In case you missed it, this past year has been fairly busy for Black entrepreneurs.
There have been plenty of new business launches and grand openings from hair care to food spots and more all over the city. In honor of Black History Month, we have compiled a list of a few new and newer Black businesses to check out around the city.
Arden Indy
6 W. Washington St., ardenindy.com
Romeo Gerson, owner of Michael’s Soul Kitchen, opened Arden Indy in January 2025.
The chic cafe and lounge are described as a “swanky paradise & intimate floral oasis,” providing an elevated dining experience, whether it be for a cappuccino and pastry for brunch or crafted cocktails and melodies for dinner.
Located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, Arden Indy boasts a unique theme-based dining experience every night of the week. Cafe by day and lounge by night, Arden Indy features an inclusive menu of cocktails, mocktails, pastries, appetizers and entrees as well as handcrafted coffee, tea, boba and more.
The lounge’s curated experiences welcome guests celebrating a night out, birthday celebrations, date nights, themed outings and more.
Before making a reservation, guests are encouraged to choose an experience from the section of themed evenings listed on the website — such as Valentine’s Day Cupid Night, Mimosas and Melodies Brunch, Saturday Birthday Soiree, Friday Jazz Night, Sip and Chill Thursdays and more.
Although Arden Indy welcomes walk-ins and guests of all ages during cafe hours — Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. — reservations are required for guests 21 and older for evening and weekend dining in the lounge.
The AromaRoom
762 S. Rangeline Road, Carmel, thearomaroom.us
Owned and operated by Shayla Webb, The AromaRoom is a new, affordable aromatherapy and salt therapy spa in Carmel.
Webb, an attorney by trade, began her path of wellness and self-care in 2023, after recovering and rehabilitating from brain surgery. The AromaRoom was born out of her desire to help others find healthy and safe ways to unwind, recharge and “find relief from everyday stress and discomfort.”
At The AromaRoom, guests can indulge in salt therapy in the Salt Suites, which feature a sauna, infrared and red light therapy to help reduce pain and inflammation. The Steam Suits offer aromatherapy with organic and wild crafted essential oils offering therapeutic stress and pain-relieving properties.
The AromaRoom also features a hydromassage bed, where guests can complete their self-care experience. A hydromassage bed combines heat, rhythmic pressure and soothing warm water movement to ease muscle tension, calm the nervous system and promote natural healing, according to the website.
“At The AromaRoom, we believe in treating the whole self with natural therapies that support mental clarity, physical relief, and relaxation,” the website states. “Whether you’re seeking relief from anxiety, stress, pain, or simply need a moment of self-care, we’re here to help you feel better in a warm, safe, and nurturing environment.”
Cavity Factory
1354 Shelby St., cavityfactory.com
Owned and operated by Destinee Smith, The Cavity Factory is Fountain Square’s newest dessert spot.
Known for its “Crookie” — a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie with a buttery croissant base — The Cavity Factory got its start in “pink truck” before establishing a brick-and-mortar in April of 2024.
The Cavity Factory features a rotating menu, including traditional cookie flavors — chocolate chip, cookies and cream, M&M — as well as experimental flavors like Cinnamon Toast Crunch, caramel apple lollipop and Butterbeer.
Eventually, The Cavity Factory plans to include gluten-free, sugar-free and breakfast options on the menu, but for now, the store is open every weekend from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. — or until product sells out.
READ MORE: A timeline of environmental challenges and triumphs in Martindale-Brightwood
Gas Dash
Indianapolis Metropolitan area, gogasdash.com
Gerald Spivey, founder and owner of Gas Dash, has solved the problem of running out of gas — almost. Whether at home, at work or on the go, Gas Dash offers convenient, safe and fast fuel delivery.
Gas Dash is Black-owned, residential delivery service operating within a 25-mile radius of the Indianapolis Metropolitan area. The business launched in October of 2024 after Spivey saw a need within the community — everything could be delivered except for gas, according to the website.
It works similarly to other delivery services, such as DoorDash and Uber Eats. Trained “Dashers,” who have full insurance coverage and U.S. Department of Transportation certifications, can deliver up to 20 gallons of regular 87 unleaded and premium 91 unleaded fuel, as well as up to 100 gallons of diesel fuel to homes, offices and roadside locations.
Customers can book their appointments online up to four hours in advance for regular deliveries and within two hours for emergencies and then track their dasher through the website from the time the gas is picked up and the delivery is on the way.
“With a commitment to exceptional service, safety, and customer satisfaction, we strive to keep our community moving without the hassle of traditional gas stations,” the website states. “We envision a future where convenience, safety, and sustainability in fuel delivery are standard, allowing individuals and businesses to refuel with ease, wherever they are.”
Gas Dash Gas Dash operates from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. Deliveries can be booked in advance or through weekly fill-up subscriptions online or by calling 317-909-2300.
HBH Professionals
The Stutz Building, 1060 N. Capitol Ave., hbhpro.com
HBH Professionals, a new Black-owned hair care line, just opened its first brick-and-mortar inside the Stutz Building.
Created by A’Bryanna Williams, HBH Professionals — which stands for Hello Beautiful Hair — specializes in textured hair care products using all natural ingredients and clean formulas to promote hair health and hydration.
Williams, who has been a hair stylist since 2014, is also the owner of Hello Beautiful Hair Salon. In an interview with Indiana Minority
Business Magazine, Williams said went back to school in 2020 to learn about formulas and ingredients to create her own products after growing tired of having to “mix concoctions” to get what she needed for her clients.
HBH Professionals features a variety of products and lines, including shampoos and conditioners, daily hair essentials such as detanglers and elixirs; aloe and protein treatments; and HBH cleansing and repair kits.
HBH Professionals is open Tuesday through Friday, noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe graduated with a degree in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and her previous work includes freelancing for Indy Maven, Assistant Arts & Life Editor for The Lantern, and editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Chloe enjoys covering all things arts and culture — from local music, visual art, dance, theater and film, as well as minority-owned businesses. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, cooking and keeping her plants alive.
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally,
it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point.
You obviously know what youre talking about,
why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos
to your weblog when you could be giving us something
enlightening to read? https://menbehealth.wordpress.com/
Comments are closed.