By Victoria T. Davis

If you’re on the hunt for unique knick-knacks, T-shirts and home gear that shows off true Indiana pride, there is no need to search for tourism stores that sell simple key chains and postcards. Indiana native Graham Brown owns and operates United State of Indiana (USI), an online apparel shop that sells everything from T-shirts, to sweatshirts and coffee mugs, which all showcase great Hoosier pride.

The Indiana Minority Business Magazine (IMBM) recently spoke with Brown about his great success and how USI has quickly become a popular go-to shop for Hoosier apparel.

IMBM: What’s the story behind USI?

Brown: In 2011 I was living in Anderson (Indiana), and I was in a band at the time. I came up with a logo for the band that is now the logo of United State of Indiana, the vertical American flag, and as soon as I started screen-printing it on a few shirts, I realized the design worked well and spoke to people who identified with Indiana.

The name United State of Indiana seemed really obvious, so I bought the domain name to display the one black shirt with the white flag on it, and it started rolling from there. We want to find people who are passionate about Indiana for whatever reason and give them an outlet to express that.

At what point did USI become an operating business?

It was a hobby for me for about three years and then since 2014 it’s been my full-time job. It’s been very gradual. It went from one T-shirt to two, and it’s gotten more of a following.

Where are the products made?

I work out of The Speak Easy in Broad Ripple. A few different screen-printing companies in town print the shirts. I found some cool partners in the city, and it’s always been important to use local companies and those that I can connect with. USI itself doesn’t do the printing.

Where do you get ideas for your products?

It’s a slow process and it’s rare that I sit down with the goal of creating a new product. It may come from myself walking around the city and getting inspiration. It really just comes from absorbing our neighbors and environment. If we see all of the people we know drinking coffee, then we might make a cool coffee mug. The market drives every business.

USI helped create the “Indy Welcomes All” T-shirt in 2015, which was a big deal.

That was an interesting opportunity for us. The shirt was actually designed by the Indy Chamber of Commerce, and I was fortunate enough that they got ahold of me and wanted to partner. It’s cool to be recognized in that way, because many things still feel like they’re being done on a small level, but when you get a call from the Chamber of Commerce, Mass Ave. or any of these big events and neighborhoods, it’s very humbling and encourages me to continue.

How has business been, and how are you keeping up with demand?

It’s been great. The year of 2012 was really the first year it was a full-fledged business, and since then business has been steady and definitely exceeds my expectations every year. I think I tapped into a place of high energy that already existed for Indiana, so it was really a little bit of being at the right place at the right time. Right now I think we are the go-to people for Indiana pride products. Today it’s doing really well; I have four part-time employees and I’m the only full-time employee.

Do you anticipate more sales for this year since it’s the bicentennial? Will there be any custom products made in its honor?

Yes, the bicentennial is going to be fun, and I’ve already begun to put together a calendar of events and I’ve spoken with the Indiana Bicentennial Commission. There definitely will be some special products (in honor of the bicentennial). We’ve discussed ideas pertaining to a series of shirts where one would come out every month that will walk you through Indiana’s history. We’ve also thought about finding 12 Indiana leaders or events to showcase on a shirt each month, but right now it’s in the works.

What are some of your most popular items?

The flag tee has always been one of the most popular ones, as it was one the original product, and the “This is home” tee, which was the second design put out. Those will never go away, and we’re always looking to find new ways to feature those designs.

How do you think your business contributes to the economic development of the state?

It contributes in a hard-to-measure and intangible way by helping to grow that sense of pride each year, and that’s a positive for everyone. People work harder, stay at their jobs longer, because the people around them take pride in their environment. In a big-picture sense, doing a pretty significant amount of sales and keeping the ideas of working with people here locally is what it’s about.

For more information on United State of Indiana, visit UnitedStateofIndiana.com.

Buzz Points, a leader in connecting local businesses, community financial institutions and consumers through rewards, today announced that Financial Builders Federal Credit Union, a member-owned financial institution headquartered in Kokomo, Ind., serving members throughout Howard and Tipton counties has selected the Buzz Points shop local loyalty and rewards program. Buzz Points is free for consumers and allows credit union members to earn rewards while supporting the local economy by using their debit and credit card for everyday shopping.

“As a financial institution serving a community with a rich entrepreneurial spirit, we were looking for a program that not only benefits our members, but helps the economy in the Greater Kokomo area to grow and thrive,” said Cindy Brock, CEO of Financial Builders. “Buzz Points enables us to reward our members for their natural inclination to help each other and to support their community by patronizing the locally owned restaurant, gas station or shop. Equally important, we’re able to empower these independent businesses with the marketing tools and technology they need to compete with larger chains.”

