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Minority Business Highlight: The Sincere Chef

CHLOE McGOWAN
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Minority Business Highlight: The Sincere Chef

Created by Temicka “Chef Tweet” Moore, The Sincere Chef is a catering and events service providing fresh and healthy, homestyle catering, meal prep and food delivery.

Originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana, Moore is the CEO and executive chef of Sincere Catering, Sincerely Yours Events, Sincere Fresh, Sincere Learning Schools and Sincere Lyfe Consulting.

Moore’s passion for cooking stemmed from both southern and northern culinary styles she learned from her grandmothers. This love of cooking led her to launch her first food delivery business while studying at Indiana University. 

Sincere Catering and meal prep services feature a large variety of options to choose from, including small plate, soups, salads and breads, in addition to pasta and pairing dishes. Specific dishes for weekly meal prep for both small groups and groups more than 50 can be selected and ordered on the website. 

The Sincerely Yours event center, which is located on the Eastside of Indianapolis, includes two rentable suites with an in house 360 booth, IPAD Booth and Uneak Magic Mirror. 

The Sincere Chef is located at 6024 East 21st St. for more information about the business, catering and meal prep menus and how to order, visit thesincerechef.com. To get in contact, call 317.922.8790 or email catering@thesincerechef.com.

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!

Mojo Up Marketing + Media Awarded Vendor of the Month for February 2024

STAFF
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Mojo Up Marketing + Media Awarded Vendor of the Month for February 2024

INDIANAPOLIS – On Thursday, February 1, 2024, Mojo Up Marketing + Media, a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) with the City of Indianapolis, was awarded the Certified Vendor of the Month for February 2024 by Office of Minority and Women Business Development (OMWBD) Director David Fredricks.

“With Mojo Up’s diverse and talented team, they are bridging the gaps created by a lack of diversity in the marketing industry and empowering other businesses to cultivate an environment of diversity and inclusion,” says Director Fredricks.

Founded in 2019 by Travis Brown, Mojo Up is the largest Black-owned marketing agency in Indiana and offers a wide range of marketing services, including brand activation and refresh campaigns. Travis Brown has dedicated his career to building, inspiring, and motivating diverse teams and has established a unique culture of diverse and talented individuals. Under his guidance, the agency has created strategic and creative campaigns for major companies such as McDonald’s, Eli Lilly, AES Indiana, and Southwest Airlines. Travis is an author of four books and has created marketing courses for global brands, hosted brand boot camps, and developed an anti-bullying curriculum for schools around the country.

“We are honored to be recognized as the Certified Vendor of the Month,” said Travis Brown. “Our diverse and talented team is dedicated to providing excellent service to our clients and being a positive force in the community. This recognition is a reflection of our commitment to excellence and our belief that diverse perspectives and experiences are essential to success in business.”

Mojo Up Marketing + Media has been an unwavering contributor, helping numerous nonprofits and associations communicate their mission. The Salvation Army, Firefly Children & Family Alliance, New Hope, and C.A.R.E Autism Therapy are just a few of the organizations that Mojo Up has assisted. The company’s recognition as Certified Vendor of the Month is a testament to its commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and its contributions to the community.

OMWBD’s Vendor of the Month initiative highlights certified minority, women, veteran, and disabled- owned business enterprises (XBEs) to showcase businesses making a positive difference in their communities, acknowledge the achievements of diverse-owned companies, and to increase their market visibility. In 2024, the OMWBD team is expanding the initiative beyond downtown Indianapolis, highlighting the many exceptional vendors listed in the OMWBD XBE Directory across the county.

LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES EARN XBE CERTIFICATION THROUGH NBA ALL-STAR 2024 HOST COMMITTEE’S 24 IN 24 INITIATIVE

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LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES EARN XBE CERTIFICATION THROUGH NBA ALL-STAR 2024 HOST COMMITTEE’S 24 IN 24 INITIATIVE

INDIANAPOLIS – More than 24 local area businesses earned their XBE certifications as part of the 24 In 24 All-Star Initiative, the NBA All-Star 2024 Host Committee announced today. The program seeks to create lasting economic impact beyond NBA All-Star 2024 weekend, providing support and mentorship to local entrepreneurs and helping them navigate the XBE certification process.

The XBE Committee of the Host Committee set out to help certify 24 diverse businesses prior to NBA All-Star 2024. The goal was surpassed with 29 businesses earning certification with weeks left until NBA All-Star 2024 tips off on February 15. Certification is an important way to expand business opportunities and ultimately scale and grow revenue.

Through the 24 In 24 All-Star Initiative, the Host Committee partnered with the City’s Office of Minority and Women Business Development (OMWBE), the IDOA Division of Supplier Diversity, and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) to expedite the review and approval process. Pacers Sports & Entertainment’s Supplier Diversity division provided 12 scholarships to assist women-owned businesses garnering the national WBENC certification. M/WBE Owner, Angela Franklin of Soar Consulting, worked with each company to coach, assess, and help them prepare for the application process.

