Looking for a one-of-a-kind gift this holiday season? Shop these local Black-owned businesses.
United Way of Central Indiana is kicking off the holiday season with an auction of one-of-a-kind items and experiences.
This year, Black Onyx Management partnered with United Way to sponsor the event, which will feature local Black-owned businesses on Black Friday. Marshawn Wolley, president and CEO of Black Onyx Managment, selected a number of businesses from the Indianapolis Urban League’s Entrepreneurship Center to be part of the auction.
Wolley said the effort is all about lifting up Black businesses that may be unheralded in the community.
From Nov. 24 through Dec. 4, people can browse and shop the event, Call to Auction: Your Chance to Purchase with a Purpose. Money raised will support United Way and its network of community partners.
You can hear more from Wolley and read about Black Onyx Management’s sponsorship for the event on United Way’s blog.
Here’s a look at Black-owned businesses, including those selected by Wolley, featured on Black Friday:
Gip Got Tips: Dwayne Gibson, aka "Gip," was born and raised in Indy and graduated from the culinary program at Second Helpings, a proud United Way community partner. Gip Got Tips barbecue and smoked meals is a thriving family-owned business right here in the circle city. This package includes a Gip Family Meal (Qmix pan with chicken and pork tips, Qpan potato salad, Qpan green beans, qpan mac & cheese, one 16-ounce barbecue sauce) and a $150 gift card.
Strength Factory: The Strength Factory offers personal training plus meal planning for two for a month to help you reach and achieve your fitness goals. These twice-a-week, 30-minute training sessions and meal planning will have you feeling fit and ready to conquer a new year.
Sweetie's Candy Boutique and Emporium: Sweeten up your next event or meeting with this candy bar for up to 100 people. Your guests will be blown away by the collection of vintage candies and treats paired with nostalgic memories of decades past.
Holiday photoshoot with Mona Lee Management, LLC: Gather your family and friends for a one-hour professional photoshoot, fully inclusive of 10-25 edited digital images and printed photos.
Designed With You in Mind custom varsity jacket: Work alongside the team at Designed with You in Mind to create your own show-stopping custom varsity jacket.
Professional video production from videographer Allen Bell: Make a lasting impression with the extraordinary service of Allen Bell, senior manager of impact brand and storytelling at United Way of Central Indiana. With an impressive portfolio spanning over 15 years in video production, nonprofit work and marketing, Allen brings a wealth of experience and a unique storytelling perspective to your project. This exclusive auction item offers a professionally crafted impact-style video, perfect for enhancing your brand's narrative or capturing an important event. You will receive one pre-production meeting, a half-day of shooting tailored to your specific needs and one full-length deliverable. Allen's expertise ensures that your story will be told in a compelling and visually stunning manner, making your message resonate with your audience. Please note: Allen’s professional services and equipment are included. However, any additional production costs, such as location fees, extra crew, props, special equipment, etc., will be the responsibility of the auction winner. Shoot days are subject to availability.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway experience, including MELI shirts: The month of May kicks off as the heavyweights of the IndyCar Series take on the IMS road course for the Sonsio Grand Prix. Package includes 4 tickets to the race, scheduled for May 11, 2024, and four MELI racing-themed shirts.