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Program will train 100 Indy residents for jobs in growing green industries 

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KeyBank Foundation announced a $750,000 investment to help launch the Green Jobs Workforce Initiative, a new program aimed at preparing Indianapolis residents for careers in the growing green economy. 

The initiative will serve residents of the IndyEast Economic Mobility District, which includes the city’s near eastside, southeast and Martindale Brightwood neighborhoods. Participants will receive industry-recognized training, certifications and career placement support designed to connect them to high-demand, living-wage jobs in fields such as energy auditing, solar installation, asbestos and lead abatement, and environmental remediation. 

The three-year effort will be coordinated by Southeast Community Services, in partnership with John Boner Neighborhood Centers and the Edna Martin Christian Center. The three organizations will provide wraparound services including career coaching, financial coaching and income supports through the Centers for Working Families model. 

The program is designed to serve individuals who face barriers to employment, including those who are underemployed, formerly justice-involved or lack postsecondary education. Organizers aim to enroll 100 residents in the full training and certification program over the next three years. 

James Taylor, CEO of John Boner Neighborhood Centers, said the initiative has the potential to change the trajectory of many families in the area. 

“KeyBank’s investment in the IndyEast Economic Mobility District is a game-changer for our neighborhoods, connecting residents to sustainable, in-demand careers and strengthening our local economy,” Taylor said. “Together with Southeast Community Services and Edna Martin Christian Center, we are creating pathways to prosperity through the Green Jobs Workforce Initiative. This effort is about more than training — it’s about opportunity and long-term stability for families. By preparing residents for success in the green economy, we are opening doors for individuals who have historically faced barriers to employment, while building a more sustainable future for the neighborhoods we call home.” 

The check presentation for KeyBank’s investment of $750,000 in the IndyEast Economic Mobility District to support the launch of the Green Jobs Workforce Initiative. (Photo/KeyBank)

Participants who complete the program will leave with valuable credentials, including certifications such as the OSHA 30-hour certificate and the Association of Energy Engineers’ Energy Auditor Certificate. Program leaders have set a goal for at least 85% of enrolled participants to complete the program, with at least 80% earning at least one industry-recognized certification. 

To track progress and ensure effectiveness, organizers plan to measure outcomes such as participation rates, program satisfaction and long-term impact on participants. An independent third-party evaluator will also be brought in to assess the program. 

Yvonne Harrington, corporate responsibility officer at KeyBank, said the initiative aligns with the company’s dual focus on economic mobility and environmental sustainability. 

“At KeyBank, we believe economic mobility and environmental sustainability go hand in hand,” Harrington said. “Our support of the Green Jobs Workforce Initiative reflects our commitment to investing in the communities we serve by helping to create pathways to living-wage careers. This program will equip individuals with the essential skills needed for the green economy, strengthen families and help revitalize neighborhoods.” 

The investment comes as demand for green jobs continues to grow in Indiana and across the country. By equipping residents with the skills to meet this demand, program leaders hope to create lasting economic and environmental benefits for Indianapolis communities. 

KeyBank’s involvement also reflects its broader commitment to community investment. The company, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, is celebrating its bicentennial in 2025. KeyBank is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $185 billion as of June 30. It operates in 15 states through a network of about 1,000 branches and 1,200 ATMs. 

For more information about KeyBank and its services, visit key.com

Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth. 

Minority Business Highlight: Awesome Cleaning 

Keeping homes, offices and rental properties clean and welcoming just got easier for residents of Brownsburg and the greater Indianapolis area, thanks to Awesome Cleaning, a local full-service cleaning company. 

The company provides a wide range of services, including routine residential cleaning, deep office and industrial cleaning, vacation rental preparation, carpet and upholstery care, and dry-cleaning services. Clients can schedule services online, making it simple to get professional cleaning when needed most. 

Awesome Cleaning emphasizes professionalism and reliability. Staff members are trained, insured, and committed to delivering high-quality results, whether cleaning a single room or an entire property. Punctuality and attention to detail are central to their approach, ensuring that clients’ spaces are ready and inviting. 

