Donor program created to celebrate support of Bosma’s mission
INDIANAPOLIS — Today, Bosma Visionary Opportunities Foundation announced the White Cane Society, a program created to acknowledge and celebrate donor support for Bosma’s mission and clients.
“Rates of vision loss are steadily increasing and are on track to double by 2050 due to our aging population,” said Foundation executive director, Brandon Wells. “As we prepare to support an influx of people with vision loss, we are excited to announce the creation of this society to sustain our center and its vision rehabilitation and training services which are more crucial than ever.”
(Photo/Bosma)
There are three membership tiers available for the White Cane Society. Potential benefits of joining include:
Donor spotlight in newsletter
Public relations partner package
Corporate spotlight in newsletter
Quarterly newsletter with exclusive giveaways
Donor Board recognition
Receipt of impact report
Voting rights on annual grant
Complimentary Bay at Fore! The Cause
Annual White Cane Society Rehab Center Tour and networking dinner event
The White Cane Society is named after the white cane, one of the first tools a person who is blind or visually impaired receives during the rehabilitation process. The white cane is also symbolic of a person’s journey with vision loss to independence. Donors of the Bosma Visionary Opportunities Foundation help support that independence.
(Photo/Bosma)
Bosma Visionary Opportunities Foundation funds Bosma’s Center for Visionary Solutions, which provides vision rehabilitation programs at little or no cost to people who are blind or visually impaired. The Center offers personalized programs ranging from training for daily living skills to counseling and job placement.
To learn more about Bosma’s mission and services, please visit bosma.org/foundation.
Nestled in the heart of Nashville, Indiana, Artists Colony Inn embodies the charm and cultural richness of Brown County. Located on South Van Buren Street, the inn has become a beacon for travelers seeking a blend of historic ambiance and modern comfort.
Just steps away from iconic attractions like the Brown County Art Guild and Brown County Playhouse, the inn offers a unique lodging experience that reflects the area’s artistic legacy.
The Artists Colony Inn & Restaurant is nestled in the heart of Brown County. (Photos/Artists Colony Inn website)
The property is owned by Isaac Bamgbose, founder, president and CEO of New City Development Partners, who has worked to preserve the inn’s historical character while introducing thoughtful, modern upgrades.
”I’ve come down to Brown County,” Bamgbose said. “My wife and I, we’ve come down and hiked the State Park … The hotel and the restaurant are great, but the surrounding area is also great. We realized this is a unique opportunity to create some boutique hospitality.”
The 20-room inn features carefully curated antiques and artwork that pay homage to the region’s creative heritage, offering guests a tangible connection to the past.
Isaac Bambgose
Guests can choose from various accommodations, including three suites equipped with whirlpool tubs and select rooms featuring fireplaces and private balconies. Each room is designed to provide a cozy retreat, with modern amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, air conditioning and cable television. The inn’s on-site restaurant offers a welcoming space to enjoy a meal while surrounded by the inn’s warm and rustic decor.
For Velva Cheek, a longtime server at the inn, the dining room represents more than just a work place, it’s a hub of connection.
“We’re all a family,” Cheek said. “Everybody works together and helps out wherever they can.”
Abigail Watson, the inn’s guest services manager, plays a pivotal role in ensuring visitors have a seamless and memorable experience.
“I like the feedback that we get,” Watson said. “I like to keep an eye on our reviews, and so when I interact with a customer, and then they go on to also post about us pictures or just some positive feedback. That is one of the highlights.”
The Artists Colony Inn & Restaurant is nestled in the heart of Brown County. (Photos/Artists Colony Inn website)
Beyond its accommodations, Artists Colony Inn is a convenient base for exploring Brown County’s natural beauty and cultural attractions. Brown County State Park, a favorite destination for hiking and outdoor activities, is just a short drive away. The inn also offers tour and ticket assistance, making it easy for guests to plan their excursions.
The inn’s central location in downtown Nashville provides easy access to local art galleries, theaters and shops, ensuring guests can immerse themselves in the vibrant community. The inn features meeting and banquet facilities for those planning events, making it a popular choice for intimate weddings and corporate retreats.
Maintaining its historical charm, the inn has retained many original architectural features, including hardwood flooring and wrought-iron details, while updating the space to meet modern expectations. Free on-site parking, a smoke-free environment and family-friendly policies make the inn an appealing choice for many travelers.
