Teonna Daniels has been a professional photographer for two years. Her journey started her senior year at Lawrence Central High School when she was looking for an easy elective. This elective eventually turned into a new hobby.
“I carried my camera with me on every trip and event I attended, but I had never taken anyone’s professional pictures before,” said Daniels.
After completing her first professional photoshoot, she recognized her passion for the craft and kept going.
“Ever since my first photoshoot, I knew in that moment that I wouldn’t be putting the camera down any time soon,” said Daniels.
She enjoys shooting various creative concepts, such as businesses, birthdays, maternity and more.
While further pursuing her passion, Daniels also attended the University of Indianapolis where she received her bachelor’s degree in business.
Daniels bought her own studio to continue practicing her photography professionally on Sept. 27.
“I never imagined one photoshoot turning into this. I prayed and happily waited my turn. Now it’s time to take things up a notch and take TeeShotIt to the next level.”
To book a session or learn more about TeeShotIt, click here.
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!
Circle City Soul Food is a family-owned restaurant in Indianapolis that has been serving up traditional soul food dishes since 2011. The restaurant is known for its friendly atmosphere, delicious food and reasonable prices.
Circle City Soul Food is open for dine-in and carryout on Sundays only, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The restaurant offers a variety of soul food dishes, including fried chicken, smothered pork chops, candied yams, collard greens, and mac and cheese. The restaurant also has a kids’ menu and a selection of desserts.
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One of the elements that sets the restaurant apart from other eateries is its focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. The restaurant’s owners, Frank and Maggie, are passionate about serving their guests authentic soul food.
Additionally, what makes the soul food establishment unique is its family-friendly environment. The eatery is a great place for fellowship with friends and family over a mouthwatering and affordable feast.
If you’re in search of a delicious and authentic soul food experience, then check out Circle City Soul Food at 1164 W. 30th St. Visit their website here for more information.
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!
“Are you going back to work?” Chef Unk always asks customers when they order the signature dish Monster Burger at C-N-S Kitchen & Stuff. Known to be so good, it will put you to sleep, the Monster Burger is just one part of the quick kitchen’s menu.
Chef Unk and Mrs. Sandy bring southern flavor through burgers, wings, breakfast foods and more. Food made with love “to fill your heart and your belly” is the embodiment of C-N-S Kitchen and Stuff.
Visit Chef Unk and Mrs Sandy at 2434 Keystone Ave. inside the Shell gas station. Contact them at CNSKITCHENSTUFF@gmail.com or at 317-744-0018.
This minority business highlight was composed by Jayden Kennett at the Indianapolis Recorder, who can be reached at (317) 762-7847 or via email at JaydenK@IndyRecorder.com.
If you would like your business highlighted in the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, click here!
Indy Fresh Market, a new grocery store opened up off E. 38 Street and Sheridan Avenue on the city’s east side. Access to a new store brought much-needed relief to one of the biggest food deserts in the city.
Co-owner, Marcus Williams grew up on the east side and said there were more grocery stores when he was a kid, but they have since closed.
“We need food around here,” said co-owner Marcus Williams, “So, this store has been in the planning process for about three years. Kroger’s gone. Safeway is gone. Walmart’s gone. The closest store is five miles away. So, we had to do something to provide for the community.”
The locally black-owned store has been in the works for nearly three years and saw more than 1,000 customers walk through the doors a the soft opening.
Co-owner Michael McFarland said he has known Williams since the 6th grade.
“This is also the neighborhood I grew up in and it feels good to give back. Most of the people we have working here are taking advantage of our second chance opportunity. A lot of them are on probation or house arrest,” said McFarland.
“You might be a stocker today, but you could be a manager or supervisor tomorrow. These are our people. We’re coming back to a neighborhood we grew up in and giving back.”
Indy Fresh Market
The new full-service, 16,772-square-foot grocery store is a collaboration between Cook, IMPACT Central Indiana, Martin University, neighborhood leaders, Goodwill, the City of Indianapolis, the State of Indiana, Michael McFarland & Marckus Williams and national grocery store expert Joe The Grocer.
According to Indy Food Policy over 200,000 Indianapolis residents live in a food desert, and 10,500 live without access to a car or bus to reach grocery stores. To be considered a food desert more than 33% of an urban population must live more than one mile from a grocery store.
With a steadfast commitment to tackling food insecurity, fostering neighborhood ownership, and providing access to affordable, nutritious food, Indy Fresh Market has successfully established a model that will positively impact the community and address its needs.
“Food is a necessity for life. Now, we have access to healthy foods in the community. It feels amazing to get all the great feedback,” said Williams.
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!”
A Cup of Chai is Indy’s first authentic Indian chai café in Fountain Square.
Pravy Nijjar, the owner of A Cup of Chai, opened her shop in July 2023 to pursue her lifelong dream of running her own tea café after years of working a conventional 9-to-5 job.
Having spent a large portion of her life growing up in India, Nijjar said she developed “a deep affection” for chai, as the drink represents cherished memories from “family gatherings in the evenings, a comforting drink enjoyed while unwinding in front of the TV at night, or the perfect accompaniment to spicy Indian snacks on a rainy day.”
Chai, the primary menu item, is an aromatic and flavorful tea popular in many cultures, including India and parts of South Asia. The tea is known for its combination of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and cloves brewed with warm milk, and Nijjar’s shop features a number of flavored chai, cappuccinos and lattes as well as nimbu pani (masala lemonade), Rooh Afza (rose drink) and mango lassi.
Everything is made fresh in-house, all spices are ground fresh each day and they do not use any artificial syrups Customers can also choose what kind of milk they prefer and the sugar level of their drinks.
Located at 1028 Shelby St., Nijjar aims for her shop to be a place where “people from all walks of life can come together, share their stories, and forge connections,” according to her website. For more information, visit acupofchai.us. To get in contact, call 317-998-4463 or email contact@acupofchai.us.
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!
Mayor Joe Hogsett and David Fredricks, director of the Office of Minority and Women Business Development, recognized Tea’s Me Café as the October 2023 Certified Vendor of the month on Sept. 27. The café has three different locations and is known for its premium loose-leaf teas, delicious food and atmosphere. Former Fever player and four-time Olympic gold medalist Tamika Catchings bought the establishment in 2017 once learning that the owners were planning on closing.
“While many of us know Tamika as a basketball hall-of-famer and Olympic champion, she is proving just as adept at business and community advocacy,” said Hogsett. “As October’s Vendor of the Month for OMWBD, Tamika and her shops exemplify a growing, diverse, and locally owned business landscape.”
Tea’s Me Café is also the home of Catchings’ Catch the Stars Foundation. The foundation focuses on providing underprivileged youth ages 6-18 programs on fitness, literacy and character development.
The café recently expanded, opening two locations in Tarkington Park and Ivy Tech. The café has also been named the Next Door’s Neighborhood Fave for Best Breakfast & Brunch Spot and Best Coffee Shop from 2017-2023 and received the Indiana Equity, Inclusion & Opportunity Award, highlighting the minority women-owned business’ impact on the community.
“We are excited for Tea’s Me to be the October Vendor of the Month. This award is a huge testament to our Tea’s Me team and our adaptability, especially as we’ve navigated the past three years,” Catchings said. “We don’t serve to get accolades but being recognized for the great work we’re doing inside and outside the café is wonderful.”
To learn more about Tea’s Me Café and its different locations, visit www.teasmeindy.com.
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!
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.
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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.