Eco-friendly practices are another hallmark of the company. While delivering thorough results, the team uses non-toxic, safe cleaning products that are better for children, pets and the environment. Clear, upfront pricing gives clients confidence in the services they book, and testimonials highlight the team’s friendliness and dedication. 

Awesome cleaning offers full-service cleaning for homes, offices and rentals in Brownsburg and the greater Indianapolis area. (Photo/Awesome Cleaning website)

In addition to residential and commercial services, Awesome Cleaning specializes in preparing vacation rentals and move-in or move-out cleanings, helping property owners maintain a polished appearance for guests or new residents. Carpet and upholstery cleaning services restore freshness to furniture and floors, and dry-cleaning options provide convenience for busy households. 

For more information or to schedule a service, visit awesomeproservices.com

Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth. If you would like your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here. 

Minority Business Highlight: Mansion Society

Mansion Society, a Latinx-owned coffee shop, operates from a historic building on the former Central State Hospital grounds in Indianapolis’ Hawthorne neighborhood.

Founded by the Lezama family, immigrants who moved to the city more than 15 years ago, the business offers a unique experience rooted in the site’s past.

The coffee shop occupies a 1938 Victorian-style administration building, which has been converted into apartments. The owners carefully preserved the historic atmosphere, sourcing vintage decor from thrift stores and estate sales to maintain an authentic, timeless feel.

The coffee shop is known for its high-quality, artisanal offerings. All syrups, sauces and concentrates are made in-house. Pastries are delivered fresh daily from a contracted bakery, with some items imported directly from France.

A seasonal menu features creative beverages like the Spiced Cookie Latte and Pear Tart Lattes.

Beyond its products, Mansion Society serves as an important community hub. The area hosts few cafes, making the shop a valuable neighborhood resource. Recent development has transformed the surrounding grounds with new apartments, townhomes and schools.

Despite offers to relocate to a newer building within the redeveloped area, the owners chose to remain in their original location. They believe the historic setting is integral to the business’s identity and allure.

Mansion Society is located at 202 Steeples Blvd. in Indianapolis. The shop is open from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham created this highlight. Contact him at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on Facebook @HorsemenSportsMedia. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indiana Minority BUsiness Magazine, click here.

Minority Business Highlight: Cretia Cakes 

Nestled in the heart of the city is a bakery that blends Southern tradition, familial warmth and Midwest flair: Cretia Cakes Bake Shop.  

Founded by pastry chef LaCretia Allen and her husband, Angelo — affectionately known as “The Baker’s Man” — this woman- and minority-owned business has become a local institution for Southern-style sweets and custom cakes. 

LaCretia Allen’s journey to baking excellence was shaped early. Growing up with Southern parents in Indianapolis, she developed a passion for baking while still a child, even earning the nickname “Ms. Betty Crocker” during her school days. Though she first pursued an accounting degree, the call of the kitchen was too strong to ignore. After college, she formalized her skills at Ivy Tech’s Culinary Program, specializing in Baking & Pastry Arts under mentors like Paul Vida and Linda Shonk. 

The Pineapple Upside Down Cake from Cretia Cakes. (Photo/CretiaCakes.com)

Her professional experience includes time with Just Desserts and Panera Bread as well as learning Southern baking techniques from Marsha Brooks of Ms. Sweet B’s. In 2006, LaCretia and Angelo opened Cretia Cakes near the Speedway. Since then, they’ve become known for their melt-in-your-mouth offerings: butter pecan cake, red velvet, pecan pies, cookies, wedding creations and more. 

Over the years, Cretia Cakes has marked several milestones: 

  • They crafted over 2,000 custom cookies for Super Bowl XLVI in 2012.  
  • Their partnerships extend into the community via work with Hoosier Park Casino, the Indianapolis Zoo, and the Children’s Museum. 
  • In 2023, Cretia Cakes introduced their “Caramel Obsession Cake” on the national platform HSN (Home Shopping Network). The cake is a signature Southern comfort cake described as “tasting just like what Grandma used to make.” 