Room rates typically begin at around $130 per night, though pricing may vary depending on the season and room type. The affordability, personalized service and an authentic connection to Brown County’s history have made Artists Colony Inn a beloved destination for visitors near and far.
The Artists Colony Inn & Restaurant is nestled in the heart of Brown County. (Photos/Artists Colony Inn website)
With Bamgbose’s vision and their team of dedicated staff, Artists Colony Inn stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Brown County’s cultural and natural treasures. Whether you’re seeking a quiet getaway or a base for exploring Nashville’s artistic and outdoor offerings, the inn provides a timeless and welcoming experience.
Indianapolis-based Affirmations & Ambience is carving out a unique space in the wellness market by offering self-care products that blend calming scents with uplifting affirmations.
Founded by A.J., the brand’s mission is to promote mental and emotional well-being through daily rituals that nourish the body and the mind.
Affirmations & Ambience’s mission is to emphasize the power of scent memory and positive affirmations to inspire and uplift. (Photo via/Affirmations & Ambience website)
The company’s product line includes scented candles, room sprays and body care items infused with carefully crafted positive affirmations. These messages aim to inspire confidence, reduce stress and encourage mindfulness. Combining aromatherapy and affirmations creates a multi-sensory experience to foster peace and empowerment in everyday life.
The company emphasizes natural ingredients and eco-friendly packaging to align with its commitment to sustainability. A.J. started the business after recognizing a need for products that tangibly support mental health and self-love. The goal was to create tools that help customers establish intentional moments of calm and positivity throughout their day.
The brand has resonated with a broad audience seeking mindful self-care solutions that go beyond traditional fragrance products. By integrating affirmations, Affirmations & Ambience encourages users to practice self-reflection and positive thinking alongside sensory relaxation.
Affirmations & Ambience’s mission is to emphasize the power of scent memory and positive affirmations to inspire and uplift. (Photo via/Affirmations & Ambience website)
As mental health and wellness remain priorities for many, Affirmations & Ambience offers a distinctive approach that meets this growing demand. The company’s emphasis on positivity, quality and sustainability has helped it gain a loyal following.
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.
Owned and operated by Kiahna Davis, Mind Your Business Accounting and Consulting Services (MYB) is a Black- and woman-owned financial consulting agency based out of Indianapolis.
Founded in 2014, Davis transitioned from her previous full-time job to running MYB Accounting and Consulting in 2019. Today, she balances her business, alongside being a wife and a mom, to help small businesses, nonprofits and churches navigate “tactical and strategic nuances” of accounting, tax and finance, according to the company’s Facebook account.
The agency offers various services, including basic accounting levels I, II and III, assisted DIY accounting services to manage and record business transactions resulting in monthly financial statements and tax preparation. Advanced accounting services include controllership and fractional CFO services, which offer support for small businesses, nonprofits and churches.
Tax services range from tax strategy sessions to look over documents, prior returns and develop a tax map, as well as various tax preparation — 1040, 1065, 1120S, 1120C, 990 and appropriate Schedules — to help clients look ahead, reduce tax liability to the full extent the law allows.
MYB Accounting and Consulting Services also offers a handful of additional services, including payroll, accounting start-up and clean-up, business entity evaluation and set-up, training and business consulting.
MYB Accounting and Consulting Services currently operates out of an office located at 3905 Vincennes Road, Suite 215. For more information or to book a free consultation, visit teammyb.com. To get in contact, email info@teammyb.com or call 317-992-1647.
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.
Indianapolis Public Library and T Street Eatz have teamed up to unveil a new full-service cafe at Central Library.
T-Street Eatz, owned and operated by Tasha “Chef T” Claytor and LaMont “Monty” Reeves, Sr., opened a cafe in the Atrium at Central Library 40 E. St. Clair St., on June 9. The cafe, which aims to serve library staff, downtown professionals, students, remote workers and travelers, features a menu of freshly brewed coffee, pastries and breakfast sandwiches alongside quick options for those on the go, according to a press release.
“Bringing a café to Central Library has been a priority,” Elizabeth Schoettle, Central Library director, said in a statement. “T Street Eatz adds so much to our space, giving visitors the chance to enjoy coffee and warm food while taking advantage of our books, programs, and services. T Street Eatz brings a new energy to our beautiful Atrium space along with the smell of fresh coffee. Who doesn’t love a nice cup of coffee alongside a great read?”
