Brown Boards LLC, a specialty charcuterie brand founded by Nikia Simmons, is redefining food presentation and communal dining in Indianapolis.
Launched by Simmons as a Black-owned and woman-owned business, Brown Boards focuses on custom-curated boards, sophisticated food styling and stunning grazing tables, turning casual gatherings into memorable culinary experiences.
The company’s origin story dates back to 2018, sparked by a personal moment showcasing Simmons’s natural entertaining talent.
“Brown Boards created its very first charcuterie and grazing experience in 2018 for my (best friend’s) bridal shower and has been encouraged to keep soaring,” Simmons said on the company’s website. That initial success solidified a business idea rooted in a long-held passion.
Simmons’ philosophy centers on the conviction that food should be an interactive and beautiful experience. She combines a love of hospitality with meticulous design, ensuring her products are as visually appealing as they are delicious.
“I have always loved hosting and entertaining guests and making delicious food look pretty,” Simmons said on her website. This dedication to aesthetics transforms simple ingredients — cheeses, cured meats, fruits, and nuts — into elaborate, edible centerpieces.
Beyond the physical boards, Simmons is championing a return to thoughtful communal interaction. Brown Boards’ mission is to help people “reconnect” by elevating how they gather.
“We should elevate how we entertain and take time to reconnect (and) break bread,” Simmons said. The grazing tables, in particular, serve as sprawling backdrops for conversation and shared discovery.
As Brown Boards continues to grow its reputation for quality and presentation, it has become a go-to provider for clients seeking high-end food styling for events large and small.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846 or email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on Facebook @HorsemenSportsMedia. If you want your business highlighted in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
Lighthouse Legal is a minority-owned law firm founded in 2023 that focuses on providing affordable legal services to nonprofits and, more recently, immigration clients.
Owner and attorney Ricardo Simmonds started the firm to make legal help more accessible for smaller organizations and vulnerable individuals.
Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
What inspired you to start Lighthouse Legal?
Simmonds: I started having thoughts about starting my own firm when I was working for the Dave Thomas Foundation. We were paying an outside vendor to do some compliance filings, and it seemed like a lot of money for something pretty simple. Later, when I moved to Indianapolis and started working at a firm, I had a similar thought — I could do this for cheaper in a way that would make nonprofits happier. At the end of last year, I decided to take that step.
How has your previous experience shaped how you approach nonprofit law?
Simmonds: After dealing with enough people at nonprofits, you realize most of them have never worked with an attorney before, which I think is a good thing. It makes you more human in your approach. Having my own firm allows me to be flexible and meet nonprofits where they’re at — whether that’s constant communication, explaining things more clearly, or not billing for every phone call.
How would you describe Lighthouse Legal’s mission and services?
Simmonds: The goal is to provide affordable, timely legal services. I want nonprofits to have quality legal support without choosing between compliance and their mission. On the immigration side, which I’m building out now, the idea is the same: provide vulnerable people with personal, affordable services. When clients deal with my firm, they deal with me directly, not someone who can’t answer their questions.
How is your work different from other firms serving nonprofits?
Simmonds: A lot of nonprofit attorneys focus on larger organizations. My clients are usually smaller. What sets me apart is responsiveness and cost-effective access. When a client comes to me, their work is done immediately, they can call or email me directly, and unless I’m doing substantive work, I don’t charge for that communication.
What are your goals for Lighthouse Legal in the coming years?
Simmonds: I want to spend more of my time helping people rather than doing admin work. Right now, I’m the only employee, so I handle everything. Ideally, I’d bring someone on to take care of the business side so I can focus on practicing law and serving clients.
Have you had any highlights or success stories since starting the firm?
Simmonds: One nonprofit client facing a substantial government request has been able to continue operations much longer with my help, and we’ve positioned them better to respond. On the immigration side, I took on a last-minute citizenship case for a refugee who didn’t speak English. We got the necessary waivers, and I was able to tell them they’d become a citizen. That felt like a very direct impact on someone’s life.
Why is legal support important for nonprofits and immigrants?
Simmonds: There are a lot of resources out there, and I often point people to them. But sometimes having an attorney gives peace of mind and confidence. Nonprofit leaders already have enough stress; they don’t need to worry about compliance issues that could shut them down. For immigrants, the stakes are even more personal. With cases taking months or years, an attorney helps take away the uncertainty and worry during that time.