Cretia Cakes isn’t just about desserts; it’s about teaching, culture and connection. LaCretia has taken on roles mentoring new pastry chefs, showcasing her talent via television segments and lifestyle shows. Locally, the shop is treasured both for everyday treats and for custom-order showstoppers. 

To shop Cretia Cakes, visit cretiacakes.com or visit their store at 4640 N. Keystone Ave. 

Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth. If you would like your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here. 

Nominations now open for Indy Recorder’s 2025 Holiday Gift Guide 

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The Indianapolis Recorder is excited to announce that nominations are now open for the 2025 Holiday Gift Guide, spotlighting the best products and services from minority-owned and diverse businesses in the Indianapolis area. If you own, operate or know of a business, creator or service that deserves to be featured this holiday season, now is the time to nominate. 

Who can be nominated 

Eligible nominees include minority-owned businesses, local entrepreneurs, makers, artisans and small business owners offering products or services that make great gifts. Businesses must be actively operating in the Indianapolis area or serving the local community and have tangible offerings, such as physical products, giftable packages or services that can be given as gifts like experiences or memberships. 

What you’ll need for a nomination 

When submitting a nomination, you’ll need to provide the business name, owner name, contact information, a description of what the business offers and what makes it unique, examples or photos of products or services if available, and any relevant website or social media handles. It’s also helpful to include pricing information and details about shipping or local pick-up and delivery options. Both community members and business owners themselves are free to nominate. 

How to nominate 

To nominate, fill out the form at https://forms.gle/QLgFcKUDbBf1qfp28. Nominations are open now, and the Recorder’s editorial team will review all submissions to curate a list of featured businesses and gift ideas that will appear in the 2025 Holiday Gift Guide, both in print and online. 

Why it matters 

Last year’s guide, Indianapolis Recorder’s Ultimate Minority-Owned Gift Guide, featured standout products from local businesses and helped readers shop with purpose throughout the season. Being featured gives businesses valuable exposure to new audiences, helps boost sales and supports local entrepreneurship. 

If you are a business owner or know someone who deserves to be highlighted, submit a nomination today to be part of this year’s holiday gift guide. 

Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth. 

Black WorldSchoolers: From family blog to Black bookstore 

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Black WorldSchoolers just might be one of the most in-demand mobile bookstores in the Midwest. 

Created by Natalie Pipkin, Black WorldSchoolers is a one-of-a-kind Black bookstore in a bus. Based in Indianapolis, the store celebrates Black life, heritage and joy, while traveling to partner with local schools, businesses and nonprofit organizations to foster a lifelong love of reading among Black youth.  

“Every now and then I get someone who thinks they don’t want a book or doesn’t want to read,” Pipkin said. “I talk to them and ask what they like, and I pick the perfect book for them every time. Being able to take time with the youth and get to know them, and be able to curate books that are just for them … It brings me so much joy.” 

Born and raised in Indianapolis, Pipkin grew up in Washington Township Schools before attending North Central High School. She was  — and still is — an avid reader, but owning a bookstore was never her dream.  

Instead, Pipkin got into the book industry in sort of a roundabout way. Seven years ago, her household decided to start homeschooling, and a family blog entitled Black WorldSchoolers would document their journey. 

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“World schooling is a form of homeschooling where you use the world to learn or world around you to learn, leaning into the classroom type of thing,” Pipkin said. “But for us, Black WorldSchoolers meant a little more than that… It was more about stepping into your own backyard and arriving. … That my kids can have a learning experience anywhere in the world around them, and that the world is theirs, that they’re free to explore it.” 

Black WorldSchoolers Mobile Bookstore can be booked for school, businesses, festivals, private events and more. (Photo/Natalie Pipkin)

The Black WorldSchoolers blog and Instagram page helped Pipkin’s family connect and foster an online homeschooling community. Eventually, other parents started reaching out for advice, resources and guidance, leading Pipkin to create a Black WorldSchoolers website where she provided free Black educational resources — including a 24-hour storytime hotline where kids could call in and listen to Black authors reading their stories all around the country. 

