August is Black Business Month, a time to honor the creativity, resilience, and brilliance of Black entrepreneurs who help make our communities vibrant and strong.

At The Botanical Bar, we believe in plants, culture, and community. So we’re shining a spotlight on some of our favorite Black-owned businesses right here in Indianapolis and across Indiana. From plants and candles to books and delicious eats, these businesses deserve your support this month and beyond!

Plant Shops & Botanical Businesses

The Botanical Bar

• What we do: A Black-owned urban plant oasis offering beautiful houseplants, botanical products, events, and workshops in Indianapolis.

• Why we love us (and why you should too!): We’re more than just a shop — we’re a community hub where plants, culture, and connection thrive. Come see us for lush greenery and good vibes!

• Visit: thebotanicalbarindy.com

• Follow: @thebotanicalbarindy

Florals by Stephany Marie

• What they do: A Black woman–owned florist and event design company offering custom floral décor for weddings, events, and special occasions.

• Why we love them: With 20+ years of experience, Stephany sources sustainably and designs with thoughtful detail—tailored to every style, from modern tropical to vintage-chic Indiana Minority Business Magazine.

• Follow / Contact: Located at the historic Rink Mansion in Indianapolis, visit stephanymarie.com or call 317‑937‑1700

Lady J’s Florist, LLC

• What they do: A Black woman–owned florist serving Indianapolis for over 31 years, offering custom floral arrangements for weddings, events, funerals, and everyday occasions. They also offer plants, gift baskets, and more.

• Why we love them: Known for going the extra mile, Lady J and her team craft stunning arrangements and provide exceptional service—whether you're sending love, sympathy, or celebration.

• Locations: 2060 N Illinois St & 8949 E Washington St, Indianapolis

Bookstores & Culture

Black World Schoolers Mobile Bookstore

• What they do: Indiana’s first-ever bookstore on wheels, Black woman owned and curated with books for all ages celebrating Black life, heritage, and joy.

• Why we love them: They bring the Black bookstore experience directly to neighborhoods, organizations, and festivals around the Midwest. 

• Visit: www.blackworldschoolers.com

• Follow: @blackworldschoolers_bookstore

1000 Words Gallery

• What they do:1000 Words is a Black-led nonprofit art space in Indianapolis that uplifts emerging Black and Brown artists.  

• Why we love them: They support artists and serve the community through free exhibits, events, and classes that welcome everyone in.

• Follow: @1000wordsgallery

Beauty, Candles & Home Fragrance

RÓJ Organics

• What they do: A Black woman–owned skincare and wellness brand offering handmade, organic body care products like whipped body butters, scrubs, oils, and soaps.

• Why we love them: Every product is crafted with intention, using natural ingredients to nourish and heal the skin. The brand name RÓJ means "restoration" in Yoruba—perfectly aligning with their mission of self-love and rejuvenation.

• Shop: rojorganics.com

• Follow: @rojorganics

Rich Culture Candle Company

• What they do: A Black-owned, justice-focused candle brand based in Indianapolis, crafting hand‑poured, eco-friendly soy candles with culturally inspired scents like The Culture, Black Legacy, and Zora. Founder Eric LeSure designed each scent to celebrate stories and icons of Black heritage.

• Why we love them: Proudly Black-owned and operated in Indy, Rich Culture blends artistry with activism—partnering with community organizations and uplifting marginalized voices. Their candles are not just fragrance, but cultural affirmation. 

• Shop: richculturecc.com

• Follow: [@richculturecandleco]

Durby x Ellen Candle Co.

• What they do: Vegan, toxin-free candles and wax melts infused with storytelling and personal family history.

• Why we love them: Each scent has deep meaning, honoring heritage and personal legacy.

• Follow: @durbyxellen

Food, Drink & Vegan Eats

Burgeezy

• What they do: Black-owned vegan fast-food spot in Indy serving creative plant-based burgers, loaded fries, vegan chicken sandwiches, and shakes.

• Why we love them: They’re flipping the fast-food game with plant-based dishes that even meat lovers crave. A must-try for vegan comfort food!

• Visit: burgeezy.com

• Follow: @burgeezy

Tea’s Me Café Indy

• What they do: Cozy, Black-owned tea café offering premium loose-leaf teas, small bites, and community-focused events.

• Why we love them: Owned by Tamika Catchings, Tea’s Me Café is an Indy gem — perfect for relaxing or gathering with friends over a great cup of tea.

• Follow: @teas_mecafeindy

His Place Eatery

• What they do: Chef-quality soul food and barbecue in Indy, known for signature dishes like chicken & waffles, smothered pork chops, and pot pies.

• Why we love them: The husband-wife team blends tradition with consistency and warm hospitality. A local favorite with multiple locations.

• Visit: East Side: 6916 E 30th St, North Side: 1411 W 86th St

• Follow: @hisplaceeatery

Sip & Share Wines

• What they do: Black woman-owned boutique winery based in Indianapolis, specializing in vegan wines crafted for diverse palates.

• Why we love them: They host tastings and events that bring the community together over great wine and conversation.

• Follow: @sipandsharewines

Lifestyle & Creative Goods

We Don’t Run From Adversity (WDRFA)

• What they do: A Black-owned lifestyle and apparel brand offering fashion, accessories, and more.

• Why we love them: Their name and mission—We Don’t Run From Adversity—speaks to resilience and creativity. Their storefront on Mass Ave grew from the St’Artup 317 incubator program and features stylish, community-driven designs.

• Follow: [@wedontrun]

Nap or Nothing

• What they do: A local streetwear brand rooted in Indianapolis pride (NAP = Naptown), offering T-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants designed by Indy creatives.

• Why we love them: They amplify Naptown culture and uplift other local designers through shared storefronts and collaboration.

• Follow: @NaporNothing

Be Rooted

• What they do: Black-owned stationery brand creating gorgeous journals, planners, and accessories celebrating Black culture and artistry.

• Why we love them: We proudly carry Be Rooted in our shop! Their designs remind us that representation matters — on every page.

• Follow: @berootedco

Why Shopping Black-Owned Matters

Patronizing Black-owned businesses isn’t just shopping — it’s an investment in our communities, creativity, and future. Every dollar helps build generational wealth, sustain local jobs, and keep culture thriving in neighborhoods across Indiana.

Know a Black-owned business in Indy or Indiana that deserves a spotlight? Drop their name in the comments or tag us on Instagram so we can keep growing this list. Together, we’re rooted and resilient.