Claytor and Reeves are not just business partners, but long-time friends. After working odd jobs and navigating uncertainty through the pandemic, cooking for loved ones became “a lasting gift and an unexpected source of encouragement,” which sparked T Street Eatz, Claytor said.
The eatery began as a pop-up in a shared kitchen before growing into a thriving restaurant and catering business downtown.
“We operated inside City Market until its sudden and extended closure forced us to shut down,” Claytor said in a statement. “The effects of the pandemic and the loss of our storefront have continued to impact us physically and financially — both personally and professionally.”
With a new location at Central Library, T Street Eatz remains committed to “serving our community with fresh, quality, flavorful menu items and exceptional service,” Claytor said. The cafe is designed to “have something for everyone,” offering a variety of breakfast and lunch options, including limited plant-bases and gluten-free selections, according to a press release.
T Street Eatz is open at Central 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit indypl.org/locations/central-library.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
A young entrepreneur is making a name for herself in Indianapolis. In 2016, Elisia “Barjhae” Watson founded Barjhae’s Treats, which offers a wide range of sweet treats to the community. She taught herself how to bake and create a variety of desserts.
Barjhae’s Treats is a minority-owned bakery that provides custom cakes for all occasions. The bakery also offers carefully crafted strawberries and candy-covered pineapples. Customers can order cheesecakes and other delicious desserts.
However, Watson’s business offers more than just desserts.
Barjhae’s Treats provides catering services for events. Customers can place custom orders for special occasions. The bakery also offers delivery and curbside pickup for convenience, making it easy for everyone to enjoy her creations.
The Indianapolis community has embraced the business. Customers praise the delicious treats and excellent service.
Watson is a dedicated business owner who works hard to provide her customers with the best products. Her passion for baking is evident in every dessert she creates.
Barjhae’s Treats is located in Indianapolis. The bakery can be reached at 317-469-6576. Their website can be found here.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral. If you want your business highlighted in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
Gentle Mental is a streetwear brand rooted in authenticity and mental health advocacy.
Born in the midst of a personal crisis, it launched in 2022 under the vision of designer Shawnde “Dede” Floyd. As her journey through depression unfolded, Floyd turned to journaling — and then to clothing — as a medium for self-expression and healing. What began as personal introspection evolved into a mission: to remind wearers that “it’s okay not to be okay.”
Gentle Mental’s clothing is designed to spark conversation and reflection. Each piece — like hoodies, crewnecks, jackets and jogger sets — features affirmations and themes such as “Be Gentle,” “So Anxious,” and “Music is My Love Language.” The flagship Vol. 1 unisex sweatshirt captured Dede’s experience with depression, her vulnerabilities and resilience, encouraging wearers to welcome grace, solitude and prayer.
(Photo/Gentle Mental)
Based in Indianapolis, Floyd is a trailblazer, eastside native, first-generation college graduate, entrepreneur and a proud Black woman. Her vision centers on generational impact: “Being in spaces we never imagined … not only getting a seat at the table but bringing the table.”
Gentle Mental transcends fashion, according to their website. It’s a platform that champions mental wellness, spiritual connection and community support. The resources section on its website curates trusted mental health helplines and programs, offering practical avenues to healing alongside its apparel.
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.
Led by executive director Belinda Drake, Trans Solutions Research & Resource Center works to address social and systemic barriers to health, housing, employment and education for LGBTQ+ Hoosiers.
The nonprofit, which is minority owned and operated, provides a safe space for trans and gender nonconforming community members, while offering access to necessary comprehensive health resources and social services.
“Our Vision is to offer practical solutions through a distribution of services via online and networked resources that focus directly to address the social determinants of health, empower marginalized populations through education, equity and mentorship and to promote safety and foster leadership opportunities,” the website states.
Among the many services, events and programming offered by the organization is V.I.S.I.O.N Emergency Housing Assistance Program, which is a rental and placement assistance program, and V.I.S.I.O.N Academy, an essential skills and workforce development training program.
During hours of operation, Trans Solutions provides access to a washer and dryer, a community computer lab and navigation to a community partner — such as BU Wellness — for STI/HIV testing and education.