What advice would you give nonprofits about engaging with the legal community?
Simmonds: I encourage nonprofits to engage with professionals, even if it’s not by hiring an attorney. Ask an attorney or accountant to serve on your board of directors. Their knowledge is invaluable, especially for small or startup nonprofits.
What local resources would you point people to?
Simmonds: Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic works with immigrants. Indiana Free Legal Answers is another option where people can submit questions online and get quick responses from attorneys. And through the Indianapolis Public Library, there are nonprofit resources. I teach classes there on starting a nonprofit, and we host Q&A sessions as well.
To learn more about Lighthouse Legal and how to request their services, visit lighthouseindy.com.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Community Health Network has appointed Patrick McGill, MD, as its next president and chief executive officer, following a nationwide search led by the organization’s Board of Directors. McGill, a board-certified family medicine physician and longtime Community executive, will assume the role on Jan. 1, 2026.
“After an extensive and thoughtful search, we are pleased to appoint a leader who already understands and embodies the mission, values and culture of Community Health Network,” said Rafael A. Sanchez, chair of the board. “Dr. McGill’s clinical expertise, strategic vision and commitment to innovation and equity make him uniquely qualified to serve as CEO.”
McGill currently serves as executive vice president and chief transformation officer, overseeing initiatives in digital transformation, analytics, population health, personalized medicine and value-based care. With more than 20 years of clinical experience, he has led efforts to improve care coordination and quality across the system.
Community Hospital East (Photo/Community Health Network)
“I am honored and humbled to step into the role of president and CEO,” McGill said. “Community Health Network is a mission-driven organization rooted in compassion, innovation and service. I look forward to building on our legacy and shaping the future of care for the communities we serve.”
McGill earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and completed his residency in family medicine at Ball Memorial Hospital. He holds an MBA with a concentration in data analytics from the University of Southern Indiana and is pursuing a doctorate in healthcare administration.
He will succeed Bryan Mills, who is retiring after more than four decades with the organization. Under Mills’ leadership, Community Health Network expanded access to care and strengthened its role as a leading healthcare provider across Central Indiana.
Jazzy J’s LLC, a minority woman-owned business based in Fishers, is helping local organizations streamline operations and cut costs through innovative solutions.
Founded with a mission to enhance business efficiency, the company provides a wide range of products and services tailored to meet the unique needs of federal and local governments, schools, universities and businesses of all sizes.
Jazzy J’s offers office supplies, IT solutions, medical and industrial products and graphic design services. The company emphasizes a three-step process: connecting with clients to understand their needs, assessing operations and providing proposals, and implementing solutions that improve productivity and sales.
Jazzy J’s LLC, a minority woman-owned business in Fishers, provides innovative solutions and products to help businesses streamline operations and boost efficiency. (Photo/Jazzy J’s website)
“Our goal is to make life easier for our clients,” the company says. “We treat every client like family, providing solutions that truly fit their needs with care, honesty, and attention to detail.”
With more than three years of experience, Jazzy J’s leverages a real-time inventory management system and long-term supplier contracts to ensure fast delivery and competitive pricing. The company also highlights its commitment to maintaining industry certifications and building trusted partnerships to guarantee quality and reliability.
Local businesses have praised Jazzy J’s for its responsive customer service and ability to tailor solutions to diverse operational challenges. “Friendly service you can trust, affordable professional support, and a team that puts you first,” the company notes on its website.
Jazzy J’s LLC operates from 11807 Allisonville Road in Fishers and can be reached at (317) 561-8903 or via support@jazzyjs.biz. The company encourages businesses looking to improve efficiency and reduce costs to contact them for a free estimate.
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.
Violet Vintage Rentals aims to be Indy’s one-stop marketplace for event party planning.
Violet Vintage was founded by Vanessa Grider in 2013, with the goal of providing Hoosiers with affordable specialty party and wedding rentals that “inspire and excite,” according to the website. The company was bought by current owner and CEO Ian Ndabari in 2020, and continues to serve as a compelling and innovative party and wedding rental marketplace.
