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Minority Business Highlight: The Cheesecake Lady

CHLOE McGOWAN
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Minority Business Highlight: The Cheesecake Lady

Cassie Smith-Johnson, more commonly known as The Cheesecake Lady, is serving Hoosiers homemade sweet treats.

Smith-Johsnon first started her cheesecake business during the pandemic, after a Facebook post in December 2020 led her to create a banana pudding cheesecake for a friend for a little profit. Since then, Smith-Johnson has been operating her specialty dessert business out of Indy’s Kitchen.

The Cheesecake Lady cheesecakes come in many sizes, varieties and flavors, such as Strawberry Crunch, banana pudding, cookies ‘n cream, peach cobbler, double chocolate brownie, peanut butter brownie and more.

The most popular offerings are the 6 oz single-serving cheesecake cup, wholesale cakes and 4-way cheesecakes. Smith-Johnson’s cakes can be found in approximately 25 different locations around the city — including her brand-new brick-and-mortar store, located in Butler-Tarkington.

The Cheesecake Lady is located at 305 W. 42nd St. For more information about hours and catering or to view the full menu, visit thecheesecakeladyindy.com. To get in contact or order online, call (317) 608-7411 or email Contact@thecheesecakeladyindy.info.

This minority business highlight was composed by CHLOE McGOWAN at the Indianapolis Recorder, who can be reached at 317-762-7848 or via email at chloegm@indyrecorder.com. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, click here!

It only makes scents: A Scent of Sunshine

Braxton Babb
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It only makes scents: A Scent of Sunshine

Providing air fresheners, candles, warming oils, perfume and more, A Scent of Sunshine is a one stop shop for your smell-good needs.

Located on 838 N. Delaware St, Erika Kaiser-Powell, owner of A Scent of Sunshine, is committed to supplying fragrances that set the ambiance for any occasion. The intention behind the company’s name is to give a warm and inviting feel to any occasion.

With a 5-star review on Indy Black Businesses, customers rave about the captivating scents.

“I am Mrs. Powell’s loyal customer at Shortridge High school back in 2018 when she was selling her scented candles and air fresheners. They are very wonderful and make my apartment smell delicious. It lifts my mood and relaxes me at the end of the day. Now in 2020, she has a consignment spot in Circle Center Mall downtown, I go to the mall and bought several of her candles to support her business,” said customer Theresa McMiller.

Kaiser-Powell offers various purchase options, such as online shopping, vending, phone orders and home parties.

With a variety of scents, the company inspires consumers to activate their ambiance.

“Five stars for good service and great product,” said McMiller.

This minority business highlight was composed by Multimedia Staff Reporter Braxton Babb at the Indianapolis Recorder, who can be reached at (317)762-7854 or via email at BraxtonB@IndyRecorder.com. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, click here! 

Minority Business Highlight: Bunny’s Kitchen and Soul 

Noral Parham
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Minority Business Highlight: Bunny’s Kitchen and Soul 

Bunny’s Kitchen and Soul, or simply “Bunny’s Kitchen,” is a Black-owned eatery specializing in soul and comfort food located on Indianapolis’ Eastside. 

Although the business has been around for quite some time, the eatery secured a storefront in August. 

The eatery has all warming favorites, such as croissant French toast, chicken and waffles, sweet cream pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and more. Most breakfast options come with a side of fried potatoes, seasoned to perfection.

The Indianapolis Recorder recently visited Bunny’s Kitchen, indulging in their breakfast options. Upon entry, the quaint yet welcoming eatery contains a massive chalkboard signed by patrons and community members. We were welcomed warmly by the staff. The flooring also hosts a rug with the company’s logo and branding. Patrons can see some of the back-of-the-house operations, including the eatery’s industrial-level grill and fryer. 

A photo of breakfast food from Bunny's Kitchen and Soul.
A closeup of the Breakfast Platter from Bunny’s Kitchen and Soul, located at 3373 North Forest Manor Avenue on Indianapolis’ Eastside. (Photo/Noral Parham III)

Bunny’s Kitchen also has a lunch menu, containing fan favorites such as lemon pepper wings, double cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, breaded chicken wings and more. 

