Circle Centre Mall is hosting its monthly Small Business Showcase Sept. 30 in the Level 3 Dining Pavilion. Shoppers will have the opportunity to explore a variety of goods while supporting small businesses in Indianapolis. The event is free to the public.
“Through the Small Business Showcase, we are offering mall patrons a unique shopping experience and exposing local entrepreneurs to new audiences,” says Circle Centre Mall Vice President, General Manager Luke Aeschliman.
Small Business Showcases takes place each month. Next month’s showcase is Saturday, Oct. 28 from noon to 6 p.m. Interested small businesses can secure their spot in the showcase by completing the online registration through Eventbrite.
Black Tennis Connect is a nonprofit organization based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Founded in 2021 by Kenyata Senu, Black Tennis Connect aims to foster the Black tennis community in Indianapolis via innovation.
The organization collaborates with tennis competitions across the nation, forging partnerships that generate opportunities for marginalized communities to access tennis events free of charge. With strategic partnerships, the organization champions diversity and inclusivity for everyone to engage in the amazing world of tennis.
(Photo/Getty Images)
Through the years, the organization has partnered with the United States Tennis Association (USTA), U.S. Open, Winston-Salem Open at Wake Forest University and many others.
The organization’s ongoing meetup, known as Tennis Tuesdays, has ventured across the city since its origin. The organization hosted its weekly meetup at Tarkington Park Sept. 26.
Additionally, the organization meets for tennis and fellowship throughout the year, with more events scheduled for Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.
The organization also has a chapter located in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Those interested in getting in touch with Black Tennis Connect can visit their website here. The mailing address for Black Tennis Connect is 55 Monument Circle, Suite 929, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
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. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, click here!
Black Onyx Management is a Black-owned research firm and management consultancy with a mission to help organizations leverage their full potential and make shifts for equity and opportunity.
Black Onyx offers services in research and evaluation services, philanthropy, economic development, community engagement and strategic communications, fundraising, and training. Black Onyx works with organizations to leverage their strengths while empowering Black communities.
Contact Black Onyx at 317-258-6429 or by email at projectmanager@blackonyxmanagement.com.
This minority business highlight was written by Jayden Kennett at the Indianapolis Recorder, who can be reached at 317-762-7847 or by email JaydenK@indyrecorder.com. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, clickhere!
In the midst of the pandemic’s uncertainty and restrictions in 2021, Living in the Moment Events emerged as a shining example of entrepreneurial innovation. Founder and CEO, Brandy Ferguson saw an opportunity to celebrate safely, and the idea gradually evolved into a thriving business. Here’s how this unique journey developed into a space where the entire community can celebrate all of their precious moments.
A creative spark amidst adversity
As the pandemic continued to disrupt daily life, Brandy realized that people were eager to celebrate special occasions but hesitant to venture out. This realization became the spark for Living in the Moment Events. “As we began to learn more, and people became more comfortable with smaller, intimate gatherings, I was constantly contracted to go to different homes to decorate for celebrations. It was a way for people to have parties without leaving home in a way that felt safer. But I quickly got tired of the shuffle between homes, and I decided to contact a commercial realtor to see what spaces were on the market! I knew I could follow any state and/or county guidelines safely under one roof.”
Consulting with a commercial realtor, Brandy embarked on a journey to find the perfect location. And after months of searching around Indy, the team discovered a space that they knew would house the future business. After months of renovations, totaling over $25,000, the venue was transformed into an intimate and picturesque location for weddings and events of all varieties.
Surprising success and valuable advice
One of the most surprising aspects of Living in the Moment Events has been its remarkable success. Since its inception, the venue has hosted over 1,000 events, ranging from meetings and parties to weddings—but the success wasn’t overnight.
“The journey to business ownership quite literally is an unending journey, but it all starts with one must—you have to believe in yourself first. I realized very quickly that I had full confidence in the business I was bringing to market, and in doing so, I was giving everyone a reason to believe in that business long before the doors of Living in the Moment Events opened to the public.”
Living in the Moment Events stands out in the industry due to its dual role as both a travel agency and an event venue. This unique approach allows them to accompany couples from engagement to honeymoon—offering a comprehensive wedding planning experience. As the only venue in Indianapolis providing such services, the business seeks to attract more couples who appreciate Cabaret-style, modern weddings. Additionally, they aim to expand their services by hosting more daytime meetings and seminars for the corporate and philanthropic communities.
Future growth and community engagement
Looking ahead, Living in the Moment Events envisions expanding its reach through community events—events that are already on the calendar.
“At Living in the Moment Events, we pride ourselves on being a part of the community, which means we collaborate on initiatives like back-to-school events, breakfast meetings, and the upcoming Indy Business Shower. This event provides valuable resources to small, primarily diverse businesses, and reflects our dedication to fostering connections that support our community in impactful ways. These services will only strengthen as our business matures.”
Living in the Moment Events is a testament to the power of creativity and determination in the face of adversity. What started as a pandemic-inspired idea has evolved into a thriving business, offering a unique combination of event services and travel planning. With a track record of success and a commitment to community engagement, Brandy and Living in the Moment Events are poised for a bright and dynamic future, continuing to make special moments unforgettable for their clients.
To learn more or register to attend the Indy Business Shower, please visit the website.
Black Worldschoolers Mobile Bookstore is a bookstore on wheels and serves as Indianapolis’ first mobile bookstore focused on providing titles by African American and minority authors.
The Black woman-owned, liberation-centered bookstore shares stories that uplift Black life, Black heritage and Black joy.
