On Friday, Dec. 6, 2022, the S.E.A. Leaders Training Institute honored six businesses for consistently delivering exceptional customer service to their clients and attendees.

Best in Customer Service: The Avenue Coffeehouse (Eric Leisure)

The Avenue Coffee House is more than just a coffee shop—it’s a social enterprise rooted in the principles of coffee, community, and culture. Founded with the vision of creating an inclusive and creative gathering space, The Avenue pays homage to the historic Indiana Avenue and celebrates Black culture. Coffee serves as the foundation of this mission, acting as a connector, a conversation starter, and a community builder.

Learn more about The Avenue Coffeehouse here.

Best in Customer Experience : Indy Skin and Lashes (Kayla Coleman)

Indy Skin and Lashes House is dedicated to empowering women by enhancing their confidence through luxury beauty services and exceptional customer care. Known for its commitment to excellence, the business specializes in creating personalized experiences that leave clients feeling beautiful and valued. From high-quality skincare treatments to stunning lash applications, Indy Skin and Lashes House continues to set the standard for beauty services in the community.

Learn more about Indy Skin and Lashes here.

Best in Event Experience: Black Joy Indy (accepted by Pam Ross on behalf of team)

Black Joy Indy celebrates the resilience, creativity, and vibrancy of the Black community through its signature event, BLACK: A Festival of Joy. Organized by a collective of volunteers representing Indianapolis-based Black-led organizations, the festival brings together music, art, food, and entertainment to amplify Black joy. The initiative aims to foster unity and empowerment while showcasing the cultural contributions that define and sustain the community. Beyond the festival, Black Joy Indy supports local businesses and organizations through the Black Joy Fund, which provides grants to grassroots initiatives uplifting Blackness and community impact

Learn more about their work at Black Joy Indy.

Best in Vendor Experience: Moth to a Flame Candle Co. (Eudhanis Hale)

Moth to a Flame Candle Company, based in Indianapolis, offers hand-poured candles that evoke nostalgia and connection through unique scents inspired by Midwest culture and everyday life. Their collections, such as “The 465 Collection,” celebrate Indianapolis landmarks and traditions, while “So Fresh, So Clean” offers classic, refreshing fragrances. Each candle is carefully crafted with a commitment to quality, including a curing process of at least 10 days to ensure an optimal scent throw. The brand also emphasizes accessibility, offering free shipping on orders over $75 and flexible payment options.

For more details, visit their website.

Best in Vendor Event Experience: Melanin in May (Dominic Dorsey)

The ‘Melanin in May’ Festival is a vibrant celebration of Black culture, business, and community held in Indianapolis. Emerging from the success of the Spring Black Business Bazaar, the festival features art exhibits, a food truck battle royale, and live performances. It aims to create unapologetic spaces for Black people to connect, celebrate, and thrive. The festival collaborates with community centers across the city and aspires to host similar events throughout the year, fostering empowerment, education, and engagement.

Learn more about Melanin in May here.

Service Impact Award: Dieria Moore (youth program director of Teen Works)

Dieria Moore, also known as Dee Dee Moore, serves as the Director of Summer Programs at TeenWorks, an organization dedicated to empowering youth through employment and professional development opportunities. With a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from Marian University Indianapolis, Moore brings a wealth of experience in higher education and youth development to her role. She is skilled in communication, event management, mentoring, and networking, leveraging these abilities to create impactful programming for young people. Moore’s leadership reflects her commitment to fostering growth and opportunity, aligning with TeenWorks’ mission to prepare teens for future success.

Learn more about TeenWorks here.