“I realized from talking to people, when they came home, they didn’t have the books and the resources, because they’re depending on the school,” Pipkin said. “So, the storytime hotline was one way to say, ‘hey, we don’t have the books, but you can call in and listen to the story by the author.’” 

Pipkin’s family started doing book drives once they realized Indianapolis has several youth organizations with after school programs and no books. After donating maybe $5 worth of Black-centered books to an organization catering to teens, Pipkin said the reaction was instant. 

“They were overwhelmed,” she said. “They were books they hadn’t seen before, and there are books with names that look like their names, and we set up the shelf for them. We put quotes on there, and … they were so excited.” 

That’s when a lightbulb went off.  

The lack of representation in books provided by school libraries and other bookstores seemed to be a big part of the problem. It’s not that kids don’t like to read, they just didn’t have access to books that catered to them or their interests, Pipkin said. 

“When my kids came home and we started home educating, their love for reading skyrocketed because we curated these same stories in our homes that were by Black authors, Black-centered, all genres,” Pipkin said. “When I saw that happen outside my home with these teenagers, I’m like, ‘Okay, there’s something here.’” 

Within five months of running the Black WorldSchoolers website, Pipkin launched the online bookstore in November 2020. In December 2020, she bought the bus. By June 2022, Black WorldSchoolers Mobile Bookstore was officially open for business. 

Black WorldSchoolers is “a bookstore on wheels with ice cream truck energy,” Pipkin said. It’s one of Indiana’s first bookstores on wheels and Pipkin personally designed it to be colorful, welcoming and safe for kids to explore new books that represented themselves and their stories.  

It’s one-of-a-kind, with speakers on the outside and music playing inside too. There are seats for guests, but all the books are front facing so kids know exactly what to look at and for. Pipkin’s own kids are even in the logo. 

“It needed to be an experience,” Pipkin said. “It’s unique because we prioritize Black authors, books for all ages. Our model is unique to be sustainable… So, when you see us, someone rented the bus for community impact.” 

Being mobile, Black WorldSchoolers is able to travel all over the city, partnering with local schools, businesses, organizations and even catering private events to provide reading materials to Black youth in the community. Pipkin has even travelled for events in neighboring states, including Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio and as far as Virginia. 

In Summer 2024, Black WorldSchoolers partnered with The 100 Black Men of Indianapolis, a youth development organization, to give books away to the youth during their Summer Academy, said Keli Reese, manager of programs for the 100 Black Men. 

Black WorldSchoolers provided books for all 225 students in The 100 Black Men of Indianapolis’ 2024 Summer Academy. (Photo/Keli Reese)

Reese first learned about Pipkin “as a parent” when she began homeschooling her kids ten years ago. However, after a collaboration with the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Reese said she was able to connect with Black WorldSchoolers for their Summer Academy. 

The Summer Academy aims to curb summer learning loss and encourage academic growth even over the summer. The program centers around literacy, math and social studies, Reese said, and the partnership with Black WorldSchoolers in 2024 was “a natural fit,” Reese said. 

The work Black WorldSchoolers did through the partnership was “very intentional,” as 225 of their students went through the bookstore, completed an activity and picked out a book, Reese said.  

“We are Pre-K through eighth grade, so they had grade specific, grade appropriate or age-appropriate books,” Reese said. “With each new group, there was this fresh excitement, and our kids were excited to go through to choose their book.” 

Although the bookstore came about fairly quickly, Pipkin is more than grateful Black WorldSchoolers turned out better than her expectations.  

“Everything I dreamed it could be, it is,” Pipkin said.  

Whether the bus has been booked for a private event, a festival or partnering with a school or nonprofit, Pipkin said books are part of the deal.  

“Wherever we go, books are left behind,” she added. “Everywhere we go, we’re able to make an impact by having those books as part of the package.” 