Buzz Points has created a new generation of loyalty rewards that works with community financial institutions and local businesses to engage mutual customers. Financial Builders Federal Credit Union members can earn points by using their debit and credit cards whenever they shop, but they earn more points for shopping with local businesses. Buzz Points creates additional revenue for financial institutions and gives local businesses a turnkey marketing solution that provides the targeted marketing technologies they need to expand their market reach, attract new business and increase the loyalty of existing customers.

“Since 1964, Financial Builders Federal Credit Union has been committed to serving its members who live, work, worship, or attend school in Howard or Tipton county with a complimentary mix of high-quality services,” said Dwayne Spradlin, CEO of Buzz Points. “By launching Buzz Points, Financial Builders will be able to provide the diverse range of independent retailers and family-owned businesses in the region with cutting-edge marketing technology. Members and participating businesses alike can benefit from this loyalty and rewards program, which supports the shop local movement throughout the region.”

Credit union members enrolled in the free program earn points automatically through debit and credit card purchases that can be redeemed easily for gift cards, cash cards and donations to local non-profits using the BuzzPoints web interface or mobile app that allows users to track, manage and redeem points. A continually expanding network of 75,000+ businesses nationwide allows cardholders to shop locally, accrue points and redeem rewards wherever they are in the United States.

By Victoria T. Davis

Advancements in technology have dramatically changed the way society eats, sleeps and functions throughout the day. From health care updates to computer software advances, technology has been on the forefront of how the world operates. The makeup industry has now been added to that list, as 3D printers, mobile applications and beauty applications readily become available.

Following are three technological advances in the makeup industry to take advantage of.

L’Oreal Paris’ MakeupGenius mobile app

Those fearful days of purchasing a makeup product before the chance to try it on are over. Experience a virtual makeup session like never before, using L’Oreal Paris’ MakeupGenius mobile application. Unlike other similar programs, Makeup Genius allows users to instantly apply makeup to their reflection in real time. No more uploading a photo to view your favorite colors, shades and hues. The makeup tracks users’ faces as they make expressions while choosing from an array of L’Oreal products, such as eye shadows and lipsticks. Makeup testers can try on complete looks created by expert makeup designers already programmed into the application or, if on the go, scan a L’Oreal product and virtually try on the item.

MakeupGenius is available for download in the Apple App Store for iOS systems or Google Play store for Android devices. 

Got Mink?

The use of 3D printing has risen in popularity over the past several years, and the technology is now being used in makeup. Mink, created by Cornell University and Harvard Business School graduate Grace Choi, is the world’s first printer that prints makeup. Mink “can take any image and instantly transform it into a wearable color cosmetic, turning any phone, camera or laptop into an endless beauty aisle,” as stated by the company website. How does it work? Once a specific hue is found on the Internet or in the real world, users locate the color’s hex code using computer programs such as Photoshop or Paint. Once the code is discovered and is set to print using Mink, the device prints a pigment of FDA-approved ink onto raw materials used for powder, cream or gel makeups.

For more information on Mink, or to preorder the 3D printer, visit Hellomink.com.

YSL Beaute’s Google Glass tutorial

The world of online makeup tutorials has sparked an idea and partnership between French cosmetic brand YSL Beaute and Google. The two have launched a makeup technology that allows makeup artists to capture their sessions by wearing Google Glass, a hands-free optical head-mounted display that functions as a smartphone and computer. Filming a makeup session from the perspective of the artist will assist makeup users in replicating the look in the comfort of their own home. Both audio and video is recorded for customers. After the tutorial, the customer receives an email with the content, as well as before and after photos, a list of products used to create the look along with web links to purchase them.

For more information on YSL’s Beaute’s Google partnership, visit Yslbeauty.co.uk. 

By Lauren Caggiano

LOL Health and Fitness Studio in downtown Goshen, Indiana, is a place where women of all fitness levels can go to get fit with friends in a supportive environment. The studio offers classes for women only but provides personal training and the design-your-own classes to anyone interested.

Clients at the gym are encouraged to test themselves and stretch their limits — in other words live out loud (LOL). This philosophy is so important to gym co-owners Maija Stutsman and Jami Hawkins, that it’s reflected in their business’ name.

“Don’t just work to live, but make it part of your energy,” Stutsman said. “Make it memorable.”

Doing something offhand is not part of the pair’s DNA. They believe nothing happens overnight and it takes hard work to turn a profit. That’s why the plan was to start small and grow from there, which is exactly what Stutsman and Hawkins did. The trainer-friends started in 2008 in a small studio owned by some friends. The schedule was modest then grew as demand increased.