Due to the immense popularity the eatery gained earlier this fall, wait times were longer than usual. Despite this, Bunny’s Kitchen and Soul was hot and fresh when served. 

Bunny’s Kitchen is open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. The eatery is located at 3373 N. Forest Manor Ave. Patrons should call ahead to avoid long wait times. The eatery accepts cash only during pick-up. Those who place an order ahead of arrival need to pay over the telephone. You can reach the eatery at 317-414-6775. 

This minority business highlight was composed by multimedia staff writer Noral Parham III, who can be reached at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. For news courtesy of the Indianapolis Recorder, click here. You can also request a highlight for your business with the Indiana Minority Business Magazine free of charge by clicking here.

Business Highlight: 317 A&R 

Garrett Simms
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Business Highlight: 317 A&R 

By GARRETT SIMMS 

317 A&R is a multimedia company that has created a profitable and successful online media business. 

Created by Myles Simmons, 317 A&R is a YouTube channel featuring interviews with artists and content creators from Indiana who share their stories and show Indianapolis’ Black culture. 

“We have the whole world in front of us on these screens, so that’s the point of everything, to give Indianapolis culture a spotlight so they have another platform to express themselves,” Simmons said. 

After two years of building 317 A&R, Simmons has amassed over 180,000 views, and, most importantly, has cultivated relationships with many artists. 

The support Simmons has received proved there was an audience for a platform showcasing Indianapolis artists; someone just needed to create it. 

Indianapolis native and artist Keagen Ferguson, also known as “Kferg500,” believes artists in the Midwest and Indianapolis don’t normally get much media coverage which can directly affect how successful new artists are in growing and keeping a loyal fanbase. 

“He provides a trusted platform. People know what to expect when you come to 317 A&R, you’re not gonna find anything bad on there, and to artists it kind of means you’ve made it to a mastery of some sort through your career, whether it’s flow, cadence, lyrics or style. That nod from 317 A&R means you doing good; keep going,” Ferguson said.  

To watch and find new Indianapolis artists, subscribe to @317 A&R on Youtube and follow _317ar on Instagram. 

This minority business highlight was composed by Garrett Simms at the Indianapolis Recorder, who can be reached at [317-762-7847] or via email at [garretts@indyrecorder.com]. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, click here! 

Minority Business Highlight: Rhythm & Flow  

Jade Jackson
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Minority Business Highlight: Rhythm & Flow  

A few years ago, De’shon McClain was in the streets and depressed when he stumbled upon a purpose: yoga.  

“I was chasing after a beautiful queen, and she invited me to a class. After that, the rest is history. People started asking me to teach, and I was saying to myself, ‘Who am I to teach and lead?” said McClain.  

That was 2018. 

RELATED: Minority business highlight: 3BFit Body, Beauty and Brain LLC

In 2020, he took the practice more seriously and started going to a breathwork class, which helped him deal with his depression in a healthy way.  

After a little encouragement, he signed up for a training course that lasted five months.  

He learned about the history of yoga and has been teaching for a year and half now after practicing for almost three.  

Rhythm & Flow

That is how he created Rhythm & Flow, LLC.  

He teaches the yoga style vinyasa, also called flow, which takes a fast-paced, fitness-based approach to breathing and meditation. McClain likes the strengthening style, using planks and yin, which focuses on deeper connective tissues giving a deeper stretch.  

He started off teaching at City Yoga. 

He offers BIPOC classes across the city for minority yoga lovers.  

“This is me engaging with my people. Our people don’t even know the importance of yoga. It’s a way of life. I want to give people more knowledge about it and just have fun,” said McClain.  

In his classes, he likes to play artists like Erykah Badu and Jill Scott instead of meditation frequency music.  

He hopes to help people let go of baggage through his classes the same way yoga has helped him with his.  

You can book events, private lessons and one-on-one sessions by emailing RhythmandFlowIndy@gmail.com. 

This minority business highlight was composed by Jade Jackson at the Indianapolis Recorder, who can be reached at (317) 762-7853 or via email at JadeJ@IndyRecorder.com.   