“From the outset, our goal has been to leverage NBA All-Star 2024 to generate measurable impact for our local business community and have impact that will be felt long after this event has gone,” said Tracy Ellis-Ward, NBA Host Committee XBE staff lead and Senior Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at PS&E. “We are proud of these exceptional businesses and the important steps they have taken through this process, and we are thrilled to have been able to provide them the support necessary to continue to thrive.”

Additionally, three of the participating businesses will be chosen to receive a $10,000 grant from one of three local firms. These entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to enhance their brand awareness alongside experienced marketers and industry leaders with long track records of success in Indianapolis and beyond.

Congratulations to the businesses that completed the 24 In 24 initiative:
 

4EverSmiles Photobooth
A Breath of Life
Art Haus Balloon Company
Black Leaf Vegan
Black Worldschoolers Mobile Bookstore
Class Act Transportation, LLC
Dear Athletes Placement
Designs by Vonda LLC
Divinity Logistics & Transportation
Dynamic Aerial Services LLC
Edit Me Lo – Graphic Design Agency
Gip Got Tips BBQ
House of Class Bartender School & Services, LLC
House of Color Events Productions
Lift Off Creamery
LJT Business Associates, LLC
Louis Lien
Loving Life Productions LLC
Market Square Popcorn Company
My Sugar Pie
Picture Perfect Party Photos – Imaging Mirrors
Prolific Visuals
Punkin’s Pies Sweet Treats
Regina L. Warren, MBA | Finance & Community Empowerment
Sip & Share Wines
Taste of Innova Wings+Greens
The Food Architect
The Gallery Event Center
The Y Effect

For more information on NBA All-Star 2024, please visit www.NBAAllStar2024.com. For information about the PS&E Supplier Diversity Program, visit www.gainbridgefieldhouse.com/connect/supplier-diversity-program.

Minority Business Highlight: Jael Products 

Jade Jackson
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Minority Business Highlight: Jael Products 

Jael, LLC is an effective and healthy personal care line with ingredients derived from nature. Created by four sisters and their mom, Jael makes high-quality shea butter products with love and care.  

They source some of the finest raw ingredients from the four corners of the globe. 

Sisters Jerilyn Lewis, Janet Lewis, Jeana Lewis, Judy Lewis and their mother, Grova Lewis, created the brand back in 2013. 

RELATED: Minority Business Highlight: Touching Hearts Home Care

Minority Business Highlight: Jael Products 

“It took a lot of trial and error. I’ve always been interested in making natural products. Our skin absorbs everything we put on it. Back then, shea butter wasn’t as easily accessible. I had to wait for expo or African vendors to come around,” said Judy Lewis, the youngest sister and product creator.  

“I created a butter that can be a cream to easily go on the skin cause shea butter by itself is rough.” 

Minority Business Highlight: Jael

The licensed esthetician was making her own products long before launching the business with her family.  

Her family calls her the architect of the product, mixer and kitchen chemist.  

Their mom, Grova, was a microbiologist for years and knew about the type of chemicals to avoid.  

Jeana Lewis suggested they start a business together.  

“She has always been the naturalist and herbalist. She did a lot of research, and a lot of products out there have harmful ingredients. Mom and Judy were essentially just giving it away for free to people, and I said we should sell it,” said Jeana Lewis who takes care of the graphic designs and media for the company.  

“Starting a business with family wasn’t hard because we were always together anyway.”  

Jerilyn Lewis takes care of the business and financial side of Jael and said they create the highest standards possible with their natural and chemical-free products.  

They will not make anything that they do not use themselves or would not put on their children or give to their friends.  

The products contain oils often not used in America including kukui oil and African violet oil.  

“It’s been about 15 years since we’ve been making this product, so we have proven the concept, and we have a great customer base locally and, actually, we’ve never had a complaint,” said Jarilyn Lewis.  

Janet Lewis fills in everywhere to help her sisters with the business and uses her math skills to bring efficiency to the process.  

They look forward to scaling their business to a national brand.  

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!     

Minority Business Highlight: Nei Natural Body Care

Noral Parham
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Minority Business Highlight: Nei Natural Body Care

Nei Natural Body Care LLC., sometimes referred to as ‘NNBC,’ owned by DaNeisha ‘Neisha’ Johnson, is a black-owned business based in Indianapolis that produces handmade organic skin and hair care products.

Their products are made from natural fruits and herbs and are free from harmful chemicals and soy.

A photo of Nei Natural Beauty Care founder and chief executive officer DeNeisha Johnson. (Photo provided/NNBC)

Nei Natural Body Care products include handmade soaps, hair care, men’s care, and body butter. The company takes pride in giving confidence and beauty back to those who suffer from skin-related issues such as Psoriasis, Eczema, Acne, dehydrated skin, stretch marks and others.