Black WorldSchoolers mobile bookstore is unique for many reasons, but at its heart, the store and the mission is community built, homegrown and Black woman-owned, Pipkin said.  

“It’s not a brick and mortar, right? But I own it,” Pipkin said. “It’s mine, and with all that’s going on in the world with books, no one can tell me what to do with it. You either invite me in or go.” 

For more information about Black WorldSchoolers, view the online shop or to book the bus for an event, visit blackworldschoolers.com.  

Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx. 

Minority Business Highlight: Cibo Catering and Events 

Whitney Barnett, owner of Cibo Catering and Events. (Photo via Facebook)
Whitney Barnett, owner of Cibo Catering and Events. (Photo via Facebook)

Whitney Barnett founded Cibo Catering and Events, a Black-owned, woman-owned catering business based in Indianapolis, Indiana. 

Barnett, a professional chef since 2012, turned her love for soul food and Italian cuisine into a full-fledged business. It is in the business’ name, as the word ‘cibo’ is Italian for ‘food.’ The company, as its name implies, caters events of all sizes. 

Although Cibo Catering is headquartered in Indianapolis, it is not restricted to one locale. The business also serves Dallas, Texas and Los Angeles, California.

Barnett also owns the Positive Foodie Vibes Brand and is a diligent food access advocate. 

For order inquiries, contact Cibo Catering and Events at 317-361-6361 or cibo.creations@gmail.com


Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham created this minority business highlight. Contact him at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. If you would like your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here. 

Strong development programs are the key to organizational growth

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By JOTY ALLISON

Have you ever wondered what makes some organizations, churches or charities so great at fundraising? The answer is not simple, but it is often connected to their ability to maintain a robust development program.

In the nonprofit world, development typically refers to fundraising and building donor relationships, while in the for-profit world, it might mean business development and strategic partnerships – but in both cases, it’s about driving growth.

Throughout my career, I have worked with local and global organizations on both the nonprofit and for-profit sides, helping them achieve growth through strategic partnerships, capital growth initiatives and multi-million-dollar expansions. What I have learned is that the differences between most nonprofits and for-profits are not as great as people think. Both thrive when they have a strong focus on development and are committed to growing their mission or business.

A development program is more than just the ability for a person to make donation requests or discuss with a company why they should partner with you. When done correctly, development is a skilled art form of meticulously building relationships over time, communicating the organization’s story, products and services, and generating resources that will create opportunities for your organization.

Organizations, whether for-profit or non-profit, must be intentional about creating a culture of growth within all areas of their business. Everyone from the CEO to frontline workers should understand the mission and be able to convey it passionately to potential supporters.

When people within an organization can confidently speak about their individual program and connect it to the larger mission with clarity, enthusiasm and joy, it shows that the organization has successfully tapped into the inner development leader that exists in every team member.

No matter what type of institution you are running (for-profit, nonprofit, religious, etc.), if you made it this far into the reading, you’re probably wondering, “What does a ‘robust development program’ actually look like in practice?”. Regardless of the size of the organization, there must be a relationship builder.

“Meaningful relationships take time to build and produce, so an organization must be equipped to play the long game.”

A strong organization will invest in a development officer who has the sole purpose of connecting with stakeholders across all levels. Meaningful relationships take time to build and produce, so an organization must be equipped to play the long game.

Secondly, an effective development team is a team of strategists and executors. Too often, development teams are stuck in the inescapable cycle of ideation and not implementation. Strategic processes and planning tend to be research-driven and data-reliant, with the aim of still driving cultivation while planning future growth and expansion. This leads me to my third point, data and tools.

Customer Relationship Management (Photo/Getty Images)

There are a variety of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools available that might meet your needs. Finding the best CRM tool for your organization is key to developing long-lasting relationships and tracking the progress of your supporters.

Having a strong data model will accelerate your ability to do research on your market and grow your portfolio or list of constituents. The more information you collect, the more informed your strategies will be and the higher success rates your development team will have.