Violet Vintage Party Rentals features an extensive event rental inventory, which has been carefully curated to give clients the tools they need to create a “truly mesmerizing experience.” Additionally, the company maintains sustainability by sourcing upcycled or restored products, refurbishing and reselling or commissioning furniture and decor from Indianapolis-based artisans.
Services and offerings include seating and chairs, lighting, tables and tableware, signage, backdrops and arches, specialty furniture and decor, textiles and various event packages. Design and style rental options range from vintage to classic, modern and trendy to add “a touch of luxury and elegance to any event,” according to the website.
Violate Vintage Rentals is based out of Indianapolis with a showroom located at 1125 E. Brookside Ave, Suite D03. For more information or to shop the online store, visit violetvintage.com. To get in contact, call 317-520-2929 or email info@violetvintage.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.
What began as a therapeutic hobby in a garage grew into Ms. Franklin Candle Co., a thriving e-commerce business offering a line of all-natural, soy wax candles and more.
Founded by Takisha Franklin, a United States Army veteran and military spouse, the company embodies her resilient journey and commitment to creating a product that fosters comfort and calm.
Franklin started the business in 2019. As a mother and a military spouse navigating the challenges of frequent moves and reintegration into civilian life, Franklin turned to candle-making as a creative and soothing outlet. The positive reception from her community encouraged her to transition the passion project into a business.
Ms. Franklin Candle Co. distinguishes itself in the crowded candle market by focusing on all-natural, soy wax-based products. Soy wax burns cleaner and longer than paraffin and is derived from a renewable resource. The company’s hand-poured candles feature cotton wicks and premium fragrance oils.
The product line, available through its online store at MXPShop.net, features a variety of scents designed to evoke specific moods and atmospheres. Popular offerings include scents like “Calm,” a blend of lavender and lemongrass, and “Balance,” which combines eucalyptus and sage. The business also offers candle accessories, including decorative lids and wax warmers.
Takisha Franklin, founder and owner of Ms. Franklin Candle Co. (Photo via Instagram)
Beyond building a brand, Franklin has cultivated a community. Through her active social media presence, particularly on Facebook, she engages directly with customers, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of the production process and promoting the message of self-care that is central to her brand’s identity.
As a Black-owned and woman-owned small business, Ms. Franklin Candle Co. represents a growing segment of the economy. Franklin’s story is one of leveraging personal experience into an enterprise focused on quality and well-being. The company continues to operate primarily through its e-commerce platform, shipping its products to customers across the United States.
Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham created this minority business highlight. Contact him at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on social media @HorsemenSportsMedia. If you would like your business featured in the Indiana Minoirty Business Magazine, click here.
Indiana will soon have its first de novo bank in nearly 20 years, according to an American Bankers Association (ABA) analysis of FDIC data. Generations Community Bank (GCB) received regulatory approval from both state and federal agencies this summer, pending completion of the bank’s capital raise. Leaders hope to finish that in time to open their doors by the end of the year, by the first quarter of 2026 at the latest. De novo approvals have plummeted since the financial crisis of 2008-10, as seen in the chart below. However, there is an expectation among some analysts that we may finally start to see more de novo activity under the current regulatory environment.
Minority Depository Institution
Generations represents a second landmark for the state as it is also on track to be Indiana’s first Minority Depository Institution (MDI) bank. MDIs are an official classification by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for federally insured depository institutions that either (1) have 51% or more of their voting stock owned by minority individuals or (2) have a board of directors that is majority minority and serves a community that is predominantly minority.
While there are not currently any MDI banks in Indiana, there were 152 across the country holding a combined $371 billion in assets as of March 31, 2025, including 10 in the FDIC’s Chicago region, which governs Indiana.
Longer-term trends among MDIs reflect the broader industry in terms of merger and acquisition activity and a lack of de novos, but since the pandemic, MDIs have been on a steady pace of growth from the number of institutions and branches to overall assets and deposits.
A recent report from the National Bankers Association (NBA) found that MDI assets grew 90% from 2014 to 2024, and 43% since the 2019/pre-pandemic era. MDIs are also expanding geographically, jumping from 32 states and territories in 2022-23 to 43 by year-end 2024.
Source: An analysis of FDIC data. (Photo provided/Hoosier Banker)
Mission-driven institution
Generations’ primary source of initial funding came from Old National Bank (ONB), Evansville. Old National said that its primary regulator, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, approached CEO Jim Ryan several years ago and informally asked if his team could provide guidance to struggling MDIs.