A photo of Nei Natural Body Care founder and CEO DaNeisha Johnson. (Photo/NNBC)

Johnson’s expertise in herbalism adds another layer to the business, allowing her to personally create products promoting healthier skin. The company’s comprehensive policies and attention to customer satisfaction have put them in a realm above and beyond their competitors.

More highlights: Chef Oya’s THE TRAP

Some products offered by Nei’s Natural Body Care include ‘Black Sativa Foaming Body Scrub,” “Turmeric ‘Radiance Soap,” “All Skin Gel Cleanser,” “Avocado Anti-Aging Bar” and “Rockin’ Roots Leave-In Conditioner,” just to name a few.

Additionally, NNBC ships their products worldwide.

Johnson and her team also provide (and recommend) consultations to ensure each customer’s skin regimen is tailor-made. The consultations are free of charge.

“Everyone deserves to be happy and comfortable with their skin and hair,” Johnson said in a statement.

For more information on Nei Natural Body Care, visit their website at neinaturalbodycare.com.

This minority business highlight was compiled by multimedia staff writer Noral Parham III. contact him at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on Twitter @3Noral. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.

Minority Business Highlight: Chef Oya’s THE TRAP

CHLOE McGOWAN
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Minority Business Highlight: Chef Oya’s THE TRAP

Chef Oya Woodruff has been feeding the local community since May 2016 after being inspired by a social media post to try recreating new dishes. 

THE TRAP, a walk-up counter style eatery off of Keystone Avenue, specializes in a variety of Florida-style seafood and seasonal specials, such as crab legs, salmon, shrimp and crawfish, loaded with whichever vegetables are in season and tossed with Woodruff’s house-made blend of sauces and spices — including the Yaad Jerk sauce, which is a blend of fresh Jamaican spices, “Trap Buttah,” and the Extra Spicy Young Bae spice blend. 

“One day I saw my friend from Jacksonville, Florida, post a picture of some seafood online, and I was like, ‘I don’t know what I’m going to do, but I need to get some of that’” Woodruff told the Indianapolis Recorder during a 2017 interview. “It was not something I had ever seen here in Indianapolis, so I tried to re-create it and started selling it. It’s been amazing.” 

THE TRAP is rooted in the belief that “delicious seafood should be accessible to all” and places an emphasis on preparing meals with fresh, local ingredients and providing healthier food options to an area that would otherwise be considered a food desert. 

THE TRAP is located at 3355 N. Keystone Ave. For more information about the menu, seasonal specials and business hours, visit facebook.com/ChefOyasTheTRAP. To get in contact, call (317) 762-6172 or email oyaenterprises@gmail.com. 

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!

ENTREPRENEURSHIP STUDENT SHARES THE BEAUTY, VERSATILITY OF LUXURY AFRICAN BEADS

STAFF
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ENTREPRENEURSHIP STUDENT SHARES THE BEAUTY, VERSATILITY OF LUXURY AFRICAN BEADS

Benita Obasuyi’s fashion accessories, including handbags, waist beads, and bracelets, are created using luxury African beads.

Written by Ivy Tech Indianapolis Marketing

At Benny’s Beading, shoppers will find handbags, bracelets, key chains, and waist chains made of luxury African beads. 

Benita Obasuyi, the founder of Benny’s Beading, used to play with African beads in Nigeria when she was a teenager. 

“I fell in love with the beauty of the beads,” Obasuyi said. 

As she got older, the 23-year-old noticed how her skin would negatively react to certain jewelry metals. 

“The beads are durable and comfortable on the skin,” Obasuyi said. “I fell in love with the colors and how you can use [the beads] to make beautiful, unique pieces.”

Two years after moving to Indianapolis to be closer to her family, Obasuyi made a bracelet for a friend. His friends asked for the same bracelet and said they would pay for it. 

That was all the motivation she needed, and in early 2022, Obasuyi started Benny’s Beading. She began with just bracelets and sold them mostly to coworkers and friends. Soon after, her craft and designs grew, and she added more accessory options, like keychains, waist beads, ankle bracelets, and even handbags. 

(Photo/Benita Obasuyi)

As her brand grew, Obasuyi realized she needed help with making the right decisions for her business and enrolled in Ivy Tech Community College’s entrepreneurship program in Indianapolis. 

“I had enough of the trial and error,” Obasuyi said. “Now, I get to understand what I was doing wrong and how to correct those mistakes.”

Obasuyi says the most beneficial part of being in the program is the entrepreneurial connections and community she has gained in the classroom. 

“My professor at Ivy Tech, Steve Thrash, has been very helpful. He knows of resources and is very knowledgeable as an experienced business owner himself. He facilitates discussions and encourages the other students in the program to also share their stories, making my journey much more familiar, clearer, and easier,” Obasuyi said of her experience. 

