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Minority Business Highlights: Taste of Innova Wings + Greens

CHLOE McGOWAN
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Minority Business Highlights: Taste of Innova Wings + Greens

Taste of Innova Wings + Greens is a family business through and through. Owned and operated by mother-daughter duo Monique and Kara Hawkins, the restaurant offers homemade wings, collard greens and many more diverse flavors.

Taste of Innova first opened its doors at The Amp at 16 Tech, 1220 Waterway Blvd., Stall 8, in June of 2021 as a way to bring its family together during the pandemic. The eatery was one of many local minority-owned businesses that partnered with Gainbridge Fieldhouse Food Co. for a short mentorship and residency serving food during Pacers games as part of the Minority Guest Chef program. 

Their stint at Gainbridge, serving wings and greens to hungry Pacers fans, did so well they were invited to become a permanent fixture in 2022. Now, the Hawkins team can be found on the fourth floor Club Level.

The Hawkins’ coveted menu lists 12 original wing flavors — including Italian Parm, African Pepper Zest, Savannah Heat, Island Jerk, Pan Asian curry and Uncle Nearest Innova Chile — collard greens with smoked turkey, chicken tender waffle sandwich, Innova mac and cheese and more.

Taste of Innova is open at The Amp at 16 Tech Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. Orders can be placed at tasteofinnova.com or through Grubhub, Uber Eats and DoorDash. For more information, email info@tasteofinnova.com or call 765-400-0929.

If you have a minority-owned and operated business you would 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.

From hobby to hustle: Black nail tech shares journey to entrepreneurship 

Timoria Cunningham
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From hobby to hustle: Black nail tech shares journey to entrepreneurship 

When the pandemic began in January 2020, it forced people across the country to adopt various lifestyle changes, including regular COVID-19 testing, stocking up on food and following stay-at-home orders.

As a result, like many others, Indianapolis native Ciera Howleit found herself inside for most of the pandemic. While inside, Howleit picked up different hobbies, one of which was doing nails. The closure of nail salons piqued Howleit’s interest in this hobby. Howleit did her mother and sisters’ nails, and over time, she started taking more clients.  

Today, Howleit is the owner of Her Nail Diary, located on the west side of the city, where she has an array of services she provides to her clients. Listed below are Howleit’s booking website and other business information. 

Contact information:  
Nailedbycirose@gmail.com 

Booking site: https://www.styleseat.com/m/v/cieralove

You can also reach Howlett via social media direct message: 

Instagram: _hernaildiary 

Facebook: Her Nail Diary 

Minority Business Highlight: A Good Life Photo Co.

Noral Parham
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Minority Business Highlight: A Good Life Photo Co.

A Good Life Photo Co. is a headshot and personal branding photography studio founded in March 2019 by La’Meshia Hayes of Indianapolis.

Hayes founded the business after reading the book ‘Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill. Hayes wanted to secure generational wealth for her and her family while exercising a craft where she excels: photography.

A Good Life Photo Co.
La’Meshia Hayes, owner of A Good Life Photo Co. (Photo/Hayes)

Like most entrepreneurs, Hayes attempted many ventures. However, her ability to capture the moment behind the lens sent her over the top online.

Today, Hayes’ photo studio has a package for every event, including proms, graduations, birthdays, holidays and more. Hayes has studio space but does not hesitate to travel to venues that will best capture the moment for a client.

A Good Life Photo Co. is located at 6256 La Pas Trail, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46268. Hayes and her staff can be reached on Facebook and Instagram. For email inquiries, contact Hayes at Agoodlifephoto@outlook.com

If you would like your business featured in the the minority business highlights, click here.

Minority Business Highlights: T Street Eatz

JAYDEN KENNETT
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Minority Business Highlights: T Street Eatz

Taking bits and pieces of recipes from her grandmother and the excitement of presentation from her mother, Tasha Claytor created T Street Eatz.   

“One day for her (grandmother’s) last birthday, I made some food for her,” Claytor said. “I was making a trip for her, a memorial trip, and I got a voicemail ranting and raving about how good my food was. And I was like, that’s it. I can cook.”   

Claytor’s Elevated Comfort Food can be ordered online for delivery or pickup inside of City Market, 222 E Market St everyday Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

T Street Eatz also offers catering for events.  

Contact and hours:  

Phone: (317) 416-9456 

Email: TStreetEatz@outlook.com 

Website: tstreeteatzindy.com  

View their menu here.  

Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.  

Have a business? Sign it up for our business directory HERE. 

Motivational Monday: Urban Beauty Supply

Jade Jackson
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Motivational Monday: Urban Beauty Supply

Shirley Milligan and her husband have three daughters which meant they would spend a lot of time in local beauty supply stores.