He asked the bank’s CEO Council, a group of emerging leaders within the institution, to research the topic and come back with ideas. When they discovered Indiana didn’t have any, they recommended that instead of helping out-of-state organizations, ONB should help start a new one in Indiana.
“Along with its recommendation, the CEO Council created a high-level business plan for the MDI” that would become Generations Community Bank, according to Al London.
London currently serves as senior vice president, community impact director for ONB, but will become Generations’ CEO when it completes its initial capital raise.
Black young man filling out paperwork at bank office counter while Black female clerk holding identification card assisting him, Caucasian male customer sitting in background waiting
“While ONB is proud to have several programs and initiatives in place to serve underserved populations, it recognizes that an even greater impact can be made by helping launch an MDI in our home state,” London said.
Mission-driven banks play a crucial role in the communities they serve. The NBA report found communities with an MDI present have better credit health as measured by factors like credit score, total credit available and credit utilization rates, relative to demographically similar communities that do not have an MDI present. An ABA analysis of Small Business Administration (SBA) lending data found MDIs originated roughly 2,500 SBA loans in 2024, totaling $2.2 billion – a 250% increase from pre-COVID figures in 2019.
Generations’ mission is to speak the language of its community and similarly fill the gaps in access to quality financial products and services through the bank’s core values of collaboration, communication, innovation and discipline.
“It is important to note that MDIs were created in the first place because the traditional banking system is generally not equipped to address these issues as effectively as mission-driven banks,” said Rafael Sanchez, Old National Bank’s executive vice president, chief impact officer and Indianapolis Market president. “Old National intends to partner with Generations Community Bank to help drive even more impact to Hoosiers in central Indiana.”
Personal mission
It was that dedication to the mission that led London to leave a successful, stable position with a national bank and take the leap to build something from scratch.
“I was at a point in my career where I had begun to ask myself, ‘What do I want my career legacy to be?’ and ‘How will I be able to identify how I made a difference in the community that I call home?’” he said. “The mission is part of the DNA of GCB versus being a department of the bank. My mother taught me and my siblings the importance/power of helping your fellow neighbor. The opportunity to lead Generations Community Bank allows me to honor that teaching while making an economic difference in Indiana.”
London and his team aim to address the wealth gap in central Indiana that, according to GCB’s research, currently shows white families holding on average 7.8 times the net wealth of a Black family and 30% more homeownership than Black individuals, 27% more than Latin Americans and 15% more than Asian Americans.
“Generations Community Bank’s service model aims to provide the resources, education and financial support to create more business owners and homeowners from underserved communities, and assist them in creating generational wealth,” he said.
“…This bank will serve the entire community … It will be a very inclusive, mission-driven bank…”
Al London
Despite the bank’s emphasis on underserved populations, London emphasized that “this bank will serve the entire community. It is not a Black bank or a Latino bank or an Asian bank. It will be a very inclusive, mission-driven bank that will aim to create economic mobility for all Hoosiers and will pay close attention to and focus on those communities that have been overlooked and underserved.”
“In this sense, the bank will be focused on equality of opportunity, not equality of results,” Sanchez added. “We are proud to have the support of Gov. Mike Braun and our state and federal regulators.”
“I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for Jim Ryan, Rafael Sanchez, Roland Shelton, the ONB family and the Generations Community Bank Board of Directors for their unwavering support,” London added. “We truly appreciate the support we have received from other Indiana community banks who made the decision to join us on this historic journey.”
A map of Minority Depository Institutions. Source: ABA analysis of FDIC data. (Photo provided/Hoosier Banker)
De novo
The time from those initial discussions with Old National’s CEO Council to GCB’s anticipated opening will be roughly the 2.5 years it takes the average MDI to get off the ground. It was delayed by the change in presidential administration, but the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions approved the bank’s charter application on July 10, and the FDIC followed suit on Aug. 21. The final piece is to complete the bank’s initial capital raise.
While ONB provided the first significant round of funding and GCB’s top executives are currently on the bank’s payroll, it will not own GCB. London could not disclose the names of additional investors but said they do have many well-known community and business leaders in the bank’s ownership group, with the intention of Old National not holding more than 4.99% of Generations’ voting shares moving forward.