“We are a one-of-kind bookstore on wheels sharing stories that uplift Black life, Black heritage and Black joy. Our mission is to create access and awareness to Black stories as well as excitement and engagement around reading. So, we’re like a bookstore with ice cream truck energy,” said Natalie Pipkin.
“[We’re] sharing stories that are too often and intentionally left off the shelves: Stories that shape the way we think, see ourselves and see each other. When I go to schools, I don’t see them on the shelves, and they exist. I get my books from the same place any bookstore does,” said Pipkin.
In a world where African Americans are inundated with negative imagery, stereotypes and false history about Black people around the world, Black Worldschoolers disrupts the dominate negative narrative that seeks to destroy how Black people see each other and themselves.
With the help of her two sons, Pipkin said they read and curate a selection of books that can serve as mirrors for all children and communities to reflect while providing windows to look into someone else’s world.
The bookstore launched June 18, 2022, to provide a safe, welcoming space.
Shop their specially curated bookshop for all ages and visit their website HERE to learn how you can bring their book bus to your city!
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!”
Indianapolis’ newest vegan restaurant Burgeezy opened its first brick-and-mortar Sept. 9, 2023.
Founded by Kadeesha & Antoine Wiggins, the vegan burger joint is the first of its kind in the city to specialize in a plant-based menu that is dairy, meat and egg free. After starting out as a test kitchen in August 2021 and serving food out of Indy’s Kitchen, Burgeezy was selected to be part of Be Nimble Foundation and Melon Ghost Kitchen’s Food Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program at the Amp at 16 Tech.
The menu features classic comfort food items, such as Crispy Chick’n Sandwich, Fishhh Fillet, Double BBQ Bacon, Philly cheesesteak Burgeezy and more.
Now operating as a counter-service restaurant on the Canal Walk with dine-in and take-out, Burgeezy is located at 335 W. 9th St. Suite D. For more information about the restaurant or to view the menu, visit burgeezy.com. To get in contact with the restaurant, call (317) 782-5154.
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!
Mike Muse is bringing inciteful and necessary conversations to HBCUs. Muse, a pop culture and political commentator, aims to promote conversation amongst HBCU students and faculty that advances beyond just traditional talking points.
“The thesis of my work is sitting at the intersection of muse, which is the intersection of pop culture and politics. I like to pull back the social constructs of sports, music, film, fashion and technology,” said Muse. Muse is currently on a four-city tour, which stops at Morgan State University, Virginia State University, Paul Quinn College and North Carolina Central University, where he is speaking on four topics: Black futures, Safe Spaces for Black Men, Black Women Entrepreneurship and Black Health.
These topics were formed by thinking about the needs that impact the Black community and with the hope of determining new ways that they can be addressed.
“We keep having these same, similar conversations, but we’re not moving the needled,” said Muse. “But my goal is to expand the conversation and look at it from a very nuanced angle … I’m hoping that when individuals leave our summit, they will feel inspired and have a nuanced perspective looking at the issues so we can create a more holistic approach for solutions.”
On Sept. 22, Muse will make his second stop on the tour at Virginia State University, where his talk focuses on the theme Safe Spaces for Black Men.
“Safe spaces to me for Black men represent architecture, design, education; it represents so many different things that I don’t think about it as a singular point,” said Muse. “Because we look at safe space as a very singular point, we missed out on so many opportunities to create programming, ideology, strategies and policies that impact Black men as a whole.”
With two more stops on his tour, you can follow Muse’s journey @IAmMikeMuse on Instagram.
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!
Black Business Boom is a premier destination for Black entrepreneurs seeking to thrive in today’s business landscape. Founded in 2018, Black Business Boom is a community-based organization that provides access to essential resources and support for Black entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.
The founder and CEO of Black Business Boom, Danielle McGee, alongside Tee Wilson, the company’s creative director and CMO, forged significant partnerships to launch a training initiative. The program equips entrepreneurs with the necessary strategies and services to not only survive but prosper in today’s digital economy. The rest, as the saying goes, was history.
Danielle McGee (Left) and Tee Wilson (Right), the founders of Black Business Boom. (Photo/Black Business)
The mission of ‘Boom’ is to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem that empowers Black entrepreneurs to succeed. The organization offers a comprehensive range of programs and services, including the Boomin’ Loan Fund, a microloan program that provides accessible financing to Black business owners. Black Business Boom also has the Boomin’ Network: a directory of Black-owned businesses, as well as a platform for Black entrepreneurs to connect and collaborate.
‘Boom’ is committed to creating a more equitable economy where Black entrepreneurs can thrive. The organization’s work is essential to addressing the racial wealth gap and building a more prosperous future for all.
Boom is a vital resource for Black entrepreneurs. Many businesses, including the Indianapolis Recorder and Indiana Minority Business Magazine, participated in the business owner cohort sponsored by ‘Boom.’ For more information, click here to visit their website.
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. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, click here!
Camike Jones, editor-in-chief of the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, sat down with WISH-TV to discuss how to nominate an individual or organization for a Champions of Diversity award. The Champions of Diversity awards celebrate those who have demonstrated ongoing support of efforts to increase diversity, equity and inclusion.
Metric Environmental LLC is a Black-owned environmental consulting firm based in Indiana. Metric Environmental is dedicated to providing innovative solutions for complex environmental challenges. They conduct services for public, private and federal clients.
Metric Environmental offers assessment and remediation, industrial hygiene, stormwater services and permitting compliance. The environmental firm houses a myriad of licensed professionals including engineers, geologists, hazardous materials managers, licensed inspectors and more. The company also employs professional historians and archaeologists to assist clients in compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act.
This minority business highlight was written by Jayden Kennett. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, click here!