Often owned by Non-Black people, the family would be disappointed by the lack of customer service they would receive from beauty supply businesses when shopping. That’s how Urban Beauty Supply was born.

Launched in February of 2020 just a month before the COVID-19 pandemic, the new business struggled to sell products curbside, but word of mouth spread and the shop started to get popular.

At Urban Beauty Supply they want you to be your best version. They offer a wide range of high-quality beauty, skincare and haircare products. From deep cleansers to the lightest moisturizers, you can get the most popular looks and brands in their store.

No matter what your skin or hair care needs are, Urban Beauty Supply said they are your one-stop shop to look great and maintain your healthy, beautiful skin.

Contact and hours:

5333 E. Thompson Road Indianapolis, IN 46237

(317) 875-1484

UrbanBeautySuppy1@Outlook.com

Monday – Saturday:
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Have a business? Sign it up for our business directory HERE.

Latino Business Support Network Launches in Indianapolis

Jade Jackson
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Latino Business Support Network Launches in Indianapolis

A group of Indianapolis nonprofits have come together to create the Latino Business Support Network (LBSN). The network is committed to assisting Latino small business owners and entrepreneurs.

The LBSN’s primary focus is on building a stronger Latino business community in the city. Created by Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), along with the other organizations, the network collaborates to provide resources and programs.

“The Latino community is an economically resilient community. As we have attempted to close the racial wealth gap, especially in Black and Latino communities, these are often the most underserved, overlooked and undeveloped,” said Executive Director of LISC, David Hampton.

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He said the Indianapolis small business community is incredibly diverse. There are 14,000 Black businesses, 5,000 Latinx businesses and 2,000 Asian owned businesses.

His hope for the network is to create a greater commitment and investment to support the Latinx community.

“Between 2010 and 2020, the Latinx community has grown by 42% and so have Latinx businesses. However, the resources for Latinx businesses have continued to be incredibly limited,” said Hampton.

As the community grows, there is an increasing need for language access and access to capital and services to support.

The start of the network

Four organizations — Hispanic Business Council, La Plaza, Emprendedoras Latinas en Indiana and Indiana Latino Expo — have come together to form a group dedicated to supporting Latino-owned businesses in Indianapolis.

The Director of International & Latino Affairs with the City of Indianapolis, Ruth Morales, said the Latino community is the fastest growing population in Marion County.

Executive Vice President of for External Engagement at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation Salena Scardina said a lot of stories go untold around Latino business, and this network is an opportunity to change that.

“Five years ago, I started a business, and I did not know what resources were available to me here. Latino-based businesses make up the largest minority sector of our entrepreneurship small businesses, and we don’t talk about that enough,” said Scardina.

By collaborating these organizations can provide better support and increase visibility for their work.

Minority Business Highlights: Splash Salon and Spa

CHLOE McGOWAN
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Minority Business Highlights: Splash Salon and Spa

Jacqueline Belus, master colorist and extensionist and owner of Splash Hair Salon and Spa, takes pride in her business. The salon offers a home to a diverse group of hair designers, lash and brow artists and makeup artists and is also an open door for clientele from all walks of life, Belus said.

Belus opened her salon in Indianapolis 22 years ago, but her path there was a little unconventional. Belus was a traveling teaching stylist for many years and said she had not initially been interested in owning and operating her own salon. But as she began to work at different salons she began to realize they were not as welcoming or diverse in their offerings. So Belus decided to create a space that would be.

“A lot of salons only have one image and only cater to one type of client,” she said. “Even though it [Splash Salon] was high-end, it didn’t matter, I wanted people of all walks to come in and enjoy the experience.”

Each of the stylists at the salon has received “comprehensive training in various hair color and cutting techniques,” which include creating customized hair designs for clients of all hair types and backgrounds. 

The salon also uses high-end products such as Kérastase — they were the first salon in Indiana to use and sell Kérastase— vegan products such as Phyto and Goldwell hair color, Belus said. Any products that are used during services are also available to purchase, including various styling tools.

“We’re going to love you and take care of you,” Belus said.

Splash Hair Salon and Spa is located at 4659 E. 82nd St., in the Clearwater Village Shopping Center. To schedule an appointment, visit splashhairsalon.com, call 317.576.9200 or email splashsalon@yahoo.com.

If there is a minority-owned and operated business you’d like to see 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.

Motivational Monday Highlight: Nap or Nothing

Jade Jackson
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Motivational Monday Highlight: Nap or Nothing

It is a simple phrase with a profound meaning: Nap or Nothing.

Etched across clothing inside a storefront on Massachusetts Avenue, owner of the streetwear brand Antonio Maxie said the slogan instills pride within people from Indianapolis.

