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Minority Business Highlight: Affirmations & Ambience 

Hanna Rauworth
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Minority Business Highlight: Affirmations & Ambience 

Indianapolis-based Affirmations & Ambience is carving out a unique space in the wellness market by offering self-care products that blend calming scents with uplifting affirmations.  

Founded by A.J., the brand’s mission is to promote mental and emotional well-being through daily rituals that nourish the body and the mind. 

Affirmations & Ambience’s mission is to emphasize the power of scent memory and positive affirmations to inspire and uplift. (Photo via/Affirmations & Ambience website)

The company’s product line includes scented candles, room sprays and body care items infused with carefully crafted positive affirmations. These messages aim to inspire confidence, reduce stress and encourage mindfulness. Combining aromatherapy and affirmations creates a multi-sensory experience to foster peace and empowerment in everyday life. 

The company emphasizes natural ingredients and eco-friendly packaging to align with its commitment to sustainability. A.J. started the business after recognizing a need for products that tangibly support mental health and self-love. The goal was to create tools that help customers establish intentional moments of calm and positivity throughout their day. 

The brand has resonated with a broad audience seeking mindful self-care solutions that go beyond traditional fragrance products. By integrating affirmations, Affirmations & Ambience encourages users to practice self-reflection and positive thinking alongside sensory relaxation. 

Affirmations & Ambience’s mission is to emphasize the power of scent memory and positive affirmations to inspire and uplift. (Photo via/Affirmations & Ambience website)

As mental health and wellness remain priorities for many, Affirmations & Ambience offers a distinctive approach that meets this growing demand. The company’s emphasis on positivity, quality and sustainability has helped it gain a loyal following. 

For more details about Affirmations & Ambience and its product offerings, visit affirmationsandambience.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: MYB Accounting and Consulting Services

CHLOE McGOWAN
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Minority Business Highlight: MYB Accounting and Consulting Services

Owned and operated by Kiahna Davis, Mind Your Business Accounting and Consulting Services (MYB) is a Black- and woman-owned financial consulting agency based out of Indianapolis. 

Founded in 2014, Davis transitioned from her previous full-time job to running MYB Accounting and Consulting in 2019. Today, she balances her business, alongside being a wife and a mom, to help small businesses, nonprofits and churches navigate “tactical and strategic nuances” of accounting, tax and finance, according to the company’s Facebook account. 

The agency offers various services, including basic accounting levels I, II and III, assisted DIY accounting services to manage and record business transactions resulting in monthly financial statements and tax preparation. Advanced accounting services include controllership and fractional CFO services, which offer support for small businesses, nonprofits and churches.

Tax services range from tax strategy sessions to look over documents, prior returns and develop a tax map, as well as various tax preparation — 1040, 1065, 1120S, 1120C, 990 and appropriate Schedules — to help clients look ahead, reduce tax liability to the full extent the law allows.

READ MORE: T Street Eatz Café is now open at Central Library

MYB Accounting and Consulting Services also offers a handful of additional services, including payroll, accounting start-up and clean-up, business entity evaluation and set-up, training and business consulting. 

MYB Accounting and Consulting Services currently operates out of an office located at 3905 Vincennes Road, Suite 215. For more information or to book a free consultation, visit teammyb.com. To get in contact, email info@teammyb.com or call 317-992-1647.

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.

T Street Eatz Café is now open at Central Library

CHLOE McGOWAN
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T Street Eatz Café is now open at Central Library

Indianapolis Public Library and T Street Eatz have teamed up to unveil a new full-service cafe at Central Library.

T-Street Eatz, owned and operated by Tasha “Chef T” Claytor and LaMont “Monty” Reeves, Sr., opened a cafe in the Atrium at Central Library 40 E. St. Clair St., on June 9. The cafe, which aims to serve library staff, downtown professionals, students, remote workers and travelers, features a menu of freshly brewed coffee, pastries and breakfast sandwiches alongside quick options for those on the go, according to a press release.

“Bringing a café to Central Library has been a priority,” Elizabeth Schoettle, Central Library director, said in a statement. “T Street Eatz adds so much to our space, giving visitors the chance to enjoy coffee and warm food while taking advantage of our books, programs, and services. T Street Eatz brings a new energy to our beautiful Atrium space along with the smell of fresh coffee. Who doesn’t love a nice cup of coffee alongside a great read?”

READ MORE: Indiana Chamber seeks nominations for statewide leadership honors 

Claytor and Reeves are not just business partners, but long-time friends. After working odd jobs and navigating uncertainty through the pandemic, cooking for loved ones became “a lasting gift and an unexpected source of encouragement,” which sparked T Street Eatz, Claytor said.

The eatery began as a pop-up in a shared kitchen before growing into a thriving restaurant and catering business downtown.

“We operated inside City Market until its sudden and extended closure forced us to shut down,” Claytor said in a statement. “The effects of the pandemic and the loss of our storefront have continued to impact us physically and financially — both personally and professionally.”

With a new location at Central Library, T Street Eatz remains committed to “serving our community with fresh, quality, flavorful menu items and exceptional service,” Claytor said. The cafe is designed to “have something for everyone,” offering a variety of breakfast and lunch options, including limited plant-bases and gluten-free selections, according to a press release.

T Street Eatz is open at Central 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit indypl.org/locations/central-library.

Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.

Minority Business Highlight: Barjhae’s Treats

Noral Parham
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Minority Business Highlight: Barjhae’s Treats

 A young entrepreneur is making a name for herself in Indianapolis. In 2016, Elisia “Barjhae” Watson founded Barjhae’s Treats, which offers a wide range of sweet treats to the community. She taught herself how to bake and create a variety of desserts. 

Barjhae’s Treats is a minority-owned bakery that provides custom cakes for all occasions. The bakery also offers carefully crafted strawberries and candy-covered pineapples. Customers can order cheesecakes and other delicious desserts. 

However, Watson’s business offers more than just desserts.  

Barjhae’s Treats provides catering services for events. Customers can place custom orders for special occasions. The bakery also offers delivery and curbside pickup for convenience, making it easy for everyone to enjoy her creations. 

The Indianapolis community has embraced the business. Customers praise the delicious treats and excellent service.  

Watson is a dedicated business owner who works hard to provide her customers with the best products. Her passion for baking is evident in every dessert she creates.  

Barjhae’s Treats is located in Indianapolis. The bakery can be reached at 317-469-6576. Their website can be found here. 

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: 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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0
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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0
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. 

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