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Minority Business Highlight: The Herron Academy of Beauty & Therapeutic Wellness

Jade Jackson
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Minority Business Highlight: The Herron Academy of Beauty & Therapeutic Wellness

Inside the walls of The Herron Academy of Beauty & Therapeutic Wellness, a class of beauty students learns about the importance of professional image.  

The instructor, Shante Flowers, is founder and CEO of the new beauty school.  

Located on the Far Eastside of Indianapolis, its location is intentional: It is where Flowers grew up.  

RELATED: Minority Business Highlight: The TLC House and Residential Services LLC

“I hate when people say, ‘Oh, the Eastside is this,’ or ‘I can’t wait to move away from the Eastside.’ It’s like, no. If you have the ability to do so, you need to give back to the community that you were raised in,” said Flowers.  

The Herron Academy is a beauty culture school that was created to raise the current standard of education in the beauty industry. The goal is to leave an impact on each student by developing their professionalism in an environment that promotes health of the mind, body and spirit.  

The school currently offers cosmetology, manicuring and aesthetics courses under three instructors.  

The academy’s programs are designed with beginners in mind but also help experienced students prepare for their goals as licensed professionals.  

The Herron Academy of Beauty & Therapeutic Wellness

“It’s not just about teaching them a trade; it’s about making sure that they as a person are ready to work in the industry or create their own business,” said Flowers, who has been in the beauty industry for the last decade.  

The school launched in January, and the first classes started in March.  

Because the academy is a new beauty school, they are not yet accredited, which means they cannot accept federal funding.  

“This means that people cannot get a student loan to come to the school. So, I wanted to make the tuition where people could put down whatever payment they could afford and then make monthly payments based off the rest,” said Flowers.  

That is part of the reason why Kaylin Hernandez Granger and Lauren Davis enrolled in the academy for its manicurist program.  

Granger, who has been painting her nails since middle school, said she noticed that the tuition for many beauty schools near her starts at $10,000. However, she found Flowers promoting the academy on social media for a little over $3,000.  

“It was so affordable, and it feels like Shante is doing something different. She has different plans set up for everybody, which is really cool – follow me on Instagram at BlackCoffeeNails. She is big on us having goals and being able to obtain them,” said Granger.  

Davis said she had a bad experience with a nail salon that would not refund her after she said she was not satisfied with their work. This is when she decided to learn how to do her own nails.  

“Then a lot of people asked me to do their nails, and I would tell them, ‘I’m not licensed or anything,’ but I got a lot of support because I saw, and they saw, that I was actually good,” said Davis. 

Flowers said that many local hairdressers or nail techs in the city are unlicensed and are usually offering services out of their homes.  

“A lot of people go, ‘Oh, it’s just a piece of paper.’ I have students in the program who were working without a license before they came to school, and there is so much value in the piece of paper.”  

Flowers said a license does not dictate talent, but it does mean that the foundations of beauty have been met.  

“There’s no reason why people are applying eyelashes but don’t understand the anatomy of the eye or some don’t know proper sanitation,” said Flowers.   

She also said the state board is cracking down on beauty service providers who often advertise their unlicensed services on social media. 

“I know some people who are more skilled than teachers at these beauty schools that cost $10,000-$25,000. I still think it’s worth the investment because you’re doing a disservice to your talent by not being licensed; imagine how much further you could go.” 

The academy is located at 1515 N. Post Rd, and its current promotional tuition rate is $3,500. This can be paid in a lump sum or divided into monthly payments. In the future, the academy will offer massage therapy and barbering courses in addition to the cosmetology, manicuring and aesthetics courses it currently offers.  

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!”

Indy Chamber welcomes new president and CEO

CHLOE McGOWAN
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Indy Chamber welcomes new president and CEO

Indy Chamber appointed a new president and CEO Sept. 18. 

