want to start or grow their own businesses. The show highlights:

  • Real stories of people balancing ambition with everyday life
  • Behind-the-scenes looks at the challenges of entrepreneurship
  • Strong leadership examples that inspire action
  • Community building that encourages support among bosses in business

This approach creates a movement, not just a show. It invites viewers to be part of a larger conversation about leadership and success.

Impact on Indianapolis and Beyond

The launch of Indy Bosses marks a significant moment for Indianapolis. It puts the city in the reality TV spotlight and opens doors for other local projects. This visibility can attract more opportunities for creators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the area.

Naparazzi Magazine praised the movement, noting that it “puts Indianapolis in the ring of reality TV” and expressed pride in the city’s growing influence. Thanks to Coach Trina and Yandy Smith, Indy Bosses is setting a new standard for what local stories can achieve on a national stage.


For more news, visit indianaminoritybusinessmagazine.com.

Minority Business highlight: God’s Favorite Apparel 

For Kourtnee, fashion is more than style — it is a statement of identity and faith. 

Her brand is home to God’s Favorite Apparel, a growing faith-based clothing line rooted in a simple but powerful idea: reminding people of who they are in Christ every time they get dressed. 

“What began with one T-shirt design quickly grew into a brand that connects faith and fashion — helping believers wear their confidence, spark conversations about God, and stand boldly in their calling,” Kourtnee said in brand materials. 

The collection includes hoodies, T-shirts and accessories, each designed with messaging centered on encouragement and spiritual identity. The goal is not just to sell clothing, but to create a sense of belonging and purpose among customers. 

(Photo/God’s Favorite Apparel)

“Our customers aren’t just buying clothes; they’re joining a movement,” Kourtnee said. “Each hoodie, tee, and accessory is designed to remind you that you are chosen, covered, and favored.” 

That message has resonated with a growing community that sees the brand as more than apparel. Through each purchase, supporters can contribute to a broader mission of spreading faith and positivity beyond traditional spaces. 

“With every purchase, our community helps spread encouragement, faith, and Kingdom impact beyond the four walls of the church,” Kourtnee said. 

As faith-based entrepreneurship continues to expand online, Kourtnee stands out by blending personal testimony with wearable messaging — offering customers a way to express belief, confidence and purpose in their everyday lives. 

To browse the brand offerings, visit kourtnid.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, email newsroom@indyrecorder.com. 

Office of Minority and Women Business Development launches new certification management system

The City of Indianapolis Office of Minority and Women Business Development (OMWBD) announced the launch of its new Certification Management System (B2GNOW).

This platform’s purpose is to streamline the certification process for vendors in the City’s XBE Program by offering a way to register, submit applications, update business information, and search for certified firms.

As of April 1, 2026, OMWBD no longer accepts paper applications. All certifications, re-certifications, and supporting documents must now be submitted through the B2GNOW platform.

The system features an enhanced online certification directory with keyword search, direct email communication on compliance matters, and fully electronic certification and renewal applications.

Vendors must log in to update or create a password, review their profile, and check that all contact information is current. Most vendors will find their username is their existing business email address, and previously certified firms should have an account.

Vendors currently certified with the Indiana Department of Administration can request the supporting documents previously submitted for certification to be sent to OMWBD to expedite the application process. Businesses can check status and access training materials at indy.gob2g.com .

Live training sessions, online modules, and technical support through the B2GNOW Support Team are also available.

For more information visit indy.gob2g.com/ . For further inquiries contact the OMWBD at omwbd@indy.gov or 317-327-5262

Contact Staff Writer Malik Simon at 317-762-7847.

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