Obasuyi is slated to finish the program in 2025 and is working toward opening a storefront. 

“I want a space where people can come in and see the beauty for themselves. I don’t want to just be an online business,” Obasuyi said. “Even if they don’t want to buy my products, I want people to just enjoy the beauty of African beads.”

You can shop for African beaded accessories at bennysbeading.com. Learn more about the Ivy Tech Garatoni School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

Minority Business Highlight: Olivia West  

Jade Jackson
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Minority Business Highlight: Olivia West  

Olivia West is an in-game MC for the NBA and WNBA and will take center court as the host for the rising star game and G league contests happening for All Star Weekend.

Born and raised a proud Hoosier, the Purdue University graduate wears many hats as a professional host and speaker.  

RELATED: Minority Business Highlight: Touching Hearts Home Care

She served as a host for the Indiana Fever basketball team through the 2023 season and now hosts for the Pacers.  

“I have always loved basketball. I remember starting off at my local YMCA, and I’ve always loved the game. When I moved to Indianapolis and knew the Indiana Fevers were here, I said, ‘I got to tap in,’ and so I started going to the games,” said West.  

Minority Business Highlight: Olivia West  

“I just started going to a lot of games. One day I was sitting in the stands and there was a guest MC at the games. I was like, ‘Oh my gosh! This is such a cool role,’ like a cool job. I was friends with him, and so I connected with him.” 

She said it is surreal to think that she is playing a role in All-Star Weekend.  

West started The Speaking Company, teaching public speaking classes in Indianapolis to help motivate, educate and equip people with the tools to communicate with purpose. 

She wants her legacy to continue to uplift people through her interactions with anything basketball, business and community related.  

“I have this gift that I just want to help tell people stories and really help cheer other people on. So, the fact that I’m about to do that on the court and with our fans is an absolute privilege, and you’re going to see me doing that throughout our community and beyond,” said West.  

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!     

Minority Business Highlight: Business As Usual

CHLOE McGOWAN
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Minority Business Highlight: Business As Usual

Patrina Williams, founder and CEO of Business As Usual, opened her homecare consulting firm in 2021 to help people launch and grow their own homecare agencies.

Business As Usual was created to help agencies fulfill the need for non-medical qualified care and quality services for the elderly and disabled community. Since opening, Business As Usual has helped more than 120 aspiring and seasoned business owners turn their aspirations into achievements while fostering financial independence. 

However, the mission goes beyond business, as the consulting firm believes in making a difference in their community by providing a way for those in need with quality care and contributing to their well-being, according to the official website.

One of the ways Business As Usual contributes to this is through their Millionaire Billionaire Trillionaire Homecare Conference. The two-day event brings together industry experts and business leaders to discuss latest trends, innovations and challenges in the homecare industry — including homecare regulations, caregiver recruitment and retention, technology in homecare, and patient-centered care.

For more information on Business As Usual Consulting or to book a session, visit businessasusualpw.com.

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!

Minority Business Highlight: Silent Hustle  

Garrett Simms
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Minority Business Highlight: Silent Hustle  

Silent Hustle is a clothing brand built by two friends, Keenen Johnson and Kemontie Johnson, who share a bond of brotherhood and wanted to create something people could live by and have pride in wearing. 

Co-founder Kemontie was tragically killed due to gun violence in 2018, but his legacy will live forever through friends, family and Silent Hustle. 

The Johnsons were always close, even sharing the same last name, while not blood relatives but family in every other sense of the word. Keenen remembers when the idea of Silent Hustle came to him during spring 2018 and he immediately called Kemontie to share it.  

To his surprise, Kemontie had also been developing an idea of a clothing brand with the same name, and from there, they knew they should start this journey together.  

The message behind the brand and the support the duo received from friends, family and the community have ensured the brand’s success. 

“I feel like it’s because of the name. People are able to connect with the name because it’s something they do every day. When they wake up, they wake up, go out and work to make a living for their families and in hindsight that’s hustling. You can’t get around it, you can’t get around hustling in silence.” Keenen said. 

Today, Keenen continues to maintain and grow Silent Hustle with the help of friends, family and the community, which he said was essential to bringing him to this point. 

“You need a team in anything in life, and I feel like it is so critical in business because without a team, you’re only going to get so far. Without a team, you can get far but you may be getting far slow.” 

To view and buy Silent Hustle’s merchandise, follow them on Instagram @silenthustleclothing  

To purchase items in-person, you can attend Silent Hustle’s pop-up show on Feb. 17, from noon to 5 p.m., at 804 Delaware Street. The event will have free parking, food, music, drinks and more! 

“’Real hustlers move in silence. Let your hustle talk.’ I feel like that is a quote that we all should be living by,” Keenen said. 

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! 

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