Lastly, a robust development program should have a clear, concise and repeatable story. What message are you conveying to your broader audience, and why is this message important to them? Getting a donation or business deal is not the end of the relationship; it’s the beginning of a longer journey.

“How you engage with your constituents is how they will engage with you.”

High-performing organizations put strong emphasis on stewardship by thanking supporters, keeping them updated on progress and involving them in the mission over time. How you engage with your constituents is how they will engage with you.

No matter if your constituency consists of 40 tithe-paying members or 100 Fortune 500 companies, you must find what is important to them and what keeps them committed to your work to keep that fire ignited in them.

Thesecret behind those organizations that seem to effortlessly fundraise and expand isn’t luck. It’s the strong development teams and strategies working behind the scenes.

Nonprofit or for-profit, the principle holds: nurture the connections that drive your mission, and your mission will thrive. As a development professional, I’ve seen firsthand that when you commit to these practices, the sky becomes your base.

Rev. Joty T. Allison is a business development, fundraising strategist, and ordained clergy with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations grow through strategic partnerships, capital campaigns, and sustainable development planning. He can be reached at joty.allison@outlook.com.

Minority Business Highlight: Indy Melanated Birthworker Collective 

The Indy Melanated Birthworker Collective (IMBC) is a grassroots organization committed to supporting and empowering Black birth workers in Indianapolis.  

Since its founding in 2020, IMBC has created a safe and nurturing space for Black doulas, midwives and other birth professionals to connect, share resources and advocate for equitable maternal care in the community. 

IMBC’s programs are designed to address the unique challenges faced by Black birth workers and the families they serve. The organization offers mentorship opportunities, professional development programs and community outreach initiatives, all aimed at fostering a more culturally competent and inclusive birth environment. Through these efforts, IMBC provides tools and guidance that help birth workers succeed professionally while also improving maternal and infant health outcomes in Black communities. 

IMBC is a grassroots organization that supports Black birth workers in Indianapolis. (Photo/meetimbc.org)

Beyond professional support, IMBC emphasizes community collaboration and empowerment. Members of the collective work together to raise awareness about disparities in maternal health care and advocate for systemic change. By promoting culturally responsive practices and elevating Black voices in the birth industry, IMBC hopes to ensure that families in Indianapolis have access to care that is safe, respectful and affirming. 

The collective’s approach highlights the importance of both professional development and community engagement, recognizing that the health and well-being of mothers and infants are deeply connected to social and cultural support networks. 

For those interested in learning more about the Indy Melanated Birthworker Collective or getting involved, information is available on their official website at meetimbc.org

Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth. If you would like your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here. 

Minority Business Highlight: Comfort Living Residential Shared Home, LLC

Comfort Living Residential Shared Home, LLC, is an Indianapolis-based transitional living community dedicated to empowering residents to regain independence.

Founded by Donnell Dillion, Comfort Living isn’t just offering shelter but providing clients with “a place where hope grows and lives are transformed,” according to the website. Comfort Living’s residential homes are “thoughtfully designed” to provide clients a safe, comfortable transitional living space in a welcoming and supportive environment where they can regain stability.

“At Comfort Living Residential Shared Home, LLC, we understand that a home is more than just a place — it’s a foundation for growth, stability and community,” the website states. “We pride ourselves on creating spaces where people not only find shelter but also discover a sense of belonging, comfort and the tools to thrive.”

The organization takes pride in maintaining comfortable shared homes, community support, access to resources — such as employment, education opportunities — guidance and empowerment. Other services include planned community activities, medication reminders, nutritional meals, basic necessities and transportation.

Homes are open to any individual in transitional living situations seeking support and stability. The length of one’s stay can vary based on individual needs and when they feel ready to transition to independent living.

Comfort Living Residential Shared Home, LLC is based in Indianapolis. To learn more, visit comfort-libing-rsh.org. To get in contact, email comfortliving.rsh@gmail.com or call 317-830-3005.

Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx. If you would like your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.

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