The organization also provides virtual mental health support in addition to hosting weekly in-person events and a social support group for more complex issues, according to the website.
An outreach team is also ready and available to engage with the community in local neighborhoods, resource fairs, coffee shops or college campuses.
Trans Solutions is located at 3535 N. Pennsylvania St. For more information or hours of operation, visit transsolutionsrrc.org. To donate to Trans Solutions’ Pride with a Purpose campaign, visit givebutter.com/tsrrcpride. To get in contact, email info@Transsolutionsrrc.org or call 317-602-4431.
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.
Purdue University revealed its long-term vision for Indianapolis on June 6.
The Campus Master Plan, which outlines development for the next five decades, was presented at the Purdue Board of Trustees meeting.
The plan envisions 16 new buildings on Purdue’s Indianapolis campus, totaling 4.5 million gross square feet.
Purdue University rendering. (Photo via Purdue Unvirsity official website.)
This expansion will support up to 5,320 student beds. It aims for a future enrollment of 15,000 students.
“The conceptual master plan endorsed today charts the physical path,” Purdue president Mung Chiang said.
Chiang added that it is a transformative vision for Purdue in Indy. The plan follows Purdue’s inaugural year operating in the city.
It focuses on Purdue’s sustained growth within Indiana’s capital, which will unfold over a 50-year time frame.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham 317-762-7846 or via email noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more news, click here.
As the NBA Finals shift to Indianapolis for Games 3 and 4, thousands of fans will descend on Gainbridge Fieldhouse. While the Pacers battle for the city’s first major pro title since 2012 (Indiana Fever), visitors can also champion local entrepreneurs.
Here are standout minority-owned businesses to support during the 2025 NBA Finals:
Burgeezy
Craving a classic burger with flair? Burgeezy delivers. This vegan-friendly eatery was founded by Kadeesha & Antoine Wiggins and offers gourmet smash burgers. Located at 335 W 9th Suite D. Open Tuesday to Sunday. Learn more: burgeezy.com
Liftoff Creamery
Ryan Lynch (middle), owner of LiftOff Creamery, stands with David Fredricks (left), director of the Office of Minority and Women Business Development, and Mayor Joe Hogsett outside of the ice cream shop. (Photo provided by mayor’s office)
June in Indianapolis is often scorching hot. Cool down with unique, small-batch ice cream. Liftoff Creamery, started by Ryan Lynch, features inventive flavors. Expect options like Ube or Brown Butter Bourbon. They also offer vegan choices. Visit their shop at 111 E 16th St., which is open daily. Learn more: liftoffcreamery.com
Hoagies and Hops
Owner of Hoagies and Hops in Butler Tarkington Kristina Mazza during NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis on February 17, 2024. (Photo/Noral Parham III)
This spot combines two passions. Hoagies and Hops crafts overstuffed East Coast-styled sandwiches alongside craft beer. Owner Kristina Mazza focuses on quality. Try their Philadelphia cheesesteaks while in town for the NBA Finals. Located at 4155 Boulevard Place. Open Tuesday to Sunday. Pick and roll to Hoagies and Hops today. Learn more: hoagiesandhops.com
Punkin’s Sweet Treats
Owned and operated by Joanna Wilson, Punkin’s Pies Sweet Treats is a one-stop shop for any sweet tooth. (Photo provided/Punkin’s Pies via Facebook)
Satisfy your sweet tooth with Punkin’s pies. Owner Joanna Wilson uses family recipes. Her sweet potato pie is a slam dunk. The shop offers whole pies, slices and other desserts. Find them at 1220 Waterway Blvd. Open Tuesday to Saturday. Learn more: punkinspies.com
Tea’s Me Cafe
Tamika Catchings, owner of Tea’s Me Cafe, has been working on expanding the cafe’s reach to include bottled teas in local grocery stores since 2019. (Photos provided/Tea’s Me Cafe)
Owned by basketball Hall-of-Famer Tamika Catchings, Tea’s Me Cafe is an Indy staple. Catchings led the Fever to Indy’s last pro title in 2012. Now she serves over 100 loose-leaf teas, coffee and light bites. It’s a relaxed spot near downtown at 140 E 22nd Suite B. Open daily. Learn more: teasmeindy.com.
Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals begins at 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time on June 11 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on TikTok @HorsemenSportsMedia. For more news, click here.
