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Work it out in local boutique gyms

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Work it out in local boutique gyms

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.

Nine to five…or midnight?

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Nine to five…or midnight?

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.

Yes, Bloomington is open to all

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Yes, Bloomington is open to all

By Victoria T. Davis

The more than 83,000 residents of Bloomington — the city that’s home to Indiana University and is also known as B-town by locals — enjoy a diverse and rich culture due to its tight-knit communities and thriving arts scene.

VisitBloomington.com says, “Bloomington and all of Monroe County, Indiana, are proud to welcome and embrace people and visitors of all persuasions, backgrounds, orientations and identities. Our diversity and openness are the very grain of who we are.”

The city is also home to a large and active population of same-sex couples and is arguably one of the most progressive cities in the Midwest, both socially and politically. The gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ)-Friendly Campus Pride Index awarded Indiana University a five-star rating for creating a LGBTQ-friendly campus climate. In addition, the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau found about 18 percent of Bloomington residents are minorities.

The City of Bloomington Office of Diversity and Inclusion works to protect the rights of all its residents through commissions staffed by local citizens to make city programs, facilities and businesses accessible to everyone.

Following are some popular attractions, accommodations and dining options for those looking to say, “Hello, Bloomington!”

ATTRACTIONS

B-Line Trail

BloomingtonGet outside and walk, run or bike 3.1 miles through downtown Bloomington on the B-Line Trail, which features drinking fountains, park benches, limestone accents, trees and energy-efficient LED fixtures. Thanks to IU Health Bloomington, the trail also has two fitness stations just south of First Street. Users can also enjoy a handful of public art pieces on the way to their destination.

For more information, visit Bloomington.in.gov.

Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market

Purchase fresh items every Saturday, April through November, at the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market. A program of the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, the farmers market sells locally grown produce, annual and perennial plants and a variety of prepared foods all grown and prepared by Hoosiers from around the area. Those who are unable to attend Saturday’s festivities will appreciate the weekday version of the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market held from 4–7 p.m. on Tuesdays, June through September.

For more information, visit Bloomington.in.gov.

Indiana University Art Museum

Indiana-University-Art-Museum-e1439561826163While visiting the campus of Indiana University, the Art Museum may be a place to add to your to-do list. The original museum began as a small university teaching collection in 1941 but today holds internationally acclaimed art, ranging from ancient gold jewelry and African masks, to paintings by Claude Monet and Pablo Picasso. More than 45,000 objects represent several cultures, and there is no charge to visit the museum. For more information, visit Artmuseum.indiana.edu.

IU Summer Festival of the Arts

Each year the IU Summer Festival of the Arts combines music, cinema, art and theater for a summer experience. Events are held at venues across campus, including the IU Art Museum, IU Cinema, Grunwald Gallery of Art, Jacobs School of Music, Kinsey Institute Gallery, Lilly Library, Mathers Museum of World Cultures, Wylie House Museum and Lee Norvelle Theatre & Drama Center. The festival began in 2011 as a way to showcase the vibrant cultural offerings at IU that help make Bloomington a popular arts destination throughout the year. It also offers an opportunity for those attending the various summer camps, conferences and workshops on the IU campus to attend arts events. Arts events continue year-round.

For a calendar, visit Artsfest.indiana.edu.

Oliver Winery & Vineyards

Visit Indiana’s largest and oldest winery. Oliver Winery & Vineyards is where visitors can enjoy daily wine tasting and weekend tours of the production facility and cellar. Located along State Road 37, the winery started in the 1960s as a hobby in the basement of Indiana University law professor William Oliver. Today, the company distributes to 18 states and ships world-class wine across the country. In addition to the live music and house-made BBQ in the summertime, Oliver has carryout wine sales on Sundays noon–6 p.m.

For more information, visit OliverWinery.com.

PRIDE LGBTQ Film Festival

Pride festPRIDE is a film festival exploring a wide variety of issues involving the LGBTQ communities. PRIDE programs a variety of live performances, lectures and public participation events and films that express a wide range of viewpoints and feature many different personality types and situations, advocating community-wide attitudes of awareness, acceptance and appreciation of diversity. The goal of the festival is to educate and strengthen the local community and celebrate artistic talent and achievement. In 2015, PRIDE celebrated its 12th year and the next film fest will take place January 28–30, 2016.

For more information, visit Bloomingtonpride.org.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Grant Street Inn

The owners of Grant Street Inn, a structure that dates back to the 1890s, invites guests to make themselves at home during their stay at this historic bed and breakfast, which offers 40 distinct rooms, each decorated with a personality all its own. From chic contemporary to cottage style and Victorian, visitors are sure to discover a room to suit their taste. Some rooms have romantic fireplaces and bathtub Jacuzzis for romantic getaways, while others have beautiful porches for quiet, relaxing evenings. All rooms have a private bath, 32-inch flat-screen TV, iron and ironing board, and high-speed wireless Internet. A variety of special packages are also available.