“’Nap’ is short for Naptown, which is the nickname for the city. ‘Or Nothing’ is about repping to the fullest: Repping your backyard and being proud of where you’re from,” said Maxie. “It’s important for everybody to let people know where you come from and what made you or built you.”

Nap or Nothing has been around for nearly a decade.

Despite the brand’s release of hundreds of different colors and designs, Maxie said he never planned on owning and operating a clothing brand.

Originally a musician, Maxie’s fashion concept arose when he wanted to make a couple of extra bucks performing at shows.

“So, I started putting logos on merch with phrases from my songs and phrases that I say with my friends. It kind of just kept growing, and growing, and growing,” said Maxie.

Maxie said a friend of his opened a clothing store inside Lafayette Square Mall, and the shop ultimately fell into his lap.

The brick and mortar for Nap or Nothing at Lafayette Square Mall launched in 2015. Because the mall is now temporarily closed due to a redevelopment project, the store transferred to online sales before moving to Mass Ave.

From local artists to athletes and everyday people, all his customers rock the brand. Nap or Nothing has always shared space with other Indianapolis streetwear brands.

The organization GangGang culture partnered with Nap or Nothing to open multiple locations around the city in 2023.

“I feel blessed. I feel honored. I feel like I keep putting the work in and doing my due diligence to provide Indianapolis with quality representation,” said Maxie.

The recognition Nap or Nothing has gained over the years has been cool according to Maxie, but he’s even more excited that he can help other people achieve their goals and dreams by incorporating pride into the city.

“I don’t look at it like it’s a ‘me’ thing. It’s a ‘we’ thing. When the doors open for me, they open for others as well. My opportunity is their opportunity. They just have to capitalize as they see fit,” said Maxie.

Nap or Nothing’s goal is to have biweekly drops for products.

Have a business? Sign it up for our business directory HERE.

Indianapolis Public Library offering patent trademark resources

JAYDEN KENNETT
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Indianapolis Public Library offering patent trademark resources

The Indianapolis Public Library is a designated federal Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC) and is offering free services to those who need them. Currently, the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office provides 85 free PTRC services nationwide. Through its services, IndyPL offers trained librarians that can connect inventors to resources and answer questions about the patent and trademark process. 

Ryan Donnely is one of the librarians at IndyPL helping inventors and entrepreneurs better understand their intellectual property needs. The program’s specialized training involves patent and trademark research and can help entrepreneurs research their ideas, find free databases and determine if a trademark or patent already exists. 
Books on these topics are available at select branch locations.


“Getting a patent or trademark can be complicated and expensive,” Donnely said. “The resources we provide are free and low cost.” 

Information can be found on the library’s website or by calling the Central Library at 317-275-4100. 

Contact staff writer Jayden Kennett at 317-762-7847 or by email JaydenK@indyrecorder.com. Follow her on Twitter @JournoJay.

KFC employees can receive 100% tuition paid for degree through online university

Jade Jackson
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KFC employees can receive 100% tuition paid for degree through online university

If you work for any KFC restaurant in the city, you’re now eligible for a bachelor’s or master’s degree through Western Governors University (WGU) Indiana’s collaboration with the KFC Foundation.

The school is an accredited online university dedicated to making higher education accessible for as many people as possible.

The partnership launched the new program in January.

According to the executive director of the KFC Foundation, Emma Horn. The program seeks to ensure that every KFC restaurant employee feels supported and empowered to be their best selves.

They’re proud to offer employees an opportunity for higher education without the burden of tuition.

“We started working with WGU almost a year ago now. We love that every student is paired with a mentor, so they’ve got that champion that they can lean on. Somebody to cheer them on when things get tough. Also, WGU’s really focused on competency-based education,” said Horn.

The average salary for a KFC employee is $25,207 a year. Black and African Americans make up almost 13% of staff across the country. There are 14 restaurants across the Circle City, which means the program has the potential to reach about 300 employees.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for our team members who really don’t have time to go through traditional college. They can go at their own pace and earn money while they do it,” said Kelsie Ternet, area manager of a Carmel based KFC.

She said the program would be great for working parents.

They can work full-time and take care of their families while getting a degree to further their education.

Knowing that employees enter through KFC’s doors in all stages and phases of life, Horn said it’s their honor as a foundation to take care of them in their current position and to help them reach for their dreams.

“What better opportunity to be able to offer team members than a flexible college degree program that can fit seamlessly into their schedule,” said Horn.

“An employee who works for a participating franchise is qualified on the day that they start employment at KFC to receive full tuition to start or complete any degree,” said chancellor for WGU Indiana and the University’s regional vice president, Alison Bell.

WGU Indiana has a wide range of programs.

Bell said KFC employees working full time can anticipate completing their degrees in two years.

Contact senior staff writer Jade Jackson at 317-607-5792. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON

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