Today, the studio offers 27 unique classes, some of which are trademarked. In fact, the instructors design most of the classes themselves, Stutsman said. Clients can choose from a variety of workouts including power barre, Zumba and kickboxing. Monthly packages and drop-in sessions are available. Stutsman also offers massage services on site.

This class-based model, also known as a boutique gym (vs. open gym) allows for Stutsman and Hawkins to get to know clients on a personal level — a point that sets them apart from many chain gyms.

“We know the names of everyone who comes in the door,” Stutsman said. But the relationship doesn’t stop there. Stutsman is concerned with providing a consistent, quality experience. “Our success lies in always giving a great workout to people but always building on the relationships with the people who come in. We put the experience first.”

According to Hawkins, LOL Health and Fitness Studio is really a community, and that’s an asset. The studio is located in a building known as “The Bubble,” that houses other health and wellness focused businesses. Still, the company’s growth depends largely on referrals, because they want to focus on “getting the right people” in the door. They want to attract people who see a membership as an investment, versus just another expense.

Of course there would be no classes without instructors. Stutsman said it’s been challenging to find qualified instructors. Oftentimes this calls for looking in their own backyards to recruit.

“We’ve found the most successful approach is to call our clients who have a passion for fitness,” Hawkins said. Stutsman said she’s happy with their growth so far, but she would like to continue on an upward trajectory. It would be nice if every class were full, she said. Her advice for fellow entrepreneurs: “Start with what you’re passionate about and go from there. If you don’t love what you do, people will see that (and take note).”

For more information about LOL Health and Fitness Studio, visit Lolhealthandfitness.com.

By Terri Horvath

Do the job. Make the client happy. Go home. The formula is simple, but not so easy to accept within a 40-hour work week. Whether we inflict ourselves with high expectations or our boss does, we tend to overwork in the United States.

Business consultant Deb Hunter, for example, realizes that she tends to obsess about work. “It’s the perfectionist in me,” she said. But she also understands the importance of a balance between work and her personal life. So does her employer First Person, a consulting firm based in Indianapolis. Employees are expected to meet their deadlines, but they also can enjoy a more flexible schedule in accomplishing the task.

Hunter’s colleague Laura Lubus said the company’s attitude is finding greater acceptance across the corporate world. “We are seeing companies becoming more flexible regarding scheduling,” Lubus said. “Companies are letting employees set their own boundaries, so that employees are working at their best times.”

That doesn’t mean there aren’t crunch periods at First Person. For a few weeks toward the end of the year, employees know the deadlines are tight and extra hours are needed. To help ease the stress at this time, however, First Person offers employees a few perks. For example, lunch is often catered. An occasional massage is also provided. When the deadlines are met, employees then enjoy greater freedom in their hours.

Lubus admits a flexible schedule doesn’t work for every job description. A customer service representative, for example, may have to be available during set office hours. A fireman or nurse may have to be on call at specific times. But there are other ways employers can offer stress-relieving perks.

Here are some examples from Indiana companies:

• Offices choosing to locate in one Duke Realty complex in Hamilton County have access to the site’s fitness center. Exercise has been proven to help people better cope with stress.
• Pharmaceutical manufacturer Eli Lilly and Company offers sabbaticals for some employees. After a set number of years on the job, an employee can explore, travel, study or whatever for a few weeks and return without the loss of a job.
• The network of facilities within St. Vincent Health allows employees to select a gift in celebrating a milestone. For example, a nurse with 20 years of employment can choose his or her own reward.
• Resort Condominiums International, a timeshare network, has a discounted travel program for its employees. Need a week to de-stress on the beach? You can check into an RCI timeshare at a discount.

The ways to reward employees also can involve no cost to the employer. The State of Indiana, for example, has a long list of discounts available to state employees. From eateries to dry cleaners, participating companies on the list help ease any financial strain on state employees.

Everyone benefits by keeping an eye on employee well-being, according to research by the Work, Family & Health Network at Harvard University. For example, the organization says workers supervised by family-supportive managers are significantly more likely to experience:

• Lower levels of work-family conflict
• Higher job satisfaction
• Lower intention to change jobs
• Higher reports of physical and mental health

These are outcomes helping the bottom line.

Backing up the network’s claims is a study by University College London researchers. While studying about 600 workers, this research showed work weeks over 40 hours increase the risk of stroke and heart disease in individuals.

The research shows that overworked employees don’t provide the answers to a healthy business.