310 N. Grant St., Bloomington, IN 47408 / (812) 334-2353 / Grantsinn.com.

Isabel’s Bed and Breakfast

isaFor those on the search for a more secluded and private experience, Isabel’s Bed and Breakfast, a contemporary house with an abundance of trees, offers two guest bedrooms with queen size beds, private bathrooms, a desk and chair. Each guest room offers fine quality linens, towels, down comforters and foam and feather pillows. Wi-Fi is available throughout the house. Other amenities include homemade breakfast and an outdoor deck and patio with gas grill.

420 N. Oak St., Bloomington, IN 47404 / (812) 345-9764 / Isabelsbedandbreakfast.com.

Scholars Inn

For the past 15 years, Scholars Inn has served Bloomington residents and visitors with everything from fine seafood to scones, whether they’re looking for a great place for a cup of coffee or a luxurious place for a weekend retreat. The Scholars Inn Bed & Breakfast is a recently restored 125-year-old mansion just five blocks from downtown Bloomington. All six rooms include private baths, telephones and a TV with a complimentary video library. Some rooms feature a fireplace, Jacuzzi tub, fountain or private patio. The Scholars Inn Gourmet Café & Wine Bar, widely known for its hand-cut steaks, is located next door.

717 N. College Ave., Bloomington, IN 47404 / (812) 332-1892 / Scholarsinn.com.

DINING

Darn Good Soup Nels Boerner, owner and supreme chef at Darn Good Soup, serves up 10 to 12 fresh soups daily for lunch and dinner. Soup rotations may include Black Bean Showdown, Cheesy Tomatillo, Colonel’s Curry Cauliflower, Potato Pancetta, Smashed Pumpkin, Seafood Chowder, Zucchini Pesto and many other traditional favorites. All soups, including vegetarian and vegan options, are served with bread.

107 N. College Ave., Bloomington, IN 47404 / (812) 335-3533 / Darngoodsoup.com.

FARM Restaurant

farmFARM, an independent Bloomington restaurant, strives to create crowd-pleasing recipes for every budget and taste using local foods with global flavors. The eatery prides itself on using fresh local ingredients to create exciting, fresh dishes and cocktails. Visit during the breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner hours to enjoy signature meals such as the Hoosier Daddy made with classic biscuits, kielbasa, local sausage gravy and sweet peppers; The Lugar Burger, a Food Network favorite; or the FarmFamous garlic fries.

108 E. Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington, IN 47408 / (812) 323-0002 / Farm-bloomington.com.

Mother Bear’s Pizza

Said to serve the “best pizza in town” by Trip Advisor visitors, Mother Bear’s Pizza has become students’ and locals’ home away from home since 1973. Pizzas are made to order and are topped with an array of fresh ingredients. If pizza isn’t on the agenda, visitors can enjoy crisp salads, hot sub sandwiches, chicken wings, quiche and pasta dinners. Beer, wine and desserts are also available.

1428 E. Third St., Bloomington, IN 47401 / (812) 332-4495 / Motherbearspizza.com.

Rainbow Bakery

rainbowAs Bloomington’s only all-vegan bakery, Rainbow Bakery offers items such as oatmeal cream pies, peanut butter cookies, fresh granola, carrot cupcakes, PB cookie sandwiches with chocolate or strawberry filling, pumpkin ginger muffins, banana chip muffins, a variety of donuts and more. Special cakes and cupcake orders can be placed in a variety of flavors such as Salted Carmel, Lavender, Green Tea, Pink Lemonade, Pumpkin and others. Owners Lisa Dorazewski and Matt Tobey want customers to know, “Cakes that make heavy use of egg whites are not possible for us, such as angel food cake or standard ‘white’ cake.”

201 S. Rogers St., Bloomington, IN 47404 / 812-822-3741 / Rainbowbakery.net 

Visit Indiana releases 2016 Indiana Roadway Map

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Visit Indiana releases 2016 Indiana Roadway Map

Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann and the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) announced the release of the Bicentennial Edition of the Official Indiana Roadway Map presented by Indiana Farm Bureau and Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance. The cover of this year’s map features “Indiana Obelisk” by Robert Indiana. The 55-foot sculpture is housed in the Frank and Judy O’Bannon Great Hall of the Indiana State Museum. The piece features the word “Indiana” in vertically-stacked letters. The work is done in blue and gold letters, reflecting the colors of the state flag. Indiana was born in New Castle and is regarded as one of the nation’s greatest living artists. Maps will be available at state legislative offices, highway rest stops, state welcome centers and Indiana Farm Bureau offices throughout the state. Individuals may also request a new map by visiting VisitIndiana.com. The map is free of charge.