The organization announced Matt Mindrum as its new president and CEO in a press release on Sept. 18. Mindrum will take over the position beginning December 1, 2023, and will spearhead Indy Chamber’s new efforts in promoting regional economic development, advocating for businesses and driving innovation. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Matt as our new President and CEO,” Melissa Proffitt, chair of the Indy Chamber Board, said in a statement. “The board is looking forward to working with Matt in this new leadership role to accelerate our impact as we continue to foster a business-friendly environment and create new opportunities for Indianapolis and the surrounding region.” 

Mindrum’s previous experience includes leadership positions with Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Butler University and most previously as vice president of Growth and Strategy at DaVita Kidney Care, where he helped launch and grow a new startup division for the Denver-based healthcare delivery leader. 

Mindrum has shown a dedicated commitment to growth and innovation in working with his teams to build successful brands at Eli Lilly, improve enrollment and national recognition at Butler University as well as expand the impact of the Indy 500. 

“I am truly honored to lead an organization that plays such a vital role in the success of Central Indiana,” Mindrum said in a statement. “I look forward to working alongside a team of dedicated staff and passionate leaders, both in and outside the Chamber, to further raise Indy’s profile, promote inclusive growth in our business community, and help our region become a magnet for business innovation and talent.” 

Minority Business Highlight:  Earth + Fire

CHLOE McGOWAN
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Minority Business Highlight:  Earth + Fire

Earth + Fire is a small mother-daughter business that specializes in unique, handmade art and jewelry.

Run by Tami Highbaugh-Abdullah and her daughter Krystal Highbaugh, the creative team behind Earth + Fire work with a variety of mediums — such as metal, clay, wood, resin, crystals and gemstones — to create wearable art and jewelry.

All gemstones at Earth + Fire are ethically sourced from local minority, holistic, new-age shops as well as gem shows and special events where specialty items can be sourced. Once a stone is selected, the creative team gets together on “Family Fridays” to assemble bracelets, necklaces and more by hand.

Earth + Fire operates as an online shop and can be found at pop-ups and festivals around Indianapolis and First Fridays at the CCIC. For more information about the business, upcoming events and products, visit earthandfire.shop. To get in touch, contact earthfireindy@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!

Brunch is better at night: The Midnight Breakfast Club

Braxton Babb
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Brunch is better at night: The Midnight Breakfast Club

BY: BRAXTON BABB

Tired of the typical club or bar scene? Want to elevate nightlife? Look no further, Midnight Breakfast Club has you covered. Catered but not limited to young adults who are looking to have a good time, Midnight Breakfast Club provides a different atmosphere with a unique aspect of brunch late at night.

Ball State Alumni Jaylen Moore and Jason Holland have brought a twist of brunch culture to the Indianapolis scene through the Midnight Breakfast Club. The concept of “midnight breakfast,” which fueled the company’s creation, was introduced to Moore in his freshman year of college.

“Originally, it started as an event that was introduced to me my freshman year. One thing that I had came to find out is that midnight breakfast is nationally known.” Said Moore.

Moore decided a midnight breakfast was how he wanted to celebrate his July birthday last year. After pitching the idea to Holland, the duo decided to turn the idea into a highly anticipated event: the Midnight Breakfast Club.

“I feel like we’ve always been more of the idealistic tandem. We had done some things in college and high school on the event side, and this was a way to tailor that more to us now being adults.” Said Holland.

In 2022, the duo hosted the first event, selling around 60 tickets. This year, they held the event again, and ticket sales nearly tripled. Holland said that the Midnight Breakfast Club’s growth has been the most rewarding part of hosting the event.

“The most rewarding part has been the growth and also the newfound audience and following we have.” Said Holland.

The group will introduce another feature event Sept. 23: the Midnight Breakfast Art Gallery. Moore had an epiphany when listening to Art Talk by Larry that drove him to add this feature not only to elevate the event but also to give local artists a platform to showcase their work.

“Not only could it bring the more upscale vibe, but it can also give artists within our city that may be overlooked the exposure to present and sell their work.”  Said Moore.

Artists such as Ezekier Breaziel III, Kinshasa Renee, Madison Ivory and more will be featured during the event.

