This post was created in partnership with Sonja Overhiser of A Couple Cooks as part of our Guest Editor series.
In 2017, my co-founder Ashley Brooks and I started Indy Women in Food with one goal: to celebrate and support women working in the food industry in Indianapolis.
At the time, there were so many women doing amazing things—but little connection between them.
Ashley and I connected after one of the first-ever events highlighting women working in the food industry in Indy. We were both struck by the energy in the room, the sense of community that formed almost immediately, and the mutually beneficial connections that were made. We met for coffee and said to each other, this has to keep going! We wrote up a plan on a napkin and Indy Women in Food was born.
At Indy Women in Food, we delight in shining the light on women in our city doing great things in food. Here are some women to watch and follow in the Indianapolis food scene (though there are many, many more!):
Tawana Gulley of Healthy Soul Indy runs Healthy Soul Meal Prep & Catering to help people eat healthier by providing nutritionally balanced meals that taste delicious and incorporate fresh, locally sourced ingredients. She’s also launching a non-profit student intern program.
Deandrea Rayner of Indy Community Pantry started her non-profit during the height of the pandemic, placing refrigerators in underserved areas for people to access on a “take what you need, leave what you can” principle.
Iesha Murry of Mrs. Murry’s Naturals started the vegan restaurant and bakery with her husband. She’s on a mission to inspire people to take better care of themselves and the planet through a plant-based diet.
Chayenne Norris of Cafe Babette founded and runs this Garfield Park bakery with some of the most innovative pastries in town (passion fruit doughnuts, Everything Bagel pretzels, and more!).
Tanorria Askew of Tanorria’s Table is a cookbook author of the book “Staples +5,” co-host of the Black Girls Eating podcast, private chef, speaker, entrepreneur: and past Master Chef finalist.
Danielle Guerin of Soul Food Project Indy runs a black-led nonprofit urban farm working to end food apartheid and build a just and equitable food system.
Carrie Abbott of Newfangled Confections makes The Best Chocolate in Town treats & Frittle™️ candy, with shops on 884 Mass and the Fashion Mall.
Candace Boyd of FoodLoveTog sells the popular YoungBae seasoning blend, is co-host of the Black Girls Eating podcast, and creator of the FoodLoveTog website.
Chef Oya Woodruff, previously of the popular The Trap seafood restaurant, has transitioned to a new career as a culinary instructor and consultant.
Jenna Unrue of 4 Birds Bakery runs the Indy-favorite local bakery, which has a cult following around their Oatmeal Maple Pecan Cookies and is available at local markets and shops.
Elizabeth Fernandez of Fernandos founded and runs the Broad Ripple favorite, a Mexican and Brazilian restaurant.
Deon Haskins and Shakirra of Milkman’s Daughter Indy run a private mobile bartending service that delivers craft cocktails.
Pravy Nijar of A Cup of Chai founded Indy’s first Chai Cafe in Fountain Square.
Rachel Klein of Revival created a popular almond butter brand that’s sold all over the state and nationally.
Amanda McLauren of Solely Wines just opened a wine bar at 16th and the Monon, specializing in organic wine.
Jamie Fahrner of Hi & Mighty, along with her husband and friend, founded Shake Up canned cocktails and a locally-distilled Big Heart and Big Fuss Gin, available throughout the state and region.
Nicole Kearney of Sip and Share Wines founded a boutique winery that produces a diversity of handcrafted vegan wines.
Stephanie of Send a Friend Lasagna runs the popular lasagna delivery service and recently competed on The Blox Season 14, a large competitive show for entrepreneurs.
Amanda Gibson of Indy Dough runs the popular pop-up bakery, with sought-after seasonal donut flavors.
Laura Lachowecki of Filigree Bakery runs a boutique bakery that offers macarons and treats at farmer’s markets and cakes to order.
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