Minority Business Highlight: Prep Ball Stars

Noral Parham
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Minority Business Highlight: Prep Ball Stars

Founded by Anthony “Tony” Leach in 2011, Prep Ball Stars is a Black-owned recreation sports & travel company that concentrates on youth sports. The organization’s objective is to “highlight and promote student-athletes and provide a platform for the stars of tomorrow today,” per the brand’s official website. 

Leach, who also founded Sports Ventures International, is a product of Indiana to the core. Tony Leach is an Indy native who attended Indiana University, earning a degree in public affairs management. 

The sports company is a staple amongst the youth sports community in the region. The company is best known for its Prep Ball Stars Midwest Challenge and Combine Series. 

The Midwest Challenge, held at Crispus Attucks High School May 6, showcased top basketball recruits from Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan. 

Recent top prospects such as Jake Davis, Xavier Booker, Sheridan Sharp, Zane Doughty and many others have attended events backed by youth sports company. 

For more information on Prep Ball Stars, visit their website here. 

This minority business highlight was composed by multi-media staff writer Noral Parham III at the Indianapolis Recorder, who can be reached at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder. Follow him on Twitter @3Noral. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, click here!

Minority Business Highlight: Smerbo 

Garrett Simms
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Minority Business Highlight: Smerbo 

Grant Simms created Smerbo to spend more time with his grandmother, allowing him to grow a hand-sewn clothing brand from family time.  

“I really think just watching my Grand C and hearing all the stories about her making clothes …then after my grandfather died, it was having the time to sit down with her one-on-one and have her teach me,” Simms said. 

“Smerbo” is a nickname given to him by friends, and he used it as his brand name to signify the connection between his clothing and himself.  

“The fact that I’m making a lot of the clothes myself and putting my own spin on every piece, it’s kind of like my signature at the end … just like when you go to an art museum, you’ll see a signature on the front or back of the paintings, so I just felt like using my nickname is my signature for pieces I was making by hand,” Simms said.  

He started by learning how to make women’s shirts and sold his first pieces with a release of multiple 1/1 lace hoodies. 

His creative direction stems from his love of dressing and clothes while also thinking about what people may want to wear. 

The marketing behind Smerbo is based on his focus on creating quality products so when someone goes out in one of his pieces, they speak for themselves and drive people to buy.  

Now, he says his brand is starting to grow in Indianapolis, but he wants to continue to be a student of fashion and design and eventually make Smerbo a household name around the world.  
To see his work and buy a piece, go to www.Smerbo.com.

This minority business highlight was composed by Garrett Simms at the Indianapolis Recorder, who can be reached at [317-762-7847] or via email at garretts@indyrecorder.com. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, click here

Minority Business Highlights: T Street Eatz

Jade Jackson
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Minority Business Highlights: T Street Eatz

T Street Eatz is a soul food business located inside the City Market. They have been in business for three years.  

They offer affordable quick service meals, catering, meal prep, corporate catering, bar services, date nights, ServSafe classes and more.  

RELATED: Minority Business Highlights: T Street Eatz

“Due to the recent news of the City Market closure next year, [T Street Eatz’s] foot traffic, sales and catering inquiry has decreased tremendously causing it to be very challenging to support the business and myself personally,” said founder Tasha Claytor.  

She said that although she has lost a lot during this process, she is optimistic that the business will survive this tough time through the support and services they provide, the quality of their products and new added adjustments, along with having their brand on several platforms. 

They are seeking funding and support needed to continue to serve their community in a healthy, smarter way, and they would love to have the opportunity to transition into a more stable, safe, customer-ideal location that can meet the needs of their high demand of catering.  

To book, visit their website www.tstreeteatzindy.com or Call 317-720-9495. Visit T Street Eatz’s physical location before it closes inside of City Market, 222 E Market St. 

Contact and hours:  

Phone: (317) 416-9456 

Email: TStreetEatz@outlook.com 

Website: tstreeteatzindy.com  

View their menu here.  

Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.  

This minority business highlight was composed by Jade Jackson at the Indianapolis Recorder, who can be reached at (317) 762-7853 or via email at JadeJ@IndyRecorder.com.   

If you would like your business highlighted in the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, click here!   

The People Power Playbook: Boosting business success through talent strategies and culture

STAFF
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The People Power Playbook: Boosting business success through talent strategies and culture

By BRYAN KELLEY

Many businesses struggle to grow or remain profitable because of people challenges in their organization. These challenges exist in part because they don’t have proven HR strategies and systems to attract, engage, and retain top talent. That shouldn’t be the case!