The upcoming event will be held at the Irvington Event Center and will start at 9 p.m. Tickets are available now and can be purchased here. To stay updated on Midnight Breakfast Club’s next moves, follow them on Instagram @MidnightBreakfastC.

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: RS Elite Security Enforcement Inc.

Noral Parham
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Minority Business Highlight: RS Elite Security Enforcement Inc.

RS Elite Security Enforcement Inc. is a full-service security company located in Indianapolis. The company was founded in 2019 by Rodney Stanback, who has over 30 years of experience in security and law enforcement. Stanback also served in the military, which amplifies the skills necessary to excel at RS Elite.

RS Elite Security Enforcement offers a wide range of security services, including access control, commercial security, crowd control, residential security, school security, building searches, risk management, video surveillance and more.

The company’s officers are carefully screened and undergo rigorous training and continuous professional development. RS Elite Security Enforcement is licensed, bonded and insured.

The company’s founders, Rodney and Roderick Stanback, are both former members of the United States Military and Police Departments. They are committed to providing their clients with the highest level of security and safety.

RS Elite Security is located at 6137 Crawfordsville Road, Suite F236, Indianapolis. RS Elite can be reached at (317) 992-7088 or via 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!

Minority Business Highlight: Hoosier Security named September Certified Vendor of the Month 

JAYDEN KENNETT
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Minority Business Highlight: Hoosier Security named September Certified Vendor of the Month 

Hoosier Security, a commercial security integration company, was awarded as the Certified Vendor of the Month for September 2023. The company has been designing, selling, maintaining and implementing security systems for business, schools, multifamily properties and industries for 11 years in its two Indianapolis and Detroit locations. 

“We are honored to be named the Certified Vendor of the Month for September 2023,” said the CEO of Hoosier Security, Armando Perez. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our team to provide the best security systems and services to our clients. We are committed to helping businesses, schools, and communities stay safe and secure and do our part to help improve public safety in Indianapolis.”  

Hoosier Security offers advanced camera systems, access control systems, fire and burglar alarm systems and AI-driven video monitoring systems. They have also developed a video monitoring platform called Site Watch: Active Security that turns camera systems into digital security guards. 

They are the largest provider of B*Link Camera in Indianapolis and manage over 50% of the city’s camera systems. Additionally, the company is committed to fighting child abuse and human trafficking through various partnerships and sponsorships. Hoosier Security recently pledged to donate all profits from their Motorola Radio sale to kNot.  

“Hoosier Security is not just an innovative local business, they’re also a key partner in the City of Indianapolis’s public safety strategy,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “And as a local minority-owned business, they are representative of our city’s diverse and thriving economy.” 

For more information, contact Hoosier Security by phone at 844-224-6759 or by email sales@hoosiersecurity.com. 

Visit their website here. 

If you have a minority owned and operated business you’d like to be featured in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine Directory, visit Indiana Minority Business Directory. 

Minority Business Highlight: The TLC House and Residential Services LLC

Jade Jackson
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Minority Business Highlight: The TLC House and Residential Services LLC

The TLC House and Residential Services LLC is a nonmedical company with compassionate caregivers who have experience caring for the elderly. Some of the services they offer include companions, transportation/escort, housekeeping and attendant care. 

With over 20 years of experience as a CNA, HHA and CHPNA, the goal of TLC House and Residential Services is to meet the needs of each patient on an individual basis according to their needs. 

“My motto is, everything I do, I do in love. We’ve grown in the last three years as a women’s minority certified company. We service about 180 clients and employ close to 200 employees,” said owner Tamara Brown. 

“We’ve built an amazing name in the community because we give back. Everything’s been word of mouth. I don’t really utilize social media, and still the business grew,” said Brown.  

Angelique Robinson has been working for Brown for approximately a year and said the environment fostered by Brown at TLC House and Residential Services makes her look forward to going into work every day. 

“I have an employer that has a heart for people. I’m glad to work here. I love my job because I’ve gained some skills even while working under her [Brown],” said Robinson.  

“A lot of people have problems, and you never know what people are going through. You have to have the heart for it and love people.”  