Without naming specific institutions, Sanchez confirmed several community banks have signed up as investors with more expressing an interest and running through their approval processes. Assuming it is approved for MDI status, investment can count toward a bank’s Community Reinvestment Act rating even if the community the MDI serves is not in the investing bank’s assessment area.
“We are excited that we have already obtained commitments from other local banks, as we think this is a great opportunity for many banks to collaborate and partner together for the betterment of our community,” London said.
Loc’d By E, a boutique hair studio in Indianapolis, is offering specialized microloc installations and maintenance services focused on promoting healthy hair growth and precision styling.
The studio provides a consultation-first approach to ensure each client receives customized care. Consultations are mandatory for new clients and involve assessing hair health, texture and suitability for microlocs. Clients are required to arrive with clean, air-dried hair, free of product buildup. The consultation fee is non-refundable and does not go toward the installation cost.
An example of a Loc’d by E client. (Photo/Loc’d by E website)
Microloc installations start at $1,200 for hair that is up to five inches long. The price increases based on length, density and complexity, with a maximum service length of 10 inches for natural hair. A $250 deposit is required to book an installation appointment, with the remaining balance due on the day of the service. Loc’d By E does not work with severely damaged or chemically treated hair.
The studio also provides retying services to maintain clean and well-formed locs. Rates vary depending on how many weeks have passed since the last maintenance appointment, beginning at $150 for reties scheduled between four and six weeks. Prices increase up to $275 for appointments booked at 10 weeks. Additional time is billed at $30 per hour. Correction services are also available for clients who need adjustments to existing microlocs, billed at $50 per hour.
Loc’d By E maintains several policies to ensure a smooth experience for clients, including requiring that clients come alone to appointments due to limited space. Installations canceled within 72 hours of the scheduled appointment are subject to a 10% cancellation fee.
An example of a Loc’d by E client. (Photo/Loc’d by E website)
Located at 4201 Millersville Rd. in Suite 206, the studio operates Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday with varying hours. Loc’d By E is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.
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.
Hers and His Cleaning Service is a Black- and woman-owned business that strives to make cleaning “easy for everyone.”
Founded by Nicky Collins, Hers and His Cleaning Service specializes in creating clean, healthy environments through high-quality, professional and affordable cleaning solutions. Collins created her business with a “people-first” attitude in mind, hoping to provide “dependable, detail-oriented house cleaning and office cleaning that makes life easier” for their clients, according to the website.
“As a mother, I’ve learned the value of hard work, resilience, and doing things right the first time – and I bring those same values into every job I take on,” the website states. “Starting this cleaning service wasn’t just about making a living; it was about building something meaningful for my family and my community.”
Whether it’s an office, home or apartment, Hers and His Cleaning Service treats every space as if it’s their own, striving to “make every space we tough a reflection of care and excellence,” according to the website.
Hers and His Cleaning Service offers an online booking site where clients can choose from services such as basic cleaning, deep cleaning, commercial cleaning, emergency cleaning, Airbnb and rental turnover cleaning, as well as a floors-only service.
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
Momma’s Kitchen 317 is a Black-owned, woman-owned eatery and lounge founded in 2025 in Indianapolis.
Momma’s Kitchen provides soul food and southern-style comfort cuisine in the heart of the Martindale Brightwood neighborhood.
This eatery serves a delightful array of soul food staples to satisfy any craving. Their menu boasts classics like crispy fried chicken, perfectly seasoned and golden brown, and smothered pork chops that melt in your mouth. For something hearty, don’t miss the slow-cooked collard greens, flavored with a hint of smoked meat for that authentic southern taste.
In addition to these delectable main dishes, Momma’s Kitchen offers a selection of comforting sides that complete the experience. Indulge in creamy macaroni and cheese, rich sweet potatoes and fluffy cornbread that pairs perfectly with any meal. Each dish reflects the love and tradition of Southern cooking, making every visit a truly comforting experience.
Momma’s Kitchen 317 is preparing for it’s grand opening near 30th Street and Sherman Drive. You can contact Momma’s Kitchen 317 at 317-600-3603.
Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham composed this highlight. Contact him at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on social media @HorsemenSportsMedia. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