ML Talent Strategies and trueU were built to solve people challenges in small to medium businesses. Our founder Mike Lantz believed that the systems and strategies used to grow enterprise companies were needed by small and medium businesses, minus the large price tags typically associated with these systems.  We believe as a Fractional and Outsourced HR firm, we can deliver results for small businesses, nonprofits, and even private and charter schools that would be timely, and potentially very costly.  We believe as a Fractional and Outsourced HR firm, we can deliver timely and cost-effective results for small and medium businesses, nonprofits, and private and charter schools.  Our model leverages 200+ years of experience and our four frameworks to drive business results through your people.

Talent/HR/Culture Strategies – We build the right talent strategies and processes to maximize your time, money, and results.  We align your organizational clarity, talent attraction, talent development, and talent experiencewith your overall business strategy.

Talent/HR/Culture Operations – Our team takes the guesswork out of your HR so you can focus on running your business.  Operationalizing your people processes is the difference between an efficiently run organization and one that frustrates you and your people, leading to lower productivity and unfavorable outcomes.

Culture Community – ACommunity of leadership peer groups led by culture experts who all believe your people are one of your greatest strategic advantages. trueU is an exclusive community of companies that believe their people are what make them successful. They are focused on building great corporate cultures, great leaders, and their bottom lines.

Leadership Development – Our Leadership Academy builds your leadership pipeline for organizational success now and in the future.  We provide world-class leadership development for individuals at all levels in your organization to help prepare them for the next level of leadership in your company.

You might wonder, what exactly is Fractional HR?  It’s the perfect solution for small to medium-sized businesses. With Fractional HR, you get access to high-level HR expertise and services without the need for a full-time, in-house HR department. Think of us as an extra set of hands dedicated to helping your organization thrive.

And when you combine Fractional HR with our Outsourced HR functions, you can leave all your HR needs to us. From benefits administration to day-to-day operations, we’ll handle it all.

“In each engagement, ML Talent Strategies was a trusted advisor and delivered more than expected.  They balanced strategy and execution and I highly recommend them.” Jimmy Rayford – CEO Dealers Wholesale

When you prioritize your people, you’ll save time and money, while strengthening your operations. At ML Talent Strategies and trueU, we’re committed to providing innovative people strategies that drive results. Let us fuel your business with top talent, so you can achieve your goals. Talent made simple!

Interested in learning more? Reach out to us today and let’s get started on your path to success.

To learn how we can help you, please reach out, and let’s find time to talk!

www.mltalentstrategies.com

Minority Business Highlight: Get Better Academy Basketball Training

Garrett Simms
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Minority Business Highlight: Get Better Academy Basketball Training

While going into his senior year of college, Nathan Meriwether and his team started Get Better Academy (GBA), a basketball training organization, to address some of the missing elements of training he saw as a college basketball player. 

“We started GBA because of the mindset of always getting better at something in your life, from a physical level, a mental level and, most importantly, from a spiritual level.”

Now, three years later, at 24 years old he has built GBA with his mentor and partner, PJ Boutte (PJ TRAINING), and has worked with over a hundred players, from 5 years old to overseas pros. 

“It never was a solo effort. I wouldn’t be here without the collective unit that helped me start in the beginning.”

Meriwether’s training style combines building a personal relationship with players while still keeping his basketball skills sharp daily to back up the advice he gives his players. He talks to his players’ parents, connects basketball to real-life lessons and uses his youth and basketball talent to relate to them.

“I focus on the skills and essentials of life before basketball. Once I focus on that, then I tie it into basketball, not the other way around,” Meriwether said.

Meriwether and his team built GBA on word of mouth. What started with one client grew because, as Nate put it, “You don’t need to sell a good product.” When people see the players he trains get better, it makes more people want to see how Meriwether is doing it.

He also credits his lack of social media use to keeping everything he is doing strictly about the players he trains and not putting himself in a box. While he is a successful basketball trainer, he is also a successful businessman.

If you want to see GBAs work or get training yourself, follow @gbaindy on Instagram. 

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