Angela Anderson, who has been working at TLC House and Residential Services for more than a year, also spoke highly of Brown and TLC House and Residential Services.  

“Ms. Brown is very dedicated to what she does. She goes above and beyond and takes very good care of not only her clients but her caregivers as well. I have a business on the side, and she supports that. She expects excellence out of us because she gives excellence to the community,” said Anderson.  

She said Brown even purchased jewelry from her side business to give to clients. 

Along with bringing an abundance of experience to their positions, TLC House and Residential Services workers pride themselves on providing a warm smile, positive view and loving care.   

“I worked for a home healthcare before, and it was a lot of mess and foolishness,” said Anderson.  

“We’re going to be older one day, and there are people unfortunately who can’t care for their loved ones. Just like a younger child can’t tell you they’re being harmed, so are our seniors. You have to love the elderly.”  

Tiffany Howard’s 75-year-old mother has been a client of TLC House and Residential Services for the last two years. 

“My mother needed help with personal care, cooking and cleaning because she forgets certain things. I’m there every day with my mom, but the company will call, check up on her and make sure we have everything we need. They really give that TLC,” said Howard.  

“They have a text group with caregivers and clients, and every month they give extra money on your caregiver account, and give out gas cards, and I thought, ‘What company does that?’ Clients get gift cards.”  

She appreciates how the company calls her mother and her every week to make sure everything is going well. 

The company further seeks to help the community through participating in an annual coat drive. Additionally, Brown has taken money out of her own pocket to supply air conditioners for some of her clients who were experiencing overheating in the summer.  

“It’s not a job or a business for me; it’s a calling,” said Brown.  

Minority Business Highlight: Lesley Saligoe Botanicals

CHLOE McGOWAN
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Minority Business Highlight: Lesley Saligoe Botanicals

Lesley Saligoe Botanicals is a one-stop shop for all self-care needs. 

Owned and operated by Indy-based herbalist, energetic hygienist and sound healer Lesley Jean Saligoe, the store is a single-maker small business and offers a wide range of products for self-care — from hand-poured candles to physical and energetic hygiene products, such as room sprays, hand and body washes, lotions, dried herb bundles and more.

As a self-proclaimed “homebody,” Saligoe said she views the home as a sacred space and believes cleansing it and charging it with positivity is essential to one’s health. Through her business, Saligoe offers items that aim to “keep your skin soft, energy high, and life elevated.”

As an herbalist, many of Saligoe’s products are plant fortified and all natural, placing special emphasis on healing the body, energy and life.

Lesley Saligoe Botanicals currently operates as an online shop and at pop-up events and festivals around Indianapolis. For more information about products, visit lesleysaligoebotanicals.com or @lesleysaligoebotanicals on Instagram.

If you have a minority owned and operated business you’d like to be featured in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine Directory, visit Indiana Minority Business Directory.

Contact staff writer Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on Twitter @chloe_mcgowanxx.

Branding your passion: JL the Label

Braxton Babb
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Branding your passion: JL the Label

JL the Label is an online boutique for young women who love themselves, love to go out, love to vibe and love to look like a vibe. 

After she was sent home from college in spring 2020 due to the pandemic, Jaden Payne used aid provided by her school and her unemployment check to invest in JL the Label. 

While working in retail for four years, Payne was often asked to help style customers. Her friends noticed how dedicated she was to styling and started asking for styling assistance as well. Running around town and scavenging all over the internet for pieces to put together for others made Payne realize that instead of making bigger brands money, she should curate her own brand. 

“I had gotten to the point where I wasn’t about to make these big brands money off all the people who are asking me for help; I’m about to get out here and do it on my own,” said Payne. 

Payne went on to fulfill this goal; however, starting a business at a young age had some challenges, such as money management.  

“I was young when I started, so money management was not something I really knew about. I didn’t know how to manage money in a proper way. I didn’t look at this as something I would do full-time, so when I did start, all my money got reinvested back into my business,” said Payne. 

She said that in the beginning of her business venture, she also had social anxiety but eventually overcame this and noticed marked growth in her brand. 