Walmart opens e-commerce fulfillment center

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Walmart opens e-commerce fulfillment center

A new Walmart e-commerce fulfillment center in Plainfield, Indiana., is now serving consumers in Indiana and throughout the U.S. Indiana Gov. Mike Pence joined company executives and community leaders at the 1.2-million-square-foot building to celebrate the progress being made there and more than 300 new jobs at the facility.    Walmart, which currently employs more than 36,000 associates in Indiana, built the new e-commerce fulfillment center to handle its rapidly growing online business. The massive building is dedicated to fulfilling e-commerce orders and is able to house millions of items and ship them to customers or stores for free pickup. Walmart’s e-commerce fulfillment center is operational and will add additional capacity in the coming months before the holiday season.

Indiana Commission for Higher Ed approves engineering degrees at IU

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Indiana Commission for Higher Ed approves engineering degrees at IU

Indiana University will offer degrees in intelligent systems engineering beginning in the 2016-17 academic year, following the approval of the university’s proposal by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. The new engineering program, the first on the IU Bloomington campus, will be housed within the School of Informatics and Computing and will offer bachelor’s and Ph.D. degrees, with a proposal for a master’s degree expected to be developed soon after the program’s launch. The program, approved by IU trustees in April, is an integral part of the Bicentennial Strategic Plan for Indiana University, which calls for the university to support a culture of building and making.

It was created in response to a need for additional trained engineers in southwest central Indiana to support major employers such as Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center, Cook Group and Cummins Inc. and to help attract new industry to the region. The university also expects the new program to open the door for increased collaboration with Purdue and other universities in the state that already offer engineering, which will benefit students and industry in Indiana. With the establishment of these degree programs, IU Bloomington joins its peers in the 62-member Association of American Universities.

Kroger launches online ordering at select stores

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Kroger launches online ordering at select stores

Kroger Central Division launched The Kroger Co.’s new online grocery ordering system. Customers order online at Kroger.com/onlineshopping. On the website, a customer builds a shopping cart, selects a pick-up time during a one-hour window and a store location, and then places the online order. A Kroger store associate hand picks order items and stores them in temperature-appropriate zones until the customer arrives. Once the order is complete, the customer pulls their vehicle into the designated pick-up lane and a store associate will load the order in their car.

Central Division President Jeff Burt said Kroger recently announced a major expansion strategy in the Indianapolis region that included at least $465 million in new, expanded and remodeled stores, as well as a regional training center and more than 3,400 new jobs. Each store with an e-commerce department will include additional capital investments in stores and 30 to 60 new jobs per store in addition to the previously announced numbers. The online ordering program strengthens Kroger’s significant commitment to Indiana and Illinois communities.

Hanover continues to rank high among top U.S. colleges

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Hanover continues to rank high among top U.S. colleges

Two of the top college-oriented publications in the U.S. continue to include Hanover College among the nation’s best. Survey-based rankings in publications from The Princeton Review and Forbes magazine have each lauded Hanover in such categories as most beautiful campus, quality of education and student experience. For the 11th consecutive year, The Princeton Review has named Hanover one of the nation’s best institutions for undergraduate education.

The New York-based education services company features Hanover in its guide, “The Best 380 Colleges – 2016 Edition.” Hanover ranked 19th for “most beautiful campus” along with citing its academics, admission selectivity and financial aid packages. The college totaled 89 of a possible 99 points in its academic rating, 87 points for admission selectivity and 80 points in financial aid. Students in the survey hailed Hanover’s campus life, calling their classmates, “well-rounded, smart and very friendly” students who know how to deftly “balance a healthy social life with a strong academic focus.”

Additionally, students ranked Hanover’s professors high, giving them a total of 93 points, with one student calling them “amazing.” They also noted the college’s small class size and lack of teaching assistants. Hanover is located on 650 acres overlooking the Ohio River in southeastern Indiana. The liberal arts institution’s core strengths are in the sciences, education and business.

By the numbers: Indiana’s health and beauty industry

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By the numbers: Indiana’s health and beauty industry

Tap into your wellness

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Tap into your wellness

By Victoria T. Davis

introThe subjects of health and beauty are near and dear to the hearts of Hoosiers and as many Indiana Minority Business Magazine readers will read in our cover story, several companies and local entrepreneurs have similar beliefs. Both Ambre Ashley-Crockett, owner of Ambre Blends, and Cesar Martinez, president and CEO of MDwise, believe a passion from within must be the motivation behind today’s health and beauty companies and advances. Dr. Antoine Leflore of Eskenazi Health, also mentioned in our cover story, works to heal members of the community but also works to address health disparities.

As health care and holistic beauty practices begin taking shape in the Hoosier state, individuals are finding ways to make their own marks on the industry by becoming cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, nail technicians, doctors and nurses. They train for years to perfect their craft and contribute to the overall wellness of the health and beauty industry. In this issue, readers will find statistics on these specific sectors in Indiana and the nation, discover the newest makeup technology, learn why men are dominating makeup and nursing industries, read where to find organic body products and more.

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