“When I started, I had social anxiety. I wasn’t big on talking to people. So, I had this idea that everything was going to grow naturally, but I had to realize, no, you have to talk to people; you have to market yourself and make your brand a part of your identity,” said Payne. “As I have grown a business, I’ve matured as a woman.” 

Payne’s long-term goal is to further grow JL the Label through incorporating sister brands – brands under JL the Label with a different identity. 

Currently, she is focused on adding cozy, chic clothing items to the fall collection that meet her customers’ needs. 

“I took a poll, and the girls said they wanted sweater dresses, sweaters, jumpsuits, sweatsuits, jackets and sweater sets. That’s what they said, so that’s what I’m going to try to give. I try to give the girls what they didn’t know they needed.” 

To shop JL the Label’s catalog, click here. If you want to keep up with the brand, you can follow @JLtheLabel on Instagram

An era for women: The role of Indy businesses

STAFF
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An era for women: The role of Indy businesses

By AMANDA BONILLA

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, diversity and inclusion have emerged as key drivers of success for companies aiming to thrive in a competitive marketplace. Central to this effort is the advancement of women in the workplace. Investing in women not only aligns with principles of social justice and equality but also offers substantial benefits to companies themselves. Fostering an environment that promotes career advancement for all employees, irrespective of gender, is a strategic imperative that many Indy businesses are overlooking.

Before delving into strategies for cultivating career advancement for all employees, it’s crucial to understand why investing in women makes sound business sense. Numerous studies have shown that gender-diverse companies tend to outperform their less-diverse peers. McKinsey’s Delivering Through Diversity report found that companies with greater gender diversity at the executive level are 21% more likely to outperform in profitability. Furthermore, diverse teams bring a wider range of perspectives, which can lead to more creative problem-solving and innovation—critical assets in today’s complex and fast-paced business environment.

The path to gender diversity and equitable career advancement is often hindered by deeply ingrained biases and structural obstacles. To address these challenges, companies must be proactive in dismantling barriers that hinder women’s progress. This involves:

  • Ensuring equal pay for equal work. Women continue to earn less than men on average, and closing the gender pay gap is essential for advancing gender equity. As recently reported, in 2017, for every $1 a Central Indiana man made, a Central Indiana woman made 79 cents.
  • Offering flexible work arrangements—including remote work options and flexible hours—that benefits women, particularly those with caregiving responsibilities.
  • Creating mentorship and sponsorship programs specifically aimed at women.
  • Conducting training programs to raise awareness of unconscious biases to help create a more inclusive workplace. (The Inclusion Consultant Network is a great place to start for training needs)
  • Transparency in promotions and pay decisions can also help eliminate bias and ensure that women have an equal shot at career advancement.
  • Establishing formal mentorship programs that pair junior employees with experienced leaders to provide guidance and support during career progression.
  • Offering opportunities for employees to develop skills in areas like negotiation, public speaking, and project management can boost their confidence and readiness for leadership positions.

In Indiana, the significance of investing in women and fostering career advancement for all employees extends beyond individual companies—it contributes to the economic growth and prosperity of the state as a whole. By promoting diversity and inclusion, businesses in Indiana can attract top talent, enhance their reputation, and create a more vibrant and inclusive business environment. This, in turn, impacts our state’s perception—attracting new businesses and investments, fueling the state’s economic development.

Corporate investments in women also extend well beyond the office building. By supporting initiatives like Women’s Equity Brunch (also known as WE Brunch Indy) companies are helping to cultivate spaces where women can unite to access mentorship, career advancement resources, and support for the various hats they wear in every aspect of their lives. As we prepare for the September Happy Hour at Maven Space, we’re still accepting sponsorships. Learn more about that via the website.

When women feel encouraged and supported by their workplace, they are less likely to leave, therefore reducing costs in turnover and hiring. Embracing diversity and inclusion isn’t just a choice; it’s a competitive advantage that Indiana-based companies are wisely harnessing to thrive in the 21st century. Let’s show the world that women are a critical and valued component of Indiana’s workforce.

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